Chairshot NFL News Report (7/26/2026): Ty Simpson Signs, Kyle Shanahan Limited After Car Accident

Ty Simpson completes the NFL’s first-round signings, Kyle Shanahan recovers from a car accident, Christian Gonzalez receives a record offer and more.

The entire 2026 NFL first round is officially under contract after Ty Simpson completed his rookie agreement with the Los Angeles Rams.

Elsewhere, Kyle Shanahan will begin 49ers training camp in a limited role after suffering multiple injuries in a car accident, New England offered Christian Gonzalez a record-setting extension and Puka Nacua reported to the Rams while seeking a new contract.

It’s the Chairshot NFL News Report for July 26, 2026!

Ty Simpson Completes First-Round Rookie Signings

Simpson signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $25.4 million. The agreement includes a $14.9 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option.

The Rams selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick as a potential long-term successor to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. Simpson will first compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup position while learning Sean McVay’s offense behind Stafford.

Simpson was the final unsigned first-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft. His agreement came three days after first overall selection Fernando Mendoza completed his contract with the Raiders.

The Rams can now proceed without their developmental quarterback missing valuable installation time. Simpson does not need to challenge Stafford immediately, but every training-camp practice matters for a player attempting to learn one of the league’s more demanding offenses.

Kyle Shanahan Limited After Serious Car Accident

Shanahan was involved in a car accident on July 14 that left him with a severe concussion and several additional injuries. The 49ers described the injuries as non-life-threatening and announced that he will participate on a limited basis while recovering.

Assistant head coach Chris Foerster will handle the primary head-coaching responsibilities, with the team’s offensive, defensive and special-teams coordinators sharing additional duties.

General manager John Lynch said Shanahan will progress through concussion protocol in the same manner as a player. Doctors will determine when he can resume full participation, and Shanahan has not yet been cleared to address the team or speak with the media.

The 49ers do not currently anticipate Shanahan missing the regular-season opener against the Rams in Melbourne. Lynch emphasized, however, that the organization will place Shanahan’s health ahead of the football timetable.

San Francisco also placed George Kittle, Isaac Guerendo, Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins on the active/PUP list. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner were medically cleared to begin camp.

Patriots Make Record Offer to Christian Gonzalez

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said New England offered Gonzalez a contract that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL and the highest-paid player in franchise history.

The specific terms were not disclosed. Gonzalez became eligible for an extension this offseason after New England selected him 17th overall in 2023. He made the Pro Bowl last season after recording 69 tackles and 10 passes defensed in 14 starts.

Gonzalez participated fully in New England’s opening training-camp practice despite the unresolved negotiations. That prevents the situation from becoming an immediate holdout or hold-in while the two sides attempt to complete the agreement.

New England also reportedly signed second-round linebacker Gabe Jacas to a four-year contract worth up to $8.6 million. Jacas had been the league’s final unsigned second-round selection and missed the Patriots’ offseason program while recovering from a knee procedure and negotiating his contract.

Puka Nacua Will Practice While Seeking Extension

Sean McVay expects Nacua to participate when the Rams hold their first training-camp practice on Sunday.

Nacua is entering the final season of his rookie contract and has already produced 313 receptions for 4,191 yards over his first three seasons. He led the NFL with 129 receptions last season while setting career highs with 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Reporting and practicing allows Nacua to pursue a long-term agreement without sacrificing preparation. It also places the extension discussion alongside the Rams’ attempt to maximize what could be one of Stafford’s final championship opportunities.

The Rams do not have to complete the contract immediately, but allowing an elite receiver to enter the regular season without clarity risks turning every performance, injury and negotiation update into a larger distraction.

Bears Place Six Players on Injury Lists

Chicago placed linebacker T.J. Edwards on the active/non-football injury list because of what was described as a minor muscle strain.

Keyshaun Elliott, Kyler Gordon, Noah Sewell, Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner were placed on the active/PUP list. Players on either active list can return at any point during training camp once medically cleared.

Gordon’s absence is the most significant for Chicago’s secondary, while the linebacker designations temporarily reduce the depth around free-agent addition Devin Bush. The important distinction is that these are active training-camp lists, not automatic indications that the players will miss regular-season games.

NFL Transactions — July 25, 2026

• Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Chris Moore
• Baltimore Ravens signed offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji
• Baltimore Ravens waived punter Luke Elzinga
• Baltimore Ravens waived guard Jared Penning
• Carolina Panthers signed defensive linemen Elijah Garcia and Kyon Barrs
• Carolina Panthers waived linebackers Jared Bartlett and Mike Reid
• Los Angeles Rams signed quarterback Ty Simpson to his four-year rookie contract
• New England Patriots claimed wide receiver Kobe Prentice off waivers
• New England Patriots waived offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez
• New York Giants waived defensive tackle C.J. Ravenell
• New York Giants waived linebacker Cam Jones
• San Francisco 49ers signed tight end Tanner McLachlan to a one-year contract
• San Francisco 49ers waived tight end Khalil Dinkins with a non-football injury designation

Simpson’s contract ends the last first-round negotiation before missed camp time became a significant problem. The Rams drafted him for the future, but his development begins with learning from Stafford rather than watching practices while his representatives negotiate payment language.

Shanahan’s recovery is the more important story. San Francisco has enough experienced coaches and veteran players to operate temporarily without him, but concussion protocol cannot be treated like an ordinary coaching absence or rushed to meet a football deadline.

New England’s two contract developments show different priorities. Jacas needed his rookie agreement completed so his professional development could begin. Gonzalez has already proven his value, leaving the Patriots to determine whether they are prepared to match Kraft’s public praise with the largest financial commitment in franchise history.