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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

As incredible as their season was, the New England Patriots didn’t have enough to win Super Bowl LX. Still, since the 29-13 loss to Seattle, one could argue that the Patriots have only gotten better.

While swapping Stefon Diggs for Romeo Dobbs could either backfire or be a great signing, the Patriots have already strengthened one of their biggest weaknesses by signing left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and backup left tackle James Hudson III. While the line has undoubtedly improved, has Drake Mays’ receiving corps gotten worse?

No matter how you feel about the Diggs/Dubs swap, one thing that can’t be denied is that the Patriots could use another playmaking pass-catcher. The solution may be available through trade.

Recently, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about the AJ Brown trade rumors. It’s no surprise that New England is willing to add the Pro Bowl receiver to their team at the right price.

“We’ll try to do whatever we can to continue to strengthen the roster,” Vrabel said.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons the Patriots are often the first team linked to a trade for an Eagles receiver is because Vrabel was the Browns’ head coach with the Titans from 2019 to 2021. The receiver has always had a strong relationship with Coach Vrabel, regardless of who was the general manager of the Titans at the time Brown was traded to the Eagles.

With the Patriots reaching the Super Bowl in 2025, New England fits the criteria of the type of team Brown would want to play for, and already being familiar with the head coach certainly wouldn’t hurt. Still, if the Eagles’ asking price is too high, New England could look to younger, more affordable options in the 2026 NFL Draft.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

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Is this the offseason that the Cleveland Browns finally trade Myles Garrett? Those Garrett rumors resurface every year. After all, he’s one of the best players in the NFL, yet Garrett’s Browns have only reached the playoffs twice in his nine-year career. He deserves better.

The Browns recently restructured his contract, which, for some reason, has led to speculation that Cleveland is thinking about trading him again. While that’s not the case, the Browns did this simply to create more cap space, it got people thinking.

Recently, two NFL analysts Sports IllustratedConnor Orr and Albert Breer lay out their case for why the Browns would be better off trading the five-time All-Pro defender.

This isn’t the first time Breyer has advocated for the Browns to trade their best player. He also previously advised them to trade Garrett at last year’s trade deadline. Obviously, Brown disagreed.

Garrett, 30, is coming off a record-breaking season with 23 sacks. Despite his great age, one could argue that his value has never been higher. If the Raiders can get two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby, what could the Browns get for an even better player?

While most needy teams have already committed to other pass-rushers, there is always at least one that doesn’t end up being their desired draft target. In other words, perhaps the Garrett trade will be revisited later, but our guess is the Browns have already moved on from those discussions.

RELATED: Cleveland Browns trade idea nets young Pro Bowl receiver

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For the first time since the failed Max Crosby trade, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spitek and head coach Clint Kubiak publicly addressed the fallout — and both looked like men who came out the other side just fine.

At the NFL’s annual league meetings in Phoenix this week, the two spoke candidly about the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and what the chaotic sequence of events at the start of free agency ultimately meant for the franchise.

Las Vegas Raiders GM gets an ‘elite’ member during free agency

Earlier this month, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 6 that a deal was underway to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The new league year was required to start on 11 March before the deal could be made official. But before that could happen, Baltimore backed out – citing concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee – and the pass rusher returned to the silver and black.

The timing of that reversal didn’t disrupt the team’s offseason plans as much as it might seem, Spytek said.

“Just the timing of it, it didn’t really happen,” Spytek said. “We did what we did on Monday, and that was Tuesday when it all happened. We had a lot of cap space and a lot of cash was provided to us by Mark [Davis] And the ownership group has to be aggressive and build the team in the best way possible. I’ll echo what Clint said – the way it worked out, it was like we got another elite defensive end in free agency.

Those signings — notably center Tyler Linderbaum and edge rusher Qwity Paye — came during the legal tampering window, just before the Ravens pulled the plug.

Development of a General Manager

Crosby has seen a parade of general managers and head coaches come through the organization since being drafted in 2019. Spytek, who has worked to build trust with his star player from the beginning, said communication between them has never stopped.

“I have had many great conversations with Max since the beginning of his tenure here and we have had many great conversations throughout the season,” Spytek said. “We had a deal at the end of the season, which everyone knows about. We talked about it in the months leading up to the deal. Max and I have continued to have good conversations since. I know he and Clint have had good conversations, too. We just try to tell each other the truth and not have a lot of secrets or unknowns. Max, Clint and I will continue to work that way.”

Spytek also talked about the importance of making those difficult roster decisions – ones that impact players beyond the football field.

“Those are all challenging conversations,” Spytek said. “I try to sit down with that person in that moment and explain the reasons why we’re doing it, and try to be as honest and candid as I can. For me, those are all deeply personal conversations because you know how deeply it affects that person. I don’t just see them as a player. This is changing their lives.”

Also Read: Mark Davis Isn’t Selling the Raiders So Stop Acting Like He Is

Kubiak: “Our team is better now”

Kubiak came to Las Vegas after helping Seattle win the Super Bowl last month, giving him a compressed timeline to assemble his coaching staff — all while watching this trade saga play out in real time.

He didn’t hide how he felt when Spytech told him the deal was off.

“Anytime there’s a trade, you always know there’s a downside to it,” Kubiak said. “Once it happened, I was really excited. When Spy came and talked to me about it, we sat down and my first thing was to smile. ‘Oh, we have Max back. Are you kidding me? It’s great.’ “Our team has gotten better.”

With the signing of Paye, Malcolm Koonce retained, and Tyree Wilson still on the team, Las Vegas enters 2026 with legitimate depth along the defensive line. Crosby’s return only solidifies what was already shaping up to be a priority area.

One remaining question is whether Crosby will be in the reckoning immediately when the regular season opens. He had meniscus surgery in January and is not expected to make a full recovery until this summer.

“These are things we have to work on,” Kubiak said. “We have to get him healthy enough to practice. I know he’s going to put himself in great condition to do that, and we’ll probably have conversations about that as we move forward. Just taking small steps right now.”

The coach did not seem worried about the deadline. He’s seen how Crosby works.

“Max is our guy. He’s the leader on defense.”

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders: 5 second round pick options for GM John Spytek

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

The Cleveland Browns are in the midst of an organizational overhaul. They have already moved on from two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski and hired Todd Monken to replace him. Despite having three QBs on the roster, the Browns also do not have a franchise quarterback.

Still, to properly evaluate Cleveland’s quarterback situation, they may want to strengthen the foundation around him. Whether it’s offensive line, pass-catcher, or both, Brown has a lot of unproven upside. They also have two first-round picks, one or possibly two of which could be used at respective positions.

However, recently, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski had another idea. Why not try to trade for a proven talent who is already an NFL veteran? He suggests that the Browns trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to the Jaguars.

While trading for Thomas, a one-time Pro Bowler who is still only 23 years old, might seem like an ideal solution in Cleveland, there is no guarantee Jacksonville wants to trade him. In fact, more reports suggest that the 23rd overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft isn’t actually even available.

Thomas started 14 games last season, recording 707 receiving yards and two touchdowns. A year ago, Thomas started all 17 games while recording 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he can get back to that level of production, Thomas could emerge as Cleveland’s new alpha receiver, forming a strong tandem with Jerry Jeudy.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

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The New York Jets have a new offensive coordinator (Frank Reich) and a new starting quarterback (Geno Smith). Still, after allowing the fourth-fewest points in the NFL last season, it’s little surprise the Jets haven’t added a single wide receiver to a group that could use more proven playmakers.

However, Jets general manager Darren Maugy may be considering a trade for a veteran receiver who would be handed a starting role immediately. According to ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini, the Jets could still make a deal.

“Don’t sleep on the possibility of trading Maugi for a veteran,” Cimini said. “It’s already been an active offseason for wide receiver trades, and you’re talking about a GM who has traded 12 players in a little over a year. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens), Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers) and Dontavian Wicks (Green Bay Packers) have been mentioned as trade possibilities.”

Maugi has been an active participant in the trades. That’s how the Jets got Adonai Mitchell in the Sauce Gardner deal with the Colts last season.

Still, there’s no doubt the Jets could still use an upgrade to pair with Garrett Wilson and Mitchell. It’s possible that they will find someone soon.

However, some of the names listed above may not actually be available. It is questionable whether the Jaguars are willing to deal Thomas with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, a stronger offer could change Jacksonville’s mind.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

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The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussion is impossible to ignore. The New York Knicks have been linked to the two-time MVP for months. But now, a Knicks legend has stepped in with a cold dose of reality. John Starks, one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, spoke to Front Office Sports and didn’t hold back at all.

Starks was clear from the beginning. He said, “Giannis is not coming. He is not coming to New York.”

He went on to express his genuine respect for Antetokounmpo and his loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks. Starks pointed out that Antetokounmpo had every opportunity to leave before the Bucks won the championship, but he decided to stay, fight and perform.

“He said, just give me some players around me, and I’ll bring you a championship, and he kept his promise.”

Starks highlighted his admiration for players who persevere and work hard even in difficult situations rather than abandoning the team. In fact, that’s exactly what Antetokounmpo did, and Starks believes loyalty is a very strong character trait.

Starks also mentioned that New York is a tough place to play if you can’t win. He said the Knicks have now become a desirable organization because of management, but still need to keep winning.

RELATED: NY Knicks get the injury news they’ve been waiting for for weeks

Could the Starks really be wrong?

But there are some things worth noting here. The situation has changed significantly in Milwaukee. Rumors say the Bucks and Antetokounmpo are set to get a ‘divorce’ this summer. Antetokounmpo’s injury issues have lowered his trade value, so a Knicks deal including Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby may be more realistic than ever.

Some time ago, Shams Charania reported that the Knicks were one of four teams interested in trading for Antetokounmpo. Under the leadership of Leon Rose, the Knicks front office has assembled one of the most attractive teams in the entire league.

Although Starks may admire Antetokounmpo’s dedication, loyalty isn’t always top-notch when it comes to the complete disintegration of a franchise. However, the door has not been completely closed yet.

RELATED: Mitchell Robinson continues public disappointment with NY Knicks’ recent game

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Assuming the New York Knicks do not win the NBA Championship this spring, teams like them and the Golden State Warriors are expected to make a summer trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, popular NBA analyst Bill Simmons explained this week why both teams need to go in a different direction.

Although they are still behind the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings, the NY Knicks still have high hopes of reaching the NBA Finals in the spring. However, the Pistons have given them a lot of trouble during the season, and the Celtics now have top star Jayson Tatum back, they cannot score goals.

If they don’t, he is expected to be a top contender in the summer trade market for Antetokounmpo. Similarly for warriors also. A team that feels like they’re a major chunk away from getting Stephen Curry another championship before he ultimately walks away from the game over the next few seasons. Furthermore, both are considered to be the preferred spots for the two-time NBA MVP.

However, is giving up a large amount of long-term asset the right thing for any team planning on moving Antetokounmpo? Bill Simmons isn’t so sure, and during a new edition of his The Ringer podcast, the popular NBA expert laid out some interesting reasons why the 10-time All-Star isn’t worth a king’s ransom.

Antetokounmpo trade not worth the risk to NY Knicks, Warriors?

First of all, he has played in the league for 13 years, a total of 895 games, 89 playoff games, more than 29,000 minutes, and more than 3,000 playoff minutes. He also mentioned various injuries he sustained during that period, including a hyperextended knee, a bad wrist sprain and a few groin strains. That’s a ton of wear and tear that is hurting again and again.

Yet, the worrying details did not end there. He asked his co-host how many players have averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for a season in years 14 and up? The answer was only one player. Moses Malone’s 20 and 12 seasons in 1988 and ’89.

Then he asked how many players age 32 or older averaged 24 points and 10 boards? Only four in NBA history have done so. They’re Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Karl Malone and Elgin Baylor, and that hasn’t happened in 28 years.

Simmons makes a pretty strong case for why a trade for Antetokounmpo would be a big risk for the NY Knicks or Warriors. Because there is clear evidence that they won’t get the players they need, and that could set those franchises back a decade.

The NY Knicks faced an injury-plagued star disaster when they signed Amare Stoudemire in 2010. Giving up all of your assets and then giving a future Hall of Famer a new max contract seems like a huge risk. As far as the Warriors are concerned, the goal of trading for Antetokounmpo would be to acquire a new superstar after Curry. However, based on clear evidence, they could trade and re-sign a player who may never stay healthy.

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

The New York Yankees had a relatively quiet offseason, mainly only re-signing their key players and making small changes to the bullpen ahead of the 2026 MLB season. However, this obviously only came after the club was successful in their blockbuster trade.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees made a run to acquire starting pitcher Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the MLB trade deadline. The club’s search was fueled by the belief that Skenes eventually wanted to pitch for New York.

RELATED: Best MLB Pitchers 2026, Including Paul Skenes

However, according to Heyman, the attempt to acquire Skenes was immediately rejected. Pittsburgh shut down negotiations before they began, not even allowing New York to make an offer on Skenes. It has since been made clear to the league’s teams that Skane is not available.

Heyman says New York has not given up hope of landing the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. He will be eligible for arbitration for the first time next winter and with two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Subal being awarded a $32 million salary in his final year of arbitration, there is at least some expectation that Skane’s salary and long-term contract demands will be too much for Pittsburgh.

RELATED: MLB Predictions 2026

With MLB expected to eventually impose a salary cap under the next collective bargaining agreement, Pittsburgh has demonstrated a greater willingness to spend. The club acquired Brandon Lowe this offseason, while also adding Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna to further strengthen the lineup.

New York had also made a previous attempt to acquire Skubal from the Tigers. However, Detroit’s asking price was so exceptionally high that the Yankees abandoned their pursuit. For the time being, the club is moving forward with its current rotation, while keeping its options open for future additions to Scubble or Skenes.

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

A new report on an upcoming meeting between the Dallas Cowboys and a top NFL Draft prospect looks to open the door to a trade in Round 1 of next month’s event.

After a disappointing 7-9-1 finish to the 2025 season, the Cowboys will look to further improve their roster in April’s draft. While last season was bad at times, a pro having a bad year is a premium pick next month, and Dallas would especially go 12th overall in Round 1. Additionally, they also have the 20th pick after being traded up last season.

Over the past few weeks, various mock drafts have linked him to LSU corner Mansur Delaney, Auburn edge Keldrick Faulk and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Strong prospect, but not the best of the best in the 2026 class from college football. However, it seems the team is looking to select a top-five level player in Round 1.

Are the Dallas Cowboys interested in trading for Sonny Styles?

During Thursday’s appearance up and adamsOhio State star linebacker Sonny Styles revealed the Cowboys are one of the teams he will be meeting with in the coming days.

Stiles was viewed as a potential top 10 selection earlier this year. However, his outstanding performance at the NFL Combine last month raised his stock significantly. Now, some mock drafts have him going as No. 2 to the New York Jets — a team Styles recently met with — and as No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals.

It is always difficult to trade in one of those slots. However, due to having a weak quarterback class this year, both the Jets and Cardinals could be willing to acquire two first-rounders from the Cowboys and add two top 20 players to this year’s class. Since both teams need more roster help than Dallas does.

Styles is a fantastic athlete who could be a game-changer for Dallas in 2026 if they choose to move up and select him.

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

A top MLB insider believes the Cincinnati Reds will make a bold trade for one of the best two-way players available on the trade market this offseason.

After more progress in 2025 and a return to the postseason for the first time in five years, there are high expectations for Reds Nation heading into the new MLB campaign. They have a good young core led by Eli De La Cruz, and in the offseason, the front office added Eugenio Suárez to add more strength to the lineup and signed Emilio Pagan as their new closer.

With the Milwaukee Brewers potentially taking a step back this season, Reds fans are hoping their team can make an incredible run to the National League Central title this summer. To do that, Cincinnati will likely need to add more talent before this year’s MLB trade deadline. And The Athletic’s Jim Bowden expects a major trade move by the club this summer.

Cincinnati Reds predicted to trade Byron Buxton

“Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton has waived his no-trade clause and is traded to the Reds at the deadline with two and a half years of control remaining on his contract,” Bowden wrote in a new prediction article ahead of MLB Opening Day 2026.

The two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner would be a great addition for the Reds. In 2025, he had a big year as he set career highs in home runs (35), runs scored (97), and RBI (83), while adding 25 stolen bases. Furthermore, he is viewed as one of the best defensive midfielders in the American League.

The fact that Bowden believes the 11-year veteran will waive his no-trade clause for Cincinnati reflects the club’s improved profile around the game. While a trade would be expensive, Buxton is just not an on-field fit for the Reds. He is also playing on a reasonable contract. He’s making just $15.2 million annually over the next three seasons.

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

When the San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, it changed their franchise forever.

Widely considered the best prospect since LeBron James 20 years ago, Wembley has somehow been better than advertised for the Spurs, racking up a list of accolades that could include Defensive Player of the Year and even MVP at season’s end if he’s able to meet the minimum game threshold.

But how valuable is Vembanayama in the eyes of the Spurs and talent evaluators around the NBA? Well, according to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons’ opinion on his eponymous podcast, he would prefer Wembey over all four top picks in this year’s class.

“Hypothetically, would you prefer Wemby or the top two picks in this draft? By far Wemby,” Simmons said. “Here’s a better question: Wembey or the top three picks in this draft? I’d still take Wembey. Wembey or the top four picks in the draft. I get them all. I might even take Caleb Wilson. I’d still take Wembey.”

So what would it take to pry Wembanyama away from the Spurs in terms of 2026 NBA Draft capital? Well, Simmons gave his number, keeping in mind that if he was to take home the “Alien” phone, he’d need an entire starting lineup’s worth of rookie stars.

“The answer to that is the top five picks in this draft,” Simmons said. “Now I have your attention. Now I can have Peterson and Acuff. I can have Caleb Wilson, DiBuntsa and Boozer. I have the entire starting five for Wembley. Now I’m thinking about it.”

Unfortunately for Simmons, there is no Voltron-style trade that could secure San Antonio Peterson, Acuff, Wilson, DiBantsa and Boozer, so the Spurs will have to stick with Wembanyama as their franchise cornerstone for now. Luckily, few fans in San Antonio will be bothered by that fact, because when you have a player who can become the best player to ever play the game, your future looks pretty bright.

It’s no secret that Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is one of the most active roster-builders in the NFL. He’s constantly assessing the trade market, trying to build the best version of the Eagles possible.

We’ve already seen rumors of the Eagles shipping out AJ Brown or trading for Vikings pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Now, there’s another idea Eagles fans can dream about.

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Mo Moton had an Eagles trade idea that would land three-time second-team All-Pro safety Jesse Bates III in Philadelphia. Of course, there’s no guarantee the Falcons are looking to trade one of their best guards, but he would still be a great option for Philadelphia.

After the Eagles lost Reid Blankenship in free agency and traded Sidney Brown to Atlanta, a strong case can be made for Philadelphia to hit the safety market. Whether Betts is actually available is debatable, but it’s not hard to imagine Atlanta considering trade offers for Betts rather than paying him $24.8 million in 2026.

RELATED: Philadelphia Eagles interested in trading for Pro Bowl pass-rusher

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The New Jersey Devils will have a travel day today, thus, you will not see any updates on the ice. Over the weekend, we engage in some business discussion as we look toward the end of the season and the summer.

The Devils could have a transformative offseason after a disappointing 2025-26 season, meaning we could see some major trades. More details on that in the link below.

Elsewhere, Carolina has its eye on Bob, an ex-Devils NHL development by now, and more.

PS I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Jesse Pierce and his family. What they are going through is devastating and my thoughts are with the family who is suffering. May he and his children rest in peace.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Perhaps that’s why the Devils put Simon Nemec’s name up at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. New Jersey has “serious interest” in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Nease, according to a report.

📺 devil’s rink report: On Friday, we invited Jack Phillips, co-host/producer of The Leafs Nation and The Sheet, to join us on the latest trade talks regarding Matthew Nease and the Devils’ reported “serious interest” in the show. Is it enough to get from Namek Neighbors to New Jersey? Jack and I reflected on the latest Devils Rink report.

Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:

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Athletic ($): Here are the Devils’ top 13 prospects, as told by prospect guru Scott Wheeler.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

athletic ($): With the Devils out of the playoff picture, what’s at stake for them the rest of the season?

Forever Blueshirts: Jonathan Quick is injured, so Igor Shesterkin will need some support. Dylan Garand made his NHL debut for the New York Rangers and looked “very impressive”.

Boston hockey now: The Boston Bruins are officially on the radar of James Hagens. Will his highly touted prospect turn professional, or will he return to Boston College next season?

san jose hockey now (+): If you’re interested in learning how an ex-Devils prospect is coming along as an NHLer, here’s an honest conversation with an NHL scout about San Jose Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadulin.

Florida hockey now: Florida Panthers forward AJ Greer has received a three-game suspension from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a tackle on Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary. In the third period of Friday’s game.

Carolina hockey now: Of course, that might not happen until the season is over, but the Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly interested in bringing in Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky if he can’t find a way to stay in Florida.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The Oklahoma City Thunder are not lacking in depth as they defend their title this season. Nevertheless, general manager Sam Presti managed to add another impact bench piece in Jared McCann at the trade deadline.

Stepping into a reserve role following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, McCann has made an immediate impact. The 22-year-old had his best performance of the season during Wednesday’s 121-92 win over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring a game-high 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and 5-of-9 from three.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said, “He’s definitely integrated well. He’s learning his teammates. He’s learning our system and the fundamentals that we emphasize.” “I thought in the first half, especially, he had some really good defensive possessions, which has been really encouraging. He’s done a really good job of committing to our fundamentals and the things we need to do on the defensive end of the field. Obviously, he’s a very powerful offensive player, but he gives up some size and needs to be really fundamental and powerful, and he’s done that, especially lately. So we’re happy with the progress he’s made there.” And he continues to be a fan favorite in the locker room just the way he approaches things since he was traded here.”

After a stellar rookie campaign, McCann struggled early this season with the 76ers while returning from a thumb injury to his shooting hand. Philadelphia sent him to the G League in January before dealing him to the Houston Rockets for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks at the deadline.

Jared McCann is making an immediate impact in the Thunder’s rotation after trade

McCann has quickly found his groove in the Thunder’s battle-tested rotation. The former Duke star is averaging 11.9 points on .475/.444/.885 shooting splits in 18.8 minutes per game in 18 appearances with the team. Oklahoma City posted a 109.3 defensive rating during his minutes, which would rank second in the league for the entire season.

McCann credited the Thunder’s coaching staff for easing his transition after the surprise deadline deal.

McCann said, “When you first get traded, you don’t know anything about what’s going to happen, especially when you find out you’re being traded to a championship team. So I didn’t have high expectations for myself.” “Just coming in and trying to learn as much as possible, which is hard because you don’t know what’s going on. But once you go out there with these guys, they give me confidence. It’s really simple. The coaching staff helped me right away. Not giving me too much information, just letting me play, letting me play my game.

“They’re champions already, so it’s just being able to fit in somehow. I think Sam Presti did a great job knowing how I would fit in. But this offense is amazing. Being able to move the ball and play with shooters, playing with guys that are specialized in the pick and roll is huge. It makes it a lot easier to come in and fit in, especially with the way I play.”

The Thunder hold a three-game lead over the NBA’s top-seeded San Antonio Spurs with 12 games remaining. McCain will compete for playoff minutes with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell in the backcourt rotation.

McCain said, “It’s great to be on a team that is the number one seed. It’s one thing to just have playoff hopes, and then it’s really cool to be the number one seed and try to defend it.” “Especially with them [defending] Champion. I’m just trying to come in and play every role I can to help make this team a champion again. “I’m really confident going to any game with these guys.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks has entered a critical phase as team owner Wes Edens has outlined a clear path forward: a contract extension or a potential trade. The stance, detailed in a report by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on Friday, signals a crucial moment for the franchise as it evaluates the long-term outlook for its two-time MVP.

Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension starting on October 1. According to Shelburne, Edens and co-owner Jimmy Haslam emphasized that the organization would make its decision based on whether the star forward committed to that deal.

“Milwaukee Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam told ESPN in a joint 90-minute interview that they will decide on a path forward with their two-time MVP, and the most important factor will be whether Antetokounmpo signs the four-year, $275 million extension he is eligible to receive on Oct. 1.

‘Giannis is going into his final year [of his contract],’ said Edens, the team’s controlling owner until April 2028. ‘So one of two things will happen: either he’ll be extended or he’ll be traded.

‘The possibility that you’ll let him play last year is something we can’t afford. This is not consistent with what is good for the organization. This is not a Giannis issue. “That is any player who is in his final year.”

Bucks’ decision-making remains uncertain amid Giannis Antetokounmpo situation

While ownership’s message appears to be direct, Shelburne reported that league executives and insiders view the situation as more complex. Questions remain about the internal decision-making structure within the organization, creating uncertainty about how quickly or decisively the Bucks can act.

“Yet team sources, rival executives and league insiders question whether the situation is that simple. Interviews with more than a dozen people with knowledge of the situation said what is happening in Milwaukee goes beyond a typical NBA franchise’s struggle to maintain a winning roster: A unique ownership structure has made it difficult for opposing franchises to identify who is really running the team.

“This has nothing to do with Giannis and whether he asked to be let out,” a source with knowledge of team operations said. ‘It’s about who is making the decision to trade Giannis, and I don’t think anybody knows that. I deal with them all the time and honestly it depends on the day.

‘They are not even close to being ready to make this kind of decision.’

Injuries and trade speculation surrounded Giannis during Milwaukee’s decline

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo was the subject of trade speculation leading up to last month’s deadline but ultimately stayed in Milwaukee. Despite battling injuries, including a recent hyperextension and bone bruise in his left kneecap, he has continued to produce at a high level. Through 36 games, he has averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while shooting 62.4 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range in 28.9 minutes per game.

A recent report from Eric Nehm of The Athletic also indicated a disagreement between Antetokounmpo and the organization regarding the possibility of shutting him down for the remainder of the season. The 10-time All-Star has shown no interest in sitting out as the Bucks continue their effort to remain competitive.

After a 128-96 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, Milwaukee is currently 28-41 and the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks trail the Charlotte Hornets by 7.5 games for the final play-in spot as they continue a four-game road trip.

Milwaukee’s next game comes against the Phoenix Suns (39-31) on Saturday night at 10:00 PM ET on NBA TV. As the season winds down, the organization’s approach to Antetokounmpo’s contract situation will be one of the league’s most closely watched developments.

Suddenly, it makes sense why we heard Simon Nemec is in danger at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils clearly intend to bring in a big name. One name was revealed yesterday and its link is given below.

Elsewhere, is Auston Matthews’ time up in Toronto? Devils prospect rankings, and much more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Perhaps that’s why the Devils put Simon Nemec’s name up at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. New Jersey has “serious interest” in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Nease, according to a report.

📺 devil’s rink report: Last night in the locker room, Jack Hughes responded to the golden goal comments that went viral, explaining that he was honored to see the puck go past Jordan Binnington into the Hockey Hall-of-Fame. Full comments on the Devil’s Rink Report YouTube channel.

Also on the Devils Rink Report YouTube channel, Pasha Eshghi and I look at Jack Hughes’s seeming new maturity, despite comments made about his golden goal.

Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:

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The Athletic ($): Here are the Devils’ top 13 prospects, as revealed by prospect guru Scott Wheeler.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Toronto Hockey Now: Auston Matthews’ season is officially over. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain underwent successful surgery yesterday.

athletic ($): Now, this is where things get interesting. Did Matthews play his last game as a member of the Maple Leafs?

Forever Blueshirts: When the New York Rangers claimed Ty Carthay, they didn’t think he would have such a big impact. Here’s more about the relationship he’s building as a future third-line candidate.

Pittsburgh hockey now: Glass. This is not what you want to hear. Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Billy Tibbets is in legal trouble again.

montreal hockey now: You can pinpoint the Montreal Canadiens’ power play struggles with this one key statistic.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Entering the offseason, there was some talk that backup Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee could emerge as a popular trade candidate. After all, many teams were in need of a new starting QB when the offseason began. Many of those spots are filled, though the Cardinals and Steelers could still use more competition.

The Eagles could still trade the 26-year-old McKee, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, after seeing Philadelphia’s third-string quarterback, Sam Howell, sign with the Cowboys, the Eagles were also in need of another third-string QB.

On Wednesday, they filled their need by trading for Andy Dalton from the Panthers. The Eagles agreed to send a 2027 seventh-round pick to Carolina in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowl QB.

The 38-year-old Dalton brings 169 games of starting experience to Philadelphia, where he will be joining his sixth NFL team. Dalton will use what he has learned in 15 NFL seasons to help Hurts and McKee prepare for their next opponent on a weekly basis. Having made at least one start in each of the last 15 years, Dalton is always ready to step up at a moment’s notice.

Barring another move, Dalton will likely step in as the Eagles’ QB3 behind Hurts and McKee. Still, he could be one of the most capable QB3s in the NFL in 2026. For the low price of a future seventh-round pick, that type of protection is worth the price.

RELATED: Philadelphia Eagles want to trade Pro Bowler

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A new rumor suggests it wasn’t the Philadelphia Eagles’ asking price for AJ Brown that prompted the Los Angeles Rams to trade for the star receiver.

After falling just short of reaching the Super Bowl in January, the LA Rams are primed to reach the big game next season. When he gave up first-, fifth- and sixth-round picks in next month’s NFL Draft for All-Pro Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, he showed he wasn’t playing.

Yet he wasn’t the only proven star the front office was targeting in a trade. Various reports claimed that they were one of two teams showing strong interest in trading three-time Pro Bowler AJ Brown. However, they decide to retreat from their goal.

Most assumed that the asking price was the issue. The Eagles are reportedly looking for at least a first and second rounder at pass catcher. However, concerns about Brown’s health may actually be the real reason.

Are teams concerned about AJ Brown’s long-term sustainability?

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the LA Rams walked away from a potential deal because they were “scared” by what they saw in “preliminary medical research” conducted on the seven-year veteran.

Florio claimed in a new report, “They decided it was too much of an investment for a player of this age. Normal wear and tear. We’re not going to do that. But they were doing all this because if they get AJ Brown, they’ll trade Davante Adams.”

There is a belief around the league that if the Eagles don’t get what they are looking for, they could choose to keep Brown around for another season. However, there are others who feel that Philadelphia is putting themselves in a bad financial position by holding out on him, and waiting until after June 1 to make a trade.

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

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason. We’ve already seen them move on from their head coach and general manager, and the new leadership group has wasted no time in whittling down the roster.

That process took a big leap Tuesday, then, when GM John-Eric Sullivan traded star receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a first-round pick plus changes. It’s clear the Dolphins are in the middle of a fire sale. It has also prompted teams to go after other players on Miami’s roster. But it turns out that not everything is ready to be achieved.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, teams are also trying to trade for Pro Bowl running back D’Von Achane. However, the Dolphins have no interest in trading their 24-year-old starting running back. The Dolphins are responding to teams by telling them he is not available.

However, Achane is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and he could be one of the few players with whom the new arrangement commits to a multi-year deal immediately. Thus, teams looking to inject some pace into their attack will have to look elsewhere.

Achen was drafted by the Dolphins in the third round as the 84th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He started only four games as a rookie, but the Dolphins still couldn’t keep him off the field, as Achane was so effective. He has rushed for 800, 907 and 1,350 yards in his three playing seasons, and South Beach could have more meat for one of the game’s best running backs.

RELATED: Jaylen Waddle traded: Winners, losers from Broncos and Dolphins deal

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If the Toronto Maple Leafs are indeed willing to discuss a Matthew Nese trade — and multiple sports insiders say they were at the deadline — he would get the team a far better return than Auston Matthews or William Nylander. So says insider Nick Kyprios, and his explanation, focused on the fact that Nease has no trade protections, makes sense:

If the Leafs are looking to make a big splash, a deal with Nese could attract a bidding war that would involve far more teams, rather than shopping around for Auston Matthews or William Nylander, who have no upside and will essentially be picking up their future teams. With Nese, the Leafs can control the entire process, giving them a good selection of high-level talent to choose from.

To that end, Kyprios has named three teams that would make the most sense as trade partners for the Leafs in any Matthew Nease negotiations. Starting with the team that actually started all these rumors in the first place:

montreal canadiens

GM Kent Hughes got everyone’s attention when he said after the deadline that he was working on something “important” down to the wire, and could revisit it in the summer. The Nice rumors arose courtesy of Kyprios and other insiders like Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TVA’s Renaud Lavoie.

The Leafs will be looking for “three or four pieces,” and of course, the Habs are loaded with top young players and prospects. Kiper says Michael Hayes, Dave Rickenbacker, Owen Beck and Caden Guhle will be “interesting names to watch”.

chicago blackhawks

Another team full of young assets that they can offer. They aren’t on the same level as the Canadiens to become a serious contender, but Nese would be a big addition for them as they take the next step. Kiper explains that the Hawks already had interest in Nese a few years ago, when former Toronto GM Kyle Dubas talked to them about a trade that would bring Brandon Hagel to Toronto. “The Blackhawks’ interest in Nese has not waned,” Kyprios writes.

The Mammoth have a number of notable prospects that could interest the Leafs in a Nese trade package

utah mammoth

They’re looking to make a big splash up front, and though they acquired a coveted trade piece at the deadline in the form of defenseman McKenzie Weegar, they’re still looking for a top-six difference maker. Kiper named a number of impressive prospects for the Mammoth that would be of great interest to the Leafs, including Caleb Desnoyers, Taj Iginla, Maverick Lamoureux and Russian Daniel Butt.

Kyprios summed it up for Toronto by saying “If this deadline proves anything, it’s that if a trade doesn’t involve one of Matthews, Nylander or Nease, it’s going to be hard to add significant picks and prospects.”

The rumors of a deal for AJ Brown from the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams got even tougher after the deal that sent Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.

One of the biggest stories in the NFL over the past few weeks has been on the future of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. The three-time Pro Bowler didn’t hide his disappointment with the way he was used during the 2025 season. This has led to much speculation that the Eagles could move him this offseason.

While both the Rams and Patriots are reportedly the two top contenders for the 28-year-old, rumors suggest the current asking price is a significant hurdle in securing a deal. Well, the new trade sending Jaylen Waddle to Denver would strengthen Philadelphia’s case for demanding at least a first- and second-round pick in a trade for the Browns.

On Tuesday, the Broncos agreed to send a first (No. 30), third- and fourth-round pick for Waddle and a fourth-rounder in next month’s NFL Draft.

Why is the Jaylen Waddle trade bad for the Patriots and Rams?

The trade return for Miami is bad news for the Patriots, Rams and any other team interested in trading for the Browns. The expectation is that patience and the Eagles’ ongoing salary cap issues may lead to general manager Howie Roseman lowering his current price for the star receiver. That’s no longer a possibility after what the Dolphins got for Waddle.

The 27-year-old is a good pass catcher and has the talent to become a true WR1. However, he benefited greatly from being on the other side of the field from future Hall of Famer Tyreek Hill. Still, he has only had three seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards in five years, and he has never earned Pro Bowl honors.

Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler who has had fewer than 1,000 yards receiving in only one of his seven NFL seasons. If Waddle can get a first, third and fourth rounder, Brown’s value should be much higher as he has a far better resume and is only a year older. If the Patriots or Rams want Brown, it would cost at least a first- and second-round draft pick.

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

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new quarterback in the room. After speculation over the weekend that former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson could be brought in ahead of the 2026 NFL season, general manager Brett Veach has initiated a trade to move in a very young direction.

Instead, Kansas City rolled the dice on a former first-round pick. With Patrick Mahomes on the mend, the Chiefs wanted a signal-caller who could step up, handle the heat and keep the offense steady when needed. Interestingly, they found that option within the AFC.

Chiefs find new QB2 as Mahomes recovery continues

The Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing a trade with the New York Jets for quarterback Justin Fields, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Fields is one of his best electric dual-threat quarterbacks. The former first-round selection brings elite athleticism and big-play ability that can change games in a heartbeat. Now, the Chiefs are bringing that skill set to Kansas City. Per the trade, the Jets receive a 2027 sixth-round pick, while paying Fields $7 million of his $10 million guaranteed.

However, there is a hurdle in the trade. Fields’ physical examination is pending; Let’s hope things don’t go as bad as they did with Max Crosby and the Ravens. With this trade, the Jets have three first-round picks and one pick each in the next four rounds, as well as three sixth-round picks, although with conditions.

Mahomes suffered ACL and LCL tears at the end of the 2025 season, and his status for the start of the 2026 campaign remains uncertain. Even if the franchise quarterback is ready to go, the Chiefs still need a reliable insurance policy behind him. This need became even more urgent after backup Gardner Minshew left in free agency to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Enter fields. The former Ohio State star was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. This will be his fourth stop in the Kansas City League after stints with the Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jets. His role in Andy Reid’s crime will be one of the most interesting storylines of the season. Whether he ends up starting early until Mahomes recovers or simply serves as a high-upside QB2, Fields gives the Chiefs something they didn’t have before: a dynamic playmaker who can move forward and keep the offense dangerous when called upon.

The New Jersey Devils will have to go through the remainder of the 2025–26 season. However, I think it’s time to start thinking about who will be in charge behind the bench.

Given the way the Devils have disappointed so much this season, it is reasonable to think there will be a new head coach after this season. So, who can fit behind the bench. A fellow Devil’s Beat reporter chimed in on some of the ideas below.

Elsewhere, more trade talk in St. Louis, NHL GM meetings, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

NJ.com: The Devils have a decision to make when their season ends in about a month. Will Sheldon Keefe return behind the bench, or will the Devils have a new bench boss? If it’s the latter, here’s who Ryan Nowozinski should be to lead Jack Hughes & Co.

📺 devil’s rink report: In case you missed it, via Devils Rink Report here are Nico Hischier and Jake Allen’s reactions to the high-skill play between Arseniy Gritsyuk and Lenny Haminaho — who connected for an incredible goal over the weekend.

Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

athletic ($):NHL GM meetings begin today. The statuses of Radko Gudas and Auston Matthews will be on the agenda, but Pierre LeBrun says action is not expected.

More confirmed ($): Will there be more pressure to trade 26-year-old Robert Thomas this summer? What impact will this have on other young Blue forwards? Jeremy Rutherford dives.

colorado hockey now: NCAA free agent signings have begun, and the Colorado Avalanche have signed Gustav Stjernberg to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Forever Blueshirts: Chris Drury has been a hit or miss GM for the New York Rangers, however, here’s why Vladislav Gavrikov is one of the best.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Teams have been busy improving their biggest weaknesses this offseason. This also includes the New England Patriots, who have made several changes on offense and defense.

One possibility that did not come to fruition is the AJ Brown trade. The Philadelphia Eagles are ready to trade the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, but general manager Howie Roseman won’t just give up the former Super Bowl winner.

Meanwhile, the Patriots, who have moved on from Stefon Diggs and signed Romeo Doubs, may still want to make another significant change to their receiver room.

According to ESPN’s Patriots insider Mike Reiss, New England is open to all possibilities that could improve their roster. This includes a trade for Brown, who has had six 1,000-yard seasons in seven years as a professional.

This was the response from Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf when asked about trading for Brown this offseason.

“We’ll explore anything we think can help the team.”

The question is, do Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel believe Brown can help the team? The Browns have a cap hit of $23.3 million for 2026. He’ll be the highest-paid receiver in New England, but he’ll also be the best. The question is, is he worth the price? Not only will there be a price to pay for him, but there will also be a cost to trading for him, which may require them to part with a first-round pick.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

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The Las Vegas Raiders have already traded Max Crosby once. Some doubt they can do it again, especially not at the same price.

Still, even if the Raiders can’t recoup two first-round picks for a trade for the five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher, that doesn’t mean the deal isn’t completely off the table.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, even if Crosby is committed to the Raiders, a trade is still possible, potentially closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Everyone feels like they’re in a good position, Fowler said, but since they’ve already taken care of the business, they’re open to that possibility, potentially, if the right offer comes along. “We’re looking at the timelines here; it’s going to be a little slower now, but you’ll get closer to the draft, maybe trade offers heat up, or maybe even closer to the season. But right now, he’s a Raider, and that’s expected to be the case at least for a while.”

Even after a failed physical, the Raiders should be able to get at least a first-round pick in exchange for Crosby. Still, finding the right fit is more difficult because most teams have already dedicated their money to other players and filled their needs with other pass-rushers. Still, that doesn’t mean another contender can’t emerge later.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

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A new report seems to suggest the New England Patriots acquiring AJ Brown in a trade isn’t a matter of if, but simply a matter of when.

After being decisively defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, the Patriots are making every effort to improve the roster and become the rare team to bounce back in the big game after a loss. Without a doubt, acquiring a bigger weapon in the pass game, especially after releasing Stefon Diggs, is a top priority this offseason.

Not surprisingly, the franchise has been linked to a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star receiver AJ Brown for several weeks. And a recent report suggested New England had even offered first- and third-round picks to the three-time Pro Bowler. However, the Eagles are looking to return at least a first and second rounder.

With the price being so high, there has been much discussion that Philadelphia could still hold on to Brown despite the obvious disappointment with his usage during the 2025 season. However, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, multiple league sources have described a trade from Philly as “inevitable”.

New England Patriots remain favorite in AJ Brown trade market

Furthermore, Florio says most people believe the Eagles are planning to move Brown after June 1, because, as one source explained, “The Eagles would be looking at a potential cap disturbance in 2027 if they keep Brown through 2026.” But how good are the chances for the Patriots to complete the trade when there are so many other interested teams, including the Los Angeles Rams?

Well, that sounds pretty good. An NFL insider claimed, “The Patriots remain in play despite the recent addition of former Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs. A source anticipates the Patriots will be the final destination.”

“Regardless, the fact that a trade hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Signs continue to point towards it happening. The only question is if the Eagles decide to wait until after June 1 to make the deal official.”

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

The Montreal Canadiens have made a rare deal after the deadline, acquiring a pair of prospects from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Riley Kidney.

In return, goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson will make their way to the Canadiens organization, and while it may not seem like a blockbuster deal on the surface, it has implications beyond the Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL) and Laval Rocket (AHL).

The 22-year-old Kidney was potentially lost in the shuffle, a holdover from the previous regime that never found its rhythm in the AHL. As a result, Kidney spent most of the season in the ECHL, where he scored 11 goals and 22 assists in 46 games for the Lions. In the grand scheme of things, this is not a significant disadvantage by any means.

However, the comeback is very interesting. Beyond Chiasson, who will serve as a depth option for the Rockets or Lions, the acquisition of a minor-league goaltender in Sheppard suggests the Canadiens are in no rush to return rookie netminder Jacob Fowler to the AHL.

With that in mind, it’s also quite clear that veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault has fallen out of favor with the team, and Kent Hughes and company prefer to keep Fowler as an option in the final stages of the season and into the playoffs.

Fowler was voted as the No. 2 prospect in our annual fan-driven Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings due to his excellent positioning and poise, making it very difficult to avoid direct comparisons with former Habs netminder Carey Price.

And now, the Canadiens have given him one final vote of confidence, as they did with Price in 2010 and Patrick Roy in the 1986 playoffs.

By adding another goaltender to the Rockets roster, the organization has not only ensured that their farm team will be in good shape during Fowler’s absence, as Shepard has already captured the Calder Cup twice in his career, but it has also allowed him to focus solely on the job at hand – which, in turn, should improve his preparation for the challenge ahead.

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

Josh Minott is attempting to carve out a consistent role during his fourth NBA season. The former Boston Celtics forward is making a strong case for an extended opportunity following a trade for the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets.

Minot had the best performance of his career during Brooklyn’s 108-97 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. The 6-foot-8 wing kept the Nets, who were down more than half their rotation, competitive for most of the game. He made a post A career-high 24 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, 4-of-7 from three and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line with three steals and three blocks in 24 minutes.

When Minot was asked what led to the best inning of his career, he said, “I would just say my teammates.” “They were finding me at their cuts when I was open. I mean, I basically owe them everything. I didn’t really do anything that didn’t involve them finding me… I’m coming into a situation in the middle of the season. So I have to make a crazy mental shift. So for them to really help speed things up and help me understand who we are as a team — just our game, values, how we play — I mean, I would say that.” That’s everything. They definitely help guide me, and I’m looking forward to what else they have to teach me.”

https://t.co/fqqnByahKa pic.twitter.com/x6GBVVDoBo

– Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) 13 March 2026

Minot joined the Nets at the trade deadline from the Boston Celtics, who dropped his minimum salary below the luxury tax. The 23-year-old has performed well for Boston earlier this season.

Josh Minott’s heads turned during the Nets’ rebuilding audition

Minot averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals in 18.5 minutes per game in his first 27 appearances this season. He shot 50.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per 100 possessions during the stretch.

The 6-foot-8 Memphis product, with a seven-foot wingspan and above-average athleticism, has impressed as a defensive playmaker. His promising three-point shooting and drive length at the rim offer an interesting two-way upside for the Nets team that acquired him at no cost.

Minot’s four made threes and six steals (steals + blocks) on Thursday were both career highs.

“I was looking forward to it,” he said of his performance. “But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t call it futile, but there is a goal. So overall, I don’t want to say I’m satisfied, but I’m quite happy with my performance… I’m just trying to keep that momentum going. I understand that they had a momentum before me, and I’m not trying to ruin that. I’m just trying to find a way to come in and impact the game. Just keep the team up, elevate the team and its values.” “I’m trying.”

Minot should have ample opportunity to prove his worth as the Nets increase their offensive aggression to close out the season. Brooklyn recently shut down Igor Demin and Deron Sharp for the season. Michael Porter Jr. (right ankle sprain), Nolan Traore (rest) and Zaire Williams (illness) also were ruled out against Atlanta.

The Nets have a $2.58 million team option on Minot for next season.

Before the offseason began, it felt like a foregone conclusion that the San Francisco 49ers would consider trading Mac Jones to capitalize on his newfound value. After all, the 49ers were able to get the 2021 first-round pick under contract to a two-year deal last offseason worth just $4.2 million per season.

Jones probably played the best football of his life in San Francisco, leading the 49ers to a 5–3 record while Brock Purdy was injured. With Jones now entering the final year of his contract, many felt the 49ers would trade away the 27-year-old.

Then, the 49ers’ front office started talking about how much they value Jones as a quality backup to Purdy. After all, they found themselves relying heavily on Jones last season, and he was a key part of their comeback run to the postseason. They don’t want to just give up on the QB, even if it’s a big opportunity for his career.

Thus, reports began to surface indicating that zero teams have inquired about trading for Jones. Others suggested that the 49ers might have spooked teams by asking for a second-day draft pick in exchange for Jones, who would have come with only one year of protection.

Now, athleticThe latest report from Diana Russini reveals exactly why teams are shying away from a Jones trade. Russini indicated that “a few teams” have called the 49ers about trading for Jones. Still, those interested have described the 49ers’ asking price as “astronomical.”

However she was not able to detail what the trade costs might be. Still, when other former Pro Bowl quarterbacks can be found at an even lower rate than Jones, it’s not hard to see why teams might not want to part with precious draft compensation. If the 49ers want to trade Jones, they will either have to lower their asking price or expect the team to be extremely desperate to miss out on their top target.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders ‘expect’ to target veteran Pro Bowl quarterback

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

Despite a messy situation and a failed attempt to trade him this month, a new rumor suggests Max Crosby will be a Las Vegas Raider in 2026.

Over the past few months, the once strong relationship between the Raiders and top star Max Crosby has deteriorated rapidly. It all started at the end of last season when the organization asked the fiery pass rusher to sit out the final two games of the schedule so they could unofficially try to get the No. 1 pick in next month’s NFL Draft.

The plan worked, but her relationship with the five-time Pro Bowler ended up being collateral damage. That’s why rumors swirled for weeks that he would be traded, and it became a reality last week when it was announced that Las Vegas was sending Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that will give them a pair of first-round picks.

Then, like the relationship between the Raiders and Crosby, the deal surprisingly fell apart this week when Las Vegas announced that the Ravens “withdrew” from the trade. Yet, despite returning to the silver-and-black, ESPN’s Dan Graziano claimed on Thursday morning’s edition sports center There is still a strong upside potential for trade in the coming days and weeks.

Max Crosby and the Raiders back on good terms after failed trade?

Still, on Wednesday night, a social media post from Max Crosby suggested he’s OK with staying with the Raiders in 2026. “Everything happens for a reason. Believe everything you hear and half of what you see. I’m a raider. I’m back. Run that s***,” he wrote in a post on X.

Some people believe this is his public face on the messy situation that has been the past few weeks and that he still wants to get out of Las Vegas. However, a new report indicates that the organization is in favor of the star pass rusher remaining with the same team he has played for for at least one more season.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports, “According to a league source, the Raiders are currently telling teams that defensive end Max Crosby will not be traded, after a failed attempt to send him to the Ravens for a pair of first-round picks.”

A week ago, a new report surfaced on various defensive end issues with the team, including one involving an associate of minority owner Tom Brady that has rubbed many in the organization the wrong way.

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

The Las Vegas Raiders thought their business was done. It was already tough enough, having to part with possibly their best player by trading Max Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. Of course, getting two first-round picks (including No. 14 overall) made the deal easier.

Still, now that the Ravens have cooled off and backed out of the deal after Crosby failed his physical, the Raiders are in a tough spot. Now everyone knows they tried to trade Crosby. Not only that, Crosby’s value has arguably decreased after failing the medical test.

Nevertheless, according to athleticAccording to NFL insider Diana Russini, the Raiders are not backing down from their original asking price. They still want two first-round picks to trade Crosby.

Meanwhile, many were skeptical of Crosby getting two first-round picks. After failing the physical, their chances of doing so seem even slimmer.

After all, free agency has been going on for three days. Teams have already adjusted their budgets after chasing top talents. Some teams that might have been targeting a Crosby trade have already made other plans, such as the Cowboys trading for Rashaan Gary, giving the Raiders fewer options to negotiate.

Still, if Las Vegas isn’t willing to trade Crosby, they should have no trouble getting at least a first-round pick in return. It remains to be seen whether they can get more.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys discuss trade for Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler

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 Baltimore Ravens have made two surprising moves in the last 12 hours. The Las Vegas Raiders announced that the Ravens have backed out of their trade for EDGE Max Crosby on Tuesday night. Baltimore signed free-agent EDGE Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

This is a surprising development, considering the Ravens had two first-round picks and Hendrickson on the same contract as Crosby. Adding Hendrickson and two first-round picks in place of Crosby is undoubtedly an improvement; However, according to an NFL insider, the league’s perception is not good for the organization.

As NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports, many NFL decision makers believe the Ravens got “cold feet” when trading for Crosby, and that could have an impact on the way other teams work with the organization. Baltimore reportedly backed out of trading Crosby due to a failed physical on Tuesday.

However, it has been made clear by multiple people at all levels of the NFL that Baltimore had medical information and understood where Crosby’s knee was at in terms of his recovery timeline, as reported by Diana Russini of The Athletic. Needless to say, NFL team personnel are unhappy after Hendrickson signed with the organization.

The Ravens have made no announcement about backing out of trading for Crosby. For now, Baltimore has to undergo a physical on Hendrickson, who is coming off core muscle surgery. The Raiders are welcoming Crosby back to the organization, leaving the door open for another trade.

It remains to be seen how NFL team personnel and agents will proceed with negotiations with the Ravens. If true, it could affect the way Baltimore does business with other teams.

READ MORE: Winners and losers from the Baltimore Ravens signing with Hendrickson after failed Crosby trade

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

A new rumor suggests that the Minnesota Vikings could be the biggest beneficiaries after Max Crosby ended up being traded to the Baltimore Ravens and Trey Hendrickson moved to Baltimore.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade for the five-time Pro Bowler. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

The Cincinnati Bengals star was the best pass rusher on the 2026 free agent market so far. One obvious consideration would be that teams losing Hendrickson would consider a possible trade for Crosby. However, what scared off Baltimore will likely be an issue for other interested teams like the Dallas Cowboys.

Vikings Greenard may soon become a very popular item

But a new report reveals which player teams are focusing on now that Hendrickson is no longer available. Diana Russini of The Athletic reports, “Look for teams in need of pass rush help to turn their attention to a potential trade for Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard, who several teams have inquired about.”

Along with Hendrickson, Jalen Phillips and Odafe Oweh – the next-best pass rushers in free agency – also signed with new teams this week. Considering concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee, the Vikings could be at the center of an unexpected bidding war for the one-time Pro Bowler.

Greenard posted 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024. However, injuries limited him to only 12 games and three sacks last season. Still, impact pass rushers are hard to find, and with two seasons left on the 28-year-old’s contract, he should still get a very good return in a trade.

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

Injuries continue to be an issue for the Chicago Bulls, especially to newcomers. Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simmons are both out with injuries. Now, Rob Dillingham has faltered.

Dillingham suffered a strange wrist injury during Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. Although the Bulls won 130-124 in OT, concerns about the health of players are more uncertain than ever.

Afterwards, according to Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune, head coach Billy Donovan provided an analysis of Dillingham’s injury. Necessarily saying it’s not terrible, but he needs time to get back into the team.

“It’s nothing too serious, but he has some wrist issues that need to be addressed in the offseason,” Donovan said. “He doesn’t feel OK all the time shooting the basketball. I think he’ll be OK once everything gets settled, but it’s something he’s struggling with and dealing with.”

Overall, Dillingham played 20 minutes and finished with five points and four rebounds.

Meanwhile, the bulls are in a very delicate position. In February, they made seven trades before the trade deadline, causing fans and observers to ask more questions about the franchise’s long-term plans.

Dillingham arrived in Chicago from the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the deal that sent Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota. Originally, Dillingham was brought in to give him more opportunities to score and play more minutes.

However, with Ivey, Simmons and their injuries, the validity of the Bulls’ decision making over the past month is under even greater scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Bulls will kick off their five-game road trip in Los Angeles. On Thursday they will play the Lakers and on Friday they will play the Clippers.

Max Crosby thought his next chapter was closed. Plan? Leave the Las Vegas Raiders and get ready for the Baltimore Ravens, joining a new locker room and chasing wins in a new system. On Friday night, March 6, 2026, Baltimore reportedly moved to bring the star defensive end on board.

But by Tuesday night, March 10, the deal was completely resolved. After conducting a thorough medical evaluation, the Ravens decided to back out of the move due to concerns regarding Crosby’s knee. Just like that, the deal that seemed complete fell apart before it could even get off the ground.

Then came the pivot. On Wednesday morning, news came that Baltimore was signing pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year contract, changing its offseason plans and leaving Crosby without the landing spot many had hoped for.

However, Crosby is not publicly angry. The Raiders star has taken to social media, posting celebratory, upbeat content rather than expressing his disappointment. But in the NFL, nothing is ever just a post.

So this begs the question: Is Crosby simply keeping the spirits high, or is there a subtle message hidden in those celebrations?

Crosby’s cryptic post fuels the offseason rumor mill

Max Crosby is celebrating a big personal milestone — even if his blockbuster move to Baltimore falls apart. On Wednesday, the star defensive end marked six years of sobriety, sharing the moment on social media while the NFL world was still buzzing about the collapsed deal that would have sent him from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens.

“3/11/20. 6 years sober,” Crosby posted on X, adding two emojis—a bald eagle and a diamond.
“God doesn’t make mistakes.”

At first glance, it seems like a straightforward celebration of his journey. But the wording—and those emojis—fans can read between the lines.

The phrase “God doesn’t make mistakes” paired with the bald eagle certainly caught attention. Around the league, “Fly Eagles Fly” has become one of those hype tracks players blast before big games, so it’s possible Crosby was simply leaning into that energy with the eagle emoji.

But this is where things get interesting. The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly among the teams pushing to land Trey Hendrickson this offseason. Baltimore ultimately won that sweepstakes with a four-year deal that closed the door for Philly to bring the veteran pass rusher to town.

That leaves the Eagles still looking for a game-destroying defensive end – the kind of edge rusher who can swing games in a single series. And given that Philadelphia is still nursing the sting of last season’s Super Bowl heartbreak, it wouldn’t be surprising if the front office is aggressively exploring every option to upgrade the pass rush.

So Crosby’s post might just be about gratitude and growth. Or… this could be the most subtle offseason smoke signal in the NFL rumor mill.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed over the weekend and Monday.

montreal canadiens news

Habs sniper Cole Caufield is not only one of the league’s best goalscorers, he is one of the league’s best goalscorers. the clutchest Who has ever provided a clutch effort in the NHL.

Cole Caufield has been one of the NHL’s elite snipers this season#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/EXd6PcZhWi

– Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) 10 March 2026

Jake Evans, Philippe Danault and Oliver Kapanen provided the goals, while Jacob Dobbs earned the win by stopping 17 of 18 shots sent against the Toronto Maple Leafs. All things considered, it was a solid win for the Habs, even if the commentary was a little confusing throughout the game. [Habs Highlights: Canadiens Drop Leafs, Pick Up Points]

Elliotte Friedman believes there was a little truth behind the rumor that the Habs and Leafs discussed a potential trade involving Matthew Nease. At the very least, he implied that there was some semblance of veritas in the mix.

“I heard the same theories. I was denied it, but obviously, there’s some smoke there.”@FriedgeHNIC took charge @mattymar89 And @futamichael To break down rumors involving Matthew Neese and the Montreal Canadiens.

stay
📺 https://t.co/SqK7M993Jz
📻 https://t.co/tEtiRUWyip pic.twitter.com/hBUkNecTlq

– Sportsnet 590 The Fan (@FAN590) 10 March 2026

Shocking or not, Lane Hutson was the first to hit the ice during practice Tuesday.

Of course Lane Hutson is on the ice 40 minutes before practice starts pic.twitter.com/POFakGT9xm

– Maietta Sports Media (@MaettaSports) 9 March 2026

With 20 goals in the bank, Kapanen took home a $250,000 bonus on Tuesday night. At least it can be said to be an exciting day at the office for the 22-year-old Finn.

OK, so it’s actually $250,000, as I originally tweeted. Either way, tonight was the start of something good.

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) 10 March 2026

Sportsknot Network

What in the world is going on with the New Jersey Devils and defenseman Dougie Hamilton? On Friday ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, New Jersey Hockey Now requested to speak to Hamilton. The Devils defenseman politely declined. In fact, Hamilton has not been made available to speak to the media since public comments by his agent, JP Barrie of CAA Sports Agency, earlier this season. [New Jersey Devils]

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘frustration’ as a feeling of being upset or angry, especially because of an inability to change or achieve something. Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy prefers not to use that particular term, but it certainly described the team’s 4-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. [Vancouver Canucks]

The Florida Panthers are going to use these final 19 games to make sure the players working through some things don’t wear out. These include Sam Reinhart. Coach Paul Morris said Tuesday that Reinhart will not play tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, so the team may keep an eye on him for any issues he may have. [Florida Panthers]

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

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers are two of the NFL’s most famous franchises. After all, they are two of four NFL franchises with four or more Super Bowl wins. Yet, playing in different conferences, we rarely see them clash with each other.

Now that it’s the offseason, both teams can do some business business.

according to Fort Worth Star-TelegramNick Harris, several teams have called the Steelers about trading for linebacker Patrick Queen. Harris says the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are two teams that have called up the two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker.

Harris says the Cowboys entered free agency with several MLB targets in mind, but their board was “pretty much wiped out” on the first day of negotiations. This led them to turn their attention elsewhere, possibly toward a trade for Queens, whom the Steelers are reportedly hanging on to for a mid-round draft pick.

The Cowboys look to continue upgrading their defense after allowing the NFL’s most points in 2025. They have traded for pass-rusher Rashaan Gary and signed safety Jalen Thompson, but Dallas still needs another middle linebacker with Kenneth Murray set for free agency.

Rani could be a good fit. The 26-year-old player has never missed a game in his six-year career. He has recorded 100 or more tackles in five of his six seasons of play, including last year. Queen would definitely help set the tone in Dallas, if they could get her out of Pittsburgh.

RELATED: NFL Free Agency Day 1: The biggest winners and losers

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 New England Patriots have set their sights on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. After the first day of NFL free agency, the Patriots have yet to sign a wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs. The wide receiver room is very empty; However, an NFL insider gave a big update on the Browns and Patriots trade rumors.

The trade destination list for the Browns “begins and ends with the Patriots,” as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. The 28-year-old wide receiver has been linked to several other NFL teams, like the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, but it appears it’s New England or bust.

Brown is a perfect fit for the Patriots, serving as Drake Mays’ top target in the New England offense. The Eagles and Patriots have been in talks over a potential trade for Brown for the past few weeks, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

The Patriots need Brown and the Eagles wouldn’t be in the discussion if they didn’t want to trade him. Philadelphia’s high asking price has been a stumbling block in trade talks, as the organization wants a first-round pick and a second-round pick for the superstar wide receiver.

Several trade packages have been mentioned, but the Patriots and Eagles need to find a middle ground soon.

Potential trade package from AJ Brown to the New England Patriots

Both sides need to find a middle ground to make a trade for the Browns happen. The Bills recently traded for wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears, sending a second-round pick in exchange. The trade impacted the market, further emphasizing the Eagles’ high asking price for Brown.

The Patriots should offer the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 third-round pick to Brown. The Eagles are likely more inclined to acquire New England’s 2027 first-round pick, as many believe next year’s NFL Draft is deeper. If so, the Patriots could send a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles.

New England should not offer more than two selections. There is no need to involve any other selection or player. The Patriots may have lost some gains after wide receiver Alec Pierce re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but it’s clear Brown is the top priority. Perhaps, New England could use a potential trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to swing a little leverage in their favor.

Either way, closing a deal is best for everyone involved. Whether it’s sooner rather than later or after June 1 when the cap hit won’t be as bad for Philadelphia, both sides need to figure out the best path forward. The Patriots are in hot pursuit of Brown, and the Eagles need to move on from the play that is hurting the organization.

Hopefully, trade talks between the Patriots and Eagles move forward quickly, or the rumors regarding Brown won’t end any time soon.

Read more: New England Patriots should make AJ Brown trade a top priority

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

A new rumor provides the New England Patriots with a great secondary option if they are unable to complete a trade for AJ Brown in the coming days.

Despite being soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl last month, the Patriots’ 2025 campaign far exceeded expectations and was truly a magical run. However, they won’t surprise opponents this year, and they need to improve at some key spots on the roster if they hope to be a Super Bowl contender again in 2026.

A situation report shows the top priority for the Patriots is wide receiver. After releasing Stefon Diggs last week after a productive season, the team needs to find a new top target in the passing game for MVP candidate Drake Mays. This is why the franchise has been linked to AJ Brown in recent weeks.

The Philadelphia Eagles star made no secret of his frustrations with the offense last season. It was so bad that the three-time Pro Bowler being transferred in the next few weeks is a very real possibility. Unfortunately, it looks like the current asking price is too high for the Browns.

According to a report last week, the Patriots reached out to the Eagles and offered first- and third-round picks for the 28-year-old. Unfortunately for the Pats, there are rumors around the NFL that Philly is looking at at least a first and second rounder for Brown.

Should the Patriots target a Brian Thomas trade?

This is a price the Patriots may not be willing to pay. However, an interesting backup option at a lower price has just emerged. SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking offers on talented wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

The 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had a big rookie season. Earning Pro Bowl honors by posting 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns on 87 catches. However, in 2025, he was not as effective in the new offense under head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinsky. Tallied only 48 catches, 707 yards and two TDs in 14 starts.

Thomas won’t come cheap, and the price will probably start with the first-rounder the Patriots offered the Browns. While it will be a bit risky, it’s worth it for a 23-year-old who has already shown he can be a WR1 in the NFL. Plus, he’s locked in for two more seasons at a bargain rate, and New England will also have the option to extend him for another season in 2028.

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

NEW YORK — In the visitors’ locker room at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams called attention to the massive smile on Jared McCain’s face.

“He’s so happy,” Williams said.

Williams addressed McCain directly: “What are you so happy about?”

“We won!” McCain said.

Oklahoma City had just eked out a 103-100 victory against the New York Knicks, improving to a league-best 49-15. It had also improved to 9-3 since acquiring McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing nine of those games and Williams missing 10.

“Oh, you played in Philly, you’re not used to that shit,” Williams said.

“What do you mean?” McCain responded. “They’re like sixth in the East.”

The truth is that McCain is as cheerful a character as you’ll find in the NBA. Regardless of the situation he’s in, he tries to “turn it into a positive,” he told me. And in his first month with the Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, there was a lot to smile about.

McCain has played 12 games for his new team, and he has scored at least 20 points in three of them. The 6-foot-3 guard has averaged 11.9 points in 19.2 minutes per game on 47/41/90 shooting splits, flying off screens and knocking down midrange jumpers and 3s with the same pep in his step that he had before his knee injury last season, at which point he was the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

76ers’ trade deadline mismanagement is latest own goal for franchise that can’t get out of its own way

John Gonzalez

To be clear, McCain never wanted to leave the Sixers. He was “completely blindsided” by the trade, he said. He is “really grateful,” though, to have landed with Oklahoma City for a number of reasons.

McCain loves the way that the Thunder play. “This offense is amazing,” he said, praising the team’s collective chemistry and unselfishness. He loves playing off Isaiah Hartenstein, the big man Gilgeous-Alexander described as a “dream” to play with after just two regular-season games last season.

“It’s being able to find where I want the ball but also find my man after he passes the ball, when he drops the passes,” McCain said. “Or being able to just pitch it and then come off. Just that little bit of space is all a shooter needs to get something off. And if I got a little bit of an advantage, I know I can either get to the bump mid or get to a 3.”

He loves the way that coach Mark Daigneault thinks. Anyone who has been around the team has heard Daigneault talk about being present, having a 0-0 mindset and resilience being a muscle you can build. McCain is a devoted re-reader of “The Inner Game of Tennis” — when I mentioned the book, he showed me the copy he had in his bag — and has practiced meditation and visualization since he was in high school. 

“When you can mesh like that with a coach, it’s really awesome,” McCain said, recalling his first meeting with Daigneault and general manager Sam Presti before the 2024 draft.

“Being able to just talk to them about, ‘How is Shai so good?’ It was process-oriented, the daily habits,” McCain said. “It’s the consistency, the discipline. That’s all stuff that I love. I love that ‘Atomic Habits,’ the ‘1% Better,’ the do one thing, get really good at it, then focus on the next thing. It’s been really cool to just have conversations with them, get to know ’em, because it’s the same mindset I have.”

Early in McCain’s sixth game with the Thunder, he ran a throw-and-go with Hartenstein, drove baseline, kicked the ball out to Cason Wallace and then relocated for an open 3. If one possession demonstrates his promise, it’s this one. He is a threat with the ball in his hands and can be an even bigger threat when he gets rid of the ball.

For all of the people who started launching deep 3s because of Stephen Curry, few NBA players have tried to blend off-the-dribble shooting with off-ball movement the way he does. McCain said that, because he idolized and studied Curry — and because he played next to elite ballhandlers at Centennial High School and Duke — he has always tried to get involved in the game through movement, rather than “just standing in the corner waiting for something to happen.” He knew, coming into the NBA, that this would make him stand out. He also knew that, as a defender, your instinct is to relax when the guy you’re guarding makes a pass.

“You stop and you look at the ball,” McCain said. “You’re taught that. It’s basically once your guy gets in the paint and he passes the ball out, you can kind of be in help. But once you’re able to just get back out quick and take those backpedal shots or get-out-quick shots, those are the ones that are some of my favorites.”

With not only Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams but guard Ajay Mitchell sidelined when he arrived, McCain has given OKC a timely spark. Daigneault said that McCain has played his game with confidence while having respect for the Thunder’s continuity and what they’ve accomplished.

“That’s a very fine needle to thread,” Daigneault said. “The last guys that did that well were Hartenstein and Alex [Caruso], but they did it in the preseason with a build-up. And they’re veteran players. It’s a huge testament to him. He’s found that balance right off the bat. He’s earned a lot of respect from everybody because of that.”

NBA Power Rankings: Knicks back in top five after getting defensive, Nuggets sliding and Wolves lurking

Brad Botkin

Daigneault also said, though, that it would have been fine if McCain had gotten off to a rough start. “You don’t know, when you trade for a guy, how they’re going to integrate,” he said. For the Thunder, this has been a process of “discovery” — they’re not trying to fit him into a specific role, but letting his role emerge naturally.

“We’re just kind of like throwing him out there,” Daigneault said, “and telling him to play inside the team and telling him kind of the non-negotiable things, the fundamental things that everybody has to do. And then give him a level of breathing room around that to figure out how to play, have his teammates figure out how he can play with them.”

As challenging as it is to drop everything, move to a different city and try to adapt to a new team in the middle of a season, there can be something psychologically freeing about being traded. For McCain, there has been a lot to learn, but there has been no expectation that he would pick it all up immediately. This environment, so far, has been ideal.

“They allow me to be myself,” McCain said. 

Before the trade, McCain did not always feel or look like himself on the court this season. Coming off a torn UCL in his right thumb and a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, he tried to shake off almost a year’s worth of rust on a team that was winning games and had a much more crowded backcourt than it did before he got hurt. 

On the first anniversary of his 34-point game as a rookie, he shot 3 for 10 in his first G League game. There were some encouraging moments — he caught fire in a back-to-back against Charlotte and Milwaukee in late January — but, in 37 games for the Sixers, he averaged just 6.6 points on 50.6% true shooting.   

“I have nothing bad to say about none of the teammates, none of the coaches, but it’s just hard to find a rhythm playing with really great players and getting little short spurts,” McCain said. “There were a few games, for sure, that I felt great. I feel like those were the ones where I got to play a little extended minutes, play through some mistakes.”

McCain said it’s “nobody’s fault” that he didn’t consistently find his form in Philly. “I knew it was going to take time,” he said. “It’s even still taking time. I feel great right now, but sometimes, you know, some days are better than others.”

With Tyrese Maxey playing at an All-NBA level and rookie VJ Edgecombe looking like a star in the making, McCain “wasn’t thinking about a trade at all,” he said. He was confident that his opportunities would come and that he could grow alongside them.

“I definitely thought it could work,” McCain said. “Long-term, I definitely think it could work. I loved playing with them. It was really fun. And I’m going to miss it, too. So I think there was definitely potential there, but they made the best decision for what they thought it was and we’ve just gotta live with it and kind of move on.”

Philadelphia sent him to Oklahoma City for a first-round pick and two seconds. He is aware that a large portion of the Sixers’ fanbase was upset. In the moment, he was too.

“I’m right there with the fans,” McCain said. “I was scared, man. I didn’t know. I was emotional with it, it was a lot going on and it was hard to process. So I’m forever still grateful for Philly. It’s always hard. Like, you don’t get to say goodbye. It’s really like a breakup.”

The call from Sixers general manager Daryl Morey was to the point. Afterward, he flew with the rest of the team from San Francisco to Los Angeles as scheduled, shedding tears as he got on the plane. While everybody else had a game against the Los Angeles Lakers the next day, he flew from L.A. to OKC. 

“They call you and it’s just so, like, cold, almost,” McCain said. “It’s like, damn. They drafted me. It just feels like it just ended so quickly. The call that you get traded is, like, ‘Hey, we just traded you,’ and that’s kind of it. So it’s really, it’s almost sad. It’s really sad. It really is sad. Like, I’m an emotional person. I really, like, I love all those people over there, like the staff, like the medical staff, the coaching staff. The teammates, like, those are like my brothers. I really looked up to a lot of ’em and hung out with all of ’em. It’s sad that you don’t see ’em every day.”

At a press conference the day after the trade deadline, Morey called McCain “a great future bet and a potential great player,” but also said that he thought the team was “selling high” and was better off with the draft picks, which he described as more than a typical return for a starter-level player on a good team. Morey’s transparency only amplified the discussion around the deal, which basically boiled down to how to properly value a player who was about to turn 22.

“It’s really weird sometimes, like, hearing people talk about what you’re ‘worth,'” McCain said. “And it’s because I’m really, you know — there’s a human aspect to it that a lot of people skip over. So hearing stuff that he said in the media, it’s like, ‘Damn. Is that how you really felt?’ ‘Cause I feel like I treated everybody with respect and love. So it’s definitely tough to hear sometimes, but you gotta understand it’s a business and they’re doing what they feel is best.”

McCain described the trade as sad, weird and emotional, but the whirlwind of it all can also be funny. He remembers being “kicked off” Philadelphia’s team-run group chat “pretty immediately.” He needed Gilgeous-Alexander’s help to get into the practice facility in Oklahoma City because he wasn’t set up in the security system yet, as documented on his vlog. He thinks he still has a few black jerseys in the Sixers’ practice facility. At some point, he’ll put away a bunch of Philly gear in his new attic.

“I just moved into my new place and I don’t even know where stuff is right now,” McCain said. “My mom moved me in. I’m going back to the house for the first time. This will be the first time, tonight, when we get back. It’s a lot of stuff that’s very humorous.”

Right after the trade, Kyle Lowry told McCain, “This is supposed to happen.” Seventeen years ago, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Lowry to the Houston Rockets for a first-round pick, having drafted Mike Conley to play his position the previous summer. (Ironically, Morey was the buyer in that transaction.)

“He knows how hard I work, and he just told me, ‘Go do your thing,'” McCain said. “And he’s always there for me if I need him. Really, anybody on that team, like, if I call ’em, I know they’ll be there: Tyrese, Jo, PG, VJ. All of ’em, man. They really helped me. And VJ just called me like two days ago to just talk.”

McCain is looking forward to playing against his former team in Philadelphia on March 23. “I love Philly to death,” he said, “and I’m excited to go back in later March, just to feel the vibes and see all the people again and just say a proper goodbye.” 

Right now, though, he’s doing his best to stay present with the Thunder. “When you take a step back and just kind of look at everything going on, it’s all for good,” he said. “It’s all going to be positive and work out for me.” He’s still getting himself situated in OKC, but he couldn’t be more comfortable with how things are going.

“I’ve loved every moment of it,” McCain said.

As the Miami Heat are dealing with an upcoming make-or-break week with the start of the season home stretch, there is a big update regarding the situation with Terry Rozier. Since this has been an unprecedented situation with the Heat and Rozier, there are many who believe the team should receive compensation, and that’s what happened on Monday.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are giving Miami a second-round pick in 2026 to “resolve a dispute” over the position with Rozier. The Heat traded Kyle Lowry for Rozier in the first round on January 23, 2024, before that season’s trade deadline.

Charania, formerly of the

Although this appears to be the resolution of the dispute, Rozier is still on Miami’s books as his status continues to come to light after being arrested by the federal government due to gambling ties at the beginning of the season. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, this would be “more favorable”, considering a second-round pick.

“The 2026 second-round selection the Heat will receive from the Hornets is more favorable to Golden State and Denver’s second-round selections,” Chiang wrote.

No lawsuit from the Heat was ever planned

While there were rumors about the Heat and Rozier as to what the next step would be for the team, there was some speculation about whether the team would file a lawsuit. Mostly, due to the league and Charlotte reportedly not telling Miami about possible gambling connections, the NBA conducted its own investigation of Rozier while he was with Charlotte.

However, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald would say that “Lawsuit was never an option” and that the second-round pick is “the final development on the case”.

Jackson further stated, “The Hornets never told the Heat that they knew Rozier was under investigation at the time of the trade, but there was no specific NBA rule against it.” “The Heat will send a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2027 to the Hornets. If the Heat miss the playoffs next season, Miami will retain its 2027 first-rounder and send a 2028 first-rounder to Charlotte.”

At any rate, the Heat are focused on extending their five-game winning streak with next Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded one wide receiver for another, then watched George Pickens have a career year and become a superstar in the process. This offseason, the Steelers are potentially adding another wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers.

The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to trade wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Colts agreed to a four-year, $114 million contract extension with Alec Pierce, who was set to hit the open market. Now, they are sending Pittman to free up some cap space.

The exact trade compensation is unknown, but the teams are reportedly swapping late-round draft selections. The Steelers are also signing the 28-year-old Pittman to a three-year, $59 million contract as part of the trade.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound receiver had a peak season in 2023, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. It was the second 1,000-yard season of his career. Pittman still recorded a respectable 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

While he may not be a No. 1 receiver, Pittman profiles as a good fit next to DK Metcalf, giving Rodgers (if he returns) two big, strong receivers who can make plays in the red zone.

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

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Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is often praised for his roster-building skills, always keeping his team in contention. In recent years, we have seen the Eagles add several impact guards through the NFL Draft.

However they have built such a strong unit that now other teams are coming for what Philadelphia has built.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Eagles are also receiving trade calls for starting defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

“With defensive tackle Jordan Davis now extended, Philly will also have to consider whether to extend running back Jalen Carter, who is eligible for a new deal,” Fowler wrote. “I’m told Philly has received trade calls regarding Carter.”

The two-time Pro Bowler’s contract is only for one more season. However, the Eagles can always pick up a fifth-year option on the former No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

As Fowler mentioned, fellow Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis recently signed a three-year, $78 million contract, worth an average of $26 million per year. Carter’s fifth-year option will give him a salary of $27 million in 2027.

The Eagles may be reaching the point where their star defensive tackle tandem becomes too rich for their blood. Or, perhaps teams are willing to trade for one of the team’s cornerstones, hoping they can snag a 24-year-old player who may still have more room for development in his future.

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

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After years of trade rumors, Max Crosby was finally dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for two first-round picks. Reports leading up to the Ravens’ blockbuster trade for the five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher revealed that the Raiders were waiting for an offer that included two first-round picks targeting a ‘Micah Parsons’ deal. Many people were skeptical.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys were confident they would win the Crosby trade sweepstakes. He even thought his deal for Crosby was almost done. However, when other teams stepped up with offers of two first-round selections, the Cowboys’ confidence diminished.

So, what did the Cowboys offer the Raiders in exchange for Crosby?

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys offered their first-round pick (No. 12 overall – two slots ahead of Baltimore’s offer), a future second-round pick (possibly in 2027), as well as an undisclosed veteran player for Crosby. The Cowboys were unwilling to part with two first-round picks.

Apparently, the Raiders declined, believing they received a better offer from Baltimore. Unless the veteran player was an impact starter, we’d argue that Las Vegas actually accepted a better offer from the Ravens.

The Cowboys, despite reportedly “keeping an eye on Crosby for a long time” and “loving” him, determined that he was not worth trading for two first-round picks. The Ravens felt otherwise.

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

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

Trading time is over! With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Ottawa Senators are set to play their final 21 games with a slightly adjusted roster. Inside is Warren Foegele, outside is David Perron. Since the Sens are currently four points out of a playoff spot, did they do enough? Let’s get into the details.

A look at two trades

For a full analysis of the two Senators trades, you can see here and here. These are the basics:

• In: Warren Foegele, conditional 2026 third-round pick, conditional 2026 fourth-round pick
• OUT: David Perron, 2026 second-round pick, conditional 2026 third-round pick

To simplify, the Senators went with some of their picks in the draft in exchange for an upgrade on Perron, signing Foegele for next season. With Perron out with injuries, adding a healthy winger to play the final quarter of the season would help with a playoff push. Of course, for Foegele to upgrade, he needs to return to last year’s 24-goal form. This season has been a struggle, with Foegele scoring only 9 points in 47 games.

Steps that senators did not take

The Senators have long been linked to right-shot defenseman McKenzie Weegar, who ended up with the Utah Mammoth. “I suspect Ottawa was also involved in Rob Thomas,” he said on Elliotte Freedman’s 32 Thoughts podcast.

The problem for the Senators was that they didn’t have a lot of trade chips. They have one of the weakest prospect pools in the NHL and no first-round picks. While Steve Staios has come out and said that it was the coach’s decision to sit Stephen Holiday with the Flames, I wonder if he was being held out just in case. If senators had struck a bigger deal, it would most likely have been going the other way.

As things stand, the Senators’ defense and goaltending remain the same. This is no real surprise on the net. There weren’t exactly a ton of goalkeepers available. The good news is that Ullmark has played better recently. Since returning from his leave of absence he has gone 4-0-2 with a .909 SV%. Don’t think that Levi Merilainen will be back any time soon. He is slashing .890 SV% in 14 games at Belleville. On defense, if they need a change they could add Nicholas Matinpalo to the lineup. They could also call up top prospect Carter Yakemchuk. His 27 points in 44 games are impressive. He doesn’t have a minus 37 rating.

senators lineup

Here’s how the Senators will look in their final 21 games:

• Batherson-Stutzle-Giroux
• Tkachuk-Cozens-Gregg
• Foegele-Pinto-Amadio
• cousins-or-zetterlund

• sanderson-zab
• Chabot-Jensen
• cleven-spence

final thoughts

The Senators have a playoff lineup. He has played at a playoff team level throughout the season, in addition to his goaltending and penalty kill. Ulmark has been better recently. It’s the same with the penalty kill. Since Mike Yeo took over with the penalty kill, the Senators PKs are at 80%. Earlier, PK was in a pitiful state of 71.7%. They are currently on pace for 93 points. The Bruins, who hold the final wildcard spot, are on pace for 98. You can’t forget about the Blue Jackets, who landed Connor Garland at the deadline and currently lead the Sens by three points.

In their final 21 games last season, the Senators went 14-5-2. If they can repeat this, they will finish the season with 99 points. This should be good enough to make the playoffs. Of course, there will be no bad effects from here on out. It’s hard to do, but the Senators have what it takes.

Sure, the Senators didn’t make any blockbuster moves at the deadline, but they didn’t really have the assets, nor were they in a position to do so. Warren Foegele should help this team. If he can add another hard hit that can help on the penalty kill, that would be great. Another reason for optimism—the Senators’ next two games are on the road. However, after that, they finish the season playing 12 of their remaining 19 games at home.

Danny was born and raised in Ottawa and still lives in that city. He has followed… more about Danny McCloskey

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens!

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Carolina Hurricanes took a conservative route at the NHL trade deadline, opting to forego a major trade and instead upped the toughness factor with the acquisition of big bruiser, Nick Deslauriers from the Philadelphia Flyers.

After the deadline, Tulsky spoke to the media on a variety of topics related to the day’s events, from what he saw in Deslauriers to the always-controversial second center role plan and everything in between.

What does Nick Deslauriers bring to the table

Tulsky began the press conference by discussing the latest addition to the storm.

“Nick is a veteran. He’s a physical presence. He’s a guy who has great character, does things the right way, makes the team tough to play against, and just generally adds the kind of character and toughness that we wanted to bring to the group.”

He later spoke about the doggedness Deslauriers brought to the team as well as the tenacity he already possessed.

“Ultimately, a lot of the toughness is personal and internal, right? ‘Am I going to take it, or not? That’s what toughness is for me – it’s not really ‘Do I have someone else to take care of it’. And I think we have a group of people who have that internal toughness, that’s the fight.

“Stankoven is the smallest guy in the world, and when he felt like that needed to happen, he grabbed guys and started fighting, right? So, it looks like we have that fire, but of course, it’s easier to maintain that toughness when you have a guy like Deslauriers. When it feels like games are getting more intense, and that can be useful for people, that’s something we wanted to explore.”

Comfortable with current center staff

A lingering dilemma for the Hurricanes has been their second centerman role, an issue that came to the fore following Trocheck’s departure in 2022. Addressing questions about the rumored attempt to reunite with the former Hurricane, Tulsky confirmed his feelings about Logan Stankoven’s performance at the position.

“I think Logan has been great in that role,” he said before giving a list of reasons why. “I know there’s a lot of people out there that look at the point total and worry about it. Seriously, at five-on-five, he produced at a high rate.

“We have three of the top 40 centers in the league in five-on-five production. And the fact that he’s not on our first power play unit has nothing to do with how good he is as a center. I think people forget how many nights in October and November that line was our best line. That line has generated a lot of offense this year, and he’s been part of that.

“He’s not the tallest guy, and people worry about that, but he works really hard. He’s extremely competitive. He’s the kind of guy who pulls teammates into battles. Other guys look at it and say, ‘Well, if he can do it, obviously I can. I’m twice the size of him.’ You know, I have no worries about it moving forward.”

Players received calls due to the storm

Although this was expected, Tulski confirmed that he had received calls from players. However, the storm wisely avoided taking out anyone.

“At the end of the day, you know, we’re trying to win a cup here, and it’s going to be hard to take players out…no matter what role they play.

“We anticipate that at some point everyone on this team will be needed. And so, we had some calls, we explored some things, but at the end of the day, you know, we’re trying to win a Cup, and we didn’t want to weaken our team going into the playoffs.”

Deals don’t matter to Hurricanes

Tulsky also talked about his desire to add more high-quality players to help push the team toward the Stanley Cup, but the difficulties the market presented, and his confidence in the team remain the same.

“Obviously, we have a lot of confidence in this roster. We’ve battled through a lot of injuries and are on pace for, I don’t know, 112 points or something – and as we get healthier, we’re getting better. We’re very happy with what we have right now.

“I would say we’re always trying to get better. We’d like to be on pace for 130 points or 150. So it’s not like I’m ever going to say, ‘This team is good enough, we don’t need to add.’

“I know the players are excited to see reinforcements, and I want to do it for them as much as they want to see it. We all want it. Like, nobody is more competitive than us. And, you know, we’re up and down the organization. We’re extremely aggressive in trying to add.

“Ultimately, you know, it’s not about my confidence in him. It’s about the opportunities that were really on the market to make something addition that will make us better. Yeah. I would love to bring somebody in that is, you know, one of those top 20 players and make everybody say we’re one guy closer to being in those top 20 on a team. It wasn’t meant to be that way this year.”

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

The New England Patriots are in need of a No. 1 wide receiver after releasing Stefon Diggs. Enter AJ Brown. Brown has been linked to New England for several months thanks to head coach Mike Vrabel. The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver spent the first three years of his career with Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans.

Brown has been vocal about his displeasure with Philadelphia and New England always being connected to him. In fact, the Patriots were Brown’s favorite NFL team, and he has been quite outspoken about it in recent years. With the release of Diggs and an empty wide receiver room, the direction moving forward is clear. The Patriots should make trading for Brown a top priority.

As the Inquirer’s Jeff McLain reports, New England and the Baltimore Ravens are considered the most likely trade partners for the Browns. The Patriots and Ravens both have a need for a No. 1 wide receiver, but any team acquiring Brown would have to be willing to give up a lot of assets and absorb a $23 million cap hit.

This shouldn’t be a problem for New England. Despite making the Super Bowl, the organization still has a lot of needs, such as offensive line help and EDGE rushers. However, No. 1 wide receiver is the Patriots’ biggest need after releasing Diggs. If not Brown, New England still needs to find at least two wide receivers through other means.

Neither of them will be at the same level as Brown, which is why trade should be the Patriots’ top priority.

Potential New England Patriots trade package for AJ Brown

If the Eagles trade Brown this offseason, they are demanding a massive sale. On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills acquired DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears for a 2026 second-round pick. That’s a hefty price for Moore, and it explains why the asking price in Philadelphia is so high. So, what should the Patriots trade for the Browns?

No matter what happens, the Patriots will have to move the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It must also be willing to move another pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, such as a third-round pick. If the Eagles are looking for another asset, New England could add another pick or player. However, would it be too much? At some point, the Patriots have to draw a line.

While the Browns should be New England’s top priority, sometimes it just doesn’t work. It takes two parties to get a deal done and if the Eagles are in limbo over a first-round pick, a second or third first-round pick and another good player, there can’t be a realistic deal for New England.

To be in the conversation, the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick should be the middle ground between New England and Philadelphia. It’s a good deal for both sides, and it would give the Eagles plenty of value in exchange for one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

The Patriots know they need to acquire a No. 1 wide receiver. Whether it’s Brown or Alec Pierce in free agency next week, New England will have to do everything possible to land Drake Mays’ new favorite target. The Eagles are demanding sun and moon, but the Patriots must work as hard as possible to acquire Brown, while remaining realistic about a return.

READ MORE: The 5 best WR targets for the New England Patriots after releasing Stefon Diggs

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes met with the media on Friday afternoon following the NHL trade deadline, which resulted in no deal for the Habs.

According to Hughes, the Canadiens had the outlines of a potential deal, however it fell through in the final minutes of the deadline.

“We spent a lot of time on one case in particular,” he said. “And it came down to the wire, but that doesn’t stop us from revisiting it in the summer.”

Without trying to read too much between the lines, it seems like the Habs were actively involved in a trade for a player like Robert Thomas or Vincent Trocheck, two talented centers who should still be available in a trade after the regular season and playoffs are over.

When pressed for more details about a potential deal, Hughes once again pointed to the possibility that a trade could be completed in a matter of months.

He said, “I’d love to answer, but maybe you’ll find out in the summer.”

As far as pending unrestricted free agent Patrik Laine is concerned, Hughes suggests that despite all the trade talks approaching the deadline, he won’t be a distraction moving forward.

Hughes explained, “Patrick is part of the team like the other players, he’s not a distraction.” “I expect Patrick to be available for the team based on the decisions made by the coaches.”

If the Habs had pulled off a significant trade, Hughes noted that it would likely have resulted in other trade dominoes falling.

“We had some things that would have happened if the deal we were working on had gone through,” he said. “Yes, it was an important business for us.”

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

As for the lack of action, Hughes reminded fans that the team actually made some big deals earlier in the season, including the trade that brought star defenseman Noah Dobson to the Canadiens.

“I think our players are happy to be here and they’re happy with the group,” Hughes said. “They are not unaware of the fact that we have taken significant steps since the end of last season to improve our team.

“Part of the message to the group is that we like these players, we have good hockey players, and we have good hockey players that are not playing.”

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

Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the New Orleans Pelicans should consider a major decision involving Zion Williamson this offseason, suggesting that the franchise evaluate potential trade offers for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Perkins shared his perspective during a recent episode of The Road Trippin’ Show, where he discussed Williamson’s recent improved availability and the Pelicans’ long-term direction.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’d definitely shop around this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back,” Perkins said.

“So, with this sample size of Zion, he’s not only helping the Pelicans, but I believe he’s helping himself. And I think it’s too late now…to try to rekindle this relationship and make it work and say he’s going to be our guy?”

The 25-year-old Williamson has delivered one of the healthiest seasons of his NBA career. He recently played 35 consecutive games, the longest such streak of his professional tenure, which has helped change the narrative about his durability.

In 47 games this season, including 40 starts, Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range while playing 29.6 minutes per contest.

“If I’m the Pelicans, I’ll definitely shop him this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back… It’s too late to restart this relationship.”

Kendrick Perkins thinks New Orleans should trade Zion Williamson

(via @RoadTrippinShow)pic.twitter.com/T4BJBdrjae

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026

Despite Williamson’s individual production, the Pelicans have struggled to translate that performance into consistent team success. New Orleans currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-44 record, which raises questions about the organization’s long-term roster construction.

Kendrick Perkins questions Zion Williamson’s long-term future with Pelicans

Perkins acknowledged Williamson’s progress this season but questioned whether the forward should remain the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.

“Do I believe Zion can go and help and be a man for somebody? Absolutely,” Perkins said.

“Like, I believe he can be a second or third option to the main option, but he’s not a cornerstone where you really want to build your franchise.”

Perkins also credited Williamson for reshaping the conversation around his professionalism and accountability during the current season.

Perkins said, “But I believe Zion has changed the story about him.” “Shout out to him because accountability means having tough conversations with people in his circle, leaving some people in his circle, going under Bill Duffy’s wing, and being able to have that level of accountability.”

The Pelicans have not publicly indicated any intention to move Williamson, who remains one of the league’s most talented offensive players even when healthy. However, the team’s record and long-term trajectory could impact how the front office moves forward in the upcoming offseason.

For now, New Orleans is focused on finishing the season. The Pelicans are scheduled to conclude a six-game road trip on Friday night when they face the Phoenix Suns (35-27) at 9:00 pm ET.

The next shoe has dropped for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In a somewhat surprising move, pending unrestricted free agent Bobby McMann is being assigned to the Seattle Kraken.

The NHL trade deadline has been fairly quiet for the Montreal Canadiens, however, a recent report suggests that activity may be picking up in the near future.

David Pagnotta reports that the Canadiens and the Calgary Flames are discussing a potential trade that would involve center Nazem Kadri. He also suggested Habs forward Patrik Laine could be part of the deal.

Pagnotta says Calgary and Montreal are talking about a Nazem Kadri trade.
“I’m told Patrick Laine may also be involved.”
#flames #GoHabsGo #nhl

– NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) 6 March 2026

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Although there is no pressure on the Habs to make a trade before the deadline, there is no doubt that they could stand to improve their situation in the middle of the ice.

Montreal has destroyed several centers, including forward Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues as well as forward Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

By all accounts, it seems like the acquisition cost for a player like Thomas or Trocheck may be unreasonably expensive, even if they are a good fit for the Canadiens’ lineup.

As far as Kadri is concerned, the Habs have circled around the 35-year-old all season, with reports in November suggesting that Kent Hughes and Co. had identified him as a potential trade target.

The main sticking point when discussing acquiring a player like Nazem Kadri is his age, which certainly doesn’t fit into Montreal’s ideal age group. That being said, the Habs are the youngest team in the league, and adding a little experience to the mix is ​​hardly a bad idea.

On the other side of the trade discussion is Patrik Laine, a player with one of the best shots in the league. His 5v5 numbers are incredibly tough, but it must be said that there is still some value to be found in his usage, especially on the powerplay.

And finally, it should also be noted that the Flames have shown interest in Canadiens defenseman Arbor Zekaj, a player who could be included in a potential trade to grease the wheels a bit.

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

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, when the LA Clippers traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline, there were two teams in particular who reportedly jumped to inquire about Kawhi Leonard’s availability. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne, it was revealed on Friday that one of the teams interested in a potential Kawhi Leonard trade with the Clippers was the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors’ original trade deadline targets were believed to be Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaren Jackson Jr. His interest in Kawhi Leonard was ignited after the Clippers trades, which seemingly signaled a reset. When none of those potential deals came to fruition, the Warriors turned to their backup plan which was the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Leonard is entering the final year of his contract with the Clippers, which is worth approximately $50.3 million. Siegel suggests he may once again attract trade interest from opposing teams. This could be a similar situation to when the Toronto Raptors traded for Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard was in the final year of his deal at the time, and ultimately left the franchise in free agency after only one season. But it was still a success for the Raptors because it got them a championship.

Despite injury problems the past few seasons, Leonard has been relatively healthy this year and has been among the NBA’s top players. He has appeared in 47 games at a rate of just over 32 minutes per game. He averaged career-highs of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals while splitting 49.7 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 90.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.