By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Hulking NFC Defensive Lineman Demands Trade as Vikings Work Through D-Line Transition
Several months ago, the Vikings opted to move on from veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Minnesota then did next to nothing from within free agency before opting for Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Does adding a hulking defensive lineman from within the NFL’s trade market make sense?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter passed along the news on social media, writing, “Source: Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Bucs.” Likewise, Ian Rapoport sent along word of the DT’s desire, doing so with some added clarity about what’s spurring the trade ask: “Vea had hoped for a long-term contract extension and talks stalled. Now, he wants out.”
Hulking Defensive Lineman Vita Vea Wants a New Home
Seeing Minnesota make a move for Vita Vea appears unlikely. But while that’s true, the possibility isn’t too unrealistic.
At 6’4″ and close to 350 pounds, Vea is a presence. Very few are capable of standing out as being unusually large on a football field. Vea is among those unique few who looks massive even among NFL athletes. And while he’s a juggernaut at nose tackle, Vea can offer help as a pass rusher, made evident in his 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits in 2025.
Do the Vikings actually need him? That’s going to depend on the team’s perspective on the DT depth, or lack thereof. Check out the current outlook:
- DT1 Jalen Redmond
- DT2 Levi Drake Rodriguez
- DT3 Caleb Banks
- DT4 Domonique Orange
- DT5 Elijah Williams
- DT6 Eric Johnson
- DT7 Isaiahh Loudermilk
- DT8 Taki Taimani
- DT9 Jahvaree Ritzie
- DT10 Smith Vilbert
Quite possibly, Ty Ingram-Dawkins belongs within that cluster of talent. At minimum, the sophomore appears likely to get work as a 5-tech (across from the offensive tackle). But then there’s the possibility of going further inward to play across from the guard and/or further outward in more of an edge rusher’s role.
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Even without Ingram-Dawkins, the Vikings have plenty of defensive linemen. None, though, offer the same résumé as Mr. Vea.
The juggernaut of a nose tackle got chosen at No. 12 in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has more than lived up to that draft slot by playing terrific football for the Buccaneers from 2018 through to 2025. He has been to the Pro Bowl a pair of times and likely would have secured more recognition as being among the NFL’s top DTs if he didn’t share a league with Aaron Donald for several seasons.
Per Over the Cap, Vea is moving into the final year of the four-year extension that got added onto his rookie deal. Vea’s second contract came in at $71 million. His cap charge sits at north of $22 million. Whoever trades for him would be welcoming $18 million for the 2026 season.
But, of course, there’s the other shoe that needs to drop: Vita Vea wants an extension. Extending the rugged defensive lineman would mean wiping away a pile of that cap charge.
In the past, top defensive tackles have demanded a 1st on the trade market. Tampa Bay is very unlikely to get so much back. Being older and demanding an extension on the other end ensures that desiring a 1st isn’t going to happen. Does a contending team send over a Day 2 pick?
Vita Vea will turn 32 in February of 2027.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
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Harvey Elliott eyes ‘second chance’ at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola after Aston Villa loan nightmare
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is hopeful that the arrival of Andoni Iraola will help him secure a “second chance” at establishing himself within the squad, following a challenging loan spell last season.
The 23-year-old endured a difficult time at Aston Villa, where he featured in only nine games, totalling 277 minutes. His limited appearances were due to a specific clause in his loan agreement, which would have obligated Villa to sign him for £35 million had he made a tenth appearance.
Elliott returned to Liverpool’s midfield for their 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Wrexham in New York on Wednesday night. Despite ongoing speculation linking him with another move away, the player expressed his deep connection to the club.
“Everyone knows how much I love the club,” Elliott stated after the match. “I’ve supported them from a very young age so the feeling never goes of putting the shirt back on and representing the club. It’s a childhood dream. Every time I put the shirt on I want to give it 100 per cent.”
Reflecting on his previous season, Elliott acknowledged the difficulties but is now focused on getting his career back on track.
“Unfortunately it didn’t work out but the way I see it, that was last season. Now I’m here, it’s kind of a second chance, if you want to call it that, especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in, it’s a chance to impress… I’m here now and I’m trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad.”
Last season marked a significant setback for Elliott, who last summer had been named player of the tournament as England under-21s clinched the European Championships. Instead of pushing for a place at the World Cup, he spent weeks training with the knowledge he wouldn’t be involved in weekend fixtures.
Despite the frustrations, Elliott holds no ill will towards Aston Villa, insisting the club treated him well and kept him fully informed of his situation. He views the year as a valuable learning experience, which also saw him achieve success in the Europa League.
With Leeds, Sunderland, and RB Leipzig among the clubs reportedly showing interest, Elliott remains pragmatic about his future.
“I’m wanting to be selfish, doing what’s right for me,” he explained. “Whether that’s staying here and fighting for my place or whether that’s potentially going elsewhere I’m still unsure at the moment.”
He concluded by emphasising his desire to enjoy his football: “Putting the shirt on, I don’t want to take these moments for granted because last season I thought it was the last opportunity to do it. Now I’m back here wearing the strip again. I just want to be free and play as much as I can and enjoy it because sometimes it feels like I don’t do that enough.”
Newcastle spent in the region of £240m on new players 12 months ago, but Howe was left frustrated by the departure of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Howe has lost two key players this summer – Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while Arsenal are chasing captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager in November 2021, and ended Newcastle‘s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.
He led the Magpies to Champions League qualification in 2023 and 2025.
Last season, Newcastle reached the last-16 of the Champions League before losing 8-3 on aggregate to Barcelona.
Their EFL Cup defence ended in the semi-finals, but their league performance was severely underwhelming after finishing fifth in 2024-25.
Newcastle won 84 of their 179 Premier League games under Howe, drawing 38 and losing 57.
He oversaw more Premier League wins than any other Newcastle manager. His Premier League win percentage of 46.9% at the club is bettered only by Kevin Keegan.
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NFL training camps are opening across the league, and the countdown to the latest edition of “Madden NFL” is officially underway.
“Madden NFL 27” is still a little more than two weeks from release, but the ratings debate will likely start now. EA Sports unveiled its latest player ratings Wednesday, releasing the top 10 players at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
Reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford and Buffalo Bills signal caller Josh Allen led the quarterback group ratings and earned a spot in the coveted 99 Club.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFC wild-card playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Jan. 10, 2026. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Stafford and Allen tied for the top quarterback rating, but the Los Angeles Rams signal caller was listed ahead of the Buffalo Bills star in the category.
Joe Burrow was third with a 97, followed by Baltimore Ravens standout Lamar Jackson. Patrick Mahomes received a 93 rating and was slotted fifth, while Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff rounded out the group’s top 10 with an 88.
The other 99 Club members were wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, defensive end Myles Garrett and tight end Trey McBride.
CALEB WILLIAMS LANDS ‘MADDEN NFL 27’ COVER, BUT INFAMOUS CURSE LOOMS OVER PIVOTAL THIRD SEASON
After winning the franchise’s second Super Bowl title in February, the Seattle Seahawks reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension with Smith-Njigba that made him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Chase has eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in every season since entering the league in 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) reacts after picking up a first down against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 2025. (Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
After Chase and Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson rounded out the top five wide receivers. Mike Evans, who left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, came in at No. 10.
Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs led all running backs with a 98 overall rating. Christian McCaffrey followed at 97 after a bounce-back season, with Jonathan Taylor third and Bijan Robinson fourth at 95. Rams standout Kyren Williams rounded out the top 10.
Caleb Williams may be the face of “Madden NFL 27,” but the Chicago Bears quarterback is still eyeing a higher rating. Earlier this week, he said his goal is to climb into the 99 Club before the end of the year.
A detailed view of NFL Madden 2026 items at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 4, 2026, before Super Bowl LX. (Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
“If I get my completion percentage up, I’ll be a 99,” Williams told “Up & Adams” on Monday. “That’s how everybody feels about it. I don’t throw picks, I’m not a pick guy, never been a pick guy. Throw a few more touchdowns, keep the picks down and then just get the completion up.”
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“Madden NFL 27” is scheduled to launch worldwide Aug. 13, with MVP+ members receiving early access up to seven days ahead of release.
On the team side, the Rams earned the game’s top rating with a 93 overall.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Allisha Gray scored five of her 25 points in the closing seconds and the Atlanta Dream overcame a 15-point deficit to beat the Dallas Wings 82-81 on Wednesday night in the first game for both teams since the all-star break.
Angel Reese had 22 points and 12 rebounds for her 18th double-double of the season for the Dream (17-10). They have won four in a row and five of six following a five-game losing streak.
Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas (18-10) with 24 points. Azzi Fudd scored 20 points, Paige Bueckers had 16 points and Jessica Shepard had 16 points and 14 rebounds for her WNBA-leading 19th double-double of the season.
Ogunbowale was called for a Flagrant Foul 1 on Gray’s 3-point shot with Dallas leading 81-77 and 18.7 seconds left. Gray hit all three free throws, then took the ensuing inbounds pass and hit a contested jumper in the lane to give Atlanta its first lead of the second half with 15 seconds remaining.
Awak Kuier missed a corner 3-point shot before Shepard’s putback attempt at the buzzer missed.
The Dream were 1 of 16 from 3-point range.
Dream: Host Seattle on Friday night.
Wings: At Washington on Friday night.
Jockey James McDonald is optimistic about the prospects of two exciting horses making a significant impact during the spring carnival, as he prepares to ride Columbus and Enviable again at Rosehill this Saturday.
All eyes will be on the Les Bridge-trained Columbus and Chris Waller’s Enviable as they contest separate races, having both returned with impressive victories at Newcastle earlier this month.
McDonald made the notable decision to ride Columbus in a midweek Hawkesbury meeting when the gelding broke his maiden last October. He believes the talented four-year-old could have been a player in the major three-year-old races had injury not interrupted his progress.
Enviable also lost valuable racing time after sustaining a paddock injury following a spring campaign that included a fourth placing in the Flight Stakes and a Group 2 placing during the Melbourne Carnival.
Both gallopers returned to winning form at Newcastle on July 14 and are heading to Rosehill as leading contenders.
Enviable is the $2.60 favourite for the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1400m), while Columbus is the $2.20 favourite for the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1500m).
“I was gutted when he had a bit of time off,” McDonald said of Columbus.
“I thought he was a perfect Rosehill Guineas type of horse, so he’s got huge talent. He’s got a lovely record, unexposed. A bit like the filly as well.
“She has been exposed to the top level, but what she was doing at three – she was so unfurnished – the time off has done her the world of good, and that confidence win would have done her the world of good.
“They’re two lovely horses.”
Saturday’s meeting also marks the commencement of another Sydney jockeys’ premiership campaign for McDonald, who secured his tenth overall title and eighth consecutive crown during the 2025/26 season.
McDonald finished with 91 Sydney metropolitan winners, 12 clear of Zac Lloyd, but anticipates that defending his title will become increasingly difficult.
“It will get harder, that’s for sure. There is really good young talent,” McDonald stated.
“As the years have gone by, the landscape has changed a little bit in terms of my travel and engagements. It will be similar to this year when I had so much time away and I was lucky to hang on.”
Despite spending more time interstate and overseas, including his ongoing association with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, McDonald remains the benchmark among Sydney riders with a winning strike-rate of better than 25 per cent.
He will be hoping to begin the new season in the same fashion as the last, when Amusing gave him a winner at his opening metropolitan ride, with Columbus set to launch his 2026/27 campaign at Rosehill.
The upcoming Rosehill meeting presents opportunities for those interested in exploring betting markets for the race.
The only hit allowed by Lauer (6-5) was a single to Cole Young in the third. The left-hander struck out four and walked one. He retired the leadoff hitter in every inning he was on the mound. The Dodgers are undefeated in each of Lauer’s eight starts since he was acquired from Toronto in mid-May for cash.
Edwin Díaz pitched the ninth for his fifth save after coming off the injured list earlier in the day. He missed 85 games after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his right arm. The right-hander gave up a ground-rule double and an RBI double before closing it out.
Seattle’s Weston Wilson doubled off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott and scored on Young’s RBI single in the eighth.
Teoscar Hernández made a highlight-reel catch in left to rob pinch-hitter Mitch Garver of a home run in the same inning. Hernández climbed the fence in front of the Dodgers bullpen to snag the ball, with the bullpen on its feet cheering.
The Dodgers scored one run in the first, third, fourth and sixth innings.
Pages went deep with a two-strike shot in the first off Emerson Hancock (6-5).
Freddie Freeman’s broken-bat infield single couldn’t be handled by third baseman Wilson and Shohei Ohtani, who went 2 for 3, scored for a 2-0 lead.
Pages’ infield single made it 3-0 and Ohtani’s two-strike RBI double with two outs in the sixth completed the Dodgers’ scoring.
Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (4-5, 2.75 ERA) was set to start Thursday in the series finale against Dodgers RHP Roki Sasaki (4-5, 4.71).
Jul 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe (14) reacts to striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images The Texas Rangers dealt for catcher Logan O’Hoppe and relief pitcher Chase Silseth on Wednesday, sending the Los Angeles Angels minor league prospect Angel Arredondo in return.
O’Hoppe, 26, has appeared in 386 games over the past five years with the Angels. He owns a .227 career batting average, though he is hitting just .209 with four homers and 23 RBIs in 75 games this season.
His best season at the plate came in 2024, when he batted .244 with a .303 on-base percentage, a .409 slugging percentage, 20 homers and 56 RBIs in 136 games.
The Rangers, who are 55-53 and in first place in the AL West, were in significant need of a catcher following injuries to Danny Jansen and Kyle Higashioka, who both currently reside on the injured list.
Jansen, out since early June with an elbow injury, has been mulling elbow surgery, which would shut down his season. As part of the Wednesday roster dealings, he was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Higashioka is dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow, an ailment that sent him to the IL a week ago.
In their absence, the Rangers have rotated between Elias Diaz, who is more of an asset on offense, and Austin Wynns, a better player on defense.
Where O’Hoppe fits into the mix remains to be seen, as the Rangers optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock immediately following the deal. Silseth, like O’Hoppe, has seen a lot of action in 2026. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3-2 record with a 2.72 ERA over 47 appearances (39 2/3 innings).
Silseth will join Texas’ active roster.
Arredondo is a 19-year-old infielder from Mexico. He has rotated between third base and shortstop for Class-A Hickory this season, batting .247 with eight homers and 47 RBIs in 87 games.
–Field Level Media
The West is filled with talented coaches.
From Dan Lanning at Oregon to Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State, the young talent is undeniable.
But just how exactly do all the coaches in the West stack up?
Here’s my ranking of the Top 10 Coaches in the region.
1. Dan Lanning, Oregon
There is no one in the West on Dan Lanning’s level. The Oregon coach is a mastermind.
From the actual X’s and O’s to the philosophical mindset of each week, his skill and execution are unmatched.
There’s a reason why the Ducks have been so good over the past few years. It’s because of Lanning.
2. Kalani Sitake, BYU
A program-builder. That’s the best way to describe BYU’s Kalani Sitake.
The culture he has instilled in the program is uncommon. Sitake has the Cougars positioned to compete for the Playoff for years to come.
The administration at BYU deserves credit for finding a way to keep him over the offseason.
3. Lincoln Riley, USC
Lincoln Riley is dangerously close to being labeled a bust at USC. This season is critical for his reputation.
The underperformance in LA makes it easy to forget his 55-10 record at Oklahoma.
Who is the real Riley? The one that can’t get it going at USC or the one that dominated at Oklahoma?
4. Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State
One of the top young coaches in college football, Kenny Dillingham has a high ceiling.
He led Arizona State to the Playoff in his second year as a coach. The Sun Devils are 19-8 over the past two seasons and have momentum.
Another strong year in Tempe could draw more interest from Power 2 schools.
5. Jedd Fisch, Washington
There’s no doubt that Jedd Fisch is a talented coach. He resurrected Arizona with a clear vision and recruiting prowess.
Yet, the results at Washington have yet to turn heads. This year could determine the narrative of his legacy in Seattle.
The time to put it all together is now.
6. Dan Mullen, UNLV
Four. That’s the number of 10-win seasons (or better) that Dan Mullen has, including a 10-win campaign at UNLV last year.
Now after another round of conference realignment, the Mountain West is open for the taking.
Mullen could realistically have UNLV competing for a spot in the Playoff every year.
7. Brent Brennan, Arizona
Brent Brennan regained credibility due to last season’s success. But nobody has forgotten about the disastrous four-win year in 2024.
This season becomes the rubber match for Brennan’s early legacy in Tucson.
Keeping both coordinators on staff was a strong first start. Let’s see if they put it together on the field.
8. Jason Eck, New Mexico
If there ever was an up-and-coming coach, it’s Jason Eck.
He has embraced the community in Albuquerque and resurrected New Mexico’s program. The momentum is tangible.
By the end of the year, Eck could be pursued by several power conference teams. Enjoy it while you have it, Lobos.
9. Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State
Utah State is at an interesting spot in the new Pac-12. The reformed league presents an opportunity for Bronco Mendenhall.
The former coach of BYU has five 10-win seasons (or better) over his 19-year career. In a wide-open conference, this year will be one to watch.
Keep an eye on what happens in Logan.
10. Ken Niumatalolo, San Jose State
After spending 16 seasons at Navy, Ken Niumatalolo is 10-15 at San Jose State. Last year’s 3-wins were tied for the fewest he’s ever had in a single season.
The expectation is to get back on track in the revamped Mountain West.
Look for SJSU to establish itself in the Conference’s new pecking order.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez has been recalled from yet another fruitless loan, and the West London club is working to find a new temporary stomping ground for him.
The Blues signed the Ecuadorian gem years ago, but he has struggled to make headway. The powers that be at Stamford Bridge will likely be frustrated.
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According to Juan Patricio Balbi, Chelsea are trying to define something after his River Plate loan was cut short. He has offers from Turkey’s Trabzonspor and Mechelen in Belgium.
Chelsea need to ensure that the 19-year-old goes somewhere he can get playing time and express himself.
He is quite the talent, but getting game time is paramount for a player of his age right now, more than anything.
Belgium is a fantastic ground for nurturing talent. It may be better suited than the fiery Turkish Super Lig.
This might be a make-or-break season for him. The talent has never really been in doubt, but ability alone is not enough to succeed at a club like Chelsea.
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The youngster also has to take greater responsibility for his own development.
Reports of a poor attitude in training, a lack of professionalism and an active nightlife have done little to enhance his reputation over the past year.
Whether every story is accurate or not, perception matters, and Paez must give people fewer reasons to question his commitment.
His focus should be on improving every day, earning minutes and rediscovering the form that made him one of South America’s brightest prospects.
A successful loan starts with the right destination, but it will ultimately depend on Paez cleaning up his act, embracing discipline and letting his football do the talking again.
Chelsea also need to stop stockpiling talent and blocking their pathway, sending them on countless loans. Thankfully, they are taking steps to streamline their squad.
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