Eberflus, 55, was the defensive coordinator in Indianapolis from 2018-21. The Colts ranked in the top 10 in takeaways in each of his four years there and will likely be a primary focus of his job with the 49ers.
The 29-year-old linebacker spent five seasons with New England. He had back-to-back seasons with 110 tackles or more in 2023 and 2024 before seeing a reduced role in 2025. He was the team's recipient for the 2025 Ed Block Courage Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the principles of courage and sportsmanship.
Presumably, Eric Kendricks will take over after his three-game onboarding since a Nov. 26 arrival. Curtis Robinson started the previous three games there but hasn't suited up since then. With Dee Winters (ankle) also suspect and Nick Martin (concussion) on injured reserve, the 49ers are adding eighth-year veteran Kyzir White to their practice squad, where they could also call up Jalen Graham.
The New England Patriots' offensive line has struggled in a major way across this playoff run. In each of their three games, they've allowed five sacks, something that happened just three times in their 17 regular-season games. Before the playoffs, they hadn't allowed five-plus sacks in a game since Week 9. While rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson have been inconsistent at best, right guard Mike Onwenu is playing his best football when it matters most.
Following the expiration of his contract in December, Lingard began exploring his options, and that search appears to be nearing a conclusion. While he has held talks with several clubs in England, the Daily Mail reports that another overseas adventure now looks the most likely outcome. Specifically, Lingard is said to be in advanced discussions with Serie A sides, opening the door to a potential move to Italy.
Some of it is based on my own philosophies with player evaluations and roster construction, while other takeaways are simply lessons learned from the 2025 season. There are always teaching points... if you look close enough. Coaching and scheme matter I view the game through a coaching and deployment lens. It means everything when evaluating talent, while also projecting a player's role in a specific offense.
The Patriots' defensive performance in their Wild Card matchup with the Chargers was an unexpected highlight of their win. Although they have some star power on that side of the ball, they have been a mostly inconsistent group this season, primarily due to the number of injuries they suffered, so they needed to play at a high level in this game now that they were at their healthiest.
The crowd inside Gillette Stadium, as it would be for some much more important home games in January, went absolutely berserk. It was a sign of things to come for Henderson, who as the Patriots' speed compliment to running back Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield, is uncatchable when he finds so much as a crease. He scored touchdowns on four runs of 50-plus yards this season, which is tied for the most by a rookie in NFL history.
"Yea, I would like there to be some clarity, for sure," Smith said ( via the team's website). "And I'll get that, we're going to have those conversations when we have a conversation later today. I'll kind of get that clarify from him and what their vision is and what they say. While Smith wouldn't explicitly endorse one position over the other, he did admit that he's naturally more comfortable playing at the guard position."
When I watch Caleb Downs, I'm not trying to project traits or guess at upside. I am evaluating what's already there, and what is there looks like an NFL safety who just happens to still be playing college football. Downs isn't flashy for the sake of it. I see efficiency, decisiveness, and a player who is always around the football. That is the kinda guy who lasts in the NFL, and players who defensive coordinators trust.
