Sports
Auburn drubs Illinois State, will face Tulsa in NIT final
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers take on Seattle Redhawks during the second round of the National Invitation Tournament at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Keyshawn Hall was nearly unstoppable in a 24-point outing for overall No. 1 seed Auburn, and the sharp-shooting Tigers walloped Illinois State 88-66 in Thursday night’s second NIT semifinal in Indianapolis.
The smooth left-hander, who averages 19.4 points per game, stroked 10 of 16 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from deep, and added six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
With the victory, first-year coach Steven Pearl’s Tigers (21-16) advanced to meet fellow No. 1 seed Tulsa in Sunday night’s title matchup.
The Golden Hurricane toppled New Mexico 74-69 in the night’s first semifinal.
Kevin Overton went 5 for 5 from deep among his 16 points, while Filip Jovic scored 13. Tahaad Pettiford totaled 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, two of Auburn’s 13 steals and two blocks.
The Tigers made 34 of 56 (60.7%) from the field and 12 of 21 (57.1%) from beyond the arc.
Ty’Reek Coleman scored 17 points and Ty Pence and Chase Walker had 13 apiece for the Redbirds (23-13), who went toe-to-toe with the Southeastern Conference school for the first 10 minutes but could not maintain the offensive pace.
The Missouri Valley Conference school committed 18 turnovers that led to 26 Auburn points. The early tempo favored Auburn’s style of play as both teams shot above 60% from the floor and 3-point range in the first eight-plus minutes.
Auburn’s Overton scored six points and Hall added five, while Illinois State’s Johnny Kinziger tallied five as the Power Five squad led 21-16.
Pettiford’s four-point play at 8:36 on a 30-foot trey and a foul put Auburn ahead 33-24 as he, Overton and Hall proved to be too much in the final 10 minutes of the half.
The Tigers increased the lead to double digits with a late 7-0 run and led 51-38 at halftime. Hall poured in 15 points and Overton added 12 – combining for 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting.
Auburn shot 65.6% (21 of 32) overall and canned 7 of 11 (63.6%) 3-pointers, while Illinois State hit 16 of 28 (57.1%) and half of their 12 3-point attempts.
Hall remained hot by scoring seven points in the first four minutes of the second half, and Pettiford drained a trey from the wing as Auburn sprinted out to a commanding 61-41 lead at 15:35 and never let up.
–Field Level Media
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Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, broke her silence on social media following Tiger Woods’ stunning DUI arrest in Florida last week.
The golf legend’s arrest came just days after the couple were spotted together at the Golf League championship in Florida in which Woods competed in. Vanessa Trump’s daughter, Kai Trump, was also spotted in the stands.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC receives a hug and a kiss from Vanessa Trump before the match against Los Angeles Golf Club during the TGL finals at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on March 24, 2026. (IMAGN Syndication: Palm Beach Post)
But Vanessa Trump’s support for Woods looked different this week after the 15-time major winner was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI following a rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida.
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“Love you,” Vanessa Trump wrote over a picture of herself hugging Woods as the two appeared to relax on a hammock. The photo, posted to her Instagram Stories early Friday morning, was the same photo Woods shared on X when he first announced his relationship with her in March 2025.
“Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together,” he wrote in an X post at the time. “At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.”
Trump recently spoke to the New York Post about Woods’ arrest.
May 6, 2019; Washington, D.C., USA; President Donald Trump presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods during an event at the White House in the Rose Garden. (Scott Taetsch/USA TODAY Sports)
“I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good,” the president told the outlet, adding later, “He tested negative for alcohol, as you know, and he is under a tremendous physical pressure from his various ailments, you know, the back and the leg.”
TRUMP SAYS TIGER WOODS ‘LIVES A LIFE OF PAIN’ AFTER DUI ARREST AS AFFIDAVIT REVEALS PILLS FOUND
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital on Tuesday, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment at the scene, noting that Woods was “sweating profusely” and that his movements appeared “lethargic and slow.”
Woods was placed under arrest after performing a series of field sobriety tests, and during a search, law enforcement found “two white pills inside Woods’ left side pant pocket.” According to the arrest affidavit, the pills were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid for pain relief.
Woods previously told law enforcement prior to the field sobriety tests that he underwent seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations on his leg.” He told law enforcement that “I take a few” prescription medications.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC talks with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, after a match against Boston Common Golf at SoFi Center on March 17, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (James Gilbert/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images)
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At the jail, Woods submitted to a breathalyzer, where he provided 0.00 results on both samples. He declined to submit to a urine test, resulting in another charge.
Woods entered a not guilty plea earlier this week and announced that he would be stepping away from golf to “seek treatment and focus on my health.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Be a Brainrot is a tycoon simulator on Roblox in which you disguise yourself as a Brainrot, cross the starting line, and walk on the Red Carpet to get stolen by different Brainrots and placed on their
;)
The New Yorker
;)
Sports Illustrated
Which brings me to a painting, a new and playful one, that our daughter, Alina, recently stumbled upon while hiking a green corner of the worldwide web, looking to ease the pain of Tax Day for her golf-nut father. It’s a watercolor called Chipping Season by a young artist named Liesel Anne Callahan. It depicts golfing chipmunks somewhere in Amen Corner. One of the things that makes the Masters tournament work is that it has a lot of rules, for players and fans and everyone else, and people are willing to follow them, in the name of decorum and orderliness. One of the things that makes this painting such a delight is that the artist doesn’t need any rules at all. The golfing chipmunks have their carry bags right on the green. Another group of golfing chipmunks are in a cart, with yellow-and-white surrey top, parked dangerously close to the green. The painting itself is a study in green in all its many shades.
;)
Liesel Anne Callahan
I called Ms. Callahan. “I don’t golf, but I am surrounded by people who do,” starting with her husband, she said. She joins him in watching the Masters each year in their home in Lawrence, Kans. Liesel is a fourth-generation Jayhawk.
In real life, do golfing chipmunks wear green knickers or a pink-and-white striped skirt? No, but in Chipping Season they do. Do you see golf carts going the wrong way over the Hogan Bridge on 12? You do not, at least not during the CBS telecast of the Masters. It is a background moment in Chipping Season.
“I know Augusta has a lot of rules but as an artist I like to take what I see and make my own rules,” Callahan said.
During the telecast, she saw Amen Corner — the 11th green, the par-3 12th, the tee shot on 13 — and made it her own.
The artist’s father is a physician. Her mother is a musician, on organist. Her husband is a runner. They are newish parents. They live in a house with a view of a city park. When the Masters is on, Lawrence, some years, is still coming out of winter. Her brother-in-law came up with the name, Chipping Season.
“When I think of an animal that golfs, I think of chipmunks,” the artist said. “I don’t know why.”
Michael Bamberger welcomes your comments at Michael.Bamberger@Golf.com
It’s a shame when an artist’s first album ends up being their best. Weezer’s Blue Album, The Strokes’ Is This It and Nas’s Illmatic, while all extraordinary, were also followed by cautionary tales of getting too comfortable and losing one’s initial hunger and essence after experiencing early success.
What’s known as selling out in the music industry can easily be transferred to losing buy-in when applied to basketball.
As Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković put it after his team’s loss to the Kings: “When you don’t approach the game from the start with the level of intensity and attention to detail that you need to have, this is the outcome.”
Of course, one of the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams missing their most proficient shooter, Immanuel Quickley, has also been a factor. But the six-foot-two guard’s absence had little to do with the Raptors being minus-16 on the glass and minus-19 in second-chance points against Sacramento on Wednesday.
Now, Toronto has fallen to seventh in the East, as its record is tied with the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the tiebreaker and consequently jumped the Raptors for the final proper playoff spot.
There are other teams that could factor in on the periphery, but the race for sixth appears poised for a photo finish between the Raptors and 76ers. Every slight advantage that can be mined down the stretch will matter, and the two squads’ strength of schedule will be under the microscope as they aim to avoid the volatility of a one- or two-game play-in scenario.
Let’s examine the outlook for Toronto and Philadelphia over the season’s final six games as they, in RJ Barrett’s words: “play like our lives depend on it.”
While strength of schedule often shakes out to a relatively fair balance over the course of an entire season, it can be a harsher factor over a smaller sample, particularly when every game counts in a tight playoff race. Toronto has the upper hand here.
Philadelphia is set to run a veritable gauntlet that includes games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets over its next four contests. Its final six opponents have a combined .558 winning percentage, giving the 76ers the fourth-most difficult strength of schedule remaining. They also have two back-to-backs left.
The Raptors are looking at a mixed bag. Pulling off wins against Eastern Conference giants in the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will be a tall task — Toronto’s a combined 0-6 against both this season. However, the Raptors also have two games left against the Miami Heat, who they’ve dominated and who also happen to be in the midst of a 2-8 stretch.
Ultimately, Toronto’s strength of schedule is far friendlier than Philly’s due to Friday’s game against the lowly Memphis Grizzlies (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT) and its season finale against the even-lowlier Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors’ final six adversaries win at a combined .486 clip, good for 19th leaguewide.
Philadelphia does have the edge in a couple of other areas, though. The Raptors and 76ers have split their season series, rendering the first tiebreaker, head-to-head record, moot. But the next tiebreaker is divisional record, where Philly’s 9-7 will be insurmountable for the Raptors, who are 4-10 against Atlantic division foes.
This essentially gives the 76ers an additional game in the standings, as the Raptors will have to secure a better record outright to pass them. Canadian sports fans are well aware of the importance a tiebreaker can hold after the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 American League East title hinged on holding the tiebreaker over the New York Yankees.
And while Joel Embiid‘s health is a perpetual question mark, the 76ers are at full strength otherwise. Paul George has returned after missing most of the season between an off-season knee procedure and 25-game banned-substance suspension — and he’s been lighting it up. After struggling to start the season, the 35-year-old former MVP finalist is averaging 28 points and seven rebounds per contest over four games since returning. George dropped 39 on 15-of-22 shooting in his most recent game on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Raptors are attempting to navigate an injury to their starting point guard. Immanuel Quickley has missed six straight games with plantar fasciitis and has been seen wearing a walking boot. Before Toronto’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 27, Rajaković said that the only way for the injury to fully heal would be for Quickley to be off his feet for multiple weeks, a luxury the team doesn’t have.
However, the sharpshooting guard was playing through the pain prior to sitting and Rajaković said that Quickley is “going to be available to play.” Just not yet, as he is listed as out against the Grizzlies on the NBA’s injury report.
Considering that Toronto ranks 26th in three-point makes, 25th in attempts and 23rd in percentage, it can’t afford to be without its best three-point shooter for long. And make no mistake, Quickley may be tied for third in percentage on the Raptors, but he is their most important shooter.
Toronto has a dearth of pull-up three-point shooting, ranking last in the league in attempts by a wide margin. Quickley is the only player on the team that takes and makes this more difficult shot type at a high volume. He’s shooting 33.7 per cent during his time as a Raptor — above league average — while accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the team’s attempts on a per-game basis. Without Quickley, the Raptors’ pull-up three-point shooting is non-existent. They’re averaging 3.2 per game since he’s gone down, less than 29 individual players across the league.
The Raptors and 76ers are thoroughly intertwined. From Scottie Barnes and Tyrese Maxey’s comical relationship, to ex-Raptor greats Kyle Lowry and Nick Nurse leading the way in Philly, to the infamous Kawhi shot during the teams’ second-round series in 2019 — there’s no shortage of compelling connections in this rivalry.
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Not all play-in spots are created equal
The top 10 spots may be decided in each conference, but the battle for seeding is important, particularly in the packed play-in picture. The middle of the East remains tight with Nos. 6 through 10 still only separated by 2.5 games.
The Raptors and the feel-good Charlotte Hornets currently occupy Nos. 7 and 8 in the standings, meaning they would play for a playoff spot, and the loser would play the winner of the 9-10 game for the eighth and final true post-season berth.
That means that the Orlando Magic — who were in fifth just two weeks ago — and the Miami Heat would be fighting it out under the heat of the Florida sun in a one-and-done scenario if the season ended today.
This highlights the importance of nabbing one of the top two play-in spots. Having only two games to punch your ticket is still risky, but every extra chance is meaningful.
The West is more straightforward. With the Phoenix Suns now 4.5 games back of the sixth seed, their chase for a straight-up playoff berth is effectively over.
The Suns and Golden State Warriors have significant separation at the top and bottom of the West’s play-in picture, meaning the Los Angeles Clippers catching the Portland Trail Blazers to earn the coveted eighth spot is the most probable shift here.
The Clippers’ erratic season makes them tough to read, but there is reason to believe they have what it takes for a push. They started 13-23 before rattling off a 10-4 run in the lead up to the trade deadline. Then, Lawrence Frank and co. sold anyway, dealing James Harden and Ivica Zubac seemingly with an eye for the future.
Despite overhauling the roster, the Clippers have maintained a steady pace. They’re 16-11 since the deadline as acquisitions Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin have found a new gear.
Not to mention that Kawhi Leonard is playing his best basketball since the Raptors’ championship season. If the Clippers have aspirations of going on a significant run, he’ll need to stay healthy and lead the way.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has criticised Enzo Fernández over comments that have cast doubt on his future at Chelsea FC.
Speculation around Fernández’s future has grown in recent weeks, with the midfielder reportedly hinting at a possible move to Real Madrid. His remarks about wanting to live in Madrid, along with comments from Franco Mastantuono expressing a desire to play alongside him at the Santiago Bernabéu, have not gone down well at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel did not hold back in his assessment of the situation. The former Chelsea midfielder questioned Fernández’s leadership and timing, especially following the club’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.
“That’s not what a leader does,” Mikel said. “At a time like this, you don’t come out and make such comments. No player is more important than the club. If he’s had enough, then he should leave.”
Mikel’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the club, where Fernández is seen as a key figure. His comments have reportedly unsettled the dressing room and raised concerns about his commitment.
Chelsea’s struggles on the pitch have added to the tension. The Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and were convincingly knocked out of Europe by Paris Saint-Germain.
They currently sit sixth in the league standings, trailing the final Champions League qualification spot by six points. Despite their dip in form, they remain in the FA Cup, where they are set to face Port Vale.
With pressure mounting on head coach Liam Rosenior to rescue the season, Fernández’s situation is fast becoming a major distraction.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as Chelsea battle to secure European football, while uncertainty continues to surround one of their most important players.
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, Luguentz Dort started hot on both ends of the floor and Jalen Williams came up big all around as the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96 at home Thursday.
The Thunder have won four consecutive games and 16 of their last 17. Not only was the Lakers’ four-game winning streak snapped, but Luka Doncic suffered a strained left hamstring in the second half with the game out of reach. Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game that Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of the injury.
An already bad night for Doncic got even worse early in the third quarter when he was dribbling into the lane and began to elevate for a mid-range jumper. But just as he came off the floor, Doncic came down grabbing his left hamstring and quickly fell to the floor. He finished with 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field.
The Thunder controlled the game from the jump, building a double-digit lead less than four minutes in. That lead didn’t drop below 23 after the first quarter. Shortly after Doncic’s injury, the Thunder got a scare when Dort crashed to the floor after his legs came out from under him as he went to the basket. He left the game and didn’t return. Dort scored 14 and Williams finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Pistons 113, Timberwolves 108
Daniss Jenkins had 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds and host Detroit downed Minnesota to bring its magic number to clinch the top Eastern Conference playoff seed down to one.
Jalen Duren supplied 22 points and 14 rebounds and Duncan Robinson had 15 points for the Pistons, who trailed by one entering the fourth quarter before taking command with an 18-3 run.
Julius Randle scored 27 points and added six rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid had 19 points and six rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu also scored 19 with five rebounds and four assists.
Spurs 118, Clippers 99
De’Aaron Fox scored 22 points with eight rebounds, Stephon Castle added 20 points and San Antonio increased its winning streak to 11 with a victory over Los Angeles at Inglewood, Calif., while playing without Victor Wembanyama.
Dylan Harper scored 19 points and Devin Vassell had 14 points with 10 rebounds as the Spurs improved to 27-2 since Feb. 1. Wembanyama was given his second night off since Jan. 6 to rest lingering ankle soreness on the second night of the final back-to-back of the season.
Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 18. It was Leonard’s 53rd consecutive game of at least 20 points. John Collins scored 15 points for Los Angeles, which has already clinched a spot in the play-in tournament but fell into ninth place in the West.
Hornets 127, Suns 107
Miles Bridges poured in 25 points and once Charlotte got rolling, it cruised to a victory against visiting Phoenix.
Kon Knueppel scored 20 and Coby White racked up 19 off the bench, while Brandon Miller supplied 17 and LaMelo Ball provided 15 points and 11 assists as the Hornets won for the seventh time in their last nine games to continue pushing for a guaranteed spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Jalen Green finished with 25 points and Devin Booker scored 17 of his 22 points in the first half for the Suns, who attempted only six free throws until late in the game. Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen each had 13 points and Mark Williams posted 12.
Cavaliers 118, Warriors 111
Max Strus capped a 24-point performance with two late 3-pointers, James Harden drove for a clinching hoop in the final seconds and Cleveland outlasted Golden State in San Francisco.
Harden finished with 19 points and Donovan Mitchell had a game-high-tying 25 for the Cavaliers, who moved within one game of the New York Knicks in their duel for third place in the Eastern Conference.
Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski matched Mitchell with 25 points apiece for the Warriors, whose third consecutive defeat left them solidly in 10th place in the West.
Trail Blazers 118, Pelicans 106
Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara combined to knock down 13 of their team’s 20 made 3-pointers and Portland rallied in the second half to hold off visiting New Orleans.
Holiday led Portland with 27 points, connecting on seven of his 15 3-point attempts — the last of which effectively put away the win. The Blazers, who hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference, have won three straight and five of six. Holiday combined with Camara, who scored 23 points, and Deni Avdija with 26 points to produce all but 42 of Portland’s scoring.
New Orleans remained within striking distance thanks in part to Jeremiah Fears’ team-high 21 points. Fellow reserve Derik Queen added 12 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
–Field Level Media
Two-division world champion Tim Bradley has shared his opinion on how a fight between Moses Itauma and Oleksandr Usyk would play out.
Itauma extended his ongoing knockout streak to 10 consecutive bouts when he dismantled Jermaine Franklin Jr in Manchester, once again capturing the attention of global boxing fans with another highlight finish.
Consequently, there is growing interest in a showdown between exuberance and experience, with many believing that Itauma could be the only man capable of handing 39-year-old Usyk a first career defeat.
However, Hall of Fame inductee Bradley told his YouTube channel that he does not think the fight will happen and that he does not believe that the 21-year-old is ready for that kind of challenge, having never fought beyond the sixth round.
“I don’t think that Usyk is going to fight his a** right now. If Usyk is dancing with a damn kickboxer then you already know that he ain’t fighting this damn Itauma dude.
“Not that Itauma can beat him, because he doesn’t have the experience yet, he don’t.
“The thing that I worry about with him is the long haul, when you don’t knock a motherf***er out and he don’t fall or react like you are used to seeing ‘em.
“I want to know how you are at [round] 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 – can you keep going?”
Although, Bradley remained impressed by the skill of the Kent-based prodigy, believing that he will continue to dominate against anybody other than the ageing heavyweight king.
“As long as you don’t give him no Usyk, he [Itauma] should be alright. Don’t give him no Usyk, he ain’t ready.
“Usyk will take him into deep waters and drown his a**, that is what I see.”
Itauma will return to action in July, as he prepares for a challenge for the heavyweight throne in the near future.
Cbus Super Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 5 NRL game between Gold Coast Titans and
Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Titans vs.
Brisbane Broncos
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday April 4, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Where: Cbus Super Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
Gold Coast remain at home as they look to build on recent performances. Their attacking potential is evident, but consistency and defensive resilience remain areas for improvement. Their opponents will aim to exploit any lapses while applying pressure through the middle. Expect an open contest, with both teams capable of scoring points. Execution and composure in key moments will be critical, making this an important test of the Titans’ development.
First Try Scorer
Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Titans team: 1. Keano Kini 2. Sialetili Faeamani 3. Jojo Fifita 4. AJ Brimson 5. Phillip Sami 6. Lachlan Ilias 7. Jayden Campbell 8. Klese Haas 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Arama Hau 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Kurtis Morrin 15. Cooper Bai 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Oliver Pascoe 18. Max Feagai 19. Jett Liu 20. Jaylan De Groot 21. Adam Christensen 22. Jenson Taumoepeau
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Deine Mariner 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Jaiyden Hunt 19. Antonio Verhoeven 20. Blake Mozer 21. Thomas Duffy 22. Va’a Semu
The NFL follows a pretty straightforward, cyclical calendar after the Super Bowl ends in February. A few weeks later is the NFL combine. March is for free agency and trades, April is for the NFL Draft and in May we have the schedule release. It’s a bit quieter in June with OTAs and mandatory minicamp (and who does and doesn’t report) being the highlights. By the end of July, training camps are in full swing.
With the calendar flipping to April, the draft is the dominant story. Teams are neck deep in draft preparation, aiming to piece together all the information they’ve gathered on every prospect possible and assessing their best courses of action come April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
NFL Draft’s top five storylines to watch: Ty Simpson, trades and first-round surprises
Jordan Dajani
But focusing solely on the draft would mean missing out on several other notable big questions that still must be answered — and often are answered — this month, too. Here are some of the biggest ones:
1. Does George Pickens get a long-term deal?
George Pickens is coming off a magnificent season (93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns) and just turned 25 years old. That makes him a prime candidate to get a long-term deal done to remain a pillar of the Cowboys‘ offense alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
But it hasn’t come to fruition yet. In early February, Pickens said he’d love to stay in Dallas but wanted the “ultimate best deal” that made sense for both sides. It didn’t happen, and he received the franchise tag.
The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to try to work out a new deal, and given Jerry Jones’ lack of urgency, historically, to get big deals done, perhaps it’s wisest to assume Pickens will play on the tag, or the Cowboys will drag this out right up to the deadline.
But maybe, finally, Jones is a little bit more proactive. He’s 83 years old, and in December, he admitted his management “has played a big role” in the franchise’s 30-year Super Bowl drought. The Cowboys have two first-round picks. There’s a chance they could make a jump, but only if Pickens is along for the ride.
Brian Schottenheimer said he’s unsure if Pickens will attend offseason workouts absent a new deal. If Jones and the Cowboys really want to have their best shot at a Super Bowl this coming season, they’ll get a deal done.
2. Does Lamar Jackson get an extension and/or report to offseason workouts?
Speaking of offseason workouts, there’s quite a bit more short-term interest regarding Lamar Jackson’s attendance. Because they hired a new coach (Jesse Minter) this offseason, the Ravens can begin their offseason workout program April 6. Minter isn’t sure if Jackson will be part of it.
“I know Lamar’s excited. I think he is excited about some of the changes,” Minter said at NFL league meetings, per ESPN. “We’ve had a lot of good connection points, but the offseason program is voluntary. We’re excited to get a chance to work with all the guys, whoever wants to show up. We feel confident that a lot of guys will be there.”
The Ravens restructured Jackson’s deal to free up cap space this offseason, but really, he’s in the market for an extension; his current deal expires after the 2027 season. Jackson’s offseason participation has been inconsistent at best. With a new coach, new offensive coordinator (Declan Doyle) and new center after Tyler Linderbaum’s departure, the Ravens would love to have him.
3. Does Aaron Rodgers make a decision, and if so, what is it?
For a second straight offseason, Aaron Rodgers is keeping the Steelers in limbo. Last year, it took until June 5 for him to decide he’d keep playing and sign a one-year deal with Pittsburgh.
So far this offseason, the Steelers have brought in Mike McCarthy — who coached Rodgers in Green Bay — as coach. In his introductory press conference, McCarthy said he’d “definitely” want to coach Rodgers in 2026. Rodgers said in early March that the Steelers have stayed in contact. Pittsburgh also acquired Michael Pittman Jr., adding a much-needed wide receiver opposite DK Metcalf. At league meetings, Steelers president Art Rooney II said he expects an answer from Rodgers by the NFL Draft.
If Rodgers doesn’t return, the Steelers — who currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as their quarterbacks — would have to make a major change in plans. Regardless, they’d love to at least know, one way or the other, in the coming weeks.
4. What are the Vikings’ plans at GM and with Jonathan Greenard?
The Vikings made some of the biggest headlines in January when they fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and in March, when they signed Kyler Murray. Could they again produce a major storyline in April?
First, they still haven’t found a full-time replacement for Adofo-Mensah. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski is serving as interim GM, and he will continue to do so through the draft. Only then will a full search begin. But Brzezinski has made several big calls this offseason, including signing Murray and exercising Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.
He also has big calls to make. Obviously the draft will be crucial, but there’s also the potential for a Jonathan Greenard deal. Minnesota has been open to trading the 28-year-old pass rusher. The Vikings are just barely salary cap-compliant right now, even after releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and bringing back Aaron Jones on a cheaper deal. Greenard carries a cap hit of over $22 million each of the next two seasons. Perhaps the Vikings, having not found a trade partner in March, hold steady. Or perhaps April — maybe during the draft — is when the 2024 Pro Bowler finds a new home.
5. What are the next free agent moves and/or trades?
The initial waves of free agency and blockbuster trades are in the rearview mirror, but there are still plenty of notable veterans who could change teams between now and the end of the month.
April of 2024 featured Stefon Diggs (Bills to Texans), L’Jarius Sneed (Chiefs to Titans). April of 2023 had the Rodgers trade from the Packers to the Jets. And that’s not to mention the handful of notable free agent signings that happen every April.
There are still difference-makers on the open market. Jauan Jennings is the most notable one. A physical wide receiver who helps keep the chains moving, Jennings is only 28. He has 132 catches for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He helps in the blocking game as well as any player at his position. He’s likely disappointed he hasn’t received the offer he wants, but that could change soon. There are plenty of other notable names, too, including Diggs and Deebo Samuel at wide receiver.
Between now and the draft, teams will continue scouring the free agency landscape, and as their draft plans firm up, they may look to free agents to solidify their roster.
Sticker shock is still a thing for soccer fans wondering about the impact on ticket prices now that Canada finally knows its opponent for its FIFA World Cup opener on June 12 at Toronto.
Had Italy won a UEFA qualifier earlier this week, prices would have likely rocketed into a different stratosphere. But fans will still need pretty deep pockets with Bosnia and Herzegovina making the trip to BMO Field instead.
On Thursday, the FIFA ticket sales platform had 726 tickets available for Canada’s opener and all were listed at $3,125.
“This is a world-stage event,” said ticket broker Jagger Long, owner of Toronto-based Karma Tickets. “So offhand, it’s kind of an expected price.”
The FIFA resale queue has also opened, with a search Thursday afternoon showing 207 tickets were available. Most were going for over $3,000, but a single ticket was available for $2,300.
With kickoff still 10 weeks away, Long’s message to potential spectators was to bide their time.
“I tell fans to wait it out,” he said. “Wait it out to let the kind of madness happen and wait for prices to drop. And unfortunately, I don’t think they’re going to go from $3,000 to $1,000, but maybe $3,000 to $2,000 (or) $3,000 to $1,800, that’s possible.
“But it’s only possible if fans are patient and wait.”
There were no tickets available on the FIFA platform Thursday for any of the other 12 games to be played in Canada, which is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico.
Bosnia-Herzegovina booked its World Cup ticket last Tuesday by defeating Italy 1-1 (4-1 on penalties) in a final qualifier. The 65th-ranked side joined Group B with No. 30 Canada, No. 55 Qatar and No. 19 Switzerland.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, is ranked 12th but hasn’t qualified for the tournament since 2014.
Long compared the Canadian opener to some of the biggest high-profile events in the city’s recent history.
He said there was similar demand and pricing for the Toronto Raptors’ lone appearance in the 2019 NBA Finals, the six Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” shows in 2024, and the Toronto Blue Jays’ return to the World Series last fall for the first time since 1993.
“These events that are the big, spectacular, high-demand events unfortunately are not events for the average fan and the average person who only has a certain low budget to spend on tickets,” he said.
“That’s just the reality of the situation. It sucks, but it’s not like we can say, ‘Hey, we want 20 more World Cup games to host all the fans that can’t attend, right?’”
After its opener, Canada will head to Vancouver’s BC Place to play Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
The World Cup is being played in 16 cities across the continent, starting with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara on June 11. The final will be held in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19.
FIFA has said the face value of tickets for group stage matches started at US$60 and climbed to $6,730 for the most expensive seats at the championship game.
Toronto will host six tournament games in all while Vancouver will host seven.
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