Latest news with #JakeMatthews
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ESPN 70 gets Chris Curtis, Jake Matthews among other Nashville fight card additions
UFC on ESPN 70 gets Chris Curtis, Jake Matthews among other Nashville fight card additions Several bouts have been added to July's UFC on ESPN 70 in Nashville. The UFC's seventh visit to Nashville, Tenn. is taking shape. Three new bouts have been added to UFC on ESPN 70 including Jake Matthews vs. Chidi Njokuani, Max Griffin vs. Chris Curtis, and Junior Tafa vs. Ateba Gautier. The promotion announced the news Tuesday. UFC on ESPN 70 takes place July 12 at the Bridgestone Arena and is headlined by a heavyweight bout between former title challenger Derrick Lewis against undefeated prospect Tallison Teixeira. Njokuani (25-10 MMA, 5-3 UFC) looks to build on his 3-0 run since he dropped back down to welterweight. Meanwhile, Matthews (21-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC), a veteran of the weight class, looks to get his own 3-0 run, as he's coming off back-to-back decision wins over Phil Rowe and Francisco Prado. Additionally, Max Griffin welcomes Chris Curtis back to welterweight. Curtis (31-12 MMA, 5-4 UFC), who's competed all of his 10 UFC fights at 185 pounds, will be making his promotional welterweight debut. He looks to snap a two-fight losing skid now in a new division. "Pain" Griffin is 2-2 in his past four trips to the octagon, with his most recent one being a submission loss to Michael Chiesa in December at UFC 310. Lastly, Tafa (6-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will also be trying out a new weight class – light heavyweight. He takes on Gautier (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), who's coming off a devastating KO win in his debut fight against Jose Medina in Mexico City in March.
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons offensive lineman tops Bucs QB in PFF's 'top 30 players over 30'
Falcons offensive lineman tops Bucs QB in PFF's 'top 30 players over 30' Despite losing their starting center in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons should still have one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL this season. The team is banking on veterans Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary to hold down the fort as Ryan Neuzil adjusts to a full-time role at center. Former second-round pick Matthew Bergeron has been steady at left guard and should continue to ascend as he goes into his third NFL season. The overall strength of this unit bodes well for second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who finally has the keys to the Falcons offense. While Lindstrom tends to get the most recognition, it all starts with Matthews at left tackle. The 33-year-old turned in another solid campaign in 2024. Matthews was the lone Falcons player to be included on the Pro Football Focus "top 30 players over 30" entering the 2025 season. The former Pro Bowler landed at No. 24 on PFF"s list, one spot ahead of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield: Matthews remains one of the NFL's most consistent pass protectors entering his age-33 season. He earned an 85.4 pass-blocking grade in 2024 — the second-best of his career — and has posted a grade above 80.0 in eight of the past ten seasons. His durability also stands out, with over 1,000 snaps played in each of the past 10 years. -- Dalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus The Falcons signed Matthews to a two-year extension worth $45 million just before the official start of NFL free agency. The veteran left tackle's dependability has helped the team focus on other areas in the draft, including the wide receiver, running back and quarterback positions. Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry was listed at No. 1 on Pro Football Focus' "top 30 players over 30," and it's hard to argue. Despite switching teams, Henry had one of the best years of his career at the age of 30 last season. He rushed for over 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns. Steelers edge T.J. Watt, 49ers tight end George Kittle, Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones and Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson rounded out PFF's top five. Around Falcons Wire
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons re-sign three more free agents, extend Jake Matthews
The Atlanta Falcons announced a handful of moves to close out the first official day of the 2025 NFL free agency period. After signing veteran left tackle Jake Matthews to a two-year, $45 million extension, which was initially reported on Sunday night, the team re-signed linebacker Josh Woods, offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson and guard Kyle Hinton. Woods appeared in five games for the Falcons last season. While primarily a special teams contributor, the 28-year-old is an experienced veteran who can provide depth at linebacker. He has played for four different teams over his seven-year NFL career. Wilkinson, 30, has starting experience at both guard and tackle. He started nine games for Atlanta in 2022 before leaving to sign with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. Wilkinson returned to the Falcons last season and appeared in two games. The veteran lineman has made 45 starts over eight NFL seasons. Hinton, 27, has less starting experience than Wilkinson, but he adds more depth to the interior of Atlanta's offensive line. That could be crucial after losing Drew Dalman in free agency. The former seventh-round pick has spent the last two seasons in Atlanta, making just one start. The Falcons made a few other moves on Wednesday, re-signing Pro Bowl wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and cornerback Mike Ford and defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham. Veteran defensive tackle Eddie Goldman signed with the Washington Commanders. Stay up to date with every signing using our Falcons 2025 free agency tracker. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons re-sign 3 free agents, extend Jake Matthews
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Texas A&M OL signs new deal with the Atlanta Falcons
NFL free agency opens on Monday, March 10, and the 32 teams are locking up their key players before the frenzy starts. Future Hall-of-Famer and Texas A&M great Myles Garrett, who spent most of the end of the season saying he was leaving Cleveland, signed a large contract extension. Von Miller was released by the Buffalo Bills, and Christian Kirk was traded to the Houston Texans. Another Aggie is in for a large payday. Long-time Atlanta Falcon and Aggie offensive lineman Jake Matthews has agreed to a two-year extension with $38 million guaranteed. This will more than likely make him a lifetime Falcon, with the deal expiring after his 13th year in the league, where he will turn 36 years old. The NFL mantra for having a long career is availability and durability. Jake checks both these boxes, having started 179 of 180 possible games since 2014 and holding the team record for consecutive starts with 174. This is the longest active streak in the NFL. The #Falcons agreed to a two-year, $45m extension with LT Jake Matthews, sources tell me and @ gets $38m fully guaranteed the next two seasons, years 12 and 13 as Atlanta's blind-side — er, front-side — protector. Deal done by @RyanWilliamsA1 of @AthletesFirst. — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2025 Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: NFL Free Agency: Former Aggie OL inks new deal with the Falcons
