Free agency starts on Wednesday, March 11, but the legal tampering period opened on Monday, March 9th. The Minnesota Vikings have pushed to address the cap problems Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s move left, and are now focused on revamping the roster.

Pierre Brings More Than Simple CB Insurance

They wasted no time in identifying their first target. Although it won’t become official until the new league year gets underway, cornerback James Pierre will join Brian Flores’ defense. Having previously been coached by Flores and defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander in Pittsburgh, it’s a comfortable landing spot for the former Steeler.

Last season the Vikings entered the year with just three cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. Oft-injured veteran Jeff Okudah joined Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. He remained injured often for Minnesota, and a replacement was needed.

The come-up, though, is that Pierre could be much more than just a replacement.

Not only is Pierre’s deal worth just $8.5 million, but he was literally graded as the best pass coverage cornerback in the NFL last season. His 89.7 grade from Pro Football Focus was number one out of 140 cornerbacks.

Despite Pierre getting just a 59.1 run defense grade (60th), his overall tally of 86.8 ranked second across the league. He doesn’t have a track record of that sort of performance, but now gets to work with arguably the league’s best defensive coach once again.

The six-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 11 passes defended last season were a career high, and he grabbed his fourth career interception. He’s been a reliable talent, and now gets a chance to make an impact elsewhere.

Murphy Jr. didn’t have the stellar year Minnesota was hoping for when the Vikings brought him back on a big deal. Rodgers was pleasantly surprised, but faded some down the stretch. Having a competent option that can push both of them rather than needing to dip into lesser depth is quite a nice development.

Advertisement

---

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

Rinku Singh and Priya Saroj (Imare credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: The victorious Indian team members are returning home after winning the 2026 T20 World Cup title. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Rinku Singh, a member of the title-winning Indian side, arrived at the airport with his fiancée Priya Saroj. Upon arrival, he walked ahead to greet and hug his friends who had gathered outside the airport to welcome him, momentarily leaving Priya behind.

Seeing Rinku walk ahead, Priya jokingly said, “mujhe bhool gye kya?”. Rinku laughed, walked back, put his hands around Priya’s shoulders, and then went on to meet his friends.Rinku got engaged to politician Priya Saroj on June 8.The cricketer also penned an emotional tribute to his late father, Khanchand Singh, who passed away on February 27 in Greater Noida after a prolonged illness.Rinku attended his father’s funeral after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match against Zimbabwe before rejoining the squad in Kolkata for the crucial must-win Super 8s clash against the West Indies.In a heartfelt post after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, Rinku said that even a single day without speaking to his father felt incomplete and that he struggles to imagine life ahead without him.“I have never spent so many days without talking to you. I don’t know how life will move forward without you… But I know I will need you at every step,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “You always taught me that duty comes first, so on the field I was only trying to fulfil your dream. Now that your dream has been fulfilled… I just wish you were here with me. I will feel your absence in every small and big moment of happiness. I will miss you a lot, Papa,”Meanwhile, Rinku played just five matches for India in the T20 World Cup, where he struggled for runs and managed only 24 in total, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the Super 8s stage.After the loss against the Proteas, Rinku was dropped from the team and Sanju Samson replaced him in the playing XI. The move proved beneficial as Samson delivered back-to-back match-winning knocks in the Super 8s, the semi-final, and the final.

“They have literally said I can’t go to their stadium again. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

A Manchester United fan says he has been made to feel ‘like a criminal’ after officials at Manchester City banned him from watching the Blues as a ‘neutral’ supporter – and cancelled his ticket to watch Pep Guardiola’s team play Real Madrid.

Lewis Barlow, 21, a forklift truck driver, splashed out almost £600 on flights, accommodation and a ticket for City’s match against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu stadium in the Spanish capital on Wednesday night.

But just days before the fixture his ticket and membership were cancelled after an official at City realised that ‘manchesterunited’ was part of his email address. A subsequent search of his social media accounts revealed that he is a devoted Red.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Lewis, from Tintwistle in Derbyshire, followed most of his family in becoming a Manchester United fan and he has been to every home game at Old Trafford for the last two seasons.

But his brother Kyle, 18, and some of his friends are Man City fans – and so to be with his pals and his sibling he’s also been going to the Etihad to watch the Blues, he says.

This season he says he has been to 10 matches at the Etihad, the last of them last week when, instead of watching his beloved United at Newcastle on the TV, he was at the Etihad to watch the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He says he’s been going to the Etihad for 10 years to watch the Blues.

In November he successfully applied for and purchased a £35 Man City membership to make it easier to get tickets. The club didn’t seem to notice that he applied using an email address which included the term ‘manchesterunited’.

But his membership and his ticket for the upcoming Champions League game at Real Madrid were suddenly cancelled last week after he had a call from City to ask if he was actually a Red. When he answered ‘yes’, his membership was quickly ended and the upcoming ticket was cancelled.

An email to Lewis’ ‘manchesterunited’ account from a ticket compliance manager said: “Further to the call earlier, as a Manchester United fan, you cannot have a ticketing account that would allow access to tickets in the Manchester City section of any stadium.

“As stated during the purchase journey for the Real Madrid away fixture, all tickets are sold subject to availability and are issued subject to the General Tickets Terms and Conditions – Manchester City F.C.

“By purchasing tickets in the Manchester City section, you are confirming you are either a fan of the club (Manchester City) or a neutral supporter. A Manchester United fan, arguably the biggest rival of Manchester City, is not a neutral supporter.

“Being a Manchester United supporter, with access to home tickets, means there is a very high risk you could be in attendance when the two teams play each other, in the Manchester City section. As a result of this information coming to light, we have cancelled your future tickets, and restricted your ticketing account. We have also refunded your membership as it was only bought recently.”

In its terms and conditions for applying for away tickers the club says it ‘may offer tickets for sale to fans of the club and neutral fans only’, adding: “By applying to purchase one or a number of tickets, you hereby warrant and represent that you are a fan of the club or a neutral fan and not a fan of the opposing club.”

Club officials say they retain ‘full discretion’ when distributing tickets. Lewis insists he was never a fan of the opposing club each time he attended the Etihad and isn’t a fan of Real Madrid either.

He said: “Most of my family are United fans. I’ve never missed a home game for the last two seasons. But my brother is a City fan and my auntie is a City fan. My mates are City fans. So I go to City. It gets me out. I’ve been to quite a few games this season.

“I just do it to get out with my mates. When I go to United, my mates aren’t there. I’m on my own. I go with my mum sometimes but the majority of time I’m on my own.

“Every time I’ve been to City, I’ve never caused any issues or anything. I don’t do anything negative. I’m just there to have a good time with my mates. I would understand if I caused issues but I never have.”

Asked what he does when City score a goal, he said: “Stand up and clap. To be fair, I actually want City to win the league because I don’t want Arsenal to win. For the past few weeks I’ve been supporting City. I really don’t like Arsenal.”

He said his favourite City player is Rayan Cherki while his favourite Red is Bruno Fernandes. He added: “I think it’s discrimination. They think I’m going to cause havoc which is never the situation.

“I’m with all my City fan mates. Why would I cause trouble. I’m surrounded by City fans. Why on earth would I cause issues. I’m literally going to have a good time.”

He said the City official who called ‘spoke to me like I was a criminal’. “It was like I had broken the law. At first I thought it was a prank call from one of my mates,” said Lewis.

He said of City terms and conditions that ‘there’s nothing about being a United fan means you can’t go’. Lewis urged the club to re-instate his membership, saying: “They have literally said I can’t go to their stadium again. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Lewis’ mum Vicky said of her son: “Lewis is a hardworking young man who is of excellent character who just has a love for the beautiful game of football. We feel Lewis has been stereotyped as a football hooligan when he’s never been in trouble in his life. He’s never even been in trouble once in his life with the police.”

Manchester City declined to comment when contacted by the M.E.N. However, it is understood club officials believe Lewis has breached the club’s ticketing terms and conditions as he cannot be said to be a neutral fan and acted to ensure safety at matches. Officials are also keen to ensure City supporters have priority especially for big games.

John Stones captained Manchester City to an FA Cup win over Newcastle United at the weekend as he played 90 minutes for the first time since November

John Stones is raring to go for Manchester City’s run-in after declaring ‘I feel great’ following a lengthy injury absence.

The defender started City’s FA Cup win over Newcastle United on Saturday and captained the Blues to a 3-1 win and a spot in the quarter-finals. That was his first 90 minutes since November with the 31-year-old missing three months of the campaign with a calf injury.

But he is now fighting fit and keen to play his part as City challenge for trophies on four fronts. “Physically I feel great,” said Stones, speaking to TNT Sports Mexico. “The start of the season up until December when I got this problem in my calf, I felt great and had a great run in the team.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

“I’m always trying to stay positive about these things (injuries) and it’s part of football. But nights like these (at Newcastle) make those tough times and the hard work worthwhile and the lonely times when you’re training by yourself and the guys behind the scenes are helping you.

“It’s difficult when you put everything in and be as professional as you can be and try and do all the right things and you don’t have the answers but it is what it is and we have to look forward.

“I look forward now and look at this exciting time, important time. I’m sure the manager is happy and has a headache that he has everyone back playing well and on the other hand he has everyone to choose from for these big important games that we all want to get through and keep progressing and keep winning and put the pressure on in every situation.”

Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League games

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

Booking.com

See the deals here

Booking.com provides countless deals on flights and accommodation across Europe so Man City fans can follow the team on their Champions League campaign.

Advertisement

Stones grew into the game at Newcastle and was thrilled to come through the contest with no issues.

He added: “It felt great. It took a little while to get the rhythm back and it’s something that will never change for a player when you’ve not been playing for a while no matter how many games you’ve played and how many times you’ve been in the big stages, being in a competitive match you can’t replicate it in training or however you try.

“To be out there, to feel comfortable and get the rhythm of the game is really pleasing for me personally. To win, to captain the team as well, a super proud night and an important one at that.”

Oleksandr Usyk has three fights left in the game, hoping to extend his record to 27-0 before hanging up the gloves for good.

The elite Ukrainian was undisputed at cruiserweight before twice repeating that feat at heavyweight. Across the two divisions, he has statement wins over Murat Gassiev, Mairis Briedis, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Next up, Usyk will lean more into the spectacle side of the sport by facing kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, on May 23.

Speaking on Inside the Ring, Usyk assured fans that while this outing may not be at the elite level he is known for, his final two fights will be.

“Rico, this is first. Second, it’s who wins Wardley-Dubois. Third fight is my friend, Greedy Belly, Tyson Fury.”

Asked how long he has left, Usyk confirmed that he was three and out.

Fabio Wardley was elevated from Interim to Full WBO champion when Usyk vacated the belt last year, and puts that status on the line against Dubois on May 9 in Manchester. Should ‘DDD’ win on the night, Usyk’s final two planned bouts may both be trilogy fights.

The 39-year-old from Simferopol has twice beaten both Dubois and Fury, stopping the former on both occasions and the latter on points. Fan interest in the bouts, therefore, may be limited.

However, if Wardley can retain in two months’ time, many would love to see the Ipswich man in there with a man in Usyk who has cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of a generation.

Whether or not that would be an undisputed fight looks unlikely. While Usyk’s WBC belt is controversially on the line against Verhoeven, the IBF and WBA are yet to comment on the fight.

More so, the WBC has ordered Usyk to face Agit Kabayel next, something that is clearly not in his plans. This means he may be stripped of all three belts in the not-so-distant future.

Viktor Gyokeres’ first goal against Tottenham has been voted Emirates Goal of the Month for February, highlighting a positive period for the striker during an important stage of the season.

The Swedish forward enjoyed a productive spell throughout February, contributing goals that helped Arsenal remain unbeaten and strengthen their push for silverware. His efforts during the month played a role in maintaining the team’s momentum as they continued to compete across several competitions.

Advertisement

Although Gyokeres has faced challenges during parts of his time at the club, his performances in February demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact. The striker delivered several impressive displays, providing the type of attacking contribution that Arsenal expect from a player in his position.

Gyokeres earning Arteta’s trust

Mikel Arteta has continued to show faith in Gyokeres despite earlier inconsistencies. The Arsenal manager recognises the striker’s qualities and has maintained confidence that he can deliver when the team needs him most.

The club also view Gyokeres as an important member of the squad and is prepared to give him the time required to reach his best form. His recent performances suggest that he is capable of playing a crucial role as the season approaches its decisive stage.

Advertisement

With several important matches still to come, the striker will be expected to maintain his improved form and continue contributing goals that can help the team secure positive results.

Goal of the Month recognition

According to Arsenal Media, Gyokeres’ opening goal against Tottenham has been voted the Emirates Goal of the Month for February. The strike stood out among the club’s goals during the period and reflects the impact he had throughout that month.

The recognition serves as further encouragement for the forward as he aims to build on his recent performances. Arsenal will hope that Gyokeres can maintain his scoring form in the coming weeks, providing the attacking edge needed to help the club finish the campaign strongly.

Advertisement

If he continues to deliver decisive moments in front of goal, Gyokeres could play a vital role in Arsenal’s pursuit of trophies before the end of the season.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…

Advertisement

More Stories / Latest News

Gyokeres goal against Tottenham wins him Goal of the Month

10 March 2026, 9:00

“He is a special, special player,” Eze heaps praise on Arsenal sensation

9 March 2026, 23:59

Martinelli knows Arsenal needs to work even harder now

9 March 2026, 23:00

World silver medallist Kate O’Connor and Irish national champion Nick Griggs have been named in Ireland’s team for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland.

O’Connor won Ireland’s first medal at the championships since 2006 in Nanjing last year when she finished second in the pentathlon.

The 25-year-old then followed that up with a stunning second-place finish in the heptathlon at the World Championships in Tokyo in September.

In a historic year, O’Connor won a gold medal at the University Games and claimed bronze at the European Indoor Championships.

Nick Griggs, who won the Irish senior title earlier in March, will race in the 15-strong 3,000m final alongside Andrew Coscoran.

Five-time European medallist Mark English is also a leading name for the Irish team when he races in the 800m at the event in Torun, which runs from 20-22 March.

Paul McNamara, Athletics Ireland’s high performance director, said it was “an exciting team with real prospects for medal success”.

“Kate’s achievement in Nanjing last year has set a bar for what Irish athletes can achieve at these championships, and we travel to Poland with real intent,” he said.

“Along with our seasoned performers it’s great to see emerging talent make an impact this season and earn the opportunity to compete against the best in the world.”

Sarah Lavin will enter the Women’s 60m hurdles, while Bori Akinola and Lauren Roy will race in the men’s and women’s 60m respectively.

Maeve O’Neill will make her senior Irish international debut in Poland in the women’s 800m, while Ciara Neville (Women’s 60m), Emma Moore (Women’s 800m), James Gormley (Men’s 1500m) and Elizabeth Ndudi (Women’s Long Jump) have achieved the ‘B’ Standard and are provisionally selected pending confirmation of their qualification status by World Athletics.

Few awards in sports carry the weight of the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot. While the tournament crowns the world’s best national team, the Golden Boot honors the player who delivers football’s most decisive currency: goals.

Every four years, the race for this award creates its own drama. Established superstars chase history while emerging talents try to turn one brilliant tournament on the global stage into a career-defining moment.

The 2026 World Cup introduces another variable. An expanded 48-team field and up to eight matches for finalists could make the scoring race more unpredictable, placing several elite attackers in the spotlight.

Kylian Mbappé: The Favorite Chasing World Cup History

Mbappé’s position among the early Golden Boot contenders in 2026 World Cup futures reflects both his scoring pedigree and France’s ability to make deep tournament runs, which often gives top forwards more opportunities to add to their totals.

Harry Kane: The Most Reliable Tournament Finisher

Lionel Messi: A Legendary Career Nearing Its Final Chapter

Erling Haaland: The Wildcard Goal Machine

Lamine Yamal: The Breakout Star to Watch

The Factors That Often Decide the Golden Boot Race

Tournament expansion adds another variable. A 48-team field increases chances of high-scoring group matches, where a striker can build an early lead. Informed fans increasingly follow the latest soccer news and trends to track injuries and form shaping the Golden Boot race.

A Golden Boot Race Full of Storylines

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

The Hundred’s landmark player auction could go down as an “historic moment for UK sport”, according to the man responsible for bringing down the hammer on every deal.

Auctioneer Richard Madley will oversee the bidding in what is a first for any professional sport in this country and knows exactly what it means to be there at the start of a new chapter.

As well as being known for his role in daytime television favourite Bargain Hunt, Madley was the frontman for the inaugural Indian Premier League auction in 2008 – a watershed moment for the game that peaked with MS Dhoni fetching a then unthinkable 1.5million US dollars from Chennai Super Kings.

“I said that was the day that cricket changed forever and I stick by it. When I brought the hammer down on Dhoni, things were never the same again,” Madley told the Press Association.

“I’ve got a feeling about this one too. It’s an historic moment for sport in the UK. Once people realise what is happening, that we are selling athletes on the open market, it could be a day that is remembered as setting a blueprint for the future.

“It could become a feature on the sporting calendar here. I have been approached to work in golf, in rugby and heaven forbid if football caught on to it.”

The women’s auction takes place on Wednesday, followed by the men’s teams on Thursday, with both events taking place at Piccadilly Lights in central London and a total of 425 names in the hat.

And while the numbers will not hit IPL levels of excess, the involvement of new private investors has seen a considerable leap in available funds. Women’s squads now have a total of £880,000 to spend, with the kitty swelling to £2.05million for the men’s teams.

The biggest earners have already taken a chunk of that as direct signings – Harry Brook leading the way with a £465,000 deal at Sunrisers Leeds, while Nat Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell have negotiated £140,000 contracts with Trent Rockets and Southern Brave, respectively.

But Madley believes there is plenty of intrigue around how teams choose to deploy their resources, with major overseas stars available alongside leading English names including Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Tammy Beaumont and Davina Perrin.

“I’ve seen some of these guys are the bidding tables in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Cape Town and the UAE. There’s a lot of noise in the run-up, I hear the whispers, but I think you can read the room and anticipate who’s up for it,” he said.

“Could we see a player earning £350,000? Indeed. But it’s a high-risk strategy and you end up with egg on your face if you get to the end and you’ve run out of cash or you can’t find £50,000 for a player.

“I’ve got a job to do and it’s not about generating the highest prices, it’s making sure the teams leave with a complete squad.”

Madley recalls with fondness the time Andrew Flintoff bought him a beer after securing a bumper payday with CSK in 2009 and is happy to continue as the face of cricket’s free market frontier.

“The antiques market is on the wane and cricket is still on the way up, so I prefer selling cricketers,” he said.

“We’ve also introduced total transparency. We disclose the base prices, who is bidding, how much much for and who against. That never happened when I sold impressionist art at Christie’s.”