All articles tagged with #defensive line depth
Oklahoma DT David Stone suffered a dislocated left knee at Monday practice, with an MRI looming and initial fear that he could miss the rest of the 2026 season, a significant blow to a Sooners defense that had just benefited from his breakout performance against New Mexico.
Georgia defensive tackle Xzavier McLeod, who transferred from South Carolina, has not been with the team since the second August practice and has retired from football; he will graduate this fall, and the Bulldogs will rely on a deep defensive line as they open the season vs Tennessee State, with Elijah Griffin, Joshua Horton, Nnamdi Ogboko and Jordan Hall among those expected to see more snaps.
Vita Vea signed a one-year extension that guarantees $24 million in 2027, keeping the star DT in Tampa and bolstering a now-deep, disruptive defensive line led by Bain, Kancey and Diaby; the deal fits the Buccaneers’ pattern of short-term commitments for aging stars and solidifies Week 1 readiness. Emeka Egbuka is recovering from turf toe and projected to be available for Week 1. Five preseason goals vs. the Chiefs include improved special teams, a stronger early run game, stout run defense, splash plays on defense, and staying healthy.
The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran edge rusher Cam Sample to a one-year deal to bolster depth ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sample, a 2021 Bengals fourth‑round pick who missed 2024 with a torn Achilles, posted 12 pressures in 2025 and has experience as both an edge and interior rusher. The move follows the decision not to re-sign Yetur Gross-Matos, giving San Francisco a durable, versatile piece to spell starters and support a developing rotation on passing downs as they head into the 17-game season.