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'He's been waiting to say that!' – Ashton's picks leave Barclay speechless

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Rugby Special pundits John Barclay and Chris Ashton look ahead to this weekend’s Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield and pick their combined English and Scottish starting XV.

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Vikings Linked to Chiefs Cornerback in Free Agency

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Chiefs CB Jaylen Watson in 2025
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) is introduced before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings featured a pretty scanty cornerback room in 2025, consisting of Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, and Fabian Moreau, getting away with it as Brian Flores’s group finished the season ranked No. 3 in defensive efficiency. Now, with free agency 26 days away, CBS Sports Ryan Wilson believes the group could add another prominent name: Kansas City Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson.

Watson fits the Vikings’ free-agent radar as Flores seeks steadier cornerback play in 2026.

Watson will hit the open market in March if the Chiefs don’t re-sign him, and there’s a small chance that Minnesota takes the plunge.

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Jaylen Watson Could Fit Brian Flores’ Cornerback Blueprint

After the Vikings clear cap space, defensive backs could be in their purview for free agency.

Watson runs onto the field before a game against the Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. Minnesota Vikings Jaylen Watson,
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Jaylen Watson (35) jogs onto the turf at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens, locking in as the Chiefs’ secondary prepared for another high-profile matchup in front of a charged home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Ryan Wilson: Watch for Vikings in Jaylen Watson Sweepstakes

Wilson took to CBS Sports airwaves this week, outlining ideal landing spots for some of the league’s top free agents.

For Watson, he said, “I love the idea of Brian Flores getting his hands on Jaylen Watson in Minnesota. There will be competition, and that will only drive his price up.”

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Kansas City drafted Watson in 2022 from Round 7, and he’s blossomed into a true success story. Money is tight, though, for the Chiefs, and they may not have that cash to offer him a second contract.

The Stats for Watson

Playing for the Chiefs in four seasons, Watson has accrued 53 games while starting 29. In 2025, he became a full-time starter, logging 15 inside Kansas City’s first down year in eons. Here’s Watson’s passer-rating-against resume:

2025: 79.0
2024: 75.4
2023: 103.6
2022: 103.9

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The man also played 868 snaps in 2025, the mark of a dependable defender. He’s also tall at 6’2″ and 200 pounds.

Watson’s Pro Football Focus history:

2025: 74.1
2024: 69.6
2023: 68.5
2022: 61.2

Chiefs analysts don’t expect Watson back in 2026. Arrowhead Addict‘s Braden Holecek opined last week, “Like many defensive backs, the Chiefs are unlikely to offer Watson a second contract. He has been a valuable asset to their defense, but with several other roster holes, limited salary cap space, and a history of addressing the cornerback position through smaller moves, it’s likely that Watson will be paid handsomely elsewhere.”

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“Of course, that could change depending on the team’s approach to Trent McDuffie’s future. There should be a healthy mix of contenders and rebuilding teams showing interest in Watson.”

The Contractual Price

If the Vikings are interested in Watson — many teams will pursue him — the price is right between affordable and expensive.

Spotrac projects his next contract to pull down $12.5 million per year, meaning a deal for three years and $38 million likely awaits him on the open market. Per the statistics mentioned above, Minnesota or any other team would get a true bang for their buck.

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For now, the Vikings’ salary cap situation is messy, starting the offseason about $40 million in the red. Once they release a few players and restructure some veterans’ contracts, players like Watson can become fair game.

Watson’s isn’t as young as one might expect for a 2022 draftee; he’ll turn 28 in the fall.

Los Angeles Rams-themed media seems to believe Watson could end up on Sean McVay’s team. Turf Show Times Evan Craig wrote last week, “Watson will be a hot commodity in free agency this offseason and is likely to sign a rich deal with whichever team is interested. He has undoubtedly priced himself out of K.C., who probably won’t miss him much, given their recent history of replacing important pieces at CB without skipping a beat.”

“If Matthew Stafford does return in 2026, the Rams’ front office must do everything possible to maximize the roster around him. Los Angeles hasn’t quite made a blockbuster move to put the team over the top in several seasons. Now is the time to (reasonably) break the bank and take advantage of the rest of Stafford’s career.”

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Jaylen Watson celebrates with Jaden Hicks during a game against the Colts at Arrowhead Stadium.
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Jaylen Watson (35) reacts alongside safety Jaden Hicks (21) after a defensive stop versus the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, energizing the Kansas City sideline during a second-half swing in momentum. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Rams fell one step short of the Super Bowl last season, losing to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.

Craig concluded, “Adding Watson to the mix would be essential to the defense, as the cornerback position has been a problem area for years. The Chiefs’ retooling this offseason could be a godsend for the Rams if they opt not to re-sign the Washington State product.”

Alternatives if Not Watson

Suppose the Vikings wish to add another cornerback, but Watson doesn’t tickle their fancy. Several alternatives will be available, whether in free agency or the draft. The list might look like this:

  • Montaric Brown (JAX)
  • Brandon Cisse (Rookie, South Carolina)
  • Mansoor Delane (Rookie, LSU)
  • Cordale Flott (NYG)
  • Colton Hood (Rookie, Tennessee)
  • Jermod McCoy (Rookie, Tennessee)
  • Greg Newsome II (JAX)
  • Alontae Taylor (NO)
  • Aveion Terrell (Rookie, Clemson)
  • Tariq Woolen (SEA)
Brian Flores watches from the sideline during a Vikings playoff game at State Farm Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores studies the action from the sideline at State Farm Stadium, where January 13, 2025 set the stage for a tense NFC wild-card clash in Glendale as he tracked personnel rotations, coverage disguises, and situational adjustments against the Rams. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

That list represents players who could reasonably start Week 1 alongside Murphy Jr. and Rodgers.

Watson is most known for size and length, which could fit in well inside Flores’s defense.

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and betting tips

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Match Details

Fixture: (1) Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka

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Date: February 12, 2026

Tournament: Rotterdam Open

Round: Second Round (Round of 16)

Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands

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Category: ATP 500

Surface: Hard (Indoor)

Prize Money: $2,931,612

Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka preview

De Minaur ABN AMRO Open - Day Two - Source: GettyDe Minaur ABN AMRO Open - Day Two - Source: Getty
De Minaur ABN AMRO Open – Day Two – Source: Getty

Alex De Minaur will take on Stan Wawrinka in the second round of the Rotterdam Open.

De Minaur has made a good start to the season. After a quarterfinal exit in the United Cup, he reached the last eight of the Australian Open in Melbourne. The 26-year-old defeated Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Bublik in the initial few rounds, but lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.

The Australian started his campaign in Rotterdam by cruising past Arthur Fils in the first round. He defeated the Frenchman in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-2. De Minaur is the top seed this year and will be expected to make a deep run.

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Wawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open - Day Three - Source: GettyWawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open - Day Three - Source: Getty
Wawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open – Day Three – Source: Getty

Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka has made an amazing start to the new calendar year. Apart from a runner-up finish in the United Cup, he also reached the third round in Melbourne. The Swiss star defeated Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea, but lost to Taylor Fritz in four sets.

Wawrinka entered Rotterdam after a second-round exit in Montpellier. He started his campaign with a confident win against Thijs Boogaard, 6-3, 6-4. The 40-year-old won 90% of his first serve points and saved three break points in the previous encounter.

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka head-to-head

De Minaur leads the head-to-head against Wawrinka 1-0. He defeated the Swiss veteran at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters.

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka odds

Player Name Moneyline Handicap Bets Total Games
Alex De Minaur
Stan Wawrinka

BetMGM sources all the odds. (To be updated)

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka prediction

De Minaur has secured runner-up finishes in Rotterdam consecutively for the last two years. He lost to Jannik Sinner in 2024 and Carlos Alcaraz in 2025. The Australian will be eager to achieve success this time around.

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Meanwhile, Wawrinka is competing in Rotterdam for the last time in his career. He won the event in 2015 and also secured a runner-up finish in 2019. The Swiss star will be determined to go out on a high.

De Minaur will bring his exceptional court coverage and shot-making ability to the fore. Meanwhile, Wawrinka will rely on his serve, tactical acumen, and fighting spirit on the court.

Considering their recent results and match intensity in the last few months, De Minaur should be able to solve this round. He’ll be up against one of the best timers of the tennis ball, but should be able to stamp his authority and come out on top.

Pick: De Minaur to win in straight sets.

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka betting tips

Tip 1: Match to have fewer than 20 games.

Tip 2: Wawrinka to save more than five break points.