NFL free agency has ground to a halt, and the Minnesota Vikings were quiet before and after signing quarterback Kyler Murray. Next up is the draft in less than four weeks, so we take a look at the current state of affairs in the rumor mill.

Three Vikings rumors are floating again as April gets closer.

Sportsbooks expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, a forecast that follows Minnesota pretty much every year.

Sorting through Minnesota’s Newest Rumor Speculation

A glance at the Vikings’ current rumor mill, some 3.5 weeks before the draft.

Rumor: The Vikings could target Baker Mayfield in free agency next offseason.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic laid it out clearly, mapping why Baker Mayfield is positioned to push for an extension now while keeping his options open for 2027, when the market could expand. Minnesota showed up as a logical future landing spot in that framework.

He wrote, “Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50 million in free agency. Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not farfetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history. And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite. The Minnesota Vikings would be another obvious fit, but there would be a handful of teams ready to pursue the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.”

“Mayfield should be very much aware of his potential market if the Bucs balk at the going rate. If he can’t reach a long-term deal this offseason, don’t be surprised if he adjusts his strategy to negotiate a clause that prevents the Bucs from using the franchise tag on him in 2027. It wouldn’t come with the desired raise, but it would get him to free agency next offseason.”

It all points to Mayfield holding the cards entering the final year of his deal. Tampa Bay has to account for that reality as extension talks heat up.

Of course, generally speaking, Mayfield landing in Minnesota is a long shot. The Vikings have Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy to choose from for the future.

Rumor: Fabian Moreau would be a free-agent fit for the Cowboys.

Moreau landed on Pro Football Network‘s Tom Kennedy’s list of the NFL’s top remaining free agents — a level of recognition he rarely commands.

Kennedy noted, “Projected Contract: 2 years, $9.4 million AAV. In his last two years as a Viking, Fabian Moreau hasn’t started a game, serving in a heavily rotational role for Minnesota’s secondary. That said, he’s provided quality depth as an outside cornerback for their defense, allowing a passer rating of just 57.6 in 2025.”

“Moreau’s ball production doesn’t jump off the page because of his smaller sample size compared to other cornerbacks on this list. But he’s been quite efficient on the field, adding a No. 33-ranked 79.5 CBi score in 2025. He’s a high-level depth piece who could slide into a stopgap starting role if need be. Potential Landing Spots: Vikings, Cowboys.”

As of now, there’s been no real momentum or credible buzz connecting Moreau back to Minnesota after his 2024 and 2025 run under Kevin O’Connell.

In 2025, Moreau excelled as a CB3, earning a 70.9 PFF grade and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 47.4 passer rating on 19 targets. He solidified a position that had been uncertain in August, consistently executing his assignments with reliable play. Though his playing time was limited, he consistently performed well when on the field.

The performance adds value heading into 2026. At 31 years old, Moreau remains a dependable CB3 or CB4, whether in Minnesota or with another team. Kennedy says Dallas for Moreau.

Rumor: The Vikings should draft Ty Simpson, per former NFLer Chase Daniel.

Simpson to the Vikings should be in play, according to Daniel, a former Chicago Bears passer.

He said in a video on Twitter (X) late last week, “The second that Kyler signed with KOC, in my opinion, J.J.’s done there. They’re not giving J.J. a chance to win the QB1 job. It would surprise me, very much so. You don’t sign there to be a backup to J.J. McCarthy. I think J.J. McCarthy’s days with the Vikings are done.”

“I do, and so that’s why I think you have to entertain drafting Ty Simpson. You’re not sure what Kyler’s going to do. It’s a one-year deal, $1.3 million. I just think if Ty can go to KOC, and there’s a lot of things that can happen, but with that offense, come on, man.”

Most Vikings fans dismissed Daniels’s video — Minnesota has a full house at quarteback.

Daniel also doubled down, bizarrely linking Carson Wentz’s $3 million contract to McCarthy’s potential departure, a connection that seemed tenuous at best. Daniels has cultivated a social media reputation for making outlandish claims, and this latest assertion was no exception.

A week after Costello Van Steenis put on an impressive performance by dominating and then submitting Fabian Edwards in round three at PFL Madrid for his first title defense of his PFL Middleweight championship, Johnny Eblen and Impa Kasanganay put the champ on notice with impressive finishes of their own.

First up was Kasanganay, who found himself in a fire-fight against Pittsburgh’s own, Dalton Rosta, who was out to impress the hometown crowd with a show in the co-main event. And that’s just what he and Kasanganay gave them as the two engaged in an all-out brawl in round one which saw them stand in the center of the cage and swing for the fences. In the end, it was Kasanganay who connected the shot that sent Rosta crashing to the canvas only to eat a few more follow up shots.

Advertisement

In the headlining bout, Eblen came out and simply suffocated and domianted Bryan Battle, who probably should not have been in there with “Pressure” in his PFL debut. Nevertheless, Eblen did what he had to do and bullied “The Butcher” for as long as the fight lasted, slamming him to the canvas repeatedly before securing an air-tight rear-naked choke that gave him the first-round win.

Check out finishes below:

Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 4 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and
Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs.
Melbourne Storm
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 28, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Odds

North Queensland Cowboys vs Melbourne Storm Preview

South Sydney returns to Accor Stadium seeking a response after an uneven start to the season. While their attacking talent remains evident, lapses in defence have proven costly in recent weeks. Their opponents arrive with momentum, having produced a disciplined performance built on strong completions and defensive pressure. Historically, this fixture has delivered competitive contests, often decided in the closing stages. South Sydney’s spine will be central to their chances, needing to find greater cohesion to unlock opposition defences. With both teams capable of scoring quickly, this shapes as an open encounter where control and composure will be crucial.

England’s Jos Buttler insists he still has the hunger for runs, saying a complete break from cricket in the Alps has rejuvenated him for the Indian Premier League after a horror T20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper cut a downcast figure opening the England batting in the global showpiece, scoring just 87 runs in eight matches up to the semi-final defeat to eventual champions India this month. “It’s great to have a nice break,” Buttler, whose Gujarat Titans team will begin their campaign against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on on Tuesday, told AFP.

“I actually went to the Alps so I couldn’t have been further away from cricket which was really nice. 

“Had some time away and I’m really excited now, looking forward to another IPL season,” added the former England white-ball captain.

Opener Buttler, who has scored 4,037 T20 runs for England since his 2011 debut, was a shadow of his usually destructive self in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Buttler’s top score was a less-than-fluent 26 against Nepal in England’s opening match. 

He hit a scratchy 21 against the West Indies in the next group game then had a run of five single-digit scores before scoring 25 in the semi-final defeat.

Buttler’s slump in form has left a question mark over his future in Harry Brook’s England side, but the 35-year-old said he retained his motivation for the game.

‘Still hungry’

“I’m still hungry to score runs,” said Buttler. 

“I think I’m at a stage in my career now and having just had those few weeks to reflect, I just want to look forward and play what’s in front of me and not make any plans really.

“Whether you’re playing well in terms of runs or not scoring runs… you have to have the same energy and motivation to go to practise and to the next match. 

“As long as I’ve got that energy to turn up to the next one, I’ll keep going,” he said.

Buttler has made just one half-century in his last four International Cricket Council white-ball tournaments. 

But is looking to regain his form in the IPL, where he has been one of the most successful overseas batsmen. 

In 2022, Buttler equalled Virat Kohli’s record of four centuries in a season.

“The onus is on you to get going quickly in your innings and play aggressively,” he said.

“But I think the biggest thing for me and maybe a lesson to learn is just to stay in my own lane and just focus on my own cricket and my own game and play my own way.”

Buttler plays in other T20 franchise tournaments, including England’s The Hundred and Australia’s Big Bash League.

He agreed with recent comments from Australia captain Pat Cummins that players chasing lucrative franchise league pay days was creating tension with national selectors. 

England Test opener Ben Duckett was due to play for Delhi capitals before pulling out of this year’s IPL to manage his workload and focus on international cricket.

“For players, it’s becoming a thing to weigh up what is the most important thing for you and your cricket at that time,” said Buttler, who believes English players put their country first.

“I can only speak on England’s behalf and you can feel it that the guys want to play for England — and play for England as long as they can.”

There is a danger that Test cricket could be marginalised, but Buttler said the five-day game would always be the ultimate format for him.

“It’s different for different countries,” he said. “I am still of the generation that (feels) Test cricket is the pinnacle.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Scotland stepped up their preparations for the World Cup with defeat against Japan in a friendly.

Thomas Tuchel’s England will face Japan on Tuesday, and the German dealt a blow to Harry Maguire’s hopes of making the final World Cup squad.

Derby day in the Women’s Super League saw victories for Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Boos for Scotland in Japan loss

Junya Ito’s late goal gave Japan a 1-0 win over Scotland in Steve Clarke’s side’s first 2026 World Cup warm-up game.

Clarke’s players left the Hampden Park pitch to euphoric scenes in November after their dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark qualified them for the finals in North America but their return to the national stadium was a much more sedate event.

Both sides hit the goal frame in the first half but Hajime Moriyasu’s side created more opportunities after the break and substitute Ito shot past keeper Angus Gunn in the 84th minute to break the deadlock and leave Scotland winless in four meetings against Japan.

Clarke revealed his surprise and disappointment after hearing some boos from the Tartan Army, saying: “It’s just the modern way, it seems to be now if you lose a game you get booed. You have just got to deal with it. It disappoints me.”

Harry Maguire down pecking order – Thomas Tuchel

England boss Tuchel has appeared to deliver a big blow to Maguire’s World Cup chances by insisting he is still at least the fifth-choice centre-back.

Maguire looked to have strengthened his case for being on the plane to North America in the summer as he delivered a commanding performance on his return to the national team set-up in Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.

“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central defender play,” said Tuchel. “That’s what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and (as a) weapon for set-pieces.

“I haven’t changed my mind but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.

“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.”

City dominate derby

Vivianne Miedema scored twice as Manchester City took another step towards the WSL title with a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands striker bagged a three-minute brace inside the opening 20 minutes before Kerstin Casparij swept in a third early at the start of the second half.

Alessia Russo’s first Arsenal hat-trick propelled the Gunners to a 5-2 north London derby victory over Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium as they moved up to second place.

The England striker opened the scoring with a fifth-minute header and completed her hat-trick less than 22 minutes later.

Ceri Holland’s brace helped 10-woman Liverpool claim Merseyside bragging rights with a 3-2 win over Everton.

Sean Dyche laughs off Spurs talk

Sean Dyche has quashed rumours he is in talks with Tottenham but described the relegation-threatened team as a “brilliant club” amid speculation over Igor Tudor’s position.

Spurs are without a fixture until April 12 but a run of five defeats in seven matches under interim head coach Tudor has placed his job at threat.

Tudor is currently dealing with the death of his father Mario but Dyche has been named by bookmakers as one of the leading contenders to take over if Tottenham were to make a change, and the appearance of the former Burnley boss in a London pub on Friday sparked interest on social media.

However, during an appearance on talkSPORT, Dyche said while laughing: “Ah, it’s brilliant, honestly.

“I was in the pub just up the way near my place, I’ve got down here and this guy goes, ‘ah, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs tonight?’ And I say, ‘I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness, so it’s unlikely – unless you work for Spurs!’”

What’s on today?

Chelsea can climb to second in the Women’s Super League table behind Manchester City with victory over Aston Villa while West Ham face London City Lionesses and Leicester play Brighton.