Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) loosens up on the field before Minnesota’s preseason matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, Aug. 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The rookie first-round pick went through warmups as fans watched their first in-stadium glimpse of the young passer preparing for NFL action. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings will begin signing new players next week, along with retaining ones they want back from the 2025 squad. At the top of the ticket, this process will have massive implications for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who watched in late January as the man who drafted him was fired.
Minnesota’s free agency decisions could quickly change McCarthy’s role this spring.
In short, McCarthy will better understand whether he’s on the brink of a summer quarterback competition or the new QB2 for the Vikings.
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Why Minnesota’s Next QB Move Matters So Much for McCarthy
Entering Year No. 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher this week for McCarthy.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) escapes pressure and scrambles during the second quarter as Minnesota faced the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug 10, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showing his mobility while extending the play during preseason action in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
A Demoted Youngster?
All the momentum right now points to Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Minnesota is the betting market frontrunner; Murray grew up as an unabashed Vikings fan; and the Vikings’ leaders have stated their primary goal this offseason is to build a deep quarterback room.
Regarding McCarthy, the (eventual?) Murray signing will represent an instant demotion. The team’s leaders may try to sell the general public on a “quarterback battle” between McCarthy and Murray, but your 89-year-old grandma, who doesn’t watch sports, knows who will win that competition.
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The acquisition of Murray (or someone like Aaron Rodgers) puts McCarthy on the back burner — a rough spot to bounce back from, historically speaking, at least with the same franchise.
A 2025 Colts-Like Battle on the Way?
Let’s pretend the Vikings sign Geno Smith or Jimmy Garoppolo. Well, that’s a different story. It would be “game on” for McCarthy, who faces a realistic chance of slaying either combatant in Eagan this summer. The non-Murray and non-Rodgers tier of quarterback options would set up a true competition, which McCarthy probably should have faced last summer. Instead, McCarthy “duked it out” with Sam Howell, a trainwreck that was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
If McCarthy wants to keep his QB1 job — he probably does — he basically has to cheer for a signing not named Kyler Murray or Aaron Rodgers.
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McCarthy can, in theory, take down Smith or Garoppolo at training camp if he has worked on his mechanics all offseason.
League Seems to Think Kyler Murray Is on the Way
Murray to Minneapolis has gained steam in recent days since the Cardinals dropped him.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands at the line of scrimmage directing the offense before the snap during a matchup with the Houston Texans on Oct 24, 2021 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, surveying the defense while preparing to begin the play during the regular-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
For example, NFL reporter Connor Hughes tweeted, “The Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It’s similar to what the Giants did a year ago (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston). Kyler Murray was discussed, but he is expected to sign with the Vikings, per sources.”
“No Kirk Cousins, but watch Geno Smith & Carson Wentz. There is interest there. Jacoby Brissett, too, if Cardinals can be convinced to part. Was told that’s “doubtful,” with Jimmy Garoppolo expected to stay in LA. JG signing with the Cardinals would change that. Wentz might surprise some, because of the notion Frank Reich/Wentz relationship fell apart in Indianapolis. From my understanding, that was more GM/owner, not coach. The two remain very close.”
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Many are acting like Murray-MIN is a done deal. If so, McCarthy will have an awkward spring and summer.
Our Brevan Bane wrote this week, “After what we saw from McCarthy, and not doing any projecting, every single option can at least compete with McCarthy, if not beat him, for the starting job. It’s not to say that he can’t get better; he probably will. However, you have to put yourself in the shoes of Kevin O’Connell.”
“Is he going to triple down on McCarthy? He tied his job to the QB when he approved drafting him in 2024. His commitment was doubled down in 2025 when Sam Darnold walked. Now, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is gone and O’Connell is likely on the hot seat. If you’re KOC, are you pushing all your chips in on McCarthy taking a major leap? Or are you taking the more likely option that Kyler Murray absolutely electrifies U.S. Bank Stadium?”
Probably Sticking Around No Matter What
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The refreshing part for McCarthy is that outside of a trade for Joe Burow, for example, he’s not going anywhere. The Vikings have no reason to quit on McCarthy. He’s affordable, and he still has ample upside.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) shares a pregame embrace with head coach Kevin O’Connell before Minnesota’s matchup with the New York Giants on Dec 21, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the quarterback and coach connect moments before kickoff during the late-season road game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images.
The fact of the matter is that Murray will likely sign with the Vikings, leaving McCarthy as the QB2 in 2026.
If Murray gets hurt, McCarthy would have his chance to reemerge and shine.
The FA Cup quarter-final draw takes place on Monday, with ball numbers confirmed for each of the eight remaining teams, including Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea
One of the 26 people charged in an alleged bribery and point-shaving scheme to fix NCAA Division I men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games has pleaded guilty, United States Attorney David Metcalf announced.
Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro on Monday in connection with the scheme, as well as charges related to an unlawful possession of a firearm.
Smith pleaded guilty to bribery in sporting contests, and aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis is shown on Thursday, March 12, 2020.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
An unsealed indictment back in January noted Smith was engaged in the scheme to influence or fix NCAA and CBA men’s basketball games from at least “in or about September 2022 through at least in or about February 2025.”
Co-conspirators enlisted Smith as a “fixer,” where they would work together with others to recruit and bribe NCAA Division I men’s basketball players to underperform and ensure their team failed to cover spreads during games from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
“Through various sportsbooks, Smith helped to arrange for large wagers to be placed on those games, betting against the team whose player or players they had bribed to engage in this point-shaving scheme,” the United States Attorney’s Office said in a press release.
“Smith and other fixers approached and communicated with the players, in person and through social media, text message communications, and cellular telephone calls, offering the players bribe payment, usually ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.”
With today’s college athletes being paid via name, image and likeness (NIL) brand deals, Smith and other fixers “specifically targeted college players for whom the bribe payments would meaningfully supplement.”
A generic view of a basketball on a court.(Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
It was found that more than 39 players on more than 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams were involved in the bribery and point-shaving scheme, with fixing or attempted fixing on more than 29 NCAA games.
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The fixers were making “wagers totaling millions of dollars,” with players who were involved collectively receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments.
Smith faces a maximum sentence of five years in jail, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for the bribery in sporting contests charge, up to 20 years for each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and a maximum 15 years for the firearms charge.
NCAA president Charlie Baker responded to the point-shaving scheme in January.
NCAA president and former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker is interviewed by Boston Globe Sports writer Chris Gasper at the Globe Summit 2023. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
“Protecting competition integrity is of the utmost importance for the NCAA. We are thankful for law enforcement agencies working to detect and combat integrity issues and match manipulation in college sports,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement.
Baker said the indictments were “not entirely new information to the NCAA,” as it had conducted “integrity investigations into approximately 40 student-athletes from 20 schools over the past year.”
Opting for a restrained autumn initiation with Pinito paid dividends for Chris Waller, who nonetheless mulled over more daring prospects.
Godolphin’s four-year-old mare grabbed her first win serving the elite trainer in Saturday’s Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick, with her connections shunning Group 1 action in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) scheduled for next week.
“Her first-up run was excellent. We even thought about running her in a Coolmore, but she had a long time off and she was second-up, so we decided to take the easy steps,” Waller said.
Last winter’s Queensland Oaks (2200m) runner-up, Pinito wrote her own script by storming home fourth to Cinsault in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) on February 21 fresh, culminating in her inaugural Group victory at Randwick on Saturday.
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Waller indicated the mare took time to acclimatise after joining from James Cummings yet has located form, eyeing the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill in two weeks as ideal progression.
“The Epona would be perfect,” he said.
“She showed good form in a Queensland Oaks as a three-year-old so if we can gradually get her up in distance that will be a good plus.”
Pinito ($3.40 fav), partnered by James McDonald, unleashed from the pack to collar Starphistocated ($41) on the line by half a length, Polymnia ($10) filling third a further 1-1/4 lengths back.
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Confidence stemmed from her fresh run for McDonald, who prioritised perfect timing.
“Off the last run she showed an incredible turn of foot, so I knew it was going to be there,” McDonald said.
“It was just a matter of timing it right, and she did the rest.”
Had a couple of shots straight at him in the first half and was beaten twice after the break, no chance with the second and almost kept the back post header out that made it 3-2.
Jenson Jones: 9/10
Had a really good game at right back and showed why he has been on the fringes of the first team lately, defended well and caused problems when he went forward. Did really well in injury time to shrug off a defender who was desperately trying to foul him and then pick out Waters at the back post for a tap in.
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Finlay Holcroft: 6/10
The home side dominated the game, leaving the two centre backs with little to do for the majority of the game but Holcroft was solid enough.
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Ben Kindon: 6/10
Like his centre back partner Kindon, was not really tested although he read the game well to make blocks when needed.
Archie Lightfoot: 8/10
Had left back locked down, allowing little room for Leeds going forward and got forward whenever the opportunity arose, including making an overlapping run and then a good ball into Harrison Jones for the second of the game.
Jaydon Jones: 8/10
Was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when he ran onto Abdullahi’s lay off to steer the ball agonisingly wide of the far post and played a lovely through ball to the overlapping Lightfoot for the second goal. Made the home side tick in the middle of the pitch.
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Harrison Jones (C): 7/10
A tidy display in midfield and got himself forward to make it 2-0 with a fine finish into the top corner.
Jack Whittaker: 9/10
Was tenacious off the ball, winning the ball back on numerous occasions, one of which led to Jaydon Jones’ chance, and came close himself a few times. Was involved in the third goal when his shot was spilled to Abdullahi and then got a deserved goal himself, getting on the end of Geragusian’s ball to finish past the goalkeeper.
Milan Aleksic: 7/10
Worked hard on the left, getting up and down the line. Tested the Leeds goalkeeper after cutting inside in the first half and then created a chance with a lovely bit of skill and a good cross down the left after the break.
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Abdoullah Ba: 6/10
Played a couple of good one-twos down the right wing that set teammates away and made a good defensive header from a corner, struggled to get involved though.
Ahmed Abdullahi: 9/10
Opened the scoring after capitalising on a loose ball, taking a touch and blasting a shot into the near post and made it 3-0 with a poacher’s finish, following up after Whittaker’s shot was saved. Had a left-footed effort saved in the first half and made a couple of really clever lay offs for teammates that set up chances.
Substitutes
Finn Geragusian: 7/10
Caused Leeds lots of problems with his strong running and physical play after replacing Ba at half time. Got an assist with a lovely reverse ball to Whittaker for the fourth goal.
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Charlie Dinsdale: 6/10
Was really good on the ball after coming on and looked dangerous on the left flank.
Jake Waters: 6/10
Wrapped up the scoring when he tapped in from close range in injury time.
Liam Hunt: 6/10
Sat in front of the back four and spread the ball around after he replaced Harrison Jones in midfield.
Man of the Match: Jack Whittaker
Jenson Jones and Ahmed Abdullahi both had excellent games too but my man of the match is Jack Whittaker, with most of Sunderland’s best play coming through him. Got a deserved goal after he ran onto Geragusian’s clever reverse ball and finishing past the goalkeeper but could have scored before then, particularly when he span past three Leeds player and shot just over in the first half. Was involved in the third goal too, when his shot was saved but Abdullahi did well to follow up.
League One Port Vale’s reward for beating Sunderland in the FA Cup is a quarter-final tie away to Chelsea, while Manchester City will host Liverpool in a heavyweight showdown.
Record 14-time winners Arsenal go to Southampton, eighth in the Championship.
Leeds United will travel to the winners of Monday’s tie between West Ham United and Brentford.
Port Vale are the lowest ranked side left in the competition. It will be the first time they have met Chelsea in a competitive fixture since 1929.
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The ties will be played across the weekend of 4-5 April.
Former Fenerbahce assistant manager Önder Özen has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his impressive defensive effort after Galatasaray’s victory in the Istanbul derby.
The 27-year-old forward joined Galatasaray after a dramatic exit from Napoli, where transfer issues made it difficult for him to secure a move away from the Italian side.
Galatasaray eventually moved quickly to sign the Nigerian striker on transfer deadline day, initially bringing him to Turkey on loan. The move proved to be a brilliant decision as Osimhen enjoyed a remarkable debut season.
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The former LOSC Lille striker scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in his first campaign with the Turkish giants. His outstanding form helped Galatasaray win the league title and the domestic cup, while he also finished as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Impressed by his performances, Galatasaray later completed a permanent transfer for Osimhen for a reported fee of 75 million euros, a record deal for both the club and the league.
Osimhen recently proved his importance again when he scored the only goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 victory over Beşiktaş in the latest Istanbul derby.
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Özen was particularly impressed by the striker’s defensive work during the match.
He explained that Galatasaray began the game at a calm and controlled pace, with coach Okan Buruk keeping his tactical approach steady.
Özen said several players performed well, but he singled out Osimhen for special praise because of his influence in both attack and defence.
According to the former coach, Osimhen not only threatened the opposition goal but also worked hard to disrupt Beşiktaş’s build-up play from defence to midfield.
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He added that the Nigerian forward blocked passing channels and prevented Beşiktaş from developing their usual attacking flow.
Özen even described Osimhen as the most complete centre-forward in the region due to his strength, movement, and ability to contribute across the pitch.
Osimhen will now hope to continue his strong form when Galatasaray face Liverpool F.C. at RAMS Park in their next important match.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yards against Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Free agent running back Travis Etienne agreed to sign a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints worth $52 million, according to multiple reports.
Etienne, 27, had a career year in 2025 in his first season in Liam Coen’s offense with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In New Orleans, his arrival likely spells the end of Alvin Kamara’s run as the lead back with the Saints.
Etienne had 1,399 yards from scrimmage while New Orleans had a woeful running game led by the oft-injured Kamara’s 471 yards on 131 carries.
Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. He caught 36 passes — six for touchdowns — and is a dangerous receiver out of the backfield because of his big-play speed. His longest touchdown last season was a 45-yard reception.
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New Orleans was 28th in the NFL in rushing (94.3 yards per game) and 31st in yards per carry (3.69-yard average) in 2025.
Manchester City are bidding to reach a fourth successive FA Cup final and overcame Newcastle United in the fifth round last weekend
19:11, 09 Mar 2026Updated 19:28, 09 Mar 2026
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Manchester City have been handed a home draw against Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
City will host Liverpool after the draw was made on Monday night ahead of the final tie of the round between West Ham United and Brentford.
Pep Guardiola’s side booked their spot in the last eight with an impressive 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in the fifth round on Saturday. City fell behind when Harvey Barnes opened the scoring at St James’ Park but Savinho levelled before half time and Omar Marmoush then struck twice to complete the turnaround.
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City, who are still competing for silverware on four fronts, have a two-legged Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid on the horizon while they travel to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal later this month.
The FA Cup tie will take place over Easter weekend, with a date yet to be confirmed. The game will be broadcast live on TV with TNT Sports and the BBC having the rights to the competition.
Kick off times for the last eight ties will also be confirmed in due course. Matches will take place on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday April 4/5.
Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League games
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Booking.com provides countless deals on flights and accommodation across Europe so Man City fans can follow the team on their Champions League campaign.
That weekend follows an international break and comes before a potential Champions League quarter final in midweek should City beat Real Madrid this month.
Should City progress to the last four of the FA Cup the semi-finals take place on April 25-26 with the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday May 16. City are scheduled to visit Burnley on semi-final weekend while they are due to host Bournemouth on the final weekend. Both of those league fixtures could therefore require new dates.
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City have already had one Premier League game postponed as a result of their cup run with the game against Crystal Palace on Carabao Cup final weekend being moved. A new date for that fixture has yet to be confirmed.
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Manchester United youth star Kai Rooney has seen a big decision on his future confirmed which sees him follow in the footsteps of father Wayne
19:40, 09 Mar 2026Updated 19:53, 09 Mar 2026
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Manchester United youngster Kai Rooney has signed with Triple S Sports Management, the same agency dad Wayne was signed to. The global company is owned by his agent Paul Stretford with it clear the plans for Kai moving forward.
Confirming his addition, a post on Instagram read: “Delighted to announce the signing of @kairooney.10 to Triple S Sports!
“We’re excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game. A bright future ahead. Welcome to the team, Kai!”
The United legend had discussed his son’s future in the game and made it clear what he wants to see.
Speaking via the BBC last year, he said: “He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.”
Rooney’s words on those coaching his son, which includes former teammate Darren Fletcher, was further proven only recently by their progression to the under-18s Premier League Cup final.
Rooney was on the score sheet in the 3-1 semi-final victory over West Ham United with the battle for silverware set for next month at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick has also been at several academy matches since taking charge but he was busy preparing the first-team for a Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
She said to The Times: “He’s lived it from a young age. “When we used to go to matches when he was younger, he’d get a lot of people coming up saying, ‘Oh, are you Wayne Rooney’s son?’
“But he’s strong-minded, always has been. I’ve got no worries in the way he deals with it. “It’s nice that we know what to expect.
“And we can try to guide him. Obviously, it’s his life, his passion. He can decide what he wants to do. But I think it’s good we’ve got the knowledge.”
Keyshawn Davis has been linked to a move up to welterweight in recent weeks and it seems as though ‘The Businessman’ will soon make the jump, with a date for a ‘championship fight’ up at 147lbs supposedly set.
Davis was stripped of his WBO lightweight world title when he missed weight ahead of a planned first defence against Edwin De Los Santos last June. He then headed to super-lightweight and knocked out Jamaine Ortiz in the final round of their bout on the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson undercard.
During the aftermath of that win, the Norfolk-born superstar called for a shot at reigning WBO welterweight world champion Devin Haney, who agreed to the contest originally, before negotiations stalled.
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As a result, it seemed as though Davis could remain at 140lbs, but in an interview with FightHub, the 27-year-old revealed that he has a date for a ‘championship fight’ as he prepares for a debut at 147lbs.
“I definitely got a response [from the people I called out] and I definitely got a date too. I’m telling y’all that right now, and I’m definitely coming back sooner than y’all think. That is why you seen me doing a little politic in the gym.
“It’s politic, but I am staying sharp, for real. Don’t get that f***ed up, I am staying sharp. I got something coming up.
“I think that I am moving up [to 147lbs]. Yep, [for a championship fight].”
