of liverpool The goalkeeping situation has generated much speculation in recent months, with Juventus making a serious attempt to lure Alisson Becker to Turin and Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings at Anfield.

Italian report Throughout the spring Juventus suggested that Alisson was seen as a cornerstone for a new era. The Serie A giants were attracted by his experience, pedigree and perceived availability as Liverpool prepared to make a final move to Mamardashvili.

The hope in Italy was that Liverpool’s succession planning could make a start.

Instead, Ellison has chosen continuity.

alison lives

according to espn brazilJuventus contacted the Brazilian in April and made a three-year contract offer.

The report added that Alisson was receptive to the sporting project outlined by the Italian side and was open to the possibility of a move at that level. However, he has now reached a final decision on his future.

The goalkeeper has decided to remain at Liverpool and see out his current contract, which runs until 2027.

Importantly, ESPN said the decision is unrelated to Arne Slot’s departure from Liverpool. Even before the manager left the club, discussions had begun over Alisson’s future and his desire to stay.

This detail is important because it shows that the goalkeeper’s commitment was not dependent on who would occupy the dugout the following season.

another year in liverpool

The report further suggests that Alisson intends to complete the final year of his contract before re-evaluating his situation.

This means he will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Anfield and then decide whether to extend his stay or leave as a free agent in the summer of 2027.

For Liverpool, it provides clarity on what had become one of the most interesting contract situations at the club.

Mamardashvili remains part of the long-term picture, but Alisson isn’t stepping aside just yet.

Despite injury problems during the recent campaign, the Brazilian still managed to make 35 appearances, which is the same number as his total from last season. He also recorded 13 clean sheets and remained one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football when available.

As a result, it appears that Richard Hughes and Liverpool have been left with a potentially difficult decision this summer.

Juventus probably believed an opportunity was emerging. Instead, Alisson’s plan for now is to stay where he is and make the most of his final contracted season at Anfield before considering the next step in his career.

Aston Villa The Europa League triumph has thrust Emiliano Buendia back into the spotlight at exactly the right time for the club – and also at an awkward moment regarding his future.

The Argentine midfielder was one of Villa’s standout performers during the latter stages of the competition. However, the uncertainty surrounding his long-term condition has not gone away.

Recent reports link them to a Possible move to Turkish side GalatasarayWhile his current contract at Villa Park now has just over a year left.

This means Buendia will be able to negotiate a free transfer with foreign clubs from January, unless Aston Villa extend his deal or sell him this summer.

Against that backdrop, the 29-year-old has now opened the door to another future possibility – one that probably won’t please everyone in Argentina… or in Birmingham.

The dream of returning home exposed

As relayed by Argentine outlet TN SportsBuendia admitted that his dream was to one day play for River Plate. He also made it clear that he would reject a move to rivals Boca Juniors, even if club legend Juan Román Riquelme, now their director of football, personally called him.

“River is Argentina’s only club,” Buendia said. “If Roman calls me? No, not there.”

Then he added: “Playing for River has been my dream since childhood.”

This is a very bold stance considering Boca remains one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. It also reinforces how strongly Buendia still identifies with the River, despite spending almost his entire professional career abroad.

The midfielder left Argentina as a teenager to join Getafe and later starred for Norwich City and eventually Aston Villa.

Europa League victory changed the picture

Emiliano Buendia’s future looked much less certain at the start of this season. Things were already complicated after recovering from a serious ACL injury a few years ago, while Villa’s squad depth was boosted again after a more aggressive recruitment effort.

Still, he ended the campaign on a high note. His performances in Europe ultimately helped Villa win silverware under Unai Emery, and it may yet influence the club’s thinking ahead of the summer window.

Villa also face a delicate contract situation. Buendia’s deal expires in June 2027, making his gains weaker with each passing month.

It explains why clubs abroad are already keeping a close eye, and attention is likely to increase if it becomes clear Villa are willing to negotiate.

The river’s dream has now come out in the open

Buendia also revealed that despite the time difference from England he still tries to follow River whenever possible.

“I don’t watch much Argentine football, mainly River,” he explained. “The schedules are tough but I try to keep up.”

He also shared memories of the 2018 Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Buendia said he stayed in the same hotel with the River squad before the match and later met club icon Enzo Francescoli in the lift. At that time, according to Buendia, asking for photos became inevitable.

It is unclear whether Aston Villa will keep him forward this summer. However, Buendia has now made one thing absolutely clear – if he ever returns to Argentina, there is only one destination he really wants.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed Tuesday.

montreal canadiens news

• Believe it or not, several key players have yet to score a goal at 5v5 in the playoffs. Well, if you watched the games, I’m sure you believe it, and you probably know we’re discussing Juraj Slafkowski, Cole Caufield, and Ivan Demidov. The good thing is that if they start scoring at 5v5, the Canadiens will be in great position. [The Most Surprising Statistic From The Habs Playoff Run]

• The Canadiens dropped Game 4 by a score of 3–2, but they had ample opportunities to not only tie the game, but win it on the power play. They managed to score a goal on the power play in seven opportunities, while the Sabers found the back of the net twice on the man advantage. [Canadiens Highlights: Weak Powerplay Sinks The Habs]

• Yes, the Habs lost, but netminder Jacob Dobbs offered a save of the year candidate late in the third period.

Jacob Dobbs, ladies and gentlemen! pic.twitter.com/wAnyaXHPg4

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 13 May 2026

• Former Canadiens captain Guy Carbonneau was the Stanley Cup winner who got the ball rolling at the Bell Center on Tuesday.

Guy Carbonneau carries the Habs torch for Game 4 at Bell Center pic.twitter.com/Es2SWBYOvd

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 12 May 2026

• The Center Videotron in Quebec City has already sold 12,000 tickets for Game 5. For those of you who are a little too young to remember the Nordics rivalry, it’s a sign that times are changing.

The very popular Game 5 viewing party at the Videotron Center. 👍

Details ➡️ https://t.co/O1dn48R5IU pic.twitter.com/8vRToOAYGr

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 12 May 2026

• Dobbs fever continues in downtown Montreal. This is similar to the Halach-mania of 2010.

The Habs fan who made Jacob Dobbs’ stop sign got it signed by the man himself 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kaTddWwoWq

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 12 May 2026

• For the record, this was posted before Game 4, but it’s encouraging to see the Habs have one of the most active passers in the slot.

Internal slot passes per game
Playoffs (complete with controls)
1. Carolina Hurricanes- 4.75
2. Montreal Canadiens- 4.2
3. Buffalo Sabres- 3.89
4. Vegas Golden Knights – 3.3

– MeghanThat (@MeghanThat) 12 May 2026

• Victoire Captain Marie Philippe-Paulin only does two things: scoring goals and crushing Mandy’s delicious salads. And his salad is finished. With a Pauline goal in Game 5 vs. Minnesota Frost, Montreal reached the Walter Cup final for the first time in its history, and would face the talented Ottawa Charge.

target for government benefits

Power play goal! pic.twitter.com/WoukuYGZ7b

– xz – Victoire de Montreal (@PWHL_Montreal) 13 May 2026

Sportsknot Network

• Sunny Mehta took over his former club-Florida Panthers when he made his first appointment at New Jersey Devils. Mehta announced the hiring of Braden Burch as Assistant General Manager, adding significant experience and championship pedigree to his hockey operations department. [New Jersey Devils]

• Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin spent some time in DC after the season ended. However, the 40-year-old is officially heading back to his native Russia for the summer. Ovechkin recently completed his 21st season with the Capitals. Now, he will look to make a decision on his future as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. [Washington Capitals]

• Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland is a finalist for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, the league announced Tuesday. Voting is completed by a panel of NHL general managers and league officials, as well as some print and broadcast media, at the conclusion of the first round. [Colorado Avalanche]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.

montreal canadiens news

It was another even game, at least on the scoreboard. Thanks to an overtime goal from Len Hutson, the Habs emerged with a 2–1 win and a 2–1 series lead. All things considered, the scoreline was a little favorable towards the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that generated a fair amount of high-danger scoring chances at 5v5. [Canadiens Highlights: Hutson Plays The Hero In Big Win]

Hutson’s game-winning goal was so good it’s worth watching twice.

lane hutson is yours @Energizer Overtime Hero! 🔵⚪️🔴 #Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/nJCmLD0jod

– NHL (@NHL) 25 April 2026

It should also be noted that Hutson somehow managed to achieve his goal. This may seem arrogant to some, but we all know that’s not Hutson’s style. He is confident in his game and has the results to back it up.

Lane Hutson joked to his teammates before OT that he felt like he had the game-winner tonight.

According to Jaden Struble, Lane just let out a “I think I got it tonight” and went out and scored GWG.

#48 to 6/5 Competitiveness pic.twitter.com/4o2NV82KlW

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) 25 April 2026

Captain Nick Suzuki’s dry humor was at play after the thrilling win.

#hubs Nick Suzuki on Lane Hutson’s bomb from the overtime point: “I didn’t think he could hit it that hard…” the captain said with a smile.

– Priyantha Amrith (@HabsInHighHeels) 25 April 2026

While the first line struggles to generate much offense at even strength, Kirby Dach has done a great job in leading the Canadiens to wins, including a two-point effort on Friday night. It was one of his best games in a Habs uniform since joining the team in 2022.

Cole Caufield at tomorrow’s Habs playoff home game:

“We watched Game 3 at the Bell Center on Friday night, everyone was just smiling from ear to ear, like…

‘Fuck me. That would be madness.’

“We know tomorrow night is going to be an absolute blast.” pic.twitter.com/HUGRjxoKqj

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026

It’s very easy to dismiss the play of Arbor Czekaj and Jaden Struble on the third pairing, but it would be intellectually dishonest to ignore the fact that they lead all NHL defensemen in expected goal share. Yes, it is easy to play on the third pair, but it is never easy to control more than 80% of the expected goals. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]

Xhekaj and Struble currently rank first and second in xGF%.

Yes, the use is easier on the third pair, but it is also true that they have been excellent.

If those numbers were that easy to produce, they wouldn’t be several times ahead of the entire NHL.

This is a very good pair. pic.twitter.com/tCqzFUlQ0x

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

Ivan Demidov sat down with Elliotte Friedman to discuss his rookie season with the Habs, and how they quickly became part of their family.

Sportsknot Network

There was no chance that the New Jersey Devils were going to let Sunny Mehta slip through their fingers. Sunny Mehta is eight days into his Devils tenure and has already endeared himself to the New Jersey organization and fans in his introductory press conference. Yet, just nine days ago, there was real interest and possibility that Mehta could be the next man in charge of the Toronto Maple Leafs. [New Jersey Devils]

A little number 86 flying around the ice playing with the puck on his stick? That must be Jack Hughes, right? Actually, it’s Buffalo Sabers rookie, Noah Ostlund. When the Sabers learned they were losing Josh Norris to injury in Game 3, it caused a bit of panic. [Buffalo Sabres]

There’s no love lost between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators during the Round One matchup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and after the events of Game 3, it’s safe to say that the general feeling of dislike has grown even deeper after Jake Sanderson left the game following a check to the head of Taylor Hall. [Ottawa Senators]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night, with the winner looking to emerge with a commanding 2-1 series lead.

As is tradition, the Canadiens held a spectacular ceremony, with team legend Yvan Cournoyer also in attendance. Not that they needed much help, but thanks to the Roadrunners, the Bell Center faithful immediately created a great atmosphere in another intense matchup.

Bell Center is ready 🗣️‼️ pic.twitter.com/v2lUouzTSQ

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) 24 April 2026

It was another tied game, with the Canadiens taking the series lead thanks to an overtime goal by phenom Lane Hutson.

Let’s look at the highlights!

secondary scoring

Frenchman Alexandre Texier took the early lead for the Canadiens, taking advantage of a smart game that featured great assists from Zachary Bolduc and Kirby Dach.

The goal was Montreal’s third at 5v5 in this series, the first two goals coming from fourth-line winger Josh Anderson.

Considering that the first line has struggled to generate any sort of sustainable offense, getting production from the bottom six is ​​a significant boon for the Habs.

Alexandre Texier fires a home run to open the scoring 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lsDw3h0u6I

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) 24 April 2026

responding to adverse circumstances

Even though the Canadiens controlled the majority of quality scoring opportunities at 5v5, a recurring theme in this series, the Lightning erased their lead, and quickly established one of their own.

It was the type of situation that could frustrate many teams, but the Habs are at their best when responding to adversity, as evidenced by Kirby Dach’s first goal of the series.

It wasn’t good, but it got the home team back in the mix early, and momentum returned to Montreal’s corner. Additionally, it was another goal away from the bottom six, just what the doctor ordered for a top-lined team starving for goals.

Kirby Dach tied the game after Arbor Zekaj kept the game alive.

2-2 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/AqPB3WOkTX

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

To give you a better idea of ​​the state of mind of the first line, Cole Caufield, who scored 51 goals in the regular season, focused solely on his breakaway opportunity in the third period.

Cole Caufield missed his breakaway shot completely… pic.twitter.com/5vZm2eyOtw

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 25 April 2026

you hate to see it

With all due respect to Nikita Kucherov, who is clearly one of the most talented players in the league, it’s not easy to account for his demise.

His constant pranks are one thing, but when you combine his elite level nonsense with the fact that he has the personality of a frozen bag of carrots, it’s pretty obvious why he’s one of the least friendly players in the league.

On a completely unrelated note, which is obviously devoid of any meanness on my part, enjoy this attempt at Kucherov’s hit.

You have to be sick to enjoy this kind of fun.

Kucherov eats the board after missing his hit. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/sPJ9MwZcK2

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026

target setting

Surprisingly, or not, the game required extra time, marking the third consecutive time that these teams failed to find a winner in regulation.

For the first time since the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals, the Canadiens are playing OT in each of the first 3 games of a best-of-7 series.#GoHabsGo

– Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) 25 April 2026

All that matters in these scenarios is the ultimate game winner, but it should be mentioned that the Canadiens were the better team at 5v5, as they outshot the Lightning by a wider margin than in the previous two games.

Montreal’s strong effort was rewarded in overtime, where Hutson scored his second goal of the playoffs to give his team a comfortable 2–1 series lead.

Len Hutson, Overtime Hero

Len Hutson, Overtime Hero#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/7dDNDgj7by

– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 25 April 2026

The Montreal Canadiens will return to action on Sunday and face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the first-round series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.

Unless otherwise noted, all Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5. Through the natural state trick.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Montreal Canadiens were in Florida on Sunday facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One of their first-round series.

Juraj Slafkowski played hero for the Habs, scoring three goals to win 4–3 and take a 1–0 series lead.

Let’s look at the highlights!

veteran presence

Even though the Canadiens have one of the youngest teams in the league, it was a veteran player who carried the ball. 31-year-old Josh Anderson scored after great work on the forecheck by defenseman Alexandre Carrier to force a turnover.

Josh Anderson made the score 1-0 #GoHabsGo!

Great work by Alexandre Carrier on the forecheck. pic.twitter.com/fawCq7DZE9

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 19 April 2026

To add to Anderson’s praise, he was one of the few players who started the game with a lot of energy and consistently offered an honest effort in every innings.

Referee Charles-Edouard d’Estous is reviewing this hit by Josh Anderson. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/5M9UbxK2jD

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 19 April 2026

lost focus

The Canadiens appeared to take a 2–0 lead, but Anderson’s second goal of the game was disallowed when he was found to have bounced the shot high off the stick.

This shifted the momentum to Tampa Bay’s corner, with the home team taking a 2–1 lead on goals by Darren Raddish and Brandon Hagel less than a minute into the second period.

2 goals in 29 seconds and Hagel gives Tampa the lead 🤯🫨 pic.twitter.com/IfUKMGlfPT

– Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) 19 April 2026

power in sports

One of the few advantages heading into the series was Montreal’s ability to generate a lot of powerplay goals with very few opportunities, making Juraj Slafkowski’s powerplay goal in the second period more important than most late-period markers. Rookie Ivan Demidov provided excellent assists in the game.

Not only did the Habs tie the game in the final minutes of that period, but they also installed one of their most important team-wide offensive weapons in the process.

What a goal from Schlaff, what a pass from Demidov! 💎 pic.twitter.com/ok817KtmAM

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 19 April 2026

Second

Slafkowski thought the scoring was so good that he scored it twice, his second goal of the game also coming on the power play. This gave the Canadiens a 3-2 lead with a little more than 15 minutes remaining in the third period.

It was a good reminder that the Canadiens will need their veteran and young players running in the same direction if they are to have success in the NHL playoffs.

Juraj Slafkowski delivers another powerplay #GoHabsGo 3-2 lead!! pic.twitter.com/yWdTRfoXOZ

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 20 April 2026

first overall hat trick

The Lightning tied the game in the third period, forcing overtime, a situation that would normally favor the Habs as they are dominant in 3v3 scenarios.

However, this is the playoffs, and overtime is played at 5v5, reducing Montreal’s advantage.

Luckily for head coach Martin Saint-Louis, who used the perfect timeout moments beforehand, Slafkowski completed his hat trick, securing a 1–0 series lead for the Habs in the process.

Hat trick hero!

Juraj Slafkowski won the game #GoHabsGo With his third goal.

Great job by MSL with the timeouts! pic.twitter.com/ZT5fYUwmDE

– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 20 April 2026

The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of their first-round series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The best drivers in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series faced a challenge tonight at Darlington Raceway, including Cup Series standouts like Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson. After winning the pole, Larson largely dominated the Help a Hero 200 but we got a great battle in the final stages and final laps.

Let’s take a look at tonight’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series results from Darlington. We’ll start with the race winner, including full Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 results and points. Then you can find today’s NASCAR round of results for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

RELATED: NASCAR Cup Series debut for Darlington on Sunday

Sport Clips Haircuts Help VFW Hero 200 Results

RELATED: NASCAR Truck Series results at Darlington

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Stage Results at Darlington

Here are tonight’s NASCAR OARS Stage results for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200.

Updated NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings after Darlington

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The NASCAR weekend schedule continues today, with both the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series conducting practice and qualifying at Darlington Raceway. We now have tonight’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting lineup, with a field of 39 drivers that includes Cup regulars like Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson to provide competition for some of the top drivers in the lower series.

Let’s look at the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying results at Darlington. Also below you can find the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 Starting Grid. Note: Nathan Bird, driving the No. 42 car for Young Motorsports, did not qualify after DNS. Additionally, because this is a 38-driver field, Matt DiBenedetto did not qualify and would not compete in the race.

RELATED: NASCAR driver sheds light on tire strategy, potential chaos at Darlington

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying Results Today

Here are the NASCAR OARS qualifying results and the starting grid for Saturday evening’s race.

RELATED: NASCAR Truck Series results at Darlington

Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 Starting Grid

Here’s the starting grid for today’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

There are many hierarchies in the NBA. Fans can debate how players can flaunt contracts, marketing deals and draft status forever. The only real ranking system that matters in the locker room is the talent component when all the chips are down. Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray have had the times of their lives over the past few years. However, for these experimental New Orleans Pelicans, Saddiq Bey has become the go-to guy when Zion Williamson’s shots aren’t falling.

James Borrego has taken notice. When asked about his approach to continuing to feed Bey into the post once a rhythm has been established, the interim coach said the players themselves often demand it.

“Yeah. Do that every time (be) in rhythm. I think most of the people posting will say that when they have that rhythm, you just have to keep doing it until they make the adjustment,” Borrego explained. “Generally, we’ve got good things whether he finds it or he throws it out, or some kind of rotation on the backside. It’s a great setter for us. So the players are telling me more than I am to get back on it. They’re going to ride Saddiq as long as they can.”

The Pelicans have shown signs of unity over the past few weeks with a fully healthy roster, stringing together wins after earlier struggles. Again, Borrego deferred all praise to the players for reading the flow on the floor.

“They’re figuring out how to play with each other because if (Tray Murphy III) gets it going, he has the awareness to go in. You know, if Saddiq turned it on or Zion stepped it up there, they knew we were going to get back on it. They deserve credit for that,” Borrego said. “Hopefully, I’ll try to help them a little bit to not ignore them.”

Everyone sees the progress. According to ESPN and NBA.com stats, Bey is now averaging 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.6% from 3-point range through 60 games. Those numbers take on extra significance when Williamson, who is averaging 21.4 points on 58.7% shooting, is kept in check.

According to Zion, it would be hard not to see the contribution.

Williamson said, “Having him on this team means a lot to us. Saddiq is a professional player.” “Whether he was in the starting lineup, when he was coming off the bench, whatever was asked of him, he accomplished it. It’s a blessing to have him on this team.”

Borrego and Williamson’s recommendations should have an impact on the front office. An unsung hero to start the season, now everyone at the Smoothie King Center is singing his praises. It will be hard for the Pelicans to ignore Bey’s agents when they try to talk about a contract extension this summer.

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs did not reach the AFC Conference Championship for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback in 2018. The Chiefs also missed the playoffs, which was Kansas City’s first time since 2014. Now it’s time to get back on track.

The first day of the NFL’s free agency negotiating window opened on Monday. Within 30 minutes, the Chiefs had already made a big splash.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Chiefs have agreed to sign running back Kenneth Walker III. Tom Pelissero reports that Walker’s contract is expected to be three years and $45 million. This makes him the highest paid ‘free agent’ in NFL history. Saquon is the NFL’s highest-paid running back (at $20.6M per season, but he signed an extension).

The 25-year-old Walker is coming off the second 1,000-yard season of his career, notably having a big game (135 rushing yards) in Super Bowl LX to help the Seahawks escape with a victory. The 5-foot-9, 211-pound running back brings a big body to Kansas City’s backfield with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt entering free agency.

He finished the season with 1,027 rushing yards, 5 TDs and 31 receptions for 282 receiving yards. Walker then tallied another 313 rushing yards and 4 TDs plus 104 receiving yards in three playoff wins. Now, he’ll look to continue that success in Kansas City.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 projections ahead of NFL free agency

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

OKLAHOMA CITY – Without All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped the Cleveland Cavs’ seven-game winning streak. The Thunder guards really understood their defensive duties against All-Star Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and a completely healthy Cavs team. Oklahoma City led 28–5 in the first quarter, a 23-point deficit that Cleveland erased in the second half.

However, the Thunder’s two-point deficit was short-lived as its strong defense continued to make stops, including Isaiah Joe’s career-high five steals and game-high 22 points in Sunday’s 121–113 win. who addressed him exceptional performance After the Thunder’s win on Sunday.

“At the end of the day, I stay true to my game and let it come to me,” Joe said. “Being lower body, it allows for more action. Being able to be more aggressive. A teammate asks a little more of you, and whoever is out there just answers the call. So, I think we all take a little more pride.”

Isaiah Joe on his elite shooting and 5 steals: “At the end of the day, I stay true to my game. With the body being healthy, it allows for more action. Being able to be more aggressive…

Everyone there is answering the call right now. “We all feel a little more pride.” pic.twitter.com/durXXD1WuJ

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 22 February 2026

Joe’s 22 points, including six threes, gave the Thunder seven players in double figures. Cason Wallace (20 points, 10 assists), who finished with three steals, Chet Holmgren (17 points, 15 rebounds), who recorded a double-double, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Isaiah Joe’s defense shines in Thunder vs. Cavs

While Isaiah Joe continued his hot shooting streak, scoring at least two threes in 11 of his last dozen games, he also did his part defending the Cavs’ leading scoring tandem in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Against a healthy Cavs team, the Thunder won without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and their leading scorer and All-Defensive forward Jalen Williams.

Without Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, two Thunder guards who make their presence felt on both ends of the floor, Joe Contribution went a long way. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault put Joe’s defense against the Cavs in perspective during his postgame media availability.

“With Harden and Mitchell, they’re heavy on looking for matchups, and they’re an experienced team that’s been well-coached. If you put a matchup out there that they like, they’ll have ways to try to get to it,” Daigneault said. “So, you have to be very, very cautious and disciplined in how you handle it. I thought their coverage tonight — they tried to go to him, they tried to go to anybody to get Dort and Cason away from those guys.

“The coverages were very tight. The coverages behind him were really good. That’s a part of him, but that’s who he is. He’s light. He’s not the biggest, strongest guy, but he performs at a high level. He’s fearless. He’s physical. And he plays hard. He plays hard all his minutes. So, you can knock him out in a game like this.”

Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Joe making defensive moves to guard James Harden and Donovan Mitchell pic.twitter.com/ZVazYlapJG

-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 22 February 2026

The Thunder have won four of their last five games without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Mitchell.

2026 年高爾夫日曆的首場全明星賽事將於本週在英雄迪拜沙漠精英賽上舉行。

羅里·麥克羅伊 (Rory McIlroy) 在過去三年中連續兩年贏得這項賽事，他將成為阿聯酋高爾夫俱樂部 (Emirates Golf Club) 勞力士系列賽事的主角。

3

泰瑞爾·哈頓 (Tyrell Hatton) 是去年的冠軍，這位 LIV 高爾夫王牌將重返賽場，力爭衛冕。

許多其他明星將帶著巨額獎金和大量排名積分來爭奪。

這項賽事的前冠軍包括一些傳奇人物，如泰格·伍茲、布賴森·德尚博、厄尼·埃爾斯、弗雷德·卡波斯和塞夫·巴列斯特羅斯。

Hero 迪拜沙漠精英賽 2026：日期以及如何關注

此次 DP 世界巡迴演唱會將於 1 月 22 日星期四至 1 月 25 日星期日舉行。

比賽在阿拉伯聯合酋長國的酋長國高爾夫俱樂部舉行，球場標準桿為 72 桿，最大長度為 7,439 碼。

比賽將於當地時間上午 7:05（英國時間凌晨 3:05）開始。

sport 還將定期提供來自迪拜的最新消息。

要通過網站收聽 sport，請點擊此處觀看直播，或通過您的智能揚聲器在 1089 或 1053 AM 通過 DAB 數字廣播找到我們。

通過 sport 應用程序在此處下載並收聽我們所有的現場評論。

訪問 sport BET 了解每場大型賽事的所有最新賠率和投注提升。

請在此處訂閱我們的 YouTube 頻道，了解新聞、觀點和分析以及我們的定期進球展示，如需了解更多信息，請在 sport Facebook 和 sport X 上關注我們。

天空體育高爾夫將從每天上午 7:30 開始直播賽事。

2026 年高爾夫日曆的首場全明星賽事將於下週在迪拜英雄沙漠精英賽 (Hero Dubai Desert Classic) 舉行。

羅里·麥克羅伊 (Rory McIlroy) 在過去三年中連續兩年贏得這項賽事，他將成為阿聯酋高爾夫俱樂部 (Emirates Golf Club) 勞力士系列賽事的主角。

3

泰瑞爾·哈頓 (Tyrell Hatton) 是去年的冠軍，這位 LIV 高爾夫王牌將重返賽場，力爭衛冕。

許多其他明星將帶著巨額獎金和大量排名積分來爭奪。

這項賽事的前冠軍包括一些傳奇人物，如泰格·伍茲、布賴森·德尚博、厄尼·埃爾斯、弗雷德·卡波斯和塞夫·巴列斯特羅斯。

Hero 迪拜沙漠精英賽 2026：日期以及如何關注

此次 DP 世界巡迴演唱會將於 1 月 22 日星期四至 1 月 25 日星期日舉行。

比賽在阿拉伯聯合酋長國的酋長國高爾夫俱樂部舉行，球場標準桿為 72 桿，最大長度為 7,439 碼。

比賽將於當地時間上午 7:30（英國時間凌晨 3:30）開始。

sport 還將定期提供來自迪拜的最新消息。

要通過網站收聽 sport，請點擊此處觀看直播，或通過您的智能揚聲器在 1089 或 1053 AM 通過 DAB 數字廣播找到我們。

通過 sport 應用程序在此處下載並收聽我們所有的現場評論。

訪問 sport BET 了解每場大型賽事的所有最新賠率和投注提升。

請在此處訂閱我們的 YouTube 頻道，了解新聞、觀點和分析以及我們的定期進球展示，如需了解更多信息，請在 sport Facebook 和 sport X 上關注我們。

天空體育高爾夫將從每天上午 7:30 開始直播賽事。