CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Katie McCabe of Arsenal applauds fans after the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on May 06, 2026 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal Women are reportedly considering offering Katie McCabe a new contract, despite earlier expectations that she would leave the club this summer.
McCabe’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and reports had suggested the Ireland captain was preparing to leave on a free transfer, with Manchester City Women linked as a possible destination.
Back in March, McCabe admitted there had already been interest from other clubs.
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“Yes, there’s been interest,” she said.
“The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I’ve shown that over the last 10 years. I’ve given absolutely everything.”
However, Arsenal are now believed to be reconsidering their position after McCabe’s performances this season. Her versatility and consistency have reportedly impressed key figures at the club, especially after filling in at centre-back while continuing to perform strongly at left-back.
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McCabe joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015 and has become one of the club’s most important players over the last decade. She has made more than 200 appearances and helped Arsenal win the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, League Cup and Women’s Champions League.
For now, McCabe’s future remains undecided, but a stay in north London now appears more possible than it did a few months ago.
OK, let me start by answering the above question that — at least not yet anyway — Jordan Spieth is not, in fact, back. But boy was he making it look like 2017 Saturday at the Truist Championship
Spieth, the former World No. 1, three-time major winner and his own walking commentator on the golf course, was stuck in neutral for the first 42 holes of this week’s tournament at even par when he came to the seventh hole.
The current World No. 50 reached the 553-yard par-5 in two and was left with a steeply uphill, 66-foot eagle try to break into red figures again after a bogey on the previous hole.
Spieth gave the ball a rap and sent it on its way to the cup. It climbed up the ridge in the middle of the green, took a subtle break to the left and rattled the flag stick before falling in the cup for an eagle.
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The crowd roared for one of the PGA Tour’s favorite stars despite only recording two PGA Tour wins since his last major in 2017. But don’t tell Spieth it’s not 2017 anymore.
In a call back to that most recent Open Championship victory at Royal Birkdale, Spieth calmly looked at caddie Michael Greller, pointed at him and then motioned to the hole. He walked to the 8th tee as Greller retrieved his ball from the hole.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Spieth famously yelled, “Go get that,” to Greller after draining a 48-foot eagle putt on the par-5 15th to regain the solo lead. That came after a hectic stretch where Spieth made bogey on the 13th after putting his tee shot on the driving range and then stuffed his approach on the 14th to get that shot right back with a birdie.
Why does this all matter now?
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Next week will be Spieth’s 10th opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam with a win at the PGA Championship, this year at Aronimink, outside of Philadelphia.
While Spieth hasn’t won since the 2022 RBC Heritage, he has shown signs this season of getting his game back to the form he showed in the mid-2010s when he won three majors in three years. He’s currently 37th in this season’s FedEx Cup rankings and made numerous equipment changes last week, including the first golf ball model switch of his career.
Those changes had him tied for second heading into the weekend before Cam Young ran away with the event.
This week, the driver and ball changes have borne fruit as he ranks third in the field in SG: Off-The-Tee, a category that plagued him earlier in his career.
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And the eagle jump-started a round that ended up as a three-under 68, putting him into the top-30 as of this writing.
He still likely won’t factor much on Sunday at Quail Hollow, where the lead was 10 under as he finished his third round, but could all the momentum lead to him putting everything together next week? His elusive Wannamaker trophy feels closer than it should.
AAMI Park will play host to Sunday’s
Round 10 NRL game between Melbourne Storm and
Wests Tigers. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Melbourne Storm heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Storm vs.
Wests Tigers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Melbourne will be desperate to halt its worst losing run in club history when it hosts Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon. The Storm have looked uncharacteristically flat in recent weeks, struggling badly in attack despite leading at halftime against the Dolphins last round. Jahrome Hughes’ return could not come at a better time, with Melbourne needing greater direction and energy around the ruck. The Tigers also enter under pressure after being thrashed by Cronulla and losing more key personnel to injury. Jarome Luai now shoulders greater responsibility with Adam Doueihi sidelined, while Cameron Munster will be eager to rediscover his best form for Melbourne. The Storm have dominated this matchup for years, including a 64-0 demolition last season at AAMI Park. With Hughes back steering the side, Melbourne has a strong chance to steady its campaign.
Melbourne Storm vs Wests Tigers Teams
Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Hugo Peel 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Joe Chan 16. Davvy Moale 17. Cooper Clarke 18. Stanley Huen 19. Manaia Waitere 20. Jack Hetherington 21. Lazarus Vaalepu 22. Moses Leo
Tigers team: 1. Heath Mason 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Patrick Herbert 4. Taylan May 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Jock Madden 8. Terrell May 9. Tristan Hope 10. Fonua Pole 11. Sione Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Bunty Afoa 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Royce Hunt 18. Mavrik Geyer 19. Jeral Skelton 20. Charlie Murray 21. Tony Sukkar 22. Javon Andrews
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rewriting the record books every single day. Already the fastest Indian with the fastest ton in the IPL, Sooryavanshi is also the only batter to score two IPL tons in less than 40 balls (35-ball vs Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, 36-ball ton vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026). On Saturday, Sooryavanshi broke another world record. With a first-ball six against Mohammed Siraj, Sooryavanshi shattered the world record for fastest to 100 T20 sixes. The 15-year-old reached the ‘century’ of sixes in just 514 balls. He is also the youngest player to reach the mark.
Sooryavanshi scored 36 in 16 balls. His innings included three sixes and three fours. All his three sixes came in the powerplay. Sooryavanshi now holds the record for most sixes in the powerplay in an IPL season.
Most sixes in powerplay (1-6 overs) in an IPL season
Fifties from captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, along with a late flourish from Washington Sundar, guided Gujarat Titans (GT) to 229/4 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their Indian Premier League match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday. Put in to bat by RR’s stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal–stepping in for the injured Riyan Parag–the Titans were propelled to a 200+ total by fifties from captain Gill (84 off 44 balls), Sudharsan (55 off 36 balls) and a late cameo of 37* off 20 balls from Sundar.
Gujarat Titans capped off their innings in style, with Sundar and Rahul Tewatia smashing 21 runs in the final over bowled by Tushar Deshpande, who was struck for three sixes.
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The Gujarat Titans openers, Gill and Sudharsan, started with a clear intent to exploit the powerplay overs, helped by an 18-run over bowled by RR’s Jofra Archer, who conceded nine extras in the opening over.
Both Gill and Sudharsan dealt in boundaries at regular intervals and guided GT’s score after the Powerplay to 82/0.
While Sudharsan completed his fifty off 30 balls in the ninth over, captain Gill brought up the fourth fifty of this IPL season in the 11th over, also off 30 balls. However, RR’s Yash Raj Punja broke the 118-run opening stand in the same over as he claimed Sudharsan’s wicket. After 11 overs, GT’s score was 119/1.
With ANI inputs
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Viktor the Viking entertains the fans during the first half of a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Lately, there has been a lot of attention on the decision to bring in WR Jauan Jennings. Doing so gives the Vikings a scary three-headed monster out wide for whoever is passing the pigskin.
Next up for deals was the decision to toss another young d-lineman into the mix. Check out the update from agent Brett Tessler: “The Minnesota Vikings just signed my client Smith Vilbert (DL, UNC / Penn State) to a 3-year deal after he attended their rookie minicamp this weekend.” The length, three years, is the standard for undrafted talent. Playing through the entire contract would mean being a Vikings RFA afterwards.
Vikings Fire Up Next Contract, Sign Young D-Lineman
Lately, there has been a ton of attention on Minnesota’s defensive line.
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Most notable, of course, was the surprising decision to opt for the hulking Caleb Banks. The massive defensive tackle coming out Florida doesn’t lack for talent. What could be an issue, though, is his health and technique. Both earned concern moving into the 2026 NFL Draft, which is to say nothing of the firestorm of criticism after using No. 18 to snag him.
Next up was the move for Domonique Orange, a nose tackle who is reasonably referred to as “Big Citrus” due to his size and last name. Expect Mr. Orange to earn snaps early in his career to clog running lanes. He got chosen in the 3rd.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
But then there has been a broader effort to insert young talent into the mix, an approach stretching back several years.
A couple of years ago, the Vikings found Jalen Redmond from a rival pro league. He overcame long odds to get onto the roster before becoming the team’s most formidable defensive lineman. He will soon demand meaty money, but Minnesota has him on an insanely-cheap deal at present.
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So, too, did Elijah Williams get found late, signed after impressing in the spring. Rugged NT Taki Taimani was a UDFA pickup who has been around the Twin Cities for a couple years already.
Even recent draftees such as Levi Drake Rodriguez (7th) and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (5th) earned modest interest from the NFL. Minnesota, quite evidently, is a spot where these low-profile young lads have a chance to shine.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic offered his two cents on the recent signing: “Vikings sign DL Smith Vilbert after rookie minicamp today. They’ve had very good history with some of these UDFA DL.”
Draft nerd Thor Nystrom (SKOR North) draws a connection between UNC head coach Bill Belichick and Vikings DC Brian Flores, writing, “And like Vikings UDFA CB Marcus Allen, Vilbert started on defense for UNC HC Bill Belichick last season. That still means something to somebody I know.”
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Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
During the 2025 season, Smith Vilbert picked up 22 tackles. He had a single sack to stand alongside 6 tackles for loss. Of note, as well, are his 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended.
Bringing in the new d-lineman follows shortly after signing veteran Eric Johnson, who boasts an impressive nickname: “The Creature.”
On PFF, Vilbert earned a modest 64.3 grade for his effort in 2025. He is listed as being 6’6″ and 282 pounds. His path to the 53-man roster will be a difficult one, but it begins with proving to be a capable special teams helper alongside someone who can soak up snaps in run defense.
Shakur Stevenson has considered how the respective styles of Floyd Mayweather and Terence Crawford would gel in a prime-for-prime showdown.
Several similarities can be drawn between both all-time greats, such as the fact that they retired as unbeaten five-division world champions.
On the flip side, though, it could be said that their extraordinary skills, while being somewhat comparable, were most effective against different styles of opponents.
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Some have made the observation that Mayweather, for instance, would encounter moments of difficulty when facing southpaws in the early portion of his career.
As a fighter who could switch seamlessly between stances, it is then tempting to suggest that Crawford would have posed major issues for his countryman.
It must also be said, however, that ‘Bud’ occasionally allowed complacency to get the better of him, perhaps most notably in fights against Yuriorkis Gamboa and Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
Based on those two performances, and Mayweather’s apparent difficulty with southpaws, Stevenson has told The Agnew Podcast that it is practically impossible to select a winner at welterweight.
“It’s just hard to say. With both of them guys, they different. I think Floyd, early on in his career, he struggled with southpaws.
“I feel like ‘Bud’ is gonna be a southpaw and probably the best southpaw he’s ever [come up] against.
“But then I’ve seen ‘Bud’ have little issues with guys like ‘Mean Machine’, who was orthodox, and Gamboa was winning some rounds.
“It’s a 50/50 thing [with Mayweather and Crawford] – you just never know who would come in on-point and win that fight.”
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While Stevenson highlights Mayweather’s history against southpaws as a point of weakness, it is difficult to ignore the fact that against Manny Pacquiao, a naturally aggressive lefty, the American was able to produce a 12-round masterclass.
Manchester City fans unfurled a banner at the end of their last match at the Etihad: Panic on the streets of London. Arsenal had been defeated and Pep Guardiola’s side were, for the first time in the season, favourites to win the Premier League.
As the manager wrote in his programme notes, a lot has happened since then. And as Blues arrived at the ground and saw the teamsheet then if panic wasn’t quite the word there was certainly worry at the decision to replace Nico Gonzalez with Tijjani Reinders.
It wasn’t about the change of personnel – Gonzalez was pretty poor at Everton – but the idea of conceding three goals in 15 minutes and then replacing your holding midfielder with an attacking one is very much out of the Guardiola playbook that sets everybody on edge. The loss of Abdukodir Khusanov to injury, replaced by Nathan Ake, hardly helped matters.
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This isn’t Guardiola’s first rodeo though and while Brentford predictably threatened from set-pieces it was City who dominated possession in the first half. Just like the Everton game though, it simply wasn’t good enough in the final third as shots were either rushed off straight into a Brentford block or blasted high and wide of the goal.
The officials were slow to Brentford slowing the game down and were booed off at half-time – not the home team, before the fake news spreads – but City were just as culpable. As 45 minutes turned to 60 without a breakthrough, the visitors grew in confidence and the defence had to be alert just to keep the score level.
Then came the double substitution that proved decisive. Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush had only been on the pitch for a few seconds when Jeremy Doku took a short corner, saw his pass bounce back to him and curled in an unstoppable effort past Caiomhin Kelleher.
That is now four goals in three games for Doku since he gave an interview saying he needed to score more, and it was richly deserved for being by far City’s best attacker up to that point. Panic turned to pandemonium in the stands as all the anxiety in the stands blew away.
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It wasn’t that City hadn’t been trying before but suddenly the whole place was alive. Guardiola instantly called his centre-backs over to instruct calm and then, having been kept quiet for most of the game, Haaland found some space and bundled in a second goal.
Just as important, minutes later he was chasing down the left flank racing after a lost cause of a ball just to prevent Brentford from easily getting the ball forward. And the Norwegian put City into dreamland when he put Omar Marmoush through to add a third and boost that goal difference just in case something happens.
City fans sang of Steven Gerrard’s slip, trying to manifest an Arsenal mistake at West Ham on Sunday, and then it was onto the boys in blue (coming after you). Regardless, it was a City performance for the supporters to be proud of – summed up by the running of Haaland and the team as much as the goals.
Goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush help Manchester City beat Brentford 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium to secure a vital win in the Premier League title race, as City move two points behind leaders Arsenal with three games remaining.
After barely escaping with a win in the third round, Coco Gauff revealed that she had been struggling with personal problems, which she took with her onto the court, resulting in a lack of motivation and a tough day for her at the Italian Open.
The World No. 4 American toiled at Foro Italico against Argentina’s Solana Sierra but managed to keep her campaign alive. Gauff produced 25 unforced errors, lost the opening set and trailed 0-3 in the decisive set before scripting a comeback story.
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Her frustration level crossed the line of control after Sierra broke her serve in the opening set to take a 5-6 lead. Frustrated with how the game panned out, the 22-year-old briefly struck herself on the head with the racket. Despite a sluggish outing, Gauff survived the scare and qualified for the next round with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 win.
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In the aftermath of the fixture, Gauff explained that she has been going through personal issues for a few months. She has carried it on the court, which has left her bereft of the pleasure of enjoying her time on the court.
“It was a tough day for me. One of those days I just didn’t feel motivated to go on the court. Then when you’re on the court, you’re motivated. You get too frustrated,” Coco Gauff said (via Tennis Now).
“No, mental. Just personal things off court that I’m just trying to get through, but then you also remember how much fun you have. I think my regret today was not enjoying the battle, for sure. I’ve been going through it for a few months. I mean, good days and bad days, yeah,” she added.
Gauff, seeded third, will continue her campaign in Rome, and her next opponent will be the winner of the clash between Iva Jovic or Taylor Townsend.
Coco Gauff supports French Open boycott ahead of title defense
After the Italian Open, Coco Gauff will shift her focus on her title defence at the Roland Garros later this month. However, the prestigious Grand Slam has found itself under scrutiny and boycott threats before she commences her title defence.
Top players across the men’s and women’s categories, including Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and others, have threatened to boycott the tournament. The controversy erupted due to a conflict over the prize money distribution between players and the organisers.
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Gauff admitted that she can see a scenario where players boycott the French Open, but only if everyone stands together. She cited WNBA basketball players as an example to put emphasis on her point.
“It’s not about me, It’s about the future of our sport and the current players who aren’t getting as much benefits as even some of the top players are getting, when it comes to like sponsorship and things like that. We’re making money off court. Just taking what the WNBA accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps,” Coco Gauff commented.
While the fate of the tournament hangs in balance, reports indicate that players are expected to arrive in Paris for a crisis meeting before the French Open begins.
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) gives a thumbs up during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings on Thursday night, making the roster pretty full after an initially quiet free agency and a fruitful draft. Now, our staff has recommendations for one extra free-agent move as a cherry on top.
One signing helped the offense. Now the staff turns to the defense.
We asked for one name per writer. Here’s what they said.
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Staff Picks for the Vikings’ Next Free Agent Addition
New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy celebrates on the field after his team defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019. Van Noy played a major role in New England’s defensive dominance during the championship matchup, helping secure another title in the Patriots dynasty era. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports.
Kyle Van Noy | OLB
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
After trading Jonathan Greenard, the Vikings need an experienced EDGE rusher to rotate with Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Noy turned 35 recently, but still played almost 50% of the snaps in 2025, and has familiarity with Brian Flores.
Xavier Woods | S
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
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The Vikings shored up a lot of spots over the last few years, including the offensive and defensive lines. There are a few spots that are more glaring than others right now, with wide receiver taken care of after the Jauan Jennings signing. I wrestled with which position needs the most attention now, and between EDGE and safety, I feel the team has solid young depth on the outside.
Safety is the one position that could use another veteran body. If Harrison Smith truly is retired, then Xavier Woods is the player I would tap in. He brings experience and can help younger players, like rookie Jakobe Thomas, find their path. Without Smith at the wheel, the defense may need a steady hand to keep the ship on course.
Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings have addressed plenty of holes on their roster, and did well to cover them in the draft. There’s still room to add depth at the EDGE rusher position in the Dallas Turner role. A veteran like Joey Bosa, or someone a little younger like Yetur Gross-Matos, could be a good contingency plan.
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Cameron Jordan | OLB
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Jordan will turn 37 this summer, so yes, he’s old and won’t play much longer. He should cost around $7 million or $8 million. The longtime New Orleans Saint registered 10.5 sacks last year and missed just two games in his entire career, an absolutely remarkable feat.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan stands along the sideline during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 1, 2023. Jordan remained one of the Saints’ veteran defensive leaders during the 2022 season, continuing to anchor the pass rush with his trademark durability, energy, and long-established presence in New Orleans. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
His father, Steve Jordan, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 seasons from 1982 to 1994. There is some poetry in adding Jordan; he can finish his career where his father’s started and ended. Steve Jordan, incidentally, is one of the best tight ends in Vikings history.
Bring his son aboard to play OLB for a year or two. He’d make great insurance for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner.
Nobody
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
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The signing of Jennings saps up a lot of the cap savings the Vikings got in the Greenard deal. What cap they have left needs to be treated like having a single silver bullet against a hungry vampire; they need to make it count. This money will be saved and used to fill roster positions should an injury occur during the preseason or at the start of the season.
Jadeveon Clowney or Joey Bosa | OLB
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The one glaring hole right now is EDGE3 depth, depending on how the Vikings view Jake Golday. I’d be in favor of signing either Jadaveon Clowney or Joey Bosa to bring a veteran presence off the bench.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
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With Jonathan Greenard gone, the Vikings can use another pass rusher. Clowney is 33 years old, but can still produce. He had 8.5 sacks last season in 13 games while playing just under 400 defensive snaps. The man can ball; he proves it every year.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney stands on the sideline during the second quarter of a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sep. 30, 2018. Clowney was one of the NFL’s most physically disruptive defenders during his Texans tenure, combining explosiveness, speed, and power as a premier edge-rushing presence. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings still lack depth at the EDGE position behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. By adding Clowney, who had 8.5 sacks last year in 13 games, the Vikings gain a rotational pass rush threat that can provide additional pressure on the quarterback and depth on a cheap one-year contract. This kind of move is ideal for the Vikings’ current cap space and needs.
Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
The former first overall selection remains awaiting an opportunity in 2026. Clowney has a solid 23 sacks over the last 3 seasons, the perfect amount for a third EDGE rusher. That is a spot that opened up on the Vikings after Jonathan Greenard got sent packing to Philadelphia, meaning Dallas Turner is now a starter. Minnesota needs EDGE rushing depth, and they have the money to get a halfway decent rotational piece.
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Jadeveon Clowney | OLB
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings could use another established pass rusher to solidify their defensive front. Every summer, he chooses his new team, and he’s always fantastic. With Jonathan Greenard in Philadelphia, it’s time to make the call.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Jeremy Doku struck again as Manchester City kept their title hopes alive with a vital 3-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The winger scored his fifth goal in six games before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush wrapped up a victory at the Etihad Stadium that cut Arsenal’s advantage at the top to two points.
Both contenders now have three games to play, with Arsenal the next in action at relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.
After Monday’s frustrating draw at Everton, City needed to win to keep any pressure on the Gunners and – as at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they were facing defeat until the final moments, Doku came to their rescue.
The Belgian struck in now trademark style to break the deadlock on the hour with a fine curling shot before Haaland and substitute Marmoush made the points certain.
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Victory was not without controversy, however, as European hopefuls Brentford had two penalty appeals turned down and City captain Bernardo Silva might have been sent off on another day for lashing out.
But ultimately City, who were again missing the influential Rodri, did what they needed to do.
Doku repeatedly troubled Brentford cutting in from the left and he threatened in the opening minutes when he shot straight at Caoimhin Kelleher.
Silva and Tijjani Reijnders both shot over and Haaland headed tamely at Kelleher.
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Haaland had another opportunity from a Doku cutback but his shot was blocked by Kristoffer Ajer and Kelleher smothered Nathan Ake’s follow-up.
Despite City’s dominance, they looked vulnerable at times and they had a scare when Gianluigi Donnarumma missed Michael Kayode’s long throw-in and Matheus Nunes cleared off the line.
Nunes was also involved in some of the game’s main talking points, the first coming after the dangerous Kevin Schade raced onto a long ball.
The Portuguese chased back and Schade went down as the pair made contact on the edge of the area but nothing was given by referee Michael Salisbury.
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There was further controversy when Silva escaped with a yellow card after striking the back of Nathan Collins’ leg with his arm in frustration following a tangle in the area.
Rayan Cherki drove wide as City tried to step up the urgency after the break but manager Pep Guardiola felt the need to make changes on the hour, sending on Phil Foden and Marmoush.
Within seconds the game changed, although it had nothing to do with the substitutes as Doku again ran at the Brentford defence. The Belgian got lucky when an attempted pass was cut out by Mikkel Damsgaard and rolled straight back to him, but there was nothing fortunate about his sublime finish.
Brentford appealed again for a spot-kick following another incident involving Schade and Nunes but it was cleared.
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Haaland made sure of victory when he backheeled in amid a goalmouth scramble 15 minutes from time and Kelleher produced a fine save to deny Foden before Marmoush completed the scoring in stoppage time.
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