The Los Angeles Rams already have the deepest tight end room in the NFL with five players who are a lock to make a 53-man roster, whether it’s L.A. or somewhere else, but it turns out that Sean McVay’s obsession with the position doesn’t stop there. As details emerged about the Rams’ undrafted signing bonuses on Sunday, it was revealed that tight end Dan Villari received $45,000 guaranteed, the most of any undrafted player on the team.

That’s three times as much as the second-highest paid undrafted player on the Rams in 2026, but also the second-most for any UDFA signed by the team ever, behind only Josh Wallace in 2024. Wallace made the Rams roster in each of the last two seasons, so does that mean the Rams are going to keep six tight ends?

Minnesota Vikings training camp is less than 10 weeks away, and during that event, the coaching staff will shave the roster from 90 men to 53. Accordingly, it’s time to start defining some of the overlooked players entering the summer.

Minnesota’s roster has several quieter names who could become useful pieces before the regular season.

Minnesota’s roster is more than capable of returning to the postseason in 2026. The following players will quietly assist in that endeavor.

Depth Players Will Affect Key Summer Battles

The annual underrated pecking order of Vikings, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most underrated).

5. Gavin Bartholomew | TE

Minnesota drafted Bartholomew in 2025 from Round 6 — and then he didn’t do a damn thing as a rookie because of injury. Undrafted tight end Ben Yurosek swiped his job.

Now, though, Bartholomew is presumably healthy, so he’s basically another rookie for the Vikings this season. He and Yurosek will duke it out for the TE3 job this summer, and there’s a chance that Bartholomew prevails, building on the plan from the 2025 NFL Draft.

Who knows? Perhaps Bartholomew is just plain good. There’s no way to tell until he steps foot on a regular season field. The Vikings drafted him for a reason 13 months ago.

4. Ryan Van Demark | OT

The 2025 numbers for Van Demark, a newcomer in free agency, are quite phenomenal, especially for a guy who projects as a backup tackle on the Vikings’ 2026 depth chart.

Here are the Pro Football Focus grades with snap counts

• 2025: 74.4 (312 snaps)
• 2024: 53.3 (199 snaps)
• 2023: 60.2 (47 snaps)

The pass-blocking:

• 2025: 65.6
• 2024: 51.8
• 2023: 27.2

And the run-blocking:

• 2025: 74.9
• 2024: 51.4
• 2023: 64.4

Fans hope that Christian Darrisaw’s ACL has finally healed. If Darrisaw encounters more troubles, inserting Van Demark into the lineup shouldn’t spell doomsday, based on his performance in Buffalo last year.

3. Jay Ward | S

Ward’s path to increased playing time is now clear. With Harrison Smith’s departure, ample safety snaps are available. The Vikings further emphasized this by passing on Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the draft, despite Thieneman frequently appearing in mock drafts as a Minnesota-bound player. This leaves Ward, Theo Jackson, and 3rd-Round rookie Jakobe Thomas as the primary contenders for those roles.

Ward already demonstrated his potential late in 2025. He quietly began taking snaps from Jackson, bringing a grittier, more aggressive style to the secondary as Brian Flores relied on him down the stretch.

With only one year left on his contract, this upcoming season is crucial for Ward to prove he can be more than a rotational defensive back. Ward played 250 defensive snaps last year and banked a 70.4 PFF grade. His aggression and playmaking were noteworthy.

2. Blake Brandel | OL

Brandel consistently elevates the importance of a backup role, so much so that he usually wiggles his way into a starting job.

Last season, Brandel played in all 17 games, starting nine and logging 64% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps. The vast playing time was largely due to the Vikings’ injury-plagued offensive line, for which Brandel provided crucial stability.

His greatest asset is his versatility; Brandel can play guard, tackle, and center. It made him one of the Vikings’ most valuable depth players in 2025, stepping in to steady an offensive line frequently disrupted by injuries.

It’s his work at center, however, that truly sparks interest for the 2026 season.

Brandel played 383 snaps at center, showing steady improvement throughout the season. What began as a longshot opportunity to start at the position evolved into a genuine discussion. While his 61.4 PFF grade indicates solid rather than superstar-level play, it represents valuable consistency for an offensive line that often lacked it.

Brandel is on deck to start at center in Week 1, too. Whoodathunkit?

1. James Pierre | CB

Pierre logged a magnificent 86.8 PFF grade in 2025. If that mark translates to 2026, well, Pierre should actually start over Byron Murphy Jr. or Isaiah Rodgers. That won’t happen because the coaching staff loves Murphy Jr. and Rodgers, but Pierre has the spine to start.

That’ll be vital to remember if injuries beset either starter — Murphy Jr. and Rodgers somehow played 17 games apiece in 2025, which is rare for two starting corners.

Pierre is the real deal, and at CB3, he has a chance to be the Vikings’ best third corner since the Mike Zimmer era.

His 41.5 passer rating allowed in Pittsburgh last year was just to die for.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Coach Chot Reyes (middle) leads the on-court celebration for TNT after upset Game 3 win over Meralco. —MARLO CUETO

In a twist to its import situation, TNT is bringing a familiar, tested name to fill the big shoes left by the injured Bol Bol.

Chris McCullough arrived on Sunday as Bol’s replacement and had a preview of what he hopes would be a fruitful stint when he witnessed the Tropang 5G fight it out despite playing all-Filipino in slipping past Meralco, 77-75, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

That gave TNT a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, as McCullough will be tasked to try and replicate his role in San Miguel Beer’s run to the 2019 title of the same conference where he and the Beermen brought down TNT.

“It’s sad to see an injury like that, but hopefully he can get back home and get surgery,” McCullough said, first expressing his well-wishes to his fellow ex-NBA player.

“I just want to help this team win as [much as] possible, do what I got to do, just play basketball,” he added as TNT now begins the process of getting him integrated into the way things are run before Wednesday’s Game 4.

His Tropang 5G debut is at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he’ll be tasked to lead his new squad to a commanding 3-1 lead.

McCullough’s signing ends a whirlwind 48 hours for TNT after Bol went down in Friday’s 87-76 Game 2 loss with a partial Achilles tear, as team manager Jojo Lastimosa immediately got the lines burning.

The first Game 3 option was actually to suit up Malick Diouf, the former University of the Philippines star, before naming a permanent fix.

Pogoy drains winner

But with government agencies required in order for Diouf to be given the okay to play closed for the weekend, the Tropang 5G were left with no choice but to go with an all-local crew.

“They called me around Friday night and they told me if I’m available and I said yes,” Diouf said. “I was really excited for it because I thought it was a great opportunity to show people that I can play here. But hopefully I can play soon.”

With both Diouf and McCullough on the sidelines as spectators, TNT’s locals had to weather out the disadvantage, as well as an 11-point deficit, to squeak past Meralco and move two wins away from a fifth consecutive Finals appearance.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser came up with crucial plays down the stretch, while RR Pogoy knocked down the go-ahead three with seven seconds left before TNT saw CJ Cansino and Javee Mocon miss point-blank attempts as time expired.

“It’s really disappointing losing Bol, losing our teammate, losing our brother,” said Ganuelas-Rosser. “Coach said that he (Bol) messaged him and said he really wanted to be out there. So we wanted to go out here and dedicate the game to him and play for him.

“You know, he carried us here, so hopefully we can bring (ourselves) across the finish line and we can finish the job,” he added. INQ

NEW DELHI: The tension was clearly visible on Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara’s face during his side’s must-win IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Sangakkara remained glued to his seat till the very last ball, repeatedly wiping sweat off his face with a towel and barely showing any expression throughout the game.

But the moment the final ball was bowled and Rajasthan Royals confirmed their playoff qualification with a 30-run win over Mumbai Indians, a visibly relaxed Sangakkara stood up, applauded his players and exchanged handshakes with members of the support staff and team.

While Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders were dependent on complicated qualification scenarios and net run-rate equations, Rajasthan Royals entered the game with a simple task – win and qualify for the playoffs.

RR delivered under pressure, riding on Jofra Archer’s brilliant all-round performance to seal the fourth and final playoff berth in style.

“During the last timeout it was just about sticking to plans and holding your nerve. When you go to the back end it’s all about who responds better under pressure. All the bowlers did a brilliant job. And on the field we were pretty tidy. It’s always guesswork isn’t it (Archer’s promotion while batting). It’s great when it works and pretty ugly when it doesn’t,” Sangakkara said after Rajasthan Royals’ victory.

Jofra Archer shines with bat and ball

Archer first made a crucial impact with the bat, smashing 32 runs off just 15 deliveries to help Rajasthan Royals post 205 for eight.

The England pacer hammered three sixes and a four during his quickfire cameo that changed the momentum of the innings.

He then backed it up with an outstanding spell with the ball, returning figures of 4-0-17-3 to earn the Player of the Match award.

“We know what Jofra can do with the bat. Wanted him to go out there and take a bit of risk. And then let Ferreira and Dubey handle the later overs when the bowlers were tired in the sun. Unfortunately Donovan did get out but Jofra kicked on and then Jaddu coming in at the end with a bung elbow got us over the line,” Sangakkara said.

“From where we were, looking at only 180, 206 was a fantastic effort. He has been like that in every single game (Archer being fired up). Very invested in the team, helping everyone. Has been our spearhead right from the start. Very proud of him.”

Sangakkara praises young spinner Yash

The Rajasthan Royals coach also reserved special praise for young spinner Yash Raj Punja, who impressed against a strong Mumbai Indians batting line-up. Punja claimed 2/44.

“Yash has been an interesting choice for us. He’s tall, has got good revs on the ball, turns his leg spinner and the googly. This is a good wicket to bat on but the way he bowled to those seasoned batters was outstanding. We don’t pick age, we pick ability,” Sangakkara added.

Rajasthan Royals will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator of IPL 2026 on May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

If you haven’t browsed the selection of premium pre-owned clubs available at Fairway Jockey, take this is your sign to dive in, because for a limited time, you can take an additional 20 percent off the listed price.

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Pre-Owned TaylorMade 2024 P770 Irons 4-PW w/ KBS C-Taper Pro+ 110S Shaft

Pre-Owned TaylorMade 24 P770 Irons 4-PW with KBS C-Taper Pro+ 110S shaft.

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CONDITION 
Very Good (8/10)

# of Rounds Played: 10-20
Clubs will show scuffs and minor scratches associated with normal wear and tear through 10-20 rounds.

SPECS

Dexterity
RH

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Set Make Up
4-PW

Shaft
KBS C-Taper Pro+ 110S 

Grip
Lamkin Crossline Midsized

Length
0.25″ Long

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Loft
Standard

Lie
Standard

 

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Pre-Owned Miura MC-502 Irons 4-PW w/ Oban Steel CT 125 Chrome Shaft

Used/open box Miura MC-502 Irons 4-PW with Oban Steel CT 125 Chrome Shaft. 
CONDITION 
Very Good (8/10)

# of Rounds Played: 10-20
Clubs will show scuffs and minor scratches associated with normal wear and tear through 10-20 rounds.

SPECS

Dexterity
RH

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Set Make Up
4-PW

Shaft
Oban Steel CT 125 Chrome

Grip
Lamkin UTX Cord Miura Grey Standard

Length
0.75″ Long

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Loft
1 Strong

Lie
3 Flat

Ferrules
Black Blue

 

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Pep Guardiola had been playing it cool in the scorching heat of his final game in charge of Manchester City. Then he cracked.

There were tears – and plenty of them.

As captain Bernardo Silva‘s number 20 went up on the fourth official’s board on 59 minutes, Guardiola could not keep his emotion in check any longer.

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The Portugal playmaker shed tears as he was given a guard of honour by both sets of players as he left the pitch. And it was then that they started to stream down his manager’s cheeks too.

The two men, such pivotal figures in City’s recent domination of English football, embraced on the touchline.

That raw moment of affection between two greats of the Premier League was captured by photographers and will be printed, framed and hung up in the corridors of Etihad Stadium alongside those of icons Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.

Guardiola wiped his face dry with his white t-shirt and tried to regain his composure as his side strained for one final victory under his management.

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It was not to be. But despite defeat at the hands of an Aston Villa side high on success after Wednesday’s Europa League win, the loss was rendered irrelevant by the sound of the full-time whistle that sparked emotion on the pitch and in the stands.

Guardiola attempted to find the words to sum up the feelings of the day. “This chapter will always be there,” said the 55-year-old.

“Bernardo was emotional today, before the game. If you want to cry then cry, if you want to laugh then laugh. Emotions – you have to express them. I don’t cry, but when I see somebody else cry, then I cry.

Fans gather to see off Guardiola

The merchandise stalls were doing a roaring trade before kick-off as flags and scarves emblazoned with Guardiola’s face were being bought by those attending the end of an incredible era.

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The arrival of the City team bus was greeted by hundreds of supporters lining up alongside the barriers in front of the Colin Bell Stand entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of Guardiola entering the stadium for one last time as their manager.

His tenure has seen the Premier League title delivered six times, as well as the holy grail of a Champions League plus three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.

City have never previously seen success like it. Very, very few have. Only the great Manchester United era under Sir Alex Ferguson and Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in the 1970s and ’80s have enjoyed such trophy laden years.

A huge banner was unfurled in the East Stand as the players emerged onto the pitch before kick-off that read ’10 years with Pep – Game changer, history maker, City forever’.

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Villa boss Unai Emery, who called Guardiola football’s “only genius” in the build-up to the game, presented his Spanish compatriot with a memento before the game began.

Guardiola barely flinched when his penultimate signing Antoine Semenyo volleyed home the opening goal, instead remaining in his seat and seemingly taking it all in.

To the left, his name will be immortalised at Etihad Stadium forever, with the newly expanded north end renamed the ‘Pep Guardiola Stand’ in his honour.

Guardiola said on Friday he was incredibly proud his father’s name will be adorned inside the stadium forever and 95-year-old Valenti was there for his son’s final game in charge.

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His voice cracked during his farewell speech on the pitch, as supporters serenaded him with chants of, “We’ve got Guardiola” one last time. He made one final lap of honour and exited down the tunnel.

“Many memories – forget the titles, it’s the memories. All of us,” said Guardiola. “All the people here are extraordinary.

“Life is made of periods, we lived an incredible period. If I had energy I would stay here. A new person has to do this job.

“Our time was good. Thank you to all the people, the new stand is beautiful.”

Emery added: “A huge honour for me to compete with Pep Guardiola. He is the best. I built my career a lot of time competing against him, especially in Spain.

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“The level he has – he is the best coach in the world.”

‘Man City fans need to be patient with Maresca’

It was fitting that Sunday’s game took Guardiola – City’s greatest manager – to the top of the list for most games in charge of the club.

Guardiola won 416 of his 593 games in charge, a victory ratio of 70.2%. Only Manchester United’s Ferguson, with 13, has claimed more top-flight English titles .

His points-per-game rate of 2.28 is unmatched by any manager to have taken charge of 20 or more games in England and City remain the only side to win 100 points in a Premier League season.

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“10 more years, 10 more years, Guardiola” was the chant echoing from the South Stand in the knowledge that the Spaniard will take up an ambassadorial role upon his departure.

Negotiations with Enzo Maresca are at an advanced stage, so it remains to be seen when his appointment as Guardiola’s successor will officially be confirmed.

“The Man City fans just need to be patient with Enzo Maresca,” former striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It is similar to David Moyes following Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s an impossible task following Pep Guardiola with the way his teams have played, the way he has adapted over the years and the huge amount of trophies he’s won.

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“In many ways, they have won the FA Cup and League Cup this season but they will still be a little bit disappointed. That is how far they have come under Guardiola.”

And Guardiola’s advice to his successor?

“They have to be themselves,” he said. “That is the most important thing. The way they communicate, the way they play, they have to be them.

“This club is good at many things, and they do transitions really well. It will be good.”

Goodbye to Silva, Stones and two old favourites

Guardiola has been the dominant figure at City over the past 10 years – but the key departures from the Etihad this summer do not end there.

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Captain Silva and defender John Stones will both leave upon the expiry of their contracts next month and they were presented with framed shirts by Guardiola.

Silva has been one of Guardiola’s pivotal players, featuring in more games – and astonishing 460 – for the Spaniard than any other player during his career.

“It’s really tough to put into words my feelings towards City, to you guys,” Silva said while addressing the crowd. “I don’t think I will ever feel the same love ever in my life. This will forever be my family and I’m really grateful.”

Stones added: “I can’t express the gratitude that I feel for the love that you’ve given me. It’s been a dream come true.

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“From the bottom of my heart and my family’s hearts, thank you so much.”

There was a chance to give a proper send-off to two former players too.

Ex-captain Ilkay Gundogan – who scored the winner on the final day against Villa in 2022 – and goalkeeper Ederson both returned to the Etihad to take the acclaim having left for Turkey on deadline day last summer.

Guardiola’s staff member and right-hand man Manel Estiarte, fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and long-serving goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor were all recognised for their contributions too, with the trio also set to depart.

It was truly the end of an era at the Etihad, an era Guardiola, his players and the City supporters will cherish forever.

Deportivo La Coruna players celebrate© X (Formerly Twitter)

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field first against Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.

“We will bowl first. It’s pretty simple. We know the scenario depending on what’s going to happen in the previous game, which is happening right now. But regardless of that, we don’t know what the result will be,” Ajinkya Rahane said at the toss.

“Also, the wicket looks really good. So yes, it’s very simple. It’s still a game of cricket to be played, and the last six games have been fantastic for us. We still want to compete and win this game. As I said, we don’t know what’s going to happen, but whenever you play a game of cricket, you always look to win. Really proud of the unit, especially because it’s not easy to come back from the situation we were in. It takes courage, character, and attitude to bounce back as a team. IPL is a funny tournament with 24–25 players and support staff, maintaining that atmosphere, intensity and carrying it forward every time is fantastic. So yes, I’m really proud of each and every one. Same team,” he added.

Delhi Capitals have already been eliminated from IPL 2026.

“Yes, obviously I would have bowled first because, the way this tournament has gone, we’ve done well while chasing. So yes, looking at that, we would’ve bowled first. But it’s not bad because the wicket looks good and even if we look ahead to next year, though that’s still far away, if we bat first, our batsmen will get an opportunity to understand how to approach batting first as well. No, I don’t think we should see it like a bad dream,” Axar Patel said.