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On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons’ best season in two decades came to a disappointing end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite suffering a second straight series loss and taking a 3–2 lead in their best-of-seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit suffered a devastating loss at home in Game 7.

As disappointing as the end of their 60-win season was, the Pistons have a good young core and will be a force in the East for years to come. However, if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders next season, they will need to make some bold moves to improve the roster this summer.

If they can re-sign restricted free agent All-Star Jalen Duren to a new deal that isn’t close to max money, they will have to aim for more offensive punch on defense with the addition of top star Cade Cunningham.

Whether it’s a superstar, All-Star, or impactful role player, here are 10 players the Pistons should target this offseason.

CJ McCallum

The Atlanta Hawks found out how valuable graybird CJ McCollum can be after trading for him during the season. He emerged as a team leader and strong secondary scorer. During the playoffs, he became the leading scorer when Jalen Johnson buckled under postseason pressure.

The Pistons don’t need him to be a top scorer, but the 34-year-old could be perfect as another option behind Cunningham, and he should come at a reasonable rate in free agency.

afernee simmons

The Pistons need more offensive punch off their bench or next to Cunningham in the backcourt. Another interesting option would be Portland Trail Blazers veteran Anfernee Simmons. Although he bounced back a bit last season, the 26-year-old is a player who has averaged more than 20 points a game twice during his career and is a legitimate three-point threat.

Since his value is lower than it was a few years ago, Detroit may be able to get him for a much cheaper rate in free agency.

giannis antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that the Pistons will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase this offseason. If healthy, the combination of Cunningham and the two-time NBA MVP could be a major problem for every other team in the East. And Detroit could certainly make a good business proposition.

However, the bigger question is, will Trajan Langdon mortgage his future to make such a bold move on an aging player who has developed real injury concerns?

norman powell

Eleven-year NBA veteran Norman Powell has quietly emerged as one of the better scoring forwards in the game after two seasons averaging over 21 points a game. The first-time All-Star is a free agent and will certainly get a nice raise this summer.

Powell would be a notable upgrade over Tobias Harris and would give Detroit a No. 2 scoring option that opponents should respect without giving up draft assets in a trade.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr.’s seventh season in the league was a career-best year. As the No. 1 option for the Brooklyn Nets, he posted 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals a night. Staying healthy has always been the forward’s biggest issue, but he’s still only 27 years old and on an expiring contract.

Although he won’t come cheap and may be a rental, the trio of Cunningham, Duran and Porter could be finals contenders next season.

kobi white

If Langdon looks to build a deep roster around Cunningham and Duren, another free agent to keep an eye on is Chicago Bulls veteran Coby White. He is an impact scorer off the bench or in the starting lineup after averaging 15.4 ppg over his seven-year career. He’s only 26 years old, he should arrive at a reasonable rate, and he’ll be a very good veteran player this offseason.

Trey Murphy III

When casual fans think of the New Orleans Pelicans, they assume Zion Williamson is their top star. However, due to his injury problems, Trey Murphy III has emerged as the No. 1 scoring option in NOLA. But that hasn’t been good enough to bring them out of the bottom of the standings, which is why the Pelicans may consider a trade this summer as they continue their rebuild.

While it could cost him at least two first-round picks in a trade, if Langdon wants to move forward with a combination of Cunningham and Duren, the 25-year-old Murphy III could be a third of the title contenders in the next few years.

ja morant

If the Detroit Pistons are willing to be risky, two-time All-Star Ja Morant could be acquired without giving up any meaningful draft picks. That’s how much his value has diminished due to his trouble staying healthy over the last few years and being off the court during that time.

However, if any player could benefit from a change in landscape and get back to his typical ways, it would be Morant. If Detroit can keep the 26-year-old healthy and focused, Morant could help form the best backcourt in the NBA with Cunningham.

peyton watson

Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson is going to attract a lot of interest in free agency this summer. The 2025-26 season was a success for the 23-year-old, as he posted just 15 points and five boards a night while shooting 41% from three.

If Langdon is looking for a third building block that he can develop alongside Cunningham and Duren, Watson would be at the top of his free agent wish list.

Domantas Sabonis

The sleeper target for the Pistons this summer could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The Sacramento Kings were unable to find a trade for him before the trade deadline and are certain to acquire him again this summer. However he is owed a lot of money and due to a torn meniscus his price will probably be nowhere near what it was a few seasons ago.

The combo of Sabonis and Duren in the front court for a few seasons, as they dominate the boards, will be an approach that former rivals will have difficulty coping with.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Earlier this month, the Dallas Mavericks finally got a new head of basketball operations when they hired former Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. Well, it didn’t take long for the one-time executive to make his first big move and it happened on Tuesday night when he fired Hall of Famer Jason Kidd as head coach.

However, Ujiri may not be done yet when it comes to major changes. There were recent rumors that the team would consider trading nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving during the season if he can prove he is fully healthy after returning from a torn ACL in March 2025. Well, they may not have to wait that long.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “There is fear all over the world that the Mavericks are likely to receive trade interest in Irving this offseason, whether they want it or not.” If Dallas has seriously considered trade offers for a player who misses the 2025-26 season, let’s take a look at five teams that could make a deal.

minnesota timberwolves

After falling short in the semifinals of the NBA Playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to make a big move that could send them to the NBA Finals next spring. They have been linked to a potential trade for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Kevin Durant over the past few years. If they can’t make a deal for either of those players this summer, Irving could be an interesting backup option.

There is definitely risk in the deal. However, Irving would come at a cheaper price than Antetokounmpo or Durant. Especially when he has two years and $81 million left on his contract. However, if he can return as an All-Star closer in 2024-25, the combo of Irving and Anthony Edwards could be dynamite.

detroit pistons

While the Detroit Pistons showed during the regular season that they are ready to be a force in the East right now, the playoffs proved that they are in desperate need of another impact scorer to pair with top star Cade Cunningham. Trading the 34-year-old coming off an ACL tear isn’t a typical Pistons move, but the price could make it a realistic option.

If healthy, Irving would be a great No. 2 scorer for Cunningham in 2026-27.

los angeles clippers

It appears that the Los Angeles Clippers are rebuilding. They traded James Harden and were able to acquire the fifth pick in the NBA draft by transferring Ivica Zubac. Yet, they still have Kawhi Leonard and were in contention for a playoff spot last month. Some around the league think they might even consider trading their first-rounder to bring in another star next month.

This may be too high a price for Irving. However, if LA isn’t hit with a heavy draft penalty for the Aspiration Scandal, using a future pick to pair Irving with Leonard, and whoever they get with the No. 5 pick, could lead to a very good team next season.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are likely to be star hunting this summer after a disappointing finish to the 2025-26 season. Before this year’s trade deadline, reports surfaced that the team was considering a trade for Ja Morant. If they were open to that idea, why not make a move for Irving instead? At least he’s less volatile and has played better over the years.

If they lose Norman Powell in free agency, the Heat will need to fill their scoring void. If healthy, the trio of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kyrie Irving could make some noise in the East next season.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are in rebuilding mode and plan to move forward with Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis as the new faces of the franchise. However, they need more attacking punch if they want to at least make a run for a play-in spot next season.

They certainly have the assets to trade and are at such a low point that they would risk adding a 34-year-old coming off ACL surgery and still owed over $80 million.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After he was surprisingly fired by the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, a new report has revealed a pair of teams that may soon request an interview with the Hall of Famer.

Before the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers square off in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals inside Madison Square Garden, the Mavericks dropped a bombshell on the basketball world when reports surfaced that they had fired their head coach after five seasons.

Kidd led the team to the NBA Finals two years ago, and despite having four years and $40 million left on his contract after signing an extension through 2024, NBA insider Marc Stein claims that the new Mavs head of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri, wanted a “clean slate” after taking the job a few weeks ago.

It now means that a respected head coach, who was a great player as a player, is available to NBA teams, with or without an opening. Still, it’s quite possible that the 53-year-old takes a break and waits for the first opportunity to emerge after stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Mavericks.

Could the Magic and Trail Blazers make Jason Kidd their next coach?

If he does interview, Steen pointed to a pair of teams that would make sense as landing spots for Kidd — first, the Orlando Magic. An NBA insider claims the team had serious interest in Kidd ahead of the 2021 season. And the same top decision-makers — head of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and top adviser John Hammond — who loved him then still hold those roles.

Another possible option for Kidd may surprise some people. “Kidd also has a long-standing relationship with Tom Dundon, the new owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, who has deep ties to Dallas.” The billionaire made his fortune in Big D, and the 10-time All-Star is a basketball legend in the city. So it makes sense that they have crossed each other’s paths over the years and formed a friendship.

Possibly the biggest obstacle to Kidd going to Portland is that all reports claim Dundon is looking to hire a new head coach on the cheap. The former Mavericks head coach is probably well out of his price range. However, with $40 million still coming his way, Kidd might be willing to take a discount for a friend and take a Trail Blazers team with a good young core.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new report sheds light on some coaches the Dallas Mavericks could soon target to replace former head coach Jason Kidd.

Before the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers squared off in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals inside Madison Square Garden, the Mavericks dropped a bomb on the basketball world. And that was the firing of their head coach after five seasons on the job.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kidd led the team to the NBA Finals two years ago, and has four years and $40 million left on his contract after signing an extension through 2024. The new Mavs head of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri, wanted a “clean slate” after taking the job a few weeks ago.

Micah Nouri is among potential targets to become the next Dallas Mavericks coach

The talented executive isn’t rushing into making a move, so he likely has multiple candidates in mind to lead the franchise. Late Tuesday night, Steen offered up a pair of assistants who would likely be on Ujiri’s candidate list.

As Steen noted, both have been linked to various head coaching jobs in recent years and come from two elite teams in the Western Conference. It’s also possible that Ujiri goes after more proven candidates like Billy Donovan, Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau, who have all been linked to the Orlando Magic job in recent days.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday night, a big MMA event took place in Inglewood, California, without the UFC on its banner. Most Valuable Promotions, with the help of streaming giant Netflix, sought to show that there is life outside the Octagon and delivered an action-packed card full of finishes and cage-fighting greats at MVP MMA 1.

Following the events of the Rousey vs. Carano card inside the Intuit Dome, we take a look at some of the biggest takeaways from a rare successful MMA event not promoted by the UFC.

MVP should build to the Robalis Despaigne vs. Francis Ngannou fight

Two standout performances on the MVP MMA 1 card from two big men competing on Saturday night. Former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou and karate combat champion Robellis Despaigne. Both delivered highlight reel knockouts, especially the Cuban over heavyweight legend Junior dos Santos.

If MVP can afford to bring Ngannou back for their next event, they should do so. Likewise for DeSpain. And the ultimate goal is to build up the latter to feel like a legitimate threat to Cameroonians. A potential clash between the two heavyweights could easily headline MVP MMA 3 or 4 in 2027.

Rousey vs. Carano felt like Strikeforce reborn, and that’s a good thing

It’s been a long time since the UFC had a legitimate competitor in terms of vibe. Certainly, Bellator and the PFL have done their best over the last five-plus years to show that they were a worthwhile alternative to the UFC. However, you have to go back to the early 2010s and the last time Strikeforce had a strong No. 2 option in an MMA game.

On Saturday, MVP MMA 1 felt like Strikeforce was reborn, and that’s a good thing. The California-based brand didn’t fail because it couldn’t deliver a good product. Unfortunately its owners were unwilling to invest the money to make it a long-term success, and the UFC bought out its deep and talented roster.

The way the ring entrances were arranged last night, Mauro Ranallo and Kenny Florian were a rock-solid team on commentary, and with a card that featured some good action and finishes, including a submission win for Ronda Rousey, it felt like Strikeforce had been revived. If this is the way MVP MMA is headed, it’s a great thing for MMA fans.

MVP MMA 1 was an entertaining card, and one of its unique elements was a cross-promotion fight between Tuff-N-Uff’s Lightweight Champion and KSW Champion Kenneth Cross and Salahdin Parnasse. That fight also provided an exciting finish to the first round and was a showcase for casual fans of some of your lesser-known talents in the sport.

If MVP can continue to get top talent from regional promotions from around the world and face them, it could be a really fun showcase element to their fight cards that helps both the fighters and those promotions. More than that please.

Rousey vs. Carano delivers an action-packed card

While the Rousey vs. Carano event started with three straight decisions on the preliminary card, the rest of the event was a roller coaster ride of blood, violence, and knockouts. In the end, this is what MMA fans want, and the lack of highlight reel moments was or has been one of the biggest problems for UFC competitors like Bellator and the PFL.

MVP MMA 1 provided value for fans, and the promotion couldn’t have asked for a better card than Saturday in its debut.

Fighters get paid well on MVP MMA 1 card

A big issue for fight fans has been that the UFC’s monopoly on the sport has resulted in surprisingly low pay for their fighters. This also has many in the boxing sport concerned, as TKO – the parent company of the UFC – wants to get the fighter pay structure of the MMA world leaders down to a sweet science.

However, MVP co-owner Jake Paul has always tried to point out the salary issues for fighters in the UFC and has put his money on MVP MMA 1. CSAC released fight purses for the promotion’s first MMA events, and no fighter earned less than $40,000. Additionally, three competitors earned more than $1 million, with Rousey leading the way with $2.2 million.

MVP MMA being successful and increasing the salaries of fighters is a huge potential for the sport.

The Rousey vs. Carano card felt big and MMA desperately needed it

In the end, MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. Carano felt huge. Whether you wanted to watch the two female MMA pioneers fight or not, when you watched it on Netflix, the event and their bout felt gorgeous and meaningful. It felt like a mix of a UFC card and a major boxing event.

It’s been two decades since a significant event happened in MMA that had nothing to do with the UFC. The fact that the card was distributed further increased its relevance. MVP MMA 1 was something the game desperately needed, and hopefully there’s more to come.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves 2025-26 season came to an emphatic end with a victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 by a score of 139-109. The loss means the Wolves are one of 10 teams to never win an NBA championship.

Still, the Timberwolves aren’t far off after reaching the conference finals the past two seasons and facing serious resistance against a team with the second-best record in the league. Still, if Minnesota wants to make a more serious run at its first title next season, changes must come this off-season.

They have a superstar scorer in Anthony Edwards, and a ton of front-court depth they could use in a trade to land another elite scorer or impressive veteran at point guard. With that in mind, we’re taking a look at eight stars the team needs to succeed this summer.

junior holiday

Mike Conley has been a good veteran for the last four seasons. However, at 38, his best days are well behind him, and he may retire this summer. Additionally, Ayo Dosunmu improved his free agent value with a strong postseason performance.

That’s why Jrue Holiday should be a target this offseason. Yes, he’s overpaid, but he’s a winner, and surprisingly, he played a key leadership role in getting the Portland Trail Blazers back to the postseason this year. With Damian Lillard returning next season, he will be the unique guy. Both teams could consider swapping him for Rudy Gobert this summer.

giannis antetokounmpo

After dealing with them in February, you can bet the Timberwolves will trade for Milwaukee Bucks veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo again this summer. The big question is, do they have the young players the Bucks will want?

If Milwaukee were to agree to take players like Gobert or Julius Randle in return, Minnesota would likely give up a hefty amount of draft picks to acquire the two-time MVP.

Fred VanVleet

Another possible option to get a veteran point guard would be Fred VanVleet. The 32-year-old has a player option he can exercise to sign a multi-year deal in the range of $15 million to $20 million annually. Like Holiday, the one-time All-Star is a winning player and could be a real difference maker leading Minnesota’s offense next season. That’s assuming he’s fully recovered from his ACL tear last year.

kyrie irving

If the Timberwolves want to be a little adventurous, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving could be available. There have already been reports that the team will consider moving him next year because the deadline he wants to work with doesn’t line up with franchise newcomer Cooper Flagg.

A package of Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo’s expiring contract, and a future first-round pick should be enough to get a deal done for the 34-year-old who is recovering from an ACL injury last year.

Kevin Durant

There were rumors last season that the Timberwolves had made a strong bid for future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. However, no deal was reached and the Phoenix Suns traded him to the Houston Rockets. While it’s unlikely Houston would move him, keeping a player close to retirement and trading Alpern Sengun would seem like bad business.

Wolves could make a great offer, and the combo of Edwards and his idol making the team for a season or two would be must-see television.

ja morant

One player who could be available at a reasonable rate would be two-time All-Star Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies star’s value has hit an all-time low in recent years due to his injury problems and off-court drama. If the Timberwolves have trouble making big deals, Morant would be an interesting fallback option because if they can get him right, a Morant and Edwards combo would be awesome.

paul george

If Minnesota likes the idea of ​​a player like Durant, but he is unavailable, a backup option would be another future HOFer in Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George. Has he passed his prime and is prone to injury? Yes. But when healthy, he is still an impact player who would be a good third option behind Edwards, and if they keep Randle.

Domantas Sabonis

Speaking of Randle, the front office may decide a divorce is in the best interests of both parties. One player with a similar contract and who also needs a change of scenery is Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis. The three-time All-Star offers a similar skill set and could fit well into Minnesota’s system. The bigger issue is that he missed much of last season due to suffering a meniscus tear.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Los Angeles Clippers took a big risk ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline when they traded talented and affordable center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for a first-round pick. The risk was in the fact that the selection was top four safe, and with one of the worst records in the league, Indy had a great chance to reach the first four spots.

But he did not do so. They moved up to No. 5 in the NBA Draft Lottery, meaning the Clippers will now have the No. 5 pick next month. Or maybe not. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, LA has plenty of options, and he suggested trading the pick to get a star to pair with Kawhi Leonard next year isn’t out of the question.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some potential trade ideas if the Clippers considered moving the No. 5 pick for short- and long-term gains.

Atlanta Hawks picks 8th and 23rd

The Clippers could certainly use the No. 5 pick in exchange for a proven star. But what if they took an NFL-style approach and tried to get a higher pick in Round 1? Many believe the class of 2026 is one of the best in a very long time, so if there was ever a year to go down and get more picks, this is it.

The Atlanta Hawks have a pair of eight-and-23. Moving back just three spots and gaining another pick in the top 25 to get two shots at landing potential stars isn’t a bad idea for a team with only one obvious star who is always waiting for an injury to happen.

Donovan Mitchell

On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers can punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals with a win over the Detroit Pistons. If they don’t do that, and Donovan Mitchell doesn’t sign a max extension he will be eligible for this summer, there is speculation the Cavs could trade the seven-time All-Star.

While the fifth pick won’t be enough to get Mitchell, it’s a great starting point that will certainly tempt Cleveland. They can use the pick to get a cheap replacement for the guard, and the Clippers will have a very interesting one-two, Leonard-Mitchell, punch next season.

paolo banchero

Another route the Clippers could take would be to dangle the No. 5 pick to the Orlando Magic and see if he can be part of a trade package for forward Paolo Banchero. It feels like the Banchero and Magic relationship has hit its stride after blowing a 3-1 lead over the Pistons in the opening round of the playoffs.

A combo with Leonard would be strong, but Banchero would also give them a piece to build around long-term once Leonard is gone for a long time.

Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy

Over the past two seasons, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the rising young stars in the league. While NO is hesitant to trade him, after another poor season, moving him for the No. 5 pick in June would be a return worth pulling the trigger.

While the 25-year-old has plenty of upside and is signed for three more seasons, the Pelicans should also include center Yves Messi in the deal to give the Clippers a good replacement for Zubac next season.

Oklahoma City Thunder picks 12 and 17, plus Isaiah Joe

One last option for the Clippers, if they trade the No. 5 pick, would be for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s selections at picks 12 and 17 in Round 1. OKC doesn’t have many roster spots, so they need to move picks and players. Moving two picks and backup guard Isaiah Joe will open up space and give them another elite prospect to go with their young core.

The trade will give the Clippers two top 20 prospects and a good, young reserve guard in Joe. Those three players could be part of LA’s new core going forward.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday night inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix will be shaking up the mixed martial arts game with their Rousey vs. Carano event. The 11-fight card will showcase the past, present and future of the sport and will feature a star-studded main card.

In the night’s headliner, women’s MMA legends and pioneers, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, will face off in a dream fight that no one ever expected. Additionally, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou will be in action against one-time PFL Champion Phillip Lynn, and fan favorite brawlers Nate Diaz and Mike Perry will face off in a welterweight bout.

Ahead of Saturday’s card, we offer predictions for who will win the evening’s main card bouts.

Junior Dos Santos vs. Robellis Despaigne

Junior dos Santos will go down as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in MMA history. However, the 42-year-old has a lot of wear and tear on his body. Especially his chin. While he has won back-to-back fights at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, he faces a tough matchup against bronze medalist Robellis Despaigne of Cuba on Saturday.

The taekwondo master has speed and length – which he uses well. This is demonstrated during the seven-fight winning streak of the new Karate Combat Heavyweight Champion. If this were 2016, the Brazilian would get the W. But he’s nowhere near that fighter and will have a long night against Despaigne.

Francis Ngannou vs. Philip Lins

At Rousey vs. Carano, former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou returns to the cage for the second time after dethroning the MMA world leader four years ago. While the heavyweight division in MMA is quite weak at the moment, MVP found a strong opponent in “The Predator” Lince.

The former PFL star is entering the fight with a lot of confidence after four consecutive wins in the UFC. However, they were all lightweight. Ngannou will have a massive size and strength advantage. If “Monstro” can stay up and running, he could make this interesting. However, he does not possess great strength, and it seems that it will take only a short time for “The Predator” to catch his prey.

Salahdin Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross

Saturday’s Rousey vs. Carano main card brings an intriguing battle of champions as KSW lightweight king Salahdin Parnasse faces tough-n-uff 155-pound titlist Kenneth Cross. This bout could easily be Fight of the Night as both are talented finishers.

Parnasse has 14 stoppages in 22 wins (7 knockouts and 7 submissions), while Cross has 13 finishes in 17 wins (6 knockouts and 7 submissions). Finally, Parnasse comes from a better promotion where he faces tougher competition. Look for him to approve the decision later this week.

Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry

The fight most fans are waiting for is the welterweight bout between popular brawler Diaz and Perry. The former is one of the most popular fighters in UFC history. However, the age difference in this scrap cannot be ignored.

Diaz turned 41 last month and has 34 fights to his body and chin. Perry has suffered plenty of brain trauma throughout his 22-fight career, but at age 34, he is a far better athlete than he is right now. At the same time, he brings legal power into his hands and is feeling confident having emerged as one of BKFC’s hottest talents.

Diaz is sure to get a lot of stakes, but expect an upset split-decision win for Perry after scoring a few knockdowns during the fight.

Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano

No one expected a fight between Rousey and Carano to ever happen and there were many who did not want it to happen. But we’re getting it on Netflix, and it’s still a dream fight with historical relevance as two of the most important figures in the evolution of women’s MMA.

Both women are motivated and look to be in good shape – especially Carano. But it won’t be a display of elite athleticism as Rousey turned 39 last month and Carano turned 44. The big question is, can Rousey avoid taking some big shots to dominate Carano and throw her around?

Rousey is very durable and is the better athlete of the two at the moment. Furthermore, Carano never came close to facing a wrestler of the silver medalist judoka’s caliber. “Rowdy” should have learned from the knockouts in her previous two fights and been more cautious as she looked for takedowns and forced Carano to tap in Round 2.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

This time last year, gold medal-winning boxer and pound-for-pound superstar Vasiliy Lomachenko capped off his impressive run while competing in the sweet science. The Ukrainian went out on a high note with a knockout win over George Kambosos Jr. in his last fight, and at the age of 37, it looked like his decision would hold after losing two of his last six. Well, that didn’t happen.

On Tuesday, Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger reported that the three-division champion intends to return to the sport this fall, and that he will not compete in a tune-up bout. He wants to jump into the deep end of the pool and is looking for a big money fight.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four potential opponent options for Lomachenko’s next fight.

shakur stevenson

The scrap many fight fans will be hoping for is a matchup with, arguably, the toughest puzzle in the sport at the moment, Shakur Steveson. The 28-year-old has excelled on his way to a 25-0 record and has become one of the most sought-after fighters in boxing.

If the former lightweight champion is looking for a big name and a bigger challenge to return from retirement, there is no better option at lightweight or junior welterweight.

teofimo lopez

Teofimo Lopez became a star in the sport when he scored a stunning decision win over Lomachenko in 2020. It was a defeat the future Hall of Famer never had to avenge. Having suffered defeat against Stevenson in January, a rematch with the Ukrainian would be risky. However, a second win over “High Tech”, even at the age of 38, would one day strengthen his own HOF case.

Ending his retirement to get one back – something he has yet to do for any of his three losses – would be an interesting story as well as a great fight.

Raymond Muratalla

Another interesting option for Vasiliy Lomachenko’s comeback fight would be a scrap with the best fighter at lightweight not named Shakur Stevenson, Raymond Muratalla. The 29-year-old is 24-0 and holds the IBF title after defeating Andy Cruz in January.

It would be no surprise to see Lomachenko jump into title contention immediately, potentially setting up a unification bout with Stevenson early next year.

Naoya Inoue

Although it is unlikely, fight fans would love to see a dream fight between Vasiliy Lomachenko and current pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue. After moving to 33-0 with a decision win over Junto Nakatani this month, there’s really not much else to do around that weight class for the unified junior featherweight king.

At the age of 33, when he is at the peak of his powers, he has to look for bigger opportunities to make money. Would the 122-pound star be willing to move up to 130, and would Lomachenko be willing to move down to make the fight? This is something both men should consider.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Over the weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025-26 season came to a sad end with a 30-point loss and finalizing a four-game sweep by the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Being defeated so badly by its I-95 rivals sent a clear message that changes would be made this summer.

It officially started on Tuesday when the 76ers fired president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. While they would be willing to move Joel Embiid and the $186 million remaining on his contract, the chances of a deal are extremely slim. However, that may not be the case with fellow expensive and frequently injured veteran Paul George.

According to NBA insider Jake Fisher, the nine-time All-Star has “improved his trade value around the NBA somewhat,” and the ability to opt out of the final year of his deal in 2028 and sign a long-term deal at a lower annual average could make him attractive to some teams this summer.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four potential trades the 76ers could make in the offseason for Paul George.

Paul George to Kings for Zach LaVine

The Sacramento Kings have their own well-paid, injury-prone swingman in Zach LaVine. While he is only 31 years old, the two-time All-Star has played 50 or more games only once in the last three seasons. However, assuming they pick up their player option for next season, Philly would still take him in to see what a season with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe would look like.

There is risk in the deal for the Kings because George is older, but if he can’t be traded and can remain on the roster next season, he’s probably a better fit with Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.

Paul George and the Bulls’ 2027 first-rounder for Patrick Williams

In any deal, the 76ers would likely need to take back a bad contract. One idea would be to send George to the Chicago Bulls for Patrick Williams. The forward has three years left on his deal, but the total is less than what George makes in a season. Giving them far more cap flexibility in the short and long term. Especially if they extend the maxi soon.

For the Bulls, if healthy, George makes them far better and can be a veteran leader while they continue to develop Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis. And for the Sixers, they freed up a ton of cap space and gained a solid depth piece for the bench.

Paul George in Heat for Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his current contract with the Miami Heat – which he is expected to do – then he, along with Nikola Jovic, could be a target in a summer Paul George trade to create a money matchup.

While the trade would be a risk for Miami if they can’t make a big deal for a star this summer — Giannis Antetokounmpo — and lose Norman Powell in free agency, George would be a good backup plan to fill that scoring void while improving his defense a bit.

Paul George to Pelicans for Jordan Poole and Herb Jones

Another direction the 76ers could take to move George is to call the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and see about their interest in taking the future Hall of Famer in a deal for Jordan Poole and Herb Jones. The guard will be paid more than $34 million next season, but this is the last year of his deal.

If George can stay healthy for most of the year the Pelicans will definitely be a better team next season. For the 76ers, they get a good bench scorer for one year and a good perimeter defender in Jones to shore up the roster.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Monday night, what was supposed to be a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a serious hamstring injury just before the postseason began. But the Roosters still showed their ability and courage to reach the semi-finals by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.

Still, roster changes are coming this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James may have played his final game in Los Angeles – and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton will almost certainly opt out of the final year of his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren’t too far away from being legitimate title contenders in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding and more athletic versatility on defense.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Sign Isaiah Hartenstein

Although his stats don’t jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is necessary to win and that is what the Lakers need. But beyond those attributes, he is a great rebounder – especially on the offensive boards – a smart and tenacious defender and a skilled passer. If LA can get him for the right price in free agency, he will fill a lot of their needs in the front court.

trade for andrew wiggins

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is a classic 3-and-D player who would be a great fit on this Lakers team. He can guard many wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can’t despite being a legitimate three-point threat – he shot 41% from beyond the arc in 2025-26. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll be off the books after next season.

sign peyton watson

One player who will have a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time to make the jump to the open market. Posting 14.6 points, nearly five rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. Although it may be a small thing at just 23 years old, his success is huge.

With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young players to move forward with them. Watson should be at the top of their wish list. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have a chance to match any offer.

trade for jarrett allen

If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will definitely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings the rebounding, rim-protection and lob threat Doncic wanted. He’s no star, but he’d be a perfect fit for LA.

Although he is still owed three years and more than $90 million, it will be worth it as he could address major needs this summer.

Trade for Yves Missy and Herb Jones

If the Lakers want to go a more budget-friendly route to address some issues, another option would be to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Messi and forward Herb Jones.

Neither of them have impressive offensive stats, but they are impressive defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missy is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. This is not a sexy business, but will yield big profits over the course of the season.

sign michelle robinson

Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring only five points per game, New York Knicks fans can tell you how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender at the center position and rim protector, but his elite offensive rebounding could be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.

Knicks fans will also tell you how hurt the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he’s still only 28 years old and that’s exactly what they need in the middle.

Draft Terrence Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick

The Lakers clearly have options in the free agency and trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second round. One player who should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tyrese Reed Jr.

He is a strong rebounder who is adept at tearing down offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but he also has a solid offensive game after scoring only 20 points per game for the Huskies last season.

Trade up in Round 2 and draft Zubie Ejiofor

If the Lakers are willing to trade up in the second round of the June event, another interesting target would be St. John’s big man Zubie Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and effective rim protector (he averages more than two per game) at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His offensive performance has also taken off after averaging 16 points per game last season.

As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.

Sign Kristaps Porzingis

If the Lakers are looking for an affordable risk with a upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health problems have seriously affected him in the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can make a serious difference on a title contender if healthy.

Although he is not a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lopsided threat and can stretch the floor. Due to his recent illnesses, he could come cheap this summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

wolves Midfielder Joao Gomes is reportedly turning down clubs left and right this summer, including Leeds United, even when some of them are offering more money than Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian has become one of Wolves’ biggest assets after falling short in the Championship. Recent reports have already suggested that Atletico are making a strong move for the 25-year-old, and talks are heading towards a deal worth around €45m (£38.5m).

Now there is a clear picture of how the player himself is facing the situation.

according to the journalist pablo oliveiraJoao Gomes rejected approaches from Zenit St. Petersburg, Atalanta, Galatasaray and even Leeds United.

Interestingly, some of those offers were clearly financially better than those of Atlético Madrid.

Looks like Joao Gomes has made up his mind

This tells a lot about where this story is headed.

The opportunity at Atletico Madrid is reportedly considered unique by the midfielder. It makes sense when you look at the bigger picture – Diego Simeone, Champions League football and the chance to compete near the top of La Liga.

Joao Gomes is not just interested in securing the biggest contract available. And as a result, many clubs have already been sidelined.

The Leeds United angle looks a little different. Joao Gomes adapted well to English football and could easily stay in the country. Instead, he seems ready to do something different.

The mention of Atlanta is also interesting. Atletico initially looked at Ederson first Drawing attention to Joao Gomes. Now the Italian club themselves are reportedly among the parties unable to convince him.

The wolves are now waiting for the next step

Things are becoming clearer from Wolves’ side too.

The club is still in a strong position as Joao Gomes is under contract until 2028. Earlier reports had revealed that Wolves wanted around €46m (£40m), while Atletico’s expected offer is currently around €45m (£38.5m). It’s hardly a difference.

Furthermore, once a player begins to rule out multiple clubs and is clearly leaning toward a destination, negotiations usually become more straightforward.

Having turned down clubs from England, Italy, Turkey and Russia – especially with offers of slightly more money – it seems the midfielder has already chosen the direction he wants to go.

Unless another top European club suddenly changes the picture, Atletico Madrid now appear to be in an extremely strong position.

In the main event of UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev made his first defense of the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland. The defending champion got off to a fast start with an immediate takedown in the first round. He displayed his excellent level of wrestling as Strickland struggled to get back to his feet for most of the round.

However, Chimaev (15-1) was unable to follow up in the second round as the challenger defended several takedown attempts. In a standup battle, Chimaev and Strickland (31-7) slugged it out with back-and-forth exchanges. The champ had his moments, but he was also tagged with jabs and straight right hands.

After a close and competitive contest, Strickland won by split decision to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. The native of the Chechen Republic, Russia will likely look to move up to light heavyweight. We look at potential opponents he could face upon returning to the Octagon.

Azamat Murzakanov

“The Professional” had previously fallen to light heavyweight. Since his UFC debut in 2022, Azamat Murzakanov has won six consecutive fights, five of which came via stoppage. However, he overcame a hurdle after a TKO loss to Paulo Costa in April.

This was the first defeat of his career in 17 matches. Despite recent setbacks, the Russian native remains a threat with his ability to finish opponents at 205 pounds.

jamahal hill

The Chicago, Illinois native is currently winless in his last three fights. Last June, Jamahl Hill lost via unanimous decision against Khalil Rountree Jr., his third consecutive loss. “Sweet Dreams” last win came three years ago, when he defeated Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in January 2023.

He lost the championship belt in a first-round knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 in April 2024. A win over a former world champion in Hill could make a good case for Chimaev as he makes a change in the division.

shaun strickland

“Tarzan” became a two-time champion at 185 pounds with his upset win over Chimaev. Given a close and competitive contest, it would be fair to say that a rematch would have been demanded. It is also unheard of for a former champion to choose a different direction rather than participate in a rematch for the championship title.

However, Chimaev has cited a serious weight cut at middleweight. He reportedly told UFC boss Dana White after the fight about his desire to gain weight. Will Chimaev stick to his word?

Paulo Costa

After spending most of his career at 185 pounds, Paulo Costa made the move to light heavyweight for the second time. He is coming off an impressive TKO win against the previously undefeated Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April. After consecutive losses to Robert Whittaker and Strickland in 2024, “Borachinha” has won two in a row.

The Brazil native would be an ideal opponent as Chimaev looks to test a new weight class at 205 pounds.

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

In the headliner of UFC 328, Sean Strickland entered as the underdog against UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev last Saturday. However, the prospects of conflict were nothing new for the Anaheim, California native. After a dominant performance in the first round where Chimaev controlled Strickland on the ground, it looked like the challenger was in for a long night.

Then Strickland (31-7) turned the tide in round two, as he scored several takedowns from the defending champion. Chimaev (15-1) suddenly looked vulnerable inside the octagon, with Strickland jabbing and landing a straight right hand. After five tough rounds, “Tarzan” won by split decision to become a two-time champion at 185 pounds and hand the Russian native his first defeat.

As Strickland enters his second reign as the Middleweight Kingpin, we look at who he might face in his first title defense.

joe pifer

“Bodybagz” has compiled an impressive 7-1 record since his UFC debut in 2022. Only one of those wins has come via decision. Joe Pfeiffer suffered a setback in February 2024 after losing a unanimous decision against Jack Hermansson. Since then, he has been on a four-fight winning streak, with three Performance of the Night bonuses. The Vineland, New Jersey native is coming off the biggest win of his career.

In March, he defeated former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya by second-round TKO. As one of the top rising contenders at 185 pounds, Pifer is closing in on a title shot.

dricus du plessis

The native of Welcome, South Africa previously reigned as the 185-pound kingpin from 2024 to 2025. In two defenses of the UFC middleweight title, Darius du Plessis achieved victories over Adesanya and Strickland (in a rematch for the title). However, last August, “Stillknox” suffered a lopsided unanimous decision loss against Chimaev and was deprived of the championship title.

Although Du Plessis may need a bounce-back win to get back into title contention, he remains one of the biggest names in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev

Although a rematch between Strickland and Chimaev is unlikely, they fought a very close and competitive match. Given his competitive nature, it is surprising that Chimaev might not choose to avenge his first professional defeat. The former UFC middleweight champion has been vocal about the difficulties he faced in losing weight at 185 pounds.

The native of the Chechen Republic, Russia will likely look to move up to light heavyweight. UFC boss Dana White also revealed that after the fight Chimaev told him he no longer wanted to compete at middleweight. But money talks, and he can always be persuaded to participate in a rematch.

Nasourdin Imavov

“The Sniper” is currently on a five-fight winning streak and is possibly the frontrunner for the title. Nasourdin Imamov scored a major upset TKO victory over Adesanya in February 2025. He followed that up with a wide unanimous decision win against fellow top-contender Caio Borralho last September. It was the only defeat of the Brazilian native’s UFC career since his debut in 2022.

Imavov previously met Strickland in January 2023, where he lost via unanimous decision. If they meet a second time, can Imavov change the narrative with the championship title at stake?

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

On Saturday night, WWE will return to the ESPN app with the 2026 edition of Backlash. The event, taking place in Tampa, FL, will be headlined by a World Heavyweight Championship match between cousins ​​Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. And the card will also include the reveal of Dannhausen’s mystery partner for the tag match against Kit Wilson and The Miz.

However, there is another big reveal planned for the event. And that’s an announcement from WWE icon John Cena that will reportedly “shake the foundation of WWE,” according to the future Hall of Famer. Rumors suggest that this club will be related to the launch of WWE. However, it may ultimately get a lot of praise from Tampa fans.

With that in mind, we’re offering five fun speculations about John Cena’s Backlash announcement.

John Cena announces location for WrestleMania 44

WrestleMania 43 is going to take place in Saudi Arabia next year. However, there has been a lot of new speculation on where 44 will be. Recent reports have revealed that Nashville and Ireland are in the running for the event. Considering all the recent news, Cena is likely to announce the location for WrestleMania 44 at Backlash.

John Cena reveals date of 2026 WWE Draft

For years, the annual WWE Draft became a major week on the company calendar. However, last year the event was skipped entirely, and instead, WWE went with the Transfer Portal. With complaints that the product has become a bit stale recently, both Raw and SmackDown really need the roster overhaul that the draft can bring. Fans will welcome the announcement of the 2026 WWE Draft at Backlash.

John Cena announces WWE has purchased the rights to Lucha Underground

There has been a lot of speculation among fans for the past few years regarding the return of Lucha Underground. The brand, which ran for four years from 2014 to 2018, still has a huge number of supporters. Especially since it played a major role in the careers of many current and former WWE stars.

It would be a lot of fun if Cena announced that WWE has purchased the rights to the brand to get a video library and plans to bring the company back with bi-weekly programs.

John Cena reveals plans for a performance center in Mexico

The WWE Performance Center has been one of the biggest successes in the company’s history. Instead of relying solely on talent from the indies or other companies, he created a wrestling factory that developed future stars.

After purchasing AAA last year, there were rumors that the company might open a new performance center in Mexico. It’s possible that this could be Cena’s announcement at Backlash.

John Cena reveals WWE has purchased TNA Wrestling

If Cena’s announcement is to truly shake up WWE, it needs to be monumental. New details on Club WWE won’t do that. However, it would be revealed that he purchased TNA. There has been speculation for some time that the company would purchase its longtime competitor. The working relationship over the past two years may have set the stage for an eventual purchase.

Although this would not be good for the wrestlers and staff, TNA’s video library and brand would be a very valuable asset to WWE.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday night, the MMA world leaders return to Paramount+ for their latest mega event, UFC 328. The card inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center will feature 13 fights and a pair of championship matchups.

In the main event, middleweight king Khamzat Chimaev defends his title for the first time when he faces the challenge of former champion Sean Strickland. In the co-headlining, new UFC flyweight champion Joshua Vann takes on the challenge of top contender Tatsuro Taira.

Bookies will have a lot of bets for Saturday’s matches. But which has the best chance of a big payout? We look at six potential upsets at UFC 328 to waste your hard-earned money.

Jeremy Stephens defeats King Green

One bout that has Fight of the Night potential is the bout between MMA greybeards King Green and Jeremy Stephens. With both men turning 40 this year, they are far from their prime, and have a combined 39 losses on their cage fighting resumes. That means this fight is completely unpredictable and can go either way.

Green is a big favorite among bookmakers for good reason. Stephens has not won an MMA fight in four years, and Green is on a two-fight win streak. However, they both have a lot of fight on their chin. However, “Lil Heathen” still has reset-button power in his hands, which could be a problem for weak chins.

Green will outlast Stephens, but there is a huge risk of pressing the restart button.

Jim Miller defeated Jared Gordon

UFC 328 features a matchup of tri-state graybeards when 42-year-old Jim Miller takes on 37-year-old Jared Gordon. New York native Gordon is a solid favorite as his New Jersey opponent is trying to squeeze whatever is left out of his body as a professional athlete.

Miller’s win over Damon Jackson in 2024 shows he is still dangerous. And only eight of Gordon’s 21 wins being knockouts is another big plus for Miller’s aging chin. Although he may struggle in Round 1, hopefully Miller will ultimately use his wrestling and pull off an upset victory in front of his home state fans.

Roman Kopylov defeated Marco Tullio Silva

Roman Kopylov is a sleeper underdog to keep an eye on at UFC 328. He has lost his last two and faces a dangerous striker in Marco Tullio Silva, who had scored four consecutive KO wins before a surprise defeat in November. Also, Silva is four years younger.

However, the devil is in the details, and Kopylov’s defeat came against high-level competition in Gregory Rodriguez and Paulo Costa. The Russian is also a very skilled striker with legitimate knockout talent. Look for him to use it and get back in the win column on Saturday.

William Gomis defeated Pat Sabbatini

Talented wrestler Pat Sabbatini returns to action at UFC 328 on Saturday and is the heavy favorite against France’s William Gomis. We all know how Western European talent struggles with wrestlers and maybe that’s why the Americans are the favorites.

However, Sabbatini will turn 36 later this year, and age catches up quickly on fighters, especially in the lower weight classes. Gomis is a skilled striker and good athlete who will do enough to avoid takedowns and earn a decision victory in New Jersey.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta defeated Alexander Volkov

One of the bigger bouts at UFC 328 – in terms of relevance and sheer size – is the heavyweight bout between top contender Alexander Volkov and red-hot Dominican Waldo Cortes-Acosta. A case could be made that the winner should be next in line for a title fight if Tom Aspinall doesn’t yet have his sights set on a return in the fall.

Volkov’s height is always a big problem for his opponents and he knows how to use it well. However, Cortes-Acosta is a slight underdog as he has scored three consecutive KO wins and is a much better athlete than he looks. Volkov should win due to his length and experience, but we are seeing an upset due to “Salsa Boy’s” speed and athleticism advantages.

Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev

All eyes will be on Saturday’s main event bout between Strickland and Chimaev at UFC 328 as they present huge tests for each other. Can the American be the first to slow down and stop Chimaev’s wrestling attack? What will he do if “Borz” can’t wrestle to victory and has to go into the deep end of the pool with the guy who has the best gas tank in the division?

What’s interesting about this matchup is that they have trained together, so Strickland has a feel for Chimaev’s strengths and techniques. This is a huge benefit for him. Don’t be surprised if the former champion loses the first three rounds, but his gas tank and output turned the tide in the second half of the fight, and he ultimately overpowered Chimaev to score a shocking TKO victory in the fifth round.

Chimaev is a big favorite and should win, but there are some unique elements to this fight that make it a worthwhile risk to bet against him.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday night, WWE returned with its latest premium live event, Backlash. The card in Tampa, FL features just five matches and will also include a special announcement from WWE icon John Cena. There’s always a chance for surprises when it comes to WWE PLE, and the last two editions of Backlash included the emergence of new members to the Solo Sequoia version of Bloodline.

With that in mind, we present five potential surprises to look out for on Saturday at Backlash.

Kairi Sane will make a surprise return at WWE Backlash

To the dismay of many WWE fans, women’s division stalwart Kairi Sane was one of nearly 30 roster releases over the past few weeks. This left many disappointed as she was unable to complete her ongoing storyline with longtime friend Asuka.

However, in recent times there have been rumors that Sane may make a special appearance at Backlash to finish what he started. Given how much TV time was devoted to the storyline over the past year, look for Sane to make a one-off return to help Iyo Sky defeat Asuka.

Braun Breaker defeated Seth Rollins at Backlash

Had it not been for an unfortunate injury, Seth Rollins would have faced Braun Breaker at WrestleMania 42. However, instead, we got this huge grudge match at Backlash. The couch booker in all of us would suggest that Rollins gets the W on Saturday as The Breaker played a role in his loss to Gunther at ‘Mania and has consistently gained the upper hand on his former mentor since then.

However, Rollins is a made man, and WWE is working hard to develop future WrestleMania main eventers. While fans would love a Rollins victory, don’t be surprised if Breaker’s run of success against the former leader of The Vision continues this weekend.

Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu ends in disqualification

The main event of Backlash will see Roman Reigns defend the World Heavyweight Title for the first time against his cousin, “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu. If there’s any guarantee on Saturday, it’s that Reigns isn’t losing his title. However, getting a decisive and clean win over Fatu may not benefit the company long term as he is someone they are trying to build into a main event talent.

That’s why we predict Backlash will end with a disqualification to ensure that Reigns hold on to the title and that they keep Fatu strong to set up another match in their next PLE.

John Cena will announce the return of WWE Draft

WWE legend John Cena has been bullish about his appearance at Backlash and on Thursday claimed his announcement would “shake the foundation of WWE.” There is speculation that this club will be related to the launch of WWE. However, it may ultimately lead to boos from the crowd in Tampa.

To avoid an unpleasant moment with the beloved legend, we predict the company will go in the other direction and announce the return of WWE Draft. They didn’t do that in 2024, and both Raw and SmackDown are in desperate need of a change in the status quo.

‘Cola Man Punk’ will be Danhausen’s mystery partner

One of the most anticipated elements of Backlash this year was the reveal of who Danhausen’s mystery opponent would be in the tag match against The Miz and Kit Wilson. There has been much speculation as to who he might be, including the sinister return of Jelly Roll. However, we expect WWE to deliver a fan-pleasing moment that will partner “Cola Man Punk”, aka CM Punk.

Danhausen and Punk are real-life friends, and the latter played a big role in bringing the former to WWE. Punk is not in a storyline at the moment, and this would be a fun way to put him in action in a great moment and create an unlikely team-up on television.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On May 16, World Elite Sumo, the top sumo league outside Japan, will return with a one-night, 12-man single elimination tournament inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Same location as this Saturday’s UFC 328 card.

It’s a very different time in combat sports as fans now have a ton of options. However, it also means more options for combat athletes beyond just boxing and mixed martial arts. Power Slap, Real American Freestyle and UFC BJJ are just some of the combat brands offering new paths to fame and fortune for athletes. You can also add WES to the list.

The company, founded in 2025 by sumo star Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shallan, is trying to bring the 2,000-year-old sport and martial arts closer to the American public than ever before. And as it grows, it could attract some interesting talent looking to blaze a trail in the new game.

With that in mind, we’re taking a look at six sports stars we’d love to see compete in World Elite Sumo.

aaron donald

Retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald was one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs this century. A big reason for this, beyond his football IQ, was that he was an eight-time All-Pro and a Hulk of a man. At 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds of pure muscle, Donald was an unstoppable force at times during his career.

Unlike some of his contemporaries, Donald seems to be handling retirement well as he walks away from the game in 2023. However, at only 34 years old, he may still have the will to compete hard. World Elite Sumo will offer an interesting alternative.

pacific ocean

After suffering his seventh consecutive loss at UFC Perth last week, falling to 14-10, it’s safe to say that Tai Tuivasa’s run in the UFC is over. Furthermore, a case can be made for reconsidering the idea of ​​greater brain damage in cage fighting. So why not try sumo wrestling?

At 6-foot-2 and about 265 pounds, he’s a big athlete. However, what made this heavyweight so popular in the UFC was his fun-loving, carefree attitude and, of course, drinking beer out of shoes. Tuivasa could become a star at WES with his personality alone.

Brock Lesnar

At WrestleMania 42, WWE and UFC legend Brock Lesnar ended his wrestling career. Winning major titles in amateur wrestling, the UFC, and WWE concluded what was to be the greatest combat sports career ever. Or maybe not.

As arguably the best combat athlete the world has ever seen, what if Lesnar looked to rise to the pinnacle of another great sport? Even at 48 years old, “The Beast” is still an amazing athlete and should be competitive. But more than anything, it will bring a lot of attention to the new promotion because Lesnar is such a big star.

Roy Nelson

Roy “Big Country” Nelson was a beloved fan-favorite in the UFC for eight years because of his unparalleled toughness and a physique that the average Joe could appreciate. Yet, while Nelson did not look like an athlete, Nelson was much more talented than he was given credit for.

Nelson has shown that he is always looking for a good payday. If he’s still in solid shape at 49, he could be a realistic option to bring to World Elite Sumo to create some fun matchups and moments.

bronson reed

WWE is always open to interesting crossovers and has had sumo stars in the ring in the past. If the No. 1 company in wrestling was interested in a fun crossover and sent one of its talents to WES, Australian Bronson Reed seems like the perfect fit for it.

His physical build is that of a classic sumo wrestler. However, he is an excellent athlete, and these gifts may allow him to become immediately competitive despite his inexperience in the sport.

rob gronkowski

While New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski left his post five years ago, he can still be found everywhere in the sports and entertainment world. Including appearances for WWE shortly after his retirement.

An NFL legend is always up for a good time if the pay is right. Seeing Gronkowski in a sumo match would be a lot of fun and would bring a lot of attention to World Elite Sumo. Furthermore, the 36-year-old is still in great shape and can continue to dominate when it comes to pure power.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Boston Celtics performed better than anyone expected in 2025-26. They entered this season with very low expectations as there was no guarantee that top star Jayson Tatum would suit up as he recovered from a torn Achilles suffered the previous spring. However, an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown and a defense that gave up a league-leading 107.2 points per game, earning them the No. 2 seed in the East playoffs.

With Tatum returning in March and immediately looking impressive, the Celtics began the postseason as favorites to reach the NBA Finals. However, despite having a 3–1 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, they were surprisingly eliminated in the opening round for the first time since the bubble playoffs.

His exit in the first round raises many questions on the structure of this team. Could they be finals contenders as they try to field two players with supermax contracts? Is making the playoffs every year enough? If the goal is to compete for championships, the Celtics need to make some big changes.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five bold deals the Celtics could make this summer.

Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and first-round picks Jaylen Brown in 2028, 2030 and 2032

If the Celtics decide they need to move one of those supermax contracts, Brown will likely be the odd man out, despite being an MVP candidate. But if they ever wanted to trade him, now would be the right time as his value is as high as it will ever be.

If there’s any glaring weakness for Boston, it’s in the front court. If they trade Brown, they still have strong core talent in Tatum and Derrick White. This is why Miami Heat great Bam Adebayo could be a trade target. He will give them both a defensive force on the front line and a good scorer who will help make up for the points left due to losing the Browns.

A deal that sends Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and two future first-round picks should get a deal done.

Jaylen Brown, Malik Monk, two first picks, including lottery selection in June, for Domantas Sabonis

Another potential target to strengthen the front court could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. While the Sacramento Kings star isn’t a defensive force, he is an elite rebounder and can stretch the floor just like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

To put the money to work, the Celtics would need to pick up the two years and $41 million remaining on Malik Monk’s contract. But if they get two first-rounders back in the deal, including the Kings’ lottery pick in June, that’s fine. The biggest issue is that Sacramento will have to find a trade for Zach LaVine and/or DeMar DeRozan after a deal is made.

Derrick White for Jakob Poeltl and Grady Dick

The Celtics don’t need to trade Brown to be better in 2026-27. However, this would mean they would have to move on from fan-favorite defensive player Derrick White. A potential trade could see the two-time All-Defensive Team honoree sent to the Toronto Raptors for centers Jakob Poeltl and Grady Dick.

While it’s not a sexy trade on the surface, Poeltl is a rock-solid and strong anchor in the front court that does everything you need to stabilize that position. As for Dick, he could be a potential steal who could be an impact player in Joe Mazzulla’s three-point-heavy attack.

Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Since Brown had such an impressive season, another option would be a swap for Milwaukee Bucks great Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Greek icon has more accolades, Brown is a few years younger and far healthier than the 10-time All-Star has been in recent years. If necessary, the Celtics can add a future first-rounder, but they shouldn’t add more than that.

The Bucks will get to build a new star in his prime, while the Celtics can experiment with the combo of Antetokounmpo and Tatum for a season. If that doesn’t work out, they free up a ton of cap space after next season if he opts out in search of a new long-term deal.

Jaylen Brown for Alpern Sengun, Fred VanVleet and two first-round picks

An interesting young star who could be on the trade block this summer, and who addresses the Celtics’ frontcourt needs, is Houston Rockets two-time All-Star Alpern Sengun. While he has been questioned for his play consistently and early in the playoffs, he is still only 23 and has excelled in Ime Udoka’s defense-first system.

Houston would be interested in a championship by pairing Jaylen Brown with Kevin Durant in 2026-27. But Sengun and Tatum have plenty of long-term potential. Additionally, to make the money work, the Celtics would get veteran guard Fred VanVleet (if he opts into the final year of his deal) and two future first-round picks.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The possibility of Paolo Banchero being traded out of Orlando this summer is very high, according to a new report.

While the Orlando Magic star hasn’t been the dominant force the team needed as a former No. 1 pick, the 23-year-old is still a very talented player. He showed this with his 38 and 45-point performances in the playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. However, it cannot be denied that he has been the face of a team that has suffered first-round exits in three consecutive seasons.

For now, head coach Jamahl Mosley is taking the blame after being fired on Monday. However, an interesting report from ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst doesn’t look good for Banchero.

“They’re kind of a mess. Their ceiling isn’t very high with Paolo. Their roster construction is off right now,” said one East scout. “…It’s hard to see him leading his team.”

If scouts feel that way about Banchero, it’s likely Magic management feels the same way, especially considering they’ve played well without him during the season. If Orlando does boldly trade the 2022 No. 1 pick, let’s take a look at five teams that could target a trade.

dallas mavericks

Now that Masai Ujiri has been installed as the new president of the Dallas Mavericks, the team will certainly be aggressive in building the roster around last year’s No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavs have the contracts to make a deal work, but they would have to give up some future first-round picks to garner interest from the Magic. If they do, the combination of Flagg and Banchero will excite Dallas fans for the next five years.

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets desperately need a long-term face of the franchise. Their rebuild has been poor so far, and they don’t seem eager to make Michael Porter Jr. the heart of their roster. The Nets certainly have draft assets and interesting young talent. The big question is, does Orlando see a big upside in many of its first-round prospects from last June?

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings will be aggressive in making changes to their roster this offseason after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign. They have two additional first-rounders in the upcoming draft, including two in 2027. What makes the Kings an interesting trade partner is that Orlando could return future first-rounder and three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.

Despite his age (just turned 30) and injury problems this season, the forward and first-rounder would be a nice return for Orlando. While Sactown have got a new young star in the deal.

phoenix sun

The Phoenix Suns made great strides in 2025-26 after being one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA a season ago. New head coach Jordan Ott implemented a more defensive-minded system that would certainly fit with Banchero, as he played for the Magic.

He won’t come cheap and may cost him some future first-round picks, but the combo of Banchero and Devin Booker could make Phoenix a force in the West for the next few years.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are going through a major transformation. They have a new front office leader and are looking for a replacement for head coach Billy Donovan. Chicago also needs a proven star to be the face of this new era.

They definitely don’t want to trade Josh Giddy or Matas Buzelis. But they could offer multiple first-round picks, including one of their two potential selections in a stacked draft next month. It might not be enough to convince Orlando, but they could work out a pretty good trade package.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson revealed on Monday that the “majorly driven talent” in WWE was asked and accepted to take a significant pay cut. The news came a day before Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were moved to WWE’s alumni section following their reported mutual departure from the company following a contract restructuring request.

“[We were] Reportedly a highly pushed talent was asked to take a 50% pay cut, and allegedly did so,” Johnson wrote. ”I’m not naming the genius because I have no way of yet confirming that this was the case, but the timing of that claim and what happened the next day was very interesting to say the least.”

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp said on X that several talents were asked to take pay cuts by WWE, although he did not specify which names were included.

Keeping all this in mind, let’s guess which famous star has accepted the pay cut rumor recently.

la night

LA Knight is the most obvious, seeing his decline over the last few years and not being used as often as he used to. Knight can stick with WWE for a few more years, be used as they see fit, and that will pay off his bank account. WWE might also know that Knight does not want to leave from there and go anywhere else.

logan paul

While this may be a reach, Logan Paul fits the bill as he has gone from being a guy in the mix in top tier storylines to now being involved in a tag team with Austin Theory. Money is not an issue for him, and he would probably do WWE for free at this point because of his love for the sport.

belle

Bayley likes wrestling and WWE. If the company comes to her asking for a pay cut, we can see her being happy to do so because she absolutely loves her job and coworkers. He is seen in regular roles on TV, although he is no longer the main announcer. Maybe Bailey is also thinking of big plans and is aiming to establish a job in the company after leaving the job.

The Miz

The Miz has been in WWE for two decades and has earned his keep, as well as being secure in whatever role WWE has asked him to play. He has fame and legacy. Now he wants to help young talents learn. He’s a good fit for the company, but he probably has a bigger contract than he’s used to. After the wrestling is over, he’s probably also thinking about the bigger picture and the work backstage.

In his debut at 200 pounds, David Benavidez challenges unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez this Saturday. The “Mexican Monster” dominated early and defeated Ramirez with very fast hands. In the fourth round, Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) landed a five-punch combination that dropped the defending champion to one knee.

The challenger continued to punish Ramirez with left hooks and right hands in the sixth round, as he was knocked down for the second time. However, “Zardo” failed to beat the referee’s count, and Benavidez scored a TKO victory to become the new WBA (Super) and WBO cruiserweight champion.

Following his win, the three-division champion called out several big names including Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol. We also consider other names that would be ideal matchups for Benavidez’s next opponent.

Jai Opetaia

There’s no doubt how big a fight with Jay Opetaia would be for the division. Even Benavidez expressed interest in the possibility when asked about fellow undefeated cruiserweights. Except that the former 200-pound IBF and Ring Magazine titleholder signed with Zuffa Boxing in January. He defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision in March to claim the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title.

With two big punchers facing off, can a crossover promotion make the fight a success?

artur beterbiev

The native of Dagestan, Russia has not fought since a unanimous decision loss to Bivol in February 2025, which was a rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Benavidez did not rule out a return to 175 pounds, where he also holds the WBC title. Of Beterbiev’s 21 wins, only one has gone the full distance. Due to his brute power, Beterbiev will certainly give the WBC light heavyweight champion a tough test.

A victory over the former 175-pound undisputed champion would certainly add a notable name to Benavidez’s resume.

Dmitry Bivol

The WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion is set to defend his title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30. Benavidez referred to Bivol as “No. 1 on his hit list”, and it’s no surprise. Since his light heavyweight debut in 2024, Benavidez has been clear about his desire to challenge for the undisputed championship. There’s no doubt this is the biggest fight at 175 pounds.

canelo alvarez

The Mexican icon has been targeted by Benavidez for years. While Alvarez never demonstrated a mutual desire in a potential fight, Benavidez has not forgotten the former four-division titleholder. After the unified cruiserweight champion once again called out “Canelo” in front of a cheering crowd last Saturday, it seems the fans haven’t forgotten either. Alvarez last fought at 175 pounds in May 2022, where he lost a unanimous decision to Bivol for the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.

If Benavidez captures the undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship, will Alvarez shift gears?

Born and raised in New York City, Jimmy Robles received a journalism degree from Queens College in 2017. Before… More About Jimmy Robles

The Orlando Magic rumors became reality Monday morning. After blowing a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series against the 1-seed Detroit Pistons and being eliminated from the postseason on Sunday, the organization fired head coach Jamahl Mosley.

There has been speculation for months that the 47-year-old was on thin ice. Winning the series would have almost sealed the comeback. However, not only did the Magic blow a 3–1 lead, they were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. This was the last straw for management, and Mosley is out after posting a 189–221 record and reaching the postseason three times during his five seasons in Orlando.

With the Magic now looking for a new head coach, we present six replacement options, including the head coach of college basketball’s defending champions.

billy donovan

What many new NBA fans may not realize is that the former Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls head coach actually accepted the job as head coach of the Magic in 2007. However, he surprisingly backed out of the agreement to stay in Florida and remained there for eight more seasons before moving to the NBA.

However, after stepping down as Bulls coach last month, he is back on the market and would be an interesting option. While his time in Chicago was mostly disappointing, he had good success in OKC and became a legend in the college ranks after winning two Nationals. He will likely be on Orlando’s candidate list.

Sam Cassell

Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.

For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. He should definitely be considered for Orlando.

dusty may

Michigan head coach Dusty Mays is on top of the college basketball world after leading the program to its first championship in nearly 40 years. His stock in the industry has never been higher, especially since he did it with smart team building through zero market.

Maybe that’s why Mark Stein reports that he has fans inside the Magic’s front office who would like to talk to him if possible. However, an NBA insider says, “The expectation at this point in the college game is that May will stay with the Wolverines after winning everything in March”.

Mika Nori

Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coaching jobs over the past few years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nouri. He’s been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there is none more prepared and respected than Nori.

Furthermore, he has been instrumental in developing a team with a strong defensive backbone. This makes him a strong fit for the talented, defensive-leaning roster the Magic already have.

Tom Thibodeau, former head coach of the New York Knicks

Former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was unfairly fired this time last year after his team failed to reach the NBA Finals. Yes, he has a Marty Schottenheimer-level allergy to reach the championship round, but wherever he’s been, he’s been a very good coach for a long time.

With the Magic already being a strong defensive team, they fit Thibodeau’s style quite well. The big question is, are the Magic capable of being better than they were in the first round, or do they feel they have a roster that is one coach away from winning it all?

Chris Quinn, Miami Heat assistant

Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is sure to land a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game due to their potential.

Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest acolytes and can bring what has worked for him over the past decade to Orlando. Acquiring a top assistant from an in-state rival will be an interesting story next season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday at UFC Perth, Jack Della Maddalena fell further down the UFC welterweight mountain after a heavy defeat to heavy-hitter Carlos Prates.

The Brazilian used his length and speed to fire powerful, accurate shots through the Australian guards. Outside of a round 1 takedown, Della Maddalena’s grappling was ineffective. Then in round 3, Prates landed some dangerous elbows, before a big leg kick took Della Maddalena down and lost by TKO at 3:17 of the third round.

Although this setback has pushed Dela Maddalena far out of the title picture, she is still a former UFC champion with a strong resume. Therefore, it is certain that he will face a big challenge in his next match. With that in mind, let’s look at four next battle options for JDM.

New UFC welterweight rankings: Carlos Prates defeats JDM in UFC Perth main event

Joaquin Buckley vs. Shawn Brady Winner

Next week, top 10 welterweights Joaquin Buckley and Sean Brady will face off on the main card of UFC 328. Any one of these former titles would be a suitable next fight for the list. A fierce battle between JDM and Buckley has the potential to be Fight of the Year. While a showdown with Brady could show once and for all that the 29-year-old’s victory over elite wrestler Belal Muhammad last year was no fluke.

Kamru Usman

After three consecutive losses, welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman scored an impressive victory against Joaquin Buckley last June. He has been on the sidelines since then as he next looks for a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This does not seem possible.

The future Hall of Famer wants fights that interest him. A fight between the two former champs could certainly bring Usman back into the Octagon in the autumn.

leon edwards

Fellow former 170-pound champion Leon Edwards is in a tough situation. After looking like a future welterweight legend in late 2023, the Englishman has lost three in a row, the last two coming at the hands of Brady and Prates. He desperately needs to win.

Yet his name value will not allow him to keep pace with rivals outside the top 10. This is why the plan could be for both Edwards vs. JDM. Additionally, if the bout was a Fight Night headliner in England, it could be the UFC’s last chance to squeeze any remaining name value out of Edwards.

gabriel bonfim

After a surprise defeat to Nicolas Dalby at the end of 2023, Gabriel Bonfim has caught fire. He has won four in a row, including a victory over division great Stephen Thompson last year. If he can defeat former champion Belal Muhammad in June, he deserves the next top-five caliber opponent, and Jack Della Maddalena could be his huckleberry.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Carlos Prates solidified his place as a legitimate welterweight title contender at UFC Perth on Saturday. In the biggest fight of his career, the Brazilian took on former 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena in a main event matchup in JDM’s home nation and it didn’t take long to see who was the better fighter.

Prats used his length and speed to deliver hard, accurate shots through his enemy’s guard. Although he gave up a takedown in Round 1 and laughed at the fact that JDM resorted to grappling to defeat him, he completely shut down his efforts the rest of the fight.

He landed a nasty leg kick at the end of round 2 which was the beginning of the end for the former champion. Then in round 3, he landed some dangerous elbows, before another leg kick dropped Della Maddalena again and secured the victory by TKO for Prates at 3:17 of the third round.

Although Carlos Prates probably won’t get a title fight in his comeback, he’s sure to get another big prize later this year. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the next four fight options for the welterweight star.

Kamru Usman

After three consecutive losses, welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman scored an impressive victory against Joaquin Buckley last June. He has been on the sidelines since then as he next looks for a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This does not seem possible.

While Prates is dangerous, this is a good matchup for Usman, and defeating him could secure the title fight he wants. For the Brazilian, it will also be a chance to add a third former champion to his hit list and secure a title fight this year.

Belal Muhammad (if he beats Gabriel Bonfim)

Former champion Belal Muhammad will have a chance to get back on his winning streak and end a two-fight losing streak against fast-rising star Gabriel Bonfim next month. If he can get his first win since July 2024, it would mean a clash with Prats in the autumn.

It will be a chance for the American to prove he can still hang with the young contenders in the top five, and for Prats, it will be the toughest test of his takedown defense yet.

ian machado gary

If Prates wants to prove he’s worthy of a title fight soon, avenging his only loss in the UFC – a blowout to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025 – should be an option. Both have possibly been blocked from a title fight by Michael Morales. So the No. 1 contenders facing off in a rematch could easily headline another Fight Night card. Especially if it’s in Brazil.

The big question is, will Gary be willing to risk another clash with Prats? This will be a tough sell. Maybe the UFC could make it part of a four-man title tournament?

Islam Makhachev

Will Prats next jump into a title shot with new champ Makhachev? Probably not. But fight booking is a strange thing, especially when injuries or priorities come into play. There’s no doubt that the champ is simply looking for a favorable matchup because he’s not getting the fight he really wants.

While Prats deserves respect, the Russian may try to steal his momentum and show that there are many levels to grapple with in a matchup in which he should perform well and receive a big check for it.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Brady Tkachuk trade rumors have become more rampant over the past week. After the Ottawa Senators were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes, there has been talk of Tkachuk moving to a different team. After all, this sounds very similar to Quinn Hughes, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild during the 2025-26 NHL season.

Tkachuk has a no-movement clause, meaning he must approve a trade from Ottawa to any organization. The 26-year-old forward is one of the NHL’s most polarizing players. With two years remaining on his contract, trading Tkachuk wouldn’t be cheap. Only a few teams could realistically do that this summer.

Below, we consider five landing spots for Tkachuk as trade rumors heat up, including the Florida Panthers.

chicago blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have not made the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2020, but Tkachuk will take the team to the next level. Emerging superstar Connor Bedard would be an excellent fit with the Senators at forward, and Chicago has arguably the best prospect system in the NHL. It will be questionable whether Tkachuk will approve the Blackhawks, but the organization should at least attempt to do so.

detroit red wings

The Detroit Red Wings have the longest playoff drought in the NHL, but adding Tkachuk would be great for the organization. Detroit needs more physicality and general manager Steve Yzerman is adamant on the need for better players. The biggest question is why Tkachuk would approve a trade with Detroit this summer. The Red Wings should try to give Tkachuk a reason to stay in Detroit with a big offseason.

utah mammoth

The Utah Mammoth have the assets to trade for Tkachuk this offseason. Plus, if the 26-year-old forward wants to win, Utah would be a good landing spot. The Mammoth are currently in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and look like a team that can advance to the second round. If Utah makes a deep run, it could open the door for Tkachuk to join a Stanley Cup-caliber organization.

st louis blues

The St. Louis Blues could be one of the favorites to trade Tkachuk this offseason. Tkachuk grew up in St. Louis and is close to Blues center Robert Thomas. While the Senators would like to see Thomas in a potential trade, Tkachuk would like to play with his close family friend. The NHL organization was no closer to making the playoffs, but Tkachuk may have had a deep desire to play in St. Louis.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers are undoubtedly the top landing spot for Tkachuk. After earning two Stanley Cup rings, Florida missed the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Led by Brady’s brother Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers should return to contention after an injury-filled season. The Panthers will have a top-10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and Tkachuk would love to play alongside his brother in the playoffs.

READ MORE: Is Brady Tkachuk leaving the Ottawa Senators? Insider spills major trading rumors

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

The hammer finally fell on Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson on Tuesday morning. After a poor 9–19 start and losing 11 of their last 12, the club fired the manager a month into his fifth season. Bench coach – and former captain of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins – Don Mattingly has been given the keys to the team as interim manager and will be asked to guide them back into playoff contention over the remainder of the season.

Thompson’s dismissal ended a more than four-year run where the Phillies were a consistent playoff team, reaching the World Series in their first season (2022), but never reaching the potential of an expensive roster. While Mattingly is a solid replacement who could turn this campaign around, things could go in a bad direction in the coming months.

If Mattingly can’t save the Phillies this season, let’s take a look at five potential options to take over as full-time manager next season.

Albert Pujols, Angels special assistant and team DR manager

St. Louis Cardinals icon Albert Pujols has quietly emerged as an intriguing managerial candidate in baseball circles. Since retiring four years ago, he has worked as a special assistant for the Los Angeles Angels and was a candidate for their manager’s job in the fall.

In March, he offered evidence of his captaincy skills when he guided a star-studded Dominican Republic team to the World Baseball Classic semifinals. Showing he can deal with a room full of big personalities and egos. This, along with his impressive resume as a player, would make him an interesting choice for the Phillies’ job.

David Ross, former Cubs manager

If the Phillies are looking for a manager again this fall, another interesting veteran skipper who could come into play is former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross. Although he wasn’t amazing in Chi-Town, he was still very solid, and the team had a record of 83–79 before being replaced by Craig Council.

Ross deserves another shot as a manager and is well prepared for the pressures of this market after years as a player and manager in Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago.

Alex Cora, former Red Sox manager

Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox surprised many when they fired manager Alex Cora after eight seasons. While the team has had a few losing seasons under his watch (including an 11-17 start this year), the 50-year-old has had some very good years in Beantown, including a World Series victory in 2018.

Furthermore, he remains one of the most respected managers in the game because he brought the best out of the talent he had. He wasn’t the one to trade stars like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman or let them walk. Or continued to spend big to improve the roster despite being in a bigger market.

A new report claims the Phillies actually offered Thompson a job after deciding to move on from him. However, he chose to pass up the opportunity and spend time with his family. He may have a different priority in November.

Rodney Linares, Rays bench coach

Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Rodney Linares has emerged as a top managerial candidate in baseball circles. He has been in baseball for over two decades and has earned a reputation for being strong in the area of ​​player development. Played a key role in turning several prospects into stars, including Jose Altuve.

However, he has become a favorite of the players due to his coaching style. The 48-year-old will bring a fresh perspective to the Phillies clubhouse.

James Rawson, Yankees hitting coach

Another up-and-coming coach is the New York Yankees’ hitting coach, James Rawson. He has received much praise for his ability to connect with players and blend analytics with baseball psychology. He has had success at several stops and was in the running for the Minnesota Twins job late last year before choosing to remain with the Yanks. Rawson will likely be on the Phillies radar if they don’t retain Mattingly in 2027.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Cup Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for its 11th points race of the season. We’re continuing our weekly NASCAR predictions once again, making our first correct pick for the winning driver of 2026.

Let’s take a look at our Worth 400 predictions. We’ll start with the poll winner and work our way through the stages before predicting who will walk to victory.

Kyle Larson earns pole at Texas

Kyle Larson and the No. 5 team have performed well in qualifying this season, coming to Texas with the second-highest average starting position (7.7) in the Cup Series. However, they have failed to win a single pole in the points race this year. What better time to break that cold streak than at a track where Larson has won pole three times since 2021? As we learned on DBC, there will be a waxing crescent moon this week, so Larson should be able to take advantage in qualifying.

READ MORE: NASCAR Power Rankings before Texas

Austin Cindric wins Stage 1

In the last two trips to Texas Motor Speedway, Austin Cindric and the No. 2 team have had good speed. He finished third in the Wurth 400 and won Stage 1 last year, and last year he posted the second-best average lap time (29.2 seconds). We’re projecting Cindric to put up one of the five best lap times on Saturday and then carry it to the Stage 1 victory.

RELATED: NASCAR weekend schedule at Texas Motor Speedway

christopher bell takes stage 2

Christopher Bell and the No. 20 team need a strong points day at the Wurth 400 this weekend. Bell has finished 17th or worse in the last three races and has not scored 30 points in his last five visits to the track. Considering the widespread belief that true Cup Series championship contenders must finish in the top five in points at the end of the regular season, Bell (ninth place) has some real ground to make up. We’re predicting it will come down to Sunday, with the No. 20 winning Stage 2 (10 points) and finishing in the top five in points that day.

Eric Jones finished in the top 10 in most points scored on the season

Erik Jones had a legitimate chance at a top-five finish before finishing 23rd at Talladega. This was his third consecutive 23rd position. Change is coming to the Wurth 400 this weekend. Jones has three top-10 finishes at Texas since May 2021 and he flourished at this track years ago with Joe Gibbs Racing. After scoring a combined 42 points in the last three races, Jones is looking to score more than 38 points on Sunday.

Chase Briscoe wins the Wurth 400

Chase Briscoe finished 27th at the Wurth 400 in his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing last year due to a suspension issue. Before that, he had three top-five finishes here with SHR and the No. 19 team has its own history of excellence in Texas. There have been plenty of downs for Briscoe and JGR in 2026, but the No. 19 has always had momentum. This would be seen once again on Sunday, with Briscoe marching to victory.

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

All year long, general manager John Spytek and the scouts worked miles to prepare before arriving on time Thursday. After entering the draft with 10 picks, the Raiders made 10 selections by wheeling and dealing. Eight of them came within the first 175 picks as Spytek made five trades.

Let’s analyze all of the Raiders draft selections.

Las Vegas Raiders officially select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall

Since the Raiders knew they had the top pick heading into Week 18, Spytek had his eye on one player. Winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship made Fernando Mendoza’s case even stronger.

“We had a great process and we promised ourselves, the ownership group, the fans that we would do it the right way,” Spytek said. “We didn’t start with the end in mind. Every step of the way, he checked the boxes. He made it very easy for us to realize this was the right guy at the right time for the Raiders.”

Connected:Fernando Mendoza is exactly what the Raiders were missing

No. 38: Treydon Stukes, S, Arizona

For the second year in a row, Spytech found value with a second round of declines. Originally holding the 36th pick, Las Vegas traded that selection and the 117th pick to Houston to acquire the 38th and 91st picks. The 38th became Stukes, a safety from Arizona who recorded four interceptions and six pass breakups last season. They had first round potential before losing to the Raiders in the second round.

Read also: Ashton Jeanty has the tools, the plan and the platform to head into Year 2 with the Raiders

No. 67: Kieron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

With their third-round selection, the Raiders selected Crawford, an edge rusher from Auburn. He joins Max Crosby and Kwity Paye in the defensive end room. Malcolm Koons is on a one-year deal, and Tyree Wilson — who was traded Saturday — is expected to be a free agent after the season. This clears the way for Crawford to develop into a long-term contributor.

No. 91: Trey Zuhn III, C, Texas A&M

The second pick from the Houston trade, Zuhn continues the team’s investment in the offensive line. After signing Tyler Linderbaum this offseason and drafting Jackson Powers-Johnson two years ago, Las Vegas continues to move forward. Zuhn ranked first out of 632 eligible offensive linemen in PFF pass-blocking grade last season with a 96.8, leading to 10 total pressures – including two sacks and a hit – with only one penalty.

Also Read: 5 Las Vegas Raiders Whose April Minicamp Appearance Tells Us Everything

No. 101: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

To begin the third and final day of the draft, Spitek made his second trade, acquiring the 101st overall pick from Buffalo for the 102nd pick and a seventh-round selection the following year. Las Vegas moved up one spot to running back McCoy, a cornerback from Tennessee with potential top-10 upside who went down in January with a torn ACL. His recovery will determine whether the Raiders take full advantage of the move.

No. 122: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Despite sending the 117th pick to Houston, Spytek moved up again in the fourth round, receiving the 122nd pick from Atlanta for the 134th and 208th picks. Washington, 6 feet and 225 pounds, ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and totaled 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns on 167 carries for the Razorbacks last season. He serves as the backup to Ashton Jeanty and brings the size and explosiveness to break off a big run.

RELATED: Ashton Jeanty has the tools, plan and platform for Year 2 with the Raiders

No. 150: Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona

The Raiders made their third pick of the final day by acquiring the 219th pick and the 150th pick from New Orleans in exchange for Wilson. Las Vegas drafted Johnson, Stuck’s former Arizona teammate, who is known for his versatility – he can play free safety, strong safety, nickel and slot.

No. 175: Hezekiah Maas, CB, Cal

Just when you thought the Raiders were focused on the secondary, Las Vegas drafted Hezekiah Maas out of UC Berkeley. Last year with the Golden Bears, Masses recorded five interceptions and nine pass breakups.

The Raiders drafted Janata out of California, their fourth defensive pick of the draft. He recorded five interceptions and nine pass breakups last season for the Golden Bears. His selection, along with Stucks and Johnson, allows Las Vegas to rotate Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn into the nickel and strong safety roles.

No. 195: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

The Raiders traded the 185th pick to Tampa Bay for the 195th and 229th picks, and used the first of them on Benson. He led Oregon with 716 yards and six touchdowns last season and projects as a deep threat for Mendoza. A nice project for Clint Kubiak, but far from north for the thin wide receiver room.

No. 229: Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State

With their 10th and final pick, the Raiders took Cleveland, a defensive tackle from NC State. He started two seasons on the Wolfpack’s defensive line and had 10 tackles for loss his last two years, giving Las Vegas interior pass-rush depth on all three downs.

Also read: Jack Beech and Donte Thornton are auditioning for their job with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

While performance on the field will really determine which teams make the best moves in the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s always worth checking out how much some rosters improved over this past weekend. This practice favors teams with premium draft capital, but it also highlights how different some of these clubs could look this fall.

Let’s take a look at the list of NFL teams that we believe have improved the most through the draft.

New York Jets

The New York Jets looked to be one of the worst teams seen in the last decade during the second half of the 2025 NFL season. Not surprisingly, when you eliminate most of your roster, there’s a lot of room for improvement. We think New York did a great job in the NFL Draft.

In the first two rounds, there’s a great case that New York came away with four starters. David Bailey could be an exciting No. 2 edge rusher for Aaron Glenn in 2026, D’Angelo Ponds found the right team to use, and the Jets strengthened their passing game with the selection of playmakers Kenyon Saadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. There will also be more depth on the defensive interior with Darrell Jackson Jr., and we’re eager to see how Glenn utilizes his size (6-foot-3) and speed (4.4). 40-yard dash) in a rotational role for safety VJ Payne.

Connected: Ranking the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates

dallas cowboys

It is a popular opinion to say that the Dallas Cowboys came out of the 2026 NFL Draft with one of the best performances. Our assessment is that this rookie class, especially the top three picks, will prove vital in a remarkable one-year turnaround for this Cowboys defense. That step forward could also be the difference in potentially winning the NFC East.

Although we don’t expect Caleb Downs to perform like an All-Pro as a rookie, a Pro Bowl selection is on the table because of Christian Parker’s system. This is great, as it took Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean until their second season under Parker in Philadelphia to do this, but a significant improvement defensively for Dallas makes it possible.

We also like what the Cowboys did at edge rusher by taking Malachi Lawrence (23rd overall pick), Jayshawn Barham (92nd overall pick) and LT Overton (137th overall pick). Suddenly, pass-rushing depth is no longer an issue for this team, and they have already upgraded the backbone of their defense. We’ll also mention the fact that Dallas acquired linebacker Dee Winters, who, if healthy, will be an upgrade from Kenneth Murray Jr. Jerry Jones and company made improving the defense their top priority, and we believe they succeeded.

tampa bay buccaneers

Sometimes it’s good to have luck on your side in the 2026 NFL Draft. For whatever reason, frontrunner Ruben Benn Jr. dropped to 15th overall. We feel pretty confident in saying that if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had picked this high, they would have been taken in the top eight. He’s an immediate starter, solidifying a position that has plagued this Buccaneers defense for years. What makes the selection even better is that Ben will be in a good position to produce quickly as he is joining a defensive line that includes Vita Vea and Caliza Cansi. Tampa Bay’s defensive line may eventually become a problem for other teams again rather than the team’s problem.

Fittingly, in a draft where the Buccaneers had addressed a position of weakness for several years, linebacker Josiah Trotter was the 46th pick overall. He was built for Tampa Bay’s defense, due to his excellent ability to attack everything in front of him. Dropping back into coverage is certainly an issue, but it’s clearly something the Buccaneers’ coaching staff is accustomed to dealing with at linebacker. Elsewhere on defense, Keyontae Scott (116th pick overall) could be a good nickel corner for the Buccaneers this season, and DeMonte Capehart provides some depth if Kansas goes down again.

RELATED: Best 2026 NFL Draft Classes

kansas city chiefs

Not only were the Kansas City Chiefs coming off their worst season since 2012, but they also moved on from corners Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason. Moving on from the All-Pro cornerback isn’t always an easy call, but this could lead to an improvement on the Kansas City defense we saw last year.

As good as McDuffie was, he had his limitations, and Mansur Delaney plans to be a better boundary corner who matches up well against bigger wide receivers. The Chiefs finally found their future at defensive tackle and landed Peter Woods with the 29th pick overall. We know Woods was extremely talented at Clemson, but he will get far better coaching in the NFL than he did at Clemson. Although his maximum range may not be reached for a few years, he could make a real positive impact on the interior in 2026.

Additionally, Kansas City added some pass-rushing depth on the edge with R Mason Thomas (40th pick overall). The history of the Chiefs coaching staff gives us all the confidence in the world that Jadon Canady (109th overall pick) can develop into a quality rotational cornerback. Credit Kansas City for improving defensively; It was needed.

cleveland browns

As much criticism as the Cleveland Browns organization receives from the public, general manager Andrew Berry knows how to identify talent. In our view, Cleveland was the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and we look forward to seeing both sides of the ball next season.

The focus, naturally, is on an offense that features a new left tackle (Spencer Fano) along with two wide receivers (Casey Concepcion and Denzel Boston) whose skills complement each other perfectly. While there is no true ‘alpha’ receiver on this Browns offense right now, it doesn’t seem to be as necessary at the moment as there is now a good group of playmakers to pair with tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland got a deal to land safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the 58th overall pick, who will make a name for himself as a rookie. Berry also learned what can happen when you don’t have depth on the offensive line, adding swing tackle Austin Barber and center Parker Brailsford. While we can’t be confident that Shedure Sanders is the long-term answer in Cleveland, the right infrastructure is in place to evaluate him now.

RELATED: NFL Power Rankings, evaluating teams after the 2026 NFL Draft

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

It seems like a Thanos-level inevitability that the New York Mets are going to fire manager Carlos Mendoza at the start of their series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, tied for the worst record in MLB at 9-19.

A 12-game losing streak dominated most of April, and when they broke the slump with consecutive wins last week, they dropped three of four to one of the worst franchises of the last decade, the Colorado Rockies. It’s been a poor start to the season that can’t be blamed on a number of major injuries. One of the most expensive rosters in the game has enough talent to be much better than this.

Add in the fact that the Mets had a historic collapse at the end of last season, and it seems highly unlikely that Mendoza is still on the bench by mid-May. So, who can New York turn to in an effort to save the season and become the first team in MLB history to make the playoffs despite a 12-game losing streak?

We’re looking to answer that question with seven possible options to take over as Mets manager soon.

Kai Correa, Mets bench coach

The most likely replacement for Mendoza as manager of the Mets will be their new bench coach, Kai Correa. The 37-year-old has been viewed as a manager of the future in MLB circles for the past few years after stints as an assistant with the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians.

There was also speculation in February that he was hired specifically as a backup plan if Mendoza’s struggles continued early this season. Of all the possible options, Correa would likely be team president David Stearns’ choice.

Alex Cora, former Red Sox manager

Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox surprised many when they fired manager Alex Cora after eight seasons. While the team has had a few losing seasons under his watch (including an 11-17 start this year), the 50-year-old has had some very good years in Beantown, including a World Series victory in 2018.

Furthermore, he remains one of the most respected managers in the game because he brought the best out of the talent he had. He wasn’t the one to trade stars like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman or let them walk. Or continued to spend big to improve the roster despite being in a bigger market.

Although it will be difficult to walk away from the options available in the market and change things, Cora has the respect for the game that will give him a big chance in this.

Joe Girardi, former Phillies and Yankees manager

It’s possible that Stearns feels Correa is not ready to be thrust into such a high-pressure situation, or owner Steve Cohen makes a move to bring in a big name to serve as interim manager for the remainder of the season. That’s why former New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi could be an option.

Although his performance in Philly was disappointing, he still has a World Series title on his resume (2009 with the Yanks) and is well-versed in handling the New York media. Girardi is one of the few managers available who can jump into such a difficult situation and possibly succeed.

Carlos Beltran, Mets special assistant

In 2019, Mets legend Carlos Beltrán was hired as the team’s manager. However, he lost his job due to his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Nevertheless, he remains a part of the organization as a special assistant and has been associated with other managerial jobs over the years.

Beltran is a well-respected person of the game and his knowledge of the Mets organization is beneficial at this time. Additionally, he may be able to connect with the team’s Latin stars better than Mendoza as he was once an elite star in MLB.

David Ross, former Cubs manager

The managerial options for the Mets are few, with the season having just started a few weeks ago. However, one interesting veteran skipper who could be in the game if the team fires Mendoza is former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross.

Although he wasn’t amazing in Chi-Town, he was still very solid, and the team had a record of 83–79 before being replaced by Craig Council. If New York is interested in giving a former manager the rest of the season to prove they can do the job long term, Ross is a sensible choice.

Dick Scott, Mets Triple-A manager

Another short-term option with experience who could jump into the job on short notice is current Mets Triple-A manager Dick Scott. He has done a solid job at Syracuse, having been in the game for more than two decades, and previously served as the Mets’ bench coach in 2016 and 2017. So he knows the market pressure.

Although he won’t be the top choice, the Red Sox turned to their own Triple-A manager, Chad Tracy, to replace Cora last week.

Buck Showalter, Mets manager before Mendoza

Yes, Stearns ousted Buck Showalter from running for president for the first time in 2024. But New York sports fans have seen managers or coaches fired and return in the same role or with another NYC team. Besides, desperate times call for desperate measures, and the experienced coach who can jump into such a messy situation and turn things around is Showalter.

Let’s not forget that in 2022, he led the team to its first 100-plus win season since the 1980s. The biggest issue is that this is a team that is built to reach the World Series this autumn, and in more than 22 years as a big league manager, that’s something the soon-to-be 70-year-old has never accomplished.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The first round of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway was uneventful, dominated by commercials more than anything else. A few minutes after Stage 2, “The Big One” happened in Dega.

Just 17 laps into the second stage with racing three-wide at the front of the field, Ross Chastain came to the middle of the lane. This created a stack-up with Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry and Joey Logano behind him, that momentum carried Bubba Wallace to the lead.

READ MORE: Tyler Reddick announces contract decision

The No. 23 car came loose from the stack-up push and overturned into the wall, where it was struck by Cole Custer’s No. 41 car. Custer went down and hit Daniel Suarez, who spun into Logano, and the massacre took over most of the field.

Wallace exited his car due to the damage at the end of the race and was taken to the infield care center where he was treated. Speaking to Fox’s pit reporter Jamie Little, he accepted responsibility for what happened.

“We have to figure out how to push better, so I’ll take charge. We’ll do a good debrief and figure out what we can do to make our Toyota a little better at pushing.”

Bubba Wallace on “The Big One” in Dega

In total, NASCAR reported that Seth Eggert counted at least 30 cars that were involved in this massive crash. Obviously, this required a red flag, as the NASCAR Cup Series looked to set a record for the worst crash in the modern era.

About 14 lead-lap cars escaped damage. Coming out of the wreck, the running order for Jack Link’s 500 was Ryan Preece, Chastain, Chris Buescher, Christopher Bell, Eric Jones, Michael McDowell, Todd Gilliland, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., AJ Allmendinger, Cody Ware, Noah Gragson, Zane Smith and Austin Dillon, as recorded by The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck.

• DNFs from the Wreck: Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, William Byron, Chad Fincham and Cole Custer

Logano, Custer, Blaney, Berry, Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski all went to the garage with their cars requiring significant repairs. Larson’s No. 5 suffered damage late in the race and finished last. Logano (DNF) finished 39th, Custer (DNF) 38th, Blaney (DNF) 37th and Wallace 36th.

William Byron’s No. 24 car had to have a bent tie rod replaced, and it was determined that the car could not be repaired, ending his day. He finished Sunday’s race in 35th place.

While the No. 54 car of Ty Gibbs was able to run after the restart, his front tire blew out a few minutes later and he crashed into the wall. This was due to damage caused in the initial accident. He ended the day in the 34th minute.

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

On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects were released from their existing contracts in the latest round of WWE’s annual roster cuts. Some of the most notable names to be released this week were each member of the Wyatt Six, Kairi Sane, and wrestling power couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

While this was bad news for those wrestlers, it does leave a group of interesting talents in pro wrestling free agency at a time when the industry is strong. All Elite Wrestling should seriously consider signing veteran performers soon. With that in mind, here are seven former WWE stars that AEW should target on the open market.

carry sen

AEW’s women’s division has come a long way over the years. However, that still pales in comparison to the absurd amount of talent on WWE’s roster. But WWE has just offered several talented female wrestlers that Tony Khan may want to quickly embrace. The most notable is Japanese veteran Kairi Sane.

Khan has mentioned being a fan of Sane in the past and has a clear love for the talent from the Land of the Rising Sun. While Sane may no longer be in her prime, she is still a good performer who one will have a lot of sympathy for as she was not given the chance to finish her long-running storyline with Asuka in WWE.

motor city machine gun

AEW probably has the best bell-to-bell wrestling in the world. Another thing they do well is highlight tag wrestling. This has been a weakness for WWE during the Paul “Triple H” Levesque era, and it’s why TNA legends the Motor City Machine Guns have had a disappointing run in the company.

When he hit free agency a few years ago, there were rumors that he might sign with AEW. A move back to TNA seems very unlikely, and there are far more interesting matchups for Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley in AEW as a team or singles.

alba fire

AEW has made huge inroads among European wrestling fans. That’s why they can go to Wembley Stadium every year and perform very well. Therefore, former Women’s Tag Champion Alba Fires should be a top target in free agency.

She is a strong wrestler and gives them another talent that attracts and keeps fans in the UK. Additionally, her former WWE tag partner, Isla Dawn, is already under the AEW umbrella.

Santos Escobar

AEW has strongly embraced its working relationship with Mexico’s CMLL as well as the Spanish-speaking audience. That’s why it would be wise to capture Santos Escobar. However, unlike most of the CMLL talent performing in AEW, Escobar is fluent in English and can connect with fans in both languages.

Furthermore, he is at his best right now and despite being a strong wrestler in the ring, he is underrated on the mic.

zoey stark

Zoey Stark was snake bitten by injuries during her tenure in WWE, including rupturing her knee ligaments twice. However, when healthy, she was one of the most athletic and skilled female wrestlers on the roster.

His latest knee injury has likely taken away his athletic gifts. However, at just 32 years old, she feels like a perfect fit for AEW and a great addition to the women’s division.

nikki cross

Nikki Cross is a talented performer who was treated poorly as a member of the Wyatt Six. Since WWE had trouble booking the unique group, he did not have a single match while a part of the faction. His wild character work is always entertaining, and he’s a rock-solid worker in the ring.

Additionally, like Alba Fires, she will be an addition that will not only strengthen the AEW women’s division but also strengthen the company’s relationship with UK Wrestling.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects were released from their existing contracts in the latest round of WWE’s annual roster cuts. Some of the most notable names to be released this week were each member of the Wyatt Six, Kairi Sane, and wrestling power couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

While this was bad news for those wrestlers, it does leave a group of interesting talents in pro wrestling free agency at a time when the industry is strong. TNA Wrestling should consider signing contracts soon, including veteran performers. With that in mind, here are six former WWE stars that TNA should target on the open market.

apollo crew

At one time, Apollo Cruz was one of the must-see artists on the independent scene due to his impressive athleticism. More than a decade later, at the age of 38, Cruz is still an entertaining wrestler. But that was never his problem. It was always about finding a character that fans connect with and stick with for a while.

This is why he would be a better fit in TNA wrestling rather than battling the AEW roster for Best Match of the Night. TNA focuses a little more on character work, so if they find something that connects them with the audience, Crews could be a huge opportunity for promotion.

aleister black and zelina vega

The obvious assumption would be that, following his release, Aleister Black would return to AEW, where he found real success prior to his second stint in WWE. However, it would be wise for Carlos Silva to prioritize bringing Black and his wife Zelina Vega to TNA.

Their release this week surprised many as they were frequently used on SmackDown and seemed to be getting into a rhythm as characters. In TNA, this duo could be instantly catapulted to the top and become mainstays of the roster for the next few years, while also making some good money.

eric rowan

Erick Rowan has a useful talent for attacking enemies as a large monster. However, a performer like him doesn’t feel like a fit in this version of AEW. However, TNA could make better use of men like Rowan. They will be able to play to his strengths and get the most out of an artist whose prime years are still ahead of him.

Tyra Mae Steele

One of the other surprise releases by WWE this week was Olympic gold medalist Tyra Mae Steele. When the company signed her three years earlier, she was introduced as a future world champion and the female version of Kurt Angle. However, they may have felt that she was not developing at the pace they needed and dropped her.

He still needs further development, but has immense potential. TNA can help her become a better professional wrestler, and having a gold medalist would be a great addition to their women’s roster.

dexter loomis

Dexter Loomis has shown in the past that he can develop some strange but fun characters. Plus, he has great looks and is a very good athlete. TNA Wrestling seems like a perfect fit for a performer like Lumis, who needs time to let his character breathe. Also, rekindling their beloved history with Indi Hartwell in NXT but not in TNA would be a smart play.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects from the WWE roster learned that the company no longer needed their services. While the release after the WrestleMania season caught many fans by surprise, as the company refreshes storylines, they also refresh the roster. And pay cuts in the spring have become an annual event.

However, in recent years, there has been a second round of releases towards the end of the year. Although it looks like this set of cuts has been finalized, unfortunately these 10 WWE stars may be a part of more releases later this year.

Austin theory

Austin Theory really needs to hope that this effort goes further with The Vision. He has received several opportunities in the company, including a big push a few years ago that led to a victory over John Cena at WrestleMania.

Although he is currently one half of the World Tag Team Champions, this new version of his character has not gained much traction, and serves as the main damage taker for the faction. If The Vision doesn’t make serious momentum over the next six months, Theory could top the next roster cut list.

wendy chu

Wendy Chu has been in the WWE system for seven years. She is the longest performing player who has not reached the main roster. Currently, she holds the top women’s title at Evolve, but it is the lowest level in the WWE system. After going through some character changes, Chu should be making some big waves in Evolvable, as a release in 2026 is a real possibility.

Fraxiom

The tag duo of Axiom and Nathan Fraser is very talented. They were the anchors of NXT throughout 2024 and will go down as one of the brand’s greatest tag teams. Still, the main roster remains a place where tag teams disappear.

So far, this duo has been doomed on SmackDown as WWE creative can’t figure out how to showcase their tag division. Because Fraxiom creates so much buzz in the ring, both of them are in danger of taking a pay cut at the end of the year.

shinsuke nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura will go down as the greatest Japanese-born performer in WWE history. However, he has squandered the opportunity to push them into the main event for a longer period of time on several occasions. At 46, his best days are behind him. To make matters worse, his role on SmackDown last year has been very limited.

It feels like it’s only a matter of time before the WWE legend decides that he’s getting paid too much money despite how little he gets used to it.

creed brothers

There was a lot of hype about the Creed Brothers during their time in NXT. There was speculation that both could be future main eventers on the main roster. However, when he was promoted fans quickly discovered that his personality did not match his impressive skills in the ring.

When Chad Gable gets unmasked as the OG El Grande Americano, if the reborn version of American Made doesn’t gain popularity over the summer, Creed’s days in WWE may be over.

bronson reed

Bronson Reed showed in 2025 that he can become a major player in WWE. However, in the past year, he has also proven that he is having trouble staying healthy. Let’s not forget, this is his second innings in the company after being released in 2021. Nevertheless, he has suffered two major injuries since rejoining WWE in 2022.

Zoey Starks had similar talent and brilliance, but she also suffered several major injuries during her tenure. She was one of 23 cuts this week as she nears the end of her recovery from torn knee ligaments.

ivy blue

Ivy Nile is a rock-solid performer with a unique look. However, like his faction mates, the Creed Brothers, he lacks personality. There was an opportunity for WWE creative to create a long-term tag team with him and Maxxin Dupree. However, they took the latter in a different direction.

With NXT bringing out new female talent all the time, Niles needs to gain some momentum if she hopes to keep her spot for the rest of the year.

The Miz

Miz continues to prove why he is valuable and is willing to do whatever the company needs. However, change is inevitable, and after 20 years in WWE, it puts him in the target of roster cuts.

Making his situation even more difficult, Ethan Page was called to Raw this week. The NXT star is, in many ways, a younger and perhaps more cost-effective version of The Miz. Although it’s unlikely this year, The Miz should still have some concerns regarding his future in WWE.

jesse mateo

Jessie Mateo is a talented wrestler and has proven this during her stints in Lucha Underground and NJPW. However, he has been considered a henchman of MFT since he joined the company last year. It would be in his best interest to break away from the team and showcase his talents as a solo act. Because right now, they are easily placed in a position to change lines.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2026 NFL Draft has ended and while it’s technically too early to declare which teams performed best before these players take the field, it’s always a fun exercise. It’s even more interesting this year because the 2026 draft class was not viewed as particularly strong.

Let’s quickly take a look at our list of the best 2026 NFL Draft classes.

New York Giants

When you have a pair of top-10 selections, it certainly helps to be recognized as one of the best classes from the 2026 NFL Draft. Of course, this came at the cost of the New York Giants trading All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. That said, what happened in Round 1 justified it. Arvell Reese was arguably a top-three prospect in this class, and he is a more well-rounded off-ball linebacker than the Giants’ previous first-round selection Abdul Carter. New York is getting someone with an All-Pro ceiling, and even a 90th percentile result is a perennial Pro Bowl selection who can make an impact on all three downs. With the 10th overall pick, the Giants upgraded their offensive line with Francis Mauigoa. He can be an excellent starter at guard, and by kicking him inside, his timeline to becoming an above average player is accelerated.

We also really liked what New York did the other day. Colton Hood was a marginal talent in the first round, and the Giants took him with the 37th overall pick. He projects to be a quality No. 2 cornerback for a long time, and we’re especially excited to see how defensive coordinator Denard Wilson maximizes his instincts and press-man ability. To the Giants’ credit, they also found a nice complementary receiver to Malik Nabors in Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields (74th overall). He’s not a great athlete, but what matters is he’s 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a big catch radius and the ability to fight through contact. There’s a very good chance that New York came out with four starters, two on each side of the ball. This is a victory.

RELATED: Highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Baltimore Ravens

It’s safe to say that the Baltimore Ravens are happy that the Max Crosby trade just fell through (on their own account). Holding the 14th overall pick, the front office desperately needed help on the interior offensive line with Penn State’s Olivavega Ioane. Using a first-round pick on guard isn’t a “sexy” option, but he is one of the safest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class with a high chance of becoming an above-average starter for the Ravens.

On Day 2, some good luck occurred for Baltimore when leading tackle Zion Young slipped to 45th overall. A consensus top-40 prospect, Young offers the length-strength-intangibility combo that coaches love in an edge rusher. He can help establish the edge against the run immediately, and he has a long-term path to becoming a very effective three-down player. At No. 80 overall, Baltimore handed Lamar Jackson a pass-catching magnet in 6-foot-4 receiver Ja’Coby Lane. He’ll never be great at getting away from the defense, but the Ravens offense really needed someone who could come up with contested catches and make an impact inside the red zone. To complete that selection, Baltimore added receiver Elijah Sarratt on Day 3 (115th overall). The former Indiana standout isn’t a great athlete, but he knows how to use his 6-foot-2 body to beat corners and get his hands on the football. After a difficult free-agency period, Baltimore hit it out of the park with this draft.

READ MORE: Fantasy football analysis from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

New York Jets

What a strange world we live in where both the Giants and New York Jets are listed among the best 2026 NFL Draft classes. It certainly helps that having three first-round picks is the result of a teardown, but it really feels like the Jets front office has made very good connections with all three swings. David Bailey offers a Pro Bowl ceiling, and he could be even more impressive given the additional changes New York has already made to its front seven this offseason. The Jets then landed their top-rated pass-catcher in Kenyon Saadiq, whose athleticism and hands gave him a chance to become one of the five best tight ends in the NFL. Rounding out Round 1, New York selected wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. There are legitimate similarities to Deebo Samuel, at least in some of the ways he can be used and what he does as a receiver with the football in his hands.

The impact on cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is obvious: He’s 5 feet 8 inches tall. It is also undisputed that if he had been 5 feet 11 inches tall he would have been in the top 20. Ponds is a very good athlete with a high football IQ and tenacity that head coach Aaron Glenn will love. New York has done a really great job retooling their defense this season, and this draft class has shown a huge commitment to building a better supporting cast for the franchise quarterback heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft

cleveland browns

If we were ranking the best 2026 NFL Draft classes, the Cleveland Browns might be in the No. 1 spot. Landing a franchise quarterback was not possible, so general manager Andrew Berry focused on building the infrastructure for his future face of the franchise. Spencer Fano will immediately become a plug-and-play starter at left tackle for the Browns, which is another step toward dismantling last season’s disastrous offensive line. Cleveland then used their next two picks on Casey Concepcion (24th overall) and Denzel Boston (39th overall), two receivers whose games complement each other perfectly. An apt comparison for this duo is the skill sets that Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton bring to the Denver Broncos’ passing game.

This is already a strong start to the draft. Cleveland then got draft-day steal Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a first-round talent at safety who inexplicably fell to 58th overall. He can fly all the way down to attack anything in sight, and as a rookie he will play quite a few games inside the box. Berry then added more depth to the offensive line, grabbing swing tackle Austin Barber (86th overall) and interior lineman Parker Brailsford. This feels like an A-minus class for the Browns.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

kansas city chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs faced some skepticism for their decision to trade FLR All-American cornerback Mansur Delaney. In our view, you should be prepared to pay a little more to make sure you get a player you think can be a star. Delaney, the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft class, could be a true No. 1 corner and given Steve Spagnuolo’s track record of developing defensive backs, he could be a lockdown perimeter defender. Obviously, given Trent McDuffie’s limitations playing on the boundary, Kansas City may be better off moving forward with this change.

In addition to that selection, Kansas City’s subsequent first-round selection of defensive tackle Peter Woods could yield massive returns a few years from now. He was a lot more show than substance at Clemson, but those peak moments were the type of performances you only see in top-10 prospects. He will also get guidance from Chris Jones. Smartly, the Chiefs continued to prioritize their defense with the selections of Mason Thomas (40th overall pick) and Jadon Canady. Thomas is on the small side as an edge rusher, but a great defensive coordinator can find ways to take advantage of his get-off, strength, motor and understanding of how to win with leverage. Kansas. As for Kennedy, it’s not hard to see him developing as a rookie for the Chiefs. The Chiefs draft class should be vastly improved defensively.

buffalo bill

Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, there was a lot of talk about this year’s class not being top-heavy, but it did have some depth in terms of role players and upside. The Buffalo Bills had limited chances to take some of those risks until Brandon Beane was traded out of Round 1 altogether. The strategy was successful and Buffalo was well prepared for both the next season and the future.

With their top pick (35th overall), Buffalo made TJ Parker, a great player who would have been a reasonable selection 15 picks earlier. Late in the second round, Beane brought in cornerback Davison Igbinosun, whose length-athleticism combo is perfect for molding into a CB2. While he’s a project that needs to be cleaned up on penalties and footwork, Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is a great teacher.

On Day 3, the Bills coaching staff landed a new project offensive lineman in Jude Bourrie (102nd selection overall), who could be a swing tackle and develop into a future starter. Skylar Bell, a 5-foot-11 receiver from UConn, bears some resemblance to Khalil Shakir and projects as a useful No. 3 receiver. Buffalo then got more good value with its later picks, TCU linebacker Caleb Elarms-Orr and safety Jalon Kilgore. While there is a greater chance that they will not be successful and have a short NFL career, they also offer an extremely high ceiling.

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 NBA world is currently focused on the early rounds of the playoffs, but we’re only a month away from the start of the offseason and some major decisions will be made for a group of stars heading into the final year of their contracts.

Since free agency is no longer as attractive as it used to be, there are few people who will test the open market. Veterans like Andrew Wiggins ($30 million), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($21 million), and Draymond Green ($27 million) aren’t going anywhere.

However, others could certainly threaten to make a move in free agency to get even more paydays from their current teams. With that in mind, let’s take a look at eight NBA stars who are sure to opt out of their current contracts in the coming weeks.

james harden

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is one of the league’s premier mercenaries. He has no loyalty to any team and that is not going to change. While he is owed $42 million next season, it would be surprising if he joined and there have already been early reports that he intends to opt out.

Just months shy of his 37th birthday, the 11-time All-Star could take an annual salary cut in favor of a more guaranteed season.

Austin Reeves

Austin Reeves is having a career year at the perfect time. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran has emerged as a future All-Star talent and core member of the roster. There’s no way he’ll play for just under $15 million next season. He’s highly unlikely to leave LA, but he’ll likely get a huge pay raise this summer.

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet is in an interesting situation. He took a pay cut to return to the Houston Rockets and is set to make $25 million next season. The veteran guard is also recovering from a torn ACL. A case can be made for him to be included next season. However, the Rockets have been in a mess this year and VanVleet is likely being used in a summer trade, considering he could opt out of the remainder of the year.

al horford

Al Horford’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors last summer proved to be the wrong one. They were expected to be title contenders, and injuries to their top stars completely derailed those plans. Expect him to opt to return east, either retiring with the Boston Celtics or finishing his career where it started, the Atlanta Hawks.

Kevin Porter Jr.

After being one of the few good things to happen for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025-26, Kevin Porter Jr. is set to opt out of the $5 million he earned next season. Since very few stars are expected to really test the market, the six-year veteran will be one of the top players available and is set to get a very nice pay rise this summer.

deandre ayton

When the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal with an opt-out last summer, everyone knew he would use it. With so few reliable veterans in the game, and after staying healthy throughout the season, the eight-year veteran will surely opt to ask for a raise on the $8 million he will make next season.

bradley beal

Despite trying to bounce back from a broken hip and having a few bad seasons, you can bet Bradley Beal thinks he’s still worth more than the $5 million he’ll make with the Los Angeles Clippers next year. Plus, it looks like LA is in the early stages of a rebuild, and the 14-year vet won’t want to deal with that.

trey young

There are two certain things in the NBA offseason. Trae Young will opt out of the approximately $49 million he is owed next season. But he will do so in order to get a new long-term deal from his new team, the Washington Wizards. There is an outside chance that he may change his mind and test his value in the open market. But Washington is unlikely to get a better offer than what any other team will offer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The NBA world is currently focused on the early rounds of the playoffs, but we’re only a month away from the start of the offseason and some major decisions will be made for a group of stars heading into the final year of their contracts.

Since free agency is no longer as attractive as it used to be, there are few people who will test the open market. Veterans like Andrew Wiggins ($30 million), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($21 million), and Draymond Green ($27 million) aren’t going anywhere.

However, others may certainly threaten to make a move in free agency to get even more paydays from their current teams. With that in mind, let’s take a look at eight NBA stars who are sure to opt out of their current contracts in the coming weeks.

james harden

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is one of the league’s premier mercenaries. He has no loyalty to any team and that is not going to change. While he is owed $42 million next season, it would be surprising if he joined and there have already been early reports that he intends to opt out.

Just months shy of his 37th birthday, the 11-time All-Star could take an annual salary cut in favor of a more guaranteed season.

Austin Reeves

Austin Reeves is having a career year at the perfect time. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran has emerged as a future All-Star talent and core member of the roster. There’s no way he’ll play for just under $15 million next season. He’s highly unlikely to leave LA, but he’ll likely get a huge pay raise this summer.

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet is in an interesting situation. He took a pay cut to return to the Houston Rockets and is set to make $25 million next season. The veteran guard is also recovering from a torn ACL. A case can be made for him to be included next season. However, the Rockets have been in a mess this year and VanVleet is likely being used in a summer trade, considering he could opt out of the remainder of the year.

al horford

Al Horford’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors last summer proved to be the wrong one. They were expected to be title contenders, and injuries to their top stars completely derailed those plans. Expect him to opt to return east, either retiring with the Boston Celtics or finishing his career where it started, the Atlanta Hawks.

Kevin Porter Jr.

After being one of the few good things to happen for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025-26, Kevin Porter Jr. is set to opt out of the $5 million he earned next season. Since very few stars are expected to really test the market, the six-year veteran will be one of the top players available and is set to get a very nice pay rise this summer.

deandre ayton

When the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal with an opt-out last summer, everyone knew he would use it. With so few reliable veterans in the game, and after staying healthy throughout the season, the eight-year veteran will surely opt to ask for a raise on the $8 million he will make next season.

bradley beal

Despite trying to bounce back from a broken hip and having a few bad seasons, you can bet Bradley Beal thinks he’s still worth more than the $5 million he’ll make with the Los Angeles Clippers next year. Plus, it looks like LA is in the early stages of a rebuild, and the 14-year vet won’t want to deal with that.

trey young

There are two certain things in the NBA offseason. Trae Young will opt out of the approximately $49 million he is owed next season. But he will do so in order to get a new long-term deal from his new team, the Washington Wizards. There is an outside chance that he may change his mind and test his value in the open market. But he is unlikely to receive a better offer from Washington than any other team.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft will really help shape the future of the National Football League. There are always Day 2 selections that prove to be massive hits for clubs every year and these selections also shed light on how the front office views the needs and future of the team.

As tonight’s action comes to a close, we’re providing some analysis on what we learned from tonight’s selections. The lessons outline how general managers and scouts view the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Let’s take a look at the takeaways from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans’ defense will be even more impressive in 2026

In 2025, the Houston Texans defense allowed the third-fewest total yards per drive (25.4) and second-fewest points per drive (1.54), all with the fourth-highest takeaway rate (14.6 percent) in the NFL. All of this was accomplished without getting a truly spectacular output from Demeco Ryans’ interior. That’s about to change. Kayden McDonald has been overshadowed by Ohio State’s stout defense, but he is an absolute force as a starter. A year after the Texans allowed the seventh-lowest rush success rate (37.7 percent), this could be a top-five run defense. That means a lot more second- and third-and-longs, which means the Texans’ pass rush gets more treats. Houston’s defense is going to be an even bigger problem for the rest of the league.

RELATED: Winners, losers from Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Teams excited by 2027 NFL Draft class

How high are NFL teams taking the 2027 class compared to the 2026 NFL Draft class? Just look at how few future picks were made over the last two nights. Historically, general managers have considered the current selection one round more valuable than a future selection. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is clearly a generational talent, a Julio Jones-caliber offensive prospect. Next year’s class is also more deep at running back, quarterback and wide receiver. There is some discussion among analysts that the 2027 class could be one of the strongest and deepest in recent years. This opinion seems to be shared based on how teams have dealt with their future draft capital.

The Cleveland Browns believe in Shedure Sanders

It’s become very clear that Todd Monken was telling the truth about his confidence in quarterback Shadure Sanders. While the front office believes there will be a starting quarterback battle, Sanders is the favorite, and Cleveland has invested premium draft capital in his support. Just look at how much better the supporting cast is now. Spencer Fano is a plug-and-play starter who should at least be serviceable at left tackle as a rookie, and his ceiling exceeds that. The Browns then doubled up at wide receiver, giving Sanders a YAC threat in Casey Concepcion who can get open quickly and complementing it with 6-foot-3 wideout Denzel Boston, who has some shades of Courtland Sutton, with glue-like hands and a huge catch radius. Boston and Concepcion help the quarterback in different ways and that’s what Sanders needed.

Philadelphia Eagles find their Jaylen Phillips replacement

The Philadelphia Eagles definitely wanted to bring back Jaylen Phillips, but the Carolina Panthers pushed the bidding war to a price that couldn’t be compared. Fast forward to the 2026 NFL Draft: Philadelphia flipped the 98th overall pick and a 2027 third-round selection to the Minnesota Vikings for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. He only had 3 sacks last season, but was a double-digit sack player in the last two campaigns. He’s an above-average rusher, and the Eagles clearly believe he can return to his 2023-24 form, as evidenced by his $100 million contract extension.

NFL teams love TE class, hate 2026 QB and RB prospects

NFL free agency is usually a good indicator of how teams view certain positions in the upcoming draft class. A few months ago, Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker got paid, while Keaton Mitchell, Rico Dowdle, Kenneth Gainwell, Rachad White, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Zeke Dobbins were off the board early. Similarly, many quarterbacks found new homes and backups made good money. All this shows that NFL teams didn’t like quarterback and running back prospects other than blue-chip talent this year. That proved to be the case for only one of those taken in the first 75 picks (quarterback Carson Beck).

Meanwhile, Kenyon Saadiq was taken with the 16th overall pick on Thursday night, and we saw a run at tight ends in the middle of Day 2. From the 54th to the 73rd overall pick, six tight ends came off the board. There was a long stretch in the NFL where tight ends looked pretty thin. That’s no longer the case, and it’s clear that teams are placing more emphasis on 2TE sets.

Minnesota Vikings All In Brian Flores Front Seven

Based on the Minnesota Vikings draft selections this year you would think Brian Flores is the head coach, not Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota took a big gamble in Round 1 on defensive tackle Caleb Banks, betting on his elite size and athleticism to have success in Flores’ system and ignoring long-term injury concerns with his foot. On the second day, the Vikings landed linebacker Jake Golde. It’s another bet on explosiveness and size, with Golde (6-foot-4 and 1.60 10-yard dash) really showcasing that ability as a blitzer. In Round 3, Minnesota added some significant beef to the interior by landing Dominique Orange. Standing at 6-foot-2 and over 320 pounds, he is a classic nose tackle who makes his presence felt in the run. Minnesota will once again boast one of the league’s best defenses in 2026.

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

Ahead of this week’s edition of SmackDown, multiple reports have revealed a new round of WWE roster cuts, including several members of the Wyatt Six.

Spring is a prime time during the WWE calendar as it includes the all-important road to WrestleMania. The annual mega event often serves as the conclusion of several major ongoing storylines, and the beginning of a new direction for the company in the days to come. It also comes with an audit of the current roster.

While this time of year is a high point for fans, it’s also usually a time for artists to be concerned about their spot on the roster. On Friday, several WWE stars learned that their services will no longer be needed.

The most notable releases that have been confirmed are the three members of the Wyatt Six. They are their leaders, Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy and Nikki Cross. It is unclear whether the remaining members of the team, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis, will also be included in the cuts or will remain in the company with New Directions.

The sole member of Chelsea Green’s Secret Her-Vice, Alba Phair, confirmed that her time at the company is coming to an end. Injured former Women’s Title contender Zoey Stark has also parted ways with WWE, and NXT veteran and Chase U leader Andre Chase revealed in an X-post that he too has been added to the roster.

A total of six performers were added to Friday’s WWE roster cuts. More releases may emerge in the next 24 to 48 hours.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and there were some surprising moves made on Thursday night. There were several players projected to make the top 32 who would remain on the board in Round 2. Before the second night of the draft, let’s take a look at the 20 best players still set to go in this week’s NFL Draft.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Washington receiver Denzel Boston still needs some time to develop, but he could be a star at the next level. He has a very good start, good speed, is effective at winning jump balls and competitive pass battles, and is a problem in the red zone.

Still, there are concerns about his ability to stay away from press coverage. This is a major reason why he was not taken in Round 1.

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

Missouri EDGE runner Zion Young could be a difference maker at the next level. He has good size and strength which proves valuable in driving passes and blowing up run blocks. Plus, he’s a dog who brings fiery energy to the field and locker room.

Young’s biggest shortcomings are his speed, range, and limited moves when trying to shed pass blockers. At the very least, he can contribute immediately as a run stopper.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

After a big sophomore season, where he earned Second-Team All-American honors, Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy was sidelined his junior year after tearing his ACL. If not, he likely would have been a first-rounder this week.

McCoy is a very good athlete who shows explosiveness and quick feet. He has also proven that he has good instincts for breaking up passes and getting interceptions. However, he struggles against faster receivers and when he goes for passes against stronger opposition.

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The best way to summarize Georgia linebacker CJ Allen is extremely solid. His athleticism and highlight reel don’t demand attention. However, he is a smart player who helps elevate the talent around him as a very good “green dot” leader on defense. He is not great in any one area, nor is he a liability. Allen can be a reliable three-down linebacker.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood had the potential to go in the first round. However, he still needs to improve his coverage techniques and instincts. Additionally, he is very good in press coverage as he uses his physical ability to outmaneuver opposing wide receivers. The same aggression proves valuable in stopping the run as well. With development, Hood could be an impressive cornerback at the next level.

Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Texas A&M guard Chase Bissontis is one of the better players at his position in this year’s class. He’s a talented run blocker with good footwork, above-average strength, and brings out a nasty streak when needed. However, he did not go into Round 1 due to concerns about his pass blocking as he has shown problems to opponents.

Bisontis still has a lot of potential and can definitely be a worthwhile starter in the NFL.

Jeremy Bernard, WR, Alabama

Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Bernard brings some nice tools to the team that selects him in the NFL Draft. He is a smooth route runner with good size and acceleration. He can play outside or become a matchup problem in the slot.

The biggest issues with Bernard’s game are that he does not play commensurate with his size (6-foot-1 and 206 pounds) while struggling for balls in the air, and he is not a player who will stretch the field at an above-average level.

Kaden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Many thought five Ohio State players could go in Round 1 of the NFL Draft on Thursday. However, defensive tackle Kaden McDonald was not called among the first 32 picks. That doesn’t mean he can’t become an impact player at the next level soon.

McDonald is not a tackle with real rush value, but he has shown he can be a high-level talent in stopping the run as he has natural leverage and sends shock waves to interior linemen during initial contact. The OSU star has also proven that he is very good at finding the ball carrier and making tackles.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

In the right system, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has star potential in the NFL. Often lined up in the box as a safety, he has consistently shown ability as a run-stopping difference-maker and an enforcer through the middle. Although he has solid coverage skills, he will still need to defend against mismatches with speedy burners on the outside.

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. has consistently improved at each stop. His speed and breakaway ability are his trademarks and can cause problems lining up when moving through interior traffic. However, he struggles to get to the hole quickly, fouls are a problem, and while he has good size (6-foot-1 and 223 pounds), he lacks the necessary composure when blocking. He could be a nice rotation addition at the next level.

R Mason Thomas, OLB, Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas has impressive speed and the ability to explode off the edge and slip into gaps in the offensive line. He also has better than expected power when he gets forward. However, when he has to stand 10 feet under and go to battle with a bigger, taller blocker, his game show looks go berserk. Still, he can definitely become an impact player in a few years.

Cassius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M linebacker Cassius Howell could be an immediate difference-maker in the NFL as an EDGE rusher. He has a great first burst, is elusive, and owns a nasty spin move. Still, he needs to improve his handwork and his strength to better deal with run blockers and set the edge properly. But at the very least, he can be a designated player early in his career.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could be a Pro Bowler in a few years. He’s smart, has the power to blow up run plays, and the speed to hold his own in coverage or move from sideline to sideline. The bigger issue was that most of their success came from a lot of run-blitz calls. He also needs to work on disguising his attacks and missed a surprising number of tackles two years ago.

Brandon Sissay, CB, South Carolina

South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse is an explosive athlete who is strong and has good length to intercept passes. But his impressive athleticism has masked some of his technical and instinctive shortcomings at the college level. That’s pretty much a next level project. However, he has the highest ceiling compared to other players at this point in the NFL Draft.

Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Texas Tech nose tackle Lee Hunter could be a strong anchor on a 3-4 defensive line. While he needs development in his block-shedding techniques and winning in the gap, at 6-foot-3, 318 pounds and with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he’s quite good at run-stuffing the middle. For now, he estimates it’s primarily an early-down threat.

Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

In a run-heavy attack, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon would be a very nice addition in Round 2. The 6-foot-4, 314-pounder is durable, experienced, and is a nasty downhill blocker due to his upper body strength. Not surprisingly, his lack of quickness in pass blocking is a notable issue. But he is a smart and consistent player.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez entered the college ranks as an offensive tackle, but has reached the next level as a very productive tackling machine. He has good explosion and is difficult to catch on blocks because he focuses on quick ball handlers. Despite his production, he drops to Round 2 as he has trouble with big blockers and can often be fooled due to misdirection and play actions.

Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson

Avion Terrell, brother of 2020 Atlanta Falcons first-round pick AJ Terrell, is a good athlete who moves well and is at his best in press-man coverage. While he struggles against larger receivers due to his size (5-foot-10 and 186 pounds), he is good at getting upset at the catch. He plans to be a very good nickelback early in his career.

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt tight end Eric Stowers is a former quarterback with a lot of potential. He has great hands and is an exceptional athlete. He can also beat downfield linebackers with his speed and is strong on his breaks. But he still needs a lot of development in his route running and isn’t a strong enough run blocker for a position where that’s a critical need.

Zacharias Branch, WR, Georgia

Georgia’s Zachariah Branch can turn routine plays into explosive plays due to his breakaway speed. He is much stronger than he looks and has shown his toughness on several occasions. He needs work on his route running, but offers the option to become a returner as he develops his skills.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Thursday night in Pittsburgh, Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft finally put a definitive end to months of rumors and speculation. As the world expected, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza finished first for the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, as many suggested, things got interesting in the next 31 selections.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest surprises from Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carnell Tate went fourth to the Tennessee Titans

In early mock drafts, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate was projected to go fifth or sixth. However, as we got closer to Thursday, it started looking more likely that he might fall out of the top 10 as Jordan Tyson moved ahead of him on the draft board.

However, with Arvel Reese still available, the Tennessee Titans decided to give Cam Ward a new weapon and selected Tate. Buckeye should be good at the next level, but it can’t be ignored that he wasn’t even the best receiver at OSU last year. The Titans may have moved up to No. 4 with Tate.

Los Angeles Rams use the 13th pick on Ty Simpson

There have been rumors for several weeks that the Los Angeles Rams were pursuing Alabama’s Ty Simpson. However, the idea of ​​using the 13th overall pick on a quarterback seemed ridiculous. Especially since most projections had him going late in Round 1 or early in Round 2. But instead of getting a player who could make an impact during the season with Super Bowl expectations, L.A. boldly decided to draft Matthew Stafford’s successor.

Some may see this decision as a major overreach that will have no impact on the team over the next year or two. They are right. But many football analysts believe Simpson could be a very good NFL QB if given time to learn more and develop. He will get it in LA and could end up being a huge addition to the team.

Arvel Reese lost to New York Giants at No. 5

Before Thursday night, many NFL Draft evaluators believed Reese was the second pick of the New York Jets. Especially after he canceled his meeting with David Bailey last week.

Although many believed the player could become a superstar in a matter of years, he was passed up by three franchises and fell to the New York Giants at No. 5 overall. On paper, John Harbaugh now has an absurd amount of talent and looks to be in his linebacker corps with Reese and fellow first-round picks Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

NY Giants trade Caleb Downs for Francis Mauigoa?

Speaking of veterans, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs going to New York with their second pick in Round 1 seemed like a match made in heaven. John Harbaugh has played smart, elite safeties leading his defense on successful teams in the past. He also suggested earlier in the offseason that Downs had Hall of Fame potential.

Yet, when they were on the board again at 10, instead of reuniting him with Reese, they decided to select Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Building from the line and out is not a bad team-building strategy. But the Giants tried that four years ago with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal. And it hasn’t worked out so well.

Instead, the top rival, the Dallas Cowboys, traded up a spot to get Downs, and will now have to face talented defenses twice a year for the next decade.

Kansas City Chiefs trade up to 6 to get Trent McDuffie’s replacement

There were rumors that the Kansas City Chiefs could advance to Round 1 of this year’s event, as they had two selections in the top 30. Many speculated that they could get a player like Jeremiah Love or potentially a top receiver. Instead, they gave up some extra options to get LSU’s Mansur Delaney.

After trading All-Pro Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs clearly felt they needed to find his replacement early in this year’s event and they liked Delaney. However, it seems like they could still get him at No. 9 and waste draft assets out of fear that he might go first.

Ruben Benn Jr. lands with an unexpected Florida team

Reuben Benn Jr.’s draft stock declined after the NFL Combine when draft evaluators discovered that his arms were shorter than productive players at his position. But statistics don’t lie, and he was still a top star for a Miami team that reached the national championship game.

So when the Miami Dolphins were at 12, it made a lot of sense to have the Hurricanes pass rusher in South Beach with the state’s most popular NFL team. But instead, they reached out a bit on Alabama’s Kayden Proctor. However, Ben Jr. would remain in Florida as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him three times later.

EDGE will stay in FL, but not with the team, some thought Thursday.

Dallas Cowboys help Philadelphia Eagles get AJ Brown’s replacement

After weeks of speculation, the Cowboys traded up in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. However, it did not reach the top five. They actually went down three notches. But what made the move a surprise was that they swapped positions with division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.

It is expected that Philly will trade the star receiver after June 1. That became a guarantee when the Eagles used the 20th pick on USC receiver Makai Lemon. So essentially, the Cowboys helped an opponent get a replacement for the player they were planning to trade and got a nice new weapon for Jalen Hurts. Strange.

The New York Jets got a potential steal at the end of Round 1.

The New York Jets had two picks in Round 1 and played well by selecting David Bailey at No. 2, then landed stud tight end Kenyon Saadiq at No. 16. However, he surprised many when he came back in Round 1 and was the pick of the San Francisco 49ers at No. 30. With the pick, they took receiver Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana.

There are a lot of draft evaluators who like Cooper Jr. a lot. He had a really good junior year for the Hoosiers, as he often made big plays. Who knows if Mendoza wins the Heisman or goes No. 1 without a receiver? Keeping his positive side in mind, New York could get a steal at pick 30.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, with the top 32 picks yielding a few surprises and a handful of trades. Although the real results for these teams and players won’t come for years, it’s always fun to have some intense reactions.

Let’s take a look at our winners and losers from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Winner: New York Giants

It’s highly unlikely the New York Giants have their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft looking this way. Many viewed All-American linebacker Arvel Reese as the second-best player in the class. If he doesn’t finish second overall, he won’t finish outside the top four. When they were on the clock with the fifth overall pick, New York wasted little time in turning over the cards. What they’ve got is an edge player with an even higher ceiling than Abdul Carter, and he’s far more well-rounded. New York has built a pass-rushing trio of Carter, Reese and Brian Burns that can absolutely wreak havoc in Denard Wilson’s system.

Once that was added, the Giants’ focus turned to helping Jackson Dart and Cam Scatebo. There is a little medical risk with Francis Mauigoa, but he is arguably the best offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft. New York has the option to kick him inside to save, where he could be a phenomenal starter. This is also just a backup plan if he doesn’t excel at right tackle. Great teams invest in the trenches, and New York did that tonight and got great value as well.

Loser: Arizona Cardinals

We saw Jeremiah Love as the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He comes in and immediately becomes one of the best NFL running backs right now; As a prospect, he’s just one level below Bijan Robinson. The problem is that the right side of the Arizona Cardinals offensive line is abysmal, and they don’t have a viable quarterback that defenses have to actually respect, let alone fear. This is also ignoring the fact that Arizona signed Tyler Allger this offseason and even worked out a deal to retain James Conner. This pick is reminiscent of the Las Vegas Raiders drafting Ashton Jeanty and effectively wasting the first year of his rookie contract. Oh, let’s also take into account the contract value along with the fact that the contract for the third overall pick would make Love the seventh-highest paid receiver in the NFL. We don’t like the idea of ​​the Tennessee Titans taking Love; This is even worse.

RELATED: 2026 Dynasty Positional Rankings

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

A dream scenario for the Dallas Cowboys. There is a legitimate possibility that All-American safety Caleb Downs was rated as a top-three prospect on the Cowboys draft board. He is the do-it-all defensive player this franchise has needed for over a decade. The instincts he brings to the table are phenomenal, and his football IQ – there’s no better way to highlight the fact that he was a standout starter as a true freshman in Nick Saban’s defense. Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker needed a star who could be the focal point of his secondary; This selection completes that. In three years, we’ll probably be talking about Downs as one of the best safeties in the NFL and one of the biggest reasons for the remarkable defensive turnaround in Dallas.

Loser: Matthew Stafford and the 2026 Los Angeles Rams

The thinking going into this offseason was that the Los Angeles Rams were set to make a run at the Super Bowl next season. A few weeks after Matthew Stafford committed to return in 2026, Les Snead traded a first-round pick for Trent McDuffie and then signed Jaylen Watson to play boundary cornerback. They all suggested the Rams would use the 13th overall pick on a wide receiver, right tackle or another defender. Instead, Snead and head coach Sean McVay took quarterback Ty Simpson.

Obviously, Simpson won’t see the field in 2026 unless disaster strikes for Los Angeles. This in itself, without any additional context, is a good thing as he has only 15 career starts and is not even close to being NFL ready. In fact, that’s one reason why many don’t see him as a legitimate first-round talent, even in a draft class that’s relatively weak. The Rams took him 13th overall. Stafford must be disappointed; Los Angeles made a move that took it no closer to winning the Lombardi Trophy. As far as the Rams’ future goes, there’s still a very good chance Simpson ends up being a league-average starter.

RELATED: Los Angeles Rams surprise draft of Ty Simpson

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers probably dreamed of a night like this during the pre-draft process. Ahead of the NFL Combine, Miami edge rusher Reuben Benn Jr. was viewed as a consensus top-10 prospect, who could even be a top-five pick. His stock then declined slightly due to his short arms, and it is fitting that there is no modern example of an edge rusher with sub-31 inch arms who has recorded double-digit sacks in a season in the NFL. That said, what Bane showed in some of Miami’s biggest games, coupled with his winning ways, led us to believe he could be a standout player. The Buccaneers have been in desperate need of a true No. 1 edge rusher for several years, and they finally have one.

Loser: Jermod McCoy

An injury can change everything for a young player, which is what makes the NIL era so big. Jermod McCoy was an All-American cornerback in 2024 and tore his ACL during a workout a month later. He sat out the 2025 season and this allowed him to be healthy for the pre-draft process, regaining his status as a top 10 prospect. Unfortunately, reports have indicated that McCoy may need knee surgery for a second time and how much he will be able to play in 2026 is now a real question. Due to this, he was eliminated from Round 1. It was an incredibly tough night for McCoy and clearly the road ahead looks like a long one for him.

Winner: Cleveland Browns

A great night for the Cleveland Browns. Seeing an opportunity to trade down from the sixth overall pick, while still getting his guy, Andrew Berry took the 74th and 178th picks overall. He still got the guy he wanted, offensive tackle Spencer Fano, 10th overall. He’s a plug-and-play starter, even though we don’t know what position he’ll take on the Browns’ offensive line. Cleveland desperately needed to strengthen their pass protection, and adding Fano does just that, while also adding a third-round pick to go with it.

Later in Round 1, Cleveland helped Chedure Sanders even more. While Casey Concepcion may never be a No. 1 wide receiver, his playmaking with the ball in his hands is reminiscent of Jaylen Waddle. He’s also a weapon as a returner. Cleveland rebuilt its offensive line this offseason and now has an offensive core of Concepcion, Quinshawn Judkins, Isaiah Bonds and Harold Fannin Jr. This franchise is really building a better long-term infrastructure for its franchise quarterback, whether that’s long-term.

Loser: Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers spent the 22nd overall pick on a 25-year-old edge rusher with durability concerns. That’s because of how desperate this team is for pass-rushing help, especially with defensive wizard Jesse Minter out of the building. Akhim Messidor is a solid player, but prospects with his yellow flags (age and medical) are generally selected in the top-50. Desperation to fill a need and a relatively weak 2026 NFL Draft forced the move. This could work out fine, but it’s really the best-case scenario, and there’s no long-term benefit to it, as Messidor will be close to 30 when his rookie contract expires.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs defense showed off again tonight. If you want to know how much confidence Steve Spagnuolo has in Mansur Delaney, trading up to get him with the ninth overall pick shows it. This is an organization that has a great track record in drafting and developing cornerbacks; Dellen is in the perfect position to be the No. 1 cornerback. Also, unlike Trent McDuffie, Dellen is a much better fit on the perimeter. To top it all off, he knocked out Peter Woods in Round 1. Before a poor season at Clemson, he was viewed as a potential top-five selection. There were still flashes of that ability last season, and now he has the opportunity to learn from Chris Jones. Kansas City will have hit two home runs with its first-round pick tonight, and a new defense is a big step toward returning to Super Bowl contention.

Loser: Seattle Seahawks

It feels like Rashaad Penny all over again. The Seattle Seahawks made it clear to anyone who would listen that they would prefer to trade down from the 32nd overall pick. Why? Because they were in dire need of more draft capital. With all the trades made ahead of him, it seems as if he was taken off the selection board for the team. So, clearly in desperate need of a running back, they reached out to Jadarion Price. He is the clear-cut RB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and if he weren’t on the same team with Jeremiah Love he would probably be the starter at many programs. Still, his skill set makes him the best fit for a running back on the committee, and the Seahawks used a first-round pick on him. It’s a baffling choice, and it’s highly likely that this choice will seem even more foolish two years from now.

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

George Pickens’ future in Dallas is no longer a sure thing. After quieting his doubters and improving his reputation with a breakout season for the Cowboys in 2025, owner and general manager Jerry Jones insisted for weeks that locking up the receiver to a long-term deal was inevitable. Well, that can’t happen now.

On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter claimed in an episode Rise That “They’re nowhere with George Pickens at this point. Nowhere. They’re not really talking about an extension.” Later in the day, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones told Dallas media, “There will be no negotiations on a long-term deal,” and the pass catcher will play on his $27.3 million franchise tag next season.

This has led to much speculation that the team may consider moving Pickens during the NFL Draft, specifically in Round 1. If he makes that bold move, let’s take a look at five teams that could acquire the player who posted 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.

Arizona Cardinals

There’s a lot of talk that Dallas would prefer to move up to No. 3 and select David Bailey or Arvel Reese — or whoever the New York Jets don’t take at No. 2. Either could be a long-term solution to fill the gap left in the pass rush after trading Micah Parsons last year.

However, some question whether the ‘Guys, giving up their picks at Nos. 12 and 20, will be tempting to the Arizona Cardinals. But if they offer Pickens and the No. 20 pick as well as the third-day pick, it could be enough. While the Cards have a messy QB situation, the combo of Pickens and Marvin Harrison Jr. will be good weapons for their signal-caller in 2026 and beyond.

New York Jets

The Cowboys could also try to move up to No. 2 as rumors have been swirling for weeks that the Jets are willing to trade down.

New York coach Aaron Glenn is feeling a lot of pressure to perform better in 2026 or he may be fired. They have high expectations for veteran QB Geno Smith. So getting another big weapon like Pickens could potentially lead to a drastic change in the offense next season. Dallas could benefit from Glenn’s frustration and get whoever they want at No. 2.

los angeles chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to take another big step forward in Year 2 under head coach Jim Harbaugh. They lack a game-breaker receiver in 2025. If Pickens were acquired he could help elevate them into a true Super Bowl contender. Due to the impact Pickens can have on offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels’ system, LA may be willing to drop their pick at 22 for the receiver and give him an extension to serve as Justin Herbert’s WR1 for years to come.

Los Angeles Rams

At the beginning of the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams showed they were fully prepared to finish their Super Bowl story when they gave up the No. 29 pick in Round 1 to the Kansas City Chiefs for All-Pro Trent McDuffie. Reports linked him to a possible trade for Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown last month. However, they backed out of a deal.

Would LA be willing to give up their pick at 13 in Round 1 for Pickens? Probably not. However, a deal that sends pick No. 13 and Davante Adams to Dallas for Pickens, pick 20, and a third-rounder could be possible. The Cowboys will have picks 12 and 13 in Round 1, as well as a good replacement for Pickens. While the Rams make a lethal WR duo for reigning MVP Matthew Stafford next season.

new England Patriots

Another team that can’t be ruled out in the potential George Pickens trade market is the New England Patriots. They desperately need a young receiver if they hope to have a real chance to get back to the Super Bowl next season.

They are among the teams interested in AJ Brown. However, it may cost two first-round picks. Giving up their pick at No. 31 on Thursday night, plus a third-rounder, could be enough to get them the WR1 Drake Mays wants.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Paige has opened up about the unexpected series of events that led to her WWE return, revealing that Jelly Roll played a direct role in starting the negotiations and that Nick Khan laid out two non-negotiable conditions before any deal could go forward. Paige shared details during a new episode of What’s Your Story with Stephanie McMahon.

The road to returning to WWE began with a live recording of Jelly Roll’s Wife Bunny’s podcast, where Page was a guest along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s agent Brad Slater. Jelly Roll used that moment to directly ask why WWE didn’t bring Paige back. That question set off a chain of events that led to a meeting with Nick Khan being arranged within 30 minutes of Jelly Roll calling.

She said, “I went and met him for about 10 minutes, great guy. I love him. Big fan of his. Very smart.” “He has a business mind. I thought I would be intimidated by him. But getting there, he’s comfortable. He says, ‘Two things – your neck has to be fine and we have to do a drug test.’ I said, ‘Fair enough.’ I said, ‘Hey, I can handle the drug testing.’

“I’m clean as a whistle. And so I was like, ‘I don’t know what my neck is like. It’s been a few years since I’ve had it checked. Last time I got it checked, it was perfect. So I’m not really worried about it.’ And so, next week I fly to Birmingham.

Given Paige’s history with the company, the personal significance of the drug testing situation was immense. During her first stint in WWE, she failed two drug tests and, by her own admission, was “a little messed up”. Stephanie McMahon said in the episode that there was genuine concern for Paige within WWE at the time, and when Paige first returned in 2017, Stephanie hugged her and said she was glad she was still alive. Paige is now eight years old.

Paige is getting medical clearance

The medical clearance side of the equation required a 10-hour appointment in Birmingham. Paige was medically disqualified from WWE in December 2017 after a match, which revealed the severity of her neck problems, leading to her forced retirement from the company. She later returned to in-ring competition in AEW in 2022, but receiving formal WWE medical clearance was a completely different process. When the results came out she was devastated.

“It was a few things. The fact that my neck was good,” Page said. “And the last time I was in WWE, my neck wasn’t right, and I had to retire. And I had to miss all the big things like the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, all these things I didn’t get a chance to be a part of, even though I was part of the group that helped ignite it, right? And it’s just the fact that I’m going to be OK.”

With both conditions met, Paige entered contract negotiations and was brought back in time for WrestleMania 42, where she teamed with Brie Bella to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Paige stepped in as a replacement for Nikki Bella, who suffered an ankle injury during WrestleMania.

Before the Raiders hit the clock, I want to go on the record.

Every year I do this. Every year, some of these age beautifully and some of them get screenshotted and thrown back in my face by people in my mentions who have been waiting since April to do the exact same thing. Good. This is the deal. You want accountable tech, they’re here.

Let’s start with the obvious and get it out of the way.

Fernando Mendoza has become number 1. I’m really going out on a limb here, aren’t I? The Raiders took over an Indiana quarterback who went 16–0, won a Heisman, threw 41 touchdowns against six interceptions and completed 72% of his passes in a national championship season. It takes almost zero courage to predict this. John Spytek said he has received calls about the selection and that teams “know where they stand.” This GM means stop calling us.

Mendoza is a Raider as of Thursday night at 8:15 pm Eastern time. write it down.

Now this is where it gets interesting.

How the top of the draft plays out past Mendoza

Jets It’s two o’clock and I’m taking Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State’s Arvel Reese. I know this is an unpopular approach. Reese is the unanimous choice, the athleticism darling, the guy most analysts have cornered. I don’t care. The Jets aren’t drafting for upside right now – they’re drafting for production. Bailey led the Big 12 with 14.5 sacks last season, posted 19.5 tackles for loss, and was disruptive every week against real competition. Reese has a high ceiling. Bailey has a track record. New York has been trying to replace their pass rush for half a decade and they don’t have the luxury of waiting on the potential Bailey already has to develop. The Jets took Bailey, and in two years no one remembered it being a surprise. But, this is a prediction that most of you will take a screenshot of.

Cornell Tate could not advance further than eighth place. On most boards he’s going somewhere between six and nine, and I’m not arguing with that range. He’s the most complete receiver in this class, a legitimate route runner who draws comparisons to Justin Jefferson from people whose opinions I really respect. Cleveland needs a receiver so badly that if he’s there at six, they’re not waiting. If it somehow falls, someone will do the business. Tate is leaving quickly with a smile on his face.

Omar Cooper Jr. is the wild card of the first round. Most big boards right now have him going between 13 and 16 — Dan Brugler at The Athletic has him ranked 21st overall, NFL.com’s Mock continues to have him landing at 13 on the Rams, and Todd McShay has him in the middle of the first round. Daniel Jeremiah expressed the possibility that he would lose in the second round. I think the truth lies somewhere between the consensus and Jeremiah. His receiving totals never topped 1,000 yards in college, and for all the athleticism and yards after the catch, NFL teams are going to be talking to themselves before Thursday night is over. He doesn’t make it to Round 2, but he doesn’t make it to Round 13 either. Cooper lands somewhere in the 18-22 range, and whoever took him there feels like they stole something.

What about the Raiders in Round 2?

Now – Raiders at 36.

The receiver board in this location is actually quite interesting. Zachariah Branch, Kevin Concepcion, and Isaiah Bonds all sit in that late-first to mid-second tier, and in most years at least one – if not two – of them are gone before the Raiders even get on the clock. Concepcion, in particular, is a mid-20s player on a lot of boards and probably shouldn’t have gotten here. If he does that, this type of slide teams onto the podium quickly. Any one of them makes sense here.

But the name I remember over and over again is Jeremy Bernard. The Alabama receiver doesn’t have the buzz of the top names in this class, but he weighs in at 6-1, 206 pounds and led the Crimson Tide in catches last season with 50 receptions for 794 yards. Dan Brugler called him a favorite among scouts and coaches, especially because of his versatility in all formations and his competitive mentality. He’s not a slam dunk pick here – Branch and Bonds both have arguments – but if Spytek is building around Mendoza’s comfort and wants a receiver who can line up at multiple spots and work quickly, Bernard fits that profile better than anyone else at this level. Kubiak will find ways to get him the ball.

Either way, the Raiders come out of Round 2 with a pass catcher. I’ll bet on it.

Attackers in Round 3 and beyond

When Vegas gets to 67 in round 3, I think SpyTech goes to the rescue. Specifically, defensive tackle. McDonald visited Henderson and everyone keeps throwing up his name, but let’s be honest – Kayden McDonald is an intriguing prospect. Many boards have him in the mid to late round of the first round, and if he somehow ends up in the late part of Round 2, Spytek should be trading on the phone, not sitting and waiting. He will no longer be there at the age of 67.

A more realistic target is Domonique Orange out of Iowa State. He visited Henderson, he weighs 325 pounds and projects as a round 3-4 pick across the board. He’s not a pass rusher, but in Rob Leonard’s 3-4, the nose tackle’s job is to hold the point of attack and keep the linebackers clean. Orange does exactly that.

Chris McClellan from Missouri is another name here. He also visited, and what separates him from the Orange isn’t pass-rush production (scouts doubt that part of his game), it’s versatility. McClellan can line up anywhere from zero-technique to 4i, which gives a defensive coordinator more options depending on personnel. One of them is a raider as of Saturday morning.

The secondary is addressed on the third day with at least one selection of the fourth round. Three fourth rounders are a luxury. Spytek uses one on a cornerback – I guess Delenn Everett from Georgia visited. The projection range on Everett is wide, anywhere from the end of Day 2 to the beginning of Day 3, so nabbing him with one of those fourth-round picks is realistic without a stretch.

The running back comes in on day three. There’s the name of Indiana’s Kellon Black – physical runner, strong in pass protection, and running backs to that national championship with Mendoza in two seasons. He projects in the fifth or sixth round, right where the Raiders have options sitting. You’re not asking him to go back to being featured. You’re asking him to provide a capable rotation option to Ashton Jeanty and contribute on special teams. Black can do this.

Then there’s Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor, who made the top 30 with the Raiders. He weighs 6-7, 314 pounds and started games at all four positions on the line in college – left tackle, left guard, right guard, right tackle. He is not someone who has wandered into a position; He is a man who has learned how to play football. You don’t need that to get started. You need him to give your offensive line room a reliable backup who can plug in anywhere when things get rough, and Taylor provides exactly that. He is the person chosen for the third day who fits the role of the third day perfectly.

Then it’s a receiver, a safety or two, a linebacker that makes your special teams coach smile. The third day is where you throw darts and hope one of them sticks.

Here’s my main takeaway: The Raiders will not be a contender in 2026. Anyone telling you otherwise is not straight with you. Six wins, maybe seven, is a realistic outcome in Year 1 of this rebuild. But a good draft – a Mendoza, a receiver at 36, a nose tackle at 67, secondary depth in Round 4, and a running back with system familiarity at the end of Day 3 – sets this thing up nicely for 2027 and beyond.

Check back Friday morning. I will remain here, either paying obeisance or explaining myself.

maybe both.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

On this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw, rumors of a move to the main roster became reality when it was officially revealed that former NXT Champion Ethan Page is now a member of the roster. The red brand now has a performer with tons of experience, someone with a great wardrobe, and a wrestler who can work well in any style.

Now that the NXT and AEW veteran is on the WWE main roster, it’s the perfect time to take a look at some of the feuds we can’t wait to see Paige create in the coming months and years.

jacob fatu

Ethan Page can be animated when pushed, but for the most part, he is a cool, calm, and cocky character. That’s why a showdown with “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu would be so much fun. Fatu is such an intense and unpredictable artist that it can force some hilarious reactions off the page.

Additionally, it will be interesting to see Page work with a larger but athletic opponent. Something that he has rarely done in the last five years.

cm Punk

CM Punk won’t be around much longer, so it would be nice to see him mixing it up more often against some of the rising talent instead of the elite guys on the roster. The clash of personalities would make for some great television, and Page somehow gaining the upper hand at the end of the feud could help create a new main event player in WWE.

Jai Uso

Ethan Page is so good at being an annoyingly despicable heel that a fan favorite like Jey Uso is a natural enemy at some point. Plus, being a pain in the neck for such a beloved character would help elevate Page as one of Raw’s top bad guys. Also, the matches will be entertaining.

Don’t be surprised if you see this rivalry playing out on your TV screens by the autumn.

uncle howdy

Page rarely encountered supernatural characters during his career. In WWE, he will eventually face many people. Some are silly, like Danhausen, and others are downright scary, like Uncle Howdy. The rivalry with Howdy could be very interesting, and Page could get far better matches against the Wyatt Six leader than other foes. This could be a win-win for both characters.

The Miz

Very rarely do heels fight each other. However, with Page looking like the next generation version of The Miz, the pair hating on each other would be no surprise, nor would future clashes in the ring. It might be even better if WWE drew obvious parallels, with Miz suggesting that Page is here to take his place or is a younger version of the future Hall of Famer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Following their fourth consecutive loss on the season, the inevitable happened, and Billy Donovan’s tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bulls ended when he officially “resigned” from his position on Tuesday.

At the beginning of the week, it was still unclear whether Donovan would follow general manager Mark Eversley and executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas after they were fired by the Bulls earlier this month. There were also recent reports that the former Florida and Oklahoma City Thunder coach could gain even more influence in the organization.

However, Donovan would end his run with a 226–256 record and just one playoff trip in six seasons. So who could the Chicago Bulls make their next head coach? We present five possible options, including former head coach Tom Thibodeau.

taylor jenkins

Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on- and off-court issues played a role in his surprise exit at the end of last season.

The 41-year-old certainly deserves another chance as a head coach in the NBA and has shown he can develop talent. This is a must-have trait for the Bulls’ next coach. Jenkins will get some good pieces to start in Matas Bouzelis and Josh Giddy.

tom thibodeau

In the NBA, you have rarely seen a coach returning to a franchise after a breakup. But other than a few good seasons from Scott Skiles at the turn of the century, Tom Thibodeau is the only coach who has pushed the Bulls back into title contention since the Michael Jordan era.

Yes, his inability to reach the NBA Finals since being fired by Chicago in 2015 continues. But he showed with the New York Knicks that he still knows how to turn a program around and make them a consistent playoff contender. This is what the Bulls need right now. A strong, capable coach who has mastered the art of turning teams into very competitive units year after year.

Sam Cassel

Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.

For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. He should definitely be considered for Chicago.

Mika Nori

Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coaching jobs over the past few years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nouri. He’s been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there is none more prepared and respected than Nori.

chris quinn

Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a man who is sure to get a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game due to their potential. Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest retainers and can bring to Chicago what has worked for him over the past decade.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night and everyone knows Fernando Mendoza will be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, chaos can happen and we’re trying to present some surprises that could happen on draft night.

Let’s take a look at our final set of bold 2026 NFL Draft predictions for Round 1.

New Orleans Saints trade up for No. 3 pick

Myriad of NFL Draft rumors have made it clear that the Arizona Cardinals are engaged in talks to trade down from No. 3 overall. A deal with the Kansas City Chiefs is certainly possible, but general manager Mickey Loomis’ history of draft-day aggression leads us to believe it would be the New Orleans Saints. Along with the quarterback, New Orleans needs to find its own blue-chip talent on the defensive side. That would be Arvel Reese. While David Bailey is the better pass rusher at the moment, Reese offers more versatility as a player with a higher ceiling overall. He could be the centerpiece of the Saints defense for a decade.

RELATED: Small-school prospects worth knowing about in the 2026 NFL Draft

New York Giants snag Jordan Tyson, Caleb Downs

The Dexter Lawrence trade allows the New York Giants to double dip into this attractive prospect pool, addressing needs on both sides of the ball. We think the New York Giants will use the fifth overall pick on wide receiver Jordan Tyson, betting that his injury issues are behind him. When healthy, Tyson is a true No. 1 receiver whose skillset will complement Malik Nabors greatly. For the Giants, this gives Jackson Dart two No. 1 receivers to pair with tight end Isaiah Potential. With the 10th overall selection, head coach John Harbaugh is reminiscent of what the Baltimore Ravens did with the selection of Kyle Hamilton a few years ago. In grabbing All-American safety Caleb Downs at No. 10, New York gets a high-end starter who can do it all.

Washington Commanders Draft Jeremiah Love

Although there is a lot of talk that the Tennessee Titans could choose to bring back Jeremiah Love, we believe Robert Saleh will get his preferred player in David Bailey. So, with Tyson landing in New York, the Washington commanders’ dream scenario unfolds. Running backs may not be the Commanders’ highest need, but blue-chip edge defenders are off the board. It’s also worth remembering that many teams view Love as the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. He may be just a level below Bijan Robinson as a prospect, but Love’s three-down ability and home-run explosiveness are reminiscent of an All-Pro. That’s the ability you want to pair with Jaden Daniels and Washington will get him.

RELATED: Why the Titans shouldn’t draft Jeremiah Love

Los Angeles Rams boost offense with Makai Lemon

If it hasn’t already been made clear, the Los Angeles Rams are all set heading into the 2026 season and are putting together possibly the best supporting cast around Matthew Stafford. That means selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 13th overall pick. Lemon will be in a position to have plenty of guys to feed into in the Rams’ passing game, but he will also share the field with Puka Nakua and receive guidance from Davante Adams. If he can even be a discount version of Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Rams’ passing attack could be one of the best the NFL has seen in over a decade.

Arizona Cardinals trade up in Round 1 for Ty Simpson

We think a pair of NFC West teams would make unlikely trade partners in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Seattle Seahawks actively seeking more draft capital this year, the Cardinals are taking advantage. After moving down from No. 3 earlier in the night and selecting right tackle Francis Mauigoa, the Cardinals tapped into their war chest of draft picks and moved up two spots from the 34th to 32nd selection overall. This secures a fifth-year option on quarterback Ty Simpson, while Seattle picks up some additional draft picks and possibly lands a player with the second pick in Round 2 that would be taken to end Round 1. A win-win for everyone, and Simpson walks into a position with an advanced offensive line and a great supporting cast of weapons in Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

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

As we enter another week of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, all 30 clubs have now played at least 20 games. A lot of teams are in a hot spot at the moment and one club in particular is very cold. As the weekend action approaches its conclusion, we’ll try and project what will happen on the MLB schedule this week.

Let’s take a look at our bold MLB predictions for the upcoming games this week.

Carson Benz hits first HR since Opening Day

This prediction is definitely not about numbers. After all, the New York Mets entered Sunday on a 10-game losing streak, and rookie outfielder Carson Benz has made 68 plate appearances since last homering on Opening Day. Of particular concern is that he has collected only one extra-base hit (double) in his last 62 plate appearances and has put up an abysmal .140/.210/.158 triple-slash line over that span. However, we’re here to say that Benz’s power drought will end at some point this week with a home run against Simeon Woods Richardson (Wednesday) at Citi Field or a three-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies. The Mets would win that game as well.

Shota Imanaga gets 10+ Ks in consecutive starts

With the Chicago Cubs without three starters – Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, there is even more pressure on Shota Imanaga’s shoulders. Last week, he was lights-out against the Philadelphia Phillies with 11 strikeouts and only 3 hits allowed in 6 innings. Facing the same team in consecutive starts isn’t ideal, but the Phillies’ lineup has the fifth-highest strikeout rate in MLB (24.3 percent) since April 5. We think we have another gem coming from Imanaga this week.

Shohei Ohtani homers 5 hitless innings

In his major-league career, Shohei Ohtani has boasted a .930 OPS with 10 home runs against the San Francisco Giants, and he has hit 4 home runs in 58 career at-bats at Oracle Park. Not only are we seeing the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star pitching deep this week in San Francisco, but we also think he’ll make it through 5 hitless innings against the Giants’ lineup.

READ MORE: SF Giants high on top MLB draft prospect

Cleveland Guardians lead 5-1

Starting pitching has carried the Cleveland Guardians this season, demonstrated by the fact that the team entered Sunday with the third-lowest rotation ERA (3.00) in baseball. Fortunately for the Guardians lineup, there is a “Be Right” series this month to start the week against the Houston Astros pitching staff, which has an ERA of 6.80 (worst in MLB). We believe Cleveland beats the Astros at home and then goes to Toronto to take a three-game series, and solidify their position at the top of the AL Central by coming out of the week with a 5-1 record.

Aaron Judge Homers Twice vs. Boston Red Sox

Aaron Judge is going to have some fun at Fenway Park this week. They get a three-game series against a Boston Red Sox pitching staff that has allowed the fifth-most home runs (26) in baseball this season, tied with the Colorado Rockies (25). Although he has not had a high average at Fenway (.217) in his career, he still has 12 homers in this ballpark, 3 of which came last season. It may have been a two-homer game, but we’re inclined to say Judge homers in two of the three games at Fenway.

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

After being on the road to WrestleMania 42 since January’s Royal Rumble, the wait is finally over. This weekend brings the 2026 edition of WWE’s annual celebration for wrestling fans, and this year’s event includes two explosive nights of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The card for WrestleMania 42 Night 2 will include two of the most anticipated matches of the event. One is the big fight between “The Beast” Brock Lesnar and “The Ruler” Oba Femi. The second is in the main event of the night, when CM Punk defends the WWE World Heavyweight Title against hated rival Roman Reigns.

With that in mind, we offer some bold predictions for each match on Night 2 of WrestleMania 42.

Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi

Considering how many times Femi has gained the upper hand on Lesnar during their feud, WWE history suggests that the future Hall of Famer will get the last laugh, as he has done against many stars during his legendary career. But this is a different time and situation.

For some time now, reports have been saying that Lesnar is very close to the end of his WWE career. Like the greats of the past, “respecting” and helping create future stars is what he should do when he goes out. A victory for Femi, especially an impressive one, at WrestleMania 42 could create a new main event star. Hopefully the former NXT Champion will carry the torch as the new beast comes to WWE on Sunday night.

WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (Captain) vs. Rhea Ripley

Regarding the ongoing feud between WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill and Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley, different reports are coming that both of them are not fans of each other in real life. This added a unique tension and physicality to the situation. It also stands out because Cargill looks to be the smarter of the two and continues to improve into a future Hall of Famer.

WWE’s booking history shows that Ripley has got her revenge. But the heels are going to win at WrestleMania 42, and this feels like one of those examples. Look for Cargill’s new teammates – Mitchin and B-Fab – to join in and save the winner from imminent loss. This would lead to a long-rumored feud with former friend Bianca Belair.

finn balor vs dominik mysterio

The moment many WWE fans have been waiting for on Sunday night is the return of “The Demon” Finn Balor. And what a perfect time for his alter ego to reemerge as he looks to teach former Judgment Day brother Dominic Mysterio a violent lesson.

There were rumors that Baylor was expecting a big push when he signed his current deal two years ago. This never happened. Now seems like the right time for him and “The Demon” to re-establish themselves as a force on Raw. Expect an impressive victory from the first Universal Champion.

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Jevon Evans vs. Rusev vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rey Mysterio

One match that could easily steal the show at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 is the Six-Pack Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match. The reigning champ, Penta, will defend his gold against Rusev, high flyer J’Von Evans, fellow lucha star Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh and Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio.

This is a match ripe for a surprise win. While many may have expected Ja’Von Evans to pick up an unexpected victory in a match built on his skills, the expectation is that “Rusev Day” will return and the Bulgarian will win the bout. WWE had invested well in his return a year ago. They need to bring him back into a featured role, and a long-term feud with Penta for the belt would be fun.

United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams

Rumors are swirling about a United States title match between Sami Zayn and Trick Williams. Zayn surprisingly drew the ire of fans by defeating Carmelo Hayes for the title just weeks before WrestleMania. Whereas since arriving from NXT late last year, Williams has become one of the most popular stars in the company, despite being a heel.

Rumors suggest we may be getting a rare wrestling double turn. Pulling the trigger on such an idea is perfect for this match, and like Femi earlier in the night, Williams’ title win and baby face turn would create a new top star. Expect to hear “and new” at the end of it.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

Punk and Reigns have done a great job of generating huge interest in what was a dream feud for wrestling fans a few years ago. He made things personal, then just a week before the event, he revealed that even though they hate each other, he still has a lot of respect for his enemy.

Despite the hype, the result seems predictable, and Reigns will return to the top of the mountain after being defeated at WrestleMania 40 two years ago. But what’s the fun in it? We predict something different. Punk shocked fans by turning heel, reuniting with Paul Heyman and becoming the new leader of Vision. Is it a possibility? No, but how wild would that be?

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

With Danhausen becoming one of WWE’s more popular talents, a new rumor suggests the company has some big plans for him at WrestleMania 42 this weekend.

The former AEW wrestler’s debut at Elimination Chamber in February did not go as well as expected, as he received a lukewarm reception from WWE fans in Chicago. However, this may have been a good thing as it lowered expectations. Since that moment, the unique comic character has quickly endeared himself to disaffected fans.

Now, the man known for cursing his enemies is quite excited for his first WrestleMania. Although he does not have an official match on the card, there has been much speculation on how he may be used during the two-night event.

Will Danhausen meet John Cena at WrestleMania?

On Friday, we got some new information about WWE’s Danhausen plans for this weekend via BodySlam+. According to the outlet, the wrestling version of Dracula won’t just make a one-time appearance during WrestleMania. In fact, the company is planning for them to have multiple segments over the course of two nights.

Yet that was not the most interesting part of the intelligence. BodySlam+ also reports that one of those segments will see Danhausen face off against WWE GOAT John Cena, who will host both nights of WrestleMania 42.

While no one had Danhausen and Cena in the ring on their bingo card following their retirement in December, they could have finally delivered one of the most memorable moments of WrestleMania 42.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

We’re just days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and there’s a lot of excitement surrounding how the New York Giants will run the draft under head coach John Harbaugh.

The 63-year-old head coach would like to acquire players who fit his ideology and who can eventually become leaders of the team. Giants have seven draft picks, but only two in the top 100 (5)^th and 37^th Overall), making it even more important that they stick with their first two choices.

For months, there has been widespread speculation as to what the team would do with the fifth overall selection, but we’ll take a look at five options for them with Big Blue’s selection in Round 2.

Kaden McDonald DT, Ohio State

whether or not team trade Dexter Lawrence, at some point, they will have to address the interior defensive line. One player who would be ideal to replace or play alongside Lawrence is Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

The 6’2, 326-pound defensive lineman had a stellar junior season in 2025, where he started all 14 games and made 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and was named a unanimous All-American.

He uses his strength and leverage to create obstacles between opposing offensive lines, allowing him or one of his teammates to make a play. He shows speed and a good change of direction, which allows him to play behind the line of scrimmage.

Chris JohnsonCB, San Diego State

After losing starting corner Kor’Dale Flote in free agency, the team will look to add a corner at some point in the draft, and if Chris Johnson is still on the board at pick 37, he could be the newest addition to the team.

After recording only two interceptions in his first three seasons at San Diego State, Johnson had a breakout year as a senior, coming up with four interceptions and returning two of them for touchdowns. He also had 49 tackles, was credited with nine pass defenses, had one sack and one forced fumble.

The six-foot, 193-pound versatile corner has the footwork and ability to play outside and in the slot. He is also a vicious tackler and will be a great addition to defensive coordinator Denard Wilson’s unit.

Chase Bisontis G, Texas A&M

One area of ​​concern on the Giants roster is the interior offensive line. That’s why Texas A&M guard Chase Bissontis is a viable option in the second round. The versatile offensive lineman played both the guard position as well as right tackle during his three years at Texas A&M.

The 6’5 315 pound lineman has a ton of experience, having appeared in 36 games, which is a quality New York always looks for. He showed his athletic ability when he ran a 5.02 40 time. He is equipped with all the tools to provide immediate protection, such as strength, tenacity and solid footwork.

He is one of the best interior offensive linemen in this draft, and if New York can get him at age 37, he could be one of the best players in the draft.

CJ Allen LB, Georgia

Some believe that CJ Allen is the second-best off-the-ball linebacker in this draft behind Sonny Styles, and with good reason, as he was named a First-Team All-American in 2025 after recording 88 tackles.

In his three years at Georgia, he had 205 tackles, 13½ tackles for loss, four½ sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Not only can he make tackles all over the field, but he hides his attacks well and should be able to produce a handful of sacks a season.

If Big Blue takes Styles in the first round, Allen should be at the top of their board in the second round.

Keelan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

Another offensive guard who may be on New York’s radar is Georgia Tech’s Kylan Rutledge. Rutledge spent his first two seasons with Middle Tennessee State before coming to Georgia Tech in 2024.

He appeared in a total of 48 games and started 43 of them, allowing only two sacks, and was named a Third-Team All-American in 2025. In his final season, he had 440 pass blocking snaps and did not allow a sack.

The 6’3, 316 pound guard has built a reputation as a mauler, but is also athletic and runs a 5.05, and is capable of reaching the second level in run blocking in the combo block concept. If New York takes him with 37^th Overall, he will be one of the starting guards in Week 1.

After being on the road to WrestleMania 42 since January’s Royal Rumble, the wait is finally over. This weekend brings the 2026 edition of WWE’s annual celebration for wrestling fans, and this year’s event includes two explosive nights of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The WrestleMania 42 Night 1 card features a number of interesting matchups, including a highly anticipated clash between Seth Rollins and Gunther, as well as a controversial main event that will see Cody Rhodes defend the WWE Undisputed Title against his former close friend Randy Orton.

With that in mind, we’re offering some bold predictions for Saturday’s WrestleMania card.

Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and iShowspeed vs. The Usos and L.A. Knight

The first night of WrestleMania 42 will debut on ESPN 2 and will feature a cross-over match pitting The Vision’s Logan Paul and Austin Theory teaming up with mega-popular YouTuber iShowspeed against The Usos and LA Knight. When it comes to big shows like this, WWE often wants to start things off on a fun and positive note. This match is designed to be a whole lot of fun and possibly silly at some points.

Don’t be surprised if we get an appearance from Danhausen early in the show to continue the story with him after Speed ​​cursed him a few weeks ago. In the end, the babyface trio of The Usos and Knight would pick up the victory to get the fans excited early.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (Captain) vs. Becky Lynch

The months-long feud between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee should come to an end on Saturday night. The two future Hall of Famers have been at odds since the fall. However, Lee has the better of the Irish girl at every turn. Defeating him in a tag match at Wrestlepalooza, then winning Intercontinental gold at Elimination Chamber in February.

That hot streak is going to end this weekend. While Lynch doesn’t need to get the IC title back, there’s no way Lee has full ownership of the greatest female performer of all time. Given the way WWE does balanced booking, it’s too late to tip the scales back on Lynch.

Rejected Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

Another feud that will come to a decisive conclusion at WrestleMania 42 is the bitter rivalry between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre. The monster duo have been feuding with each other for weeks and could steal the show with their rejected match on Night 1.

But one thing is certain. Fatu will get the biggest W of his career on Saturday. Especially since McIntyre was busy filming. hillHe is certain to suffer a loss and take some time off after this weekend.

Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way: Irresistible Forces (c) vs. The Bella Twins vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria

On Saturday Night, the Women’s Tag Team titles are at stake when The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) battle The Bella Twins (if Nikki Bella is cleared to compete), Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

This could go in a lot of different directions, and because WWE loves the Bellas so much, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they get the long-awaited tag team title shot. But in the best interest of the division and the legend, the champs must maintain and continue their dominance as titlists. Plus, the heels will win at WrestleMania and it seems like a perfect match to make that happen.

Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Wacker (captain) vs Liv Morgan

One of the best things about this year’s event is the rivalry between Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Walker. Things got heated, personal, and very physical a few weeks ago as Wacker accidentally(?) hurt Morgan and Roxanne Perez.

Morgan doesn’t need a win here, and giving Wacker a big ‘Mania moment seems like a smart play as she could become a top star for years to come. However, Morgan’s win has led to some great storylines and feuds with her Judgment Day sisters Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. For that reason, we predict Morgan W.

seth rollins vs gunther

Although it was a late addition to WrestleMania 42, Rollins vs. Gunther has the potential to be the best match of any night and a match of the year contender. They are two of the best wrestlers on earth and should create magic in the ring.

The fact that Braun Breaker is reportedly looking away and is set to make his return soon makes it likely that Rollins gets the win and then his celebration after the match or on Monday’s Raw is ended by the man he brought in, The Vision.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

The feud between Orton and Rhodes has been awkward at times and has become even weirder with the random inclusion of former announcer and popular podcaster Pat McAfee. It has transformed the competition from a battle for gold between close friends to a battle over the future direction of the company.

McAfee’s involvement in the storyline has been condemned by fans and wrestlers. However, it is unlikely that he will disappear after Saturday night. Additionally, there are rumors that WWE is planning a tag match between Orton and McAfee against Rhodes and Jelly Roll at Backlash, which suggests that “The Viper” will get world title shot number 15 this weekend.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The only positive side of the New York Jets’ ugly three-win season in 2025 was landing the No. 2 pick in this month’s NFL Draft. Although it’s not the top pick, the team may still get the best player in the 2026 class as the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza – the best QB in the quarterback class in week one – with the No. 1 pick.

For several weeks, the Jets have been projected to take Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State star Arvel Reese. However, there is another option, and that is to use their very valuable selection in a trade to accumulate additional picks and fill more needs, or acquire a proven star from a rival team. Especially since he is the second selection in Round 1 (No. 16).

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four bold trades the Jets could make with the No. 2 pick in next week’s NFL Draft.

trade for max crosby

One of the biggest surprises this offseason was the Baltimore Ravens’ backtracking on their blockbuster trade for five-time Pro Bowler Max Crosby. That deal would have given the Raiders a pair of first-round draft picks, including the 16th pick the following week.

If Las Vegas still wants to move Crosby, they are unlikely to get two first-down picks after the pass rusher’s medical records are referred to the Ravens’ medical team. However, acquiring the No. 2 pick, as well as the Jets’ additional picks in rounds 2 and 4, and the third in 2027, could trouble the Raiders. This would help Las Vegas get the QB they need in one class and possibly the best player in this year’s class in two.

Traded to Kansas City Chiefs for picks No. 9 and 29

With the current streak of 15 years out of the playoffs and one 3-win year, the Jets need all the elite and affordable prospects they can get. That’s why they could consider a deal where they give up their selection for two first-rounders (Nos. 9 and 29) to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the pick at nine, they could go after a top cornerback like LSU’s Mansur Delaney or Ohio State stud receiver Carnell Tate. With that fourth and final pick in Round 1, another corner like Colton Hood or QB prospect Ty Simpson could be an option.

Trade for Ja’Marr Chase

If Aaron Glenn wants Geno Smith to return to his Pro Bowl form, the more weapons the better. That’s why using their pick at No. 2 and going after an elite weapon like the Cincinnati Bengals’ superstar receiver Jamar Chase should be in play.

The Bengals are a mess and have invested a lot of money in three players on offense. Although they would love to keep Chase, he is the best business asset they can consider transferring. That would give them two top-10 picks and a chance to replace star pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

Trade up for picks No. 12 and 20 to the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are another first-round team that has a couple of options. Jerry Jones will likely fall by himself to go No. 2 overall. Because of the value, New York could get the likes of Dallas on days 12 and 20, as well as something on the third day of the event.

In such a deal, the Jets could use the second pick at No. 12 to go after a top offensive lineman like Kaidin Proctor or Francis Mauigoa, and at No. 20, they could target receiver Denzel Boston or defensive tackle Peter Woods as a potential replacement for Quinnen Williams.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos