Pipes Feed Preview: www.espn.com - NFL & Latest NFL News & Videos from FOX Sports & Pro Football Focus

1. New teams, different schemes: 10 new NFL coordinat...

   Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:47:44 -0000

   Ben Solak identifies 10 new coordinators with a lot at stake this season, including the man tasked with repairing the Cowboys' defense.

2. CFL won't allow Brendan Sorsby to join league

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   The CFL says quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not be allowed to join any of its teams for the upcoming season.

3. Excessive force alleged in death of ex-RB Martin

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   The parents of former All-Pro NFL running back Doug Martin say excessive force by police and delayed medical care led to his death last year, according to a wrongful death lawsuit.

4. Prosecutors want Lions' Arnold jailed until trial

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, appeared at a hearing Thursday in Tampa, Florida, and was ordered held without bail until a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Monday morning.

5. QB Williams' attempt to trademark 'Iceman' denied

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:19 -0000

   The United States Patent and Trademark Office has initially refused Caleb Williams' application for "Iceman," according to USPTO records.

6. 2027 NFL draft to be held April 29-May 1 in D.C.

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   The NFL announced dates and details on Thursday for the 2027 NFL draft to be held in Washington, D.C.

7. Aiyuk: I'll sign with Commanders if 49ers cut me

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   Brandon Aiyuk continued his push to become a member of the Commanders, saying in a video posted to Instagram that if the 49ers release him, he will sign with Washington "tomorrow."

8. Jaguars, TE Strange agree to 3-year extension

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   The Jaguars and tight end Brenton Strange have agreed to terms on a three-year extension worth up to $48 million and including $25 million guaranteed.

9. Cops look at battery claim against Jets QB Smith

   Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:20 -0000

   Jets quarterback Geno Smith is being investigated by police for an incident in which a woman accused him of battery.

10. 🏈 The biggest surprise players on all 32 teams

    Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:10:19 -0000

    From rookies to veterans, here are the players who have made an early impression on every NFL team ahead of training camp.

11. Barnwell’s annual ranking of 32 NFL playmaker core...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:16:46 -0000

    Which teams have the best skill position talent around their QB and offensive line? We stacked all 32 groups of pass catchers and ball carriers from worst to first.

12. Three quotes that sum up the offseason for Bengals...

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:44:29 -0000

    The Bengals quarterback is optimistic his team's offseason moves will pay off.

13. Copy of More deep balls from Trevor Lawrence? Why Jaguars ...

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:51:44 -0000

    Jacksonville's franchise QB picked up right where he left off last season. Here's how he looked this spring.

14. Fantasy buzz: Was Trevor Lawrence's late-season su...

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:51:44 -0000

    Trevor Lawrence played particularly well late last season. Another jump could be coming in 2026.

15. What we're hearing on 32 NFL contract negotiations...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:21:16 -0000

    Our reporters have the latest buzz on 32 contract extension candidates -- one from every team -- and their potential new deals.

16. Sorsby is not going to the NFL? What's next for th...

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:07:41 -0000

    What's next for Brendan Sorsby with no NFL supplemental draft? Could he return to college? Here's what to know.

17. Now or never for Burrow! Make-or-break year for St...

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:29:14 -0000

    Do the Bengals have their best shot at a Super Bowl? Could the Texans pass on an extension for C.J. Stroud? We're sizing up five offseason overreactions.

18. Burden III among 11 players that will score more T...

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:20:03 -0000

    Mike Clay gives his annual list of players he expects to find the end zone more often this season.

19. Jonathan Taylor among 12 players who will score fe...

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:20:03 -0000

    Mike Clay gives his annual list of players he expects to reach the end zone less often this season.

20. Steelers embrace Mike McCarthy in first offseason without Mike Tomlin

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:55:53 -0000

    A new, altered schedule and fundamentals-first focus define Pittsburgh's reset under its new head coach.

21. Inside the Bills' new $2.1 billion stadium: Heated...

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:45:06 -0000

    Buffalo's new home features a natural grass field, the world's largest stadium snow-melt system and wind-reducing technology.

22. Bears become third NFL franchise to partner with H...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:55:36 -0000

    Christmas came early for the Bears, who will be the third NFL franchise to be featured in Hallmark's Christmas special.

23. Taylor Swift makes Tight End University appearance...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:55:36 -0000

    The singer/songwriter attended the exclusive event for tight ends and sang her 2008 hit with Lainey Wilson.

24. AFC West roundtable: Best offseason moves so far? ...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:37:39 -0000

    How the Broncos', Chargers', Chiefs' and Raiders' offseason moves might impact the AFC West in 2026.

25. NFL minicamp updates: Last practices before summer...

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:37:39 -0000

    ESPN's NFL Nation shares insights from every minicamp, including Aaron Glenn reflecting on busy offseason.

26. Let's judge the legitimacy of five NFL players who...

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:38:37 -0000

    Daniel Jones and George Pickens came out of nowhere in 2025. Brian Thomas Jr. and C.J. Stroud took steps backward. But are these abrupt performance changes real?

27. Practice squads, swing refs and skepticism: Will N...

    Sat, 20 Jun 2026 22:17:41 -0000

    The new agreement creates more competition but could leave officials "looking over their shoulders."

28. Where In The World Cup Is Jameis Winston?

    Sat, 27 Jun 2026 03:30:05 -0000

    Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Jameis Winston’s World Cup journey.

    Jameis Winston traded the gridiron for the world’s game this summer, living it up with a different kind of football (and football fans) as a FOX Sports World Cup correspondent for the 2026 tournament. Winston — the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and current quarterback for the New York Giants — will take the hype around the largest World Cup yet, as a 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Winston’s World Cup journey: Anchoring the back line with captain Tim Ream, USA defender Chris Richards is officially on the pitch for his first World Cup after an injury in 2022. Winston had the chance to catch up with Richard's parents about his journey and resilience at USA's group stage match against Türkiye. "He followed his dream. It wasn't our dream, and he went against that grain," Richards' father, Ken Richards, said. "It was hard missing out on the last World Cup due to an injury. This, just being here, just brought everything together. It was a full circle moment," Richards' mother, Carrie Richards, said. And to close out their chat together, Winston brought out the lucky rubber chicken to do a ‘funky chicken’ dance in the stands. During his World Cup journey, Winston teamed up with WWE Superstar Sheamus to celebrate with soccer fans at a local pub. The duo was spotted engaging with the crowd and taking part in the lively pre-match festivities. Drawing on his Irish heritage, Sheamus shared a piece of his culture by introducing Winston to a pint of Guinness. The video captures the two sharing a moment inside a pub, celebrating with local soccer fans ahead of the United States' group-stage match against Türkiye. Not only is Winston making a massive impact on fans at the World Cup, but he’s also carving out a brand-new reputation. Thanks to his larger-than-life personality, he is quickly becoming the ultimate "man of the people." He’s been connecting with fans at every turn, even handing over his No. 4 United States jersey to a local fan in the crowd. "He just gifted me his jersey," one fan said. "This is unbelievable. My grandma will hate me for that. I’m speechless. This is amazing. Whoever said the U.S. can’t do soccer? Go USA. Go America." If there’s one thing Winston has accomplished throughout this World Cup, it’s proving that he truly is a man of the people. Winston's World Cup journey continues as he sets out to assemble the loudest possible "USA" chants. The momentum started earlier in the week at a Seattle Mariners game, where he successfully rallied an entire section into full-voice chants. He took that to the pre-game show, along with a countdown to the USA vs. Australia matchup. His goal was simple and that was to bring both fanbases together while highlighting what makes American and Australian soccer cultures special. "My mission today is to allow Aussies to hear the USA chants from sea to shining sea," Winston said. The United States defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday night, and Winston matched the crowd's energy throughout. As tensions rose following several hard challenges on the pitch, he kept the atmosphere lively by engaging in plenty of friendly trash talk with opposing fans. "The Australian team…they just don’t know what to do with us," Winston said. "They’re turning to violence. That’s what little cousins do when they can’t fight." Despite the result not going Australia's way, Winston embraced the opportunity to connect with the Australian fans throughout the week. While Americans have their own traditions, few experiences topped Winston's firsthand look at Australia's famous shoey celebration. Winston witnessed one of Australia's most famous traditions firsthand as fans drank beer from a shoe. "They showed us an amazing tradition in Australian culture," Winston said. "I’m talking about drinking a brew from a shoe. You gotta love traditions." Emerald City is ready! Seattle has a legit claim at being one of the most soccer-crazed cities in the country. Winston joined the American Outlaws – the official supporters' group of the U.S. teams – before Friday's huge match. Seattle is awash in red, white, and blue and this city knows how to get behind a winner, having just recently celebrated the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks. Winston has now found himself at a Seattle Mariners game, where he was honored with the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Next, he'll turn his attention to soccer as the United States men's national team prepares to face Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday night. During his appearance at T-Mobile Park, Winston rallied the crowd into a loud chorus of "USA" chants. His mission was to create the biggest chant possible in Seattle, and by all accounts, he succeeded. As Winston's World Cup journey continues across the country, he is bringing fans together through a shared love of the game. The roaring "USA" chant at the Mariners game was another example of his ability to connect with sports fans wherever he goes. Now, it doesn't seem likely that these England supporters actually have the royal authority to knight Jameis Winston, but listen: it's the World Cup, everyone is having a good time, so, Sir Jameis Winston it is, even if just for a day. Even if being knighted is an ephemeral act, that kit is not: Winston now has himself an England jersey with his name on it. A knight's cuirass? Brigandine? Hauberk? His chain mail? Whichever it's standing in for, it's custom just for Jameis. Lionel Messi has completely taken over Argentina’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Algeria, scoring not one, not two but three goals, completing the hat trick. He would have even had a fourth if he hadn’t been ruled offside earlier in the first half. Jameis Winston had the best angle on Messi’s golazo and was seen celebrating with fans in Argentina’s section. He was also wearing a customized "Winston Argentina" jersey. Tuesday ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Winston was getting pumped for the match. But he wasn't alone. Winston had a pal with him, a literal real-life goat named Wesley, who was perfectly dressed for the occasion in a Lionel Messi jersey. This World Cup is expected to be Messi's last, and because of that, it's worth celebrating and savoring every moment the GOAT is on the pitch. It's not often to see a goat, much less one adorned in the trademark colors of a living legend, being at the center of attention ahead of one of the most anticipated games at the tournament. But Wesley-dressed-as-Messi deserves all the love he was shown in KC. Winston continues to be a national treasure when it comes to his involvement in the World Cup this year. He was spotted helping Japanese fans clean up the stands (a tradition that was spotlighted after the team's first World Cup in 1998) following Japan's thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. The FOX Sports broadcast team, featuring Rob Stone, couldn’t contain their excitement for Winston as the feed shifted over to him in the crowd. "Jameis Winston is working with the Japanese national team to clean up Dallas Stadium," Stone said. "He’s a man of the people. Show me a number one draft pick in NFL history who takes out his own garbage bag and cleans up inside the stadium. One of the Japanese fans later described how he was surprised to see an NFL quarterback joining the clean-up effort, but was appreciative on Winston joining the cherished tradition. Jameis got up close and personal with one of the best fan bases in the world in Dallas, where the Netherlands and the always raucous "Oranje Army" know how to make an entrance. Winston rode along with the Dutch fans in their "Oranje Army Bus" and admitted that "there's nothing bigger than the Dutch Army." USA! USA! Jameis took in the sights and sounds at Los Angeles Stadium for the United States' opening match Friday, which included meeting up with influencer IShowSpeed. Not a bad way to see one of the USA's biggest wins ever at a World Cup.

29. Best NFL Betting Sites: Top Sportsbook Apps (2026)

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:59:09 -0000

    Compare the best NFL betting sites for the 2026 season. See top sportsbooks, sign-up bonuses, and betting features to help you bet smarter this season.

    This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. We’ve assembled a list of the seven best NFL betting sites to target during the offseason and ahead of the upcoming draft. This guide is built to help you find the right NFL sportsbook for your approach — whether you prioritize early draft odds, competitive futures pricing, strong promotional incentives, deep prop menus or a streamlined mobile app. Compare our top picks and choose the platform that aligns with how you like to bet. With offseason storylines driving movement across draft position markets, win totals and long-term futures, sportsbook selection matters more than ever. Having the right NFL betting app can give you an edge year-round, from early offseason betting through kickoff and the Super Bowl. Best NFL Betting Sites & Mobile Apps  - Sportsbook Reviews Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for NFL betting sites and apps and what each platform does best: BetMGM Sportsbook - Best Overall NFL Betting Site Overview:BetMGM is nicknamed "King of Sportsbooks" and backs it up by offering one of the widest selections of NFL betting markets. One area where BetMGM stands out is its unmatched range of player props, offering bets on niche season-wide and single-game player stats. Pros: Cons: BetMGM NFL Betting Features & Promotions: BetMGM NFL Sign-up Bonus: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn't Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’ Available States:AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:BetMGM is our top recommended NFL sportsbook app thanks to its deep market selection, innovative features like the Edit My Bet tool, and boosted odds for big games. The variety of props lets you play exactly how you want to. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best NFL Betting Mobile App Overview: The FanDuel app is one of the easiest-to-use platforms. It is optimized for NFL betting and has easy navigation between game lines, props, and parlay options. It is the gold standard for U.S. Sportsbooks. Fast, reliable, well-designed. Biometric login (Face ID / Touch ID), dark mode and geolocation tools for legal state access. Pros: Cons: FanDuel NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Current FanDuel Promo Offer for New Users: Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $5 for 7 Days Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY + DC & PR Why We Recommend it:This is the easiest app to use as a new bettor. It couldn't be simpler to use its interface, including learning how to place bets directly from your phone. The access to same-game parlays on the app is quick, and everything you would need is easy to find. bet365 – Best NFL Odds & Early Payout Overview: bet365 is a global heavyweight known for sharp pricing and outstanding in-play options. For NFL bettors, its Early Payout stands out: straight moneyline bets are settled as winners if your team goes 17 points ahead at any time. Pros: Cons: bet365 NFL Betting Features & Promotions: bet365 NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets (win or lose) Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Available States:AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KA, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA Why We Recommend it:If you value sharp NFL odds and a safety buffer against blown leads, bet365’s pricing and Early Payout are hard to beat. DraftKings – Best NFL Sportsbook Promotions Overview:DraftKings pairs a deep NFL menu with fast pricing and one of the most aggressive new-user packages during football season. For 2026, new customers get $200 in bonus bets instantly after a $5 wager. Pros: Cons: DraftKings NFL Betting Features & Promotions: DraftKings NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly Available States:AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV Why We Recommend it:If you want quick bonus value and football-centric perks, DraftKings’ NFL promo stack is one of the strongest this season. Caesars – Best NFL Betting Rewards Program Overview:Caesars combines a clean NFL menu with Caesars Rewards tier credits on eligible wagers. The current welcome focuses on profit boosts that double your winnings on many small tickets right after you join. Pros: Cons: Caesars NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Caesars NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code 'FOXDYW' Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you like spreading value across multiple NFL bets and earning hotel/entertainment rewards, Caesars delivers on both. Fanatics Sportsbook – Most Unique Loyalty Rewards Overview:Fanatics leans into FanCash, letting you convert rewards into bonus bets or merchandise. During football season, the book features repeated no-sweat style protections that refund losses in FanCash. Pros: Cons: Fanatics NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Fanatics NFL Sign-up Bonus: Get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you want repeated protection and flexible rewards you can recycle into bets or gear, Fanatics’ FanCash model is uniquely valuable. theScore Bet – Best New NFL Betting Site Overview:theScore Bet offers a clean, content-driven sportsbook experience built directly into theScore app, making it especially appealing for users who already follow live scores, stats, and news. Its streamlined interface and integrated media experience create a seamless transition from consuming sports content to placing NFL bets. Pros: Cons: theScore Bet NFL Betting Features & Promotions: theScore Bet NFL Welcome Bonus: Bet & Get $1,000 Bet Reset Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV Why We Recommend it:theScore Bet stands out for its seamless integration with sports content, making it one of the easiest platforms to use for NFL betting. If you already use theScore app to follow games, it offers one of the most natural and frictionless betting experiences available. NFL Betting App User Reviews NFL Live-Betting Apps Live betting lets you place wagers after kickoff, with odds that update in real time based on the score, clock, drives, and injuries. You’ll see changing lines for moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, and drive or quarter markets. Football’s stop-start rhythm creates frequent pricing pauses, so sportsbooks can refresh odds between plays, drives, and quarters. That gives bettors many decision points throughout the game. Live-betting essentially allows you to double down, hedge bets and capitalize on slow starts. Best Sportsbooks for Live Betting NFL Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses A welcome bonus is a new-customer offer that gives you extra value when you open an account and place an initial wager. Sportsbooks use these bonuses to attract first-time users, help you try the app with lower risk, and encourage you to explore more markets. Below we'll go into the two most common types: "Bet & Get" and "First-Bet Safety Net" bonuses. NFL Bet & Get Bonus In this offer, you make a low-bar qualifying bet, then receive bonus bets regardless of outcome. It’s great if you want instant value without risking a big first wager. Use a quick-settling market to unlock the offer fast, then deploy the bonus bets on lines you actually like—totals, player props, or a small underdog flyer. Remember, a bonus-bet stake usually isn’t returned, only the winnings. For example, let's say you place a $5 qualifying wager on the Eagles moneyline for Week 1. Win or lose, you’re credited $200 in bonus bets (often split into four $50 tokens). If you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Cowboys +120 and it wins, you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). Repeat with the remaining tokens before they expire to maximize value. FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365 all offer this type bonus. NFL First-Bet Safety Net Bonus In this offer, you take one swing. If it wins, great—you keep the profit and the promo is done. If it loses, you get bonus bets back. This can be useful for a plus-money side or a bigger confidence play. Let's say you place your first cash wager for $250 on the 49ers -2.5 (-110). If it loses, you’re refunded $250 in bonus bets (often split into five $50 tokens) that expire in about a week; if it wins, there’s no refund and the promo ends. Say you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Ravens +120 and it wins—you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and bet365 all offer this bonus. Popular NFL Betting Markets Here are the most popular NFL betting markets you’ll see every week, from simple picks to deeper player angles. Use this quick overview to decide when to play spreads, moneylines, totals, props, same-game parlays, and futures. Moneyline & Point Spreads A moneyline is a bet on which team wins the game outright. Favorites show negative odds (e.g., -170 means risk $170 to win $100), while underdogs show positive odds (e.g., +150 means risk $100 to win $150). A point spread adds a margin the favorite must cover. The favorite is listed with a minus number (e.g., -3.5), and the underdog with a plus number (e.g., +3.5). If the Dolphins are -3.5 vs. the Jets, Miami must win by 4 or more to cover; the Jets cover by winning outright or losing by 3 or fewer. These are the two most popular NFL bets, and odds are shown in American format (like -110 on spreads and totals). Prices move throughout the week based on injuries, weather, lineup news, and betting trends, so timing your wager can matter. Totals (Over/Under) A total (Over/Under) is a bet on the combined points scored by both teams. Sportsbooks set a number, and you choose Over (more than that total) or Under (less than that total). Example: "Over/Under 47.5" means Over wins at 48+ points, Under wins at 47 or fewer. Totals move with factors like offensive and defensive form, pace of play, quarterback and key injuries, weather for outdoor games (wind, rain, extreme cold), matchups in the trenches, and coaching tendencies. Player Props Player props are bets on individual player outcomes rather than the final score. In the NFL, common examples include anytime touchdown scorer (will a player score a TD), quarterback passing yards Over/Under (e.g., Over 259.5), and receptions for a receiver or tight end (e.g., Over 5.5 catches). Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) A same-game parlay (SGP) lets you combine multiple bets from one NFL matchup into a single ticket. They’re appealing because you can personalize a game script and chase higher payouts than a single bet. For example, an Eagles vs. Cowboys SGP might include Eagles moneyline + Jalen Hurts Over 1.5 passing TDs + A.J. Brown 70+ receiving yards; the parlay wins only if all legs hit. Odds are calculated by combining each leg’s price, so payouts climb quickly. Risk also rises with every added leg, since the probability of winning drops as you stack more outcomes. Futures Futures are bets placed on long-term outcomes that settle later in the season. Popular NFL futures include Super Bowl winner, AFC/NFC champions, and season awards like MVP, Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Odds move all year as teams perform, injuries occur, and markets react. Payouts are made only when the market concludes (for example, after the Super Bowl or when an award is officially announced). NFL Betting Sites & Apps FAQ (2026) What is the best NFL betting site in 2026? The best NFL betting site depends on how you like to bet. BetMGM stands out for overall market depth and player props, FanDuel is the easiest app to use, bet365 offers some of the sharpest odds with Early Payouts, and DraftKings delivers the most aggressive NFL promotions. Which sportsbook has the best Super Bowl betting odds? Sportsbooks like bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings are known for competitive Super Bowl odds, especially on spreads, totals, and alternate lines. Odds can vary by sportsbook, so comparing lines before placing your bet can help you get the best price. Are NFL betting apps legal in the United States? Yes, NFL betting apps are legal in many U.S. states where online sports betting has been regulated. Availability depends on your location, and you must be physically present in a legal state and meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21). What is the best NFL betting app for beginners? FanDuel is often the best choice for beginners thanks to its clean layout, simple betslip, and easy access to spreads, totals, props, and same-game parlays. Caesars is another good option for new bettors who want a straightforward app with fewer distractions. Which sportsbook is best for NFL same-game parlays? DraftKings and FanDuel are the leaders for NFL same-game parlays. DraftKings’ SGP+ allows you to combine bets across multiple games, while FanDuel offers fast, intuitive SGP building directly from game pages. What is an NFL Bet & Get bonus? An NFL Bet & Get bonus lets you place a small qualifying wager (often $5 or $10), then receive bonus bets regardless of whether that bet wins or loses. The bonus bets can be used on future wagers, but typically only the winnings are withdrawable. What is a first-bet safety net or bet insurance? A first-bet safety net refunds your wager with bonus bets if your first bet loses. If the bet wins, you keep the profit and the promotion ends. This type of bonus is common at BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics. Which sportsbook is best for live NFL betting? bet365 is widely considered the best sportsbook for live NFL betting due to fast odds updates, deep in-play markets, and Early Payouts. FanDuel and DraftKings also offer strong live betting hubs with frequent cash-out options. Can I bet on Super Bowl player props and novelty bets? Yes. Major sportsbooks offer extensive Super Bowl player props, including passing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and anytime TD scorers. Many also post novelty bets closer to kickoff, such as halftime performance or game-related specials, depending on state rules. Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

30. Best Super Bowl Betting Sites & Sportsbook Promos

    Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:57:44 -0000

    Discover the best Super Bowl 60 betting sites for the season. Compare top sportsbooks, promos, odds, and betting apps to get the best value before kickoff.

    This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Football is here! Super Bowl LXI will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers — on Feb. 14, 2027. The Super Bowl is a prime opportunity for sports betting, so it is time to look at the best Super Bowl betting sites. Sports betting is legal in several states via licensed sportsbook. In this guide, we'll cover top Super Bowl betting sites and apps, as well as top sportsbook promos. Best Super Bowl Betting Sites 2026 When it comes to betting on the Super Bowl, there are numerous opportunities available across various sportsbooks, as it is arguably the biggest betting event of the year. Between DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, bet365 and Caesars, there’s a betting opportunity for all. New users can also stack promotions across multiple books before deciding which sportsbook best fits their betting style. Don’t settle on just one — claim as many offers as possible to maximize your bonus value, then stick with the book that feels right for you. Here are the best Super Bowl betting sites you can use for 2026. DraftKings Overview Welcome Bonus Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict FanDuel Overview Welcome Bonus Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict BetMGM Overview Welcome Bonus Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict Fanatics Sportsbook Overview Welcome Bonus Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict bet365 Overview Welcome Bonus Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict Caesars Overview Welcome Bonus Why It’s Great for Super Bowl Betting Standout Features Verdict Best Super Bowl Betting Promos & Welcome Offers Like with many websites in general, there are incentives just for signing up. If you create accounts at these popular sports gambling sites, usually you will get some form of welcome offer. Let's check out the options. DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly New DraftKings customers can bet $5 and get $200 instantly. The instant credit gives you immediate flexibility, and adds strong football-season value. Deposit at least $10, place a $5 qualifying wager (minimum odds often -500 or longer), and the bonus bets arrive right away. This is a Bet & Get offer; bonus bets typically expire in 7 days and only winnings are withdrawable. FanDuel: Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed When You Bet $5 for 7 Days! Place a qualifying $5 wager and unlock $50 in Bonus Bets each day for seven straight days. No promo code is required. With up to $350 in total Bonus Bets available, this offer gives new users a full week of extra betting value from a single qualifying wager. Once you create and verify a FanDuel account and make a qualifying $5 wager, you are set. Bonus Bets can be used on mostsportsbook markets, and only the winnings from Bonus Bet wagers are withdrawable, as the Bonus Bet stake is not returned. BetMGM: First Bet Offer up to $1,500 paid back in Bonus Bets if your first wager loses With BetMGM, your first wager is protected up to $1,500 with promo code FOXSPORTS. If it loses, BetMGM refunds you in bonus bets. No promo code is required in-app. This "safety net" is ideal if you want to take a bigger first swing with less downside. Deposit at least $10, place your first cash bet of $10+, and if it loses you’ll get a refund in bonus bets (bets $50+ are typically split into five equal tokens; <$50 returns as one token). This is a First-Bet Safety Net; bonus bets usually expire in 7 days and only winnings are withdrawable. bet365: Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets (win or lose) Bet365’s welcome is simple: wager $10 and get $150 in Bonus Bets, win or lose with promo code FOX365. The low qualifier and outcome-independent credit make this one of the easiest ways to get started. Deposit $10+ and place a $10+ qualifying bet to unlock the bonus after settlement. This is a Bet & Get offer; bonus bets typically expire in 7 days, only the winnings can be withdrawn, and a minimum-odds requirement applies (often -500 or longer). Fanatics: Get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days with promo code FOX2026 Fanatics often runs Bet & Get structured promotions, such as a daily match on bets (e.g. Get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days.)— though the specific Indiana offer must be confirmed. Sign up today. Caesars: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code 'FOXDYW' The Caesars Sportsbook promo code FOXDYW allows new users to bet $1 and double their winnings on their next 10 wagers with 10 × 100% Profit Boost tokens. Check it out here. Popular Super Bowl Betting Markets There are multiple ways to bet on the Super Bowl that involve the score of the game, player statistics and even Gatorade bath color. Let's take a look at a few major betting markets. Moneyline & Point Spread A moneyline bet is the simplest form of wagering — you’re just picking which side will win the game outright, disregarding the score. The odds determine how much money you will make. Heading into the Super Bowl, there will be a favorite and an underdog. A heavy favorite might only return a small profit, while backing the underdog can lead to more money if they pull off the upset. The point spread is the expected final score difference between two teams. If the spread is 3 points, you'll see that as both -3 and +3. The team that is favored to win the Super Bowl gets the minus-number (-3); the underdog gets the plus-number (+3). If the favorite is -3, that means it must win by more than three points to cover the spread. If the underdog is +3, that means it must lose by fewer than three points or win outright to cover the spread. Totals (Over/Under) An Over/Under bet, also called a total, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. So for the Super Bowl, the sportsbook sets a line, and bettors choose whether the final score will go over (more than the posted total) or under (less than the posted total). Player Props A player prop bet is a wager on an outcome other than the final score, like player stats in the Super Bowl. Examples include: Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) A same-game parlay (SGP) is a wager in which you bet on multiple outcomes occurring from one specific game. Unlike a traditional parlay, SGPs focus solely on events within this one specific game, such as the Super Bowl. A bettor could wager on the moneyline, spread and how many passing TDs for a quarterback in the Super Bowl on a single betting slip. Novelty Props Novelty props are wagers that don't always relate directly to the outcome of the game. Examples include: Super Bowl Live Betting Sites Live betting (also called in-play betting) is just that: instead of betting before the game, you are actually gambling as the game is going on. This kind of gambling is prominent in the Super Bowl because of the high viewership, frequent stoppages, and dynamic odds changes. Examples of live betting include wagering on the next scoring play, updated point spreads, or quarter/half totals. The benefits of live betting include reacting to game flow, hedging and capitalizing on momentum shifts, and potential drawbacks include fast-moving odds and risk of impulsive bets. Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

31. NFL Releases Dates, Details For 2027 NFL Draft At Washington, D.C. National Mall

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:06:38 -0000

    The NFL has announced pertinent dates and details for the 2027 NFL Draft, which will be held in Washington, D.C.

    The NFL announced dates and details on Thursday for the 2027 NFL Draft to be held in Washington, D.C. The three-day draft will begin on Thursday, April 29 and continue through Saturday, May 1. On May 5, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the 2027 draft would be staged at the nation’s capital on the National Mall. Trump was joined in the Oval Office by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser when he announced initial plans for the draft. On Thursday, the NFL revealed the draft will take place across iconic locations throughout Washington, D.C. The National Mall will anchor the draft theater in front of the Capitol. The NFL Draft Experience will span Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets. Additional event elements will be situated throughout the footprint surrounding the National Mall. "Our nation’s capital will provide an incredible, iconically American stage to host fans from around the world, as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars," said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, international and global events, in a statement. The NFL said there will be a variety of free activities available for fans in the three-day event, including interactive games, immersive exhibits and photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The league said this year's draft in Pittsburgh set an attendance record, drawing more than 805,000 fans. The NFL said more than 600,000 fans attended the 2025 draft in Green Bay. Washington last hosted the draft in 1941 at the Willard Hotel. The NFL draft was a fixture at Radio City Music Hall in New York before it began moving to other locations in 2015. The 2028 NFL Draft will be held in Minneapolis. Reporting by The Associated Press.

32. Alex Freeman Headlines Kids Of Former NFL Players Making Their Names In Other Sports

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:57:49 -0000

    Team USA's Alex Freeman is leading the charge of breakout athletes across sports with NFL bloodlines.

    While seeing second-generation NFL players isn’t uncommon, several former players have children starring at the highest level in sports other than football. Look no further than the event of the summer, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this week's NBA Draft. Here are some of the most accomplished current athletes in the pro sports ranks with NFL bloodlines: Alex Freeman scored the second goal in Team USA’s 2-0 win Sunday over Australia in group stage play at the World Cup, where the Americans have clinched Group D and will advance to the knockout round. The U.S. faces Türkiye in their final group-stage match Thursday (10 p.m. ET on FOX). At age 21, Freeman is the youngest player representing Team USA this year. He plays his club ball for Villarreal in La Liga, the highest level league in Spain. The elder Freeman, Antonio Freeman, played nine seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1996. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1998. Haley, 27, is a standout for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League, the most competitive tier of women's soccer in England. She starred collegiately at Stanford and was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2021 NWSL Draft, though she never played for the team. She helped Sydney FC win the Australian League title in 2023 before joining Brighton. Madison's father, Charles Haley, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He won five Super Bowls and was twice named an All-Pro edge rusher in his 13 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Joshua Jefferson was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday, taken at No. 28 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who sent him to Brooklyn in a pre-arranged trade. A 6-foot-8 forward, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for Iowa State last season. Ben Jefferson was a 6-foot-8, 300-plus-pound guard at Maryland in the 1980s. As a freshman in 1985, he was highlighted by Sports Illustrated as one of the biggest players in college football. He went undrafted out of college but had stints with a few NFL teams, making all four of his career appearances in 1990 with the Cleveland Browns. Koa Peat, who starred for Arizona as a freshman last season, was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — a selection that was traded to Phoenix. A 6-foot-8 forward, Peat averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds for an Arizona team that made the Final Four. Todd Peat Sr. was an 11th round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1987 NFL Draft, making 79 appearances as a guard across six seasons with the Cardinals and Raiders. Koa's brother, Andrus Peat, is an 11-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowl guard, most recently appearing in six games with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Longtime pro tennis player Sloane Stephens has been ranked as high as the world No. 3 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association. She has won eight singles titles as a pro, including the 2017 U.S. Open. Her father, John Stephens, was a first-round pick of the New England Patriots in 1988 and a Pro Bowl running back as a rookie. He played six total seasons, with the Patriots, Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. Jaxson Hayes was selected eighth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, and the 7-foot center has played eight seasons and counting with the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers. His best season to date came in 2021-22, when he averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Pelicans. Jaxson's father, tight end Jonathan Hayes, was a second-round pick in the 1985 NFL Draft by the Chiefs and appeared in 184 games across 12 seasons. The elder Hayes is a former tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals (2003-18) and served as the head coach and general manager of the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2020. Vashti Cunningham is a three-time Olympian for Team USA in the high jump, finishing fifth in the Paris Games in 2024. The 28-year-old has medaled twice in the World Championships, winning gold in 2016 and silver in 2018. Randall Cunningham, a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985, was a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback in his 16 seasons with the Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Elijah Green was selected fifth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft after starring at IMG Academy in Florida. He’s hit 10 home runs in his first 62 games this season for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Nationals’ High-A affiliate. His father, Eric Green, was picked 21st overall in the 1990 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played nine seasons in the league and was twice named to the Pro Bowl as a tight end.

33. Steelers Rookie Drew Allar Embracing Understudy Role Behind Aaron Rodgers

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:45:47 -0000

    Drew Allar feels confident working in Mike McCarthy's offense, but he's hoping working with Aaron Rodgers will help him reach his potential.

    LOS ANGELES — Drew Allar might be new to the NFL, but his first professional home provides him with some familiarity. Allar will get to back up Aaron Rodgers, a quarterback he looked up to growing up. But he's also joining an offensive system that he already knows with the Pittsburgh Steelers, believing the team that selected him in the third round of April's draft has created a "full circle moment" for him. "The West Coast offense in general was something I studied a lot in the offseasons at Penn State," Allar told me during a conversation this offseason at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere. "Kind of the newer versions like the [Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean] McVay and [San Francisco 49ers head coach] Mike Shanahan. I was on that trend for the last four years. "But it’s now kind of a full circle moment for me, going back and seeing how everything really started. Why the drops are a certain way and how they match up with the progressions. And where the concepts originated from. It’s really cool to be a part of that. It’s a lot of information, but it’s starting to slow down for me." And, as Allar mentioned, he will now get to learn from one of the innovators of the West Coast offense: Mike McCarthy. The new Steelers head coach learned from the originators of the scheme during his time as an assistant coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, including Paul Hackett. Hackett cut his teeth in San Francisco, learning from Bill Walsh, the originator of the West Coast offense. McCarthy would go on to coach Joe Montana in Kansas City before coaching Brett Favre and Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. He also worked under another Walsh protégé, offensive guru Mike Holmgren. McCarthy has been reunited with Rodgers in Pittsburgh, and Allar said he’s privileged to share a quarterback room with the future Hall of Famer. "I’m really excited to learn from him," Allar told me. "With him being in Coach McCarthy’s system in Green Bay, it’s beneficial because he knows the system inside and out, even though he hasn’t played in it in five or six years at this point. And just everything he’s going through in his career, playing in tens of thousands of snaps, how much experience and knowledge he has — the nuances of playing the position of quarterback, reading coverages, the defensive tendencies — any little thing I can pick up to help me process faster and be more accurate, I’m all in for it." Allar didn’t always play quarterback. His father, Kevin, was Allar’s youth football coach, and as one of the bigger kids on the team, Allar was relegated to playing tight end, fullback, defensive end and linebacker during his early days of tackle football. But the chance to play quarterback full-time emerged in Allar’s first year in high school. "We didn’t have a quarterback my freshman year, and then I always loved throwing from baseball, so I just wanted to try it out," Allar told me. Allar blossomed into a five-star college recruit at Medina High School, a half hour south of Cleveland. During his senior season, Allar totaled 4,444 passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns. He also recorded 406 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Allar helped to lead Medina to a 13-1 record, earning All-State honors. Allar was also named Mr. Football in Ohio. "High school was fun," Allar told me. "We were five wide and just throwing the ball every time. We were kind of a no-huddle, up-tempo offense. When we got to my senior year, [head coach Larry Laird] was very lenient with me. I probably called like 20 to 30% of the plays at the line of scrimmage my senior year. And that was always in working collaboration with him." Considered a first-round pick at the start of the year, Allar didn’t perform as expected and his final season at Penn State was cut short because of an ankle injury. At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds and blessed with good movement skills, Allar showed glimpses of developing into an NFL-caliber quarterback, but remains a work in progress in the pros. It will be up to McCarthy and an experienced offensive coaching staff led by offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth to develop Allar’s unique skill set. "I believe in first impressions," McCarthy said about Allar in Pittsburgh’s post-draft press conference with reporters. I had a chance to not only watch him play but meet him at the combine. … I like everything about him. I think he’s got room for growth. He’s a young man that can throw the ball with the best of them, and that’s a great starting point to have." That’s high praise from McCarthy, but an opinion not necessarily shared by an NFL quarterback evaluator I spoke with about Allar. "I think it was a little bit of a surprise pick in the third round, given his production in college," the NFL talent evaluator told me. "He’s got all the physical tools. He’s kind of like a create-a-player in Madden. He’s 6-5 and 230. He can throw the ball a mile. He’s got a very pretty spiral. He’s a guy that scouts absolutely love, but I think the disconnect is you’ve got to become someone who coaches absolutely love in terms of decision-making, timing and accuracy. "I would say he’s a project. In my opinion, he’s got a long way to go. They’re investing in him as a guy that two years from now could have major upside. He’s got the prettiest deep ball on the planet, but I think most coaches would tell you, ‘Yeah, that’s great, but it’s second-and-10, and you overthrew the guy by five yards.’" For the past year, Allar’s worked with John Beck and 3DQB here in Southern California during the offseason to prepare him for the league. Beck also worked with another former McCarthy quarterback in Dak Prescott. Allar said Beck helped to improve his footwork, getting him in better throwing positions. Currently, Allar is No. 4 on the depth chart behind Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who the Steelers took in the sixth round of last year's draft. But he’s willing to be patient, work on his craft and try to live up to lofty expectations, playing behind one of the best to ever do it in Rodgers. "It’s really just taking it a day at a time," Allar told me. "They do a great job of building it out throughout practice with the quarterback in individual drills. They do a great job of emphasizing things throughout each day, just so I can get that foundation, because the footwork is a little different than what I’m used to. "We were under center a little bit at Penn State, but not in the drop-back game. It was more run game and play-action game. So, just getting cleaner with under-center drops and drop-back footwork. And just really trying to pick up on the nuances of it. Just some different teaching, and it’s really cool to be a part of that. And kind of have another chapter to learn from and grow from. I already feel a lot more comfortable in it, and I know I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep working at it."

34. Lions CB Terrion Arnold Arrested on Felony Kidnapping and Robbery Charges in Florida

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:19:44 -0000

    Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold has been arrested in connection to a kidnapping and robbery in Florida and faces felony charges, officials said Wednesday.

    Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold has been arrested in connection to a kidnapping and robbery in Florida and faces felony charges, officials said Wednesday. Arnold is accused of being the "primary conspirator" before three men in their late teens were held at gunpoint, battered and pistol-whipped in February in Tampa, the city's police department said in a statement. Some of their belongings were stolen, police said. Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said on X that Arnold faces felony charges, although the specific charges were not immediately clear. Tampa police had already arrested six others suspected of being part of the targeted armed robbery. Denise White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, which represents Arnold, said he denies being involved. "There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations," White said in a statement. "Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences." In early February, Arnold and a few of his friends had reported more than $250,000 worth of their property being stolen from an Airbnb in Largo, police said. Arnold believed that two men in their late teens had been behind it, although investigators later determined this was not the case, police said. Arnold and his friends worked to get the men, along with another, to an apartment on Feb. 4, police said. Initially, two of Arnold’s friends held them at gunpoint and hit them, while another streamed it to Arnold, police said. Later, when the assault was still going on, Arnold also came to the apartment, police said. His other friends stole some of the victims’ belongings, police said. The victims reported the robbery to police. Arnold is a starting cornerback for the Detroit Lions who was a first round pick in the 2024 draft after playing at the University of Alabama. He is from Florida. The Lions said in a statement Wednesday night that they were aware of the situation but would not be commenting at this time. Arnold turned himself in to law enforcement on Wednesday. He is expected to make his first appearance in Hillsborough County court Thursday afternoon, the attorney’s office said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

35. Brandon Aiyuk Says He’ll Sign With Commanders Immediately If 49ers Release Him

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:20:22 -0000

    Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk said he would sign immediately with the Washington Commanders if the San Francisco 49ers grant his wish and release him.

    Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk said he would sign immediately with the Washington Commanders if the San Francisco 49ers grant his wish and release him. Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped showing up late last season as he rehabilitates a knee injury that has sidelined him since October 2024. Aiyuk wants to be released, but the Niners have shown no urgency to make a move even though general manager John Lynch has said he doesn’t expect Aiyuk to play for the team again. "Tell them boys cut me today and I’ll sign with the Commanders tomorrow," Aiyuk said on social media Wednesday. The Commanders haven't commented on Aiyuk's status while he remains under contract to San Francisco and haven't indicated that they would sign him if he becomes available. Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with San Francisco just before the start of the 2024 season following a lengthy contract "hold in" that kept him out of practice that summer. Aiyuk played seven games and caught 25 passes that season before going down with a season-ending knee injury and the acrimony between the sides only increased. The 49ers voided $27 million guaranteed in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026 last summer because he failed to participate in meetings and other team activities. Aiyuk then left the team late in the season and has not talked to coach Kyle Shanahan or Lynch since then, communicating only through social media messages, calling the team "stupid" for paying him so much money. Aiyuk could put pressure on the 49ers to make a decision if he shows up when the 49ers report to training camp on July 25. Until he reports, the 49ers can keep him on the reserve list without him counting to the salary cap or the roster limits. Aiyuk has three years remaining on the four-year, $120 million extension he signed last year, including a nearly $25 million option bonus due before the start of this season. But he now has no guaranteed money remaining and won’t be owed anything unless he reports to the team. The 28-year-old Aiyuk has 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs since being drafted in the first round in 2020. Aiyuk recently had an arrest warrant issued by Santa Clara County on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding in response to a video Aiyuk posted to social media last December that appeared to show him speeding on the road in front of Levi’s Stadium. Reporting by the Associated Press.

36. NCAA's New Eligibility Rules Affect Transfers, Rosters And Playing Time

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:04:50 -0000

    NCAA's new eligibility model was approved on Tuesday, and it affects everything from transfers, playing time and rosters.

    Tyler Shough needed seven years of college football to become a starting NFL quarterback. Under the new eligibility model approved Tuesday, athletes will no longer have that option. Athletes in Division I, the top level of competition, will have five years to complete five seasons of competition, a move the NCAA hopes will add structure to a system stretched into chaos and courtrooms by countless transfers, redshirt decisions, injuries, players seeking more seasons to cash in on NIL opportunities and even pandemic-era complexities. The eligibility clock starts when an athlete enrolls full-time or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. If the new rules withstand potential legal challenges, the development of college athletes will undergo a dramatic shift. There will be no more traditional redshirt years, nor will there be medical or general extension waivers available; the only limited exceptions for going beyond five-in-five would be for military service, religious missions and maternity leave. Tom Loy, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, said he believes the change could keep talented players in college for longer. "In addition, I believe this rule change would have coaches putting a significant emphasis on retaining as much of the current roster as possible, especially upperclassmen, while focusing their attention slightly less on the transfer portal," Loy said in an email. "With the opportunity to play five full seasons, they could have a roster full of 23-year-olds, for example, compared to 18- or 19-year-olds, and beyond that, potentially have a group full of talent they have developed in their system." The End Of The Redshirt Shough spent two seasons at Oregon and three at Texas Tech before suiting up at Louisville as a seventh-year senior in 2024. Injuries, a redshirt season and the pandemic extended his college career, extra time that helped turn him into a second-round draft pick and, eventually, the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. He believes future college athletes should be given the same opportunities. "I think everybody should have a chance to at least get a medical and then a redshirt," Shough said. "I know I benefited from that experience, the maturation process, having to compete multiple years. I feel strongly about that." Detroit Lions rookie defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina followed a similar path. His six-year college career included an undergraduate stint at Notre Dame and two postgraduate seasons at California following a medical redshirt and pandemic waiver, when the NCAA gave thousands of athletes an extra year. The 5-in-5 would have taken away his final college season in 2025, a year that helped him make his case to NFL scouts. Even so, he understands the effort to bring order to a landscape he described as the wild West. "You can’t please everyone in this world, ever, but they’re trying to please as many people as they can and do right by as many people as possible," said Keanaaina, an undrafted free agent. "As someone who was injured, I think it’s tough to make a one-size-fits-all rule. But I also get that sometimes an older player is taking opportunities away from a younger one." It Could Change Recruiting Or Have Other Ripple Effects While Shough and Keanaaina point to what the new model could eliminate, others believe opportunities will be created elsewhere in college sports. "I think it’s the NCAA’s way of keeping college sports as amateur as possible with the chaos that is the NIL era. It will be good for sports like lacrosse where post-grad and redshirt years are less common than in football," said Kelsey Fee, an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at Dartmouth. "It will open up the portal to a new slew of craziness with kids looking to use their fifth year." Fee said she also thinks the shift will bring an excitement to recruiting that hasn’t been felt in recent years. Loy, the recruiting analyst, said coaches could be more interested in high school prospects "and getting these guys on the field as quickly as possible." "Whether it works out or not, everyone would get a glimpse at where each prospect stands compared to others," he wrote. "The players would get the early playing time, the coaches would see who outperforms who, and then, without the ability to redshirt anyone, a prospect can continue to be developed if they want to stick around and compete. They also wouldn’t just rush to leave and transfer, since they know they have five years to play ball." Green Bay Packers center and 2022 third-rounder Sean Rhyan predicted stricter eligibility guidelines could change the way athletes think about transferring: Once the clock starts ticking, a case can no longer be made to rectify a misstep. "Five for five, that’s fair. I think NIL is good, but I also think it took away that loyalty aspect that I think sports need," Rhyan said. "Having that fixed amount of time is going to bring that loyalty." And then Rhyan added perhaps the most convincing argument of all: "Having like a 27-year-old linebacker or something and then you have a 17-year-old running back ... I think five for five is more than fair." Reporting by the Associated Press.

37. NFL Informs QB Brendan Sorsby It Will Not Hold A Supplemental Draft This Year

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:33:10 -0000

    The NFL informed former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby that it will not hold a supplement draft this year, instead encouraging him to focus on preparing for the 2027 NFL Draft.

    The biggest storyline of the offseason just had another wrinkle thrown its way. The NFL informed former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby on Tuesday that it will not hold a supplement draft this year, instead encouraging him to focus on preparing for possible entry into the league through next year's NFL Draft. Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech this past offseason, applied for the supplemental draft after a legal battle with the NCAA, which had declared him ineligible for making thousands of bets on sporting events worth at least $90,000 during his college career. Those included at least 40 bets on Indiana while he was a freshman there in 2022, though none of the games in which he played for the Hoosiers that season. After spending a month in a residential treatment program, Sorsby sued the NCAA and gained a court-ordered reinstatement that prompted nationwide backlash toward Texas Tech. The controversy led Sorsby to enter this special draft session that has not been used to select a player since 2019. However, since Sorsby was the only player who opted for the supplemental draft – three days before the deadline – the NFL sent a letter to Sorsby regarding their decision to opt out of the draft. "The League has not conducted such a draft for several years and, prior to your submission, the League had no plans to do so this year, as no other player has sought entry," NFL attorney Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr. said in his letter. "Your Petition — filed three business days before the deadline, without any supporting information or documentation, and only after abandoning your recent litigation efforts to avoid NCAA sanctions — does not provide a basis for the League to alter those plans. The issues presented by your Petition are too significant, and too closely tied to the League’s core integrity interests, to permit meaningful review within the timeline presented." With the supplemental draft off the table, Sorsby will not play in the NFL in 2026. His next avenue into the NFL will be the 2027 draft, which will take place in April. Despite no chance for an NFL bid this fall, Sorsby could receive an opportunity to play in the UFL or Canadian Football League. He is currently ineligible to play collegiately under NCAA rules. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

38. 2026 NFL Offseason: Ranking 15 New Faces In New Places Who'll Make Largest Impact

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:12:24 -0000

    After the NFL roster shuffle, we break down the top 15 offseason additions primed to make the biggest impact on their new teams.

    Through the draft, free agency and trades, NFL teams have added players who they believe will bring them success in 2026. But who are the newcomers poised to make the largest impact on wins and losses for their squads? Here’s my top 15, in descending order: A perennial Pro Bowl fullback, Ricard will be integral in helping the Giants establish the physical brand of football that new head coach John Harbaugh wants. Ricard's lead-blocking skills will clear rush lanes for dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Dart and a balanced running back room that gets Cam Skattebo back from injury. Tate, the No. 4 overall pick, has a good chance of being quarterback Cam Ward’s No. 1 wide receiver as a rookie, opening up a Titans pass game that struggled mightily last season. The Cowboys had the NFL’s worst pass defense a year ago. Enter Downs, selected No. 11 overall out of Ohio State, where he was a two-time All-American. From the nickelback position, Downs — touted as a generational safety prospect — is poised to make a massive difference in the back end with his communication skills, coverage IQ and sure tackling. In Moore, acquired from the Bears for a second-round pick, Josh Allen and the Bills get a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver for the first time since Stefon Diggs’ departure after the 2023 season. Buffalo hasn’t had a pass-catcher reach 900 yards over the past two years. With uncertainty at quarterback, the Cardinals’ offense could run through Love in 2026. Even with such talented pass-catchers as tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, don’t be surprised to see the No. 4 overall pick surpass 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie. The Chiefs’ secondary underwent significant changes this offseason, highlighted by the blockbuster trade of CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams and the loss of Jaylen Watson in free agency. As a rookie, Delane, the No. 6 overall pick and an All-American out of LSU, will be expected to perform like a No. 1 cornerback. Linderbaum, a perennial Pro Bowl center for the Ravens, is expected to take significant pressure off quarterback Kirk Cousins (and eventually No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza) in reading defenses pre-snap at the line of scrimmage. His presence should also create more interior rush lanes for second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, who was frequently hit behind the line of scrimmage as a rookie. The Raiders signed Linderbaum for three years and $81 million, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. In McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro selection for Kansas City, the Rams now have a cornerback capable of taking a No. 1 receiver out of the game. Given the explosiveness of its offense, Los Angeles could be playing with the lead quite often in 2026, which makes McDuffie particularly valuable. The Rams sent four picks to the Chiefs for McDuffie, including a first-rounder in 2026. The former Notre Dame standout should immediately step in as RB1 for the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks, with Kenneth Walker III signing a free-agent deal with the Chiefs and top backup Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL. Waddle, acquired via trade in March, gives the Broncos a No. 1-caliber wide receiver and the explosive playmaking their offense has lacked. The speedy Waddle averaged 14.2 yards per reception last season, which would’ve led all Denver pass-catchers. The Ravens signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract in March after backing out of a trade with the Raiders for Maxx Crosby. A double-digit sack threat, Hendrickson’s presence could elevate Baltimore's defense to the elite status it had prior to last season. The pass-rush juice he provides should speed up the clock in the pocket for opposing quarterbacks, leading to more playmaking opportunities for Baltimore’s talented secondary. Beyond giving the Patriots a true No. 1 wide receiver, Brown — acquired from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick — is a star who’s shown he’s capable of rising to the occasion in big moments. That’s something New England lacked in its run to the Super Bowl last season. The Pats didn’t have a pass-catcher reach 80 receiving yards in any of their four playoff games. Stefon Diggs, who was their leading receiver during the regular season, didn’t have a postseason appearance with more than 40 yards. Lawrence, the centerpiece of the Bengals’ defensive makeover this offseason, will make a significant impact on Cincinnati’s run defense, which ranked dead last in 2025 (147.1 rushing yards allowed/game). The Bengals gave up the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 draft for the three-time Pro Bowler. If Murray plays to the Pro Bowl level we saw early in his career in Arizona, the Vikings will get more than a QB1 — they’ll have a player who can lead them back into contention in the NFC North. Plus, after the Cardinals released him, Murray is playing on a one-year, league-minimum deal worth $1.3 million. With Garrett in the fold, the Rams could have the NFL’s best defense by the end of the 2026 season. He’s that much of a force multiplier, making L.A. the heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl. And that's why the Rams traded Pro Bowl edge Jared Verse and three draft picks to Cleveland for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. With the Rams’ explosive offense, it’s not difficult to envision a scenario where opposing offenses are scrambling for points late in games, providing many opportunities for Garrett to pin his ears back and get after quarterbacks. Just last year, he broke the NFL’s single-season sack record with 23.

39. Raise Hail? 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Shouts 'Go Commanders' In Social Post

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:18:14 -0000

    San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk expressed a clear interest in playing for the Washington Commanders on Instagram.

    So, Brandon Aiyuk wants to play for the Washington Commanders? The San Francisco 49ers' disgruntled star wide receiver posted a video to Instagram on Sunday that shows him repeatedly saying "Go Commanders" and chanting a handful of their rallying cries such as "Raise Hail" and "Take Command." What's more, Aiyuk posted a picture of former Washington quarterback Mark Rypien hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after the team's Super Bowl XXVI triumph over the Buffalo Bills. Of course, this is just the latest chapter in a two-year saga between Aiyuk and the 49ers that has included the receiver holding out for an extension, which he ultimately received in August 2024. He also made a public pitch to reunite with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Aiyuk's teammate at Arizona State in 2019. After signing his four-year, $120 million deal, Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL seven games into the 2024 season. He didn't play in 2025, and after there were questions about whether he was healthy enough to return, the 49ers ultimately removed the injury guarantees in his contract. Following the 2025 campaign, San Francisco President of Football Operations John Lynch claimed it was "safe to say" that Aiyuk had "played his last snap with the 49ers." However, the 28-year-old receiver remains on the team's roster, with a robust trade market yet to develop. Aiyuk is entering the second season of his extension and recently called the franchise "stupid." From 2022-23, Aiyuk led the 49ers in both receptions and receiving yards. His best NFL season was in 2023, when he reeled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards (17.9 yards per reception) and seven touchdowns. Should Aiyuk land in D.C., he'd join a Commanders' wide receiver room that includes two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, veteran Van Jefferson and 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams, among others. Aiyuk's former 49ers teammate, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, led Washington in receptions (72), receiving yards (727) and receiving touchdowns (five) last season but remains a free agent. The Commanders are coming off a disappointing 5-12 campaign after reaching the NFC Championship Game in the 2024 season for the first time since 1991. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was limited to seven games last season due to knee, hamstring and elbow injuries.

40. Top 10 QB-WR Duos: Where Do NFL's Newly Formed Combos Rank?

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:50:29 -0000

    After plenty of wide receiver movement this offseason, what are the best QB-WR duos in the league? Here are the 10 best.

    The 2025 season might have marked a changing of the guard in the NFL, and this offseason has seen plenty of shake-ups around the league, too. For years, three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes was viewed as the best quarterback in the NFL. But he's now recovering from an ACL tear, and his most reliable target, Travis Kelce, is 36 and could be playing in his final season. So, after forming arguably the best quarterback-receiver duo for multiple seasons, you won't see future Hall of Famers Mahomes and Kelce on a list of the top quarterback-receiver duos in the NFL entering 2026. With the Kansas City Chiefs stars dropping off the list, there's room for other top quarterback-receiving duos to make their way into the top 10, including a handful of newly formed combinations. As the offseason movement has largely settled, let's attempt to identify the top 10 quarterback-receiver duos with just over a month from the start of training camps in July. Yes, I understand the Minnesota Vikings have not officially named a starter in the two-man competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. But for this exercise, we’ll assume Murray will be the guy who emerges as the starter for Week 1. In this career reset for the Oklahoma product, Murray is paired with the best receiver he’s thrown to since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019. And for Jefferson, he gets an elite thrower of the football who should more accurately connect with the LSU product on deep shots, while also providing the added dimension to distort the defense and create explosive plays on second reaction throws. Add to it one of the best playcallers in the league in head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings playing most of their games indoors, and we should see some fireworks on offense from Minnesota. The two-time NFL MVP was once again slowed by injuries last season, but Lamar Jackson finally has a No. 1 receiver option on the roster in Zay Flowers. The Boston College product finished seventh in the league in receiving yards (1,211) and eleventh in receptions last year (86). Last season, Flowers eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the second time in his three-year NFL career, and at 25 years old, he still has room to grow as a receiver with the 29-year-old Jackson. Brock Purdy has had productive receivers over the years in Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. But his security blanket has been tight end George Kittle, particularly in the red zone. And while the most explosive receiver on the roster remains Ricky Pearsall, his most consistent and reliable pass catcher on the perimeter should be free agent addition Mike Evans. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer posted an NFL-record 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin his career. The concern for San Francisco will be how much Evans, who turns 33 in August, has left in the tank. With Mahomes coming off an injury, Josh Allen has taken the mantle as the most talented quarterback in the league right now. And while Khalil Shakir has shown that he can be a highly productive receiver in the slot, the addition of Moore via trade gives Allen the potential for his most productive receiver on the perimeter since Stefon Diggs left three years ago. Moore hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiving season since 2023, but if he can stay healthy, that should change this season. Specifically, Allen will do a good job of getting the ball out quickly in space to Moore, allowing him to create big plays after the catch with his elite ability to make defenders miss in space. Drake Maye played well enough to finish one vote shy of winning MVP last season in only his second year as a pro, and that was with Stefon Diggs as his most talented receiver. Now, the addition of Brown gives New England one of the best receivers in the league and should open things up for the rest of the offense. Specifically, Brown’s ability to consistently win on contested catches down the field will create more explosive plays for the extremely accurate Maye. Also, Brown’s 21 receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons are tied for ninth in the NFL over that stretch. He should improve New England’s ability to consistently get into the end zone, particularly in the red zone, in the passing game. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the best slot receiver in the league, and Jared Goff has created a unique chemistry with the USC product. St. Brown has produced a league-high 33 receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons. And Goff’s ability to deliver the ball on time and on target has been a primary reason for St. Brown’s success. St. Brown led all receivers with 59 catches for 618 yards and five touchdowns while aligned from the slot, according to Next Gen Stats. George Pickens was the most productive receiver for Dallas last year in his first season with the Cowboys, finishing with career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and receiving touchdowns (9). However, Dak Prescott has built a stronger rapport with CeeDee Lamb because of their time together. Prescott and Lamb were particularly effective connecting on deep shots. Lamb finished with 12 receptions for 454 yards on catches of 20-plus yards or more, according to Next Gen Stats. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (13 receptions for 542 yards) had better numbers. Speaking of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, this past season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and his quarterback, Sam Darnold, land here. The Ohio State product set franchise single-season records for receptions (119) and receiving yards (1,793) in 2025. The 1,793 receiving yards are the eighth-most in league history, and his nine 100-yard games led the league during the regular season. Darnold and Smith-Njigba quickly developed chemistry after the QB signed with Seattle last offseason. Darnold and Smith-Njigba connected 31 times for 723 yards and six touchdowns on play-action last season (18.1 yards per attempt), making them the only quarterback-receiver duo to have combined for more than 700 such yards in a season during the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016). Teammates who won a national championship together at LSU, Burrow and Chase developed into the gold standard for quarterback and receiver tandem in the NFL. Chase won the triple crown as the league’s top receiver in 2021, leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17). Over the last three seasons, Chase is tops in receptions (352), receiving yards (4,336) and 32 touchdown receptions. Only St. Brown (33) has more touchdowns during that time. And since he entered the league in 2020, Burrow leads the league in completion percentage (68.5%), is third in passer rating (101.5) and is seventh in passing touchdowns (157). Matthew Stafford won the league’s MVP award last season for the first time in his 17-year NFL career, dominating the stat sheet. He led the NFL in touchdown passes (46), passing yards (4,707) and finished second in passer rating (109.2). While Davante Adams led the league in touchdown receptions (14), Stafford has developed a potent rapport with the acrobatic catching style of Puka Nacua, who posted the second-most receiving yards by a player in their first three seasons in NFL history, trailing only Justin Jefferson (4,825). In 2025, Nacua finished second in receiving yards (1,715) and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (10). Honorable mentions: Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix and WR Courtland Sutton; Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin; Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze; Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and WR Xavier Worthy; Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert and WR Ladd McConkey.

41. 2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest X-Factor For Every NFC Team Next Season

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:01:28 -0000

    From rookies to former Pro Bowl quarterbacks, we highlight a pivotal player for each NFC team in the 2026 season.

    There are NFL players across the league who — whether they’re healthy again, live up to the hype or take significant steps forward in their production — can drastically alter the trajectory of their teams' 2026 season. Who are those players in the NFC? Here are my biggest X-factors for every team in the conference (my AFC selections are here): NFC East In the wake of trading Micah Parsons, pass rushing was one of the Cowboys’ biggest struggles last season. The acquisition of Rashan Gary gives Dallas a dependable veteran presence and first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence may one day become a No. 1-caliber edge rusher, but Ezeiruaku’s Year 2 development could make the biggest immediate impact on a defense that must be better in 2026. As a second-round rookie last season, Ezeiruaku had two sacks, 40 tackles and 12 QB hits. Nabers tore his ACL during quarterback Jaxson Dart’s first career start last September. And after clean-up surgery in the spring to remove scar tissue, the third-year receiver's status remains uncertain for the start of the season. Nabers’ availability and production are integral to Dart’s development as New York’s hopeful franchise quarterback. With A.J. Brown traded to the New England Patriots, Smith is now the Eagles’ WR1. That will mean more matchups with No. 1 cornerbacks in 2026 for the former Alabama star. If Smith steps up, Philadelphia has one less thing to worry about offensively in 2026. After putting together one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history in 2024, Daniels was limited to seven games last season due to injury. If the former No. 2 overall pick is healthy, the Commanders could be right back in NFC contention. NFC North The Bears didn’t address their pass rush in a meaningful way in free agency or the draft. That means Booker, a fifth-round pick in 2024 who had a career-high 4.5 sacks last season, will need to take another step forward at edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat. With Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks last season) walking in free agency, the Lions must find a dependable edge rusher opposite star Aidan Hutchinson. Moore, the 44th overall pick in April’s draft, is a strong candidate as a high second-round pick. With Parsons (ACL) expected to be sidelined to start the season and Gary traded to the Cowboys, the Packers need Van Ness — a former first-round pick — to step up as a pass rusher. When Parsons returns, his pairing with a productive Van Ness could give the Packers a championship-caliber defense. Murray is the favorite to win the Vikings’ quarterback job over former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Given Minnesota’s talent on offense, it could be a dark-horse contender in a tough NFC North and the NFC at large if Murray returns to Pro Bowl form. NFC South With fellow second-year pro James Pearce Jr. facing a potential suspension, Walker’s growth will be paramount for DC Jeff Ulbrich’s defense in 2026. Walker's 5.5 sacks last season ranked third on the team. Brooks, a 2024 second-round pick, missed the entire 2025 season due to an ACL tear. If he's healthy and lives up to his draft slot, it would take a tremendous amount of pressure off Bryce Young in a pivotal year for the quarterback and the Panthers. There’s a void in Carolina’s backfield after the free-agent departure of Rico Dowdle, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. No Saints player last season reached 500 rushing yards. If Etienne can play to the level we saw throughout his Jaguars career (three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in four years), it would help the development of promising second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. With franchise legend Mike Evans gone, Egbuka steps into an even larger spotlight as the Bucs’ No. 1 receiver. His success will be integral to Tampa returning to the playoffs in 2026. NFC West Entering his third year, Harrison has yet to live up to the expectations that came with being the fourth overall pick in 2024. If he puts it all together in 2026, it could open up new coach Mike LaFleur’s offense, giving Arizona another top-end pass-catcher — both tight end Trey McBride and receiver Michael Wilson had more than 1,000 yards receiving last season — and lightening the box for rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 4 overall pick. When opposing offenses look to pass against the Rams’ Myles Garrett-led defense, they’ll likely look to throw away from star cornerback Trent McDuffie, twice an All-Pro selection. So if Watson can be a big-time playmaker on the opposite side of the field, L.A. could have a truly dominant defense. Greenlaw was the heartbeat of the Niners in his first stint with the team from 2019-24. After a year in Denver, he returns to San Francisco as the expected starter at weakside linebacker. In Greenlaw’s first six seasons with San Francisco, the defense played significantly better with him on the field. Overall, including the playoffs, the 49ers went 52-24 when Greenlaw played. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is now with the Chiefs, while Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the NFC divisional round. It’s paramount that Price, the Seahawks’ top pick, is an RB1-caliber player from Day 1, so Seattle’s offense doesn’t lose a step.

42. NFL Supplemental Draft: How Does It Work? What To Know As Brendan Sorsby Enters

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:44:25 -0000

    Here's what to know about the NFL Supplemental Draft as Brendan Sorsby has entered the process.

    Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has brought back a rare and obscure part of the NFL vocabulary: the supplemental draft. Sorsby, 22, has applied for the supplemental draft after gambling problems complicated his eligibility at Texas Tech. He had transferred there after two seasons at Indiana and two more at Cincinnati, but now will head to the NFL rather than play a final season of college football. Sorsby would have been a top draft prospect for 2027, having thrown for 27 touchdowns against just five interceptions last year at Cincinnati. Allegations of widespread gambling, including wagers placed on his own team, put his eligibility in jeopardy, and though a judge had granted an injunction allowing him to play the upcoming season, backlash from other schools led him to the NFL. So what exactly is the supplemental draft? How will it work for NFL teams considering adding Sorsby to their rosters? Here are the basics for the process, which will unfold over the next six weeks ahead of the start of NFL training camps. The NFL Supplemental Draft is intended for players who no longer have eligibility but were not eligible for the league's regular draft in April. It has become a rare phenomenon, with no players taken in a supplemental draft since safety Jalen Thompson was taken in the fifth round in 2019. Thompson, now with the Dallas Cowboys, is the only active NFL player taken in a supplemental draft. To take a player in a supplemental draft, an NFL team must be willing to give up a pick from the next year's draft. After evaluating a prospect, each team can submit a bid, using a 2027 draft pick, and the team submitting the highest pick gets the player, essentially using a pick from next year now. The player joins the team on a rookie contract commensurate with the same pick in this year's draft. To find a player most casual NFL fans would recognize from a supplemental draft, you have to go back 14 years to 2012, when Baylor receiver Josh Gordon was a supplemental second-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. He had been dismissed due to a positive marijuana test, and his NFL career was marked by similar violations. He had some success in Cleveland, highlighted by a 2013 season where he led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards and made the Pro Bowl. He missed two entire seasons due to suspensions for violating the league's drug policies and totaled seven touchdowns in five seasons after his suspensions. Another recent example is Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who entered the supplemental draft in 2011 after he and other teammates were accused of selling memorabilia. Facing a five-game suspension, Pryor withdrew from college and was taken by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the supplemental draft. But the NFL also suspended him for five games at the start of his professional career. The precedent with Pryor shows why NFL teams may be hesitant to draft Sorsby, as the league has taken a hard line against players gambling, with a minimum one-year suspension if a player is found to have bet on NFL games. NFL players can wager on other sports, but cannot do so while at team facilities or traveling with their team. No team has used a first-round pick in a supplemental draft since 1992, when the New York Giants took Duke quarterback Dave Brown in the first round. The league had five first-round supplemental picks between 1989 and 1992, most notably receiver Rob Moore, who went to the New York Jets in 1990. Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter was a first-round supplemental pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987. The supplemental draft becomes complicated if two or more teams submit bids for the same player in the same round. The league sorts NFL teams into three categories — those who won six or fewer games the previous season, the remaining teams who missed the playoffs and the 14 teams that made the playoffs. For this year, there are 10 teams in the first group — the Jets, Raiders, Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals — and those teams are chosen in a random order from a weighted lottery for the first subgroup. The same is done for the second group (eight teams), then the third (14), to create a supplemental draft order. So if more than one team submits, for example, a fifth-round pick, the team that is first in that order would get the player from the supplemental draft. Teams that have already given up 2027 picks in trades this year cannot bid using picks they no longer have. To some extent, this will depend on how high a pick he commands from teams. If it's a high draft pick, it might be limited to teams that don't have an obvious long-term answer at quarterback, like the Cardinals or Jets. Both of those teams used mid-round picks on quarterbacks in April, with the Cardinals taking Miami's Carson Beck in the third round and the Jets taking Clemson's Cade Klubnik in the fourth. The Pittsburgh Steelers, eyeing a successor to Aaron Rodgers, could be an option, though they used a third-round pick on Penn State's Drew Allar in April. If it's a lower pick, it could be any team that doesn't have a developmental backup they like, and Sorsby could be seen as a chance to get ahead of the talented pool of quarterbacks expected to be available in the 2027 draft. Apprehensions about his gambling problems will mitigate his draft value strictly from a talent standpoint. The NFL's deadline for prospects to apply for the supplemental draft is June 22, this coming Monday, and Sorsby has already reportedly applied. The league has established a one-week window from July 5-12, in which a player can hold a pro day and work out privately for teams, and then the supplemental draft is held on the seventh day before the start of the first NFL training camp, which would be in late July.

43. Why England Is The Dallas Cowboys Of The 2026 World Cup

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:41:12 -0000

    FOX Sports' Kasper Schmeichel compared England to the Dallas Cowboys. Does he have a point?

    England opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday at Dallas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. But that's far from the only thing that connects the two historic teams — at least according to former Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The Leicester City legend and current FOX Sports analyst made the comparison between the Cowboys and Three Lions ahead of England's 4-2 win over Croatia. "We’re in the Dallas Cowboys' stadium. I’ll liken England to the Dallas Cowboys a little bit," Schmeichel said ahead of the England vs. Croatia game. "A massive team with so much talent, but they’ve won it once and have never stopped talking about it." England won its lone World Cup in 1966, at the eighth edition of the tournament. Since then, the furthest it has advanced at the tournament is the semifinals, most recently finishing fourth at Russia 2018 after a 2-0 loss to Belgium in the bronze-medal match. While the Cowboys have a richer history of success with five total Super Bowl trophies, their most recent one was won in 1996, 30 years ago. Since then, Dallas has yet to appear in a Super Bowl, let alone an NFC Championship game. Similarly, England and the Cowboys have similar reputations in their "division." While England is a strong favorite to win the tournament, in addition to Spain and France, its Group L counterpart Croatia's past World Cup results suggest it's not far off from making a run. Croatia finished as runner-ups in 2018 and third place in 2022. The Cowboys finished the 2025 regular season with a much better record than the Commanders (5-12) and Giants (4-13), but the Eagles took home a second consecutive NFC East title and clinched an NFL playoff spot over Dallas. All that being said, England’s recent tournament history suggests they’re capable of winning it all. The Three Lions reached the final in back-to-back Euro tournaments in 2020 and 2024, although finishing as the runner-up in both tournaments. This World Cup marks England's 18th tournament appearance, and they have the third-best odds to win the World Cup at +600.

44. NFL QB Battles: Who Should Start for the Raiders, Browns, Vikings, Falcons?

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:35 -0000

    Sizing up the top competitions around the league and deciding which QBs should start Week 1.

    With minicamps wrapping up around the NFL, it's a fitting time to check in on the most intriguing quarterback competitions. After conducting a deep dive on each situation, here are my thoughts on the league’s best battles. The battle between the former No. 1 overall pick and the Vikings’ intended franchise QB could determine whether the team re-emerges as a title contender in 2026. While Kevin O’Connell has attempted to split the reps evenly to give each player a chance to seize the job, the noise around the Vikings suggests Kyler Murray is the frontrunner heading into training camp, particularly after Justin Jefferson raved about the eighth-year pro’s talent and experience before minicamp. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign that was cut short by a foot injury, but he has flashed elite potential as a dual-threat playmaker with 20,000-plus passing yards, 3,000-plus rushing yards and 153 total scores on his résumé. J.J. McCarthy has started (and appeared in) just 10 games since his 2024 arrival as the No. 10 overall pick. After missing his rookie season because of a torn meniscus, he posted a 6-4 record last year but completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those pedestrian numbers do not jump off the stat sheet, McCarthy did flash enough intriguing playmaking potential for the Vikings to remain optimistic about his future as a QB1. The third-year pro has not played enough to deserve an obituary as a player, but his inexperience and immaturity might prevent Minnesota from making a playoff push in 2026. Best Fit: Murray The former Pro Bowler is the most talented quarterback KOC has coached in Minnesota. As an electric dual-threat playmaker, Murray adds an explosive dimension to the offense as a big-play weapon who can produce highlight-reel-worthy plays inside and outside the pocket. With a supporting cast that features a premier WR1 (Jefferson) and a collection of complementary playmakers (Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jauan Jennings and Aaron Jones) who will allow him to operate like a pass-first point guard leading a fast break, the Vikings can operate in attack mode with a dynamic athlete at the helm. Moreover, their creative play-action passing game and shotgun "RPO" (run-pass option) package should expand with a twitchy playmaker at the controls. If Murray can shake the injury bug that forced him to miss most of the 2022 (torn ACL) and 2025 (foot injury) seasons, the Vikings have upgraded the position with a more dynamic passer and runner leading the show. The competition between a three-time Pro Bowler and a polarizing second-year pro has the "Dawg Pound" clamoring for an answer before training camp. Although new head coach Todd Monken wanted to wrap up the competition before the preseason kicked off, the strong performances from each player have led to an extended battle that will continue through the first few weeks of training camp. To the surprise of many, Deshaun Watson has a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job after being summarily dismissed by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam a season ago. The veteran has benefited from the arrival of a new head coach who fondly remembers Watson’s spectacular moments in Houston. Given his dominance as a Texan (three-time Pro Bowler with a pair of 4,000-yard seasons), it is easy to see why the grizzled coach is smitten by Watson’s talent despite his struggles in Cleveland. At his best, Watson has been an elite quarterback who has flashed MVP-caliber potential, directing a spread offense that allowed him to push the ball downfield to a collection of speedsters and big-play merchants who thrived at tracking down deep balls. Despite starting his NFL journey at the bottom of the Browns’ depth chart, Shedeur Sanders finished 2025 as the team’s starter following an eight-game run that featured a mix of heroics, highlight plays and humble pie that will keep his supporters and detractors standing firm with their positions. The Pro Bowl alternate finished with a 56.6% completion rate, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while occasionally sparking a dormant offense with a fearless approach. Although his big-play hunting ultimately led to several negative plays (sacks and turnovers), Sanders also ignited the offense with downfield throws. He will need to improve his risk assessment and management skills to help the Browns improve significantly under his direction. Perhaps more game experience and first-team reps will lead to better individual and team results in 2026. Best Fit: Watson Despite facing long odds and an uphill climb to re-emerge as the Browns’ QB1, Watson is well-positioned to land the starting role based on his experience and schematic fit. As an accomplished quarterback with 72 career starts and a high-arcing deep ball, the 10th-year pro could help the Browns become the big-play machine Monken envisions with a revamped pass-catching corps possessing the size, speed and explosiveness to win their one-on-one battles on the perimeter. If Watson can shake off the rust that has accumulated from his extended layoff due to injuries and a suspension, the veteran could thrive in a collegiate-styled offense that features more spread and "Air-Raid" concepts that showcase his strengths as a quick-rhythm passer with a lethal deep ball. With Kevin Stefanski taking over as the Falcons’ new head coach, the offense will likely shift to more play-action, under-center concepts that complement a dynamic running game with Bijan Robinson as a centerpiece. Michael Penix Jr. was expected to take over as the franchise quarterback based on his anointed status as a top-10 pick in 2024. The left-handed gunslinger has shown promise as a part-time starter with 12 career starts under his belt, but a torn ACL threatens to keep him sidelined until the beginning of training camp. While Stefanski has kept the door open to a quarterback competition, the lack of offseason repetitions in a new system will prevent him from building on the positive flashes (2,757 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions) he has displayed as a potential franchise player. Tua Tagovailoa came over on a cheap deal (signed for the $1.3 million veteran’s minimum) after being dumped by the Miami Dolphins following a disappointing 2025 campaign. Despite his recent struggles, the streaky passer has posted the NFL’s second-highest completion rate (68.6%) since 2021, directing a quick-rhythm passing game that helped him sometimes pile up gaudy stats while tossing the ball to a world-class track team on the perimeter. With the Falcons featuring an all-star collection of playmakers on the perimeter, Stefanski is hoping a change of scenery can help Tagovailoa rediscover his magical pocket passing skills this season. Best Fit: Tagovailoa Tagovailoa’s quick release and pinpoint passing skills make him a perfect fit in an offense that prioritizes accuracy and ball placement. The veteran peppers the strike zone with various throws that enable his pass catchers to shine as "catch-and-run" playmakers in a "grip it and rip it" scheme. Although the Falcons will utilize more traditional under-center concepts with various play-action fakes that require Tagovailoa to turn his back to the defense, the veteran’s savvy and experience should make the transition easy for him. Considering he led the NFL in passing yards (4,624) in 2023, the Falcons are well-positioned to shoot to the top of the division if Tagovailoa finds rhythm and confidence early in the season. The Raiders’ quarterback situation is more of an apprenticeship than competition, with Kirk Cousins serving as a mentor to Fernando Mendoza while the rookie acclimates to the pro game. As a former Pro Bowler who has flourished under Klint Kubiak, Cousins is the perfect role model because of his comparable playing style to Mendoza's and the veteran’s success in the system. Cousins, in fact, enjoyed the best three-year run of his career with Kubiak serving as his QBs coach and then OC from 2019 to 2021. During that span in a Shanahan-style system, Cousins threw for 12,089 passing yards and 94 touchdowns with a 67.6% completion rate. Those eye-popping numbers made it easy for Kubiak to target him as a bridge quarterback to lean on until Mendoza is ready for a bigger role. The rookie is the mature prospect every coach wants to develop into a franchise QB. As a big-game performer with a knack for coming through in the clutch, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner is built for the bright lights and big stage of the NFL game. History has shown, however, that a patient approach with young quarterbacks often yields solid results, particularly when they can sit back and learn before jumping into the fray as a starter. Given how well the process worked for the Raiders’ minority owner (Tom Brady), it is sensible for the franchise to utilize a similar plan for their QB1 of the future. Best Fit: Cousins The veteran’s success and belief in the system should make him the 2026 starter for the Raiders. Cousins not only played at an elite level for multiple seasons within the scheme but also earned Pro Bowl recognition while leading his teams to playoff appearances during that span. Although the veteran is no longer at the top of his game, his experience, expertise and management skills make him the perfect leader to guide Las Vegas and its future franchise quarterback through the rebuilding process. With Kubiak handpicking Cousins to be the mentor for his young quarterback, the only way Mendoza starts Week 1 will be due to injury or a markedly superior preseason performance from the rookie.

45. Cincinnati's Scott Satterfield Expects Heavy NFL Interest in QB Brendan Sorsby

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:23:18 -0000

    Scott Satterfield has fielded plenty of questions from NFL teams about Brendan Sorsby, especially after he transferred to Texas Tech and information about Sorsby’s gambling addiction became well known.

    Scott Satterfield has fielded plenty of questions from NFL teams about Brendan Sorsby, especially after his former quarterback transferred to Texas Tech and information about Sorsby’s gambling addiction became well known. The University of Cincinnati coach expects the queries to increase now that Sorsby has decided not to play for Texas Tech this fall and will instead apply for the NFL supplemental draft. "There certainly have been scouts and GMs that have reached out just asking questions and more on a personal level, probably more than the football level, with their interest knowing that potentially something like this could happen. I certainly think now that the news is out, over the next few weeks, there’s going to be a lot more inquiries about him and trying to find more about him," Satterfield said Tuesday. "He’s very talented, has great size, can run, can throw." Sorsby’s decision capped a week of legal drama. A Texas judge had granted Sorsby a temporary injunction allowing him to play for Texas Tech this season despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA for wagering on college sports, including bets made on his own team while he was at Indiana. Satterfield said every NFL team had already asked him about Sorsby, especially early in the year when it seemed Sorsby might declare for the NFL draft in April. However, Sorsby chose to play his senior season at Texas Tech after signing a name, image and likeness deal. Sorsby passed for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns with five interceptions last season. He also ran for 580 yards and nine touchdowns. The Bearcats started 7-1 before losing their final four regular-season games. Sorsby did not play in Cincinnati’s 35-13 loss to Navy in the Liberty Bowl. In 2024, Sorsby completed 64% of his passes for 2,813 yards and 18 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He rushed for 447 yards and nine touchdowns that year. Cleveland coach Todd Monken hinted at the kinds of research some teams might be conducting when he was asked whether the Browns would be interested in Sorsby. "I don’t think we’re in a position to want to go down that road. That’s my opinion, that’s not (general manager) Andrew’s (Berry). I think that’s a slippery slope when you go down that, irrespective of talent, right? In terms of the situation he’s himself in, we all know what that is. He put himself in that situation. And we’ve seen in other sports with players who have been banned for life from playing in professional sports. "From my end of it, it’s kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that’s going to be your franchise quarterback if he’s ever eligible to even play in the NFL," Monken said. If Sorsby had played for Texas Tech this season, it would have created a circus atmosphere on Oct. 24 when the Red Raiders are scheduled to visit Nippert Stadium for Cincinnati’s homecoming game. Cincinnati has a federal lawsuit pending against Sorsby in Ohio accusing him of breaching his NIL contract following his transfer to Texas Tech. A pretrial conference is scheduled in that case on July 10. Satterfield said he hopes Sorsby can overcome his problems and bounce back. "I’m pulling for Brendan in his future endeavors. I think if you just look at the history of the NFL, there are guys that have made mistakes and they still have taken chances on them, so I feel like he will have certainly learned from this and grow, and somebody will give him an opportunity," Satterfield said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

46. Ranking The 8 Best Fits For QB Brendan Sorsby In The NFL Supplemental Draft

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:56:11 -0000

    If controversial QB Brendan Sorsby's entry into the NFL's Supplemental Draft is approved, where could he land? We rank eight potential fits.

    Texas Tech transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby plans to apply for entry into the NFL Supplemental Draft, according to NFL Network, which would end the controversy surrounding his college eligibility amid his gambling scandal. What does that mean for NFL teams? There’s now another young, talented quarterback to evaluate as a potential roster addition this summer. FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang recently gave Sorsby a second-round grade for 2027. Rang added that Sorsby is a cross between Baker Mayfield and Jaxson Dart and that, without the off-field concerns, the Texas Tech transfer could have been selected in the 2026 draft before Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who went No. 13 overall to the Los Angeles Rams. In the NFL Supplemental Draft, teams can bid one of their draft picks for the following year on a player, who is then awarded to the bidding team that finished highest in a weighted lottery order. No one has been selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft since 2019, when the Arizona Cardinals used a fifth-round bid on Washington State safety Jalen Thompson. The most recent quarterback selected was Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor, in 2011 by the Raiders with a third-round bid. If no team submits a bid on Sorsby, he’d become an undrafted free agent, free to sign anywhere. But given his talent, that’s unlikely to happen. If Sorsby’s entry into the NFL Supplemental Draft is approved, here are eight NFL teams that make sense as landing spots, ranked in descending order: The Vikings’ long-term quarterback outlook is unclear. They signed former Pro Bowler Kyler Murray this offseason to compete with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who has battled injuries and on-field struggles through two seasons. Taking Sorsby could open the door for a McCarthy trade. Starter Baker Mayfield is entering the last year of his contract, and he told reporters in early June that his camp is not close on a new deal with the Bucs. If Tampa doesn’t see the gap closing, Sorsby is an option to be Mayfield’s successor. The Dolphins signed former Titans and Packers QB Malik Willis to a three-year deal, but it’s essentially a two-year commitment, as the contract has no guaranteed money beyond 2027. Sorsby would represent both an insurance policy on Willis' performance and a potential long-term successor. Third-year pro Michael Penix Jr. and veteran Tua Tagovailoa are currently battling to be QB1, but it’s unclear whether either is a viable option as the long-term starter under new coach Kevin Stefanski. Penix, who has started 12 games in two seasons, is currently recovering from his third torn ACL in the past eight years, while Tagovailoa struggled over the past two years as the Dolphins' starter. The Steelers need a quarterback for 2027 and beyond, as the coming year will be Aaron Rodgers’ last in the NFL. Pittsburgh used a third-round pick in the spring on Drew Allar, but it’s unclear if the former Penn State starter can be more than a backup. Browns coach Todd Monken called a pursuit of Sorsby a "slippery slope" earlier this month, but you can never say never. Monken made clear that the opinion was his own, so the front office and ownership could have a different outlook on the matter. Veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year pro Shedeur Sanders are currently in a competition to be the starting quarterback, but the team doesn’t have a long-term QB1. Starter Geno Smith is under contract for just the 2026 season, so Sorsby could sit and learn for a year in New York. The Jets selected Cade Klubnick in the fourth round this past spring, by no means high enough of a slot to preclude drafting another quarterback. The Cardinals have an underwhelming quarterback room, with veteran journeymen Jacoby Bissett and Gardner Minshew II at the top. Arizona used the first pick in the third round on Miami product Carson Beck, but that shouldn’t stop the team from taking a swing on Sorsby, who would’ve likely been a first-round selection in 2027 if he played well at Texas Tech.

47. Chiefs Receiver Rashee Rice Released From Jail For Car Crash Probation Violation

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:10:38 -0000

    Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been released from jail after serving a 30-day sentence for violating the terms of his probation.

    Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was released from a Dallas County jail on Tuesday after serving a 30-day sentence for violating the terms of his probation, which stemmed from his role in a car crash that left multiple people injured on a Texas highway. The 26-year-old Rice had been booked into the jail on May 19 after testing positive for THC. Upon his release, Rice made a quick dash past a handful of reporters and into a waiting SUV, which whisked him away from the facility. Rice had surgery about a week before he was sentenced to clean up debris in his right knee, which had been causing inflammation. A judge approved a request from his lawyers to allow him to receive treatment at Parkland Hospital while serving his sentence. Rice missed all the Chiefs' voluntary offseason workouts and their mandatory minicamp, which concluded last week. But Chiefs coach Andy Reid said recently that he expects him to report on time to training camp at the end of July. "[Chiefs trainer] Rick [Burkholder] has talked to him more than what I have," Reid said, "just making sure that everything was set there where he could do some rehab with it and still do the time that he needed to take care of. So he's on top of that, and thank goodness that they're allowing him to do that. So, they've been great with that." The Chiefs are counting on Rice to help an offense that often struggled during a disappointing 6-11 finish last season. He's been valuable when he's been available, catching 156 passes for 1,797 yards and 14 touchdowns and helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl in the 2023 season. But he's also missed games because of suspension and injuries, resulting in just 28 played in three seasons. "We’re moving forward as normal, as we go here," Reid said during voluntary workouts. "When he gets back, we’ve got to get him caught up in doing what he needs to do, and make sure he gets it. It’s not an easy thing he’s going through. "Life lessons are important," Reid added, "but we’re all given chances to learn, and he’s in that position now." Reporting by The Associated Press.

48. NFL Confidential: What Do Execs, Scouts Make Of Brendan Sorsby Amid Controversy?

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:49:37 -0000

    Is Brendan Sorsby worth using a high pick on in the supplemental draft? Here's what scouts and execs around the NFL are saying about his draft stock.

    After weeks of drama, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is NFL-bound, but questions about his professional future still linger. Sorsby will enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, his legal representation confirmed on Monday. The announcement came as his gambling scandal jeopardized his college future, getting an injunction against the NCAA last week before the association, the Big 12 and others fought to make Sorsby ineligible. Now, Sorsby will become one of the most intriguing prospects to enter the supplemental draft in quite some time. He could be the first player taken in the first round of the supplemental draft in 34 years, as teams weigh whether to use a high draft pick on him. So, with Sorsby now becoming a pro, what do execs and scouts around the league think about his talent and situation? Here's what we learned from our conversations. Ralph Vacchiano: Brendan Sorsby might have had the talent to be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft had he remained in college. Now, teams have to weigh whether he's worth using a first-round pick on in the supplemental draft, and his gambling problem makes him a risk that not everyone will be willing to take. "We tend to forgive a lot of things if a guy can play," one NFL executive told me. "But gambling in sports has always just been different. Betting, especially on your own team, is the one line [players] just can’t cross." Sorsby, of course, admitted to placing bets on his own team when he was briefly at Indiana University, which is why he was banned from playing college football until a court granted an injunction to let him play next season for Texas Tech. But after the NCAA, Big 12 and others sought to make Sorsby ineligible to play again, he decided to enter the supplemental draft. Now, the ball is in the NFL's court. What punishment could he receive from the league? And for the 32 teams, is Sorsby's talent worth the off-field risks? "If you need a quarterback, he’s going to be tempting," the executive told me. "But because he’s a quarterback, it’s an even tougher call. The guy isn’t just an anonymous guard. He’s going to be the face of the franchise. He’ll be watched everywhere he goes, whatever he does, every social media post, every person he takes a photo with. "And it’s not like you have to just keep him out of casinos, or can give him weekly drug tests to monitor him. Gambling is everywhere and you might never know if he’s doing it. Even if he says he’s completely beaten the problem and never has any other issues, can you really trust him? Will your fans trust him? Will the media? "Everything is a potential problem." That’s probably why one NFL scout told me, "I’m glad that’s above my pay grade. I wouldn’t want to have to make that call. He’s a really strong prospect, but there’s so much more that goes into taking him. You’re really risking a lot." Eric D. Williams: NFL front office personnel, scouts and coaches will be tasked with executing a risk assessment on Sorsby, weighing his enormous talent on the field against what he has done off it. "He’s a starting NFL quarterback," a front office executive told me. "He would have been a top 15 selection this year. But there’s no guarantee the addiction will go away." A longtime NFL scout that I spoke with believes that if Sorsby was in the 2027 NFL Draft, he’d come off the board on Day 2. "I grade him as a third-rounder," the scout told me. "I thought he should stay in school, take the NIL (name, image and likeness) money and get better. Someone will draft him and I don’t think a QB like him gets drafted past the third/fourth round. Some will reach for him in the third. "Desperation makes teams do crazy things for quarterbacks. Some teams will get scared off for sure, but one will be desperate. The reasoning is second chances. Johnny Manziel got one." And as the gambling controversy is at the forefront with Sorsby's situation, it isn't the only bit of off-field drama he's been involved in this offseason. Sorsby's previous school, Cincinnati, is also suing him, alleging he breached his NIL contract with the Bearcats when he refused to pay a $1 million exit fee after transferring to Texas Tech. So, that's why another league source I spoke with wondered about the prospect of taking a quarterback with poor decision-making off the field as the face of your franchise. "Call me crazy, but the standard needs to be much higher at the QB position," the league source told me. "You need to be a leader. I’d stay away if it was me. Decision-making and judgment are obviously lacking." Vacchiano: People around the NFL seem split on where Sorsby would have gone if he had entered the 2026 NFL Draft. One scout told me he had thought Sorsby was a Day 3 pick, even before his gambling issues were revealed. An NFL executive told me he probably was "a mid-to-high second-rounder." But another NFL scout pointed to the weak quarterback class overall in 2026 and said, "He might have been the second [quarterback] off the board … before the gambling stuff, of course." "Maybe not, because I guess the Rams really loved Ty Simpson [who they took 13th overall]," the scout told me. "But other than Fernando Mendoza, I’m not sure anyone [in the 2026 draft] had more potential than this guy. He’s huge (6-foot-3, 235 pounds), he can run, he’s got a rocket arm, and he’s good under pressure. There’s a lot to work with there. "Now, it’s not perfect. His decision-making isn’t always great. He can force some passes, and he loves to throw deep even when the intermediate throw is there. He runs a little too quickly sometimes instead of letting this develop. But in a bad quarterback class, he would’ve stood out." Prior to Monday's news, Sorsby was trying to stand out among several top quarterback prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft. If he had remained in college and gotten to play this season, where could he have gone in next year's draft? "I need to see more," the scout told me. "I’d probably put him on the fringe of the top group, just based on talent. If a guy that big has a strong season, he could really rise and be a top 10 pick. But if he struggles, and you add in the gambling stuff, he could drop himself off a lot of draft boards, too." FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang believes that Sorsby would've had the physical tools to be drafted ahead of Ty Simpson had he entered the 2026 draft, but NFL scouts will have to vet his significant, off-the-field gambling issues before taking a chance on bringing the player into their organization. Rang, who recently offered his evaluation of Sorsby, projected that the former Cincinnati quarterback would be a second-round pick in the supplemental draft. He made that projection after watching every touchdown and interception Sorsby threw this past season, along with some of his tape at Indiana. "He’s very impressive," Rang told me. "He’s got a real intriguing skill set to him in that he’s got the prototypical size. He’s got a snappy release and plenty of arm strength. Good accuracy. And he’s an athlete. He’s an aggressive scrambler and so physically speaking he’s got all the traits to be a very successful NFL quarterback. "He has the physical skills to warrant being selected ahead of Ty Simpson. He is a more physically talented player than Ty Simpson. And he’s a three-year starter, where Ty is only a one-year starter. But of course, Ty Simpson checked every box when it comes to a guy who bided his time at Alabama and played pretty well when he got his opportunity, where with Brendan you’re talking about a player who’s transferred three times and comes with questions about his decision-making that NFL teams are going to have to evaluate." On the field, Sorsby completed 61.4% of his passes for 7,208 yards and 60 touchdowns against 18 interceptions over 35 combined games at Cincinnati (2024-25) and Indiana (2022-23) while rushing for another 1,295 yards and 22 touchdowns. Those are impressive numbers. But ultimately, Rang said the issue for Sorsby’s draft future will be what teams are willing to overlook his off-the-field transgressions. "That is the million-dollar question here," Rang told me. "I think that the physical talent justifies a first-round grade. But the character concerns that may or may not be completely justified, but that’s going to require some real investigation from teams. And teams are typically hesitant to draft players in the supplemental draft with the round that equates to their talent. Usually, they drop a round or more than they normally would, just because of the fact that it’s the supplemental draft, and you wouldn’t have the opportunity to evaluate them as you normally would for a normal prospect."

49. 2026 NFL Offseason: The Biggest X-Factor For Every AFC Team Next Season

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:55:07 -0000

    From stars to sleepers, we identify an X-factor for every AFC team, the players poised to have an outsized impact on their squads in 2026.

    By and large, we know who the projected stars are for every NFL team. But which players — bigger names and those under the radar — will have an outsized impact on their club’s success with a productive year? Here’s my X-factor for every AFC team in 2026 (stay tuned for the NFC edition on Thursday): AFC East Free-agent acquisition Bradley Chubb is the Bills’ new No. 1 pass rusher, which could create more favorable matchups for Rousseau, who had seven sacks last season. A former first-round pick, Rousseau is key to helping new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s defense come together. If he can take a step forward in his sixth NFL season, Rousseau would be a game-changer for what’s been an average pass rush. In Miami’s underwhelming receivers room, Malik Washington may be the biggest bright spot. The third-year pro’s 317 receiving yards last season topped all current Dolphins wide receivers. His continued growth would provide a big boost to new Miami quarterback Malik Willis in the pass game, and give opposing defenses another weapon to worry about outside of star running back De’Von Achane. With Garrett Bradbury traded to the Chicago Bears, Wilson, who started 13 games at left guard as a rookie last season, is the new starting center. His ability to communicate with quarterback Drake Maye will go a long way to determining whether the MVP runner-up stays upright in 2026. Last season, only Geno Smith, Cam Ward and Justin Herbert were sacked more times than Maye. The Jets failed to record a single interception last season, so they desperately need more defensive playmaking in 2026. If Wright plays to the level he did in Chicago in 2025 — five interceptions en route to Pro Bowl honors — New York could have a competitive defense under coach Aaron Glenn. AFC North The Ravens need pass-rush help opposite free-agent acquisition Trey Hendrickson. If Young, a second-round rookie, develops as hoped, new coach Jesse Minter’s defense will have another talented edge defender to help out its talented secondary. The Bengals didn’t pick up the fifth-year option in Murphy’s rookie contract, but he did register a career-high 5.5 sacks last season. With the addition of Dexter Lawrence II and Boye Mafe to the defensive line, Murphy is positioned to take another big step forward in 2026 — and help Cincinnati’s revamped, new-look defense meet big expectations. Whether the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2026 is Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, Judkins’ success is paramount to taking pressure off Cleveland's pass game. A healthy Judkins could surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 2026 playing behind a much-improved offensive line. One of the Steelers’ biggest problems last season was that they didn’t have a wide receiver defenses feared other than DK Metcalf. If Pittman can find success in Mike McCarthy’s offense, similar to how he played for the Indianapolis Colts, 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers could enjoy a deep playoff run in his final NFL season. AFC South A strong running game could be exactly what quarterback C.J. Stroud needs to get back on track, which would make the Texans a Super Bowl contender. Cue former Detroit Lion Montgomery, whose addition gives Houston a promising RB tandem with second-year pro Woody Marks. The Colts didn’t make any major moves to fill the hole at edge rusher opposite Laiatu Latu, so Tuimoloau’s development will be integral for an Indianapolis defense that lost major contributors in nickelback Kenny Moore II and linebacker Zaire Franklin. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Brian Thomas Jr. If Thomas can get back to how he played as a rookie in 2024, when he ranked third in the NFL in receiving yards, quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a good chance to build on what was an MVP-caliber finish to 2025. Thomas averaged 50.5 receiving yards per game last season, down from 75.4 as a rookie. Winston recently said there was never a point as a rookie when he felt like himself physically. Now in Year 2, the former third-round pick is fully healthy from ACL and hamstring injuries and should benefit in a big way from the Titans’ much-improved defensive line. AFC West Nix was a good, winning quarterback through his first two NFL seasons. If he makes the step forward to becoming an elite QB, the Broncos could go from AFC contender to perennial Super Bowl threat. A healthy Rashee Rice is the Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver, capable of lifting Kansas City’s offense back to elite status. But he hasn’t proved to be dependable, missing 22 games over the past two years, including six due to suspension. Tucker, a former third-round pick, had career-highs in receiving yards (696) and receiving touchdowns (5) last season. His continued growth would give the Raiders a third offensive weapon they can count on behind star tight end Brock Bowers and second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, a solid foundation for new coach Klint Kubiak. The Chargers are a much more dangerous team when quarterback Justin Herbert is protected and not forced to channel heroics. Slater, Herbert’s blindside protector, missed all of last season after tearing his patellar tendon during training camp. Without Slater, the Pro Bowl QB was sacked a career-high 54 times.

50. Brendan Sorsby Scouting Report: How High Should He Go In NFL Supplemental Draft?

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:45:46 -0000

    With QB Brendan Sorsby setting his sights on the NFL Supplemental Draft, we examine his biggest strengths and weaknesses, draft prospects, pro comps and best team fits.

    The Brendan Sorsby saga has taken another unprecedented turn. After being declared ineligible by the NCAA for wagering on college sports and then receiving a temporary injunction that made him eligible to play for Texas Tech this fall, the star quarterback has reportedly applied for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft. Sorsby, scandal aside, is regarded as one of the more talented QB prospects in the country, bringing great attention to if — and where — he will play in 2026. The NFL hasn't had a player selected in its Supplemental Draft since the Arizona Cardinals used a fifth-round pick on safety Jalen Thompson in 2019. Could an NFL team find a similar bargain in Sorsby this summer? We've examined his biggest strengths and weaknesses, where he ranks as a draft prospect, his pro comps and his best NFL team fits. Strengths At a solid 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Sorsby certainly looks the part of an NFL quarterback. And he possesses both the arm and athleticism to star at the highest level, as well. In today’s era of simplified offenses, statistics can certainly be misleading. Sorsby’s numbers speak for themselves, however. He completed 61.4% of his passes for 7,208 yards and 60 touchdowns against 18 interceptions over 35 combined games at Cincinnati (2024-25) and Indiana (2022-23) while rushing for another 1,295 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has plenty of arm strength to make every throw in the playbook and is a gifted, creative passer who can throw from various arm slots. He has excellent touch on intermediate throws, consistently "dropping it in the bucket" on fades and verticals. Sorsby can ramp up the RPMs and fire deep crossers and deep outs with precision, as well. Frankly, the arm talent is undeniable. As his rushing totals suggest, Sorsby is also a real threat as a runner. Cincinnati and Indiana both wisely called plenty of QB runs for him, but he isn’t reliant on them to keep the defense honest. He shows patience in the pocket and looks to exhaust his downfield passing opportunities before dropping his eyes to scramble — but when he does so, Sorsby can scoot. He accelerates smoothly and has good lateral agility to elude, as well as the body armor to absorb the occasional tackle. He is a competitive runner with good vision and understanding of where he is on the field, scrambling for first downs 109 times over the past three years. Sorsby plays with a swagger that will appeal to NFL teams. He showed steady development over his three seasons as a starter and looked like a future first-round pick at Cincinnati last year. Perhaps most importantly, he showed maturity and humility in publicly admitting his gambling addiction and recently completed a 35-day inpatient rehabilitation stint at Algamus, a respected gambling treatment facility in Goodyear, Ari. Weaknesses The concerns with Sorsby are just as obvious as his talent, though most of them are off the field. The quarterback position demands leadership, accountability and selflessness. Some NFL teams may have a hard time believing Sorsby possesses enough of these to justify a draft pick. He is an admitted gambling addict who bet thousands of times, including on Indiana while he played for the Hoosiers. He used family and friends’ names as a proxies to bet, clearly attempting to evade NCAA rules. Scouts looking to vet Sorsby may find few advocates. Though Curt Cignetti and many of his coaches were not yet at Indiana when Sorsby played there, others who were there may be hesitant to sully the reputation of the defending national champion Hoosiers. The program, itself, sounded like one seeking to distance itself from Sorsby with a short, terse statement to The Daily Hoosier following the discovery of his gambling. And given that the University of Cincinnati filed a million-dollar lawsuit against him for violating the 18-month NIL contract he signed following his Indiana transfer, Sorsby may not have many Bearcats supporters, either. His former teammates at Cincinnati might feel similarly given that Sorsby opted out of the 2026 Liberty Bowl versus Navy, a Jan. 2nd game the Bearcats lost 35-13 while generating just 12 total first downs on offense. Frankly, interested NFL teams will ultimately spend more time evaluating Sorsby’s character than his weaknesses on tape. But like with any young quarterback, he certainly has flaws. Sorsby shows good accuracy to all levels of the field, but some of his deep balls do flutter a bit, providing defenders a chance to recover. A couple of his interceptions this past season came on deep balls that hung in the air, notably including one in the final seconds of Cincinnati’s season-opener at Nebraska, where Sorsby was intercepted at the goal line to seal a 20-17 loss. While I like his ability to drop his arm angle and throw around defenders as well as over them, Sorsby often needlessly resorts to more of a slingshot, sidearm release that effectively makes him a much shorter passer and more likely to have passes batted down at the line of scrimmage in the NFL. Like most quarterbacks at this stage of their careers, Sorsby can get a touch panicky when the rush is getting home and his accuracy diminishes when his feet aren’t set. As a runner, he often carries the ball with just one hand and, despite what his statistics suggest, he has struggled a bit with fumbles. While losing "just" five fumbles over his college career, Sorsby actually put the ball on the ground 12 times on 294 career attempts, per PFF. Draft Range There was not a player in the 2026 draft class with a higher ceiling and lower floor than Sorsby, so projecting where he would have been selected is a more complicated hypothetical than it might appear. Let me explain. Sorsby is a more physically gifted and significantly more experienced quarterback than Alabama product Ty Simpson. If the former didn’t come with the off-field complexities noted above, I believe he could have been drafted before Simpson, who surprisingly went No. 13 overall to the Los Angeles Rams. This isn’t to suggest that the Rams specifically would rank Sorsby over Simpson. As noted prior to the draft, I thought Simpson — an accurate and quick-thinking pocket passer — was a particularly clean fit for Los Angeles. For the record, I do not believe that Sorsby would have challenged Fernando Mendoza as the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 overall selection had he declared. Sorsby’s traits and ascending game would have attracted plenty of other suitors after Mendoza, however, including perhaps the New York Jets at No. 2 overall and the Cardinals at No. 3. But, of course, Sorsby does have character concerns, and NFL clubs may have known — or at least suspected — of them prior to the draft. (Reports of him being under NCAA investigation for sports gambling surfaced just days after the draft.) So, it’s also quite possible that he would have tumbled. Ultimately, though, the upside of a cheap contract for a starting caliber quarterback would just be too tempting for some clubs. I'm guessing someone would have thrown a Day 2 dart, at minimum. As for the 2027 draft, which Sorsby could still find himself in, the competition is considerably stiffer. In my way-too-early 2027 mock, I had five QBs coming off the board in the first round, and all by the No. 14 overall pick: Arch Manning (No. 1, Dolphins), Dante Moore (No. 2, Cardinals), Sam Leavitt (No. 4, Browns), Julian Sayin (No. 12, Jets) and LaNorris Sellers (No. 14, Steelers). Also of note, FOX Sports' Joel Klatt ranked quarterbacks C.J. Carr and Trinidad Chambliss among his initial top-10 prospects in the 2027 class. There's still obviously much to sort out with Sorsby, but as of today, I'd slot him behind most of this group and peg him as a second-round pick for 2027. Best NFL Team Fits My best NFL comp for Sorsby right now is a cross between Baker Mayfield and Jaxson Dart. It makes him suitable for several teams around the league. Chief among them: the Cardinals, Jets, Colts, Dolphins, Texans, Buccaneers, Ravens, Cowboys, Vikings and Steelers. With three first-round picks in their pocket for next year, the Jets are in an excellent position to invest their second-round pick nine months early and aggressively outbid several other teams that might be willing to gamble only mid-round selections in the Supplemental Draft.

51. Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Reportedly Looking To Enter NFL Supplemental Draft

    Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:07:14 -0000

    The Brendan Sorsby saga might soon reach a resolution.

    One of the biggest controversies in recent college football history might soon reach a resolution. Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is set to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft, NFL Network reported Monday. Sorsby's lawyers also plan to withdraw their lawsuit against the NCAA, which would allow him to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, NFL Network added in its report. As Sorsby prepares for the supplemental draft, he's set to have a pro day on July 10, ESPN reported. The deadline for Sorsby to officially declare for the supplemental draft is June 22. A date for the supplemental draft hasn't been set yet. However, it's traditionally been held in July when a player has declared for the supplemental draft. Sorsby's decision to seek entry into the NFL Supplemental Draft came a week after a Texas judge granted him an injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to play for Texas Tech in the 2026 season amid his gambling scandal. In recent days, however, the NCAA, the Big 12 and other college administrators have pushed for Sorsby to receive a greater punishment than a two-game suspension. Both the NCAA and Big 12 made filings in separate courts on Monday to try to overrule the decision made last week. News of the scandal broke in April, when Sorsby checked himself into rehab for a sports gambling addiction. In May, he admitted to placing more than $90,000 in bets over a four-year period, while court documents showed that Sorsby placed at least 40 wagers on Indiana or his teammates during his time with that program (2022-23). Sorsby transferred from Indiana to Cincinnati before the 2024 season. He transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech this past offseason, joining the Red Raiders as one of the top players in the portal. If approved, Sorsby could become the first player selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft since 2019. He also might be one of the more highly-touted players to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft in quite some time. Some 2027 NFL mock drafts had Sorsby as a first-round pick. With that in mind, he could become the first player taken in the first round of the NFL Supplemental Draft since 1992. FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang recently gave Sorsby a Round 2 grade but believes the 22-year-old QB has a high ceiling. "There was not a player in the 2026 draft class with a higher ceiling and lower floor than Sorsby, so projecting where he would have been selected is a more complicated hypothetical than it might appear," Rang wrote. Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions at Cincinnati in 2025.

52. 49ers Mourn Sudden Death Of Former All-Pro Linebacker Aldon Smith At 36

    Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:12:15 -0000

    Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers whose playing career was sidetracked by legal issues, has died at 36.

    Aldon Smith, the troubled but talented pass rusher whose promising career was derailed by legal problems, has died at age 36. The San Francisco 49ers announced Smith's death on Saturday night. The team did not disclose a cause of death. "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith," the 49ers said in a statement. "Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen. Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into." Smith was drafted by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick out of Missouri in 2011 and made an immediate impact on the team, helping San Francisco snap a playoff drought and reach the NFC title game his first three seasons with one trip to a Super Bowl. He had 14 sacks as a rookie when he finished second to Von Miller in voting for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and had a franchise-record 19 1/2 sacks in 2012 when he was named a first-team All-Pro. His 33 1/2 sacks in his first two seasons are the most in NFL history. He kept that pace up with 4 1/2 sacks in the first three games in 2013 before the off-field issues started with an arrest for DUI and a stint in rehab for substance abuse that sidelined him for five games. He was also arrested on a weapons charge that season but returned to the field. "I’m getting there," he said after his stint in 2013 on the non-football injury list. "Every day’s just a step closer to getting to where I want to be I’ve gotten a lot of support, from my family, friends, organization, teammates and everything. And it really says a lot that people care about me outside the field and they care about me as a person." Smith had 3 1/2 sacks in the playoffs that season but was suspended for the first nine games in 2014 and never made it back to his early level of performance because of suspensions and injuries. San Francisco then released him in August 2015 after another drunken driving charge — his fifth arrest in three years. He signed with Oakland just before the start of the 2015 season and had 3 1/2 sacks in nine games before being suspended again. "Aldon proudly wore the Silver and Black, was respected by his teammates and will be missed dearly," the Raiders said in a statement. Smith applied for reinstatement to the NFL in 2016, but was not allowed back initially. The Raiders released him in 2018 following a domestic violence arrest. A plea agreement was reached in that case. He eventually was reinstated in 2020 and played 16 games for Dallas that season and had five sacks. He signed with Seattle the next season but was arrested again for battery and was released in training camp. He served a six-month jail sentence for DUI in 2023 and never played again in the NFL. Smith finished his career with 52 1/2 sacks in 75 games. In college, he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and the recipient of Missouri’s Defensive Lineman of the Year Award in 2010. Reporting by the Associated Press.

53. Andy Reid ‘Optimistic’ QB Patrick Mahomes Will Be Ready for Chiefs Training Camp

    Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:44:14 -0000

    Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it through the team's offseason program just months after surgery to repair two ligaments in his left knee, and coach Andy Reid is optimistic that the two-time MVP will be ready for training camp next month.

    Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it through the team's offseason program just months after surgery to repair two ligaments in his left knee, and coach Andy Reid is optimistic that the two-time MVP will be ready for training camp next month. Mahomes was excused Thursday from the traditional running test that Reid uses to wrap up his mandatory minicamps. But even that conditioning test, Reid said, Mahomes "probably could've done it and made it, I'm sure, with will." "I love what he did this offseason, the way he attacked the rehab," Reid said. "He's on course to ... get ready for camp." Mahomes, who signed a lucrative contract extension on Wednesday, has been spending the offseason in Kansas City, rather than his home in Texas, so that he can continue rehabbing with the Chiefs staff. That includes Julie Frymyer, their head physical therapist, who has helped Mahomes overcome other injuries throughout his NFL career. "The healing process has to keep taking place," Reid said. "He gets periodic checks, but he's been working close with Julie on the rehab part of it. Then he comes out and practices — he does rehab before practice, comes to practice, then goes after practice." The spare-no-second schedule is designed to get Mahomes ready to start against the Broncos in Week 1 on Sept. 14. Being ready for training camp at the end of July would be even better. "You just kind of take it day by day, I think. It looks like he's going to be able to do some things during camp," Reid said. "He did it out here, so I would presume in 40 days he'll be even better than that. So we'll just see where it goes, and you go through peaks and valleys in this thing — in rehabs — where you might plateau for a little bit, and you don't know when those are going to take place. But so far, it's been a pretty steady climb up the hill there." Mahomes signed a restructured contract Wednesday, which adds two years to the deal through the 2033 season and pushes the total compensation to $504.75 million, with incentives and escalators that could send the value to $522.25 million. Mahomes would be 38 in the final year of the contract, meaning he might well finish his career playing in Kansas City. "Listen, he's done a great job as a professional, and then off the field as a father and husband, so you got the whole package there," Reid said. "He's a great representative and a heck of a football player." Chiefs Expect Other Injured Players Back By Training Camp In other news, Reid said first-round draft pick Mansoor Delane was held out of the mandatory minicamp because of a relatively minor shoulder injury. The cornerback should be ready for the start of training camp at Missouri Western State University. Wide receiver Rashee Rice also should be ready for camp after rehabbing a minor knee surgery while serving out a jail sentence. The procedure to clean debris out of his right knee took place about a week before Rice was ordered to jail for violating the terms of his probation for his role in a car crash that left multiple people injured. The 26-year-old Rice was booked into the Dallas County jail on May 19 — he's been allowed out for supervised rehab work — and he is due to be released Tuesday. "(Chiefs trainer) Rick (Burkholder) has talked to him more than what I have," Reid said, "just making sure that everything was set where he could do some rehab with it and still do the time that he needed to take care of. So he's been on top of that, and thank good they're allowing him to do it. They've been great with that." What About Travis Kelce's Upcoming Wedding to Pop Star Taylor Swift? Reid said his plan for the six weeks until training camp is to "step away," but he sidestepped a question on whether "stepping away" involved attending the wedding of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift next month. The exact date and location — presumably Madison Square Garden in New York — has been a closely guarded secret. "Can’t talk about it," Reid said, smiling. "Listen, he’s been here most of the offseason, if not the whole offseason. He’s been around and it’s good to have him. He did the mandatory camp and did a nice job there, so it’s good to have him back in and rolling. He’s very excited. You see no distractions with that and the wedding. If it’s like when I got married, my wife did everything, so I just kind of followed her lead on it, showed up, right? Maybe he’s doing more but he looks like he’s pretty focused in on this job here, too." Reporting by the Associated Press.

54. Deshaun Watson Dismisses Public Perception, Shifts Focus to Browns QB Competition

    Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:27:39 -0000

    Deshaun Watson knows he can’t change the public perception of him or the results of his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

    Deshaun Watson knows he can’t change the public perception of him or the results of his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. That’s why the embattled 10-year veteran quarterback is focusing on winning back the Browns' starting job, something that seemed unfathomable a year ago, when Watson was recovering from tearing Achilles tendon twice and it appeared he would never play for Cleveland again. "At the end of the day, I can’t control what people support. I think that’s their own opinion," Watson said Wednesday, speaking to reporters for the first time in nearly two years. "I think that all I can do is just put out the best person I am, showcase who I am as a person, as a player, as a teammate, and what I represent as an individual. So outside of that, I can’t focus on what the outside is saying." If Watson is named the starter for the Browns' opener on Sept. 13 at Jacksonville, it will be 693 days between starts. His last game was in Week 7 of the 2024 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the second quarter on a draw play. Watson tore the tendon again two months later and was declared out for the 2025 season. Owner Jimmy Haslam said during last year’s owners meetings that the Browns "took a big swing and miss" when they sent three first-round picks to Houston for Watson in 2022 and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal that could end up as the worst contract in NFL history. Despite Haslam’s proclamation, Watson still believed he would get another chance after conversations with the front office, Haslam and his wife and co-owner, Dee. "The relationship is great. Dee and Jimmy were at my wedding. We talk all the time. He calls me whenever," Watson said. Watson and Sanders Remain in Tight Competition For The Starting Job Watson and Shedeur Sanders have appeared evenly matched during offseason workouts. Coach Todd Monken had hoped to name a starter before training camp, but said, "Both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start." Watson likes Monken’s system because it resembles what he played under during his five seasons with the Houston Texans from 2017 to 2021. "It’s a lot of responsibility on the quarterback, and I think that’s what I had in Houston with Bill O’Brien. It was pretty much that Tom Brady tree and everything relied on the quarterback operation," Watson said. "He’s given a lot of responsibility to us, and you’ve got to own the responsibilities, situations, and decisions on the field. That’s something I’m very comfortable with." When asked about the quarterback competition, Sanders downplayed any indication that there is one. "I think the way y’all look at things is different than how we look at things," Sanders said. "Y’all look at it as like a competition. That’s really nothing I’m just focused on. I’m focused on developing as a player, like doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense in the scheme, and playing with that confidence I had." Now a Married Man, Watson Says He Has Changed His Life No matter what happens during training camp and the upcoming season, Watson said he’s in a great place mentally. He credits his wife, Jilly Anais, whom he married last July, for the change in outlook. "I think the biggest thing is, I’m an introvert now, so I don’t really get into all the outside stuff and noise as I used to," he said. "I used to be a social person back in the day and kind of more open, but now I’m just kind of watching my surroundings and my moves and just kind of focus on the things that I need to focus on." Watson’s biggest focus going into the season is playing all 17 games. In 2022, he missed the first 11 games because of a league suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He made six starts in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury and started seven last year before the Achilles tendon injury. Watson is 9-10 with Cleveland with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating. "I can’t look in the past. I can’t look in the rear-view mirror. Obviously, you know those situations, and you have those experiences, but at the same time, you’ve got to keep pushing forward. If I keep stepping forward and standing 10 toes down, then I’ll be good," he said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

55. J.J. McCarthy States Desire To Remain With Vikings After Kyler Murray Signing

    Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:56:05 -0000

    J.J. McCarthy said he's made it "very clear" he wants to remain with the Vikings.

    J.J. McCarthy didn't seem to fully establish himself as the Minnesota Vikings' QB1 in his first year as a starter in 2025, leading the team to sign Kyler Murray this offseason. However, that move didn't convince McCarthy to pursue a trade this offseason. McCarthy spoke to the media and made his intentions known on whether he was interested in exploring other teams this offseason. "I think I made it very clear that I wanted to be here before I got here," McCarthy told reporters following one of the Vikings' minicamp practices. "I love this organization. I love this coaching staff. I absolutely love these players to death." While the Vikings went 9-8 in McCarthy's first season as the starting quarterback, their offense notably took a step back from their 2024 campaign and missed the playoffs. McCarthy was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Vikings went 6-4 in the 10 games McCarthy started, but he missed seven games due to a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a fracture in his throwing hand. Questions about McCarthy's future in Minnesota began during the season, even though the team used a top-10 pick on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. The signing of Murray ignited the rumors even more, with the team signing the veteran quarterback following his release from the Cardinals in March. Murray's time leading the Cardinals’ offense was cut short last season due to a severe foot injury in Week 5, only appearing in five games in which he completed 926 passing yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Even if McCarthy was not seeking a trade, having a veteran like Murray in the quarterback room still brings competition ahead of the season, and leaves questions about who will lead the offense. Carson Wentz also returned to the Vikings' quarterback room this offseason. But as McCarthy is set to compete for the starting job in training camp, there’s one thing that he's sure of: his place in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system ahead of the 2026 season. "This is where I want to be. I feel like I can thrive in this system. Everything played exactly how I wanted it to; I wouldn’t change a thing," McCarthy said.

56. Chiefs Star Patrick Mahomes Signs Extension Reportedly Worth Over $500M

    Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:38:44 -0000

    The Kansas City Chiefs are taking steps to ensure franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes spends his entire NFL career in Kansas City.

    The Kansas City Chiefs are taking steps to ensure franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes spends his entire NFL career in Kansas City. To ensure that, the Chiefs are adding two years to Mahomes' contract in a reworked contract that ties him to Kansas City through the 2033 season, the team announced Wednesday. While the Chiefs didn't disclose how much Mahomes will make, the extension will increase the total value of his deal to $504.75 million, ESPN reported. This will make it the first NFL deal valued at over half a billion dollars. As part of the new deal, Mahomes can reportedly make up to $522.25 million through incentives and escalators. Starting next season, when the new money kicks in, the deal is set to average $64 million per season, which sets an NFL record for average annual value. Prior to the reworked deal, Mahomes had six years and $265.7 million remaining on his contract through 2031. Mahomes signed that deal in July 2020, agreeing to a 10-year, $450 million extension at the time. With Mahomes’ deal reworked and his future in Kansas City secured, all eyes will be set on his return to the field this season. He suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in a late-season December matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers and his return to the field is still unknown. Mahomes has participated in 7-on-7 drills in Chiefs' minicamp this week, but not team drills. He also practiced in 7-on-7 drills in organized team activities (OTAs) earlier this spring. Even though Mahomes' timeline remains uncertain, the fact that he's participating in 7-on-7 drills roughly three months before the regular season begins should be a positive development. The new deal could keep Mahomes in Kansas City for the rest of his career and further solidify his future with the franchise as it transitions to a younger roster. Now, attention turns to his recovery and whether the Chiefs can quickly reestablish themselves atop the AFC.

57. Brandon Aiyuk Continues Public Rift With 49ers Over Contract Situation

    Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:28:11 -0000

    Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk called the San Francisco 49ers “stupid" and said the team is mad at him because of how much money he got in his latest contract.

    Disgruntled receiver Brandon Aiyuk called the San Francisco 49ers "stupid" and said the team is mad at him because of how much money he got in his latest contract. Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list after he stopped showing up late last season as he rehabilitates a knee injury that has sidelined him since October 2024. He wants to be released and join a new team, but the Niners have shown no urgency to make a move even though general manager John Lynch has said he doesn't expect Aiyuk to play for the team again. "You want to know why they really mad though? They mad because they stupid," Aiyuk said on social media on Tuesday. "They dumb. They mad they paid me $50 million in eight months and then voided my guarantees." Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with San Francisco just before the start of the 2024 season following a lengthy contract "hold in" that kept him out of practice that summer. Aiyuk played seven games and caught 25 passes that season before going down with a season-ending knee injury and the acrimony between the sides only increased. The 49ers voided $27 million guaranteed in Aiyuk's contract for 2026 last summer because he failed to participate in meetings and other team activities. Aiyuk then left the team late in the season and has not talked to coach Kyle Shanahan or Lynch since then, communicating only through social media messages. Aiyuk recently had an arrest warrant issued by Santa Clara County on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speeding in response to a video Aiyuk posted to social media last December that appeared to show him speeding on the road in front of Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers have been waiting to see if another team is willing to trade for Aiyuk. The 49ers otherwise could either cut him or keep him on the reserve list if he fails to report to the team. Aiyuk has three years remaining on the four-year, $120 million extension he signed last year, including a nearly $25 million option bonus due before the start of this season. But he now has no guaranteed money remaining and won't be owed anything unless he reports to the team. The 28-year-old Aiyuk has 294 catches for 4,305 yards and 25 TDs since being drafted in the first round in 2020. Reporting by the Associated Press.

58. Analyzing the effectiveness of RPOs over the last five NFL seasons

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:55:08 -0000

    The NFL appears to be entering a more mature phase of the RPO era. The concept is no longer a novelty capable of generating a schematic advantage on its own, nor is it likely to disappear. Instead, it has become another tool available to offensive coordinators to help maintain offensive rhythm over the course of a game.

59. Fantasy Football: High-variance running backs with overall RB1 upside in 2026

    Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:45:00 -0000

    Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton and Josh Jacobs headline PFF's list of high-variance running backs capable of finishing as fantasy football's overall RB1 in 2026.

60. Building the NFL’s all-undrafted team entering the 2026 season

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:48:36 -0000

    Building the NFL’s all-undrafted team entering the 2026 season showcases just how much talent can emerge after the NFL Draft concludes. While finding franchise quarterbacks outside the draft remains difficult, Jake Browning earns the nod after posting a 66.7 PFF passing grade across 448 dropbacks over the past three seasons.

61. Fantasy Football: 3 sleepers for 2026

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:02:14 -0000

    Keaton Mitchell joins the Los Angeles Chargers with a skill set that closely mirrors the type of explosive running backs Mike McDaniel has historically featured. His efficiency as both a runner and receiver gives him a realistic path to becoming a fantasy starter despite modest draft cost.

62. All-PFF Teams: The best players for every NFL franchise since 2006

    Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

    The All-PFF Teams project identifies the greatest players for every NFL franchise during the PFF era, using a data-driven methodology that balances peak performance with long-term production.

63. Los Angeles Chargers All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:58:32 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Los Angeles Chargers.

64. Las Vegas Raiders All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:51:29 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Las Vegas Raiders.

65. Kansas City Chiefs All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:41:43 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Kansas City Chiefs.

66. Denver Broncos All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:35:30 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Denver Broncos.

67. Fantasy Football Rankings 2026: Top 40 tiered tight ends

    Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0000

    While the mid-rounds are deeper than ever, the elite production of Trey McBride and Brock Bowers creates a massive advantage at the top of the board.

68. Tennessee Titans All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:16:39 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Tennessee Titans.

69. Jacksonville Jaguars All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:07:14 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

70. Indianapolis Colts All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:59:02 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Indianapolis Colts.

71. Houston Texans All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:47:21 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Houston Texans.

72. Fantasy Football Rankings: Dynasty TE premium top 200

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:15:00 -0000

    With the 2026 NFL Draft complete, dynasty rookie draft season is officially here. These Top 200 rankings for Superflex TE Premium leagues use PFF's proprietary grades to help you navigate trades and value incoming rookies against established stars like Josh Allen.

73. Identifying the NFL’s most and least aggressive teams on fourth down

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

    From those that thrive on fourth down to ones who hardly attempt due to poor conversion rates, Bradley Locker takes stock of what every NFL team has done on a drive's last chance since 2021.

74. Ranking the highest-graded position groups in PFF history

    Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

    In commemoration of PFF's 20th anniversary of charting data, let's break down the NFL's highest-graded single-season units at every position group.

75. Pittsburgh Steelers All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:28:06 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

76. Cleveland Browns All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:16:59 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Cleveland Browns.

77. The NFL’s 5 best running backs after contact entering 2026

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:45:00 -0000

    The five running backs listed here have consistently proven capable of creating for themselves, turning potential short gains into explosive plays and producing regardless of the blocking situation around them. 

78. Is the tush push losing its edge? Analyzing NFL sneak success since 2022

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0000

    The tush push has become one of the NFL's most controversial plays, but has it remained wildly effective? Daire Carragher digs into the data.

79. Fantasy Football: 3 wide receiver league-winners for 2026

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:15:00 -0000

    Finding value at wide receiver is about more than identifying talented players. It requires pinpointing situations where talent, opportunity and cost align. These three wide receivers check all three boxes and have the potential to dramatically outperform their current ADPs in 2026.

80. The data behind the NFL’s kick return revolution

    Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000

    The NFL's change to the dynamic kickoff provided immediate dividends. Bradley Locker details the uptick in kick returns and examines the relationship between returns on both offenses and defenses.

81. Cincinnati Bengals All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Cincinnati Bengals.

82. Baltimore Ravens All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 years

    Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:45:48 -0000

    As part of PFF's celebration of 20 years of NFL data, we're building an All-Star team for every franchise, highlighting the best players at each position from the PFF era. This installment turns to the Baltimore Ravens.