Latest news with #freeagency
Fox News
a day ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
NASCAR's silly season is quiet so far ... but it's only June
BROOKLYN, Mich. — The free agency market in NASCAR seems quiet, with a couple of big names already off the board and many more expected to stay put. But with the uncertainty at 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, it could (but not definitely) change drastically if those organizations find themselves without charters amid their litigation with NASCAR. 23XI and Front Row each have three drivers and those drivers appear likely to remain with their organizations next year, as long as they remain three-car operations with guaranteed spots in the field. If the teams eventually have to race as open (with non-guaranteed spots in the field) following an appeals court ruling last week and don't have charters in 2026, theoretically they could see their drivers jump to other teams in the offseason. For now, the drivers would likely remain with their organizations: Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and Riley Herbst at 23XI; Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith and Noah Gragson at Front Row. At 23XI, Reddick is the team leader (he won the regular-season title last year). Wallace signed a multiyear deal near the end of last year and sits 10th in the standings and appears happy there. Denny Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing, said the issue of drivers leaving is not one he has sweated. "I've got so much to worry about, I'm not focused on that particularly right this second," Hamlin said. Hamlin himself isn't signed yet with Joe Gibbs Racing but is expected to ink another deal to remain with the organization. If Hamlin signs with JGR as expected, JGR would be set with the same lineup it has this year. Other top teams appear set: — Hendrick Motorsports, with William Byron signing a contract extension last month, appears set. Alex Bowman, whose contract runs through 2026, has weathered speculation he could be out and is 13th in the standings after four wrecks in the last five weeks. — Team Penske has its three drivers under contract, and Roger Penske told FOX Sports on May 31 that Austin Cindric is good for 2026 amid speculation that he could be out of a ride after his father was dismissed from the organization. "As far as Austin Cindric is concerned, I had a good talk with him," Penske said. "He's been a great young guy. ... I said, 'Austin, you've got a job to do here, you've got a contract with us and you've got a contract for next year.' "So as far as I'm concerned, we don't need to be talking about Austin Cindric [status]. We need to be talking about Austin Cindric in the winner's circle." Josh Berry, who drives for the Penske affiliate Wood Brothers Racing, has a win this year and is 17th in points and is expected to return. — Richard Childress Racing, in picking up the option last month for Kyle Busch, says it is set with its two-car stable of Busch and Austin Dillon. The biggest question mark remains at Trackhouse Racing, where Daniel Suarez is 28th in the standings. Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen is 33rd in the standings as a Cup rookie but his Cup deal was never looked at as a one-and-done. Does Suarez sign another contract to remain at Trackhouse or will Trackhouse elevate development driver Connor Zilisch, who is fifth in his rookie year in Xfinity driving for JR Motorsports (he did miss one race because of injury), to full-time Cup? "I wish I didn't have to have these conversations and I didn't have these distractions, but it's part of life," Suarez said. The issue for Suarez is that if he doesn't return to Trackhouse, there could be few options unless he has enough sponsorship to push another driver out the door. RFK Racing officials indicate they won't have any changes for next year with its three-car stable remaining with Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece. The current legal battle between Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing should not impact RFK. Charters can only be leased for one year during the seven-year charter deal. And RFK is leasing one charter from RWR this year and then will lease the charter that RWR is currently using for next year. Legacy and RWR are in court battling over whether a charter agreed to be sold to Legacy is to be done after the 2025 season or the 2026 season. Legacy's two-driver stable of Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek also appear to be safe for next year. If they add a third car, Xfinity driver Jesse Love's previous connection to Toyota could help him. While Spire has made some bold moves in previous years, they do have their three drivers — Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell and Justin Haley — under contract for next season. Kaulig Racing with AJ Allmendinger (19th in the standings) and Ty Dillon (30th) is trending toward having its same stable. Allmendinger is pretty much locked in and talks continue on a Dillon renewal. The drivers 35th (Cole Custer at Haas Factory Team) and 36th (Cody Ware at Rick Ware Racing) both have family ties to team management. Custer's team appears to be finding more speed and certainly is one that has been in transition after the sale of much of Stewart-Haas Racing. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Surprising NHL Team Expected to Be 'Major' Players in Free Agency
Surprising NHL Team Expected to Be 'Major' Players in Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The NHL offseason is almost upon us, with the 2025 Stanley Cup Final getting set to start on Wednesday. This summer is expected to be very active for a lot of teams, with multiple sides looking to get close to winning a title. Advertisement But one team in particular could be a major player in free agency, and that is the Carolina Hurricanes. After losing in the Eastern Conference Final again, Carolina is gearing up for a massive offseason. Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky spoke about the upcoming summer, hinting at the plans of the team. 'If there's any chance to get better, we're going to take it,' Tulsky said during a postseason meeting with the media. 'We have the full buy-in to spend to the cap if there are ways to do it to get better. "We have so much space and such a strong team. There's no guarantee we can find ways to spend all that money, but we're going to spend all summer trying.' Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) watch the puck during the third period at Lenovo Center. James Guillory-Imagn Images It remains unknown which players would be of interest to Carolina, but they will have room to make a big splash. The expected salary cap for next season is coming in at $92.4 million. Advertisement 'Our goal is to win a Cup, and our goal is to win more Cups after that and keep going,' Tulsky said. 'We're trying to build a team that can compete year after year. But competing isn't enough. We want to win. So you've got to find a way to do that.' If the Hurricanes can add some more talent, they may finally be able to get over the hump to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Carolina has a solid core in place, and it seems that they are just a piece or two away from truly contending. Related: Oilers Predicted to Finally Break Long Canada Stanley Cup Curse Related: Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Predicted Stanley Cup Final Rematch Last Year This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bills Free Agent Addition Addresses PED Suspension
Bills Free Agent Addition Addresses PED Suspension originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills wanted to address their defensive line in major ways this offseason. They accomplished that goal during the first week of free agency with the signings of Larry Ogunjobi, Joey Bosa, and Michael Hoecht. Advertisement There's just one problem, though. All of them won't be on the practice field for the most part over the next few months. Bosa is dealing with a calf injury that will keep him out until training camp. Ogunjobu and Hoecht, meanwhile, were suspended during the same week they signed their contracts for violating the league's PED policy. On the Ross Tucker Podcast this week, the former Ram in Hoecht explained that he let the Bills know a suspension was coming before he agreed to a deal. And the reason for that was to help Buffalo out with his mistakes. "I think it was wanting to negotiate in good faith," Hoecht said. "It was my mistake. I was careless and put faith in people I shouldn't have put faith in. And I didn't want to play the game of secrecy and hiding it and trying to screw over a team over." Advertisement Hoecht was a swiss army knife for the Rams over the last few seasons. When he's on the field, he should be able to make an immediate impact on the Bills roster. They key will be *when* he hits the field. Suspensions for players that enter a new system are never easy to move on from. And in the case of Hoecht, he will need to show he can play in Buffalo's complex defensive system first. Related: Bills Ex Stefon Diggs Caught In Patriots Controversy Via Boat Video Related: Bills' Sean McDermott Speaks Out On Tush Push This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Assessing Lions' looming homegrown player bills, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson
On the final day of March, set to speak at the NFL's owners' meetings later that day, Lions GM Brad Holmes woke up with an analogy in his head, one he felt succinctly explained the predicament of the roster he's assembled, and the discipline needed to ensure it stays intact. 'You have financial responsibilities,' Holmes began. 'You have a mortgage or your kid's college fund, your 529, you have insurance you have to pay. You know you have to pay those things. But that might require that you can't take the vacation you really want right now this summer. So, that's kind of where we are right now. 'We had so many of these young players that have been on rookie deals and we've been enjoying the impact that they've all been bringing. But now, a bill is coming.' OTA = Outwork Them All — Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 29, 2025 The quote was in response to questions about Detroit's free-agency approach — conservative when compared to others in the NFC North and the league in general. Holmes reiterated his philosophy: using free agency to fill depth and add affordable starters, while saving money to re-sign Detroit's homegrown talents. And to be clear, there are many deserving of an extension. Advertisement It comes with the territory when you're drafting as well as Holmes has. The Lions have already dished out extensions to Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Alim McNeill, Derrick Barnes and Kerby Joseph — all drafted by Holmes. They've also extended Jared Goff, Taylor Decker and David Montgomery. But with more extensions looming, will the Lions be able to retain the majority of their young core? Or will they be forced to trade or let a few walk? Good problems to have, but problems nonetheless. Let's take a look at some homegrown players due for paydays and how they fit into Detroit's plans. Overview: The Lions have done well to take care of their 2021 draft class, which was the first for this regime. Sewell, St. Brown, McNeill and Barnes have all been extended, but there might not be room in the budget for another standout from that class — Onwuzurike. A 2021 second-round pick, Onwuzurike was viewed as a disruptive three-technique to build around. However, a back injury stunted his development and forced him to miss the entire 2022 season. He returned in 2023, but clearly was shaking off the rust. But last season was a true breakout year. Onwuzurike ranked top 15 among defensive tackles in pressures (45) and win rate (12.2 percent; min. 125 pass rush snaps) last season, per PFF. It felt like Onwuzurike and the Lions would part ways this offseason, but he's back for the 2025 season. It's possible teams were hesitant to pay him with just one year of meaningful NFL production, but another year could price him out of Detroit. Market and players to watch: Quite frankly, the Lions were lucky to get him back at his current price — a one-year deal worth $4 million. If he produces another top-15 quality season, could he find himself making top-15 money? That would put him at $20 million annually. He'd be 28 next March and very much in the prime of his career. In that scenario, it'd be hard to envision him back with the Lions. But Onwuzurike must first prove he can replicate his 2024 breakout. Lions G Kevin Zeitler asked for his thoughts on Detroit's defensive line. Zeitler: "I think we're gonna have two $20-plus million dollar D-tackles soon." Followed up with him to ask who he was talking about. Alim McNeill and…Levi Onwuzurike. — Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 1, 2024 Overview: Moving onto the 2022 class, the big name is, of course, Hutchinson. The No. 2 pick in that draft, Hutchinson has lived up to that pedigree and more. He's elevated his game each year in the league and is now one of the game's elite edge rushers — on a torrid pace before a broken leg ended a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber start. That means he'll come at a price, but the Lions will happily pay it to keep one of the faces of the franchise. They already picked up his fifth-year option, guaranteeing he'll be with the Lions through the 2026 season. But it's only a matter of time before he and the team agree to an extension. Market and players to watch: Myles Garrett reset the market this offseason, signing a 4-year, $160 million contract that made him the highest-paid defensive player in the league at an AAV of $40 million. Maxx Crosby signed for 35.5 million per year. You have to think Hutchinson, who's younger than both, will be closer to Garrett than Crosby. He could wind up in the $40 million tier of pass rushers. Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise. Advertisement Overview: Williams' career in Detroit has been one thing after another. A torn ACL limited him to four games as a rookie in 2022. A gambling suspension sidelined him for four games in 2023. A two-game suspension in 2024, amid a breakout year. The turbulence accompanying him has often overshadowed his on-field traits. But we saw his potential realized in 2024, en route to a 1,000-yard season in his first year as a starter. Williams' value to the Lions is clear. His speed is game-changing and opens things up for everyone around him. Detroit's offense was nearly impossible to stop with him producing. He's one of the guys now, and if he continues to grow, he'll be paid soon. Whether or not the Lions will be the team that foots that bill beyond the fifth-year option they picked up is TBD. 'In terms of (an) extension, again, there's a lot of extensions that are hopefully coming,' Holmes said when asked specifically if Williams is an extension candidate. 'But it's just one that you just don't know what's going to happen from a financial standpoint, because a wide receiver is expensive. Very expensive. So, look, these are good problems.' Market and players to watch: Williams is a No. 2 receiver in Detroit's offense, so that's what we'll use to evaluate his market. Some notable No. 2 receivers who've signed extensions recently include DeVonta Smith ($25 million AAV), Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million AAV), and Tee Higgins ($28.75 million AAV). All of those players have had more production and less off-the-field drama than Williams, but with another strong season, Williams could solidify himself as one of the top No. 2 receivers in the league. If that happens, he'll be paid as such. By someone. Of all the players on this list, Williams might have the most trade value. Teams are always looking for speed, and if the Lions view Williams as the odd-man-out, they could look to trade him next season in exchange for draft capital. The Lions traded much of their 2026 capital to acquire Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa in the draft this year. Overview: The 2023 NFL Draft was stacked at tight end, and LaPorta flew under the radar among his peers. Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer, Luke Musgrave and others ranked higher on the consensus big board, but the Lions made LaPorta the second-highest tight end drafted that year. Since then, LaPorta has led the 2023 class and ranks top five among all tight ends in receptions (146), yards (1,615) and touchdowns (17). He's still working to polish his blocking, but he's not a negative there, and his ability to produce yards after the catch and come down with contested catches makes him a quarterback's best friend. He's one of the game's elite receiving tight ends, and his egoless on-field style makes him an excellent culture fit. Advertisement 'There were a lot of weapons last year, so I kept hearing comments this offseason, 'Why didn't you get the ball as much?'' LaPorta said. 'It's like, 'Dude, we scored the most points of any team in the NFL in the last five years. Everybody deserves the ball.'' Market and players to watch: George Kittle and Trey McBride just reset the tight end market this offseason with new contracts paying them north of $19 million per season. Mark Andrews and David Njoku are free agents next offseason. LaPorta has two more years left on his rookie deal, but 2026 is likely when he'll begin contract talks with the Lions. It could end with him becoming a $20 million TE. Given his early success and do-it-all mentality, LaPorta should be high on the list of players to extend. This franchise has searched far and wide for a mainstay at tight end and finally has one in LaPorta. Overview: Branch was viewed as one of the top defensive players in the 2023 draft, but fell to the second round because of questions about his speed and athleticism. The league's loss was Detroit's gain, though, as the Lions traded up three spots in the second round to acquire his services. Since then, Branch has been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He was a standout nickel as a rookie and earned Pro Bowl honors at safety in Year 2. He can hit, cover and blitz, making him a defensive coordinator's dream. As a second-round pick, Branch doesn't have a fifth-year option, which means he'll hit free agency after the 2026 season. Like LaPorta, extension talks will likely begin next offseason. Market and players to watch: Kerby Joseph, Branch's running mate at safety, is the highest-paid safety in the league. He signed a four-year, $86 million extension in April. Could Branch surpass that? And would it make sense for the Lions to have two safeties making north of $20 million per year? That's the number to beat. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton is another player who will soon join the $20 million club. He has had a similar trajectory and plays a similar style, not to mention they're about the same age. You have to think Branch will be taken care of. He's one of the most valuable players on this Detroit defense. Zuppppppppperrr DESERVE EVERY LAST PENNY 💯 — Alpha🐕 (@BrianBB_1) April 23, 2025 Overview: The Lions told the NFL that running backs do, in fact, matter when they selected Gibbs 12th in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was called a reach. It was described as a poor use of draft capital. But Gibbs has been a catalyst for this offense, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors to begin his career. When David Montgomery injured his knee late last year, Gibbs proved he could elevate his game, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 162.3 scrimmage yards from Weeks 16-18. He's one of the best running backs in the league and he's just getting started. Market and players to watch: Saquon Barkley (two years, $41.2 million) and Derrick Henry (two years, $30 million) both signed extensions this offseason, and Christian McCaffrey is right between them at $19 million per year. If the Lions pick up Gibbs' fifth-year option next year, he'll be signed through the 2027 season, so there's no rush to get something done next year. But James Cook, Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker are all set to hit free agency in 2026. They're ones to watch. Bijan Robinson, selected ahead of Gibbs in 2023, is on a similar timeline. Gibbs is an elite running back and will be paid as one. When it's time to discuss an extension, expect Gibbs to eclipse the $20 million mark, and it wouldn't be surprising if he becomes the highest-paid back in football. Advertisement Overview: The Lions made a surprising pick when they drafted Campbell 18th in 2023, but he was the highest-graded player on their board. They didn't hesitate to take him. Holmes said Campbell's size, length, range and physicality stood out to him in the pre-draft process. Those traits were on display in his second season, where he started all 17 games at middle linebacker and recorded 131 tackles with a top-5 PFF grade among linebackers (min. 600 snaps). Campbell is a guy who'd play 34 games a season if they let him. He's been a perfect fit on and off the field, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's voted a captain soon. He has the look of a 10-year anchor in the heart of Detroit's defense, should the Lions extend him. Market and players to watch: Campbell is coming off an excellent sophomore season, and if he repeats it in Year 3, he'll cement his status as a true core player. As a first-round pick, he comes with a fifth-year option, so like Gibbs, the Lions don't have to rush this one. Fred Warner reset the market for linebackers, signing a 3-year, $63 million extension ($21 million AAV) with the 49ers this month. That surpassed Roquan Smith's AAV, which was previously the highest at $20 million. The Eagles signed Zack Baun to a 3-year, $51 million extension this offseason, while Kansas City's Nick Bolton signed a 3-year, $45 million extension in March. Campbell should be able to command that much — likely more. How much Campbell ultimately receives will depend on his continued development, but given his age, trajectory and contract timeline, he'll likely end up on the higher end of the spectrum. Top-five LB money would put him at $15 million per year, as things stand. If the Lions are looking to save money for Campbell, after already paying Barnes this offseason, you have to wonder what the future holds for Alex Anzalone. He's entering the final year of his contract and has been a captain and core player since he arrived in 2021. Anzalone has earned a pay bump, but so have others on this list.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL free agency — Top defensemen available in 2025, including Aaron Ekblad
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and NHL free agency is now less than two months away. Though there's not nearly as many high-end unrestricted free agent defensemen this year compared to last summer, there's still plenty of notable players looking to cash in July 1. And the competition to sign the top options will be fierce, since defensemen are always in high demand. Advertisement Whether it's a rebuilding franchise looking for a jumpstart, or a contender looking to get over the hump, teams will come calling for this batch of free agents. Let's take a look at the top 10 free agent defenseman in 2025. Related: NHL free agency — Top forwards available in 2025, including Mitch Marner 1. Aaron Ekblad Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Aaron Ekblad comes with some baggage after he was suspended 20 games this season for violating the NHL policy on performance enhancing drugs. But he's a 29-year-old right-shot defenseman with one Stanley Cup ring — and perhaps on his way to a second this spring. He's going to get paid. He's solid at both ends of the ice, has bite to his game and is a leader. Pretty much the whole package, no? 2. Vladislav Gavrikov Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Vladislav Gavrikov had perfect timing by putting together his best NHL season in a contract year. After spending three plus seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he became a key component to the Los Angeles Kings defense corps, and just had 30 points in 82 games with a plus-26 rating. He also chewed up big minutes on the top pair, averaging 23:05 of ice time per game. He'd be a perfect top-4 defenseman to bolster anyone's blue line at age 29. 3. Ivan Provorov Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images Ivan Provorov is another solid option, who can play in pretty anyone's top-four. He spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before moving on to the Blue Jackets, where he just recorded 33 points in 82 games with a plus-11 rating as a solid top-pair two-way defender. He also eats big minutes, averaging 23:21 for the Blue Jackets this season, and has averaged up to 25 minutes a night previously. He hasn't missed a game in three seasons and is only 28 years old. Advertisement NHL Games Today: 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule, Dates, Times, and Results 4. Dmitry Orlov Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Another rock-solid defenseman, Dmitry Orlov is a player that many teams would love to add to their blue line, even though he'll be 34 next season. The 2018 Stanley Cup champion remains a solid shut-down defenseman who slots in on the second pair, and had 28 points this season Can Carolina afford to lose him, especially since his contract should come in under his current $7.75 million AAV because of his age? 5. Tony DeAngelo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Tony DeAngelo resurrected his NHL career with the New York Islanders after a strong half season in the KHL. Due to injuries on their blue line, the Islanders played DeAngelo 23 minutes a night, and he handled the workload well, though he's more of a second- or third-pair guy on a really good team. DeAngelo had 19 points in 35 games and remains a solid puck mover and offensive threat. He's had issues with teammates in the past, but at 29, the hope is that he's more mature these days. Advertisement Also Read:: 2025 NHL Mock Draft 1.0: Who do Islanders take with No. 1 pick? 6. Matt Grzelcyk Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Matt Grzelcyk will be an intriguing option this summer if he hits the open market. While never much of a point scorer, the 31-year-old just set a career-high with 40 points in 82 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It's also the first time he's suited up in all 82 games of a season. The Penguins are in a gray area after letting coach Mike Sullivan go and missing the playoffs for the third straight season, so it's hard to say what direction they'll go with Grzelyck. He's an affordable, reliable veteran and shouldn't have trouble landing a job. 7. Dante Fabbro Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Dante Fabbro had a terrific bounce-back season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after struggling for several seasons with the Nashville Predators. Just 26 years old, Fabbro registered a career-high 26 points in 62 games this season and scored nine goals this season, three of which were game-winners, both career-highs. Fabbro is also a right-hand shot, always a plus on the open market. 8. Ryan Lindgren Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Ryan Lindgren was a mainstay on the New York Rangers blue line for seven seasons, most often playing top-pair minutes alongside Adam Fox. He gives up the body night in and night out, and is as physical as they come. Of course, that's a detriment, too, because he's prone to injury and could wear down sooner rather than later. That's why the Rangers moved on from the heart-and-soul veteran and traded him to the Colorado Avalanche ahead of the deadline. Still, he's going to be a solid second-pair d-man for whoever signs him this summer. 9. Nate Schmidt Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Known to be a fantastic teammate and dependable two-way defenseman, Nate Schmidt has been a part of several great defense corps over his time in the NHL. He played a huge part in the Vegas Golden Knights improbable trip to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, and now is making an impact with the Florida Panthers, scoring three goals in the opening round and helping Florida take care of the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. He's 33 and been on five teams, so there's a good chance teams won't break the bank with him. But he'd be a nice addition to fill out someone's blue line in a supporting role. 10. John Klingberg Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images This is about as high risk high reward as it gets, but John Klingberg is set to become a free agent after once again trying to find his way back in the NHL. The 32-year-old hasn't played more than 17 games since the 2022-23 season, when he played 50. That being said, we're talking about a player who once scored 67 points from the blue line. While not nearly that player anymore, the right-hand shot just may be worth taking a shot in the dark on, especially for a rebuilding team that needs to fill out their blue line.
