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NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has repeatedly stated that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series racing at the end of the 2027 season. Although there is still some doubt about his execution, it appears Joe Gibbs Racing has a succession plan in place.

Fox Sports’ Bob Pockross wrote that O’Reilly Series driver Brent Cruz is “focused on driver development” so that he can replace Hamlin in the No. 11 car whenever that happens.

RELATED: Top NASCAR prospects whose stock is rising in 2026

Hamlin, who is coming off a million-dollar win in the NASCAR All-Star Race, remains easily one of the best drivers in the sport. In 2026, he leads the Cup Series in laps led (624), and his average finishing position (9.92) is even better than last season, when he won six races.

It’s not like it’s a Michael McDowell or Kyle Busch situation, where wins have become less frequent. Hamlin is a championship contender who has a legitimate chance to win every week at every oval track on the Cup Series circuit.

RELATED: NASCAR Cup Series all-time win list, including Denny Hamlin

That’s why there is considerable doubt as to whether Hamlin will actually leave when his contract expires. Whether it’s in 2027 or any year after that, JGR has a tentative plan.

Cruz, who just turned 18 in March, has been one of the best drivers in the O’Reilly Series this season. He finished in the top 10 in seven of his 10 races and finished in the top five in four races.

Widely regarded as one of the top prospects in NASCAR, with some even seeing him as a better talent than Connor Zylisch, a Cup Series ride is inevitable. Crews looks ready to step behind the wheel of the No. 11 whenever Hamlin decides to step away.

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 New England Patriots are expected to acquire All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown next month in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. This appears to open the door to dealing fellow wideout Kayshon Bout.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared his belief that Bout could be acquired by any interested team for a “fifth- or sixth-round draft pick” by now and if he is interested.

• Kayshawn Bout Statistics (2025): 33 receptions, 551 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns and 16.7 yards per reception

Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is coming off back-to-back seasons with over 500 receiving yards. He proved to be a reliable deep threat for quarterback Drake Mays last season, averaging the fifth-highest average target distance (17.0 yards) along with a career-high 16.7 yards per reception.

The 24-year-old’s youth and contract certainly make him an attractive trade target. While he would just be a one-year rental, Boutte’s $3.72 million cap hit in 2026 ranks 66th among receivers. This puts him on the same level as players like Tyquan Thornton, Andrei Iosivas and Xavier Hutchinson.

However, there is no viable path to a featured role in the Patriots offense following the acquisition of Brown. Romeo Doubs was signed as the No. 2 receiver and the club is still ahead of Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams.

Boutte’s name had previously surfaced in NFL trade rumors, with some believing he could be sent to Philadelphia as part of a trade package for the Browns. However, the Eagles seem set at wide receiver with Devonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontevian Wicks, Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore.

If Boute’s one-year rental is worth a Day 3 pick, he could be an interesting option for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and Washington Commanders.

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

LeBron James and his future with the Los Angeles Lakers could be one of the biggest stories in the NBA this offseason. While James has enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, he also wants to win another championship, and retirement could also be on the table. So, could the four-time NBA champion retire this offseason?

All indications are that James will play in the NBA next season during the 2025-26 campaign, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show. The expectation is that James will return for at least another year, but that decision has not been fully made yet.

If James returns for another NBA season, which organizations would be the best landing spots in free agency?

Possible destinations for LeBron James in NBA free agency

James could return to the Lakers for another NBA season, but would they be his best destination? The 41-year-old star wants to win another championship, and it’s unclear whether Los Angeles can make the steps necessary to accomplish that goal. If not, where else could James go this summer?

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be in for a comeback. The Cavaliers made it to the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals, and the story is not over yet. Cleveland may be on the verge of making another NBA Finals, but this is its first without James. If the Cavaliers fall short, James could return to Cleveland for one more season and chase a storybook ending.

If Cleveland doesn’t want a reunion or the money doesn’t work out, James could join the Golden State Warriors instead. The NBA veteran will be paired with Stephen Curry as Golden State is built around the dynamic duo. The Warriors brought back head coach Steve Kerr, and the next few years could be the “last dance” for this core.

Finally, what about the Los Angeles Clippers? James will stay in Los Angeles, and if he feels the Clippers have a better chance of winning, jumping ship could be a good option. This may be the most unexpected outcome, but staying in Los Angeles may be a priority for James.

As of now, James is expected to return for another NBA season, but his next team is uncertain.

READ MORE: Inside LeBron James’ locker room tension with Los Angeles Lakers

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

Jack Hughes’ future with the New Jersey Devils has been in the headlines recently. With Quinn Hughes approaching NHL free agency, a potential extension with the Minnesota Wild is on the table. However, the Hughes brothers’ futures remain tied to each other, and an NHL insider has provided a big update on the New Jersey forward.

As reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the Fan Hockey Show, the Devils are not trading Jack Hughes after missing the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. This report comes after The Athletic reported that Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin attempted to trade for New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

The Wild want to keep Quinn Hughes long-term, so trading for one of his brothers is a great way to do that. However, is reelection more likely in New Jersey or Minnesota?

Why is Quinn Hughes more likely to join Jack Hughes in New Jersey?

Jack Hughes is under contract with New Jersey through the 2029–2030 NHL season. Luke Hughes, meanwhile, has a contract that runs until the 2031–32 campaign. So, is it more likely that the two New Jersey players will join Quinn Hughes in Minnesota or vice versa?

Despite what the public says, it is far more likely that Quinn Hughes comes to the Devils than the other way around. With the Wild defenseman entering his contract year, some questions need answers soon. If Quinn Hughes plans to stay with Minnesota, an extension will likely be pursued this summer.

Friedman had previously predicted a three-year contract, in line with Jack Hughes’ contract in New Jersey. Unless Jack Hughes requests a trade, it doesn’t make sense for New Jersey to trade him. After all, if Quinn Hughes wants to play with his brothers, he can sign with the Devils in NHL free agency next year.

It all depends on what Quinn Hughes wants to do moving forward. If a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals is his goal, staying in Minnesota would make the most sense. If playing with his brothers is a bigger desire than signing with New Jersey then that’s the most realistic outcome.

Either way, it’s much easier to imagine the Hughes brothers playing with each other in New Jersey than it is in Minnesota.

READ MORE: Quinn Hughes moved to Detroit Red Wings? what will it actually take

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

Dover Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, marking the first time in decades that there was no points race at the iconic track. While the 2027 NASCAR schedule won’t be determined for months, there is early discussion about Dover’s plans for next season.

Sunday night’s episode teardownJordan Bianchi, motorsports reporter for The Athletic, said that Dover would “100 percent” have a Cup Series race next season and that it would most likely be a single-point race.

Read more: Insider reveals potential cost of NASCAR charter

“There’s going to be a race next year at Dover, that’s clear as day. There’s a 100 percent chance there will be a race next year… I would say highly likely it’s a points race.”

Jordan Bianchi on whether there will be a NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in 2027

The Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware was one of the biggest losers last year when NASCAR announced its schedule for the 2026 season. With North Wilkesboro getting the points race, another spot was clinched in the exhibition race during the season.

NASCAR officials chose Dover. Due to the nearby Dover Air Force Base, resulting in flight restrictions over the track, the All-Star Race could only be held in the afternoon. While racing fans still showed up in large numbers, drivers and fans alike criticized Sunday’s All-Star Race as feeling too long, with Dover’s track design not matching well with the format of the event.

The good news is that Dover is going to host the points race again in 2027. It’s less clear what changes NASCAR would need to make to make that happen. It has already been announced that the Chicago Street Race will return next year, possibly replacing Chicagoland.

The points race at Dover could mean the All-Star Race will return to North Wilkesboro. Alternatively, NASCAR could hold the All-Star Race at Bowman Gray Stadium, or even run it ahead of the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Whatever decision is made, it looks like Dover will get a worthy points race in 2027.

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 Cleveland Cavaliers took a gamble with the James Harden trade during the season, hoping it would propel them into the NBA playoffs. Heading into the elimination game, Harden’s future in Cleveland seems predetermined.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported this weekend that even if they bow out in Game 7 on Sunday, “there is an understanding” that the Cavaliers will work out a new contract with Harden.

Cleveland is reportedly already “happy” with the replacement of Darius Garland in favor of Harden. The former NBA MVP provides Cleveland with the lead guard they’ve been looking to pair with Donovan Mitchell, and he’s seen enough of that to commit to him long-term.

Harden has a $42.317 million player option for the 2026–27 season, which he is expected to decline. However, while he may explore his options in NBA free agency, the Cavaliers’ situation appears to be the best fit for him.

For now, it seems like there is an unwritten agreement between both sides that Harden will be taken care of this summer. He is set to get a multi-year extension that will likely include a player option, potentially also allowing him to hit the open market again next summer.

So, no matter what happens in Game 7 on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers are ready to move forward with the guard tandem of Harden and Mitchell. It’s less clear whether both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will be part of the organization’s plans if they are waived again before the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

With NASCAR’s silly season just a few months away, Kyle Busch’s future is the biggest uncertainty in the Cup Series right now. Now the uncertainty may be less.

Bob Pokrass of Fox Sports wrote that if Busch were to leave RCR, which he is still reluctant to do, joining Spire Motorsports is the “most logical” destination for the future Hall of Famer.

RELATED: What’s happened during and since Kyle Busch’s winless streak

There were reports in February that Spier wanted to hunt big game in the NASCAR Silly Season. Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson is adamant that Spire become one of the top teams in the Cup Series and has shown a willingness to take aggressive steps to improve.

However, no move is necessarily guaranteed. Carson Hocevar is emerging as a superstar in NASCAR and scored a dominant win for Spire at Talladega. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Daniel Suarez has been a huge benefit.

RELATED: NASCAR All-Time Cup Series Winners, Including Kyle Busch

Suárez, who many believed was struggling to save his Cup career entering 2026, has the highest average starting position (12.92) and average finishing position (15.00) in his Cup Series career. He currently sits 14th in the points, one spot off the lead in The Chase while Busch is 24th.

Who could replace Kyle Busch at Spire Motorsports?

Entering 2026, the most likely scenario appears to be that Daniel Suarez does not live up to expectations in his first season with Spire Motorsports and is replaced by Kyle Busch in the No. 7 car. Circumstances may have changed that.

RELATED: Michael McDowell reveals who could be his successor

However, Michael McDowell has been Spire’s worst performing driver this season. Despite finishing second at Watkins Glen, McDowell is 21st in points and trails Suarez in average starting position (17.78), average finishing position (19.92), and points (225, 21st).

“”It’s tough… but, no, I don’t plan on quitting my job anytime soon. But I feel like there’s clearly a limit to how long you can do this. I don’t know what that number is, but I want to perform well and as long as I’m performing well, I love doing it.

Michael McDowell talks to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi about his struggles this season, plans for the future

McDowell, who will turn 42 in December, has given no indication of interest in moving away from full-time racing. If Spire wants to make a change, it now seems possible that Busch could replace McDowell in the No. 71 car next season.

RELATED: Latest discussion on potential landing spots for Kyle Busch in 2027

However, the most likely outcome is that McDowell will get another season with Spire and Busch will remain with Richard Childress Racing. If both drivers struggle to perform well again in 2027, they will surely be replaced by up-and-comers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

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 New England Patriots are in need of a star wide receiver, and AJ Brown remains the most logical fit. The Philadelphia Eagles are encouraged to trade Brown after June 1 for cap reasons, while New England will happily wait. So, what is the latest update on Brown’s potential trade with the Patriots?

Brown is still expected to be traded to the Patriots in June, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports on the Get Up. Schefter said that despite ongoing issues with head coach Mike Vrabel, the Eagles’ superstar is still tracking to join New England.

With a trade very likely, what should the Patriots send the Eagles for Brown in June?

What trade should the New England Patriots make for AJ Brown

Brown to New England is one of the NFL’s worst-kept secrets, and a trade should come within the next three weeks. The Eagles have filled out their wide receiver room in anticipation of a deal. Meanwhile, the Patriots haven’t added much other than adding Romeo Doubs in place of Stefon Diggs.

The 28-year-old wide receiver will likely command a 2028 first-round pick and more. Therefore, New England should trade their 2028 first-round pick and wide receiver Kayshon Bout to Philadelphia. If the Eagles don’t want Bouté, the Patriots should include a third- or fourth-round pick instead.

Brown will replace Boute in the New England offense, so Boute will not be able to step up. Even if the Eagles do not trade for the 24-year-old wide receiver, he will likely be on the move before the 2026-27 NFL season. It wouldn’t hurt for Philadelphia to acquire Bout in exchange for Brown, however.

The Eagles had high demands for Brown in March, and although the Patriots likely won’t meet them, the organization should get plenty of value. Losing Brown would be a huge loss for Philadelphia’s offense, but it appears to be the best development for both sides.

As far as the Patriots are concerned, they’ll just have to wait until June to acquire Brown.

READ MORE: New England Patriots’ 2026 NFL Draft criticized by NFL officials

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

Auston Matthews and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be the biggest story of the 2026 NHL offseason. Matthews wants to see if Toronto can get itself back into a playoff contender before committing to a second season. So, could the 28-year-old superstar really request a trade this summer?

The insider told Overdrive that TSN’s Darren Dreger doesn’t believe there’s any chance Matthews will request a trade unless the Maple Leafs complete a full rebuild. Toronto just got the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and still has playoff pieces on the roster. Therefore, it would not be very wise to do a complete rebuild right now.

However, would it still be best for Matthews to request a trade this offseason?

Should Auston Matthews request a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Matthews is 28 years old and still one of the biggest superstars in the NHL. Toronto hasn’t gotten very far in the Stanley Cup playoffs with its captain, but it has the potential to do so soon. So, should Matthews remain captain of the Maple Leafs?

Absolutely. Matthews still has William Nylander, Matthew Nease and John Tavares and the No. 1 overall draft pick coming soon. More likely, Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg will join Toronto during the 2026–27 NHL season, giving the organization another future NHL star.

Matthews has plenty of time to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto, and earning the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is an excellent start. Certainly, the Maple Leafs center wants to see more from the organization this summer, but there is already a solid foundation in place for the future.

Other teams, such as the Minnesota Wild or Utah Mammoth, could give Matthews a good chance to win; However, is it really that much better than Toronto? Maple Leafs fans love Matthews and the team will be much better next season.

More than likely, Matthews will be back in Toronto next season and the future is very bright.

READ MORE: Minnesota Wild linked to Auston Matthews amid trade 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 San Francisco Giants have one of the highest payrolls in MLB this season, yet are still well below the .500 line in late May. This led to recent MLB trade rumors that the club would be sold this summer, but it may not be as aggressive as first reported.

Less than a week after USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Giants “would love to unload” Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willie Adams and Jung Hoo Lee, FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray has refuted that information.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 7, see where the Giants land

The Giants front office is reportedly “optimistic” about all four players getting back on track. There are already promising signs of a turnaround from Devers, who entered MLB games today with a 1.078 OPS with 3 home runs in May.

Adams, the club’s only viable option at shortstop for the foreseeable future, has also been performing better recently. He has boasted a .333/.344/.367 triple-slash line in his last 30 at-bats, recording 5 RBI in that span.

RELATED: SF Giants reportedly have bold MLB Draft strategy

That doesn’t mean the Giants aren’t willing to be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. This is an option for the ruling, but it is not possible to completely gut the roster and move players signed to long-term deals by Buster Posey.

Instead, San Francisco will likely do what other vendors do in the summer. Pending free agents, from starting pitchers Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle to second baseman Luis Aráez, will be made available. Such teams are always in need of pitching and infield help, so the Giants will have no shortage of suitors if they decide to move all three.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants player named as Cubs trade target

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

Chad Brown-trained horse Iron Honor heads into the 2026 Preakness Stakes as the current favorite. However, one racing insider believes there are two other legitimate contenders to win Saturday’s race.

The second leg of this year’s Triple Crown comes this weekend with the 151st edition of the Preakness Stakes. This year differs from recent editions as only three Kentucky Derby competitors will be at Laurel Park on Saturday, and none of them are race winner Golden Tempo.

Before Saturday’s race, Iron Honor, a horse trained by two-time Preakness winner Chad Brown, is the favorite. And according to racing insider Byron King, we may be getting the best version of the three-year-old colt yet.

“[Iron Honor] “It is projected as a slight 9-2 favorite due to the success of trainer Chad Brown, who has won this race twice before with new horses, excluding the Kentucky Derby,” King reported. player. “Iron Honor is racing with his “blinkers off”, which usually helps the horse settle and relax, and many believe he will run much better than his seventh-place finish in the Wood Memorial.

“…I quite like Iron Honor. Especially with the “blinker off” angle, which shows the horse is more experienced.”

Other horses to watch in the 2026 Preakness Stakes, including The Hell We Did

For bettors, this is useful information, but they also want to know about horses with long odds that can yield big returns on wins, places, and show stakes. King suggests that some of the Preakness competitors offer upside, especially if they are locally bred in Maryland.

“You have a lot of horses in the 5-1 to 15-1 range where you can make a case for them,” King said. “Some of the tried and true methods of picking a Derby winner are not in place this year. The home track edge may also be greater because the race is at Laurel Park instead of Pimlico this year.”

Racing Insider believes that a local contender, the Brittany Russell-trained colt Taj Mahal, is a contender for good reason. However, he has concerns about how he will be able to handle a more talented field.

“Taj Mahal is based in Maryland, so he has the ‘home track edge,'” says King. “He has shown early speed in previous long-distance races, but in this field he faces too much speed and gets pulled into the inside post position. I would be surprised if he wins, as it is a big step up from beating the Laurel Stakes horses to winning the Preakness.”

When it comes to sleeper picks in this year’s stakes, the name king tops is the Todd Fincher-trained colt The Hell We Did.

King said, “I also like a horse named The Hell We Did. He finished second in the Lexington Stakes and has great pedigree as a half-brother to Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador.”

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

D’Von Achane is one of the few Miami Dolphins stars who has escaped the offensive overhaul. Achane, one of the NFL’s best running backs, remains the centerpiece of Miami’s offense following Jaylen Waddle’s trade to the Denver Broncos.

However, could the 24-year-old running back be on the move for the right price? An NFL insider has revealed what the Dolphins would have to do to trade Achen.

Miami Dolphins trade value for Devon Achane revealed

If an NFL team offers a first-round pick to Achane, the Dolphins’ opinion of a potential trade could waver a bit, as ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Instead, the ESPN insider said the smart bet is on Miami adding its star running back at some point during the 2026 NFL offseason.

There is still time for another NFL organization to make a trade for Aachen; However, doing so would require at least a first-round selection. NFL running backs generally don’t move up for first-round draft picks, especially when they need a big payday.

Achen is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will enter NFL free agency if he is not franchise tagged or extended. For Miami, it should feel incentivized to keep Achane in this scenario. Losing a star for nothing in free agency would be detrimental to the team.

However, should the Dolphins focus on retaining Achen long-term instead of relying on the franchise tag or trade?

Why should the Dolphins keep Aachen on offense?

It’s hard to match a running back of Achen’s caliber in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, Achen has rushed for 2,257 yards while playing a key role in the passing game. In fact, the star running back had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns during the 2025-26 NFL season.

Miami didn’t do much at the wide receiver position after trading Waddle, so Aichen’s role in the passing game is likely to be even bigger this season. Achane can take charge, as proven by his more than 85 goals in each of the last two seasons.

There aren’t many running backs in the NFL who can maintain a heavy workload in the passing game while serving as a bell cow. Even with a small body for a running back horse, Achane has avoided any serious injuries, making him a smart investment moving forward.

While Achen is due for a new contract, the Dolphins should do everything in their power to keep him in Miami. If the Dolphins were looking to replace him, they couldn’t find a better option.

Achane is a true offensive centerpiece, and while a first-round pick would be a nice return, it still wouldn’t mean much.

READ MORE: Dolphins GM gives major update on De’Von Achen trade rumors

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

After the Arizona Cardinals made Jeremiah Love the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, many feel like he is the early favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, running backs typically don’t have as steep a learning curve as some of their peers.

While Love isn’t your average running back prospect, he’s also entering a pretty stacked backfield that also includes two-time Pro Bowler James Connor and Tyler Allger, who recorded over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie in 2022 and signed a $12.5 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason.

Love is expected to claim the Cardinals’ starting running back job, but Connor and Allger will certainly still be in the mix. His presence may diminish Love’s impact in his rookie season.

Sports IllustratedAlbert Breer believes Love’s low workload makes him an outside bet to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. This was his response when asked which rookie would make the biggest impact as a rookie.

While Love will likely return, he will have to share some of the workload, unless the Cardinals plan to trade or cut Connor and/or Alger. Nevertheless, a partnership with Alger is unlikely, given that he only signed his contract in March. With less stuff to go around, it may take a year or two for Love to become the superstar that many envision.

RELATED: Ranking the 2026 NFL rookie offensive candidates

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

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, entering MLB games today with 27 wins and several double-digit wins. This comes as the club’s pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, but that could change at the MLB trade deadline.

MLB insider Robert Murray named starting pitchers Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants), Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins) and Freddy Peralta (New York Mets) among potential Cubs trade targets this summer.

Peralta surfaced in MLB trade rumors last week when Bruce Levin reported that the Cubs had talked to the Mets about a trade for the All-Star pitcher. Although that report has since been retracted, New York has given no indication it is willing to trade Peralta yet.

Chicago still desperately needs starting pitching. While Matthew Boyd (meniscus surgery) may only be sidelined for a month, Cade Horton had season-ending elbow surgery in April and fellow starter Justin Steele now faces an uncertain timeline for his return after recovering from elbow surgery.

Entering the game on May 12, the Cubs’ rotation ranked seventh in ERA (3.77), sixth in WHIP (1.17) and ninth in quality starts (15). However, since April 26, Chicago’s rotation ranks 16th in WHIP (1.26) and 12th in ERA (3.71), depth is becoming a bigger issue.

Evaluating the Cubs’ potential trade targets

Robbie Ray and Freddy Peralta appear to be the most realistic trade targets for Chicago. Both have expiring contracts, reducing the potential acquisition cost for either starter and increasing the likelihood that either San Francisco or New York is willing to make a move.

Ray, who is making $25 million this season, has outperformed Peralta this season. The 6-foot-2 southpaw has recorded a 2.76 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP in 45.2 innings, striking out 26.1 percent of the batters he faced for a .198 batting average.

Peralta, who is owed just $8 million this season, hasn’t been as effective in his first season with New York. While he has a solid 3.12 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 43.1 innings, it comes with a career-low 23.2 percent strikeout rate.

Given the Cubs’ infield arrangement, Peralta may be a better option. The 29-year-old righty ranks 36th among starting pitchers in groundball rate (43.7 percent), while Ray is 74th (27.4 percent).

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 Minnesota Vikings brought in significant competition for quarterback JJ McCarthy this offseason, with Kyler Murray seen as the likely starter. This raises questions about McCarthy’s future in Minnesota.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano explained that it “doesn’t make a lot of sense” for the Vikings to trade their former first-round pick just two years after moving up for them in the NFL Draft. For now, they’re hoping the competition will bring out the best in McCarthy.

“People I’ve talked to who are close to the situation insist that the Vikings haven’t given up on McCarthy – part of their hope is to bring in Murray, who gives some kind of shock to McCarthy’s system and gets him refocused on what they think he got away from last year. It’s probably a long shot, but again, it doesn’t seem like they would benefit much from trading him at this point.”

Dan Graziano on whether Minnesota Vikings will trade QB JJ McCarthy

RELATED: Insider highlights Minnesota Vikings QB competition

Recent reporting has made it clear that the Vikings have no early leader in the quarterback competition. While Murray has a vastly improved resume, Minnesota wants to give McCarthy a legitimate chance to win the starting job.

McCarthy has two things. First, Kevin is already familiar with O’Connell’s system and has chemistry with the Vikings’ receiving corps. Additionally, Minnesota also has a greater investment in him and would prefer an outcome where he becomes the long-term starting quarterback.

RELATED: Vikings rookie may reveal hint about All-Pro

Things get more interesting if McCarthy loses the starting quarterback competition. Minnesota also re-signed veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz this offseason.

Wentz performed much better than McCarthy last season, completing 65.1 percent of his passes with a 6-5 TD-INT line, an 85.8 passer rating, and he averaged 7.2 yards per attempt. For comparison, McCarthy completed only 57.6 percent of his passes with an 11-12 TD-INT ratio, a 72.6 QB rating, and he averaged 6.7 yards per attempt.

As Graziano also noted, the Vikings have already paid 70 percent of McCarthy’s rookie contract and their original draft-capital investment in that is never being recouped in a trade.

If McCarthy struggles this summer and in the preseason, Minnesota will likely move Murray as the starter and Wentz as the backup quarterback. In that case, as the third-line passer on the Vikings’ depth chart, McCarthy and his agent could push for a trade to pursue a fresh start with another franchise.

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 San Francisco Giants made headlines this weekend with their first big trade of the season, dealing Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Browns. Although this immediately opened up more playing time for Daniel Susack and Jesus Rodriguez, there was reportedly another strategy behind it.

Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported that part of the Giants’ objective with the trade is to set themselves up to select shortstop Roch Cholowski in the 2026 MLB Draft.

As part of the trade, San Francisco received the 29th overall pick from the Guardians. While first-round selections in the MLB Draft cannot be traded, selections in the competitive balance round can be dealt. So, San Francisco now has two top-30 selections along with four of the top-90 selections.

The acquisition of the 29th overall pick also means they will receive an additional $3.27 million in bonus pool money. According to MLB.com, he now has the fourth-largest bonus pool at $17.35 million. This allows them to go above the slot value for the fourth overall pick ($8.988 million), theoretically giving them the flexibility to sign Cholowski if he’s on the board.

Will the Giants draft Roch Cholowski?

6-foot-2 shortstop Roch Cholowski is widely viewed as the best player in the 2026 MLB draft class. UCLA’s star shortstop has been excellent this season, posting a .338/.463/.707 triple-slash line with 59 RBIs and 21 home runs in 198 at-bats.

The right-handed hitter is rated as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft class by MLB Pipeline, with ESPN.com’s Kiley McDaniel and Baseball America also rating Cholowski as the top player available.

However, there is a loophole in this reported objective that veterans may or may not have as part of belly trading. Cholowski will not be available at the fourth pick. Even on the off chance that the Chicago White Sox would pass on the UCLA shortstop, the Tampa Bay Rays would take him.

San Francisco would also like to get their hands on Georgia Tech catcher Von Lackey, but he is widely speculated to either be taken second overall by Tampa Bay or selected third overall by the Minnesota Twins. In all likelihood the Giants will choose between UC Santa Barbara starting pitcher Jackson Flora or prep shortstop Jacob Lombard. With the 29th overall pick, there is a higher chance that the team will grab a prospect who falls short of his asking price and they move on to sign him.

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We’ve reached the slow part of the offseason, where the remaining veterans are still hoping to land one of the 90 roster spots on one of the 32 NFL teams. One team that has undergone significant change after hiring a new head coach, the New York Giants, has been a popular destination for some.

We’ve seen past greats come out and say they would love to play for new coach John Harbaugh. It also stars Jason Pierre-Paul. But it turns out, he’s not the only former Giants franchise icon who wants to re-join Big Blue for the 2026 season.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has also been vocal about returning to the NFL after spending 2025 out of the game. But OBJ doesn’t want to join just any team; He wants to play for the Giants.

Still, like Sports IllustratedIn Albert Breer’s opinion, the idea of ​​adding Beckham to the team may actually be better than not actually adding him to the team.

“Do I think this could be a really good story about a guy who wants to play football again? I do. And I’m willing to be that. But let’s not turn it into something it’s not.”

Breyer reveals several truths about where the 33-year-old receiver is in his career. Not only did Beckham not play football last season, but he also hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2019, the year before he was traded to the Giants.

it gets worse.

Beckham hasn’t played a game since 2023 where he topped 20 yards. In other words, it’s hard to imagine that a young player who may be more equipped to help on special teams wouldn’t be a more ideal long-term fit for a veteran team that already has its top four receivers on the roster.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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Jesse Love is coming off a heartbreaking loss at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, losing to Cup Series driver Connor Zylisch on the final lap. Luckily for Love, he may soon join his friend at the highest level.

On Sunday night’s episode of The Teardown, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic said there are Cup Series teams interested in Love as a full-time driver.

“You talk to the people in the garage, they think he’s really talented. There are some Cup teams who are interested in him.”

The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi on Cup Series teams’ interest in Jesse Love

RELATED: NASCAR OARS Standings, See Where Jesse Love Sits

Love, age 21, was rated by Fox Sports’ Bob Pockross as the second-best NASCAR prospect in 2026. He is part of Richard Childress Racing’s development program and rides part-time in the No. 33 car which he splits with fellow O’Reilly Series driver Austin Hill.

Although he is the defending O’Reilly Series champion, wins have not been common for Love at this level. He is winless in 13 races this season and only three in his OARS career. That said, he has consistently been one of the best drivers at this level and has a bright future.

Evaluating the future of Jesse Love’s Cup Series

The most natural fit for Jesse Love if he gets a full-time Cup Series ride next season would be with Richard Childress Racing. Most in NASCAR expect Kyle Busch to leave RCR for another team in 2027, leaving the No. 8 car open for Love.

This would allow him to become a full-time Cup Series driver at just 22 years old, racing for a team that has been a bit disappointing in recent years. However, making the transition from Bush to Love will allow RCR to prepare for his future, and any progress he makes as a rookie can be viewed as a step forward in his development rather than frustration every week that Bush doesn’t finish in the top 10.

There is another team worth considering. Legacy Motor Club will add a third charter for the 2027 season, with Jimmie Johnson looking for someone who can help improve the team. Love could be the guy who can put Legacy in position to post some more top-20 finishes.

Ultimately, we remain confident that Love will drive the No. 8 next season, with 23XI Racing driver Riley Herbst taking the third car in the Legacy. Herbst’s absence on the 23XI will be filled by Corey Hamm, while Bush will be fielded with the second team.

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If football fans have learned one thing about Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead, it’s that he’s not afraid to make a big move. The latest evidence came on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft, when the Rams surprised everyone by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the first round.

Simpson was projected as a second-day draft pick, but as they say, it just takes a team to believe in his abilities. This year, it was Ram.

While the decision to draft Simpson was clearly a move for the future, some believe the Rams are eyeing a trade that could solidify their status as a Super Bowl contender this season.

especially, athleticRams insider Nate Atkins suggests fans should “keep an eye on Max Crosby.”

“I’ll also keep an eye on Max Crosby,” Atkins wrote. “They seem to have straightened things out with the Las Vegas Raiders after the trade reversal with the Baltimore Ravens, but the organization’s outlook could change if the Raiders have another tough start to the season.”

Of course, the Las Vegas Raiders had already agreed to trade him once. Can they do it again? It certainly can’t be ruled out, especially if first-year head coach Clint Kubiak is off to a rough start.

While the idea of ​​adding the five-time Pro Bowl sack artist is exciting, Atkins believes any trade discussions are unlikely to accelerate until October. Only then will everyone have a better understanding of their direction.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB Rankings: Where does Matthew Stafford rank?

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While some New York Mets fans have pondered the idea of ​​a Mike Trout trade, a notable team insider explained on Friday why it’s extremely unlikely.

The Mets have played better last week. They have won four of their last six and back-to-back series before their game on Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still, they enter the weekend with a very disappointing 14-23 record.

A variety of issues can be raised for a team’s poor results. However, the performance of the extremely expensive batting order has surprised many people. Yes, injuries to players like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Jorge Polanco have been debilitating. But his hitting should be better than ever. The injuries have nothing to do with poor play from Bo Bichette, Francisco Alvarez and Marcus Semien.

Mike Trout Stats: .260 AVG, .429 OBP, .550 SLG, .979 OPS, 11 HR, 23 RBI, 32 R, 5 SB

That’s why fans and analysts have speculated that the team could make a trade to boost their struggling offense. One name that has come up in recent weeks is that of future Hall of Famer Mike Trout. After battling injuries for six consecutive seasons, the Los Angeles Angels ace is looking like his old self in 2026. He hit 11 homers and drove in 32 runs in the team’s first 37 games.

The idea of ​​a Mike Trout trade was brought up by a fan in a new Mailbag article by The Athletic’s Mets insider Tim Britton. Interestingly, he admitted that he would love to cover the three-time MVP and could “imagine a scenario, no matter how narrow, in which it would make even an iota of sense for the Mets.” However, he also explained why team president David Stearns would never consider it.

The 11-time All-Star is making more than $37 million per year through his 38 seasons through 2030. If he were signed for another season, Stearns might consider it. But four more is too many for an executive who doesn’t like long-term investments in players over 30.

In addition to seeing a great player in New York, local fans have always been thrilled with the idea of ​​Trout playing in Gotham since he is a New Jersey native. However, there has been speculation over the years about him suiting up for his boyhood team, the New York Yankees.

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If the New York Mets season doesn’t pick up serious momentum over the next few months, a team insider offered an idea for what they could get in return if they sold some of their valuable pieces, such as Freddy Peralta.

After a poor performance in April, the Mets have played better of late. Winning four of their last six and back-to-back series. But things still feel volatile, and it wouldn’t be surprising if things spiraled out of control once again in the coming weeks and months. That’s why the idea of ​​becoming a seller before the trade deadline is being whispered among fans.

This was something a supporter questioned The Athletic’s Mets insider Tim Britton about in a new mailbag piece. In response to the question of which players are most tradeable, Britton offered some interesting ideas on what the team could get for pitcher Freddy Peralta.

He wrote, “I think Peralta would be able to bring back a top 100 prospect and maybe one other prospect in a July trade.”

Clay Holmes won’t get a strong trade return to the Mets?

The Mets gave up top 100 prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sprott in a deal for the two-time All-Star. After a poor start in his New York debut in March, Peralta has performed well in his seven starts since then. Giving up two or fewer runs in four of those starts.

Besides Peralta, who else did Britton think could get a good return in a potential trade amid the summer trade deadline? Many may consider Clay Holmes as he has had a great start to the season. However, a Mets insider suggests that since he is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract, his limited track record will hurt his value in the market.

Britton actually believes relievers Brooks Raleigh and AJ Minter can provide good returns for the club if Raleigh can maintain his strong start or Minter can get healthy. Furthermore, they do not see any obvious players who would attract much outside interest.

Britton wrote, “Bo Bichette’s complicated contract makes it difficult to trade him. Luis Robert Jr. needs to get healthy and perform to be of interest to other teams.” “Guys like Marcus Semien, Sean Mania and Kodai Senga are going to have to straight up salary dump at this point.”

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A follow-up report brings even more positive news for New York Knicks fans when it comes to OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury.

On Wednesday night, the Knicks earned a hard-fought win over the Philadelphia 76ers to extend their lead to 2-0 in the semifinal series. In the win, New York got another great game from the guy who has quietly been their MVP these playoffs, OG Anunoby.

The nine-year veteran posted 24 points, five rebounds, four steals and had a +12 when he was on the court. Heading into the 2026 playoffs, Anunoby leads the team in steals (1.5), is second in points (21.4) and blocks (1.1), and is third in rebounds (7.5). However, fans got a big scare in the final minutes of Game 3 when he limped in, went to the locker room and never returned.

It took a long time for Knicks fans to get an update on his condition. However, on Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that he has a right hamstring strain and is listed as day-to-day. This is a huge relief for New York fans, but hamstring injuries are tricky, and Anunoby has dealt with them in the past. It may still take a week or more for him to return to action.

‘Optimism’ OG Anunoby will play in Game 3 or 4 of Knicks vs. 76ers

However, it looks like the Knicks may have actually gotten pretty lucky with one of their most important players. In a follow-up report from SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley, he claimed there is “optimism” in the locker room that Anunoby will not need a week of recovery and could play in Game 3 on Friday or Game 4 on Sunday.

This is fantastic news for a team coming off one of the most spectacular performances by any Knicks team in the playoffs in decades. Anunoby has played a major role in his dominant play.

With the Knicks holding a 2-0 series lead, they may be wary of the valuable forward and rest him for Game 3. If they somehow manage to win on the road, letting him sit Game 4 again would be a smart move. We’ll see how it all plays out tomorrow night in Philadelphia.

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While things could certainly change, the Arizona Cardinals are set to enter training camp with low expectations. No one would have predicted they would reach the playoffs in a crowded NFC West divisional field in Mike LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

It also doesn’t help that the Cardinals don’t have a clear starting quarterback on the roster. For now, the expectation is that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett will take over the starting duties. But his relationship with the Cardinals has soured after leaving minicamp in search of a pay raise.

Behind Brissett, the Cardinals have free agent signee Gardner Minshew and third-round rookie Carson Beck. Still, recent rumors have linked the Cardinals to another free agent quarterback, albeit one that is much more accomplished. However, Cardinals fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high.

There is no truth, “at all,” to rumors of Aaron Rodgers eyeing a contract to play in Arizona, according to ESPN Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss.

Thus, the Cardinals appear prepared with their QB room. Meanwhile, for Rodgers, the options appear to be either playing one more season with the Pittsburgh Steelers or enjoying retirement. Even though he is taking his sweet time, everyone expects him to play another season, but it won’t be with the Cardinals.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals player recruiting future Hall of Famer to join team

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Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie was also hired after a 22-win season after posting a .368 winning percentage in 134 career games. This decision may be related to the cheap price Sacramento is paying for its head coach.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Christie is considered the lowest-paid head coach in the NBA, with an average annual salary of $2 million.

For comparison, Steve Kerr is currently the highest-paid NBA coach with $17.5 million and Erik Spoelstra makes about $15 million per season with the Miami Heat. The going rate is often between $8 to $10 million per year, as evidenced by Taylor Jenkins receiving a $10 million salary this offseason to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Since taking over as head coach of the Kings in the middle of the 2024–25 NBA season, Christie has one of the worst win totals (49) among active NBA head coaches.

With the Kings currently projected to be above the NBA’s luxury tax line for the 2026-27 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see owner Vivek Ranadive cut costs elsewhere. While Christie has not proven himself to be an NBA-caliber coach, he has shown loyalty to the franchise and appears to be the most cost-effective option for a rebuilding team.

However, there is a long-term risk here. As we’re seeing with the Portland Trail Blazers under new owner Tom Dundon, making money with coaches can damage a franchise’s reputation.

While there are top-tier assistant coaches who make more than $1 million per season, Christie’s salary clearly indicates that the Kings are unwilling to make significant investments in their coaching staff.

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The Atlanta Braves struck gold with the selection of catcher Drake Baldwin with the 96th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As he emerges as an All-Star and one of the new faces of the franchise, a historic contract extension could be next for the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that although the Braves have not “seriously begun talks” with Baldwin to discuss a potential contract extension, an eventual deal could reset the market for catchers.

• Drake Baldwin Stats 2026 (ESPN): 9 home runs, 30 RBI, .313/.392/.532, .922 triple-slash line in 147 at-bats this season

Baldwin, 25, is proving that his breakout season last year was no fluke. Atlanta’s budding All-Star has increased his walk rate (8.5% to 9.6%) and his isolated power (.195 to .218) so far. He’s clearly one of the best catchers in baseball, and his offensive production has been vital for a club that has also faced early struggles from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Cal Raleigh is currently the highest paid catcher in MLB at an average annual value of $17.5 million. Notably, Raleigh and Los Angeles Dodgers star Will Smith is the only catcher to sign a contract worth $100 million or more. Realistically, if Baldwin signs a long-term deal he will reach that area.

There’s certainly no reason for Atlanta to rush into negotiations with Murphy. He is also not arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2027 MLB season. He still has additional team control remaining, so he will not be eligible for MLB free agency until 2030.

Rosenthal explained why the record for the highest AAV ever for a catcher, $23.1 million, is a figure Baldwin could surpass with his next deal. If that’s the case, Atlanta could consider a five-plus-year contract extension totaling around $120 million.

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Arizona coyotes have long been missing from the desert. But one of the most plugged-in insiders in Phoenix has responded with disbelief that the Toronto Maple Leafs will hire former Coyotes executive John Chayka as their new general manager.

John Gambadoro watched the surprise news conference introducing Chayka in Toronto and posted on Twitter.

Spectacular. Chayka here (in Phoenix) was a complete fraud. The fraud cost the Coyotes their first- and second-round selections. Exit the team just before the bubble. Stab Don Maloney in the back to get the job here. The way he treated (veteran Coyotes player) Shane Doan was disgusting – he wanted him gone – he wouldn’t even consider letting him play on the third line last year – just jealous of him. The tea is fake. (Leafs Alumni Tie) His connection to Domi is what is getting him this job.

Very good.

Chayka was the youngest GM in NHL history when he got the Coyotes job in 2016 at just 26 years old. He was gone after four years, and some of his violations not only cost the Yotes draft picks, but commissioner Gary Bettman also suspended him for a year.

Former Coyotes insider questions Chayka’s credentials

But Gambadoro did not stop there. He listed Chayka’s brutal drafting record during his stay in Arizona. He passed over some elite players when handling team’s NHL draft selections.

And Maple Leafs fans don’t look at their past drafts – while they did draft (Clayton) Keller, let’s not forget 2017 when they took Pierre-Olivier Joseph over Jake Oettinger and Jason Roberton or 2018 when they took Barrett Heaton and passed on Quinn Hughes, Evan Bouchard and Noah Dobson. 2019 you ask – we got Victor Soderstrom but could have had Matt Boldy, Cole Caulfield, Thomas Hartley, Connor McMichael or Shane Pinto… Enjoy Toronto, their draft was horrible!!!!

Gamboa certainly doesn’t paint a rosy picture for Chayka’s draft decisions. However, to be fair, five other teams also passed on Quinn Hughes, while two other teams passed on Bouchard after taking Hughes (nine teams total), and 11 teams passed on Dobson. A year earlier, in 2017, no fewer than 25 teams advanced beyond Oettinger, while Jason Robertson didn’t even get past the second round.

Certainly, no GM has a perfect drafting record. Far away from. But it’s clear that Chayka’s time in Arizona was not a success. Or all the above boards.

Many other people in the game are also trashing the Leafs for their new front office hire. And they’re still continuing to pile on as the press corps is officially introduced.

But the proof, as they say, will be in the pudding. Chayka has now grown up 10 years since her days in Phoenix. He’s learned some lessons the hard way (or at least from MLSE) expectations He’s learned), and we’ll have to sit back and see how things unfold.

But there are definitely some nervous nerves around Leafs Nation. Insider Chris Johnson described Monday’s press conference as “uncomfortable.”

Two managers have already been fired during the Major League Baseball season, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox both making changes in April. With several other projected contenders struggling, another could be removed this month.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale wrote Sunday that Houston Astros manager Joe Espada could be the next captain to be fired during the regular season.

The Astros currently have the seventh-highest payroll in baseball this season at $240.93 million. After a 5–2 start to the season, however, the club has gone 9–19 since April 2.

Espada took over as Astros manager in 2024, taking charge of a club that won 90 games the previous season and reached the American League Championship Series. However, during his tenure, the Astros have not won a single playoff game and they missed the postseason in 2025.

Why the Astros May Fire Joe Espada

Espada isn’t necessarily to blame for the Astros’ problems this season. Entering MLB games today, Houston’s lineup ranked sixth in runs scored (178) and third in batting average (.269), OBP (.348) and slugging (.440).

Unfortunately the Houston skippers have one of the worst pitching staff in baseball. The Astros’ pitchers have the highest ERA (5.75) and WHIP (1.62) in baseball and allow the fourth-highest batting average (.264).

Injuries play a significant factor in this, with starting pitchers Hunter Brown (shoulder), Tatsuya Imai (arm), Ronel Blanco (elbow), and Cristian Javier (shoulder) being on the injured list. Imai is the closest to a comeback, but command was a big issue for him in his first rehab start.

More blame can certainly fall on the shoulders of Astros general manager Dana Brown. However, for now, team owner Jim Crane is at his word. This puts Espada in an unfavorable position for his job security, with Brown potentially firing his manager as a last resort to save his job.

Realistically, barring a major change by the club, Espada would be fired within a matter of weeks. A change in the dugout will give Brown some playing time, but the club’s on-field results in recent years could mean he will not be retained when his contract expires after the 2026 MLB season.

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There have been some big developments in and around the Minnesota Vikings since the 2025 NFL season ended. Last year, the Vikings spent $350 million more money on their roster than any other team. It was a complete failure, as the Vikings, who had won 14 games in 2024, only won nine games and did not reach the playoffs in 2025.

This year, the Vikings have committed to a much smaller budget. For 2026, the Vikings’ budget is only $226 million, the second lowest amount of spending in the NFL.

Charlie Walters, a local insider, thanked the Vikings for giving them about $124 million less than the previous year. Pioneer PressWondered if the owners, Ziggy and Mark Wilf, were considering selling the team in the near future.

However, according to Ben Gosling Star TribuneThere is “zero truth” to the idea that the Wilfs are assessing the market for a potential Vikings sale.

In other words, the Vikings are cutting costs, not because they are desperate and have no money, but because they feel it is necessary to tighten spending limits after going overboard in 2025. Still, that doesn’t mean the Vikings don’t intend to be competitive in 2026, where they’ll be introducing another new starting quarterback in Kyler Murray.

The Vikings have cut salary significantly from last season, most notably moving on from a pair of former Pro Bowl defensive tackles. Still, they seem to have found capable replacements in the draft, adding first-round selection Caleb Banks and third-round selection Domonique Orange along with former UFL standout Jalen Redmond.

Additionally, depending on how Murray performs in 2026, the Vikings may need some additional space on their future cap sheet if they have any hope of re-signing him to an extension for 2027 and beyond. Thus, the Vikings may have felt like they had no choice but to lose some fat.

RELATED: NFL scout believes Minnesota Vikings found difference-making ‘weapon’ on Day 3 of NFL Draft

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The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thompson after a 9–19 start to the season, and promoted Don Mattingly to interim captain. While the organization’s focus is now focused on the remainder of the season, there is much discussion as to who will be the manager next season.

The Athletic’s Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this week that, days after being fired by the Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora had turned down the opportunity to replace Thomson in Philadelphia.

Cora, age 50, still has the remainder of his contract with Boston. Accepting the opportunity to become the next manager of the Phillies would result in the Red Sox losing out on paying him. As a result, Cora is taking leave so that her former employer can continue paying her.

Mattingly appears to be an option to retain the position with Philadelphia next season. Ultimately, the same organization offered Thomson a full-time role as interim captain during the 2022 MLB season after posting a 65-46 record with 11 postseason wins.

However, Mattingly just turned 65 last month and his past tenure as manager doesn’t suggest he’s a great long-term option. Since the Los Angeles Dodgers parted ways with him in 2025, Mattingly has compiled a record of 447–587 (.432) in 1034 regular season games beginning on May 2, and his clubs have never won 80 games in a year.

Who will be the next manager of the Phillies?

According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Cora “seems to be the favorite” to take over as Phillies manager after the 2026 season. He is taking the rest of this year off to spend time with his family, but hopes to return to the dugout after 2026.

It’s not hard to see why many around the league expect Cora to be hired by Philadelphia. He has a close relationship with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who held the same title in Boston from 2015-’19, when Cora was manager and won a World Series title.

If Cora were hired, it seems likely that Mattingly would remain a member of the Phillies organization. His son, Preston Mattingly, was promoted to general manager by the club in November 2024.

In the event that Cora takes over as Phillies manager next year, it is possible that Dombrowski would sign off on hiring many of the assistant coaches that Boston fired with him.

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Odell Beckham Jr. has not played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins since the 2024 season; However, that has not been accomplished yet. The New York Giants have been linked to a reunion with Beckham following an April 20 visit. However, what is the latest update on the 2014 first-round pick’s possible return to New York? An NFL insider has released a big update.

It seems like something will happen between Beckham and the Giants at some point, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter said there was a real possibility that Beckham would return to the Giants. The 33-year-old wide receiver spent the first five seasons of his career in New York.

What will Odell Beckham Jr. bring to the New York Giants

If Beckham were to sign with the Giants, he would join Malik Nabors, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields in the wide receiver room. Beckham is past his prime years in the NFL, but he will still provide solid depth for New York and quarterback Jackson Dart. The last time Beckham had more than 600 receiving yards in a season was in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns.

Still, the free-agent wide receiver could boost a depth role for New York. Beckham would also be a good mentor and provide experienced leadership to a relatively young wide receiver room. After all, there are similarities between Beckham and Nabors, a third-year wide receiver coming off a torn ACL.

New York head coach John Harbaugh coached Beckham with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, so he fully understands what he can bring to the table. Beckham may not be an elite wide receiver at this stage of his career, but he could give the Giants a great locker room presence.

It remains to be seen whether New York signs Beckham, but based on Schefter’s comments, it seems to be a very realistic possibility.

READ MORE: Report suggests New York Giants GM Joe Schoen could be fired soon

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The New York Mets welcomed back All-Star outfielder Juan Soto last week, but lost star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a calf strain in the same game. Unfortunately for New York, it appears Lindor won’t be back on the field at Citi Field for a long time.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Mets are “privately expecting” Lindor to be out until mid-June.

RELATED: MLB Hot Seat Rankings 2026, See Where the NY Mets Skipper Ranks

Lindor’s absence is obviously a blow to the Mets’ lineup. However, perhaps there is some hope in New York that the vacation time could benefit the Silver Slugger Award winner long-term. Through his first 105 plate appearances this season, Lindor was on his way to a career-worst season with a .226/.314/.35 triple-slash line.

Surgery to repair his broken hamate bone in February was taking a toll on him. Therefore, it can be hoped that the rehabilitation of his calf strain over the next month may also prove beneficial for his wrist to fully recover from the February surgery and his swing to return to form.

RELATED: New York Mets managerial candidate to replace Carlos Mendoza

Meanwhile, former top prospect Ronny Mauricio is filling in at shortstop. He has posted a .286 batting average with 5 strikeouts in his first 14 at-bats, but just a .286 SLG. If he struggles, Bo Bichette could be moved to shortstop with Brett Batty and Mark Vientos getting time at third base when Jorge Polanco comes off the injured list. However, this would come at a great cost to the Mets’ infield defense.

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Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has been in NHL trade rumors for a while now and it doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. Tkachuk’s future is a major topic of conversation after the Carolina Hurricanes defeated Ottawa in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Is the 26-year-old leaving Ottawa? An NHL insider has given a big update on the situation.

David Pagnotta would be “a little surprised” if Tkachuk was still a Senator for the 2026-27 NHL season, according to a Hello Hockey insider. Since Ottawa’s captain has a no-movement clause, he would have to approve any trade this summer. This means Tkachuk could essentially make his way to a specific organization.

Tkachuk has two years left on his contract and the easiest connection in a potential trade or future signing is the Florida Panthers. Tkachuk’s brother, Matthew, plays for the Panthers, and would be an excellent addition to the organization. After missing the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Florida could use a boost to its lineup.

However, this specific situation requires both Tkachuk and Ottawa to work together. If the 26-year-old forward does not plan to extend his contract, the Senators will now be incentivized to move him. Ultimately, it depends on whether Tkachuk wants to stay with the organization in the future.

Tkachuk struggled in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring zero points in a four-game sweep. After entering the playoffs with a lot of momentum, Ottawa’s captain did not live up to the standards. Now, Tkachuk’s future could cast a dark cloud over the Senators’ upcoming NHL offseason.

Tkachuk is under contract for two more seasons, but finding a new position moving forward may be best for both parties.

READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk joins surprise NHL team amid trade rumors

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

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone is the NFL’s youngest GM. After seeing how the Jaguars handled the 2026 NFL Draft, some might say their inexperience showed last weekend.

To be fair, this team was already behind the 8-ball, entering the weekend without a first-round draft pick after last year’s trade for Travis Hunter. Jacksonville’s first draft selection did not come until the 56th overall selection, when they selected tight end Nate Boerkircher, who was projected to be a fourth-round selection by NFL.com and athleticDan Brugler.

Things didn’t get any better from there, yet the Jaguars still had nine more selections to make.

Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports called the Boerkircher pick a “head-scratcher.” He also called the team’s fifth-round selection, DT Albert Regis, a “reach.”

While some of her selections were heavily criticized, Pauline liked some of the team’s other selections, but even some of them had flaws.

“On the other hand, Emmanuel Pregnon can turn in steals from the same frame, as he is a dominant, drive-blocking guard who is relatively effective on the move,” Poulin wrote. “Why did he slide? People at USC told me Pregnon can be tricky, while others say he often slows down offensive schemes. Still, it was worth rolling the dice for Jacksonville. Safety Jalen Huskey and edge rusher Wesley Williams are two players I like, but I believe they would have been available later in the draft. Josh Cameron could be a steal in Round 6, as he’s sure-handed and productive. But he lacks speed and has a funky body type.”

Overall, Pauline gave the Jaguar a C- grade. Meanwhile, Brugler actually ranked the Jaguars last, suggesting that Jacksonville’s draft class was the “worst” in the NFL this year.

Of course, NFL Draft grades mean nothing in immediate results. What really matters is how the classroom is viewed, one, two, or five years from now, when we will be able to better assess their actual impact rather than predicted outcomes.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft Day 2: Winners, losers from Rounds 2 and 3

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It appears that the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles are destined to end up trading AJ Brown. New England is likely to acquire Brown after June 1, after Philadelphia traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Makai Lemon. In fact, an NFL insider has revealed a major update on a potential trade package.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the Patriots will send a future first-round pick to Brown, as did Insider on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter projected it would be a 2028 first-round pick, meaning the Patriots will keep their first-round pick for a stacked 2027 NFL Draft class.

New England Patriots’ potential trade package for AJ Brown

It would be shocking if the Patriots and Eagles don’t make a deal for Brown. Philadelphia has loaded up on wide receivers while New England has the only additional member in the room in Romeo Doubs. While Dobbs projects to play a key role in the Patriots’ offense, the team did not add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. So, what might a trade package look like now?

The Patriots could send a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to acquire Brown. While wide receiver Keyshawn Boutte has been a popular add to trade packages, the Eagles don’t need to replace a superstar receiver. Instead, both organizations can focus on draft capital.

This may not be the exact package Philadelphia gets, as any third- or fourth-round selection between 2027 and 2028 would make sense. However, if the Patriots send a 2028 first-round pick, it makes the rest of the trade package easier. After all, Brown is worth a first-round pick and the 2028 NFL Draft is two years away.

If New England ultimately voids the deal, Brown will join Dobbs, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Elton Chism in the wide receiver room. This is a big upgrade heading into the 2025-26 NFL season, as Stefon Diggs took over as the Patriots’ WR1. In this scenario, Diggs would be the replacement as the WR2 behind Brown in New England.

The Patriots and Eagles will likely have to wait another month, but a Browns trade should come closer.

READ MORE: New England Patriots trade rumors: NFL officials expected to transfer AJ Brown

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With Kyle Busch’s Cup Series win streak now reaching triple digits, his contract year is likely to end as he misses the win for the third consecutive season. With Richard Childress’s departure from Racing feeling inevitable, it appears the future Hall of Famer may discover in NASCAR’s silly season that he has no better options.

on the latest episode of teardownJordan Bianchi of The Athletic said that Busch will have to settle for the same situation he is in now as he will not have the opportunity to join one of NASCAR’s four best teams.

“Let’s say he decides to go somewhere else and you look at the landscape. He’s not going to a big team. He’s not going to Hendrick Motorsports, he’s not going to 23XI, he’s not going to go back to Joe Gibbs Racing. Like, what are his options? You start to look at where the landscape is and it’s going to be a similar situation where it’s a team where, yes, they have some potential and promise, but they also Is there something uncle?”

The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi on Kyle Busch’s team options for next season

RELATED: Kyle Busch hits back at Denny Hamlin

Let’s start with 23XI Racing. Bubba Wallace, who is eighth in points, is already under contract for the 2027 season in the No. 23 car. Meanwhile, reporting has indicated that top prospect Corey Haim will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 car next season. As for Tyler Reddick, who has won five times in nine races this season, co-owner Denny Hamlin has made it clear that a contract extension is coming, even if it’s an expensive one.

As far as Joe Gibbs Racing is concerned, they are very pleased with the results delivered by Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs. While a plan will need to be made as to who drives the No. 11 car after Hamlin retires after the 2027 season, all signs point to it being Brent Cruz.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin gives clear message on Kyle Busch’s struggles

Busch won’t be moving to Team Penske, which has had its own issues of inconsistency this season, and Hendrick wants a long-term option for the No. 48 car if he’s going to replace Alex Bowman. Due to this the top four teams were out of the table.

Spire Motorsports seemed the most logical choice for Busch coming into the season. However, Carson Hocevar is the future face of the team, and Daniel Suarez is exceeding expectations for them by driving the No. 7 car this year.

RELATED: NASCAR Cup Series all-time win list, including Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin

It’s also worth noting that teammate Austin Dillon has outperformed Busch this season, and the No. 3 car is the only one to drive a win for RCR in the last few years. So, while he almost certainly won’t be behind the wheel of the No. 8 car in 2027, Busch could end up joining a team where the results will be exactly the same. If this happens, the conversation may focus on whether or not it is time for them to retire.

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

With only two quarterbacks on their roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to add another quarterback at some point in the 2026 NFL Draft. Although there is a strong possibility that Aaron Rodgers will return for a second season as the Steelers’ starting QB, he is also 42 years old, having played half his life in the NFL (21 seasons). It’s possible that Rodgers eventually decides to retire, even if many don’t expect it.

Either way, right now the Steelers have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, both sixth-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Another must be added; The question is who?

recently, athleticSteelers insider Mike DeFabo reports that Pittsburgh “probably backs” Miami (FL) QB Carson Beck.

DeFabo wrote, “Of the quarterbacks listed, Beck will be the one who best checks every box.” “Having thrown for over 3,000 yards in each of the last three seasons, he is a high-floor QB; Allard is a high-ceiling passer if someone can help translate his attributes into on-field production. For this reason, the Steelers will likely favor the long-armed, big-handed Miami QB in the middle rounds.”

The Steelers have the 21st overall pick in the first round of the draft, but they will not use that selection on Beck, who is not expected to be drafted until day two at the earliest. Still, since the Steelers enter the draft with an NFL-high 12 selections, they will have plenty of opportunities to get their QB.

RELATED: Pittsburgh Steelers not confident about Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers’ return

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The San Jose Sharks have one of the best players in the NHL at the moment in 19-year-old Maclin Celebrini. Coming off a record-breaking season where he almost led the team to the playoffs, it appears the phenom will be rewarded with a new deal this summer.

On the latest episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts, insider Elliotte Friedman said San Jose will be proactive regarding extension talks with Celebrini once he becomes eligible. He does not expect Celebrini’s camp to come up with a long-term deal for seven to eight years, but a four-year deal is also unlikely.

“I think they work hard on it. For me, it’s not a question of numbers, but of words. I can’t see them or their representatives… I can’t see them wanting to go for eight years or seven years.:

Elliotte Friedman on Maclin Celebrini contract extension talks for the San Jose Sharks

RELATED: Agents reveal potential cost of Macklin Celebrini contract extension

• Macklin Celebrini Contract (Puckpedia): $975,000 cap hit (2026-27), RFA in 2027

Friedman further said the extension could be for three or five years. The three-year extension will serve as the final year before Celebrini becomes an unrestricted free agent. Alternatively, a five-year contract would effectively buy out the first year he would be eligible for NHL free agency as an unrestricted free agent.

Both sides will have to figure out how to strike the right balance between giving Celebrini a salary that reflects his value to the franchise, while also keeping it at a point that allows the front office to build a great team around the franchise.

RELATED: Why Macklin Deserves the Celebrini Hart Trophy

• Macklin Celebrini Statistics (2025–26): 115 points (70 assists, 45 goals), 8 power-play goals, 25 power-play assists

Based on informed speculation from agents who spoke to The Athletic, a three-year extension could come in at anywhere in the ballpark of $10 million to $12 million per season. If both parties can agree on a five-year deal, the average annual value of the said deal could be closer to $14 million to $15 million.

At the very least, a contract extension is likely sometime this summer after Celebrini becomes eligible for the first time on July 1. Once this matter is resolved, the Sharks will have a much clearer picture of their long-term financial flexibility and how they can strengthen their defense in the years to come.

RELATED: Love the San Jose Sharks? Watch San Jose Hockey Now

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Lucas Giolito entered the offseason as one of the better starting pitchers available in MLB free agency outside of high-cost arms. He remains a free agent about a month into the 2026 season, but that could change soon.

MLB insider Robert Murray wrote for FanSided that he believes the San Diego Padres are the best fit for Giolito. San Diego is also one of two clubs that were recently linked to the veteran hurler.

RELATED: MLB Power Rankings Week 3, Padres Soar

San Diego is currently operating with a bit of a patchwork rotation. German Marquez and Walker Buehler have been placed in roles as back-end starters, with both veterans facing even more pressure to pitch innings now that Nick Pivetta has joined Joe Musgrove on the injured list.

Unfortunately for San Diego, the return timeline for neither Pivetta nor Musgrove is promising. Pivetta, who started on Opening Day, has been diagnosed with a flexor strain that will keep him from throwing for at least a month. There is no timetable for his return and he may not be able to pitch again in 2026.

RELATED: Padres GM could be on the hot seat

Musgrove, who missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, initially looked like he might rejoin the Padres rotation in late May. However, the club reported that he was in “a bit of a holding pattern” in early March and a month later he still has not pitched off a mound.

Giolito, who pitched 145 innings for the Boston Red Sox last season, recently said he has increased his pitch count to 75 pitches so far. However, given the poor track record of starting pitchers signing at the end of the season, it would be a risk for San Diego to sign him as well.

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 23XI Racing effectively won its lawsuit against NASCAR, securing a permanent charter and a large financial settlement, the team’s focus turned to re-signing Tyler Reddick. With contract negotiations stretching into the season, the new asking price could be staggering.

Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported this week that industry executives have estimated that Reddick’s demands in the NASCAR Fool’s Season could push his contract demand to as much as $7 million per season.

RELATED: NASCAR Power Rankings after Bristol, see where Tyler Reddick lands

It’s not hard to see why there could be an intense bidding war for Redick. Not only is 23XI Racing looking to bring him back to the No. 45 car long-term, but Hendrick Motorsports is also likely to have the No. 48 car available.

Bowman’s contract year has been derailed by vertigo, which has kept him out of four races, effectively leaving him with no realistic shot at making The Chase. He was already viewed as the hot seat entering the season, Hendrick wanted to find a driver who could give him another Cup Series championship contender.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin Addresses Tyler Reddick’s Future With 23XI

With the two teams making the most money, Reddick could use 23XI and Hendricks against each other to generate bigger offers. He’s also ready to hit the open market at just the right time in his Cup Series career.

It certainly would have been cheaper for 23XI to sign Redick to an extension before the season. He was coming off a winless season, seemingly taking a step back from winning the team’s first regular season cup title. Fast forward to now, he has made more team history.

Reddick became the first 23XI driver to win the Daytona 500 and the first driver to win three consecutive Cup Series races. Even before April hit, he broke the team’s single-season wins record with four trips to Victory Lane.

Realistically, 23XI will sign Redick to a new contract before the summer ends, and that could be followed by an announcement later this year that top prospect Corey Haim will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 car next season. In all likelihood, 23XI will have a three-driver team of Reddick, Hamm and Bubba Wallace in the near future.

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

Nearly six months after pleading not guilty, former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is poised to become the first defendant to plead guilty in a sweeping federal gambling investigation that has shaken fan confidence in the league.

A change of plea hearing for Jones in the sports betting case is scheduled for April 28 in Brooklyn federal court, according to a court filing Thursday. Prosecutors have until the end of next week to file statements on the exact charges he will plead guilty to.

In short, things are about to heat up. His attorney confirmed the change but emphasized that Jones is not cooperating with authorities. Which is a strange admission.

Jones initially pleaded not guilty in November 2025 to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges in connection with an alleged scheme to provide sports bettors with non-public injury and availability information on NBA stars – specifically LeBron James and Anthony Davis – while he had privileged access to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–23 season.

Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is expected to become the first person to plead guilty in a gambling scandal that led to the arrest of more than 30 people, including reputed mobsters and other basketball personalities. https://t.co/Z2zY5QCuZm

– ESPN (@espn) 16 April 2026

Interestingly, Jones’ change in plea comes just months after the league launched an independent investigation in which officials requested cell phones and documents from multiple teams. Among those receiving the request were Lakers employees Mike Mancias (LeBron James’ longtime assistant coach) and Randy Mims (executive administrator and another James associate), who voluntarily surrendered their phones and records.

It is important to note that James is not believed to be involved in any way. Mancias and Mims were reportedly under investigation for their relationship with Jones.

Jones allegedly sent a text message to a co-conspirator before the Lakers-Bucks game in Milwaukee on February 9, 2023. At the time, James was not yet listed on the official injury report.

“Bet big on Milwaukee tonight before info comes out,” he reportedly wrote.

James ultimately exited the contest with a lower body injury and the Lakers lost 115–106.

Jones is also alleged to have been paid $2,500 for a tip on Davis in January 2024, which suggests the Lakers star will have limited playing time against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury. The lead was denied, Davis played normal minutes and was effective enough to lead Los Angeles to a 112–105 win. The sports bettor who paid Jones for the tip and then placed a $100,000 bet on the Lakers was not happy.

From LeBron’s trusted shooting partner to federal guilty plea: The shocking fall of Damon Jones

According to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Jones and James’ history stretches back to the mid-2000s. They were teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008. After Jones’ playing career ended, the two maintained an on-and-off friendship. Jones later worked informally as a shooting consultant for James, including during the Cavs’ 2016 championship run under Tyronn Lue.

That bond gave Jones unusual access after years with the Lakers. The fact that he would betray a team that trusted him and befriended LeBron to sell insider betting tips is astonishing.

James and Jones had already fallen out of touch by the time charges were filed following an alleged altercation.

Jones faces a separate but related indictment involving alleged participation in a Mafia-linked, rigged poker game that defrauded high-rollers out of millions. Yes, that is correct. The mafia reportedly had a hold on NBA players. He also pleaded not guilty to those charges in November.

The sweeping investigation, which led to more than 30 arrests, has also ensnared people like Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.

Jones’ expected guilty plea marks a significant development in the case. He would be the first person to plead guilty in this high-profile gambling scandal, potentially opening the door to sentencing negotiations for other players mentioned.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

With eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will soon add a group of youth to the roster. It all starts on April 23, where the Bengals have the 10th overall pick in the first round, and fans have spent the last few months speculating who might be joining Cincinnati.

recently, athleticBengals insider, Paul Dehner Jr. made his prediction. As many other analysts have predicted in the Bengals mock, Dehner predicted that Cincinnati would add to their secondary by making Tennessee cornerback, Jermod McCoy, the tenth overall pick in the first round.

McCoy is considered the second-best cornerback in the 2026 draft class. Nevertheless, he missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL, and he is still viewed as a lock for the first round. It makes one wonder whether he would have been classified as the best cornerback if McCoy had not suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Either way, it shows that the film McCoy put on tape at Oregon State in 2023 and Tennessee in 2024 is strong enough for NFL evaluators to remain very high on his pro prospects. McCoy recorded two interceptions in his first season and four interceptions in his second season. There’s certainly more to come in the NFL, and Cincinnati could be an ideal landing spot for the 6-foot-1, 188-pound corner.

RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowler campaign for blockbuster trade involving All-Pro

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A top New York Giants insider has offered a fresh update on what the team is reportedly looking for during rumored trade talks for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

After a breakout season in 2022, Lawrence emerged as one of the core members of the Giants’ roster. In his fourth year, the former first-round pick finally began to reach his potential, and the team’s front office smartly locked him into a new four-year extension worth $87.5 million.

Everything seemed good between the team and the three-time Pro Bowler. However, despite having a poor season in 2025, the 28-year-old has made it clear he wants a raise, or he wants out. While the team has said all the right things, on Tuesday NFL Network reported that recent negotiations have reached an “impasse” and the Giants have begun trade discussions with interested teams.

With a trade always possible, what are the Giants looking for in a deal for a key member of their roster? On Wednesday, SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes offered an update on exactly that. They claim they are “looking for an equitable trade value that they feel is fair.” Whatever the best offer is right now, they will not take it forward.

What could the New York Giants get in a Dexter Lawrence trade?

Hughes said that when talking to sources, he compared the situation to the one the New York Jets faced last year when their own star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was asked to transfer. Gang Green also waited until they got what they felt was the best “wow” offer for them. It ended up being a first-round selection the following year, a second-round pick this month, and a trade of Mazzie Smith from the Dallas Cowboys.

Hughest believes the Giants won’t get that return for Lawrence, but they won’t move him unless they get a clear offer they can’t refuse. Williams has another Pro Bowl appearance and All-Pro honors that Lawrence has yet to earn.

So, a deal that includes a few second-rounders and a Day 3 pick could be what the team is looking for in a Dexter Lawrence trade.

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

Sergei Bobrovsky is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025–26 NHL season. With the Florida Panthers struggling with injuries, Bobrowski was involved in NHL trade rumors, but he never materialized. However, what’s the latest on the goaltender’s retirement plans and future with the Panthers?

Bobrowski has made it clear he is not retiring from the NHL and wants to stay with the Panthers, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. At 37 years old, it’s fair to question the Florida goaltender’s future in the NHL.

After all, 40-year-old goaltender Jonathan Quick is set to retire from the league after the New York Rangers’ elimination this season.

Why should the Florida Panthers bring back Sergei Bobrovsky?

Bobrovsky has struggled during the 2025–26 NHL season, posting a career-low .887 save percentage and allowing 3.07 goals per game. The 37-year-old goaltender has allowed 10 goals on 44 shots in his last two games against the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite his decline in play, Florida should bring Bobrovsky back next season.

While Bobrowski’s stats haven’t been great, the goaltender is on par with the players Florida puts on the ice every night. It’s been a tough season for the Panthers, who have dealt with significant injuries to Alexander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and others.

The 40-year-old has been described as the “backbone” of the Panthers and the “biggest reason” the organization has two Stanley Cup rings. Bobrowski’s Florida teammates are fully behind him. With a better team on the ice during the 2026-27 NHL season, Bobrowski should have better overall statistics.

Backup goalie for Florida Daniil Tarasov has struggled with an .893 save percentage while allowing 3.12 goals per game. The stats aren’t bad for a backup goaltender, but Bobrowski is a proven option who can lead Florida to the Stanley Cup playoffs next year.

Since retirement is not in the picture, the Panthers should bring Bobrovsky back with a new contract this summer.

READ MORE: Hurricanes rumored to have interest in Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky

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谢尔盖·博布罗夫斯基计划在 2025-26 NHL 赛季结束后成为不受限制的自由球员。在佛罗里达黑豹队饱受伤病困扰的情况下，博布罗夫斯基卷入了NHL的交易传闻，但他从未为之动容。然而，这位守门员的退休计划和黑豹队的未来的最新情况如何？

据 Sportsnet 的埃利奥特·弗里德曼 (Elliott Friedman) 在 32 Thoughts Podcast 上报道，博布罗夫斯基已明确表示，他不会从 NHL 退役，而是希望留在黑豹队。这位 37 岁的佛罗里达守门员在 NHL 的未来值得质疑。

毕竟，纽约游骑兵队本赛季结束后，40 岁的守门员乔纳森·奎克将退出联盟。

为什么佛罗里达黑豹队应该带回谢尔盖·博布罗夫斯基

博布罗夫斯基在 2025-26 NHL 赛季表现不佳，扑救率为职业生涯最低的 0.887，场均失球数为 3.07。这位37岁的守门员在过去两场对阵渥太华参议员队和匹兹堡企鹅队的比赛中，44次射门，丢了10个球。尽管比赛成绩有所下降，佛罗里达州应该会在下赛季将博布罗夫斯基带回来。

虽然博布罗夫斯基的统计数据并不出色，但这位守门员与佛罗里达队每晚都在冰场上的球员息息相关。对于黑豹队来说，这是一个艰难的赛季，亚历山大·巴科夫、马修·特卡丘克、布拉德·马尚德、萨姆·莱因哈特、萨姆·贝内特等人都受了重伤。

这位40岁的球员被描述为黑豹队的“支柱”，也是该组织拥有两枚斯坦利杯戒指的“最大原因”。博布罗夫斯基的佛罗里达队友完全站在他这边。 2026-27 NHL 赛季，随着一支更好的球队上场，博布罗夫斯基应该拥有更好的整体统计数据。

佛罗里达队的替补守门员丹尼尔·塔拉索夫 (Daniil Tarasov) 的扑救率也很挣扎，扑救率为 0.893，场均失球 3.12 个。对于替补守门员来说，统计数据还不错，但博布罗夫斯基是经过验证的选择，可以带领佛罗里达队进入明年的斯坦利杯季后赛。

由于退役不在考虑之内，黑豹队应该会在今年夏天以新合同签回博布罗夫斯基。

阅读更多：据传飓风对黑豹队守门员谢尔盖·博布罗夫斯基感兴趣

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 等内容。他的作品还可以…有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

由总经理史蒂夫·伊泽曼领导的底特律红翼队需要弄清楚如何继续前进。在历史性的崩溃之后，红翼队在 NHL 常规赛最后一周之前被淘汰出季后赛争夺行列。然而，底特律能否从伊泽曼手中继续前进呢？

据杰夫·马雷克在每日对峙现场报道，那里没有人能看到红翼队老板克里斯·伊利奇扣动扳机解雇伊泽曼。马雷克相信红翼队总经理会安全并保住他的工作。

如果是这样，伊泽曼必须在 2026 年 NHL 休赛期对底特律做出改变。

如果史蒂夫·伊泽曼继续担任红翼队总经理，他必须做出重大举措

Dylan Larkin、Lucas Raymond、Alex DeBrincat 和 Mo Seider 在 2026-27 NHL 常规赛开始前需要更多帮助。前六名球队为底特律提供了大部分进攻能力，而后六名则表现不佳。如果伊泽曼继续担任总经理，那么进攻就需要成为焦点。

红翼队可以在第一线使用一名精英前锋来加入拉金。说起来容易做起来难，但像渥太华参议员队前锋布雷迪·特卡丘克这样的人将是一个巨大的补充。特卡丘克只是一个例子，但底特律必须决定是提升前景还是利用它们来收购一名大牌球员。

伊泽曼还必须改造后六名。红翼队缺乏进攻能力，虽然像詹姆斯·范·里姆斯戴克这样的球员在 2025-26 NHL 赛季开始时表现出色，但他们在最后阶段就消失了。深度的缺乏严重影响了红翼队晋级季后赛的潜力。

因此，伊泽曼的两大首要任务应该是在进攻端获得一名精英级的差异化球员，并改造后六名球员。如果伊泽曼无法引进大牌前锋，球队就必须把重点放在年轻球员上。

伊泽曼的工作似乎很安全，如果红翼队留住他，他需要做出大动作。

阅读更多： 底特律红翼队 2026 年崩溃 – 为什么需要重大改变

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的体育撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大学橄榄球赛事。他的作品……有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

克利夫蘭布朗隊將在 2026-27 NFL 賽季中展開一場四分衛大戰。截至目前，克利夫蘭與謝德爾·桑德斯、德肖恩·沃森和狄龍·加布里埃爾簽訂了合約。然而，誰有資格為布朗隊首發呢？一位 NFL 內部人士放棄了對 2026 年布朗隊首發球員的預測。

「如果我必須猜測，這些都是猜測，而不是報告，」伊恩·拉波波特在里奇·艾森秀上說道。 “我猜是德肖恩·沃森。”

自從 2024 年 10 月 20 日對陣辛辛那提猛虎隊的比賽中跟腱撕裂後，沃森就再也沒有參加過 NFL 比賽。這位30歲的四分衛在康復過程中遭遇挫折後，再次撕裂了跟腱，並於2025年1月9日接受了第二次手術。這讓他無法參加 2025-26 NFL 賽季。

現在，沃森有機會回到克利夫蘭重新開始他的工作。 2022年3月，布朗隊以三個首輪選秀權、一個第三輪選秀權和兩個第四輪選秀權從休士頓德州人隊收購了沃森，並附上一份價值2.3億美元的全額保障合約。克利夫蘭做出了一個令人震驚的決定。

2022 年 8 月，沃森被指控在按摩期間有不當性行為，被停薪 11 場比賽，並被罰款 500 萬美元。到目前為止，沃森自2022年被交易到布朗隊以來只首發了19場比賽。

雖然加布里埃爾上賽季首發出場，但這場戰鬥很可能會落在沃森和桑德斯身上。拉波波特相信沃森的天賦將會佔上風，為布朗隊提供贏得足球比賽的最佳機會。如果克利夫蘭選擇桑德斯，這可能表明人們對他的長期潛力充滿信心。

目前，至少有一位 NFL 內部人士認為沃森將是最佳人選。

閱讀更多：克利夫蘭布朗隊的托德蒙肯很高興給德肖恩沃森一個新的開始

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的體育撰稿人，報道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大學橄欖球賽事。他的作品…有關奧斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

克利夫兰布朗队将在 2026-27 NFL 赛季中展开一场四分卫大战。截至目前，克利夫兰与谢德尔·桑德斯、德肖恩·沃森和狄龙·加布里埃尔签订了合同。然而，谁有资格为布朗队首发呢？一位 NFL 内部人士放弃了对 2026 年布朗队首发球员的预测。

“如果我必须猜测，这些都是猜测，而不是报告，”伊恩·拉波波特在里奇·艾森秀上说道。 “我猜是德肖恩·沃森。”

自从 2024 年 10 月 20 日对阵辛辛那提猛虎队的比赛中跟腱撕裂后，沃森就再也没有参加过 NFL 比赛。这位30岁的四分卫在康复过程中遭遇挫折后，再次撕裂了跟腱，并于2025年1月9日接受了第二次手术。这让他无法参加 2025-26 NFL 赛季。

现在，沃森有机会回到克利夫兰重新开始他的工作。 2022年3月，布朗队以三个首轮选秀权、一个第三轮选秀权和两个第四轮选秀权从休斯顿德州人队收购了沃森，并附上一份价值2.3亿美元的全额保障合同。克利夫兰做出了一个令人震惊的决定。

2022 年 8 月，沃森被指控在按摩期间有不当性行为，被停薪 11 场比赛，并被罚款 500 万美元。到目前为止，沃森自2022年被交易到布朗队以来只首发了19场比赛。

虽然加布里埃尔上赛季首发出场，但这场战斗很可能会落在沃森和桑德斯身上。拉波波特相信沃森的天赋将会占上风，为布朗队提供赢得足球比赛的最佳机会。如果克利夫兰选择桑德斯，这可能表明人们对他的长期潜力充满信心。

目前，至少一位 NFL 内部人士认为沃森将是最佳人选。

阅读更多：克利夫兰布朗队的托德蒙肯很高兴给德肖恩沃森一个新的开始

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的体育撰稿人，报道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大学橄榄球赛事。他的作品……有关奥斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

由總經理史蒂夫·伊澤曼領導的底特律紅翼隊需要弄清楚如何繼續前進。在歷史性的崩潰之後，紅翼隊在 NHL 常規賽最後一周之前被淘汰出季後賽爭奪行列。然而，底特律能否從伊澤曼手中繼續前進？

據傑夫馬雷克在每日對峙現場報道，那裡沒有人能看到紅翼隊老闆克里斯伊利奇扣動扳機解僱伊澤曼。馬雷克相信紅翼隊總經理會安全並保住他的工作。

如果是這樣，伊澤曼必須在 2026 年 NHL 休賽期對底特律做出改變。

如果史蒂夫·伊澤曼繼續擔任紅翼隊總經理，他必須做出重大舉措

Dylan Larkin、Lucas Raymond、Alex DeBrincat 和 Mo Seider 在 2026-27 NHL 常規賽開始前需要更多幫助。前六名球隊為底特律提供了大部分進攻能力，而後六名則表現不佳。如果伊澤曼繼續擔任總經理，那麼進攻就需要成為焦點。

紅翼隊可以在第一線使用精英前鋒來加入拉金。說起來容易做起來難，但像渥太華參議員隊前鋒布雷迪·特卡丘克這樣的人將是一個巨大的補充。特卡丘克只是一個例子，但底特律必須決定是提升前景還是利用它們來收購一名大牌球員。

伊澤曼還必須改造後六名。紅翼隊缺乏進攻能力，雖然像詹姆斯·範·里姆斯戴克這樣的球員在 2025-26 NHL 賽季開始時表現出色，但他們在最後階段就消失了。深度的缺乏嚴重影響了紅翼隊晉級季後賽的潛力。

因此，伊澤曼的兩大首要任務應該是在進攻端獲得精英級的差異化球員，並改造後六名球員。如果伊澤曼無法引進大牌前鋒，球隊就必須把重點放在年輕球員上。

伊澤曼的工作似乎很安全，如果紅翼隊留住他，他需要做出大動作。

閱讀更多： 底特律紅翼隊 2026 年崩潰 – 為什麼需要重大改變

Austin Konenski 是 Sportsnaut 的體育撰稿人，報道 NHL、MLB、NFL、NBA 和大學橄欖球賽事。他的作品…有關奧斯汀·科南斯基的更多信息

今年春天围绕田纳西州志愿者橄榄球队的最大故事情节集中在四分卫争夺战上，以确定谁将成为第一周的先发球员。虽然这个决定还需要几个月的时间，但最近还有其他人脱颖而出。

On3.com 的皮特·纳科斯 (Pete Nakos)、志愿者跑卫贾文·戈登 (Javin Gordon) 和角卫凯因·李 (Kayin Lee) 都在他的年度文章中强调了春季比赛的出色表现。

相关：ESPN 分析师提供有关志愿者 QB 之战的见解

身高 5 英尺 10 英寸的戈登在杜兰绿波队度过了他的大一赛季，并以 516 码冲球和 128 次冲球 5 次达阵结束了 2025 年。随后，他在休赛期进入了大学橄榄球转会门户，承诺下赛季前往田纳西州作为德肖恩·毕肖普的补充。

随着明星托马斯和佩顿刘易斯的离开，乔什赫佩尔和志愿者教练组正在寻找谁可以填补毕夏普身后后场的次要角色。对于戈登和德斯·莫里斯来说，这可能是一个有价值的角色，因为托马斯去年完成了 100 次持球，而刘易斯则完成了 74 次触球。

相关：志愿者倾向于从 SEC 竞争对手那里招募顶尖人才

李是田纳西大学橄榄球转会门户网站上的另一位新成员。他很快就成为外线的一名出色球员，不仅能出色地覆盖对手，而且愿意降低肩膀并投出重击。

李的出现对于志愿者队的防守协调员威廉·英格来说尤其重要，他需要在角卫位置上与二年级生泰·雷德蒙德相对的优质二号选择。

相关：田纳西州志愿者相信他们可以翻转五星级招募

目前，谁将成为志愿队本赛季的首发四分卫尚未确定，春季比赛后也不会做出决定。现在对田纳西州来说重要的是他们似乎拥有两名非常优秀的角卫和 2026 赛季急需的跑卫深度。

马特·约翰逊 (Matt Johnson) 是《Sportsnaut》杂志《NFL》和《大学橄榄球》的高级编辑。他的工作包括每周 NFL 和大学……有关马特·约翰逊的更多信息

The biggest story surrounding the Tennessee Volunteers football team this spring has centered on the quarterback battle to determine who will be the starter in Week 1. Although it has taken months to make a decision, others have recently emerged.

In his annual article highlighting notable performances from the Spring Games, Pete Nakos of On3.com, left tackle Javin Gordon and cornerback Kyon Lee both made the list.

RELATED: ESPN analyst offers insight on Volunteers QB battle

The 5-foot-10 Gordon spent his freshman season with the Tulane Green Wave and finished 2025 with 516 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 128 carries. He then entered the college football transfer portal this offseason, and committed to Tennessee to serve as a complementary member behind DeSean Bishop next season.

With the departures of star Thomas and Peyton Lewis, Josh Heupel and the Volunteers coaching staff are looking for who can fill secondary roles in the backfield behind Bishop. For Gordon and Deuce Morris, this could be a meaningful role as Thomas finished with 100 carries last year and Lewis had 74 touches.

RELATED: Volunteers trending for flip top recruit from SEC rival

Lee was another addition to the college football transfer portal for Tennessee. He is quickly emerging as a standout player on the perimeter, who can excel in coverage and is willing to drop his shoulder and deliver big hits.

Lee’s emergence is especially important to Volunteers defensive coordinator William Inge, who needs a quality No. 2 option at cornerback opposite second-year freshman Ty Redmond.

RELATED: Tennessee Volunteers confident they can flip 5-star recruit

For now, it has yet to be determined who will be the Volunteers’ starting quarterback this season, and no decision will be made any time after the spring game. What matters for Tennessee right now is that they have two very good cornerbacks and much-needed depth for the 2026 season.

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

This year’s World Baseball Classic proved to be a huge hit with fans and players, with a massive turnout for the different countries represented and huge TV ratings for the broadcast. So, when will the next World Baseball Classic take place?

According to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, baseball officials are eyeing the next WBC in 2030. The timeline is based on how many times they want to host the tournament and what happens after that.

This year’s World Baseball Classic served as a preview of things to come in two years. Because the 2028 Olympics are being held in the United States, baseball will be a part of it. So, fans will get to see All-Stars and MVP candidates represent their countries at the Olympics with medals at stake.

The WBC has been held twice this decade, with the tournament taking place this year and in 2023. However, there was a six-year gap between the tournaments in 2017, when the United States last won, and 2023, when Japan won.

Officials expect it to be held every four years, with the cycle existing from 2009–2017. Needless to say, given what happened in the WBC this year, Japan and Team USA will be especially motivated to win at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

By the time the 2030 World Baseball Classic begins, baseball fans can expect to see rising MLB stars such as Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Connor Griffin, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crowe-Armstrong and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Weatherholt among the standouts representing Team USA.

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

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown has been the subject of NFL trade rumors throughout the offseason, with head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman skeptical about his future. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, there’s another update on the saga.

Zach Berman of The Athletic reported Monday that very few people around the NFL are “confident” that Brown will be on the Eagles’ roster when the regular season begins. Additionally, there remains widespread speculation around the league as to which team he will ultimately play for in 2026.

“I still think it’s a real possibility after June 1. The best outcome from a football perspective would still be to bring Brown back, but there’s a reason this story isn’t over yet.”

The Athletic’s Zach Berman on the possibility of the Philadelphia Eagles trading AJ Brown (The Athletic)

RELATED: PHI Eagles showing widespread interest in key player

• AJ Brown contract (Spotrac): $23.393 million cap hit (2026), $22.705 million cap hit (2027), $27.588 million cap hit (2028), $29.307 million cap hit (2029)

This is a complicated matter for Philadelphia for a myriad of reasons. Starting at the salary cap, trading Brown before or during the 2026 NFL Draft would mean the Eagles front office is left to deal with a $43.5 million dead cap hit, and moving him would result in an immediate $20 million cap loss. If Brown is dealt after June 1, the team will only have a dead cap charge of $16.353 million in 2026, with a dead cap charge of $27.161 million in 2027.

Of course, the issue with moving him after the 2026 NFL Draft is that it would mean the pieces coming back would be draft picks in 2027. As a Super Bowl contender next season, the Eagles cannot afford to trade an All-Pro wide receiver and make their offense worse without getting someone back in return who can make a positive on-field impact next season.

Connected: The New England Patriots are reportedly eyeing a trade in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

There is another issue. Trading Brown could be interpreted as a sign by the organization to move a player who has been publicly critical of quarterback Jalen Hurts. The issue with this is, with multiple Eagles sources privately criticizing the quarterback’s leadership, coachability and effectiveness, which was a key part of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Tim McManus’ exposé on the team’s friction last season, Hurts is now at a crossroads.

If the leak from inside the building was intended to send a message to Hurts, it doesn’t exactly help to betray the No. 1 receiver to an organization that raised the same criticisms of the quarterback. The move could also send a message to the rest of the locker room that coaches can criticize Hurts through anonymous leaks to reporters but players are required to keep everything in house.

At the moment, according to Berman, NFL executives see the New England Patriots eventually acquiring Brown and reuniting him with head coach Mike Vrabel. If that happens, it will put the Eagles organization and Hurts under an even bigger microscope this coming season, with the offense now without a standout weapon.

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

费城老鹰队外接手 AJ Brown 在整个休赛期一直是 NFL 交易传闻的主题，主教练尼克·西里亚尼 (Nick Sirianni) 和总经理豪伊·罗斯曼 (Howie Roseman) 对于他的未来都讳莫如深。随着 2026 年 NFL 选秀的临近，这一传奇故事又有了新的进展。

《The Athletic》的扎克·伯曼周一报道称，NFL 内部很少有人“相信”布朗在常规赛开始时会出现在老鹰队的名单上。此外，联盟中对于他最终将在 2026 年为哪支球队效力仍然存在广泛的看法。

“我仍然认为 6 月 1 日之后这确实有可能。从足球角度来看，最好的结果仍然是让布朗回归，但这个故事没有消失是有原因的。”

《The Athletic》的扎克·伯曼谈费城老鹰队交易 AJ Brown 的可能性 (《The Athletic》)

相关：PHI 老鹰队对关键球员表现出广泛的兴趣

• AJ 布朗合同（Spotrac）： 上限达到 2,339.3 万美元（2026 年）、上限达到 2,270.5 万美元（2027 年）、上限达到 2,758.8 万美元（2028 年）、上限达到 2,930.7 万美元（2029 年）

由于多种原因，这对费城来说是一件复杂的事情。从工资帽开始，在 2026 年 NFL 选秀之前或期间交易布朗将意味着老鹰队的管理层将面临 4,350 万美元的工资帽上限问题，而如果把他交易走，将立即造成 2,000 万美元的工资帽损失。如果布朗在 6 月 1 日之后被交易，球队在 2026 年的死帽费用将仅为 1635.3 万美元，2027 年的死帽费用为 2716.1 万美元。

当然，在 2026 年 NFL 选秀之后把他送走的问题在于，这很可能意味着回来的球员是 2027 年的选秀权。作为下赛季超级碗的有力竞争者，老鹰队完全无法承受交易掉一名全职业外接手的后果，如果没有得到一个能够在下赛季对场上产生积极影响的人作为回报，那么他们的进攻就会变得更糟。

有关的： 据报道新英格兰爱国者队正在考虑在 NFL 选秀第一轮进行交易

还有一个问题。交易布朗可以被解读为该组织交易了一名公开批评四分卫杰伦·伤害的球员的标志。问题是，多位老鹰队的消息人士私下批评了这位四分卫的领导能力、执教能力和影响力，这是 ESPN 的杰里米·福勒和蒂姆·麦克马纳斯揭露球队上赛季摩擦的关键部分，而赫茨现在正处于十字路口。

如果这些从大楼内部泄露出来的消息是为了向赫茨传达一个信息，那么对于一个组织来说，交易掉对四分卫提出同样批评的第一接球手并没有多大帮助。此举也可能向更衣室的其他成员发出这样的信息：教练可以通过匿名泄密来批评记者的伤害，但球员必须将一切都保留在内部。

目前，根据伯曼的说法，美国国家橄榄球联盟(NFL)高管认为新英格兰爱国者队最终会收购布朗，并让他与主教练迈克·弗拉贝尔(Mike Vrabel)重聚。如果发生这种情况，老鹰队的组织和伤害将在下个赛季受到更大的关注，而进攻现在却没有出色的武器。

马特·约翰逊 (Matt Johnson) 是《Sportsnaut》杂志《NFL》和《大学橄榄球》的高级编辑。他的工作包括每周 NFL 和大学……有关马特·约翰逊的更多信息

The New York Jets have a big decision to make with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With quarterback Fernando Mendoza widely expected to be selected first by the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets should already have a strong idea of ​​who they will select with their second pick.

With no other obvious first-round prospects worthy of a top-10 pick, the Jets are expected to focus on the best player available. For many draft experts, that player is Ohio State linebacker/pass-rusher Arvel Reese.

According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, Reese is the “best fit” for the team at No. 2. Thanks to Reese’s positional versatility and overall upside, it’s on par with many others.

If the Jets are looking for an edge rusher, there are several options at No. 2. Possible options could include Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, or Miami (FL)’s Reuben Benn Jr., who has drawn criticism for having arms shorter than 31 inches.

It doesn’t matter if the Jets are deciding between a pass-rusher at No. 2. It may just be a matter of deciding which one they like best. With less than three weeks left to make a decision, the Jets should be close to finalizing their decision.

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels coaching search has resulted in contract extensions for at least two top targets, with Alabama’s Nate Oats and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd agreeing to new deals. Now the program’s focus has reportedly shifted to four other current head coaches.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Michigan Wolverines coach Dusty Mays, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Iowa State Cyclones coach TJ Otzelbarger and UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley are the top targets in North Carolina’s coaching search at the moment.

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Specifically, according to Thamel, if Michigan loses in the Final Four, the Tar Heels plan to play hard for May. With the Wolverines advancing to the men’s national championship game to face UConn, both Hurley and May are being viewed as unlikely recruits for North Carolina.

What’s likely to happen is that Hurley and Mays will use the Tar Heels’ coaching search as leverage to land a deal. After receiving interest from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, Hurley used that to take advantage of an extension from UConn. May, who was hired by Michigan in 2024, will do the same here.

The real question may be whether Otzelberger uses the interest as leverage. However, given that North Carolina can provide better resources to build a top program, it stands to reason that Otzelberger would see it as an upgrade from his current program at Iowa State.

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Specifically, according to Thamel, Donovan does not want to leave his position in the NBA until Chicago’s season ends. This would mean that North Carolina, if he were hired, would not be able to make an official announcement until the Bulls season ends on Sunday, April 12. Until then, the college basketball transfer portal will be exhausted with limited options available for North Carolina.

Donovan appears to be the Tar Heels’ preferred option of the two, and there have been reports that the opportunity to coach in Chapel Hill would be appealing to Donovan. However, if the school decides it can’t wait, Otzelberger could be the next Tar Heels men’s basketball coach.

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