Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) celebrates after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.
Each offseason, right before free agency, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to pick one free agent apiece they expect Minnesota to sign — the guy they’re staking their reputation on for a prediction’s sake. As always, our contributors were all over the board.
These picks focus on realistic fits, contract costs, and where the Vikings still need help.
Question to our staff: If you had to put money on one external free agent signing with the Vikings, what’s that guy’s name? This is your prediction, not your preference.
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Our Predictions in Free Agency Largely Target Defensive Backs
Here’s what they said — our official free-agent predictions for the 2026 Vikings.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) looks on during pregame warmups Aug. 16, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before a preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Diggs prepared with teammates as Dallas evaluated defensive personnel and secondary depth ahead of the upcoming regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
1. Trevon Diggs | CB, DAL
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Minnesota Vikings need at least two more cornerbacks, and they have a limited budget this offseason. Diggs has an impressive track record in the NFL, but injuries have limited him in recent years, which should significantly lower his asking price. The corner is a low-risk, high-reward type player and ideal for a franchise that has taken risks with injured athletes in the past.
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2. Coby Bryant | S, SEA
Predictor: Tony Schultz
With Harrison Smith either retiring this year or shortly after, the defense’s backend needs to be shored up. Smith is a smart player and still almost always in position at his age, and you need a guy who can bring veteran presence along with youth.
Bryant not only brings those attributes but also the stats to back them up. At 26, he’s young enough to team up with Theo Jackson for a nice duo roaming the zones and man coverage looking for picks and break-ups, and he brings Super Bowl credentials as well. Depending on the draft, he might be playing back there with Dillon Thieneman, and they could be a deadly pair for years to come.
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Safety isn’t a highly coveted position, but Brian Flores’s defense needs big, smart players there to make calls and tackles. While the cap is tight, they should be able to wiggle him in and get the most impact, rather than players who might not be attainable.
Breece Hall and Tyler Linderbaum would be nice, but an expensive running back might not add enough to the offense, and I think the team already has its center in Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens.
3. Lloyd Cushenberry III | C, Free Agent
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
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The Vikings need a new center to complete their offensive line. If they decide to stick with J.J. McCarthy as QB, an experienced center makes more sense than a rookie, and Cushenberry has a case to be the best available.
4. Cade Mays | C | CAR
Predictor: Wes Johnson
The Vikings couldn’t have predicted the awful season that last year’s free-agent signing, Ryan Kelly, would have; a string of head injuries has likely ended his career. Minnesota, which enters the offseason in desperate need of depth, finds help on the O-line in Mays. With this draft deep at WR, DT, LB, S, and CB, shoring up other positions should be critical.
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5. Kamren Curl | S, LAR
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
Curl is decent-sized at 6’2, only 27 years old, and after 6 years in the league, the big question will be if the Vikings can pry him away from the Rams. If we are going by Pro Football Focus grades, he has put together some solid seasons that put him in the Top 20 at his position, and he allowed only 1 TD in 2025 while also being known for his run defense.
The Vikings are likely to need to fill two safety spots, and Curl can play both FS and SS, with the ability to play in the box, which gives Brian Flores a versatile tool in the backfield.
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6. Leo Chenal | ILB, KC
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) runs onto the field before kickoff Dec. 25, 2023 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, ahead of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chenal joined teammates for pregame introductions as the Chiefs prepared for a late-season AFC West matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports.
Great size, young, isn’t likely to break the bank, fills a need, and is coming out of a sophisticated, aggressive defense. Note that free agency is often used to address major needs ahead of the draft, ensuring a team doesn’t have to reach. In Mr. Chenal, the Vikings do so at linebacker.
7. Reed Blankenship | S, PHI
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
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Reed Blankenship, you are a Minnesota Viking.
He will be 27 this year and has played in a strong Philadelphia Eagles defense. Regardless of Harrison Smith’s situation, Flores needs help at safety. That’s an immediate answer and plays both now and into the future.
8. Travis Etienne | RB, JAX
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
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The Vikings will likely move on from Aaron Jones, given his age and cap number. Jordan Mason is a good complementary back to have, but is not an RB1.
9. Tutu Atwell | WR, LAR
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Minnesota may be able to get this Jalen Nailor replacement a little bit cheaper than the namesake, but Atwell comes with more big-play and gadget-play potential.
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10. D.J. Reader | DT, DET
Predictor: Josh Frey
Reader has never been overly productive by the box score numbers, but he’s an all-around solid veteran in the trenches. The Vikings will be looking to rebuild their defensive tackle position again, and Spotrac projects his contract to be worth just under $3.9 million. For a team that needs to be fiscally responsible this spring, the move makes sense.
11. Asante Samuel Jr. | CB, PIT
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Predictor: Dustin Baker
Samuel Jr. met with the Vikings on his free-agent tour midseason last year, but he picked the Steelers. There, he was coached by Gerald Alexander — who took over this offseason for Daronte Jones in Minnesota. Given the double connection here, plus Mike Tomlin gone from Pittsburgh, Samuel Jr. will sign with the Vikings for two years and $11 million.
With Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Samuel Jr. in the house, the Vikings aren’t pigeonholed into drafting a Round 1 corner.
t12. Bryan Cook | S, KC
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Predictor: Adam New
Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) walks onto the field during warmups Sep. 5, 2025 at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cook prepared with Kansas City’s secondary for an international contest as part of the NFL’s expanding global regular-season schedule. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images.
The Vikings need help in the secondary, and free-agent fits don’t come much better than Bryan Cook. He can fill the need for a deep safety, coming from a blitz-heavy defense in Kansas City, making him perfect for Flores’ defense.
t12.Bryan Cook | S, KC
Predictor: Cole Smith
The former Chief was one of the league’s best safeties last year, and the Vikings need to revamp their secondary.
LSU Tigers star Flau’jae Johnson has been widely projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA draft. Johnson’s collegiate career ended last month, and she has her eyes set on Monday’s draft.
In her interview with NBC Sports on Thursday, Johnson was asked by hosts Natalie Esquire and Terrika Foster-Brasby about her preferred destinations in the WNBA.
“My mindset right now is really just like, I can’t control none of that,” Johnson said. “I’m not even thinking about that. Honestly, I’m like, whoever picks me, I’m grateful, you know, to even have the opportunity to play in the WNBA. Like that sounds crazy. And whoever doesn’t pick me, like I get to see them all the time. I get to play them.
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So for me, it’s a win-win situation. For whoever drafts me is a win-win situation. I’ll be very thankful to bring my talents to that city and represent how I do. But I can’t control any of it. It’s not like I could be like, ‘I wanna go there.’ So I’m just thankful for where I’m at right now. I just wanna hear my name get called.”
In her final collegiate season with the Tigers, Johnson averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 46.5% shooting, including 39.3% from 3-point range. She was a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this year and ranks No. 6 in LSU history with 2,050 career points.
Johnson was part of LSU’s 2023 championship team. Following that, she led the team to two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet 16 berth this season.
In ESPN analyst Michael Voepel’s mock draft on Wednesday, Flau’jae Johnson is projected to be selected by the Chicago Sky with the No. 5 pick.
Flau’jae Johnson is part of the official WNBA draft invitees
On Friday, the WNBA released a list of 15 prospects who will attend Monday’s draft day at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. The list notably includes LSU Tigers star Flau’jae Johnson, Spain’s Awa Fam, UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Connecticut’s Azzi Fudd and TCU’s Olivia Miles.
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Before the traditional “orange carpet,” the invited prospects will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony to celebrate the draft. Also invited are Nell Angloma, Angela Dugalić, Gabriela Jaquez, Raven Johnson, Gianna Kneepkens, Ta’Niya Latson, Cotie McMahon, Madina Okot, Kiki Rice and Marta Suárez.
The Dallas Wings have the top pick in the WNBA draft for the second straight season. The Minnesota Lynx have the No. 2 pick, followed by the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky. The expansions teams, Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, will have the No. 6 and No. 7 picks, respectively.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings are currently stacking quite a few pre-draft visits with the event two weeks away, and among the names, Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is on Kevin O’Connell’s team’s radar.
Minnesota keeps checking on receiver options as the middle rounds draw closer.
O’Connell is apparently in the market for another wide receiver, one year after his club drafted Maryland’s Tai Felton in Round 3.
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Stribling Offers Size and Developmental Upside at Wide Receiver
Minnesota has 9 picks this year, and Stribling might be one of them.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) reacts following the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Miami Hurricanes, with Jan 8, 2026 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona capturing the postgame moment as players processed the outcome of a high-stakes Fiesta Bowl matchup. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Vikings to Meet with Stribling
Get to know Stribling because he’s on Minnesota’s radar.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Thursday, “The Vikings are spending some time with a potential addition to their wide receiver group on Thursday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that former Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling is visiting with the team. Stribling played at Washington State and Oklahoma State before moving to Oxford for his final college season.”
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“He had 55 catches for 811 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season with the Rebels and had 50-catch seasons at each of his first two stops as well. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the top returning members of a receiving corps that also includes Myles Price, Tai Felton, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, and Joaquin Davis.”
The Vikings also met with Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels this week.
The Scouting Report for Stribling
Stribling is 6’2″ and 210, which would instantly make him the Vikings’ biggest receiver of those expected to make the September roster. He also has tremendous speed, especially at his height, logging a 4.36 forty during the draft build-up. Stribling is known for getting vertical in the deep passing game, his willingness to block downfield, and his marked improvement throughout college.
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The drawbacks? Stribling isn’t a contested-catch demon, and he’ll be 24 years old as a rookie, a turn-off for some.
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler on his skill set: “Stribling isn’t the most well-rounded in terms of his route success, but he is a big-bodied athlete with strong ball skills and a pro mindset. He has the talent and competitive toughness to settle into a WR2/3 role for an NFL offense.
“A one-year starter at Ole Miss (and a four-and-a-half-year starter overall), Stribling was an outside receiver, primarily to the left of the formation, in former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s scheme (also used on motions and in the backfield). The Hawaii native spent two years at Washington State and another two at Oklahoma State before helping Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff in 2025 (averaged 92.7 receiving yards in three Playoff games).”
The last player from Ole Miss drafted by the Vikings? A fellow wide receiver by the name of Laquon Treadwell in 2016.
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Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) lines up during Fiesta Bowl action against the Miami Hurricanes, with Jan 8, 2026 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona showing him working through routes in a College Football Playoff semifinal under bright stadium lights. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brugler continued, “With his tall, muscular frame, Stribling quickly accelerates to his top speed and has quickness out of route breaks, even if he didn’t put the most versatile route inventory on film (hitches and go routes accounted for 57 percent of his route frequency in 2025).”
“He has dependable hands (1.9 percent drop rate in 2025) and plays strong to the football, but needs to do a better job with his positioning downfield to finish tight-window throws. His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.”
The WR3 Roster Concern
Jalen Nailor’s departure to the Raiders in free agency, reuniting him with Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak, created a void at WR3 for the Vikings. This prompts a key question for Minnesota: Is the solution already on the roster, or will they need to look elsewhere?
The aforementioned Felton now finds himself under the spotlight. Drafted in the third round last year — a selection that typically signals significant offensive intentions — Felton spent most of his rookie season on special teams with minimal impact on offense.
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Mississippi wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (WO35) speaks with reporters during the NFL Combine, with Feb 27, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana highlighting his interaction with media and evaluators as he discussed his college career and draft preparation. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
The central question is whether the Vikings believe Felton can effectively fill the WR3 role this season. If so, they can move forward with him. If not, they must find an alternative, either by drafting a rookie or signing a free agent. Stribling is a rookie route.
Other WRs in Stribling Territory
If the Vikings fancy a wide receiver from Round 2 or 3, but it’s not Stribling after all, the options would look like this on Friday, April 24th:
Minnesota has drafted just one WR from Rounds 2 or 3 in the last 19 years: Felton. It’s usually Round 1 or “wait until later” at wide receiver for the Vikings.
Will the Minnesota Vikings actually use their 1st-Round draft pick in two weeks on a wide receiver? Probably not. Can the selection of one, like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, be ruled out? Nope.
A first-round receiver for Minnesota still feels unlikely, but Tyson has entered the conversation.
Tyson has begun to inch onto Minnesota’s mock-draft radar, as he could blend the Vikings’ draft position — No. 18 — with the “best player available” mindset.
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Tyson Brings the Type of WR Talent That Can Shift Draft-Day Debate
Would you oppose another Round 1 wideout for Minnesota?
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) turns upfield after a reception during game action against Northern Arizona, with Aug. 30, 2025 in Tempe, Arizona capturing his acceleration and open-field vision at Mountain America Stadium as he created yardage following the catch early in the season. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nick Wright Mock Draft: Tyson to MIN
For starters, The Tennessean‘s Nick Suss posted a mock draft this week, connecting Tyson to the purple team. He explained at No. 18, “A … less sensible pick. The Vikings have their top two receivers set with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But Tyson might just be the best talent available at this point, so it’s not as if it’s a reach and a bad fit.”
Meanwhile, on the same day, just hours apart, Fox Sports‘ Nick Wright followed suit, explaining Tyson to the Vikings in his mock, “I feel like Jordan Addison’s star has dimmed over the last couple of years for lack of on-field production and off-field stuff. It feels like the defense has people everywhere already. Odds that Vikings use first pick on a wide receiver: +1800.”
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And, incidentally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted Thursday, “Arizona St. WR Jordyn Tyson, a projected first-round pick, will hold his own individual workout day for NFL teams on Friday, April 17 at Arizona State.”
Folks will learn in about a week if the Vikings attend.
The Tyson Bio and Skill Set
Let’s just get this out of the way: Tyson is no joke. He’s 6’2″ and 205 pounds. His claim to fame? The son of a gun gets open because of his exquisite route-running, and his contested-catch rate is fantastic. Tyson is also known for his hands. The drawbacks? A lengthy injury history prevents him from being the top wideout in this draft, he isn’t a burner, and it’s a little weird that he skipped the NFL Combine and Arizona State’s Pro Day.
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NFL Draft Buzzon Tyson: “This is a receiver who wins with craft, body control, and competitive fire rather than overwhelming physical tools. His 4.5 speed is not going to scare anyone on paper, but his release package and route-running savvy create separation that stopwatches cannot measure.
“He thrives in the intermediate areas of the field, finding soft spots in zone coverage and working back to the quarterback on in-breaking routes. His basketball background is not just a fun biographical note; it genuinely shows up in how he plays the position, particularly in contested-catch situations where he boxes out defenders like he is working for position in the paint.”
Tyson tallied 61 catches for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns last year.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) lines up during a matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, with the midseason contest at Mountain America Stadium highlighting his role in the offense as he worked routes against coverage throughout the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
TBD added, “The positional flexibility is a major selling point. Tyson has produced from the outside, from the slot, and in motion, giving offensive coordinators a movable chess piece who can be deployed in multiple alignments. He fits best in passing attacks that emphasize intermediate concepts, play-action designs, and timing routes where his precise stems and reliable hands can shine.”
“His willingness to block in the run game, a trait drilled into him by Hines Ward, will endear him to coaching staffs who value complete receivers rather than one-dimensional route runners. The medical questions are real and cannot be ignored.”
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The Departure of Jalen Nailor
If the Vikings had kept Nailor and hadn’t let him leave for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, Tyson may not even be found in mock drafts for Minnesota. But the reality is that Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tai Felton, and return man Myles Price are the only rosterable wide receivers on the current depth chart.
Unless Felton is sitting on a sophomore breakout, Minnesota will likely leave the 2026 NFL Draft with a wideout, whether it’s Tyson in Round 1 or a Round 5-7 sleeper.
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) secures a catch while defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44), with first-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium showing tight coverage as Nailor pulled in the pass during an early offensive drive. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Minnesota could also sign a free agent after the draft, as players like Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyreek Hill remain unemployed. Brandon Aiyuk, too, could be on the wire before too long.
More Realistic Draft Selections at No. 18
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As a Tyson pick is unlikely on the whole, the more realistic draft options for the Vikings look like this:
Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami (FL))
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
Peter Woods (DL, Clemson)
Most pundits and sportsbooks expect the Vikings to draft a defensive player in Round 1, with Thieneman, a safety from Oregon, leading the way in the court of public opinion.
Jun 7, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during mandatory mini camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings have needed an infusion of young talent at the running back position since the departure of Dalvin Cook. There was a belief that Alexander Mattison could be the answer, but that flopped. Ty Chandler was a long shot, and he never panned out either.
Rather than run things back with Aaron Jones last year, the Vikings opted to bring in Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. Having filled in plenty previously for the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey, Mason brought quite the track record to U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota’s Backfield Outlook Faces Another Potential Shift
In 2026, the Vikings found a path to retain Jones, and they still have Mason under contract. There’s a real need to infuse young talent in the organization, but they could swing for even more. Fox Sports columnist Ralph Vacchiano recently suggested a trade for De’Von Achane.
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Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
There’s no denying that Achane would be a great fit in the Vikings offense, and he’d likely take over the top of the depth chart. The only question is whether there is room for three talents of that ilk as things stand currently.
Had the Vikings not brought back Jones, this seems like a much more straightforward fit. With Jones in tow, though, you have three running backs all worth of real reps, and there isn’t a path to playing time for them all. That’s before even considering that Kevin O’Connell hasn’t leaned into the running game at any point during his coaching career.
If the Dolphins were interested in taking Jones in a swap, then clearing some playing time would make a path forward much more tenable. It’s still going to cost a second or third round pick, and the assumption of a hefty contract extension down the line. Short of additional reps, though, there are better ways to utilize roster openings.
Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) during practice at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Vikings haven’t taken a running back in the early rounds for quite some time. They could change that by using a top 100 pick this year, and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (who hails from Minnesota) would easily fall into that category.
Short of shedding Jones, which could have ripple effects in the locker room at this point, it’s hard to envision the addition of another starting-caliber contender.
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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
Canelo Alvarez is hoping to bounce back from a first super-middleweight defeat upon his ring return later this year and it is quickly becoming clear which belt he will target.
On Thursday, Mbilli’s promoter, Camille Estephan, watched on as another of his fighters, Osleys Iglesias, captured the IBF super-middleweight world title in style. During the post-fight interview, Estephan made it clear that Canelo ‘wants’ to win his WBC belt back, but vowed that Mbilli will overcome him.
“Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him. We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough.
“We [Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias] are gonna get all the other titles, and then they’ll fight and we’ll have the superstar out of Quebec right here.”
Elsewhere, both the WBA and WBO super-middleweight titles are on the line next month, in separate bouts involving Jose Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia (May 2, for Resendiz’s WBA title), and then Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic (May 23, for the vacant WBO).
“Look, I’m in a nice position. I played well today,” Lowry said. “I felt like I did a lot of good things, and my attitude was great. So I’m very, very happy. If you give me this position yesterday morning, I would have taken your hand off. To be kind of in the mix going into the weekend around here is nice, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Shane Lowry reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
This is Lowry’s eighth made cut in 11 Masters starts, his best finish coming in 2022 at T3. He finished his round Friday with birdies on the par-3 No. 16 and No. 18.
“I obviously had to stay patient, and I holed a couple of nice par putts kind of on 11 and 14,” he said. “Then, yeah, just kept trying to give myself chances and hit some great shots on the way in. I’m very happy.”
Operations at the canteen inside the Sports Authority of India headquarters in Delhi have come to a partial halt. The cooking activities have been suspended amid what is being described as an LPG supply issue. However, sources indicate the disruption may be linked to pricing disputes with the vendour and not exactly shortage of cooking gas. According to officials familiar with the matter, the private vendor managing the canteen raised concerns over insufficient LPG supply, leading to a complete stoppage in food preparation. But a well-placed source suggested that the issue could stem from the “high prices he has been quoting,”
For now, only tea is being served to staff, prepared using induction cooktops instead of gas. The canteen, which caters to roughly 150 employees at the headquarters, has stopped serving breakfast and evening snacks, leaving staff to make alternative arrangements for meals.
“The cooking of breakfast and evening snacks stopped around the time the West Asia crisis escalated,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “It was part of an effort to ration resources. We were informed by the canteen staff that only tea would be available.”
Despite the disruption at the headquarters, SAI has clarified that athletes remain unaffected. Those training at the stadium continue to receive their meals at the athletes’ mess, which is fully operational. Additionally, there has been no reported shortage of LPG across SAI’s National Centres of Excellence or hostel facilities nationwide, where food services are functioning normally.
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According to sources, NDTV has learnt that this vendor handling the headquarters canteen reportedly took charge only a few months ago, raising further questions about the sudden suspension of services.
While the LPG crunch has been cited as the immediate cause, the broader context of supply chain concerns linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia may also be playing a role
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London v Mayo Preview, Team News, Betting and Prediction – Connacht SFC 2026
The 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship gets under way in Ruislip on Saturday afternoon as London welcome Mayo to McGovern Park, and all the early signs point towards the visitors making a winning start.
Mayo enter the championship in a strong place after finishing third in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, winning five of their seven games. London, by contrast, finished sixth in Division 4, leaving a huge gulf between the teams heading into this Connacht quarter-final.
That gap is reflected in both the history of this fixture and in the betting market. Mayo have won each of the last five championship meetings between the counties, including the 2013 Connacht final and a 2016 quarter-final clash. London will hope that home surroundings and championship intensity keep them competitive for periods, but this is a very tall order.
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London v Mayo recent championship meetings
2016: Mayo 2-16 London 0-9
2013: Mayo 5-11 London 0-10
2011: Mayo 0-19 London 2-10 aet
2006: Mayo 1-18 London 0-8
1996: Mayo 1-11 London 1-5
Mayo’s athleticism, pace through the middle and proven scoring ability should eventually make the difference. Even if London stay in touch for a while, the most likely outcome is Mayo pulling clear over the final 20 minutes.
Betting odds
London: 25/1
Draw: 35/1
Mayo: 1/100
The outright market offers little value given how short Mayo are. The smarter betting angle is likely to be on the winning margin, with Mayo expected to cover a sizeable handicap.
Prediction
London should battle honestly, but Mayo are operating at a far higher level and anything other than an away win would be a major shock.
Prediction: Mayo to win comfortably
Predicted score: London 0-11 Mayo 1-22
Next up: The winners will play Roscommon or New York in the Connacht semi-final.
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Team News
London – TBA
Mayo –
The 2026 Connacht championship throws-in on Saturday as Mayo travel to Ruislip to face London.
It will be Mayo’s first visit to the venue since 2016, when they recorded a 2-16 to 0-09 win over the hosts. Manager Andy Moran has named two championship debutants in Hugh O’Loughlin and Cian McHale. Notably, two members of the current matchday squad – Rob Hennelly and Cillian O’Connor – also made their debuts against London, in 2011. Throw-in at McGovern Park is scheduled for 2.30pm.
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1. Rob Hennelly – Raheny 2. Jack Coyne (C) – Ballyhaunis 3. Rory Brickenden – Westport 4. Fenton Kelly – Davitts 5. Sam Callinan – Ballina Stephenites 6. Michael Plunkett – Ballintubber 7. Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels 8. Bob Tuohy – Castlebar Mitchels 9. David McBrien – Ballaghaderreen 10. Jack Carney – Kilmeena 11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet 12. Hugh O’Loughlin – Kilmaine 13. Cian McHale – Moy Davitts 14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy 15. Paul Towey – Charlestown Sarsfields
16. Jack Livingstone – Breaffy 17. John MacMonagle – Castlebar Mitchels 18. Donnacha McHugh – Castlebar Mitchels 19. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore 20. Sean Morahan – Castlebar Mitchels 21. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers 22. Conal Dawson – Westport 23. Fergal Boland – Aghamore 24. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber 25. Tommy Conroy – The Neale 26. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber
NEW DELHI: Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty continued his impressive run at the Badminton Asia Championships, reaching the semi-finals after a stunning win over world No. 4 Jonatan Christie in Ningbo. Ayush won 23-21, 21-17 in a closely fought match, marking his first-ever victory over the Indonesian star and securing a medal for India.This achievement is significant as Ayush became the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to win a medal at the continental event.
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The Toast of Indian Men’s Badminton Graces the TOISA ’25 Stage – Lakshya Sen Shines On & Off Court!!
It also guarantees India’s first medal at the championships since the men’s doubles gold won by Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in 2023.The match was a tense battle from start to finish. In the opening game, both players were evenly matched, with Christie holding a narrow lead at one stage and even earning a game point. However, Ayush showed great composure under pressure, fighting back to force a tie-break and eventually clinching the game.The second game followed a similar pattern, with Ayush taking a slight lead into the break and then tightening his grip as the game progressed. His ability to stay calm and execute key points helped him close out the match and secure a memorable victory.Ayush’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable. He earlier stunned world No. 7 Li Shi Feng in the opening round and then defeated Chi Yu Jen to reach the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he will face either Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who defeated Weng Hongyang 20-22, 21-9, 21-9.While Ayush has been the standout performer, India’s campaign also saw setbacks, with PV Sindhu exiting in the second round and Lakshya Sen going out in the opening round.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals further strengthened their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table after their dominant win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Royals have been in outstanding form this season, registering four wins in as many matches. They sit firmly at number one with 8 points, having a perfect record of 4 wins and 0 losses, and a superior net run rate of +2.055.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defeat did not alter their overall standing significantly as they remain third on the table.
RCB have played 3 matches so far, winning 2 and losing 1, collecting 4 points in total. They have a net run rate of +1.231.
At second place are Punjab Kings, who have played 3 matches, winning 2 without a loss and one no-result. They have 5 points with a net run rate of +0.637.
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In fourth position, Delhi Capitals have also won 2 of their 3 matches, losing 1, and sit on 4 points with a net run rate of +0.811.
Just behind them are Lucknow Super Giants, who mirror DC’s record with 2 wins and 1 loss but have a slightly negative net run rate of -0.359, placing them fifth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are sixth with 1 win and 2 losses from 3 matches, earning 2 points and a net run rate of +0.275.
Gujarat Titans also have 1 win and 2 losses but sit seventh with a net run rate of -0.270.
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Mumbai Indians are eighth with 1 win and 2 losses, collecting 2 points and a net run rate of -0.715.
At the bottom, Kolkata Knight Riders are ninth with 1 point from 4 matches, having 0 wins, 3 losses and 1 no-result, with a net run rate of -1.315.
Chennai Super Kings are at the very bottom in tenth place, having lost all 3 matches, with 0 points and a net run rate of -2.517.
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