Latest news with #WildCard
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Vikings Urged to Pursue Trade for Star Cornerback
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 Minnesota Vikings were one of the best teams in the NFL last season. Kevin O'Connell and company finished the regular season with a 14-3 record before promptly losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams. It was a heartbreaking way to end what had been a special season for the Vikings. Heading into the 2025 campaign, some major changes have been made. Most notably, Minnesota has a new quarterback. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the field prior to an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the field prior to an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Photo bySam Darnold left town early on in NFL free agency to sign a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. After that, the Vikings were heavily connected as a potential destination for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Read more: Packers Dealt Brutal Honesty About QB Jordan Love Despite those rumors, Minnesota has decided to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as its likely starter. McCarthy will compete with Sam Howell for the job, but it's his to lose. Another change is that the Vikings no longer have star veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the roster. He's still a free agent, but Minnesota could use help at the cornerback position. That has led to the team being urged to pursue a major trade for a star cornerback. CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner has suggested that the team pursue a trade with the Miami Dolphins for Jalen Ramsey. That addition would take the defense to the next level under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. "Obviously, Jalen Ramsey requested a trade," he added. "I think he's perfect for Brian Flores' defense, and I think he would be an upgrade from Stephon Gilmore, from what he was a year ago, and bring you back to that potential. It's a move that, if I'm looking around the NFL, like, who makes the most sense? It's the Minnesota Vikings. I think they can afford to make a play like this when you have that cheap, rookie contract in J.J. McCarthy." Read more: Steelers Given Shocking Suggestion at QB and It's Not Aaron Rodgers During the 2024 NFL season with the Dolphins, Ramsey played in all 17 regular season games. He racked up 60 total tackles to go along with a sack, two interceptions, and 11 defended passes. Even at 30 years old, Ramsey is one of the more feared defensive backs to throw at. He is always capable of making a play on the football. While a trade for Ramsey would not come cheap, this would be the kind of all-in move the Vikings need to make if they want a shot at a championship. For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 takeaways from Packers OTAs: Updates on Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and more
Organized team activities have begun in Green Bay, with the first practice featuring both rookies and veterans taking place on Wednesday. Here are some takeaways from the first OTA practice open to the media: Two expected and two unexpected absentees Four Packers were not in attendance Wednesday: Jaire Alexander, Tyron Herring, Elgton Jenkins and John Williams. Advertisement The reasons for Herring and Williams' absences are unknown at this point, but Alexander and Jenkins not attending is unsurprising as they handle their respective contract issues. There were more indications this week that Alexander and the Packers could be close to reconciliation, as The Athletic's Matt Schneidman reported the team has offered the All-Pro corner a restructured deal, and that Alexander wants to return to Green Bay this year. Xavier McKinney, who has become a good friend of Alexander's, said 'we would all like him back' when speaking to the media Wednesday, Injury updates The list of those not practicing due to injury was: Warren Brinson, John FitzPatrick, Jadon Janke, MarShawn Lloyd, Jeremiah Martin, Collin Oliver, Nesta Jade Silvera, Quay Walker and Christian Watson. Savion Williams practiced in a red "non-contact" jersey. Advertisement Head coach Matt LaFleur issued a positive update on Watson, claiming the receiver is 'ahead of schedule' in his ACL tear recovery. He said of the other injured players: 'I don't anticipate anything too long term." Jayden Reed provided some background on the injury he suffered in the Wild Card loss to Philadelphia, and it sounds like the issue was quite serious. Reed told the media the shoulder injury was a dislocation and a partially torn labrum, and while he did not have surgery, based on the recovery timetable of four to five months he laid out, with the injury happening in January, it would seem he has only recently fully recovered. Search for 'best five' offensive linemen is underway As has become the standard in Green Bay, there was plenty of rotation along the offensive line on Wednesday, as young players in particular continue to cross-train at various positions. Advertisement With Elgton Jenkins not practicing, Sean Rhyan rotated at both his usual right guard spot and center, with Jacob Monk, the presumed backup center, doing the same. From what LaFleur said post-practice, it sounded like Rhyan filled in at center so the team could split the field in half and essentially run two practices at once. Given LaFleur brought this up unprompted, it would seem this was more a logistical situation than a case of Rhyan truly "competing" at center. Jordan Morgan practiced at left tackle with the second-team offense behind Rasheed Walker, as had been expected, with the team being fairly open about moving him out to his natural left tackle position. Advertisement But he also took some snaps at right guard with the ones, which was again likely due to Jenkins' absence on the interior. Meanwhile, rookie second-round pick Anthony Belton split time between left tackle with twos, and right tackle with the twos and threes. Defensive backfield rotations While it has been tempting to spend the offseason wondering how each player fits into a specific role in Green Bay's defensive backfield, the truth is that it will likely be a fluid situation with plenty of rotation week to week, or even drive to drive. The tone was set in that regard at the first OTA practice, with the Packers staying true to their word that new signing Nate Hobbs would line up both inside and outside. Evan Williams and Javon Bullard rotated with the ones at safety opposite McKinney. Advertisement In a surprising development, newly added Gregory Junior, a former sixth-round pick who has played just one snap of defense since week 14 of 2023, got some time with the first-team defense in the nickel. Matthew Golden makes an impression Rookie first-round pick Golden was smooth in running his routes Wednesday, and looked the part of a first-rounder. He took some snaps with the ones, which has become less unusual for rookies in Green Bay in recent years, but was nonetheless an encouraging sign for the Packers' premium draft investment. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 5 takeaways from Packers OTAs: Updates on Watson, Golden and more
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Three Players That Could Become Trade Targets if Team Struggles Continue
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. It was evident that the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox were going to be two of the worst teams in MLB this season. Neither time gave any indication of trying to compete and win at the highest level. There are also teams that most people expected to be good but are slowly headed toward failing those expectations. Because of that, there are high-level players that could unexpectedly become available at this season's trade deadline, and here are three of them. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the ninth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on... BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 24: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the ninth inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on May 24, 2025. MoreAroldis Chapman, RP, Boston Red Sox With offseason additions of Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Alex Bregman, the Red Sox were expected to be going toe-to-toe with the New York Yankees atop the NL East. Injuries have derailed that a bit and as of Wednesday, Boston sits in fourth place in the division with a 27-30 record and 8 1/2 games behind the first place Yankees. It has been a disappointing start to the season for a team that had such high hopes. Chapman is on a one-year deal, meaning he could become a perfect trade chip if the Red Sox struggles continue. He has already been traded twice in his career, and his 2.14 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23 appearances and 21 innings could send him on the move for a third time. Aroldis Chapman, Jet Fuel. ✈️ ⛽️ 101, 103, 102. T103.4 MPH at 37 years old. 😵 — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 27, 2025 Marcell Ozuna, DH, Atlanta Braves It is safe to say that nobody saw the level of regression that the Atlanta Braves have shown this season. They started the season 0-7 and have not been able to get above a .500 record yet this season. Atlanta already sits 9 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East and five games out of a Wild Card spot in the NL. Much like Chapman, Ozuna is in the last year of his contract, and his .279 average and .896 OPS could make him a prime trade target if the Braves continue their downhill slide. The return of a suspended Jurickson Profar later in the season could also play a role in Ozuna's departure from Atlanta. Marcell Ozuna delivers the #walkoff homer in the 11th inning to win it for the @Braves! — MLB (@MLB) April 11, 2025 Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona acquired both Corbin Burnes and Josh Naylor during the offseason, and they were thought to potentially be the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The season hasn't gone as planned and after a blowing a 6-0 lead to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks fell under .500 for the first time this season. Gallen is on the last year of his contract and is having a bit of a rough season. His 5.25 ERA would be the highest of his career by far, an indicator of what has been a really disappointing season. With continued struggles from Arizona and improvements from Gallen, the three-time Cy Young finalist could be playing elsewhere for the first time in his career. More MLB: Giancarlo Stanton Apparently Nearing Return As Yankees Get Update On Oft-Injured Slugger
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
5 takeaways from Packers OTAs: Updates on Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and more
5 takeaways from Packers OTAs: Updates on Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and more Organized team activities have begun in Green Bay, with the first practice featuring both rookies and veterans taking place on Wednesday. Here are some takeaways from the first OTA practice open to the media: Two expected and two unexpected absentees Four Packers were not in attendance Wednesday: Jaire Alexander, Tyron Herring, Elgton Jenkins and John Williams. The reasons for Herring and Williams' absences are unknown at this point, but Alexander and Jenkins not attending is unsurprising as they handle their respective contract issues. There were more indications this week that Alexander and the Packers could be close to reconciliation, as The Athletic's Matt Schneidman reported the team has offered the All-Pro corner a restructured deal, and that Alexander wants to return to Green Bay this year. Xavier McKinney, who has become a good friend of Alexander's, said 'we would all like him back' when speaking to the media Wednesday, Injury updates The list of those not practicing due to injury was: Warren Brinson, John FitzPatrick, Jadon Janke, MarShawn Lloyd, Jeremiah Martin, Collin Oliver, Nesta Jade Silvera, Quay Walker and Christian Watson. Savion Williams practiced in a red "non-contact" jersey. Head coach Matt LaFleur issued a positive update on Watson, claiming the receiver is 'ahead of schedule' in his ACL tear recovery. He said of the other injured players: 'I don't anticipate anything too long term." Jayden Reed provided some background on the injury he suffered in the Wild Card loss to Philadelphia, and it sounds like the issue was quite serious. Reed told the media the shoulder injury was a dislocation and a partially torn labrum, and while he did not have surgery, based on the recovery timetable of four to five months he laid out, with the injury happening in January, it would seem he has only recently fully recovered. Search for 'best five' offensive linemen is underway As has become the standard in Green Bay, there was plenty of rotation along the offensive line on Wednesday, as young players in particular continue to cross-train at various positions. With Elgton Jenkins not practicing, Sean Rhyan rotated at both his usual right guard spot and center, with Jacob Monk, the presumed backup center, doing the same. From what LaFleur said post-practice, it sounded like Rhyan filled in at center so the team could split the field in half and essentially run two practices at once. Given LaFleur brought this up unprompted, it would seem this was more a logistical situation than a case of Rhyan truly "competing" at center. Jordan Morgan practiced at left tackle with the second-team offense behind Rasheed Walker, as had been expected, with the team being fairly open about moving him out to his natural left tackle position. But he also took some snaps at right guard with the ones, which was again likely due to Jenkins' absence on the interior. Meanwhile, rookie second-round pick Anthony Belton split time between left tackle with twos, and right tackle with the twos and threes. Defensive backfield rotations While it has been tempting to spend the offseason wondering how each player fits into a specific role in Green Bay's defensive backfield, the truth is that it will likely be a fluid situation with plenty of rotation week to week, or even drive to drive. The tone was set in that regard at the first OTA practice, with the Packers staying true to their word that new signing Nate Hobbs would line up both inside and outside. Evan Williams and Javon Bullard rotated with the ones at safety opposite McKinney. In a surprising development, newly added Gregory Junior, a former sixth-round pick who has played just one snap of defense since week 14 of 2023, got some time with the first-team defense in the nickel. Matthew Golden makes an impression Rookie first-round pick Golden was smooth in running his routes Wednesday, and looked the part of a first-rounder. He took some snaps with the ones, which has become less unusual for rookies in Green Bay in recent years, but was nonetheless an encouraging sign for the Packers' premium draft investment.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Quarterback and head coach power rankings: Where do the Seahawks land?
Quarterback and head coach power rankings: Where do the Seahawks land? The theme of the Seattle Seahawks right now, and headed into 2025, is... unknown. There are a lot of unknowns with this team after undergoing a sizable rehaul earlier this offseason. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald are remaking the Seahawks in their image as they continue boldly going down this new path they're forging together. One of the biggest unknowns is quarterback Sam Darnold... specifically, what version of Sam Darnold will Seattle get? Is what we saw from Minnesota last year the real deal? Or was it a flash in the pan, "one-hit-wonder" and he will turn back into the proverbial pumpkin? It's a fair question to ask, considering Darnold has had exactly one (1) good year up to this point, and a lot of years that.... weren't so good. This unknown is why in a recent power ranking of quarterback/head coach duos, Mike Macdonald and Sam Darnold rank among the bottom third of the league. In NFL Spin Zone's ranking, Macdonald and Darnold are all the way down at No. 25 overall. Here is what NFL Spin Zone had to say: Sam Darnold was one of the NFL's biggest success stories last year and Mike Macdonald decided to clean house on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. Everyone is interested to see if Darnold can keep things going without being tethered to Kevin O'Connell, especially because he sort of came crashing back to earth as the season progressed in 2024. And he won't have Justin Jefferson anymore, either. Well, as far as "crashing back to earth as the season progressed" isn't quite accurate. Darnold played lights-out football down the stretch. It wasn't until the Week 18 finale in Detroit and the Wild Card game against the Rams when Darnold's "crash" began. But then again, in fairness, those were the two biggest games for the Vikings all season long... which is why doubt still persists for Darnold. And persist it will, as the burden of proof lies with Darnold and the Seahawks. For those interested... Sean McVay/Matthew Stafford came in at No. 4 on the list, followed by Kyle Shanahan/Brock Purdy at No. 8, and Jonathan Gannon/Kyler Murray at No. 20. Just ahead of Gannon and Murray were Pete Carroll and Geno Smith at No. 19 overall.
