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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2026 mock draft: Saints miss out on Arch Manning, still draft a local favorite
It's Mock Draft Monday, and this time we're checking out a projection from Bucs Wire's Andrew Harbaugh to see how the New Orleans Saints get better in 2026. Using the projected win totals from Pro Football Focus, Harbaugh had a decision to make with the Saints picking third overall and Arch Manning, a local product and star quarterback prospect for the Texas Longhorns, expected to be the first player off the board. Should the Saints trade up for him? What would it cost? Would it be worth it? In the end, Harbaugh has the Saints getting outbid for the first pick (owned by the New York Giants) after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up from No. 15. With the draft appropriately held in Pittsburgh next spring, the Steelers gave up their second- and third-round picks in 2026 as well as their 2027 first- and third-round picks to move up 14 spots and select Manning. That feels like an underpay to go from No. 15 to No. 1 in any year, but especially with the Giants needing a quarterback and having the nephew of their two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning on the board. Either way, it wasn't a deal the Saints could match, at least in this scenario. So who did they draft instead? Harbaugh has the Saints staying put at No. 3, where they selected LSU Tigers passer Garrett Nussmeier. Here's what Harbaugh had to say about that pick: The connection between New Orleans and the Nussmeier family is going to be hard to ignore this season, even with the contract that the Saints just gave Tyler Shough. The Saints' offense aims to be more dynamic and electric in the passing game, as Moore's offenses have demonstrated in the past. He's right about that: if the Saints are bad enough to be picking top-three in 2026, it'll be because Shough wasn't good enough to lead them to wins or even hold down the starting job, and his contract won't keep them from rolling the dice on another quarterback. Obviously Nussmeier's fraternizing with Kellen Moore at minicamp and, you know, his father being the team's offensive coordinator are going to drive speculation. But will it really matter on draft day? We'll see. Stranger things have happened in the NFL. Let's just hope the Saints beat these expectations and are closer to a playoff berth than a top-three draft pick in Moore's first year on the job.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nebraska linebacker ranked as one of the Big Ten's best
Nebraska football linebacker Marques Watson-Trent was named one of the top-graded linebackers in the Big Ten, according to Pro Football Focus. Trent comes to Nebraska after putting together a productive three years at Georgia Southern. He was the 2024 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and recorded three seasons of 100-plus tackles. The 2024 season was just another instance of his production. He tallied 120 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass breakup. This was similar to his production overall. At Georgia Southern, he recorded 365 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, six sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus had him with an 80.9 grade. This was second to Oregon's Bryce Boettcher. It will be fascinating to see what he will be able to do in the Huskers' defense. There is no doubt that he is an explosive defender and a consistent playmaker. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trey Smith signs 4-year, $94M extension as Chiefs focus on protecting Patrick Mahomes
Trey Smith seals $94M deal with heartfelt call and Mahomes' support (Image via: Getty Images) The Kansas City Chiefs didn't hesitate this offseason, zeroing in on their most urgent need—protecting Patrick Mahomes . After allowing a career-high 36 sacks in 2024, the front office made it clear: shoring up the offensive line wasn't optional. And locking down right guard Trey Smith was at the top of that priority list. Trey Smith extension: Chiefs' smartest move of the offseason Kansas City's offensive line issues were exposed on the biggest stage—Super Bowl LIX. Mahomes was sacked six times, and the front office took the message loud and clear. With Smith entering his prime at just 26, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on him for $23.4 million, but everyone knew a long-term deal was the goal. Letting him walk in 2026 or tagging him again for $28.08 million wasn't sustainable. The Chiefs finally secured their anchor in the trenches, handing Smith a four-year, $94 million extension with $70 million guaranteed—making him the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history. Smith, a sixth-round steal in 2021, has started 80 of 81 career games, including deep playoff runs and two Super Bowl wins. His durability, leadership, and elite pass protection are now locked in through 2029. Why Trey Smith's extension is about more than just money Per Pro Football Focus, among linemen with 2,500+ pass-blocking snaps since 2020, Smith is one of just five to allow fewer than 10 sacks. He was also among the top four right guards in total snaps last season, proving both effectiveness and availability—two traits that make him invaluable. Kansas City's retooled O-line now boasts Smith and fellow All-Pro Creed Humphrey up the middle, Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, and potential breakout names like Jaylon Moore and Kingsley Suamataia on the left. With Mahomes under center, protecting the pocket is non-negotiable. Smith's presence ensures just that. Behind $94M deal: Smith's heartfelt call and Mahomes' endorsement show what the deal truly means The emotional weight of the deal wasn't lost on Smith, who credited his parents for their sacrifices during a heartfelt phone call after signing. His father's words reflected the journey—one of faith, dedication, and unshakable work ethic. Also Read: Antonio Brown trolls Joy Taylor in offensive post after her Fox Sports firing Minutes after the deal was announced, Mahomes voiced his approval on social media, reinforcing what everyone already knew—Trey Smith is worth every penny. For the Chiefs, this was more than a contract. It was a declaration: the MVP's protection remains priority No. 1. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens offseason recap: Full list of roster transactions ahead of 2025 training camp
With the start of Ravens training camp just days away, we are examining every move Baltimore has made this offseason. Ravens rookies are just days away from entering the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp and a hopeful Super Bowl run. During free agency, Baltimore added Cooper Rush and DeAndre Hopkins to the passing game, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on defense, and Jake Hummel to the special teams. The team is still in the midst of a Super Bowl window and has signed a talented and versatile 11-player NFL draft class, as well as 17 undrafted free agents. Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta made the most significant move of the off-season on the final day of minicamp, quietly coming to terms with Jaire Alexander on a one-year deal. With training camp set to kick off, we're recapping every off-season move. Signed WR Keith Kirkwood to a Reserve/Future contract. Kirkwood spent the 2024 season on the team's practice squad but did not play in a regular-season game. He originally signed with the Ravens after participating in the team's minicamp on a tryout basis last June. Kirkwood appeared in 13 games with four starts in 2023 for the Saints, catching five passes for 37 yards. He was also on the field for 89 special-teams snaps. Re-signed Ronnie Stanley Stanley played the entire 2024 regular season, answering some questions on his durability. He also has the high-end tape to get paid. Stanley tied for 11th among offensive tackles with a 92.5% pass block win rate in 2024. Released DB Arthur Maulet and S Marcus Williams The move to release Williams comes after he was benched midway through last season and was a healthy scratch from Week 12 on through the AFC divisional round loss to Buffalo. Williams struggled against the pass and allowed 18.4 yards per completion in coverage. Williams was a prize free agent signing ahead of the 2022 season and signed a five-year, $70 million deal. Signed free agent LB Jake Hummel Hummel played 77% of the Rams' special-teams snaps last season and 80% in 2023. The Ravens also needed more depth at linebacker behind Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson. Hummel played 74 defensive snaps last season and finished with a career-high 17 tackles. Re-signed unrestricted free agent FB Patrick Ricard Signed WR DeAndre Hopkins Of the 70 wide receivers who've had 500 targets since 2013, Hopkins has the fifth-lowest drop rate at 1.6%. Last season, the Ravens' wide receivers ranked 30th in the NFL with a 5.1% drop rate. Re-signed Ben Cleveland Re-signed WR Tylan Wallace Signed QB Cooper Rush Signed free agent CB Chidobe Awuzie The 29-year-old Awuzie is an eight-year veteran who has started 81 career games and is familiar with the AFC North. Awuzie played for the Cincinnati Bengals for three seasons from 2021 to 2023. His best season came in 2021, when he started a career-high 14 games and logged two interceptions, 64 tackles, and 14 passes defensed. He was Pro Football Focus's 23rd-highest graded cornerback. Re-signed S Ar'Darius Washington to a restricted free agent tender Washington saw action in 12 games last season and played a significant role in the Baltimore secondary, performing like one of the NFL's best after a dismal showing in the first seven to eight weeks. The tender is for a one-year contract worth $3.263 million. According to Over The Cap, a second-round tender would have cost $5.346 million. Washington finished with a career-high 64 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble, and five tackles for loss in 10 starts. Exercised S Kyle Hamilton's fifth-year option (through 2026) The Ravens exercised the fifth-year option on All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton ahead of the May 1 deadline. Hamilton was the youngest defensive starter named to the Pro Bowl, quickly emerging as the NFL's premier safety in his second season. Hamilton plays with poise and maturity while allowing new Ravens DC Zach Orr to implement a dynamic and versatile scheme with three safeties on the field. Last season, Hamilton had the second-highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of any safety in the league, trailing only Joseph and his league-leading nine interceptions. Hamilton is the NFL's only defensive back to post at least 100 tackles, an interception, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. 11-player draft class Round 1, Pick 27: S Malaki Starks - GeorgiaRound 2, Pick 59: EDGE Mike Green - MarshallRound 3, Pick 91: G Emery Jones Jr. - LSURound 4, Pick 129: LB Teddye Buchanan - CaliforniaRound 5, Pick 141: OT Carson Vinson - Alabama A&MRound 6, Pick 178: CB Bilhal Kone - Western MichiganRound 6, Pick 186: K Tyler Loop - ArizonaRound 6, Pick 203: WR LaJohntay Wester - ColoradoRound 6, Pick 210: DT Aeneas Peebles - Virginia TechRound 6, Pick 212: CB Robert Longerbeam - RutgersRound 7, Pick 243: G Garrett Dellinger - LSU After selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, and LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. over the first two days, the Ravens used Saturday to add two more offensive linemen, two cornerbacks, a defensive lineman, an inside linebacker, a wide receiver/return specialist, and a kicker. Signed 17 undrafted free agents RB Marcus MajorRB Sone Ntoh (waived)WR Jahmal BanksWR Xavier GuilloryWR Kisean JohnsonTE Sam PitzOT Gerad Christian-LichtenhamOT Reid HolskeyOT Ozzie HutchinsonOT Lucas ScottOL Jared PenningEdge Diwun BlackEdge Kaimon RuckerDL Nash HutmacherDL Jayson JonesLB Jay HigginsLB Chandler MartinCB Reuben LoweryS Keondre JacksonDB Desmond IgbinosunDB Keyon MartinDB Marquise RobinsonK John Hoyland Players to watch OLB Kaimon RuckerRucker played five seasons for the Tar Heels and had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. In only eight games last season, he had six sacks and eight tackles for loss, as injuries hampered him. An intriguing pass rusher, Rucker is 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms. He opted out of all athletic testing except the bench press, where he totaled 27 reps at 225 pounds. K John HoylandHoyland joins sixth-round pick Tyler Loop to add another rookie to the kicking competition as the Ravens seek to find their replacement for Justin Tucker. Hoyland connected on 79.3% of his field-goal attempts and 99.3% of his extra points during his five years at Wyoming. Hoyland was 15-of-19 on field goals during his final season. OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Oregon StateChristian-Lichtenhan (6-8, 315) started all 12 games at left tackle for the Beavers, allowing just two sacks and being charged with one penalty on the year. ILB Jay Higgins, IowaAn All-American and All-Big 10 selection, Higgins (6-0, 224) started all 13 games in his final season with the Hawkeyes, totaling a team high 124 tackles (53 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, nine passes defensed, and four interceptions. G Jared Penning, Northern IowaJared Penning, brother of former Saints first-round pick Trevor Penning, played multiple positions on the offensive line in 48 games at Northern Iowa. S Desmond Igbinosun, RutgersDuring his four seasons at Rutgers, Igbinosun (6-2, 223) accumulated 186 tackles (95 solo), including 15 tackles for loss and seven passes defensed. He's a teammate at Rutgers with Ravens sixth-round pick Robert Longerbeam. S Keondre Jackson, Illinois StateJackson (6-2, 207) appeared in 45 games (33 starts) at Illinois State, logging 225 tackles (116 solo), including 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five interceptions (two returned for TDs), and 13 passes defensed. Jackson was named an FCS All-American by the Associated Press and first-team All-MVFC. Released K Justin Tucker Justin Tucker's career could be over after the NFL suspended the former Ravens kicker for the first 10 games of the upcoming season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The suspension comes as Tucker faces allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior and misconduct. The league had previously traveled to Baltimore to interview massage therapists who had accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior, according to three women who participated in the inquiry. Signed T Joseph Noteboom The Baltimore Ravens added depth to the offensive line on Saturday, May 3, agreeing to a deal with former Rams offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom. Noteboom could flourish as a swing tackle while serving as Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten's primary backup. Noteboom could also compete for the left guard spot vacated by Patrick Mekari. Signed undrafted rookie free agents K John Hoyland, CB Keyon Martin and FB Lucas Scott On Monday, May 12, the Baltimore Ravens announced three roster moves, as the team signed kicker John Hoyland, offensive tackle Lucas Scott, and defensive back Keyon Martin. All three players are undrafted and participated in the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Hoyland joins sixth-round pick Tyler Loop to add another rookie to the kicking competition as the Ravens seek to find their replacement for Justin Tucker. Hoyland connected on 79.3% of his field-goal attempts and 99.3% of his extra points during his five years at Wyoming. Hoyland was 15-of-19 on field goals during his final season. Scott played right guard and right tackle at Army but was recruited as a fullback/tight end. Army Head Coach Jeff Monken is the cousin of Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. A more undersized cornerback who went undrafted, Martin ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and jumped 10 feet 4 inches in the broad with a 38-inch vertical, so his athleticism isn't a question. He is on the smaller side, standing just 5-foot-9 and 166 pounds, and could be better suited for the slot. Martin worked out for the Dolphins at the local pro day on April 11 and had interest from the Ravens before the NFL draft. The 5th-year senior had 56 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles this past season. Signed undrafted rookie free agent OLB Kaimon Rucker Rucker played five seasons for the Tar Heels and had 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his final two seasons. In only eight games last season, he had six sacks and eight tackles for loss, as injuries hampered him. An intriguing pass rusher, Rucker is 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds with 32 5/8-inch arms. He opted out of all athletic testing except the bench press, where he totaled 27 reps at 225 pounds. Signed RB Derrick Henry to a contract extension (through 2027) Henry has placed himself in a position to retire as the most excellent running back in Ravens franchise history. After weeks of waiting, Henry and Baltimore agreed on a new deal to keep him among the highest-paid people in his position and guarantee his presence on the roster for two more years. Henry agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal with $25 million guaranteed at signing. The $15 million average is the most for a running back over 30 years old, and it keeps Henry behind Saquon Barkley ($20M) and Christian McCaffrey ($19M) in average per year. Signed free agent DT John Jenkins Jenkins finished the 2024 season with 46 tackles (13 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and two pass breakups across 17 games with Las Vegas. Now 35 years old, Jenkins started all 17 games for the Raiders for the second straight season. Jenkins is a solid player who takes up space at 6-foot-3 and 327 pounds. Placed DT Michael Pierce on the Reserve/Retired list Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce announced his retirement on Wednesday, March 12, after eight seasons in the NFL, including seven with the Ravens. After going undrafted in 2018, Pierce developed into a solid run-stuffing defensive tackle, totaling 238 tackles over 59 career starts. In his seven seasons with the Ravens, the Baltimore defense finished in the top five against the run five times and was the No. 1-ranked run-stopping team last season. Signed WR Rashod Bateman to a contract extension After producing the best season of his career, Rashod Bateman signed a 3-year, $36.75 million contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. The move comes nearly a year after the Ravens signed Bateman to a three-year contract extension eight days before the deadline for exercising his 5th-year option. Signed free agent CB Jaire Alexander In a move that can only be described as shocking, the Ravens agreed to a contract with former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. The move comes hours after quarterback Lamar Jackson confirmed that he called his former college teammate and asked the Ravens to "go get him." Alexander has developed into an All-Pro cornerback, but during his time with the Louisville Cardinals, he developed a tight bond with MVP candidate and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Alexander has missed at least 10 games in three of his last four seasons, but he's still one of the best in the NFL when healthy.
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New MOTD presenter Mark Chapman's salary revealed as he becomes one of three hosts replacing Gary Lineker
The three hosts will even earn less than pundit Alan Shearer SALARY CHAP New MOTD presenter Mark Chapman's salary revealed as he becomes one of three hosts replacing Gary Lineker Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARY LINEKER earned a staggering FOUR TIMES more than his Match of the Day successor Mark Chapman last season. The BBC have published their annual salaries list, with Lineker, 64, far and away their top earner in 2023-24. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Mark Chapman's BBC wage for the 2023-24 season has been revealed Credit: Getty 6 Gary Lineker earned over four times as much as Chapman, raking in £1.35m Credit: Getty 6 Wayne Rooney will join MOTD on a two-year deal worth £800,000 Credit: Getty The former England striker spent 26 years as MOTD host and saw his pay reach a whopping £1.35MILLION per year. The Beeb's second highest earner is Zoe Ball - who has raked in £515,000 over the last 12 months for her work on BBC Radio 2. Alan Shearer completes the top three, with the Newcastle and England legend earning £440,000 in 2023-24 for his work as a Match of the Day and Euro 2024 pundit. SunSport exclusively revealed Wayne Rooney is also set to join the hit show as a pundit on a two-year deal worth £800,000. READ MORE SPORT STORIES BACK TO ROO IN THE STUDIO Wayne Rooney lands £800,000 deal to be Match of the Day pundit And that means they're both set to earn MORE than the shows new hosts - which include Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates. Chapman, 51, pocketed a cool £325,000 last year for his work with the BBC, which included 120 episodes of Radio 5 Live, the Olympics, Euro 2024 and, of course, Match of the Day 2. Despite his array of stellar work, 'Chappers' earned more than £1m LESS than his MOTD predecessor, Lineker - who officially quit the BBC in June - last year alone. Only three other BBC stars from the world of sport cracked their 'rich list'. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Final Score host Jason Mohammad - who also did some work for BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 2 - took home £230,000 over the past year. Football Focus host Alex Scott raked in £205,000 in 2023-24, having also worked on Euro 2024, Sports Personality of the Year and the Women's Super League. New Match of the Day hosts sign up for huge reality TV show together as they rival each other for Gary Lineker's job 6 Gabby Logan is one of three stars replacing Lineker as MOTD host Credit: Getty 6 Kelly Cates will team up with Chapman and Logan as one of the rotating hosts Credit: Getty Finally, ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton pocketed £200,000 last year having worked for BBC Radio 5 Live, the Monday Night Club podcast, the 606 podcast, Euro 2024, Football Focus and Final Score. Cates, 49, is daughter of Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish and has spent most of her career at Sky Sports, but also worked for talkSPORT and ESPN among others before her BBC move, with her Beeb wage yet to be announced. TV legend Logan, 52, has worked extensively for the BBC, ITV and even Channel 5 - covering all many of sports and lifestyle shows, from the Olympics, World Cup and Euros, to Loose Women and even game show Pointless. While her most recent BBC salaries are unknown, she did take home £240,000 in 2022-23. Logan, along with Cates and Chapman, will be tasked with leading a new era for Match of the Day after a 26-year Lineker monopoly. On his exit, Lineker told The Rest is Football podcast in November 2024: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end. "It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they've got the rights for another three years. "The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time. "I think the next contract they're looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently." 6 Alan Shearer is the BBC's third highest paid star and will be top MOTD earner Credit: Getty Lineker - who replaced Des Lynam in 1999, added: "So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm." However, in April 2025, speaking to fellow BBC star Amol Rajan - who earned £315,000 in 2023-24, good for 17th on the list - Lineker revealed: "Well, perhaps [the BBC] want me to leave. "There was the sense of that. "I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more]. "In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme. "I think it was their preference that I didn't do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people." As for the future, Lineker told FourFourTwo he wouldn't move to any of the BBC's rivals. He claimed: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast. "I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel."
