All articles tagged with #defensive end
The 49ers signed Cam Sample to bolster the defensive line while Mykel Williams recovers from an ACL tear, providing run-stopping depth behind Nick Bosa. Sample isn’t a top-edge pass rusher, so San Francisco is expected to add an additional edge rusher in the upcoming NFL draft.
The San Francisco 49ers signed former Bengals defensive end Cam Sample to a one-year deal, adding depth to their defensive line. Sample, 26, has played 61 NFL games with 5 starts and had 2 sacks last season.
Star-Telegram's Mock Draft 1.0 (no trades) projects the Cowboys using their two first-round picks on defense—cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 12 and defensive end T.J. Parker at No. 20—within a full 32-pick rundown that underscores league parity.
The Maxx Crosby trade is off and Detroit remains in the market for a premier pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, but Crosby’s availability appears unlikely; the Lions reportedly have a short list of alternative targets not detailed in this excerpt.
Detroit, having wrapped the first wave, pivots to upgrading its edge defense by evaluating veteran options for early-down duty and versatile front-end roles. Alongside Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions could carry multiple young ends (Paschal, Lacy, Hassanein) but want additional disruption, exploring a second wave of free-agent targets such as A.J. Epenesa, Tyquan Lewis, Arnold Ebiketie, Cameron Sample, and Samson Ebukam to bolster run defense and flexible pass rush in Detroit’s five-man fronts.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan floated five Crosby trade scenarios, with the standout sending Maxx Crosby to the Patriots for two 2026 top-100 picks (No. 31 and No. 63) plus DT Christian Barmore; the deal would give the Raiders five top-100 picks in 2026 (plus pick 102) to fuel the rebuild, while New England would land a premier edge rusher, though Barmore’s impact against the run would be limited.
Cincinnati heads into 2026 free agency with two own edge players, Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, entering the market after injuries in 2025, and a large, dynamic pool of potential targets that includes Odafe Oweh, Dremont Jones, Jaelan Phillips, Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and others, a market likely to shift with extensions and franchise tags.
Myles Murphy, a Bengals defensive end, has been improving significantly this season through increased game reps, disciplined routines, and mentorship from veterans like Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. He has also overhauled his diet and training regimen, which has contributed to his better performance and confidence on the field. Off the field, Murphy is passionate about cars and photography, and is restoring a rare '62 Pontiac, reflecting his interests outside football.
The Buffalo Bills signed veteran DE Matthew Judon to their practice squad ahead of Week 16, adding experienced depth to their defensive line, while releasing DE Morgan Fox from the practice squad.
The Buffalo Bills signed defensive end Morgan Fox to their practice squad. Fox, an undrafted free agent in 2016, has played for the Rams, Panthers, and Chargers, accumulating notable stats over his career. The Bills also made four other roster moves recently.
Dallas Cowboys' second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away at age 24, with no details disclosed. Kneeland, a promising player from Western Michigan, had recently scored a touchdown in a game and was known for his record-setting college career. His death marks the second Cowboys player to die during the season in recent years.
Aidan Hutchinson signed a four-year extension with the Detroit Lions, making it a five-and-a-half-year deal worth approximately $134.5 million guaranteed, with significant payouts through 2030, after recovering from a serious leg injury.
The Patriots traded veteran pass rusher Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick, aiming to boost their pass rush with White, who is expected to regain his 2024 form in San Francisco, especially with Bosa out for the season.
Maxx Crosby will remain with the Las Vegas Raiders beyond the NFL trade deadline, having met with the team and expressed a desire to stay. Despite interest from other clubs, Crosby is not on the trading block, and the Raiders are focusing on their upcoming games amid a challenging season.
Za'Darius Smith, a former Lions pass rusher with a notable NFL career, announced his retirement after playing five games with the Eagles this season, expressing gratitude to fans and reflecting on his career, which includes 70.5 sacks and three Pro Bowls.