The Seattle Seahawks did not just reward production when they handed Jaxon Smith-Njigba a record four-year, $168.6 million extension. According to Colin Cowherd, they paid for something NFL teams value just as much as elite numbers.
Smith-Njigba earned the deal after a Super Bowl-winning season in which he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards. He is now the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. Cowherd argued the overlooked factor was professionalism, not just talent.
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“Talent alone in pro sports absolutely has a ceiling,” he said on ‘The Herd,’ today. “No drama, no big ego. He is what every CEO is seeking. He is what every GM is seeking. He gets along with teammates, quarterbacks, coaches, coordinators. He never steps in it.”
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Cowherd summed it up by saying, “Ego and drama always punctures talent… This is a prime example why Seattle had to make big decisions, and where do they set the record with JSN, you think it’s just talent. It’s not just talent. No babysitting him, no drama. He cares about the right stuff. He carries himself like a professional…”
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This was not only about rewarding a superstar season. The Seahawks are betting massive money on a proven playmaker who, in Cowherd’s eyes, carries himself like a franchise cornerstone.
Colin Cowherd uses Jaxon Smith-Njigba to warn Puka Nacua
In the same segment, Cowherd had a piece of advice, masked in the form of a warning for Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. He said,
“Many young athletes get terrible advice. JSN, huge talent, no drama. It’s like Amon-Ra St. Brown, you don’t have to worry about him. You don’t have to babysit him. He’s a grown-up. Puka Nacua, by the way, is great, but he has stepped in it multiple times with the Rams.”
“The Rams are going to take a wide receiver, I believe, early in this draft, just in case he steps in it again… And I love Puka, and so do the Rams. Maybe he should stream less…”
Nacua also had a monster season with Rams (1,715 yards) and fell just short of eclipsing Jaxon Smith-Njigba for most receiving yards in the 2025 NFL season.
Feb 2, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) speaks to media during Opening Night for Super Bowl LX at San Jose Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings kinda-sorta have a solution at the center position in 2026, and his name is familiar to Vikings fans: Blake Brandel. But later this summer, if the front office and coaching staff realize they want an alternative, and an old friend could be available via trade: Garrett Bradbury.
Minnesota has familiarity, a center question, and a theoretical path to an old-friend reunion.
Bradbury currently plays for the Chicago Bears, a club that drafted Logan Jones from Iowa last month. Jones will turn 25 years old as a rookie, suggesting he’ll probably play sooner rather than later, putting Bradbury on the back burner.
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Bradbury’s Timeline in CHI Creates a Narrow Trade Window
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New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) blocks in pass protection for quarterback Drake Maye (10) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Bradbury reached the championship stage during his first season away from the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Bradbury on the Hot Seat?
Jones probably isn’t a rookie to be dropped in the crockpot for 2027 or 2028. More likely than not, his age and draft stock suggest he will play — possibly start — in 2026.
DaWindyCity.com‘s Parker Hurley wrote this week, “The long-term plan is now for Logan Jones, whom the team drafted in the second round. However, history tells us that this is more than just a long-term play. Almost all centers who get drafted that high end up starting more games in their rookie year than they sit. Chicago is in a win-now mindset, and they did not spend a second-round pick on someone who cannot help them win this year.”
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“So, Jones will likely open training camp as the backup, but he is going to have every chance to win the job in the preseason. If that is the case, the Bears will have two decisions. They could keep Bradbury and ensure solid depth behind a rookie center. Given their questions recently at left tackle, they may lean into having better depth. The Bears could also trade Bradbury.”
Considering Bradbury spent his first six seasons in Minnesota, the Vikings would not be an outlandish trade partner if the last portion of Hurley’s assessment comes to fruition.
Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and Gavin Gerhardt at Center
If the Vikings “do nothing” in the spring and summer at center, Brandel will likely put his paw on the football for the first offensive snap of 2026. He took over the position last year when injuries rocked Ryan Kelly, and truth be told, Brandel improved each week.
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The club also employs Jurgens, a late-round lottery ticket from the 2024 NFL Draft. Then, Kevin O’Connell and Co. drafted Gerhardt in Round 7 a couple of weeks ago. The Vikings claim to have big plans for him, scouting him as their center solution while not drafting players like Jones.
But what if none of those options sounds as attractive as a Bradbury on the open market? That’s exactly why the Bradbury trade theory should be alive and well.
The Trade Price for Bradbury
The Bears acquired Bradbury for a 5th-Round pick in March. Chicago will not be able to turn around a few months later and sell him for more. They lost leverage when they selected Jones.
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New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Efton Chism III (86), center Garrett Bradbury (65), and guard Ben Brown (77) during third-quarter action on Jan. 4, 2026, against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Bradbury started prominently in New England’s offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.
Therefore, while trade prices are notoriously unpredictable in the NFL, a center-needy franchise can probably pry Bradbury from Chicago for a 5th- or 6th-Round pick. That should be interpreted as the Bears’ penalty for drafting Jones. They tipped their hand.
The Vikings would then ask themselves: should we send a late-round asset from a deep 2027 draft class to Chicago for Bradbury, who we know intimately — or let it ride with Brandel, Jurgens, and Gerhardt?
SI.com‘s Mike Moraitis on Bradbury: “Guaranteeing more money for Bradbury would seem to indicate a trade of the veteran is now less likely and instead the Bears might be keen on keeping him around, even if he falls to No. 2 on the depth chart.”
“Keeping Bradbury around as more depth if he loses the starting job wouldn’t be the worst idea, although we still tend to believe Chicago would trade him in that scenario if the offer is right.”
Bradbury in 2025
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Bradbury played a whopping 1,070 offensive snaps in 2025 and was flagged for zero penalties. He fired up familiar Pro Football Focus grades, notching a 60.1 overall — decent but not great. Then, he flipped the script on his modus operandi. Until 2025 in New England, Bradbury specialized in run-blocking while struggling — quite often — against big, mean defensive tackles in pass protection.
New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury (65) speaks with reporters during Super Bowl week on Feb. 5, 2026, at the Santa Clara Marriott in Santa Clara, California. Bradbury joined New England after spending the first portion of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, later helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Well, with the Patriots, Bradbury produced a 56.2 run-blocking grade but 63.1 via pass-blocking. He basically switched his skill set around without any ceremony.
Overall, the Patriots must not have enjoyed him too much, shipping him to Chicago in favor of Jared Wilson, a 3rd-Rounder from Georgia in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But the fact remains that the Vikings could express trade interest because of their experience with him, and the Bears could be selling.
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Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Brandon Lockridge (20) waits to be carted off the field after being injured during the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees Friday, May 8, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee left fielder Brandon Lockridge was taken off the field on a cart with a deep cut to his right knee in the fourth inning of the Brewers’ Friday home game against the New York Yankees.
Lockridge was hurt while sliding into the wall in an unsuccessful attempt to make a catch on Cody Bellinger’s foul fly. His knee hit the concrete below the padding at a corner where the wall juts out.
Initial X-rays were negative, but Brewers manager Pat Murphy called the injury “a huge laceration.”
Murphy added of the timetable for Lockridge’s return, “It’s going to be awhile. It’s all the way down to his bone, the laceration. So, pretty ugly. …
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“We don’t know the extent of any other damage because there’s so much swelling that we’re going to have to wait until it goes down to get an MRI.”
Lockridge, who is hitting .294 with no homers and 12 RBIs, had an RBI single during the Brewers’ four-run second off Max Fried and singled in another run in the third to put the Brewers up 5-0.
He went 2-for-2 with a run when he exited the game, which the Brewers went on to win 6-0.
For most IPL 2026 teams, only four matches remain in the group stage. While there are certain front runners, no team has officially qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Currently, Sunrisers Hyderabad are at the top spot with 14 points. Following them are Punjab Kings with 13 points. Three teams – Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans – have 12 points each. Following them are Chennai Super Kings (10 points), Kolkata Knight Riders (9 points), Delhi Capitals (8 points), Mumbai Indians (6 points) and Lucknow Super Giants (6 points).
Former India player and spin great Ravichandran Ashwin is confident that SRH and RCB are almost certain to be through. The remaining two spots will likely be fought between Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
“SRH and RCB are pakka confirmed. Between GT, RR and PBKS, the other two playoff spots will be decided,” Ashwin said.
The veteran spinner started his IPL journey with CSK and his last IPL team was also CSK.
“For CSK to qualify, they must win all four remaining matches. They can’t leave it to chance. Even with 16 points, qualification will depend on RR losing three out of four, PBKS dropping points and CSK maintaining a strong NRR,” he added.
“That’s where net run rate becomes important. I feel if Chennai win both matches against LSG, they won’t just qualify, they could go all the way, just like in 2010. Every match from here is a blockbuster.”
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IPL 2026 News | RCB Outplay CSK For 2nd Win On Trot, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co Suffer 3rd Loss
Adelaide Oval will play host to Friday’s
Round 9 AFL game between Port Adelaide Power and
Western Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Western Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Port Adelaide Power vs.
Western Bulldogs
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Port Adelaide will attempt to rebound from one of the most heartbreaking losses of the season when it hosts the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval. The Power looked moments away from claiming Showdown bragging rights before Adelaide snatched victory with a dramatic late goal, spoiling what would have been a famous night for Joe Berry. The Bulldogs also enter this clash under pressure after suffering a fourth straight defeat, despite a spirited comeback attempt against Fremantle led by Marcus Bontempelli. Defensive lapses continue to hurt Luke Beveridge’s side, particularly late in games. Port Adelaide has traditionally been difficult to beat at Adelaide Oval against the Bulldogs, who have not won at the venue since their memorable 2021 preliminary final triumph. With both teams desperate to steady their seasons, Friday night shapes as a high-pressure contest with significant early-season implications.
Punjab Kings star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal generated a social media buzz recently after he was allegedly caught on camera vaping in-flight while travelling with his IPL team. While the authenticity of the claim could not be independently verified, Chahal has maintained silence on the issue despite a huge social media uproar. The issue got highlighted even more after Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag was fined by the BCCI after he was videographed vaping in the dressing room.
Former India player Laxman Sivaramakrishnan pointed out that Chahal’s matter should be dealt with very strictly.
“Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having laws and not implementing them? 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this? What would the action be?” Laxman Sivaramakrishnan wrote on X.
Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them. 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?
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— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) May 8, 2026
Earlier, commenting on Parag’s vaping incident, the BCCI said: “Riyan Parag, Captain, Rajasthan Royals, has been fined 25% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 40 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Punjab Kings.
“Riyan was found to have breached Article 2.21 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which relates to ‘conduct that brings the game into disrepute.’
The incident occurred during the second innings of the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match in Mullanpur when Riyan was seen using a vape inside the dressing room.
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“Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by the Match Referee, Amit Sharma. The BCCI is also exploring other options to initiate proceedings for stringent action against the erring team, its officials and player/s to ensure that the reputation of the IPL remains intact. Level 1 offences carry 25 per cent deduction from match fees and one demerit point,” the BCCI added.
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IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season
Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has landed in controversy after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed him vaping during a team flight. The clip, which has spread widely online, appears to show Chahal attempting to conceal the act while seated alongside teammate Shashank Singh. The footage was reportedly taken from a podcast video shared by Arshdeep Singh. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of the video, and whether Chahal was actually using an e-cigarette, has not been independently verified.
Watch
Why Suryakumar Yadav is set to lose India T20I captaincy: All you need to know
The incident triggered a strong reaction from former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who called for stricter punishment if the allegations are proven true. Responding to a social media post, Sivaramakrishnan pointed out that vaping products are banned in India and questioned the effectiveness of the penalties currently being imposed.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan post
“Vape is banned in India. Should be behind bars. What is the point in having Laws and not implementing them. 25% of match fees is peanuts. What if a regular person had done this, What would the action be?” he wrote on X. His remarks also referenced the recent punishment handed to Riyan Parag. Earlier in the tournament, the Rajasthan Royals captain was fined 25 per cent of his match fees after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during a match against Punjab Kings. The controversy comes shortly after the BCCI circulated a detailed directive to all IPL franchises regarding tournament conduct. In the communication, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reminded teams that vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited under Indian law and strictly banned across IPL venues, team hotels, dressing rooms and practice facilities. “Instances of vaping within dressing rooms and other restricted areas of tournament venues have been brought to BCCI’s attention,” Saikia wrote in the official communication. “Accordingly, the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and all prohibited substances is strictly banned within all IPL tournament venues, including dressing rooms, dugouts, team hotels and practice facilities,” he added.
Paris Saint-Germain and Nike have officially launched the club’s home kit for the 2026-27 season, continuing a partnership that has now stretched across 37 consecutive campaigns.
The newly released jersey embraces the club’s traditional identity, bringing back a familiar royal blue base combined with the iconic central red-and-white vertical stripe. The design pays tribute to PSG’s heritage and its passionate supporters, while reinforcing the club’s classic Parisian image.
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A major visual change sees both the PSG crest and Nike swoosh placed centrally on the chest. The bold stripe design also extends onto the back of the shirt, creating a continuous pattern aimed at delivering a cleaner and more unified appearance.
Campaign inspired by the Parc des Princes atmosphere
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The launch was accompanied by a campaign titled “belief builds, aura takes over”, highlighting the connection between the players and supporters inside the Parc des Princes.
According to the club, the shirt’s central graphic was inspired by the movement of flags and colours seen in the stands during matchdays. PSG described the jersey as a return to some of the club’s “most iconic design codes,” reflecting the spirit and culture deeply associated with the Parisian fanbase.
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The campaign was jointly developed by PSG and Nike to showcase the unity between the team and its supporters ahead of another crucial season.
Release dates and availability
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The new home kit will go on sale from May 9 through the official PSG and Nike online stores. A matching sportswear collection is scheduled for release on May 15, while the complete training range will become available on June 9.
PSG are expected to debut the jersey before the conclusion of the ongoing 2025-26 campaign as they continue competing domestically and prepare for their upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal.
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.
Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) prepares to snap the ball against the Washington Commanders during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports.
3) Vikings Earn Praise for Controversial Pick: Quite evidently, the Vikings aren’t too concerned about the outside perception. Minnesota had preferences and then made the call. To be sure, that’s how a team ought to operate, and yet there’s going to be a ton of criticism if things flop.
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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
4) Jonathan Greenard Isn’t Done Helping the Vikings: On the field, Greenard is a very promising option. Off the field, Greenard is even better. He’s a great leader who works very hard. So, too, is he well-liked by teammates. The Eagles got a good one.
5) There’s Growing Buzz Around one Name for Vikings GM: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t yet been replaced. Not on a full-time basis, at least. The competition is ongoing. Plenty continue to see a future where Rob Brzezinski becomes the full-time GM, but there’s now a full list of candidates.
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018.
E Sports
OpTic Texas maintained their perfect record in qualifying for the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Major, sweeping the Paris Gentle Mates 3-0 on Friday.
Texas improved to 4-0, while Paris slipped to 3-1. The Los Angeles Thieves, who were idle on Friday, hold second place at 3-0.
In other action as the third week of qualifying got underway, the Riyadh Falcons downed the Miami Heretics 34-1, and the Toronto KOI crushed the Vancouver Surge 3-0.
The 12 Call of Duty League teams are playing a full qualifying round robin to determine seeding for the third major of the season, to be held May 15-17 as part of the DreamHack Atlanta event.
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On Friday, Texas topped Paris 250-236 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-1 on Plaza Search and Destroy and 5-2 on Den Overload.
Riyadh opened with a 250-209 victory on Sake Hardpoint, but Miami pulled level by claiming Plaza Search and Destroy 6-4. The Falcons sealed the match by taking Den Overload 8-2 and Gridlock Hardpoint 250-191.
Toronto blitzed Vancouver 250-138 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-5 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 4-0 on Den Overload.
The remaining schedule for Week 3:
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Saturday
–Los Angeles Thieves vs. Carolina Royal Ravens
–OpTic Texas vs. FaZe Vegas
–G2 Minnesota vs. Boston Breach
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–Riyadh Falcons vs. Cloud9 New York
Sunday
–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics
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–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota
–Toronto KOI vs. Cloud9 New York
Call of Duty League Stage 3 Major qualifying, with match record and map differential
GIO Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 10 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and
Penrith Panthers. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs.
Penrith Panthers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Canberra will attempt to continue its recent improvement when the ladder-leading Panthers travel to the capital on Sunday evening. The Raiders have quietly rediscovered some form over the past month, winning three of their last four games despite injuries to several key players. The returns of Hudson Young and Ethan Strange provide another significant boost ahead of the toughest challenge in the NRL. Penrith remains the benchmark of the competition but has shown signs of vulnerability during recent narrow wins over Manly and other contenders. Dylan Edwards continues to set the standard at fullback, while Kaeo Weekes will again be central to Canberra’s hopes after starring against the Titans. Recent clashes between these teams have typically been tight, physical contests, and the Raiders’ improved defence suggests another competitive encounter could unfold at GIO Stadium.
Canberra Raiders vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Sebastian Kris 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jed Stuart 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Simi Sasagi 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Owen Pattie 15. Daine Laurie 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Jordan Uta 20. Ethan Alaia 21. Jake Clydsdale 22. Sione Finau
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Paul Alamoti 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Freddy Lussick 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cole 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Izack Tago 18. Billy Phillips 19. Billy Scott 20. Kalani Going 21. Sione Fonua 22. Luron Patea
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