Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the Built to Last alternate rivalries edition helmets of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Offensive tackle Oli Udoh has been removed from the Minnesota Vikings’ roster orbit for three years, bouncing around the NFL since, and now landing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Udoh is headed to Arizona after spending most of his career in Minnesota.
Udoh experienced a quiet free agency out of the gate, but he’s in the house with Mike LaFleur’s team, probably on tap for OT3 or OT4 in 2026.
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Arizona Adds Familiar Vikings Depth Up Front
Udoh originally played for the Vikings for five years, believe it or not.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh blocks during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium, Sep 14, 2025, in Nashville. Udoh works along the edge to protect the quarterback and create rushing lanes as Tennessee battles a physical Rams defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Udoh to ARI
It’s official. Udoh is a member of Kyler Murray’s old team. Cardinals reporter Darren Urban wrote Friday, “The Cardinals still may use the No. 3 pick overall on an offensive lineman, but they continue to add depth to the roster for the unit and give themselves leeway for their first pick in April’s draft. On Friday, that came in the form of a one-year contract with veteran Olisaemeka’ Oli’ Udoh.”
“Udoh, 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, has played 74 games in his NFL career since becoming a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2019. The Cardinals are expected to draft a tackle at some point, and there remains the possibility that it would come at No. 3; Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is mocked most often as the probable pick if that were to happen.”
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Vikings fans, for the most part, remember Udoh in a positive light — and as an effective depth lineman.
The Cardinals’ OTs before the Draft
With Udoh in the house, the Cardinals’ OT group now looks like this:
Paris Johnson Jr.
Elijah Wilkinson
Josh Fryer
Oli Udoh
Demontrey Jacobs
Christian Jones
Wilkinson, the man on tap for starting RT duty, is a serviceable-to-decent OT. He can hold the job if needed in September. However, he’s not a dazzling solution, so the Cardinals are widely expected to draft a tackle with the third overall pick — probably the aforementioned Francis Mauigoa from Miami. The pick would put Odoh in line as OT4 or so.
Udoh’s Resume
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Udoh served as a backup tackle throughout his rookie contract with the Vikings, playing in 43 games and starting 18 when injuries arose. Minnesota also tried Udoh at guard in 2021 and 2022, but penalties hampered his progress, preventing him from securing a consistent role.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Olisaemeka Udoh walks off the field following a game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium, Oct 19, 2025, in Nashville. Udoh exits after another outing in a rotational role, contributing depth along the offensive line during the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Udoh started at guard full-time in 2021, holding the position for the entire season. His most productive period came in 2022 when he returned to a backup role and earned a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade in 189 snaps.
His career stops through six seasons:
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2023)
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Tennessee Titans (2025)
Arizona Cardinals (2026-now)
Udoh played 341 snaps for the 2025 Titans, or about one-third of the time.
Our Janik Eckardt on Udoh: “It’s unlikely that Udoh is more than depth, but he has made a career out of providing an alternative as an injury replacement at offensive tackle. At 6’6″ and 323 lbs, Udoh had the size and the movement skills to be an intriguing tackle prospect, which is why Rick Spielman took a shot when he drafted the Elon project.”
“In his rookie year, Udoh made the 53-man roster and avoided any practice squad stints. His only rookie appearance came against all-world defender Khalil Mack and he looked surprisingly good against him. After another season of depth duties, Udoh’s breakthrough came in 2021 when Mike Zimmer’s squad deployed him as a starting guard, with inconsistent results, especially in the penalty category.”
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All the Cardinals FA Moves
Arizona has been one of the busier teams in the NFL this offseason, adding these newcomers and re-signing these men:
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Oli Udoh stretches during pregame warmups before facing the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Aug 27, 2021, in Kansas City. Udoh prepares for action as part of Minnesota’s offensive line rotation during a preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Golf great John Daly shared a hilarious moment that may have been more serious after watching a video he posted on social media, calling himself a “jacka–” in the process.
Daly was in desert terrain at the La Paloma Country Club for the Cologuard Classic, when he was trying to hit a shot onto a green when he lost his footing.
As he tried to gain traction in the sand, Daly’s feet fell from under him, and he slid down a long desert hill. Multiple people got involved, voluntarily jumping down the hill to see if Daly was all right.
John Daly of the United States plays a tee shot on the first hole during the second round of the Cologuard Classic 2026 at La Paloma Country Club on March 21, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Daly left unscathed, but he did enjoy putting the theme music to the “Jackass” franchise over the video to share to the masses.
“Bellyfloppin’ in the desert,” Daly captioned the video, while shouting out his caddie, Joel Cooley, who sprang to action to see if his partner was doing fine at the bottom of the hill.
“On today’s episode of ‘jacka**’” was also seen on top of the video.
While he doesn’t usually show off his bellyflopping, Daly remains a key figure in golf.
John Daly of the United States plays his second shot on the ninth hole during the first round of the Cologuard Classic 2026 at La Paloma Country Club on March 20, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
He spends most of his time on the course for the Champions Tour, which is former PGA Tour players 50 years and older. His most recent round came on Sunday, where he finished tied for 29th with a 6-under tournament in the Cologuard Classic.
Daly was just named the 2026 Ambassador of Golf Award honoree ahead of the Kaulig Companies Championship at the signature Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The award recognizes those making an impact on the course as well as in their communities off the course.
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“I’ve always loved this game and what it’s given me,” he said in a press release for the award. “Golf has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to incredible people along the way. To be recognized with the Ambassador of Golf Award is truly an honor, and I’m proud to support the meaningful work being done here in Northeast Ohio.”
John Daly hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the PNC Championship 2025 at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on Dec. 21, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.(Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Daly’s impact on the sport is quite iconic, whether it’s his monstrous drives from the tee box, winning the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth alternate in the field, or taking home The Open Championship in 1995 at St. Andrews, forever marking himself as a multi-time major winner.
His larger-than-life personality has always been on display, even today in silly moments like these on and off the course.
Moses Itauma has been accused of swerving a title shot, which can still be salvaged if he defeats Jermaine Franklin on March 28.
The 21-year-old will square off with Franklin, a durable operator who represents his toughest opponent thus far, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
Up to this point, the heavyweight prodigy has shown considerable talent and potential against mostly limited opposition, with his last performance coming against a faded Dillian Whyte.
One such assignment should arrive against Franklin, who lost a unanimous decision to Anthony Joshua in 2023 but has since established himself as a solid fringe contender.
If nothing else, the American is likely to take Itauma past round two for the first time in nine fights, giving him the necessary experience to resume his swift development.
After that, Itauma could revisit a clash with WBA ‘Regular’ champion Murat Gassiev, who has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential opponent for the prolific knockout artist.
Regarding a possible showdown with Itauma, meanwhile, Gassiev’s coach Anton Kadushin has told IBA that they remain open to such discussions but feel the Brit’s team have backed off following his most recent KO.
“After the fight with Pulev, Moses Itauma went quiet. All the talk of a fight with Murat stopped.
“But if this fight becomes inevitable – if we win the next one; if Moses Itauma comes out and says he’s ready to face Gassiev at the end of the year, and if the terms are right for us – then we’re open to it. Gassiev is not avoiding anyone.”
By winning the WBA ‘Regular’ belt, Itauma would place himself in a strong position to be upgraded to full champion if Oleksandr Usyk either vacates, or is stripped of, his world title. The fight had been ordered by the WBA, but if Itauma is taken another route he remains well placed with the other sanctioning bodies.
The Seattle Seahawks did not just reward production when they handed Jaxon Smith-Njigba a record four-year, $168.6 million extension. According to Colin Cowherd, they paid for something NFL teams value just as much as elite numbers.
Smith-Njigba earned the deal after a Super Bowl-winning season in which he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards. He is now the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. Cowherd argued the overlooked factor was professionalism, not just talent.
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“Talent alone in pro sports absolutely has a ceiling,” he said on ‘The Herd,’ today. “No drama, no big ego. He is what every CEO is seeking. He is what every GM is seeking. He gets along with teammates, quarterbacks, coaches, coordinators. He never steps in it.”
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Cowherd summed it up by saying, “Ego and drama always punctures talent… This is a prime example why Seattle had to make big decisions, and where do they set the record with JSN, you think it’s just talent. It’s not just talent. No babysitting him, no drama. He cares about the right stuff. He carries himself like a professional…”
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This was not only about rewarding a superstar season. The Seahawks are betting massive money on a proven playmaker who, in Cowherd’s eyes, carries himself like a franchise cornerstone.
Colin Cowherd uses Jaxon Smith-Njigba to warn Puka Nacua
In the same segment, Cowherd had a piece of advice, masked in the form of a warning for Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. He said,
“Many young athletes get terrible advice. JSN, huge talent, no drama. It’s like Amon-Ra St. Brown, you don’t have to worry about him. You don’t have to babysit him. He’s a grown-up. Puka Nacua, by the way, is great, but he has stepped in it multiple times with the Rams.”
“The Rams are going to take a wide receiver, I believe, early in this draft, just in case he steps in it again… And I love Puka, and so do the Rams. Maybe he should stream less…”
Nacua also had a monster season with Rams (1,715 yards) and fell just short of eclipsing Jaxon Smith-Njigba for most receiving yards in the 2025 NFL season.
Phil Foden’s late appearance in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal felt more like a “charity” substitution, according to former England captain Wayne Rooney.
City were closing in on a 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium on Sunday when Foden came on in the 90th minute, replacing Rayan Cherki. The 25-year-old has struggled for regular playing time, starting only four of City’s last 13 matches in all competitions and failing to score in his past 20 appearances.
Foden said after the game: “Football sometimes is not straightforward. There are ups and downs and sometimes you can’t be the best version of yourself. It’s just about how you pick yourself back up. I’m still keeping my head down and trying to train as well as I can every day. Hopefully I come back after the internationals a lot sharper and get more minutes.”
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Despite his recent struggles, Foden has won 18 trophies since breaking into the first team and was called up to the expanded England squad for upcoming friendlies. However, there are questions over whether he will make the squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Speaking on his show, Rooney said: “I felt sad for him, but not because he was coming on in a cup final. To see Phil Foden come on at the end felt like a charity sub. He is a top player, but it feels strange he can’t get near the team. He will be pleased they won the cup, but he would have wanted to be out there making an impact. That will be tough for him.”
The 31-year-old Englishman had a disappointing bogey on 18 to finish runner-up at last week’s Players Championship, and he trailed the Valspar Championship’s third-round leader, Sungjae Im, by three shots heading into the final round.
But when Im faded with a final-round 74, Fitzpatrick kept the pedal to the metal, carding a bogey-free round of three-under 68 to claim victory by a single shot over David Lipsky.
Fitzpatrick sealed his win with a birdie on the 18th hole. With the pressure on, Fitzpatrick laced a 303-yard drive down the middle of the fairway, setting up a 116-yard approach, which he hit to 14 feet — then drained the putt.
Fitzpatrick’s driver — Titleist’s GT3 — has become a true weapon for him in recent years.
“By optimizing his move and leaning into the high speed tech of the Titleist GT3, he has climbed the distance charts, currently averaging over 300 yards off the tee,” wrote GOLF’s director of gear Johnny Wunder. “The counter-balanced Mitsubishi Orange shaft is the secret sauce here — it allows him to swing with aggressive intent while maintaining the face-angle control required to thread the needle through the Snake Pit.”
Titleist’s GT3 driver features five possible weight locations (H2, H1, N, T1, T2) that get the CG closer in line to the golfer’s strike location tendencies. The club is designed for players looking to have additional control over their ball and shot shape.
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Check out Fitzpatrick’s Titleist GT3 driver in detail below. And to add a customized version of the driver to your bag, click on the link to order your own new club from Fairway Jockey.
Shop Titleist’s GT3 driver at Fairway Jockey
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Titleist GT3 Custom Driver
GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control
GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.
For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control.
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A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence.
Split Mass Construction
A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact.
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GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.
As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.
India’s Anahat Singh will face off against Egypt’s Hana Moataz in the women’s final while in the men’s category Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani booked their respective spots in the Indian Open squash, here on Saturday.
Anahat got the better of compatriot Tanvi 3-1 (11-6 9-11 11-8 11-2) to make it to the summit clash. After dictating the early exchanges, the Indian ace took the opening game following which Tanvi bounced back to level the contest.
However, despite Tanvi’s strong start in the third game, Anahat grew in confidence and control. Her consistent shot-making and movement around the court helped her to win the third as well as the fourth.
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In the other women’s semifinal, Moataz defeated compatriot Nadien Elhammamy 3-1 (11-8 5-11 11-5 11-7) in an all-Egyptian contest.
After edging a closely fought opening game, Moataz lost the second before raising her intensity in the final two games to secure her spot in the final.
In the men’s event, Abhay overcame a strong challenge from Ameeshenraj Chandaran from Malaysia to win 3-1 (11-9 9-11 11-3 11-8).
Abhay was pushed hard by the unseeded Chandaran in a gripping encounter. The Malaysian matched the Indian’s shots during long rallies, producing powerful forehands and sharp returns.
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Abhay began strongly, racing to a 9-4 lead in the opening game. Chandaran mounted a spirited comeback with five consecutive points to level the score, but the Indian held his nerve at the crucial moment to clinch the game 11-9.
In the second game, Chandaran was trailing 8-9 at one stage but the Malaysian surged ahead with three straight points to take the game 11-9 and level the match.
Abhay dominating proceedings to win the third game 11-3. The fourth saw another intense battle as Abhay fought back from 2-6 down to level at 7-7 before closing out the contest 11-8.
In the other semifinal, fourth seed Chotrani defeated another Malaysian, Sanjay Jeeva, also by a 3-1 margin (11-7 11-5 5-11 11-6), setting up an all-Indian showdown for the title.
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The Indian recovered from a slightly nervy start to win the opening game 11-7 and continued his dominance to claim the second 11-5. Jeeva won the third game 11-4, but Chotrani bounced back to win the fourth 11-6 and seal the match in his favour.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has discussed Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford’s future after his man-of-the-match performance in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal
Alan Shearer has outlined why he thinks Newcastle United could potentially secure the signing of Manchester City star James Trafford in the coming months. The Magpies were reported to be pursuing Trafford last summer whilst the goalkeeper was at Burnley.
Trafford subsequently departed the Clarets but chose to join City instead, who triggered a buy-back provision in the goalkeeper’s deal to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium for £27million.
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The City shot-stopper was the standout performer at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Trafford played a crucial role in City’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal.
Trafford produced a string of vital stops to preserve a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory against the Gunners, though questions persist regarding the goalkeeper’s long-term future.
City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, which has resulted in Trafford occupying the backup goalkeeper position this campaign, and Shearer has explained why a move to Newcastle might once again be feasible when the summer transfer window opens, reports Chronicle Live.
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“He’s coming to Newcastle, lads,” Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast.
When asked if Trafford could leave City this summer, Shearer added: “It wouldn’t surprise me. It was almost done and dusted last summer and then, for whatever reason, City came back in with a buy-back clause.
“I guess he thought that he was going there as a No.1 [goalkeeper], and clearly other things took over with Donnarumma [moving to City].
“I would like to think that Newcastle would be back in for him. He will definitely have options, but if he was that close to Newcastle last summer, I would see no reason for him to not be that close again.”
Trafford spoke honestly about his return to the City line-up after playing a pivotal role in their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal, as well as the challenges he has faced due to his lack of regular appearances this season.
“Yeah, it means a lot to have his [Pep Guardiola’s] faith, and it’s a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I’ve been brought in for club games,” Trafford told Sky Sports. “Every time that I play I just give it my best shot.
“No illusions, it hasn’t been easy at all. It’s been really tough at times, but I have a really good set of people around me.
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“My teammates and my coaches have been brilliant. They have kept me going and given me individual goals. It’s down to them.”
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.
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And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Monday as he seeks an additional season of eligibility.
Heinecke, who participated in last month’s NFL Scouting Combine after his waiver request and appeal were denied by the NCAA, is seeking an injunction before the NFL draft begins on April 23.
An emergency hearing for the case has been scheduled for April 16 in Oklahoma’s Cleveland County Court.
“We’re not giving up,” Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy said of Heinecke’s case earlier this month. “Owen is just a guy you want to fight for.”
Heinecke was ruled by the NCAA to be out of collegiate eligibility due to playing in three lacrosse games at Ohio State in 2021 before transferring to Oklahoma’s football program as a walk-on. He redshirted in 2022 before playing 39 games over the last three seasons.
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He had just 11 total tackles from 2023-24 but broke out last season with 74 tackles (second on the team), 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, earning recognition on the All-SEC second team.
“OU fully supports Owen and his pursuit of a fair opportunity to continue playing the game he loves,” Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. “We’ll stand firmly beside him as he works to do just that.”
Heinecke joins a growing list of college football players suing the NCAA for extra eligibility this offseason to mixed results.
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Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction to play in 2026 by a Mississippi state court last month, while Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar had his injunction denied. The NCAA has appealed Chambliss’ case.
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is also suing the NCAA in an attempt to be granted a seventh year of eligibility.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) lines up across the interior and reacts after the snap against the Las Vegas Raiders, Dec 26, 2020, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, working through contact in the trenches while anchoring the defensive front during a late-season AFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Former Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins remains a free agent and evidently wants back in the NFL after a year off. If so, the Minnesota Vikings should sign him. It’s as simple as that.
There are just too many angles for Wilkins to Minnesota to be merely a pipe dream.
Wilkins reportedly has a growing free-agent market, and there’s no reason the Vikings shouldn’t be at the front of the line.
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Wilkins Could Solve the Vikings DT Hole
Get Wilkins to Minny.
Christian Wilkins celebrates after being selected 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins during the first round of the NFL Draft in downtown Nashville, Apr 25, 2019. The Clemson standout begins his professional journey as one of the top defensive tackle prospects, bringing energy and leadership to Miami’s defensive rebuild. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
26 Teams Allegedly Kicking the Tires on Wilkins
All signs point to a Wilkins return — sometime soon.
SBNation‘s Justis Mosqueda wrote Friday, “According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 26 teams have reached out to former Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ camp in anticipation of his return to the NFL in 2026. Per agent David Mulugheta, by way of Schefter, Wilkins is still rehabbing a foot injury that he suffered in 2024.”
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“Last July, the Raiders voided $32.5 million in guarantees on Wilkins’ deal, as he did not follow their medical advice following a Jones fracture injury. According to reports, the Raiders believed that Wilkins needed surgery, which he refused. As far as we know, Wilkins is still attempting to rehab this foot injury without surgery, and his camp has been unable to claw back the $32.5 million that he lost over this decision.”
In fact, it would be strange if 26 teams called Wilkins, and the Vikings were not among them.
The Brian Flores Connection
Flores’ tenure as Miami Dolphins head coach began in 2019, and that spring, the team drafted Wilkins as the very first draft pick of the Flores era. Flores didn’t simply inherit Wilkins; he helped mold him into a key player on Miami’s defensive line. This history is significant because, should the Vikings pursue Wilkins, Flores already possesses intimate knowledge of his capabilities, his fit within a defensive scheme, and how best to utilize him.
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Furthermore, Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel — one of Flores’ trusted players, now in Minnesota — were Dolphins teammates. The existing relationship streamlines the assessment of Wilkins’ potential integration into the locker room.
For Vikings interim boss Rob Brzezinski, evaluating Wilkins to bolster the run defense is therefore straightforward. Flores offers firsthand insight; he knows the guy — better than most.
The Resume and the Price
The on-the-field connection between Wilkins and the Vikings is logical. Wilkins is consistently one of the league’s best run defenders, a strength the Vikings can put to use on Day One.
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Moreover, Wilkins is currently available, and his next contract is projected to be significantly less than his previous one. His Pro Football Focus run defense grades since entering the league demonstrate his consistently high-level play:
Wilkins is 30 and remains an interior lineman capable of immediate impact.
What happened to Wilkins in Las Vegas? Well, an unexpected offseason development complicated everything. Following a dispute over the treatment of a foot injury, the Raiders released Wilkins, voiding his guarantees. This disagreement, compounded by a bizarre locker-room incident involving a teammate, quickly escalated, creating an irreparable rift.
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins warms up on the field before a road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sep 15, 2024. Wilkins prepares for action as a key interior presence, bringing strength and disruption to the Raiders defensive front early in the season. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Wilkins then entered the free-agent market with diminished leverage compared to 2024, when Las Vegas offered him $110 million over four years. His next contract will likely focus on re-establishing himself in the league. Perhaps in the ballpark for $5 million.
For a squad like Minnesota, signing Wilkins is an obvious move: a proven player at a reduced cost who can immediately fill a critical role. That works for the Vikings, a team with a skimpy budget at the moment.
Out with Allen + Hargrave
Why would Minnesota need Wilkins in the first place? Pretty simple — the club cut ties with two starting defensive tackles a couple of weeks ago, saying goodbye to Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who spent the 2025 campaign in the Twin Cities, with disappointing outcomes.
The Vikings still have Jalen Redmond in the house for DT duties, but after him on the depth chart, the outlook gets thinner. So, fans expect interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to pick an interior defensive lineman early in next month’s draft — and/or sign Wilkins.
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Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins watches the action from the field during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium, Dec 24, 2023. Wilkins surveys the offense between plays, anchoring the interior while Miami battles a playoff-caliber opponent late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
If 26 teams are chatting with Wilkins about a prove-it contract, the Vikings, because of the Flores connection, have no reason not to be at the top of the list. Think of it this way: the team that just cut its two starting defensive tackles and the franchise that employs Flores, who brought Wilkins into the NFL, should be the number-one-with-a-bullet suitor for Wilkins’s services.
It just makes too much sense.
Wilkins is also a two-time National Champion from the Clemson days. He’ll turn 31 in December.
England winger Jadon Sancho might return to Borussia Dortmund, Zinedine Zidane agrees to take over as France manager and Roberto de Zerbi lines up the Tottenham job.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has agreed to take over as manager of France after the World Cup. The 53-year-old, who scored twice as France won the 1998 World Cup final, will replace Didier Deschamps, 57. (ESPN), external
Manchester United have yet to make contact with any candidates to become their new permanent manager in the summer and the club’s hierarchy will not rush into a decision. (Sky Sports), external
Leeds and Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, 27, is wanted by German clubs Schalke and Hannover. (Teamtalk), external
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Manchester United are keen on signing left-back Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich this summer, with the Bundesliga club open to offers for the 25-year-old Canada international. (CFBayerninsider), external
French forward Antoine Griezmann, 35, is set to end his 10-season association with Atletico Madrid in the summer to join the MLS side Orlando City. (Times – subscription required), external
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