Latest news with #MostValuablePlayerAward
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson should be getting contract extension very soon.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson should be getting contract extension very soon. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best players in the entire NFL in superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, and he could get a massive pay raise whenever the team decides to extend him. Advertisement The current highest-paid player in the NFL is Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who signed a four-year, $240 million deal back in September of this past year. CBS Sports' Joel Corry thinks Jackson could eclipse that annual $60 million mark by a solid margin. "Jackson should also make it clear to the Ravens that by waiting until next year to do a deal, the growth in the salary cap from 2025 to 2026 will need to be taken into account," Corry wrote. "For example, if the 2026 salary cap is set at $302.5 million, then the deal would have to be at $70 million per year because that would reflect the 34.56% salary cap inflation from 2023." While that number ($70 million APY!) may seem quite steep, which it is, there are not many people more deserving of that big of a contract than the Ravens superstar. Jackson finished this past season with 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns on just four interactions. He was obviously also able to get it done with his legs with 915 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Advertisement The 28-year-old field general is just two seasons removed from winning the NFL Most Valuable Player Award, so there will not be much debate that he deserves to be paid more than Prescott when the time comes. Related: 'Remarkably Consistent' Ravens Dubbed Second-Most Complete Team Related: Ravens' Mark Andrews Fires Back At 'Slowing Down' Critics This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PFF Reveals Buffalo Bills' Biggest Weakness
PFF Reveals Buffalo Bills' Biggest Weakness originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Josh Allen earned his first NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 2024. As long as the Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen at the helm, they will always have a title window. But it takes more than one man to take home a Super Bowl, and while Allen has performed exceptionally well in the playoffs, the Bills have yet to make it to the big game with him. Advertisement A large part of Buffalo's inability to break through to face an NFC opponent in the playoffs has been their defense, which PFF's Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman named as the Bills' biggest weakness last year. A defense that "turned opposing quarterbacks into Josh Allen," as they wrote. "While that header might be a bit hyperbolic, it's not that far off," Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. "The Bills had the league's fifth-lowest-graded defense last year (59.7) and earned the second-worst PFF coverage grade (37.7). Buffalo's abysmal 29.7 PFF coverage grade against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game was arguably the biggest reason why the team didn't make the Super Bowl." Defense was a major point of concern for the Bills in the offseason. The Bills drafted six defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft, including their first five selections of the draft. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, pass rusher Landon Jackson, and defensive tackle Deone Walker headlined Buffalo's draft. Meanwhile the Bills added reinforcements in later rounds, with cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Dorian Strong. The Bills also added star pass rusher Joey Bosa, who despite battling injuries over the past few years, Chadwick and Wasserman named the team's "X-Factor." Advertisement "Injuries seemed to have caught up with Joey Bosa a bit in 2024, as he ranked just 71st among edge defenders with a 61.1 PFF overall grade." Chadwick and Wasserman wrote. "That was more than 10 points lower than his previous worst mark in 2018. When he was at his best, Bosa was a top-10 edge defender in the league. Buffalo is hoping he can recapture that form after signing him this offseason." As the saying goes, defense wins championships. Championships become much easier to win when the ball ends up in the hands of a quarterback like Josh Allen when the defense pulls through. Related: Bills' Elijah Moore Offers 'Pretty' Josh Allen Scouting Report Related: Details Emerge On Bills' Josh Allen And Hailee Steinfeld's Wedding This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Nearly Passed on Best Free Agent Signing of the Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees have had a rough visit to the West Coast, losing the first two games in their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers by a combined 19 runs. But even a pair of brutal losses can't dampen the team's season so far. They are enjoying a 5 1/2 game lead in the American League East division and have overcome several injuries to continue performing as one of the sport's best offenses. One of the biggest keys to that success has been former Most Valuable Player Award winner Paul Goldschmidt, who joined the Yankees this past winter on a single-year, $12.5 million deal. Since joining the Yankees, Goldschmidt is slashing .343/.399/.502. He has the third-most hits in Major League Baseball and a top five batting average, making his relatively small contract their most valuable free agent signing of the year. BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner speaks during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by) BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner speaks during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by) Satloff/Getty Images But even after losing superstar Juan Soto to the crosstown rival New York Mets, the Yankees almost didn't sign him. "It's true that the Yankees' post-Juan Soto spree left them at the limits of their willingness to spend," Andy Martino reported for SNY. "In fact, it was no sure thing that they would stretch for Paul Goldschmidt until folks in baseball operations made a strong case for doing so." Luckily, the Yankees' baseball minds made a compelling case for the team to extend its payroll a bit to add the seven-time All-Star. They must have seen something even after his .245/.302/.414 campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals last year to suggest he would bounce back in the Bronx. More MLB: Phillies Make Surprise Kyle Schwarber Move After Bryce Harper Injury Update
Miami Herald
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Thunder roll past Wolves, grab 2-0 lead in Western Conference finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was presented with the NBA Most Valuable Player Award before Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday. Then the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar went out and showed why he earned the award. Gilgeous-Alexander tied his career playoff high with 38 points to help the Thunder beat the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. 'I thought about coming out and just forcing the first couple shots,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander leaned heavily on his supporting cast early, attempting just three shots through the midpoint of the second quarter. It was far from a one-man show, as Jalen Williams finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds and Chet Holmgren added 22 points. Midway through the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drove past Jaden McDaniels, who fouled Gilgeous-Alexander as part of a critical three-point play in Game 1. McDaniels extended his arms, shoving the Thunder star to the floor for what was called a flagrant foul. 'I just wanted to foul him for real,' McDaniels said. 'I wasn't even mad. I just had fouls to use.' Gilgeous-Alexander finished 13 of 15 at the free-throw line and is 24 of 29 on foul shots in the series. Minnesota cut what was once a 24-point deficit to 10 with three minutes left, but the Thunder repeatedly answered. Holmgren followed Anthony Edwards' jumper with a layup on the other end. Minnesota's Nickeil Alexander-Walker made two free throws before Williams drained a 3-pointer off a feed from Gilgeous-Alexander. Then Gilgeous-Alexander hit a driving layup to extend the lead back to 15 with less than two minutes remaining. 'It's impressive how fast he's able to turn the page,' Williams said of Gilgeous-Alexander's performance after the pregame MVP ceremony. 'The flow of emotions that probably go through your head ... he's able to push those aside. And to have the night he had tonight is really impressive.' Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30 or more points in five consecutive games, tying the longest such streak in franchise playoff history. He already shared the marks with Gus Williams. Minnesota star Anthony Edwards said he needed to shoot more in Game 2 after attempting just 13 shots on Tuesday in a 114-88 loss. He was aggressive on offense from the start Thursday, attempting 10 shots in the first quarter (and making four) while adding three assists. Edwards finished with 32 points, shooting 12 of 26 from the floor but just 1 of 9 on 3-point attempts. He also contributed nine rebounds and six assists. Julius Randle, who helped Minnesota build a first-half lead in Game 1 with a string of 3-pointers, wound up with just six points in Game 2. He made just 2 of 11 shots from the floor -- missing all three of his 3-point tries -- and did not play in the fourth quarter. 'Just thought Naz (Reid) had a good game going,' Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. 'Just wanted to try to see if I could spread the floor, get some quick decision-making out there and just try to change the complexion of the game.' The Timberwolves got 17 points from Alexander-Walker plus 10 points and eight rebounds from Reid. Now, heading into Game 3 on Saturday in Minneapolis, the Thunder are two wins away from the NBA Finals and six away from the franchise's first title since 1979 when it was based in Seattle. 'We're aware of where we are in the season, but we'd be doing ourselves a disservice if we veer from what got us here,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. Minnesota, meanwhile, will look to turn the series around at home. 'We know what's at stake in this series and we've got to do better,' Randle said. Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Padres Reportedly Make Contract Decision On Michael King, Dylan Cease
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The San Diego Padres seem poised to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for a spot in the World Series once again this season. After getting just one win away from a bid for the National League Championship Series last fall, the team has surged to a 27-15 start going into Friday, sitting just one game behind the powerhouse Dodgers for first place in the National League West division. The team is enjoying a Most Valuable Player Award caliber season from Fernando Tatis Jr., strong contributions from Manny Machado in his 14th big-league season, and a solid follow-up campaign from sophomore sensation Jackson Merrill. But perhaps its greatest strength is the pitching staff. The team's bullpen has one of the lowest ERA marks of any team and is tied for the Major League Baseball lead with 16 saves so far. And the starting staff has been even more impressive, with Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Nick Pivetta and Dylan Cease leading the way. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres speaks to media prior to an Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants at... SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres speaks to media prior to an Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants at PETCO Park on March 28, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by) More Sloter/Getty But with two of those names set for major free agency negotiations at the end of this season, the Padres have had an important decision to make. Both Cease and King are in their final years of arbitration eligibility and will seek hefty, long-term contracts after this season if they aren't extended first. The Padres could ultimately let both of them walk or find a way to keep them both, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post has reported that the team is targeting King alone. "The Padres are hopeful of re-signing one of two star free-agent starters — and word is the one they'll likely target is Michael King," Heyman wrote. "King is a star now but he'll likely cost less than Dylan Cease due to Cease's total track record. Cease is back on his game thanks to a dominating slider." It might come as a surprise to hear that King will come at a lower cost than Cease, given the current season. King has maintained a 2.32 ERA with 56 strikeouts in his first nine starts, while Cease has been hit for a 4.60 ERA with 58 strikeouts in his first nine starts. Last season yielded similar results. But Cease has long been seen as one of the best swing-and-miss pitchers in baseball, making at least 32 starts in each of the last four seasons. Meanwhile, King became a first-time starter last year and hadn't made 10 starts in a season up to that point. More MLB: Aaron Judge Expected to Make Strong Juan Soto Gesture Before Subway Series
