Latest news with #MarcusSpears
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Analyst blasts Commanders on Terry McLaurin deal, warns Super Bowl window in jeopardy
Analyst blasts Commanders on Terry McLaurin deal, warns Super Bowl window in jeopardy originally appeared on The Sporting News On Monday, ESPN analyst Marcus Spears did not hold back when discussing the Washington Commanders' contract dispute with wide receiver Terry McLaurin. He thinks the situation is "stupid" and warns that the team's Super Bowl hopes could be jeopardized. On "NFL Live," Spears noted that franchises with young quarterbacks on rookie deals should flood them with support rather than hesitation. He pointed to the Houston Texans as an example, saying that after realizing C.J. Stroud was a franchise quarterback, Houston rapidly invested in veterans around him. Washington, he said, should be taking a similar approach with Jayden Daniels. Spears argued that the Commanders' offseason moves suggested a step toward contention in the NFC, but warned: "We're solidifying ourselves as one of those teams in the NFC that can win a Super Bowl. You ain't winning one without Terry McLaurin." The analyst also stressed that signing McLaurin sooner provides long-term cap security, especially when Daniels is eventually due a lucrative deal. "When you have to pay Jayden Daniels the $300 million that's going to come up in a couple of years, you'll be happy that Terry McLaurin has already been paid," Spears said. McLaurin remains a central piece of Washington's offense and a stabilizing presence for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Entering his second season, Daniels faces the possibility of regression after a strong rookie year. In difficult moments, a proven target like McLaurin could be critical to his continued growth. Fans and analysts such as Marcus Spears believe the Commanders must recognize McLaurin's value and prioritize a new extension before the season begins.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Retired Cowboy: 'Going to be hell to play the New York Giants'
The New York Giants underwent numerous changes in the offseason, most notably in their quarterback room. Now, just a few weeks left before the start of the season, there is a different aura surrounding the team. Even with all the changes and a roster featuring several solid to very good players, there aren't many who have high expectations for the Giants in 2025. However, ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears believes in Big Blue. In fact, Spears says, it might be "hell" to play the Giants this season. "I'm one of those people who thinks it's going to be hell to play the New York Giants. Like, I really do, man," Spears said on the Pat McAfee Show. "Like, the physical brand they play on defense, but offensively, if they can get... One, if (Russell Wilson) can hold it down until -- we know Jaxson Dart's the future. If he (Wilson) can hold it down and have some success -- the one thing we know about Russ, he can throw that thing down the field, and Malik Nabers can catch it downfield. "Offensive line ain't bad. You have a physical football team up front; left tackle is in a good situation right now. Jaxson Dart is going to be the answer. I'm a big Brian Daboll fan. Love him. I think he's one of the best in the league. But what it's going to come down to, and the Giants know this right now, we're going to have to kick people's (expletive) on the line of scrimmage, and I think they have the personnel to do it. "So, if they are in games in the fourth quarter in the NFC East and they got an opportunity to either rush the passer and get people off the field, or they can be physical at the point of attack or push the ball down the field, I think they'll have the personnel to do it. Remember this, fellas -- a lot of this, for the Giants, has been personnel, bro. They haven't had good rosters for a minute, and I think they are marketably better on both sides of the ball now." Most believe the Giants had an upgrade on the offensive side of the ball by bringing in Wilson to be their starting quarterback and by adding a few depth pieces in the NFL draft. On defense, the Giants selected Abdul Carter, who has some high expectations surrounding him, and rightfully so. Additionally, they made splashes in free agency by adding defensive backs Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. There is certainly some talent on the Giants' roster. However, with the difficult schedule coming off a three-win season, it's hard to sell them being a good team this season, especially within a tough division. Spears is confident in the Giants and the buzz surrounding the team ahead of their 2025 season. On paper, this may be the most talented roster that Brian Daboll has had since coming to the organization. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Retired Cowboy: 'Going to be hell to play the Giants'
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stephen A Smith muses about a LeBron James-Cleveland Cavs reunion on 'First Take'
ESPN pundit Stephen A Smith was back on his soap box on "First Take," this time musing about a possible Cleveland Cavs-LeBron James reunion to cap the future Hall of Famer's legendary career. 'He'd have a better chance at winning a championship in Cleveland than he would in LA,' Smith said in part. James, an Akron native, already made a return to Cleveland after leaving via the infamous "Decision" and taking his talents to South Beach where he won two titles with the Miami Heat. The 2015-16 Cavs won a title with LeBron, a young Kyrie Irving and prime Kevin Love on the roster. "First Take" co-host Marcus Spears didn't seem amused by Smith's musing, delivering a healthy dose of side-eye to his colleague throughout the rant. 'If LeBron James came back to Cleveland, you're the favorites to come out of the East,' Smith added. Donovan Mitchell: Is Cleveland Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell engaged? An Instagram post suggests he is Last season, the Cavs finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record, but they lost in the Eastern Conference Semis to the Indiana Pacers, who eventually reached the NBA Finals. Despite his age (he'll celebrate his 41st birthday in December), James continues to play at an elite level. In 70 games (all starts) for the Lakers last season, the four-time MVP averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game with 7.7 win shares. Of course, James already exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, meaning he'd only be able to reunite with the Cavs via trade. Complicating matters further, James has a no-trade clause in his contract. His agent, Rich Paul, seemed to put trade rumors to bed recently by pointing that out, but he did say, 'It's up to (LeBron) if he wants to get traded.' In any case, there's a finite amount of NBA games remaining for James. And while it's true that he could likely dictate how his career ends, this just seems like more of Stephen A being Stephen A by drumming up a narrative he'd like to see play out. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James back to Cleveland Cavs? Stephen A muses on 'First Take'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bucks rumors: Why insider thinks Bucks' Damian Lillard release is ‘win-win'
The post Bucks rumors: Why insider thinks Bucks' Damian Lillard release is 'win-win' appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Milwaukee Bucks made shockwaves in the NBA this offseason after they waived Damian Lillard and stretched the remaining money on his contract to use it for Myles Turner. The Bucks stretched the remaining $113 million to have that flexibility. The move comes as a surprise, but Lillard had a player option for next summer, so the move at least lets him go wherever he wants to. Advertisement ESPN Senior NBA Writer Marcus Spears echoed this sentiment when he posted on X that this was a win-win for both sides. He was away from his family in Milwaukee, so now that he's a free agent, he can decide where to go on his terms. Spears' post read, 'Don't feel bad for Damian Lillard. This is a win-win. Dame had a player option for next summer, and he considered not exercising it. It's no secret that living away from family in Milwaukee was a challenge. So he gets his $ and is now an unrestricted free agent to go where he wants.' Lillard tore his Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals' opening round against the Indiana Pacers. Because of that injury, his entire 2025-26 season is in jeopardy. This decision by the Bucks still sent shockwaves throughout the NBA because it also allowed them to sign former Pacers center Myles Turner. It will also have enormous ramifications for Giannis Antetokounmpo's actions with the Bucks. Chris Haynes reported that he was unhappy that the Bucks pulled off this move, which could lead to him wanting out of Milwaukee. Advertisement On its surface, this move sucks for Lillard because he is dealing with an injury that will keep him out the majority of next year. However, Spears' point remains: He can choose where he wants to go now, especially after saying how lonely he has been in Milwaukee and has not had much to do outside of playing basketball. The next step now remains a mystery for both sides. The Bucks signed Turner away from the Pacers, but everything changes if Giannis Antetokounmpo asks to be traded. Lillard will go through his rehab this year, but despite dealing with his injury, he will have teams lining up for his services. This will be interesting to watch for both sides moving forward. Related: Bucks' 2026 title odds shift after Myles Turner, Damian Lillard moves Related: Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo jokes about 'worst-case scenario' in career
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles fans won't appreciate a former Cowboy's prediction about the top QB in the NFC East
Some may not want to admit this, but while watching the Washington Commanders march through the most recent NFL season, something became obvious relatively early. The Philadelphia Eagles' rivals are on their way. They may not have elevated themselves to equal footing with the Birds yet, but there's a chance they'll cause a few issues. Seeing the Commanders catapult themselves into the NFC Championship Game offered a rude awakening. Washington's rise might be nearer than previously expected. Still, while most saw the postgame handshake between Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels as a congratulatory gesture, one of ESPN's finest thinks he saw a passing of the torch. Welcome to Marcus Spears' wild NFC East theory It wouldn't be sports talk without prognostication. It wouldn't be ESPN without controversy. Recently, the NFL Live crew found itself engaged in a conversation about the NFC East's quarterbacks. Advertisement The names are familiar: Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Jayden Daniels, and Russell Wilson. Former Cowboys star Marcus Spears shared an unexpected expectation about one of them. He expects Daniels to be the best offensive signal-caller in the division soon. Well, at least he didn't cast his vote for Dak Prescott, but something else is afoot here. Where does this refusal to give Jalen Hurts the proper respect come from? He wasn't mentioned at all in Spears' theory, but if we're talking about making plays 'off-script', few do so better than Hurts. Here's another nugget, or several. While every starting quarterback in the NFC East is interesting, albeit for different reasons, two have appeared in two Super Bowls. One of those two has been so unimpressive and inconsistent for so long that few can recall when he was still effective. Advertisement You all can argue among yourselves about which guy we're discussing, but here's a hint. It's Russell Wilson. Spears and everyone else who loves Daniels aren't wrong about his potential. It's just seemingly off-base to promote him to the first chair in a division where one of the game's best reigns supreme. Daniels was phenomenal in his first year, but now he has to repeat that success. Let's see how he does in year two at the helm, and once we rule out the possibility of a sophomore jinx, then we can reassess. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Former Cowboy says Commanders have the best QB in the NFC East
