Patrick Dorgu named Man United’s January Player of the Month
Patrick Dorgu has been voted Manchester United’s January Player of the Month following a strong run in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old wing back scored two goals and provided two assists in four league matches during the month. His performances helped United secure a 2 0 victory over Manchester City on January 17.
Dorgu also scored in the 3–2 comeback win away at Arsenal on January 25. However, he picked up a hamstring injury during that match and is expected to spend some time on the sidelines as he recovers, according to manager Michael Carrick.
NFL fans will likely have to spend more to watch the league’s full slate of games each week in 2026.
A YouTube TV “NFL Sunday Ticket” subscription can cost several hundred dollars, but does not provide access to every game. Fans must also subscribe to Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix to watch the full slate. All-in costs for these packages exceed $1,500, but that figure does not include fees or internet costs.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has made it a priority to support American sports fans as the NFL, NBA, MLB and other leagues move key games from broadcast and cable television to costly streaming services. However, the NFL could lose its antitrust exemption if too many games are placed behind a paywall, Carr said this week.
The NFL shield logo on the field at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California.(Kirby Lee/magn Images)
“Does the NFL still benefit from the antitrust exemption when they’re negotiating for carriage of games not on a sponsored telecast, but on a streaming service?” Carr said at an event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, via Semafor. “That’s a very live, very ripe question.”
Carr cautioned there is “a point at which you sort of tip the scale, and they’ve just put too many games behind a paywall, and then that whole exemption collapses.”
A 1961 law allows the NFL to negotiate leaguewide TV deals without violating U.S. antitrust rules, provided it meets certain conditions, including protecting customer access. The stakes are high if the NFL’s antitrust exemption goes away, particularly if individual franchises begin selling their TV rights separately.
Carr pointed to broader implications for media rights negotiations. “If the NFL teams were able to collectively negotiate,” he said, “should the broadcasters, perhaps, be able to collectively negotiate as well?”
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr speaks at a news conference following an FCC meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 18, 2026.(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital contacted the NFL for comment, but league officials did not immediately respond.
Last month, the FCC said it would seek public comment on the shift of live sports from broadcast channels to streaming platforms. The comment period runs through March 27, and replies are due April 13.
Advertisement
The FCC under the Trump administration is seeking public comments on the ongoing shift of live sports from broadcast channels to streaming services.(Getty Images)
Carr acknowledged that the rising cost and sometimes inconvenient nature of sports streaming are frustrating fans, arguing the drawbacks ultimately outweigh the benefits.
Carr acknowledged the rising cost and sometimes inconvenient nature of sports streaming are frustrating fans, arguing the drawbacks ultimately outweigh the benefits.
“Americans are frustrated when they sit down and can’t find the game they want to watch. And that feeling grows only worse when they realize that they might need to sign up for another streaming service to watch the game,” Carr previously told Fox News Digital.
Advertisement
“There has long been a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between sports leagues and broadcasters, and consumers will benefit if that continues,” Carr continued. “I want to see Americans continue to benefit from free over-the-air sports programming.”
Mike Tyson has often credited Muhammad Ali as being his boxing hero but that hasn’t stopped him conceding that there is another man he views as the greatest.
He became a three-time world heavyweight champion and claimed victories in some of the most iconic fights of all time, such as the ‘Rumble In The Jungle’ against George Foreman and the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ against Joe Frazier.
Advertisement
After retiring from the sport in 1981, it was then Tyson’s turn to take the mantle, as he made his debut in March 1985 and just over 18 months later won the WBC title to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20.
Just like Ali, Tyson’s fights were must-see affairs, becoming the number one attraction in the sport for the next two decades, with that even proving to be the case when ‘Iron Mike’ took part in a controversial bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in 2024.
When it came to naming the best boxer of all time, Tyson didn’t choose Ali, instead making another pick that is widely accepted throughout the boxing world. Reflecting on a meeting with the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson, he described him as the true greatest ever.
“I know he’s the greatest fighter to ever live.”
It’s hard to argue with Tyson’s beliefs due to the achievements of Robinson, who was world champion at welterweight and middleweight, and at one point had a record of 129-1-2 with 85 knockouts, going on a 91-fight unbeaten streak in the process.
Advertisement
In the end, Robinson retired having won 174 of his 201 fights, making it clear exactly why Tyson and so many others view him as the greatest of all time.
Mar 27, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
With nine games remaining in the regular season for the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach Tuomas Iisalo has other priorities in mind ahead of his team’s game against the visiting Chicago Bulls.
The Grizzlies (24-49), after all, were felled by an abundance of injuries, including season-ending ones for star guard Ja Morant, big man Zach Edey and multiple key reserves. Therefore, Iisalo is intent on getting good looks at a number of other players against the Bulls (29-44).
Among the candidates is Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who has assumed a starting role and appears to be making a strong case for himself.
Prosper, a 6-foot-8 forward in his third NBA season and first with the Grizzlies, started the season on a two-way contract before signing a multi-year deal on March 4.
He scored a career-high 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the floor in Memphis’ 119-109 loss to the Houston Rockets. He made four of his five 3-pointers and added seven rebounds and two steals.
Advertisement
Prosper scored 11 points in the final four minutes Friday to keep the Kevin Durant-led Rockets from turning the affair into a blowout.
Iisalo has been impressed with Prosper’s approach and work ethic.
“It’s not just putting in the hours, it’s what he puts into those hours,” Iisalo said. “He’s present in every one of those workouts.”
A first-round pick in 2023, Prosper played his first two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. The Grizzlies signed him after the Mavericks waived him last August.
Advertisement
He said he was grateful the Grizzlies signed him to the multi-year deal.
“It’s just a belief in myself and trusting that everything is going to work out,” Prosper said. “(I’m) staying true to the process, staying true to my work.”
The Bulls are struggling to the finish line, too. They lost for the 22nd time in their past 28 games to fall out of contention for a play-in berth.
Advertisement
In Friday’s 131-113 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Bulls were outscored 69-46 in the second half.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan understands there’s a toughness the team needs to learn in the waning days of the season.
“They really care,” Donovan said. “They really want to do well both individually and collectively, but we get down too much, and we’ve got to become a lot tougher when things aren’t going our way.”
Things were going Chicago’s way in the first half against the reigning NBA champions Friday. They led 67-62 at the half, but a 22-0 Thunder run that started late in the third quarter ended the Bulls’ chances. Josh Giddey made just 1 of 11 shots from the floor and misfired on all eight of his attempts from 3-point range.
Advertisement
Playing Memphis could prove to be a cure for Giddey. He has had five double-doubles in his last seven games against the Grizzlies, including a triple-double in the last meeting, a 132-107 Bulls’ win on March 16.
Collin Sexton scored 22 off the bench to lead the Bulls against the Thunder. He is averaging 21 points in the team’s last three games.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United at the turn of the year following an uninspiring tenure at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick succeeding him in the interim
Amorim was handed his walking papers by the United board in January, around a-year-and-a-half after his appointment. The 41-year-old could only manage a 15th place Premier League finish in his first season with the club, before failing to make much of a mark in 2025/26.
Advertisement
As a result, Michael Carrick has stepped up as interim head coach until the end of the season, managing to breathe a new lease of life into the club in such a short space of time. At present, United sit third in the Premier League standings just six points adrift of a second-place City.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
And while a league title is virtually impossible this season, given that table toppers Arsenal are 15 points clear of them and just seven matches remain, the Reds look increasingly likely to secure Champions League football for the new season when 2025/26 is said and done.
Amorim, meanwhile, has been out of a job since he was given the boot at the turn of the year. However, he has been spotted enjoying a spot of padel with Viana – a man many United fans consider a mortal enemy given his role with bitter rivals, City.
Advertisement
However, given that Amorim and Viana were team-mates at Braga and Sporting CP before they joined their respective Manchester rivals, it should come as little to no surprise that the two still hold a stellar relationship. Pictured at Lisbon’s Padel Expo club sharing a game, Amorim beamed alongside Viana and Goncalo Oliveira.
Sharing the snap, the club’s official Instagram account wrote: “We tried to contact you to strengthen our coaching staff, but it wasn’t to be this time! Thank you very much for your visit Ruben Amorim and Hugo Viana, it was a pleasure to have you at Padel Expo.”
While Amorim has been enjoying time away from the beautiful game, Carrick has excelled in picking up where his predecessor left off. The Englishman has led United to seven Premier League wins from his first 10 matches in charge, and has put his name in the hat to take up permanent tenure this summer.
Advertisement
Given that Carrick is only on a short-term contract, a number of more experienced managers have also been linked with the post come the end of the current campaign.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been touted with a move to Old Trafford for some time now, with the chances of such a reality unfolding being boosted by the fact that the Austrian will leave Selhurst Park in a matter of months.
Elsewhere, Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbi, Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique have also been tipped to take the reins of the Reds for 2026/27.
However, should Carrick continue to impress, there’s also a chance that the 44-year-old’s deal with the club will be extended. Up next for Manchester United is a Premier League clash with Leeds at Old Trafford come April 13.
Advertisement
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Advertisement
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates the game winning shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard hit a go-ahead jumper with 0.4 seconds left to lift the visiting Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-113 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday in Indianapolis.
Darius Garland scored 30 and Leonard had 28 for Los Angeles (38-36), which trailed by 24 before rallying for its fourth straight win. Bennedict Mathurin scored 17 points off the bench, while Brook Lopez added 16.
Aaron Nesmith led Indiana (16-58) with 26 points, followed by Obi Toppin’s 20. Andrew Nembhard chipped in 13 points and 10 assists, while Micah Potter also scored 13. Pascal Siakam and Kobe Brown finished with 11 points apiece as the Pacers lost for the 18th time in 19 games.
Los Angeles cut its 10-point halftime deficit in half on Garland’s layup with 7:52 remaining in the third. Ben Sheppard’s layup opened the cushion back up to nine, but Los Angeles closed the gap to two after three quarters.
The Clippers tied the game with 6:13 left in the fourth on Mathurin’s layup, before Toppin and Siakam’s layups gave the Pacers a 105-101 lead.
Advertisement
Garland and Toppin then traded triples, before Nesmith’s fourth 3-pointer gave the Pacers a 111-105 edge at the 1:28 mark.
Leonard’s floater was followed by Nesmith’s missed 3-pointer and Garland’s two free throws, cutting Indiana’s lead to one. After Siakam’s missed jumper, Los Angeles rebounded and called timeout, leading to Leonard’s mid-ranger.
From there, Nembhard threw the ensuing inbounds pass away before Nesmith fouled Mathurin, who missed both free throws. The frenetic finish continued as Indiana then had another chance, this time with 0.1 seconds left. On the inbounds pass, Huff was fouled by Lopez.
Advertisement
Huff then missed both free throws to seal the bizarre ending.
Indiana’s early 13-0 run was stamped with Brown’s layup to give the Pacers a 21-11 lead. After Leonard’s 3-pointer cut into the run, Quenton Jackson’s five straight points began a 16-4 surge, pushing Indiana’s advantage to 37-18.
The Pacers made 8 of 11 3-pointers in the first quarter and took a 42-21 lead into the second.
Los Angeles pulled within 12 at the 3:45 mark of the second quarter after Leonard’s back-to-back baskets. After Siakam’s jumper pushed the margin back to 18, Mathurin scored six of the Clippers’ 8-0 spurt to finish the first half, slicing their halftime deficit to 60-50.
SUZUKA, Japan — Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took the pole for Sunday’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, just two weeks after he led qualifying and won the first race of his career at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old Antonelli’s qualifying time Saturday was one minute, 28.778 seconds on the 5.8-kilometre Suzuka circuit in central Japan.
Teammate George Russell will start alongside him. Russell won in Australia in the first race of the season and also took the pole, the start of Mercedes’ early dominance in 2026.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who has yet to start a race this season, will start alongside Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the second row, and Lando Norris of McLaren starts on row three next to Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.
Advertisement
“It was a good one. It was a clean one,” Antonelli said. “I felt very good in the car. I’m really happy with the session and now we focus on tomorrow.”
For the second straight race it was the young Italian upstaging the older British driver.
“He did a great job again,” the 28-year-old Russell said.
Antonelli’s quickest lap was three-tenths of a second faster than Russell, which is a big gap in Formula 1.
Advertisement
“I think overall it was a very strong session,” Antonelli said. “But with the (new) regulations it’s very easy to gain or lose three-tenths. It’s really easy to gain or lose time.”
Formula 1 cars this season are powered 50-50 by battery power and combustion-engine power, and the chassis are slightly smaller and more nimble. This had made overtaking much easier in the first two races.
But Suzuka is an old-school circuit and is narrower with fewer straights, so passing will still be difficult.
“It can be good racing but I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as China and Melbourne,” Antonelli said. “The track is quite a bit tighter and you don’t have as many straights where you can overtake. It’s not going to be easy, that’s why it’s crucial to have a good start.”
Advertisement
Russell struggled throughout the session, lucky to pull into the second spot. Early in the session he was much deeper in the pack.
“The car just did not feel the same as it did the whole weekend,” Russell said.
Two weeks ago in China, neither McLaren car took part in the race because of electrical problems. And in Australia, Piastri sat out after crashing his car before the race even started. So being on the second row is a win for the Australian.
“This weekend we’ve looked good,” Piastri said. “We’ve executed well. We clearly don’t have the pace or the grip to match Mercedes still, but we are getting closer.”
Advertisement
Four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start 11th after struggling and complaining on his radio about his car.
“I think there is something wrong with the car, mate. It was completely undrivable,” he said.
Saturday’s qualifying was run on a sunny spring day with the same predicted for Sunday.
Group 1 winning trainer Gavin Bedggood has meticulously prepared Mornington Glory for his forthcoming re-entry into competition.
Mornington Glory’s debut in almost seven months arrives in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) on Flemington’s Saturday program, where stablemate Johnny Rocker, a recent addition, will also appear.
Bedggood opted for extended recovery with Mornington Glory after ‘bone bruising’ was found following his subpar three-start spring preparation last year, culminating in last place in Randwick’s Concorde Stakes.
“Post Sydney, we sent him off for an MRI and scintigraphy, and he came back with pod lesions, or severe bone bruising,” Bedggood said.
Advertisement
“He had a three-month paddock break, a long rehab and returned with a month on the water walker, a month on the sandhills (at Cranbourne) and then a month of pacework.
“He’s got a really good base of fitness on him. He won his last trial, but I would say I have seen him trial better than what he did.
“He’s a horse that has not performed at his best first-up, but I would be disappointed if he didn’t run well.”
Mornington Glory’s form soared in 2024’s early spring, capped by victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) held at Moonee Valley.
Advertisement
Two more races followed before a break; autumn trials preceded another spell due to a joint wrench.
Last spring, Bedggood acknowledged potential ‘trainer error’ in racing Mornington Glory off a lone trial, after which his three runs wrapped up.
Post-Saturday and one further start, Mornington Glory might head to Adelaide.
“He’s got to put his hand up and show me something in his first two runs, otherwise we might pull the pin,” Bedggood said.
Advertisement
“I don’t want to be that trainer that had a good horse that kept on banging it around for the sake of running it.
“He owes us nothing and we owe him everything.”
Johnny Rocker’s first with Bedggood succeeds one Sydney effort for Bjorn Baker, after time with Nick Ryan at Flemington.
Under Ryan, he nearly overhauled Imperatriz in March 2024’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Advertisement
“We’ve probably had him for six weeks and he and Mornington Glory have pretty much been workmates,” Bedggood said.
“I thought he galloped fantastic at Caulfield the other week but trialled below par at Cranbourne.
“His fitness is very good. He had the one run in Sydney before coming to me and like Mornington Glory, you want to see him be competitive and show he’s still got that zest for racing.
“He lives out in a yard. He’s gone from being boxed at Flemington and Warwick Farm, so we’re trying to get him right mentally.”
Advertisement
Discover competitive racing betting markets ahead of the Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington.
Nihal Sarin and Anish Giri (Photos by Michal Walusza, Lennart Ootes and FIDE)
NEW DELHI: As the chess world descends upon Cyprus for the 2026 Candidates, the name Anish Giri continues to be synonymous with a singular, frustrating memory from the past. 14 draws in 14 games. That legendary run in the 2016 Candidates birthed the “King of Draws” moniker for the current Dutch No. 1.But as the 31-year-old eyes the Candidates crown 10 years later, and with it the right to challenge Dommaraju Gukesh, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin points out that “Drwaish Giri” is a tired stereotype that ignores the realities of elite chess.“I very, very strongly believe that people saying Anish is a drawish player is complete nonsense, honestly,” Nihal told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview on the eve of the tournament. “I believe he’s a huge fighter, actually. The draw thing is definitely a bit of a myth.”
The “myth” of the Draw KingGiri himself is well aware of the narrative. Speaking about his preparation to TimesofIndia.com, the Dutch No. 1 revealed the unique hurdles of a Candidates cycle, noting that he had to wait to hire seconds (coaching assistants) because his top choices were so good they ended up qualifying for the tournament themselves.“I understand really well what makes a good second because that second was so good he became my opponent,” Giri joked.
Nihal points to Giri’s triumph at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss, where he finished unbeaten (with five wins and six draws) to qualify for this very event, as proof of his winning intent.“To win the tournament by half a point, he clearly did win a fair few games as well,” Nihal noted. “A lot of draws happen when top players are clashing because that is what chess is. If both play to their absolute potential, it will be a draw. Chess is like that only”Nihal’s Candidates 2026 predictionWhile many experts are hyper-focused on Fabiano Caruana or Hikaru Nakamura, Nihal Sarin’s evaluation of the 2026 field suggests a much more volatile “open” race.While he respects the established American giants, he threw a spotlight on Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov.“If I had to make a guess, maybe Fabi or Sindu [Sindarov],” Nihal told this website. “Sindarov is having a great year so far and playing some amazing chess. And of course, if Pragg has a good event, then absolutely. You can also never count Hikaru out.”Nihal also cautioned against sidelining the two-time European Champion, Matthias Bluebaum. While some call Bluebaum’s style pragmatic, Nihal sees a dangerous trap.“He’s insanely good at being kind of safe. Not drawish, but safe. He is extremely good at punishing if opponents try to go berserk against him. That is a very smart way of winning games,” Nihal remarked.A closely packed women’s fieldTurning his attention to the Women’s Candidates, Nihal believes the tournament is even more unpredictable than the Open section.“I really wouldn’t be surprised at all whoever wins. I think everyone can beat everyone there,” he said.However, he leaned toward experience as the deciding factor.“I would guess probably Aleksandra Goryachkina or Tan Zhongyi is likely to win because they have done it before. I believe it’s a bit easier having that belief, that because you have done it before, you can do it again.”As the marathon begins on Saturday, reputations like “Drawish Giri” or “underdog Bluebaum” mean very little. In Nihal’s words, “Absolutely everybody can win.”
India’s two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh on Friday retired from international hockey after an illustrious career, saying it’s the appropriate time to quit after losing his place in the national team due to a back injury last year.
Gurjant represented India in 130 matches at the senior level and also helped the team win a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
The 31-year-old forward from Khailara village in Amritsar was a member of the Indian team that won back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
He announced his retirement during the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards ceremony here on Friday.
Advertisement
“Since June Pro League last year I was forced to sit out of the senior team due to a back injury. I was out of hockey for nearly 7-8 months,” Gurjant told PTI.
“After that, I played Hockey India League and domestic hockey but never could return back into the side. So I felt it is the appropriate time to quit and give the juniors a chance.”
He, however, will continue to play in the HIL, club and domestic hockey.
“I will continue to play in the HIL, domestic hockey and also looking for club hockey opportunities abroad,” said Gurjant, who is employed with the Sports Department in the Punjab government.
Advertisement
During his nearly 10-year-long career, Gurjant scored 33 goals since making his senior team debut in 2017.
Gurjant rose from junior ranks quickly, drawing attention of the selectors with his pace and sharp instincts. He played a vital role during India’s title triumph in the 2016 Junior FIH World Cup in Lucknow and scored in the final to help India lift the trophy.
Gurjant was also part of India’s gold medal-winning side at the 2023 Asian Games and 2017 Asia Cup, besides multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles.
He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021.
Advertisement
Gurjant also holds the record of scoring the fastest goal by an Indian in international hockey, with his sensational strike just 13 seconds into the game against the Netherlands in his FIH Pro League debut in January 2020 in Bhubaneswar, helping the country to register a superb 5-2 victory over the Oranje.
Gurjant said he has no regrets in his career.
“I started my hockey journey by looking up to the seniors sitting in this room, and to have fulfilled my dream of playing for India alongside them is something I will always treasure,” he said.
Gurjant was felicitated by Hockey India during the awards ceremony with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh.
Advertisement
“I feel incredibly satisfied to have been part of the historical revival of Indian hockey and to have achieved two Olympic medals. I leave the international stage a very happy and proud man,” he said.
With back-to-back general managers, Rick Spielman and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, trades were frequent for the Minnesota Vikings. Neither of those men works for the Vikings anymore, but there’s a chance that the “new” guy, interim boss Rob Brzezinski, pulls off a blockbuster trade on Night No. 1 of the NFL Draft. This is a peek at the possibilities.
Minnesota has the tools to make noise if it wants a splashy draft-weekend move.
The Vikings have nine draft picks this year and a couple of tradeable players, at least in theory.
Advertisement
Five Aggressive Trade Ideas That Would Shake Up the Vikings’ Draft
Blockbuster trade ideas for the Vikings, ranked in order of realism (No. 1 = most realistic blockbuster trade).
The Package — Vikings Get: Brian Thomas & Pick No. 124 (R4) Jaguars Get: Pick No. 18
No one really knows if Jordan Addison will succeed in Minnesota — or if he’ll flame out because of the next arrest. Trading for Thomas hedges that bet, and the Vikings would take the mystery and crapshoot nature of the draft out of the 18th pick.
Minnesota can then decide to keep a three-deep setup indefinitely or trade Addison when the time is right.
Advertisement
In any event, Thomas is reportedly on the trade block after a quiet sophomore campaign.
4. Trade up for Ohio S Caleb Downs
The Package — Vikings Get: No. 11 from CIN (Caleb Downs) Bengals Get: Pick Nos. 18 & 49 (R2)
Harrison Smith might retire, and even if he doesn’t, the Vikings still need a safety for the long haul. There’s a small chance that Downs — the best safety in next month’s draft — tumbles a smidge due to injury fears, and every team that passes up, well, he gets more attainable for the Vikings.
Some consider Downs a future Hall of Famer. And while it’s not wise to trade up for a non-premium position like safety, it is wise to draft Hall of Famers.
Advertisement
In this scenario, Brian Flores and Co. realize that Downs is a game-changer, donating the 2nd-Rounder to Cincinnati for the pick that fetches Downs.
3. Trade for NYG DT Dexter Lawrence
The Package — Vikings Get: Dexter Lawrence & Pick No. 37 (R2) Giants Get: Pick No. 18 & 2027 3rd-Rounder
Lawrence is still only 28 years old; if a team trades for him, they’ll get a full contract’s worth of Pro Bowl production.
The phenom nose tackle is probably gettable for the equivalent of a late 1st-Rounder or early 2nd-Round pick, so in this proposal, Minnesota opts for the sure thing in Lawrence, while grabbing the Giants’ 2nd-Rounder, which it could spend on a cornerback like Colton Hood (Tennessee) or running back like Jadarian Price (Notre Dame).
Advertisement
Lawrence would cook in Minnesota, sandwiched between Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jalen Redmond.
Perhaps the most fun option on the list, the Vikings put their running back drought to bed, trading up the board for Love.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) bursts upfield after securing a catch, weaving through defenders and accelerating into open space during second-quarter action on Nov. 15, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the Fighting Irish offense looks to generate momentum against the Panthers’ defensive front. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Minnesota hasn’t drafted a game-changing tailback since Dalvin Cook, and that happened nine years ago. Like the safety proposal with Downs, it’s usually taboo to trade up for a running back. But who really cares if the end game is pairing Love, this class’s best halfback, with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison for the next five years? Would you be mad?
Trading for Love would force the Vikings to be run-centric, at least more than they are now, and that could, alas, unlock Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Advertisement
1. OLB Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles
The Package — Vikings Get: Pick No. 23 Eagles Get: Jonathan Greenard, Pick No. 163 (R5) & 2027 3rd-Rounder
For now, the momentum has shifted for Greenard to remain in Minnesota — the Vikings probably would’ve traded him by now if he wanted out over a contractual dispute.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates emphatically after recording a sack, feeding off the home crowd’s energy and signaling a defensive momentum shift during second-half action on Sep. 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings apply consistent pressure against the Falcons’ offense. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
But let’s pretend that the thesis is wrong, and the Vikings offload Greenard during the draft. Philadelphia’s outside linebackers right now are Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. The Eagles will have Super Bowl hopes again in 2026 after their version of a down year; they’ll need more EDGE help than Smith and Hunt to do it.
Here, Minnesota pries the Eagles’ 1st-Rounder away while Philadelphia gets a guaranteed-to-be-good pass rusher, a 3rd-Rounder, and a 5th-Round scratch off. The irony here is that Minnesota might turn around and draft an EDGE defender with the pick.
Greenard could land a big payday in Philadelphia, and Minnesota would lean into the youth movement at OLB with a new guy and Dallas Turner, who is the fourth-youngest player on the Vikings’ roster.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login