The PFL won't attempt to sign undefeated flyweight and former UFC contender Muhammad Mokaev follo...

<p>The PFL won't attempt to sign undefeated flyweight and former UFC contender Muhammad Mokaev following his split with the UFC.</p><p>"I've spoken to people in the know and, apparently, he's just a pain in the ass to deal with," PFL president Ray Sefo said Friday, per <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpfMdgaKczI">MMA Mania</a>. "And so, no, we're not interested."</p><p>Mokaev became a free agent after fighting out his contract with the UFC one week ago. He defeated Manel Kape by unanimous decision on the UFC 304 prelims to improve his career record to 13-0 and requested a new contract after the fight.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite Mokaev's accolades, UFC CEO Dana White said he wouldn't re-sign the 23-year-old because the matchmakers disliked working with him. White didn't divulge specifically what the issues were.</p><p>The Mokaev-Kape bout was widely believed to be a No. 1 contender's fight going in, but the affair lacked action following an intense buildup. Mokaev admitted afterward he baited Kape for a photo in order to sucker-punch him days before their contest. The two reportedly also had an altercation at the UFC Performance Institute before tangling at UFC 304.</p><p>The PFL doesn't offer flyweight or bantamweight divisions, though its Bellator brand features a 135-pound weight class that Mokaev could've been a candidate to join.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Muhammad Mokaev of Russia is held back by security prior to a flyweight bout against Manel Kape of Angola during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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PFL president won't pursue Mokaev: 'Pain in the ass to deal with'

Ilia Topuria will defend the featherweight championship against Max Holloway on Oct. 26 in Abu Dh...

<p>Ilia Topuria will defend the featherweight championship against Max Holloway on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308, the promotion announced Saturday.</p><p>The card also features Robert Whittaker versus Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight tilt, Magomed Ankalaev against Aleksandar Rakic in a light heavyweight contest, and Rafael dos Anjos returning to welterweight opposite Geoff Neal.</p><p>Topuria and Holloway will settle their score after going back and forth on social media for months. Holloway entrenched himself as the undoubted top contender after a viral knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 that won him Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Topuria will put his belt on the line for the first time since knocking out long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski to win the title in February. Topuria owns a 15-0 career record with 13 finishes.</p><p>Holloway, the former champion at 145 pounds, has only lost to Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier (in a lightweight fight) since 2014.</p><p>In the co-headliner, the UFC rebooked Whittaker and Chimaev after an illness pulled the latter from the main event of a Fight Night in Saudi Arabia in June. Chimaev, who's 13-0, has only fought once since the beginning of 2023 after making an impact during the COVID-19 pandemic by winning three times in three months.</p><p>In another high-stakes bout, Ankalev returns to fight another contender after failing to secure a title shot against Alex Pereira. He's 18-1-1 (1 NC) but has only a win over Johnny Walker since fighting Jan Blachowicz to a draw in December 2022.</p><p>The UFC also announced a previously reported heavyweight matchup between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov for the card.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Ilia Topuria of Germany celebrates after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 298 event at Honda Center on February 17, 2024 in Anaheim, California.

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Topuria-Holloway, Whittaker-Chimaev lead UFC 308

Canadian backstroke specialist Kylie Masse won bronze in the 200m Friday for the fifth medal of h...

<p>Canadian backstroke specialist Kylie Masse won bronze in the 200m Friday for the fifth medal of her Olympic career.</p><p>Masse previously won two silvers and a bronze at 2020 Tokyo and a bronze at 2016 Rio.</p><p>Australia's Kaylee McKeown took gold in the 200m final, while Regan Smith of the United States claimed silver.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Masse sprinted to an early lead Friday before she began fading in the second and third lengths of the pool. She and Phoebe Bacon were neck-and-neck for third place down the stretch, but Masse managed to touch the wall 0.04 seconds ahead of the American to snatch the final spot on the podium.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Masse x acceleration = medals 🥉<br><br>Kylie Masse is now a five-time Olympic medallist, adding a bronze in the women’s 200m backstroke to her collection <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MedalMoments?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MedalMoments</a> presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/petrocanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@petrocanada</a> <a href="https://t.co/xRwhnifwAw">pic.twitter.com/xRwhnifwAw</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/1819448448661303520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Four of Masse's five Olympic medals have come in the backstroke, with the other one from a relay medley.</p><p>McKeown claimed gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke events in Paris, breaking Olympic records in both finals.</p>

Canada's Kylie Masse competes in a semifinal of the women's 200m backstroke swimming event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, on August 1, 2024.

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Kylie Masse takes bronze in 200m backstroke

Ahead of Saturday's UFC 304 in Manchester, theScore's Alex Chippin fills in for a vacationing Nic...

<p><em>Ahead of Saturday's UFC 304 in Manchester, theScore's Alex Chippin fills in for a vacationing Nick Baldwin and makes his picks for the main-card bouts.</em></p><h3>Welterweight championship</h3><p><strong>Leon Edwards (22-3, 1 NC)<br>vs.<br>Belal Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>At first glance, you might think Muhammad can utilize his world-class wrestling to grind out a five-round decision over a predominant striker in Edwards. But keep in mind that both Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington thought similarly, and Edwards turned them aside with relative ease in his last two fights.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The problem Muhammad faces is that even if he can secure takedowns, he's never been one to do much with them. The 36-year-old has just one career submission on his resume, and he wrestles to maintain position more than to set up ground-and-pound. Moreover, Edwards had no problem getting back to his feet against Usman and Covington, two equally credentialed wrestlers as Muhammad.</p><p>That brings us to the standup department, where Edwards is significantly more active and perhaps the most technical striker in the division. His lack of finishing ability - the Usman head kick notwithstanding - gives his opponents chances over 25 minutes, but Muhammad will need to fight more violently than usual to capitalize.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Edwards, decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/cropped_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738499/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163824098.jpg?ts=1722044838 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Interim heavyweight championship</h3><p><strong>Tom Aspinall (14-3)<br>vs.<br>Curtis Blaydes (18-4, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>Like his blue corner compadre Muhammad, Blaydes holds an advantage over the champion in pure wrestling. But like Muhammad, his prowess hasn't resulted in submissions - Blaydes doesn't have one to his name, in fact.</p><p>That means this fight, like many heavyweight battles, likely comes down to who lands a power shot first. And it's hard to doubt Aspinall there given his agility, precision, and 11 career KOs, especially against a contender like Blaydes, who's been knocked out four times.</p><p>One factor to watch: Aspinall has never gone two full rounds. If Blaydes can grapple early and force Aspinall to expend energy (easier said than done since Aspinall is very well-rounded), the American could be in a prime position to win this in the later rounds. Right now, though, it feels like Aspinall has the momentum of the world behind him.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Aspinall, 1st-round TKO</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/cropped_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738498/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163824064.jpg?ts=1722044780 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3><p><strong>King Green (32-15, 1 NC)<br>vs.<br>Paddy Pimblett (21-3)</strong></p><p><em>(Note: Green has legally changed his first name from Bobby to King.)</em></p><p>Scousers don't get knocked out. But they do get hit a lot, and that'll be a problem for Pimblett against someone with as much output as Green.</p><p>While Green has suffered a handful of knockouts, Pimblett doesn't hit like Jalin Turner, Dustin Poirier, or the other power punchers who have caught him. Therefore, Pimblett's clearest path to victory is on the ground, where he's a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and has submitted other grapplers like Kazula Vargas and Jordan Leavitt. The problem in this matchup is that Green fights with his hands down, a style that carries risk but also helps him react to takedown attempts.</p><p>On the feet, Green is the faster, more crisp puncher, and his cardio won't flutter over 15 minutes. Expect Pimblett to come out on fire in front of his home fans, but unless he can crack Green in the pocket, the Liverpool native will have a tough time crossing the finish line.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Green, decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/cropped_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738497/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163823334.jpg?ts=1722044723 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Other main-card predictions:</strong> Christian Leroy Duncan def. Gregory Rodrigues by 2nd-round TKO; Giga Chikadze def. Arnold Allen by decision</p>

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UFC 304 predictions: Will the English rule Manchester?

Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall, and Curtis Blaydes all made weight Friday before batt...

<p>Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall, and Curtis Blaydes all made weight Friday before battling for gold at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, on Saturday.</p><p>Edwards is defending the welterweight championship for the third time, while Muhammad is a first-time challenger. Aspinall is putting the interim heavyweight title on the line for the first time, while Blaydes is participating in the first championship bout of his UFC career. </p><p>Here are the full UFC 304 weigh-in results:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Leon Edwards (170) vs. Belal Muhammad (169)</li>
<li>Tom Aspinall (251) vs. Curtis Blaydes (256)</li>
<li>King Green (154.5) vs. Paddy Pimblett (156)</li>
<li>Christian Leroy Duncan (185) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (185)</li>
<li>Arnold Allen (145) vs. Giga Chikadze (146)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Nathaniel Wood (145) vs. Daniel Pineda (146)</li>
<li>Molly McCann (116) vs. Bruna Brasil (116)</li>
<li>Jake Hadley (137)* vs. Caolan Loughran (136)</li>
<li>Modestas Bukauskas (204) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Oban Elliott (170) vs. Preston Parsons (169)</li>
<li>Muhammad Mokaev (126) vs. Manel Kape (125.5)</li>
<li>Sam Patterson (170) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (171)</li>
<li>Mick Parkin (264) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (234)</li>
<li>Shauna Bannon (115) vs. Alice Ardelean (116)</li>
</ul><p><em><span style="font-size:18px">* Misses bantamweight limit by 1 pound, </span>fined 20% of purse; fight will proceed as catchweight bout</em></p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Leon Edwards of Jamaica poses on the scale during the UFC 304 official weigh-in at the Radisson Edwardian hotel on July 26, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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UFC 304 weigh-in results: All 4 title fighters on point

Edge rusher Shaq Barrett announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday, a week before he was ...

<p>Edge rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53117" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/53117">Shaq Barrett</a> announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday, a week before he was scheduled to start training camp with the Miami Dolphins.</p><p>Barrett signed a one-year contract worth up to $9 million with the Dolphins in March. He was coming off a five-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won one Super Bowl.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qDK7Pys7_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qDK7Pys7_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9qDK7Pys7_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shaquil Barrett (@moochman6)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Barrett, 31, began his career with the Denver Broncos in 2014 as an undrafted free agent. He earned a spot on the practice squad at the end of the preseason and worked his way into a rotation role in 2015. He had 14 sacks with Denver from 2015-18 and was part of the team that beat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barrett signed with the Buccaneers in 2019 and tallied a league-best 19.5 sacks that season en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. He played an instrumental role in helping Tampa Bay win a championship in 2020 in what was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/1333" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/1333">Tom Brady</a>'s first season as the franchise's quarterback. Barrett had one sack in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded three others in that postseason.</p><p>The Colorado State product made the Pro Bowl again in 2021 after a 10-sack campaign. His production declined in 2022 and 2023, as he managed just 7.5 sacks in those two seasons combined. Barrett lost his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah, to a drowning accident in between those seasons.</p><p>Miami was counting on Barrett to contribute to a pass rush that will be without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85942" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/85942">Bradley Chubb</a> to start the season as he recovers from an ACL injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161647" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/161647">Jaelan Phillips</a> is also expected to miss a chunk of the season rehabbing from a torn Achilles. The team drafted another edge defender, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199739" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/199739">Chop Robinson</a>, in the first round this year.</p><p>The Dolphins open training camp July 28.</p>

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 02: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Shaquil Barrett (58) rushes the passer during the regular season game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 02, 2022 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

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Shaq Barrett retires before start of Dolphins camp

The New York Yankees have no issue with star outfielder Juan Soto participating in the All-Star G...

<p>The New York Yankees have no issue with star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> participating in the All-Star Game while nursing a hand injury, manager Aaron Boone said Sunday.</p><p>"We're not concerned about that, as long as Juan is good with it," Boone told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1812502339242152428">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "It's not something that we're concerned with that he is going to injure more."</p><p>Soto hurt his hand at the end of June while sliding into home plate against the Toronto Blue Jays. He missed one game but has since been a regular in the lineup. He's producing a .279/.392/.558 slash line in July.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I've been grinding through it," Soto said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1812519850129981893">Hoch</a>. "It's right there. It's been good so far. I've just got to make sure I hit the ball."</p><p>The 25-year-old is slated to start the All-Star Game after earning the fourth selection of his career. The Yankees acquired Soto in an offseason trade with the San Diego Padres, who previously snagged him from the Washington Nationals.</p><p>Soto is hitting .300/.431/.567 with 23 homers and 66 RBIs in 2024. He and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> have the Yankees in prime contention in the AL East as the season heads toward the stretch.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 09: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees in action during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on May 09, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Yankees won't ask Soto to rest injured hand over All-Star break

The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Warren Foegele to a three-year contract that carries a $3.5-...

<p>The Los Angeles Kings signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5813" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/5813">Warren Foegele</a> to a three-year contract that carries a $3.5-million cap hit and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2136" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/2136">Joel Edmundson</a> to a four-year pact with a $3.85-million average annual value.</p><p>Foegele spent the last three campaigns with the Edmonton Oilers and scored a career-high 20 goals in 2022-23. The Oilers picked him up in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2021 and signed him for $2.75 million per year.</p><p>Edmundson featured with the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs last season. He tallied six points in 53 games and played in all seven of Toronto's playoff contests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings ranked 16th out of 32 teams in goals last season but at times struggled to generate goals with the bottom half of their forward group. The Kings also jettisoned <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5588" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/5588">Pierre-Luc Dubois</a> in a trade to begin the offseason, taking 16 goals out of their lineup.</p><p>Foegele, who bounced around the Oilers' lines, gives Los Angeles another scoring option on the wing. He's scored at least 10 goals every season since his first full campaign with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018-19.</p><p>Despite making the playoffs in each of the past three campaigns, the Kings haven't advanced beyond the first round since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MAY 2: Joel Edmundson #20 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during warmups before facing the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 2, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Kings sign Edmundson, Foegele to multi-year pacts

The Ottawa Senators signed free-agent forward David Perron to a two-year contract worth $4 millio...

<p>The Ottawa Senators signed free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1097" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1097">David Perron</a> to a two-year contract worth $4 million per season, the team announced Monday.</p><p>The 36-year-old registered 17 goals and 30 assists for the Detroit Red Wings last year. Those numbers marked a slight dip from the 24 goals and 32 assists he posted in 2022-23.</p><p>Ottawa also announced Monday that it inked forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4091" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/4091">Michael Amadio</a> to a three-year deal with a $2.6-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Amadio, 28, tallied 14 goals and 27 points in 73 games with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. He won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2023.</p><p>Perron and Amadio join an Ottawa squad desperate to get back into contention amid a seven-year playoff drought. The Senators made a free-agency splash with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/911" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/911">Claude Giroux</a> two summers ago to complement a young core, but the move has yet to result in a postseason berth.</p><p>Perron, a Stanley Cup champion with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, has also spent time with the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Vegas Golden Knights. He's tallied 310 goals, 458 assists, and 825 penalty minutes over 1,131 career games.</p><p>Ottawa has been busy early in the offseason, also picking up goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> in a trade with the Boston Bruins before free agency began.</p>

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - NOVEMBER 17: David Perron #57 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on from the bench during the second period of the 2023 NHL Global Series in Sweden between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings at Avicii Arena on November 17, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Senators snag Perron, Amadio on multi-year deals

The Calgary Flames signed forward Yegor Sharangovich to a five-year contract extension worth $5.7...

<p>The Calgary Flames signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9843" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/9843">Yegor Sharangovich</a> to a five-year contract extension worth $5.75 million per season, his agent announced Monday.</p><p>Calgary also inked free-agent winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3248" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/3248">Anthony Mantha</a> to a one-year, $3.5-million deal, the team confirmed.</p><p>Sharangovich is coming off a 31-goal season for the Flames, leading the club in scoring after coming over in a trade with the New Jersey Devils last summer. Sharangovich, who also tallied 28 assists, had one year left on the two-year, $6.2-million deal he signed with the Flames as a restricted free agent upon his arrival.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mantha will join the Flames after finishing the 2023-24 campaign with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old potted only three goals across 18 regular-season games and three postseason contests for Vegas after coming over from the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline. He had 20 goals over 56 games for the Caps.</p><p>Mantha, a 2013 first-round pick, was once considered a long-term building block for the Detroit Red Wings. However, the team dealt him to Washington in April 2021, months after he signed a four-year contract.</p><p>Calgary also signed fourth-line forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9410" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/9410">Ryan Lomberg</a> from the Florida Panthers for two years with a $2-million annual cap hit. He scored five goals and averaged 9:32 of ice time last season.</p><p>Defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5598" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/5598">Jake Bean</a> inked a two-year deal with Calgary with a $1.75-million cap hit. He scored four goals and 13 points in 72 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past campaign. He wasn't issued a qualifying offer on Sunday, making him an unrestricted free agent.</p><p>The Flames missed the playoffs in 2023-24 for the second consecutive year.</p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 28: Calgary Flames center Yegor Sharangovich (17) as seen during an NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the St. Louis Blues, on March 28, 2024, at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO.

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Flames extend Sharangovich for 5 years, add Mantha

The Toronto Maple Leafs and free-agent defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson agreed to a four-year deal...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs and free-agent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> agreed to a four-year deal with a $3.5-million annual cap hit on Monday.</p><p>Ekman-Larsson marks the second major acquisition on the blue line for the Leafs, who signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> to a six-year contract after acquiring his rights from the Dallas Stars before free agency.</p><p>Toronto also signed rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2566" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/2566">Jani Hakanpaa</a> to a two-year deal that carries a $1.5-million average annual value, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1807865768656114085">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>. Hakanpaa drove possession this past season with a 50.19 expected goals for percentage at five-on-five, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?fromseason=20232024&amp;thruseason=20232024&amp;stype=2&amp;sit=5v5&amp;score=all&amp;stdoi=oi&amp;rate=n&amp;team=ALL&amp;pos=S&amp;loc=B&amp;toi=0&amp;gpfilt=none&amp;fd=&amp;td=&amp;tgp=410&amp;lines=single&amp;draftteam=ALL">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ekman-Larsson is coming off a one-year stint with the Florida Panthers. He registered nine goals and 32 points in the regular season and chipped in with six points in the playoffs while helping Florida win the Stanley Cup.</p><p>The 32-year-old Swede enjoyed a resurgence with the Panthers following a disappointing two seasons in Vancouver that ended with the Canucks buying out his contract.</p><p>Ekman-Larsson began his career with the Arizona Coyotes, where he was a mainstay from 2010-21 and made two All-Star teams.</p><p>Hakanpaa played the last three campaigns with the Stars, who signed him as a free agent in July 2021. The 32-year-old dished out 196 hits and blocked 123 shots with Dallas in 2023-24.</p><p>The Leafs' defense core now includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3876" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/3876">Jake McCabe</a>, Ekman-Larsson, Tanev, Hakanpaa, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6652" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/6652">Timothy Liljegren</a>.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 16: Oliver Ekman-Larsson #91 of the Florida Panthers in action against the New Jersey Devils during a game at Prudential Center on October 16, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. The Panthers defeated the Devils 4-3.

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Leafs grab Ekman-Larsson for 4 years, $3.5M AAV

The NHL and NHL Players' Association have engaged in preliminary discussions about increasing the...

<p>The NHL and NHL Players' Association have engaged in preliminary discussions about increasing the regular season to 84 games and modifying the league's calendar, according to <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1807782177758970216">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>Two more contests would be tacked onto the regular-season schedule, which has been set at 82 games since 1995-96. The NHL played 84-game campaigns in 1992-93 and 1993-94 before slashing two outings.</p><p>No changes would be implemented before the existing collective bargaining agreement expires in September 2026.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two sides have also discussed adjusting the calendar by trimming the preseason to four games per team, opening the regular season earlier in October, and handing out the Stanley Cup earlier in June.</p><p>In 2023-24, the regular season began Oct. 10, while the playoffs wrapped up June 24 as the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.</p><p>The NHL reportedly mulled the possibility of an 84-game schedule back in 2022 to create more regional rivalry matchups.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman looks on during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Report: NHL, union discuss 84-game regular season

The Toronto Maple Leafs and free-agent defenseman Chris Tanev agreed to a six-year contract worth...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs and free-agent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> agreed to a six-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.5 million, the team announced Monday.</p><p>The contract includes a full no-movement clause.</p><p>Toronto acquired Tanev's signing rights from the Dallas Stars on Saturday for a 2026 seventh-round pick and restricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13032" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/13032">Max Ellis</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 34-year-old played 75 games last season split between the Stars and Calgary Flames, recording 19 points and a plus-24 rating. He played 19:41 per contest.</p><p>Tanev's role increased in the postseason, where he averaged 22:18 in the Stars' 19 playoff games.</p><p>The rearguard is highly regarded for his defensive ability and fearlessness. Tanev's 6.6 defensive goals above replacement ranked 14th among all NHL defenders, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/skater_gar/?_inputs_&amp;gar_sk_team=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_pos=%22D%22&amp;gar_sk_base=%22Replacement%22&amp;gar_sk_type=%22Totals%22&amp;gar_sk_col=%22Basic%22&amp;gar_sk_info=%22No%22&amp;gar_sk_status=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;gar_sk_season=%2220232024%22&amp;gar_sk_span=%22Regular%22&amp;gar_sk_group=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;gar_sk_age1=%2217%22&amp;gar_sk_age2=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_players=null&amp;gar_sk_toi_all=%2250%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_ev=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_pp=%220%22&amp;gar_sk_toi_sh=%220%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>, which would've led the Maple Leafs. His 207 blocks were third league-wide and 48 more than the top Toronto player, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1492" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1492">TJ Brodie</a>.</p><p>Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving signed Tanev as a free agent with the Flames in October 2020.</p><p>Toronto has $7.6 million of cap space, according to <a href="https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs">CapFriendly</a>.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 27: Chris Tanev #3 of the Dallas Stars waits for a faceoff against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period of Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Stars defeated the Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime.

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Maple Leafs ink Tanev to 6-year pact with $4.5M AAV

All-Star wing Paul George will leave the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency after five seasons, ...

<p>All-Star wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/1889" href="https://www.thescore.com/olybbm/players/1889">Paul George</a> will leave the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency after five seasons, the club announced Sunday.</p><p>The 34-year-old is seeking a four-year contract but couldn't coax an offer longer than three seasons from the Clippers, according to <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1807568034397106506">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>. The Philadelphia 76ers are the front-runners to sign George, reports <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1807567900040966361">Wojnarowski</a>. The Orlando Magic have also been linked to George.</p><p>"We negotiated for months with Paul and his representative on a contract that would make sense for both sides, and we were left far apart," the Clippers said in a statement. "The gap was significant. We understand and respect Paul's decision to look elsewhere for his next contract. We explored an opt-in-and-trade scenario, but it would have left us in a similar position under the new CBA, with very little asset value to justify the restrictions.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We will miss Paul. At the same time, we're excited by the opportunities we've now been afforded, including greater flexibility under the new CBA. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi (Leonard)</a> is an all-NBA player and we believe (Tyronn) Lue is the best coach in the league. We will field a highly competitive team this season, and moving forward, use our organizational advantages to bring top talent to Intuit Dome."</p><p>George arrived in Los Angeles with Leonard in a shocking package in the summer of 2019. Leonard signed fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to an NBA championship, while George joined by simultaneously orchestrating a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>Despite the fanfare the duo produced, the Clippers never reached the NBA Finals with the two of them and only advanced to the Western Conference finals once.</p><p>George averaged 22.6 points on 47.1% shooting last season, as well as 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The Fresno State product made the All-Star team three times in five years with the Clippers after earning six nods over nine seasons split between the Indiana Pacers and Thunder.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 18: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Paul George (13) looks on during a NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 18, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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Clippers: George leaving after 'significant' gap in talks

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is activating his $18.7-million player option to return...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> is activating his $18.7-million player option to return for the 2024-25 season, he confirmed to <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1806933990093517218">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>Russell is coming off his first full season with the Lakers since a 2023 trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves restored him to the team that drafted him.</p><p>Russell averaged 18 points on 45.6% shooting from the floor and 41.5% from 3-point range last year. A streaky shooter by nature, his numbers dipped in the playoffs and he became a lightning rod for criticism as the Lakers fell in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Los Angeles signed Russell to a two-year, $36-million contract as a free agent last offseason, but gave him a player option for the second year. Russell was on track to become one of the top scorers on the open market this summer before deciding to opt in.</p><p>The 28-year-old started 69 games last season and came off the bench seven other times. He started all five postseason games.</p><p>Los Angeles drafted Russell with the No. 2 pick of the 2015 draft. Immaturity issues plagued the Ohio State product early on, and led the Lakers to trade him to the Brooklyn Nets after only two seasons. Russell spent two years in Brooklyn before a one-year pitstop with the Golden State Warriors, then spent three-plus years in Minnesota before heading back to the Lakers.</p><p>Russell made the All-Star team in 2019 as a member of the Nets. He owns career averages of 17.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.</p><p>Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> also picked up a player option, cementing his return for $2.4 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1806930626534138355">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>. Hayes, who previously played with new Lakers coach JJ Redick on the New Orleans Pelicans, averaged 4.3 points over 70 appearances last season.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 17: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 17, 2023 in Portland, Oregon.

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Lakers' Russell exercises $18.7M option

Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis requires surgery on the injured leg that cost him part ...

<p>Boston Celtics big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> requires surgery on the injured leg that cost him part of the NBA Finals, and he'll need a "few months" to recover, he revealed to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40373175/celtics-list-kristaps-porzingis-available-game-5">ESPN's Tom Bontemps</a>.</p><p>Porzingis tore the medial retinaculum, which enabled a dislocated posterior tibialis tendon, in Game 2. He sat out Games 3 and 4 before returning for Game 5 to help the Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks and clinch their 18th NBA championship.</p><p>"The medical staff did everything they could, and I gave my all, and I was able to get out there," Porzingis told <a href="https://x.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1802908069262737848">ESPN's Lisa Salters</a> on the podium after Game 5.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Porzingis scored five points in 16 minutes of the postseason finale. He was a major contributor all season long for the Celtics, who acquired him in an offseason trade with the Washington Wizards.</p><p>The Latvian injured his calf in the first round of the playoffs, causing him to miss the second and third series. He sparked the Celtics in Game 1 of the Finals, coming off the bench to score 20 points in 21 minutes, but suffered the leg injury in Game 2 that Boston coined as "rare."</p><p>"Somehow, I got it going for this game," he <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1802945237741891764">told reporters</a>. "A lot of it was for sure the adrenaline from playing at the (TD) Garden and playing in front of our fans and having that opportunity to close it out."</p><p>Porzingis, 28, is signed through the 2025-26 campaign.</p>

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Porzingis needs leg surgery, 'few months' of recovery

Novak Djokovic won the final two sets to defeat No. 30-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-7 (3), 2-6, ...

<p>Novak Djokovic won the final two sets to defeat No. 30-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-7 (3), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the third round of the French Open on Saturday, avoiding his earliest Grand Slam loss since the 2017 Australian Open.</p><p>The match spanned nearly four-and-a-half hours and finished after 3 a.m. local time in Paris.</p><p>Djokovic looked to be down for the count at the end of the third set when he mishit a volley deep to give Musetti the frame. But the World No. 1 rallied in the fourth set, serving it out on his second attempt, and cruised to the finish line in the fifth.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 24-time Grand Slam champion entered Roland Garros with plenty of question marks after failing to win a title up to this point of the season. He won his first two matches in Paris in straight sets before running into his first major scare of the tournament against Musetti, whose rally skills wowed those who stayed late at Court Philippe-Chatrier.</p><p>Djokovic, the all-time leader in Grand Slam championships in men's tennis, won the French Open last year and also prevailed in 2016 and 2021. Incidentally, he overcame a two-set deficit against Musetti during his 2021 title run.</p><p>The 37-year-old Serb has reached the quarterfinals of every Grand Slam he's played since the 2020 US Open when he was disqualified in the fourth round for hitting a ball at a line official. He hasn't fallen shy of the fourth round since bowing out in the second round of the 2017 Australian Open, the same year his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal met in the final.</p><p>Djokovic and Federer are now tied for the most match wins in Grand Slam history with 369. Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion plagued by injuries lately, sits behind them with 314.</p><p>Djokovic must reach the final of the French Open to retain his No. 1 ranking.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 01: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the Men's Singles third round match at Roland Garros on June 01, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Djokovic wins final 2 sets to avoid earliest Slam exit since 2017

The Chicago Bears drafted an award-winning punter in the fourth round Sunday, but new quarterback...

<p>The Chicago Bears drafted an award-winning punter in the fourth round Sunday, but new quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> doesn't expect him to see the field often.</p><p>Williams, who Chicago selected first overall Thursday, has been tasked with turning the Bears' offense into a prolific attack. The USC product indicated to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/150032" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/150032">Tory Taylor</a> that he'll do exactly that and keep the punter's role to a minimum.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Bears punter Tory Taylor said he got this text from Caleb Williams: "Hey, you're not going to punt too much here."</p>— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfishbain/status/1784274119535538403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Taylor, a 26-year-old from Australia, won the Ray Guy Award as college football's top punter in 2023. He became the first punter taken in the 2024 draft, coming off the board at No. 122.</p>

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - APRIL 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks answers a question from the media during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams was drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday.

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The New York Jets are trading defensive end John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos for a 2026 ...

<p>The New York Jets are trading defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87706" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/87706">John Franklin-Myers</a> to the Denver Broncos for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1784295202854724086">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Franklin-Myers will sign a new two-year, $15-million contract with the Broncos, according to <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1784300731358458303">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler</a>. The pact will reportedly contain $10 million guaranteed.</p><p>Franklin-Myers joined the Jets in 2019 and emerged as a full-time starter in 2021. The 27-year-old registered 3.5 sacks in 2023, down from his five in 2022 and six in 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Broncos entered the draft with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99222" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/99222">Zach Allen</a> penciled into one starting spot at defensive end but had no obvious choice to complement him on the other side.</p><p>The Jets, meanwhile, are stocked at defensive end, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66770" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/66770">Haason Reddick</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173984" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/173984">Jermaine Johnson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188119" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/188119">Will McDonald</a> all occupying roles in the rotation and additional pass-rushing options at tackle.</p><p>Franklin-Myers was playing on a four-year, $55-million deal with the Jets. New York will gain $7.3 million in cap space with the move but will incur a cap charge of $9.1 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/RichCimini/status/1784297173045153805">ESPN's Rich Cimini</a>.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 06: John Franklin-Myers #91 of the New York Jets reacts after a sack during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 6, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Warning: Video contains coarse language  Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard squashe...

<p><em>Warning: Video contains coarse language</em></p><p>Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard squashed the rumored character concerns surrounding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162967" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162967">Adonai Mitchell</a> after selecting the wide receiver in Friday's Round 2 of the NFL draft.</p><p>"I read some of the bullshit that was said on TV ... bad interview, that's such bullshit. It f-----g is. It's bullshit," Ballard told reporters.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Projected by many to go in the first round, Mitchell slid to the second round, where the Colts grabbed him with the 52nd overall pick. Mitchell was the 11th wideout drafted and the fourth receiver to go in the second round.</p><p>"We tear these young men down," Ballard added. "These are 21-, 22-year-old men. If people out there can tell me they're perfect in their lives, it's crap. It's crap. This is a good kid. For those reports to come out ... it's bullshit."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Ballard is going to bat for Ad Mitchell and he's pissed about all of the reports of Mitchell's off the field concerns.<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a> GM is on one and I'm here for it. <a href="https://t.co/yBu8wGWO83">pic.twitter.com/yBu8wGWO83</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1784052726562697347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ballard said Mitchell is coming to the Colts with "a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, which is a good thing," according to <a href="https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1784051701269365142">The Herald Bulletin's George Bremer</a>.</p><p>The Texas product was in no mood to celebrate after waiting until Day 2 to hear his name called, telling reporters he was "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2900227" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2900227">kind of pissed</a>."</p><p>Known for his speed, Mitchell will join a receiving corps led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104479" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/104479">Michael Pittman Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188126" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/188126">Josh Downs</a>. The 21-year-old posted 845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season after transferring to Texas from Georgia.</p><p>"We're not expecting him to be Superman right away," Ballard <a href="https://x.com/gmbremer/status/1784052391085576521">said</a>. "He expects to be Superman."</p><p>The Colts went 9-8 in 2023, narrowly missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.</p>

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 11: Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) gets lined up during a game between the Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs college football game on November 11, 2023 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX.

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Alex Chippin

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David P. Woods

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