Eli Manning won't go ahead with his plans of buying an ownership stake in the New York Giants.  "...

<p>Eli Manning won't go ahead with his plans of buying an ownership stake in the New York Giants.</p><p>"Basically, it's too expensive for me," Manning told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/07/09/eli-manning-walks-away-from-ownership-bid-for-the-new-york-giants.html">CNBC Sport</a>. "These numbers are getting very big."</p><p>In April, reports emerged that Manning was assembling an investment group to pursue a stake of up to 10% in the Giants, a franchise he led to two Super Bowl titles during his 16-season career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Giants made a limited stake available as they explored the potential sale of up to 10% of the team. The Mara and Tisch families each own 50% of the club.</p><p>It's unclear how much Manning would have to pay to become a minority owner of the franchise, but <a href="https://www.forbes.com/teams/new-york-giants/">Forbes calculated</a> the Giants' value at $7.3 billion in August 2024. The retired quarterback suggested that the price is significantly higher.</p><p>"A 1% stake of something valued at $10 billion, it turns into a very big number," Manning added.</p><p>The former Super Bowl MVP also explained that purchasing a stake in the Giants would've caused conflicts of interest for him.</p><p>"I love the Giants, and I think it is deserving of that valuation. There will be people that want to go for it, and I was kind of along for the ride," Manning said. "But it really was a matter of some complications with the fact that I'm doing broadcasting. I wouldn't be able to talk to the players. I coach in the Pro Bowl. I do a high school football camp where college guys come. There would be a lot of conflicts, and it was going to affect my day job, so I kind of had to pull out of the Giants deal."</p><p>In May, the San Francisco 49ers sold 6.2% of the team at a $8.5 billion valuation, a record for an NFL team in a sale.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Eli Manning looks on before the game between the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Eli won't buy ownership stake in Giants: 'Too expensive for me'

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders believes college football should implement a salary cap to incr...

<p>Colorado head coach Deion Sanders believes college football should implement a salary cap to increase the sport's competitiveness in its new era.</p><p>"I wish there was a cap," Sanders said Wednesday at Big 12 media days, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45703663/deion-sanders-says-college-football-needs-salary-cap">ESPN's Adam Rittenberg</a>. "The top-of-the-line player makes this, and if you're not that type of guy, you know you're not going to make that. That's what the NFL does.</p><p>"The problem is, you got a guy that's not that darn good, but he could go to another school, and they give him half a million dollars. You can't compete with that. And it don't make sense."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sanders backed his comments by noting that the schools spending more money on players will have more success in the College Football Playoff.</p><p>"You understand darn near why they're in the playoffs," he added. "It's kind of hard to compete with somebody who's giving $25 million to $30 million to a freshman class. It's crazy."</p><p>The landscape of college football has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the NIL deals in 2021 and the House v. NCAA settlement taking effect this year. While the settlement establishes a system that allows schools to share revenue and pay athletes directly within a cap, there is no cap limiting NIL deals, notes <a href="https://www.si.com/college-football/deion-sanders-explains-wants-college-football-salary-cap-nil">Sports Illustrated's Tyler Lauletta</a>.</p>

FRISCO, TX - JULY 09: Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders gets ready before taking the stage to talk during day two of Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, July 09, 2025 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX.

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Deion Sanders says CFB needs salary cap

The New York Yankees released DJ LeMahieu on Thursday after designating the former star infielder...

<p>The New York Yankees released <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2093" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2093">DJ LeMahieu</a> on Thursday after designating the former star infielder for assignment a day earlier.</p><p>LeMahieu, who turns 37 on Sunday, is owed almost $22 million on the remainder of his contract, which runs through 2026, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1943044911227425070">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. He signed a six-year deal worth $90 million with New York in 2021.</p><p>"I ultimately made a decision that is best for the roster configuration moving forward," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday about parting ways with LeMahieu, according to SNY.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Cashman explains why the Yankees' roster configuration with DJ LeMahieu on the team was "not something I could leave comfortably" <a href="https://t.co/R6fpDSMMIB">pic.twitter.com/R6fpDSMMIB</a></p>— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/snyyankees/status/1943049954542399785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The split comes after the Yankees decided to move <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> back from third base to second base and take LeMahieu, who'd been playing second, out of the everyday lineup.</p><p>"It's been a tough couple days, some hard conversations, and then ultimately coming to this decision, obviously not easy for what's been a great player," Boone said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6481539/2025/07/09/dj-lemahieu-yankees-designate-for-assignment/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw">Chris Kirschner of The Athletic</a>. "He's done a lot of great things for this organization, but at the end, I feel like this is the right thing to do at this time."</p><p>LeMahieu joined the Yankees in 2019 at the peak of his career after earning two All-Star nods as a member of the Colorado Rockies. He had an immediate impact in N.Y. and finished third in MVP voting while claiming his second career batting title in 2020. However, he hasn't replicated that success lately, posting a .266/.338/.336 slash line with two home runs in 142 plate appearances this season.</p><p>The Yankees recalled infielder Jorbit Vivas from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move. Boone said Wednesday that Vivas, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12545" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12545">Oswald Peraza</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11068" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11068">J.C. Escarra</a> are New York's options at third.</p><p>New York also shuffled its bullpen ahead of Wednesday's game by selecting Cam Schlittler from Triple-A and designating Geoff Hartlieb for assignment.</p>

Tampa, FL: New York Yankees' DJ LeMahieu during drills at George M. Steinbrenner Field during spring training in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 17, 2025.

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Yankees release LeMahieu with nearly $22M left on deal

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham grabbed headlines with a viral quote Tuesday while addr...

<p>Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham grabbed headlines with a viral quote Tuesday while addressing the new era of college football. </p><p>"To me, recruiting is dead. Retention is alive," Dillingham said at Big 12 media days, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1942723795443167721">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. "It's not about recruiting. I don't care if we're ranked dead last in recruiting my entire career here."</p><p>He added, "It'd be like if the draft was for one year, then half of your draft picks leave. So it's all about retention now. That's my entire thing."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dillingham, who helped the Sun Devils win the Big 12 and reach the College Football Playoff in their first season in the conference last year, explained that he's more focused on being honest with his players than promising things he may not be able to get done.</p><p>"Are we going to lose a lot of recruits because I'm not going to tell the kid he's going to make half-a-million dollars and put in the contract that I can change your salary at my discretion, which is happening. ... I'm not going to do that," the reigning Big 12 Coach of the Year said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MaxZepedaSports/status/1942707998616609235">Max Zepeda of Cronkite Sports</a>. "We're going to miss out on a lot of kids right now, but we're going to get a lot of kids back when they realize that it's a little bit of fool's gold out there in college football."</p><p>Dillingham continued: "It's all about retaining the guys on your team. It's all about treating the guys on your team great. If you treat the guys on your team great, when you get a good player, he's gonna stay there. If you are constantly looking for the next best thing to replace the guys on your team, then your own guys on your team should leave. Why wouldn't they? If you're not loyal to them, they shouldn't be loyal to you. That's the thing I take a lot of pride in."</p><p>College football has undergone major changes recently, with NIL deals the new norm. The recent House v. NCAA settlement, which took effect July 1, only adds to the significant shift by allowing schools to share revenue and pay athletes directly for their performance.</p><p>"Our best players are going to make the most money on the team. If you have a problem with that, become our best player. If you're not the best player and you want to make more money, then yeah, I'm going to help you leave," Dillingham said.</p><p>He added: "Our best young guys deserve to make the next-most so they can grow into playing. We're all about production. We're all about doing it in our program, and I think that's why a lot of our players stay here. They know we're gonna take care of them; they deserve it. They know we're gonna treat them fairly."</p>

FRISCO, TX - JULY 08: Arizona State Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham talks during day one of Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday, July 08, 2025 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX.

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Dillingham focused on 'retention' at ASU: 'Recruiting is dead'

The Miami Dolphins were the only team that crossed Darren Waller's mind after the tight end recen...

<p>The Miami Dolphins were the only team that crossed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/52575" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/52575">Darren Waller</a>'s mind after the tight end recently decided to come out of retirement, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.</p><p>Waller initially called it a career after playing the 2023 season for the New York Giants. Once the 32-year-old decided to extend his NFL journey, Rosenhaus said it was easy for N.Y. to work on a trade with the tight end-needy Dolphins.</p><p>"I got a phone call last Friday, the last week of June, from Darren, and he said, 'Drew, I've decided that I want to play again. I miss football, I've got the itch to play, the love of the game is back, and I'd like to play for the Miami Dolphins,'" Rosenhaus recently told <a href="https://x.com/TheMozKnowz/status/1942077654284263747">Josh Moser of Sports Xtra</a> while explaining Waller's unexpected return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"To (Giants general manager) Joe Schoen's credit and (Dolphins GM) Chris Grier's credit, those two got together and quickly worked out a deal."</p><p>Miami and New York reportedly agreed to a trade July 1. The Dolphins officially announced the deal July 7, adding Waller and a 2027 conditional seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.</p><p>Waller could be a clutch addition for the Dolphins, who had questions at the tight end position after trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74834" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74834">Jonnu Smith</a> to the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 30. A two-time 1,000-yard TE, Waller finished 2023 with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.</p><p>This wasn't the first time Rosenhaus had seen one of his clients come out of retirement and request a trade immediately. Legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski also left the New England Patriots to play with Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after one season out of the league.</p><p>"This was a very similar scenario," Rosenhaus said. "When Gronk told me he was coming out of retirement, but he only wanted to play for Tampa, we had to work out a trade between Tampa and the Patriots. Going through that with Gronkowski really helped related to Darren deciding he was coming out of retirement and only wanted to play for the Dolphins."</p>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Darren Waller #12 of the New York Giants makes a catch against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Waller's agent: TE only wanted to play for Dolphins after unretiring

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes revealed Monday that he's been in touch with Tom B...

<p>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> revealed Monday that he's been in touch with Tom Brady.</p><p>"I've actually talked to Tom a good amount this offseason," Mahomes said on "<a href="https://x.com/UpAndAdamsShow/status/1942245734851744204">Up &amp; Adams</a>." "It's cool that he wants to give me advice. He doesn't have to be like that. He's such a good dude. I have so much respect for him, and I'll take any advice he gives me."</p><p>The Chiefs star added, "He always talks about being yourself. ... Guys can spot when you're not authentic and you're not putting in the work. That's something that he did every single day. That's why guys respected him so much."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mahomes' comments come after Brady publicly praised the two-time NFL MVP in June, <a href="https://x.com/StarcadeMediaKC/status/1937693464583348314">saying</a> that if any quarterback had a chance to surpass his own career accomplishments, it'd be Mahomes.</p><p>"Having Tom, a guy like that, say that, it just motivates me even more," Mahomes added Monday.</p><p>Mahomes, entering his ninth NFL season, has mostly been in a league of his own since being drafted 10th overall in 2017. The 29-year-old has already made five Super Bowl appearances and won three rings while setting several passing records.</p><p>Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Mahomes' Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. The Chiefs passer owns a 17-4 NFL playoff record, with two of his postseason defeats coming against teams led by seven-time Super Bowl champ Brady.</p><p>Kansas City had a chance to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls this past season, but it fell short with a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.</p><p>Mahomes downplayed the narrative that K.C. will be on a revenge tour in 2025 after its latest Big Game loss.</p><p>"Whenever you lose, you kind of have this taste in your mouth that you want to go out there and revenge that or whatever you want to say," Mahomes <a href="https://x.com/UpAndAdamsShow/status/1942216516537360529">said</a>. "But at the same time, I feel like I've had to sit back and just listen to people talk and talk, and I'm like, 'Let's just play football and just handle it all out there.'"</p><p>Mahomes and the Chiefs kick off their 2025 season in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5.</p>

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - MAY 02: (L-R) Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady attend Amex x CARBONE BEACH 2025 on May 02, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida.

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Mahomes: Brady gave me advice this offseason

The NFL's parity has long allowed teams to turn things around quickly after a poor season. While ...

<p>The NFL's parity has long allowed teams to turn things around quickly after a poor season. While no club went from worst to first in its division last year, 25 franchises have achieved the feat since the league transitioned to eight four-team divisions in 2002.</p><p>Here are this campaign's worst-to-first candidates ranked by their chances of winning the division in 2025 after placing dead last in '24.</p><h3>8. Cleveland Browns</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 3-14</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>QB Joe Flacco</td>
<td>DL Mason Graham</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QB Kenny Pickett</td>
<td>LB Carson Schwesinger</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL Maliek Collins</td>
<td>RB Quinshon Judkins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Diontae Johnson</td>
<td>TE Harold Fannin Jr.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>QB Dillon Gabriel</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Don't expect much success for the Browns. Cleveland finished last in points scored in 2024 and enters this season with arguably the NFL's least talented roster. The team's depth chart features five notable quarterbacks, yet it's hard to get excited about any of them. Deshaun Watson is unlikely to play this year due to an Achilles injury, so Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are projected to compete for the QB1 role. Flacco is 40, Pickett hasn't proved he can be an NFL starter, and Gabriel and Sanders are rookies.</p><p>Even if the Browns somehow find stability under center (maybe Sanders will prove everyone wrong after his shocking fall in the 2025 NFL Draft), it's unlikely that Cleveland will beat out the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers in the always-tough AFC North. The Browns haven't won a division title since 1989. Their drought won't end this year.</p><h3>7. New York Giants</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 3-14</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>QB Russell Wilson</td>
<td> EDGE Abdul Carter</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Jevon Holland</td>
<td>QB Jaxson Dart</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB Paulson Adebo</td>
<td>DL Darius Alexander</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QB Jameis Winston</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Giants addressed their biggest needs, but did they do enough to stand out against the league's hardest strength of schedule? We should expect defensive improvements with Holland and Carter in town. New York's front seven will have no excuse not to step up, with Carter joining Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, among others. Still, Brian Daboll's outfit isn't nearly as talented offensively.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/cropped_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790093/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219812564.jpg?ts=1749742243 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dan Mullan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Giants have an unreliable offensive line and a major question at football's most important position, as it remains unclear if Wilson (or eventually Dart) can elevate the offense. Wilson, 36, is past his prime and on his third different team in as many years. Dart has no NFL experience and should be a long-term project. Regardless of who plays QB for N.Y., there's a huge gap among the Giants and Jalen Hurts' Philadelphia Eagles, Dak Prescott's Dallas Cowboys, and Jayden Daniels' Washington Commanders in the East.</p><h3>6. New Orleans Saints</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 5-12</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>S Justin Reid</td>
<td>LT Kelvin Banks Jr.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Brandin Cooks</td>
<td>QB Tyler Shough</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB Isaac Yiadom</td>
<td> DL Vernon Broughton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT Davon Godchaux</td>
<td>S Jonas Sanker</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Saints have major roster holes despite their offseason moves, and New Orleans' quarterback concerns increased after Derek Carr retired due to a shoulder injury. First-year coach Kellen Moore is left with three unproven passers in Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.</p><p>Even the Saints' more established players are aging or have injury concerns. New Orleans ranks ahead of a couple of teams on this list because the NFC South isn't as tough as the East or North. However, Moore would need to get the absolute most out of an unimpressive roster for the Saints to have any chance of competing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers this season. Seems unlikely.</p><h3>5. Las Vegas Raiders</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 4-13</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>QB Geno Smith</td>
<td> RB Ashton Jeanty</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DB Jeremy Chinn</td>
<td>WR Jack Bech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB Germaine Pratt</td>
<td>CB Darien Porter</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB Elandon Roberts</td>
<td>OL Caleb Rogers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB Raheem Mostert</td>
<td>OT Charles Grant</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Alex Cappa</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Don't blame the Raiders for not being ranked better here. Las Vegas did a solid job improving its roster, in addition to hiring Pete Carroll as head coach. Smith is a significant upgrade at quarterback, and Jeanty could help take this offense to the next level. The problem for the Raiders is the rest of the AFC West.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/cropped_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785793/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209048021.jpg?ts=1747333192 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Las Vegas lagged far behind after all of its division rivals reached the playoffs last season. While the new-look Raiders could fight for a postseason spot and leave the division's basement, outplaying the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and especially the Kansas City Chiefs - winners of nine straight divisional titles - seems too big a task in Year 1 with Carroll and Co.</p><h3>4. Tennessee Titans</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 3-14</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WR Tyler Lockett</td>
<td>QB Cam Ward</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OT Dan Moore</td>
<td> EDGE Femi Oladejo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Kevin Zeitler</td>
<td>DB Kevin Winston Jr.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Van Jefferson</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EDGE Dre'Mont Jones</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB Cody Barton</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Xavier Woods</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Tennessee becoming competitive months after drafting first overall isn't as crazy as it may sound. Granted, the Titans need to improve on both sides of the ball, and their main offseason acquisitions come with questions. But Brian Callahan's outfit addressed its main needs, including the offensive line and quarterback. Ward can change everything if he lives up to the hype.</p><p>The No. 1 pick comes with high expectations and provides an immediate upgrade for a team that started Will Levis and Mason Rudolph under center last year. The revamped offensive line is expected to improve, as is the defensive unit. Pro Bowl lineman Jeffery Simmons lost weight to elevate his form, while star corner L'Jarius Sneed is returning from injury. Yes, a lot has to go right, but there's hope in Nashville.</p><p>And it's not like Tennessee is in a division filled with contenders. The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars haven't made the playoffs in a combined six seasons. Even the back-to-back AFC South champion Houston Texans looked vulnerable in '24. In fact, the three-win Titans beat them 32-27 in November.</p><h3>3. Chicago Bears</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 5-12</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>G Joe Thuney</td>
<td>TE Colston Loveland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL Grady Jarrett</td>
<td>WR Luther Burden III</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Drew Dalman</td>
<td> OT Ozzy Trapilo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Jonah Jackson</td>
<td> DL Shemar Turner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Olamide Zaccheaus</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Chicago nailed its offseason as it tried to improve the supporting cast around quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears hired an offensive mastermind in head coach Ben Johnson and added a handful of key starters, including three offensive linemen. The expectation is that this team will take off with Williams after his inconsistent rookie season. Can it win the division right away?</p><p>It's hard to envision the Bears claiming the 2025 NFC North title, considering the division's three other teams reached the playoffs last campaign. However, the Detroit Lions have lost both of their coordinators and two starting linemen, the Minnesota Vikings are relying on the inexperienced J.J. McCarthy to lead them under center, and the Green Bay Packers have yet to win the division in the Jordan Love era. Let's not count Chicago out entirely.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/cropped_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/786768/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214257118.jpg?ts=1747868390 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>2. New England Patriots</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 4-13</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DL Milton Williams</td>
<td>LT Will Campbell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Stefon Diggs</td>
<td>RB TreVeyon Henderson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Garrett Bradbury</td>
<td>WR Kyle Williams</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OT Morgan Moses</td>
<td>OL Jared Wilson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB Carlton Davis</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EDGE Harold Landry</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB Robert Spillane</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Mack Hollins</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Don't be surprised if the Patriots become the Buffalo Bills' biggest threat this year. Sure, a lot has to go right for the new-look Patriots to click, including second-year passer Drake Maye elevating the league's 30th-ranked offense. But would anyone be shocked if the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets post subpar campaigns again after what we saw from them in '24?</p><p>There's optimism in New England following an exciting offseason, with Maye as the full-time starter, the experienced Mike Vrabel as head coach, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in town. This could be the Pats' best team of the decade so far. Taking down Josh Allen and the Bills - winners of five consecutive East titles - won't be easy, but New England and Buffalo have split their season series in the past two years (the Bills rested their main starters in one of those games).</p><h3>1. San Francisco 49ers</h3><p><strong>2024 record:</strong> 6-11</p><p><strong>Notable additions</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Free agency/Trades</th>
<th>Top draft picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EDGE Bryce Huff</td>
<td>EDGE Mykel Williams</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR Demarcus Robinson</td>
<td>DL Alfred Collins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CB Tre Brown</td>
<td>LB Nick Martin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>DB Upton Stout</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Not only is San Francisco projected to have the NFL's easiest strength of schedule, but it did a similar turnaround not long ago. After their gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs in 2020, the 49ers slipped down the standings the next season - a pattern that repeated following their heartbreaker to Kansas City in the Big Game in 2024. But do you know what the Niners did in the 2021 campaign? They bounced back by winning 10 contests and reaching the NFC title game.</p><p><a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/2024-agl-49ers-get-smacked-down-by-injuries">No other team</a> suffered more from injuries than last season's 49ers, but Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa are healthier now. Although Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn ACL, the Niners should have enough weapons with wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, tight end George Kittle, and McCaffrey. The defense was another concern, so San Francisco used four top-100 draft picks on defensive players and brought back coordinator Robert Saleh, who built a top-10 unit in his first stint with the team.</p><p>If healthy, San Francisco is the NFL's strongest candidate to go from worst to first. Winners in 2022 and '23, the 49ers are ahead of at least two division rivals. The Arizona Cardinals haven't conquered the West since 2015. The Seattle Seahawks could fight for the division crown if Sam Darnold can prove his success in Minnesota wasn't a fluke. The dangerous Los Angeles Rams are the reigning West champions, but they won the fewest number of victories for a division champ last year and only four more than the Niners.</p>

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The Pittsburgh Steelers signed general manager Omar Khan to a three-year extension that runs thro...

<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers signed general manager Omar Khan to a three-year extension that runs through the 2028 season, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>"Omar and his team have done a great job over the past three years in constructing our roster through the NFL draft, strategic trades, and free agency," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing that trend that will lead to even more success on the field."</p><p>Khan, 48, has been with the Steelers since 2001. He officially became the team's general manager in 2022 to replace Kevin Colbert.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pittsburgh has been aggressive this offseason after suffering a wild-card loss for a second straight season in the playoffs. Khan and Co. signed quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> this year and made multiple blockbuster trades to acquire wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111570">DK Metcalf</a> and cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74546" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74546">Jalen Ramsey</a>.</p><p>"I believe we are building a championship roster and look forward to the 2025 season and beyond as our goals continue to be to bring another Super Bowl to the city of Pittsburgh and our great fans," Khan said.</p><p>Pittsburgh will host the NFL draft in 2026.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Oregon made a splash Thursday by landing a commitment from 2026 five-star offensive tackle Immanu...

<p>Oregon made a splash Thursday by landing a commitment from 2026 five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho.</p><p>The 6-foot-7, 350-pounder picked the Ducks over fellow finalists Auburn, Penn State, and LSU. The Maryland native is the second-ranked offensive tackle and 13th-ranked overall recruit in his class, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/259542/immanuel-iheanacho">ESPN 300</a>.</p><p>"Duck Nation, I'm ready to get to work!" Iheanacho told <a href="https://x.com/Hayesfawcett3/status/1940810795925098751">Rivals' Hayes Fawcett</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He could be Oregon's next elite left tackle after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209914" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209914">Josh Conerly Jr.</a> was drafted in the first round by the Washington Commanders.</p><p>Iheanacho's commitment gives Oregon three ESPN 300 five-star prospects in 2026. The Ducks previously landed tight end Kendre' Harrison (No. 12 recruit) and safety Jett Washington (No. 21). This standout class still features two other top-100 athletes in four-star running back Tradarian Ball and defensive tackle Tony Cumberland.</p>

EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 26: Puddles the mascot of the Oregon Ducks cheers against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Autzen Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.

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Masai Ujiri expressed gratitude for his standout stint with the Toronto Raptors, showing love for...

<p>Masai Ujiri expressed gratitude for his standout stint with the Toronto Raptors, showing love for the team he called home for over a decade.</p><p>"It's been 12 incredible years with the Toronto Raptors, and I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity," Ujiri said Thursday on "<a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/123444786">Good Morning America</a>." "Fans, my family, colleagues, coaches, players, the owners, everybody has been incredible to me. Toronto, I love you, and it's a great pride and journey in my life. It's time, and great things come to an end."</p><p>The Raptors parted ways with Ujiri - their vice chairman and president - June 27 after 13 seasons together. The 2013 NBA Executive of the Year helped turn the franchise around, building a Toronto team that claimed its first NBA title in 2019. The Raptors hadn't won a playoff series since 2001 before Ujiri took over.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 54-year-old spent three seasons as the Denver Nuggets' general manager before joining the Raptors. He said he's unsure what's next for his career as an NBA executive.</p><p>"Now it's day-to-day with the family," Ujiri added. "It's a time to really look at it from the top, and I know there are great things coming."</p><p>The Raptors have already begun looking for a new team president. Toronto extended general manager Bobby Webster the same day as Ujiri's dismissal.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 2: Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri speaks during Vince Carter's jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of a game between the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors on November 2, 2024 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira made weight Friday before they square off for the vacant lightw...

<p>Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira made weight Friday before they square off for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event Saturday in Las Vegas.</p><p>Topuria and Oliveira weighed in at 155 and 154.5 pounds, respectively.</p><p>Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France were also on the mark for the co-main event. They both came in at 125 pounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the full UFC 317 weigh-in results:</p><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Ilia Topuria (155) vs. Charles Oliveira (154.5)</li>
<li>Alexandre Pantoja (125) vs. Kai Kara-France (125)</li>
<li>Beneil Dariush (156) vs. Renato Moicano (156)</li>
<li>Brandon Royval (125.5) vs. Joshua Van (125.5)</li>
<li>Payton Talbott (136) vs. Felipe Lima (135.5)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Jack Hermansson (185.5) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (186)</li>
<li>Hyder Amil (145.5) vs. Jose Miguel Delgado (145.5)</li>
<li>Viviane Araujo (125.5) vs. Tracy Cortez (126)</li>
<li>Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (155)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Niko Price (170.5) vs. Jacobe Smith (170.5)</li>
<li>Jhonata Diniz (257.5) vs. Alvin Hines (259.5)</li>
<li>Chris Ewert vs. Jackson McVey*</li>
</ul><p><em>* The middleweight fight between Christopher Ewert and Jackson McVey is off after Ewert was 10 pounds overweight. He's been <a href="https://x.com/mma_kings/status/1938632005651955828">released</a> by the UFC.</em></p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 27: Ilia Topuria poses on the scale during the UFC 317 official weigh-in at UFC Apex on June 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The architect behind the Toronto Raptors' only NBA title is out.  The Raptors are parting ways wi...

<p>The architect behind the Toronto Raptors' only NBA title is out.</p><p>The Raptors are parting ways with Masai Ujiri, their vice chairman and president, the team announced Friday.</p><p>"During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it," MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. "He brought an NBA championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pelley also announced that the Raptors' front office leadership remains in place, adding that general manager Bobby Webster received a contract extension. The terms of the deal have yet to be revealed.</p><p>Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract. The decision to dismiss the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year comes a day after the 2025 NBA Draft.</p><p>"Masai and I spoke over a month ago, and he asked that if a change were to happen, that it was post-draft. And that made the most sense," Pelley told reporters during a Friday press conference, according to <a href="https://x.com/OmerOsman200/status/1938647803754054082">Omer Osman of Raptors Updates</a>. "He's prolific when it comes to the draft, and we're grateful to have him as a person with Bobby leading our draft."</p><p>Pelley also explained why he parted ways with Ujiri, pointing to "where we currently are in basketball operations" as the primary reason for the change.</p><p>"As I talked about the stability with our roster, the stability with our front office, and the stability with our coaching staff, that allowed us to make a decision to move forward," Pelley <a href="https://x.com/OmerOsman200/status/1938650387852177589">added</a>.</p><p>Ujiri, 54, originally joined the Raptors as vice president and general manager in 2013, officially becoming team president in '16. Ujiri helped turn the franchise around, notably building the roster that won Toronto's first NBA title in 2019.</p><p>The Raptors hadn't won a playoff series since 2001 before Ujiri took over. With him in town, Toronto made eight postseason appearances while posting a 545-419 record, the <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1938589472242725215">fifth-highest</a> winning percentage in the NBA since 2014.</p><p>Despite Ujiri's successful stint, the Raptors have missed the playoffs in each of the past three seasons and finished with a losing record in both campaigns under head coach Darko Rajakovic, who was hired in 2023 to replace Nick Nurse. Toronto has won just one playoff series since lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.</p><p>"As we plan for the franchise's future, and its return to the NBA playoffs, a search for the successor as president of the Raptors, led by CAA Executive Search, will begin immediately," Pelley said.</p><p>The Raptors selected forward Collin Murray-Boyles in the first round and guard Alijah Martin in Round 2 this year during Ujiri's last draft with the franchise.</p><p>Pelley said Friday that Ujiri projects Murray-Boyles to be "something special" in the NBA. </p>

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Toroto Raptors president Masai Ujiri holds his fist in the air during the Toronto Raptors Championship parade on June 13, 2019 in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Top-three running back Ezavier Crowell joined Alabama on Thursday, giving the Crimson Tide their ...

<p>Top-three running back Ezavier Crowell joined Alabama on Thursday, giving the Crimson Tide their highest-ranked commitment in the 2026 class.</p><p>"I grew up watching Alabama since I was a little kid," Crowell told <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/5-star-rb-ezavier-crowell-goes-in-depth-on-his-commitment-to-alabama/">On3's Chad Simmons</a>. "Alabama was my dream school. I have been watching them since I was a little kid, so committing to Alabama is a dream come true. Since they offered me as a freshman, I have been thinking about this. I have known for a while that Alabama is where I wanted to go."</p><p>He added, "I have been watching Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, T.J. Yeldon, and Josh Jacobs play at Alabama. They know how to get running backs to the NFL. Those were some of the greats, and I have watched them make a lot of plays at Alabama. That is what I plan to do."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crowell ranks 31st in the 2026 class, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/261456/ezavier-crowell">ESPN 300</a>. The four-star tailback is the second-highest-ranked prospect out of Alabama. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder also had official visits with Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Texas.</p><p>Alabama closed the day with six ESPN 300 recruits in its 2026 class. In addition to Crowell, Kalen DeBoer's outfit added the commitment of four-star tight end Mack Sutter on Thursday.</p>

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 13: Big Al, mascot of the Alabama Crimson Tide, waves the flag after their 52-12 win over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Jon Jones will fight again des...

<p>Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Jon Jones will fight again despite the former heavyweight champ's recent retirement announcement.</p><p>"I think he'll come back," Adesanya told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1938322149653287152">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>. "It's just the drama of it. ... What do they call it now? The kids call it rage-baiting. It's working."</p><p>Jones <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3302817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3302817">announced</a> his retirement June 21 as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, ending speculation about his future and rumors about him potentially fighting Tom Aspinall.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 37-year-old Jones last fought in November when he defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The promotion tried to schedule a blockbuster Jones versus Aspinall fight, but Jones repeatedly said he wasn't interested in facing Aspinall, who became the undisputed champ since Jones called it a career.</p><p>Adesanya still believes MMA fans will see the two UFC heavyweights clash, though.</p><p>"I think he'll fight Tom. It's too much money," Adesanya said. "It'll even be bigger by the time he comes back because Tom would have had like two or three fights, and then built up his own legacy as well."</p><p>Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title in November 2023 by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. The 32-year-old later defended his belt with a first-round victory against Curtis Blaydes in July 2024, and he hasn't fought since. It's unclear when Aspinall will fight again, and against whom.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Jon Jones of the United States of America looks on before facing Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City.

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The Brooklyn Nets set an NBA draft record Wednesday by finishing the night with five first-round ...

<p>The Brooklyn Nets set an NBA draft record Wednesday by finishing the night with five first-round selections.</p><p>Brooklyn entered this year's draft with five first-round picks (Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, and 27) after adding its latest Round 1 selection Tuesday in a reported three-team trade that sent center <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks. The Porzingis deal is expected to become official July 6 when the NBA's moratorium period ends following a week of free agency.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>School/Club</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Egor Demin</td>
<td>BYU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Nolan Traore</td>
<td> Saint-Quentin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Drake Powell</td>
<td>UNC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td>Ben Saraf</td>
<td>Ratiopharm Ulm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td>Danny Wolf</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>BYU's top-10 guard Egor Demin headlines the Nets' 2025 haul. Brooklyn used its next pick on another international playmaker in France's Nolan Traore with the 19th selection and repeated that trend with Israeli guard Ben Saraf at No. 26. The Nets selected Michigan big Danny Wolf with the following pick, and Drake Powell is Brooklyn-bound via the Hawks as part of the Porzingis trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p> </p>

Russian basketball player Egor Demin (R) shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected eighth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during the opening round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25, 2025.

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The Charlotte Hornets are trading center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 pick in...

<p>The Charlotte Hornets are trading center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a> to the Phoenix Suns for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2029 first-round selection, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1938043837521248413">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 2029 first-rounder will be the least favorable of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves (top-five protected), according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1938044548132786508">Charania</a>.</p><p>Phoenix is also sending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110294" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110294">Vasilije Micic</a> to the Hornets in the deal, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1938050411920781745">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Charlotte agreed to send Williams to the Lakers in February, but Los Angeles rescinded the move after the center failed his physical.</p><p>Williams, the No. 15 pick in 2022, averaged 15.3 points this past season, the best mark of his career. The 23-year-old also posted 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 44 games.</p><p>Injuries have been an issue for the Duke product, who's played only 106 contests across three NBA campaigns.</p><p>Adding size became a priority for the Suns this year after a disappointing 2024-25 season. In addition to reportedly acquiring Williams, Phoenix is adding Duke center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162172" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162172">Khaman Maluach</a> 10th overall in the 2025 draft. That selection belonged to the Rockets but was sent to the Suns as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> trade to Houston.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets plays against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Utah Jazz big man John Collins has exercised his $26.5 million player option for the 2025-26 seas...

<p>Utah Jazz big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> has exercised his $26.5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937986299354300893">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Collins averaged a team-high 19 points in 40 games this past season - his second in Utah. He also posted 8.2 rebounds, two assists, and one block per contest while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc.</p><p>The 27-year-old would've become a free agent if he had declined his player option by Thursday's deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Collins has been listed as a potential trade candidate this offseason, and the Jazz are reportedly open to moving the former first-round pick two years after he landed with his hometown team in a deal from the Atlanta Hawks.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 14: John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 14, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle is opting into his $11.5-million player option for ...

<p>Portland Trail Blazers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46144">Matisse Thybulle</a> is opting into his $11.5-million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1937587151367209268">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.</p><p>The decision comes after injuries limited him to 15 games this past campaign. Thybulle averaged a career-high 7.5 points per contest in 2024-25, along with 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists. The two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection also registered 2.2 steals per contest.</p><p>Thybulle has spent the past three seasons with the Trail Blazers, who acquired him as part of a February 2023 trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old previously played four campaigns for the Philadelphia 76ers, establishing himself as an elite perimeter defender.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - APRIL 06: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers controls a rebound during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the Moda Center on April 06, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.

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Report: Blazers' Thybulle exercises $11.5M player option for 2025-26

New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Tuesday that the 2025 season is likely his...

<p>New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> said Tuesday that the 2025 season is likely his final campaign in the NFL.</p><p>"I'm pretty sure this is it. That's why we just did a one-year deal," Rodgers said on "<a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1937549688430805015">The Pat McAfee Show</a>." "The Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I've had."</p><p>Rodgers added, "What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL, with (head coach) Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodgers, 41, signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh on June 5 after spending the past two seasons with the New York Jets. The four-time NFL MVP considered retiring this offseason before joining the Steelers.</p><p>Rodgers played his first 18 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, who drafted him 24th overall in 2005. The former Super Bowl MVP helped Green Bay lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2011 and left the team with a franchise-record 475 career touchdown passes.</p><p>The Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets during the 2023 offseason, but the 10-time Pro Bowler's stint in New York didn't go as planned. Rodgers sustained an Achilles injury in his Jets debut and then went 5-12 with the club in 2024.</p><p>"It's not really, 'Can't go out like this.' I love the game," Rodgers <a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1937551112565063722">said</a> about his decision to play in 2025 after the Jets released him.</p><p>He added, "I didn't need this. I didn't need it at all. I don't feel the need to prove anything to anybody, don't have any chip on my shoulder that I need to hold on to. I don't want the attention. I know that's a narrative out there. When this is all done ... you won't see me. I won't be in the public, I don't want to live a public life."</p><p>The Steelers haven't had a losing season since Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007. However, Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, having gone one-and-done five times since its last postseason win.</p><p>"While I'm in it, for this year, I'm going to give the Steelers everything that I've got and empty the tank," the veteran passer added.</p><p>Rodgers' expected last dance with Pittsburgh features games against his former two teams. The Steelers play the Jets in their season opener and the Packers in October.</p><p>Rodgers has passed for 62,952 yards and 503 touchdowns against 116 interceptions in 248 regular-season appearances in the NFL. His 102.6 career passer rating is the highest in league history. </p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Rodgers 'pretty sure' he'll retire after 2025 season

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton picked up his $33.3-million player option for the 2025...

<p>Washington Wizards forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> picked up his $33.3-million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937223535384293629?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The three-time NBA All-Star joined the Wizards prior to February's trade deadline after playing 11-plus seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, who re-signed him to a three-year, $102 million contract in 2023.</p><p>Middleton struggled to stay healthy in recent years and made just 14 appearances for Washington, averaging 22.1 minutes per game. The 33-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>If healthy, Middleton could be a key veteran presence on a Wizards team rostering several promising players. Washington selected <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121720">Alex Sarr</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121678">Bub Carrington</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121677">Kyshawn George</a> in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.</p><p>The Wizards finished with a 18-64 record this past season and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Khris Middleton #32 of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 27, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Wizards' Middleton picks up $33M option for 2025-26 season

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Caio Miari

News Editor

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