During the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected an outside linebacker named Janarius Robinson, who never really took off in the Twin Cities. Five years later, he’s getting a look from the Super Bowl runner-ups.

Robinson could turn a June audition into a roster battle if New England wants more depth.

The veteran EDGE will work out for the Patriots this week, and a summer roster spot could be the result.

Robinson’s NFL Path Has Included Many Stops

Do you remember Robinson from the Mike Zimmer era?

NE Auditions Robinson

Robinson could make it five NFL teams in five years. NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Tuesday morning, “The Patriots will be checking out a potential addition to their defense on Tuesday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that defensive end Janarius Robinson will be working out for the team.”

“Robinson spent last season with the Chiefs, but he did not appear in any games after fracturing his foot in the offseason. Robinson was a Vikings fourth-round pick in 2021 and moved on to the Eagles in 2022, but spent most of both seasons on injured reserve.”

Through three months of open free agency, Robinson has no known nibbles from EDGE-needy teams. That could change as early as this week.

The Patriots’ EDGEs

Do the Patriots need more pass-rush help? From a role player and fringe roster bubble commodity like Robinson — probably not. Still, here’s the embattled Mike Vrabel’s OLB group in mid-May:

• Harold Landry III
• Dre’Mont Jones
• Gaba Jacas
• Namdi Obiazor
• Bradyn Swinson
• Quintayvious Hutchins
• Jesse Luketa
• Xavier Holmes

If signed, Robinson would likely slide onto the depth chart behind Jacas, a 2nd-Round rookie, and above Obiazor, a 6th-Round rookie.

Robinson’s Career to Date

Robinson initially arrived in Minnesota via the 2020 Stefon Diggs trade with the Buffalo Bills. After sending Diggs to Buffalo, the Vikings leveraged the returned draft capital to select several players, including Justin Jefferson, Camryn Bynum, Zach Davidson, Kenny Willekes, and Robinson.

Drafted by former general manager Rick Spielman in the 4th Round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Robinson’s tenure with the Vikings was short-lived and unproductive. His rookie season in 2021 was cut short by a season-ending injury, and he failed to make the 53-man roster in 2022, instead being relegated to the practice squad. During that 2022 season, Patrick Jones and D.J. Wonnum served as the primary backup EDGE rushers behind starters Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith.

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Robinson in September 2022, signing him after defensive end Derek Barnett tore his ACL and was placed on injured reserve. Notably, Barnett himself had a prior connection to Robinson’s former team, having joined the Vikings in 2016 as part of the Sam Bradford trade.

Robinson never played in a regular season game for Minnesota before the Eagles acquired him.

Since entering the league, Robinson has appeared in 16 career games, making 3 starts. His career totals include 13 tackles, 4 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He has logged 187 defensive snaps and an additional 77 on special teams. His 2024 season was his most active as a professional, despite receiving a stinky 42.6 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

His full work history:

• Minnesota Vikings (2021–2022)
• Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
• Las Vegas Raiders (2023–2024)
• Kansas City Chiefs (2025)

ArrowheadAddict‘s Matt Conner on Robinson, “Before the 2025 draft, Robinson sounded excited to join the Chiefs and said he was a ‘perfect fit’ for Kansas City. However, the Chiefs spent two early picks on the defensive front — a second-round choice on Omarr-Norman Lott and a third-round pick on Ashton Gillotte — and Robinson was buried on the depth chart early.”

“From there, a fractured foot landed him on injured reserve before the regular season even began. Robinson will now hope to prove he’s healthy as a journeyman defensive end for a team fresh off of a Super Bowl appearance.”

The Big-Name EDGEs Left in Free Agency

Suppose the Robinson tryout does not net a contract. The Patriots — and other teams that need EDGE rushers — still have an accredited list of alternatives, including these men:

• Denico Autry
• Derek Barnett
• Joey Bosa
• Jadeveon Clowney
• Marcus Davenport
• A.J. Epenesa
• Leonard Floyd
• Cameron Jordan
• Von Miller
• Haason Reddick
• Kyle Van Noy

The Vikings, too, may need an OLB3 behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, depending on the summer performances from Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and rookie Jake Golday (an inside linebacker).

Robinson turned 28 two weeks ago. New England’s defense ranked 11th in the last year per EPA/Play, a propelling force for their Super Bowl appearance.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Kylian Mbappe said after not starting in Real Madrid’s Spanish league soccer match against Oviedo on Thursday that coach Alvaro Arbeloa told him that he is the team’s fourth-choice striker.

Arbeloa appeared to be caught by surprise by Mbappe’s words and said he never told him that. He said he doesn’t know why Mbappe felt like that.

Mbappe, who had been nursing a left hamstring injury, said he was ready to play from the start against Oviedo but Arbeloa decided not to use him.

“I’m 100% fine,” Mbappe said. “I didn’t play because the coach told me I’m the fourth striker in the squad behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vini (Vinicius Junior) and Gonzalo (Garcia). I accept it. I was ready to start, it was his decision. You can’t be angry with the coach, you always have to respect the opinion of the coach. I’ll keep working hard and wait to be the starter.” 
Arbeloa later said he never told Mbappe he was the fourth striker in the squad.

“I don’t have four strikers, and I haven’t told anything like that to Mbappe,” Arbeloa said. “He probably didn’t understand me. I don’t really know what to tell you. I wouldn’t tell him that he’s the fourth-choice striker.” 

 
The disagreement between Arbeloa and Mbappe is the latest in a chaotic week for Madrid, which started with an altercation between players in training that led the club to fine Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni 500,000 euros ($589,000) each.

Then came the 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the clasico on Sunday that allowed its rival to clinch the league title. On Tuesday, an edgy Madrid president Florentino Perez called for new elections after saying he was the victim of an “organized campaign” to unseat him.

Mbappe was booed by the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium after coming into the match to replace Garcia in the 68th minute. He assisted in Jude Bellingham’s 79th-minute goal that sealed Madrid’s 2-0 win.

The France star had been criticized by some fans who claimed he was saving himself for the World Cup. During his time off because of the injury, Mbappe reportedly traveled to Italy with actress Ester Exposito, prompting criticism in Spanish media that he may not be taking his rehabilitation seriously.

The striker downplayed the importance of his trip.

“I had the club’s permission to be away from Madrid,” Mbappe said. “I wasn’t the only one, but you have to accept it and move on. I can easily turn this situation around.” 
Mbappe has not yet fully met expectations of his high-profile signing with Madrid two seasons ago. The club has not won a major trophy since he arrived.

France head into the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup as the top-ranked nation in the world. Even without the validation of the men’s football rankings, the 2018 champions boast an abundance of quality as they pursue a third World Cup title.  Missing out from their 2nd consecutive world title last time on penalties against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Les Blues are coming into this edition with another power-packed squad with them.

This edition will also mark the final tournament for coach Didier Deschamps, one of only three men in history to lift the World Cup both as a player (1998) and as a manager (2018). The two-time champions are drawn in Group I alongside African giants Senegal, Erling Haaland’s Norway, and Iraq, who return to the global stage after 40 years.  France’s Group I in FIFA World Cup 2026 

• 
  France
• 
  Senegal
• 
  Norway
• 
  Iraq

Kylian Mbappé leads France as captain at his third World Cup finals. With 12 goals already to his name, the Real Madrid star is closing in on Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals. He remains the focal point of France’s attack and leadership on the biggest stage.

France will not rely on Mbappé alone, as he is supported by a wealth of world-class attacking talent. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé will operate on the flanks, while Ballon d’Or contender Michael Olise adds further creativity and flair. Notably, the two teammates are set to face each other in the Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern München.

Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery 

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram, Jean-Philippe Mateta

Optus Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 10 AFL game between West Coast Eagles and
GWS Giants. The game kicks off at 6:15 pm with GWS Giants heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the West Coast Eagles vs.
GWS Giants
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday May 17, 2026 at 6:15 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

West Coast Eagles vs GWS Giants Odds

West Coast Eagles vs GWS Giants Preview

GWS will aim to move back to an even record for the season when it travels west to face a struggling Eagles outfit. The Giants showed impressive resilience last week, overturning a 26-point deficit against Essendon to keep their finals hopes alive. While GWS has been inconsistent away from home this year, the matchup against West Coast presents a significant opportunity given the Eagles’ disastrous recent form. West Coast has now lost six straight games by more than 60 points on average and continues to battle badly with defensive structure and contested football. GWS has also dominated recent meetings between the clubs, including a crushing 59-point victory last season led by Finn Callaghan’s outstanding midfield display. Unless West Coast can produce a dramatic improvement defensively, the Giants appear well positioned to continue their climb back towards the top eight.

About once or twice per year, VikingsTerritory publishes an article detailing the fruit of Jordan Ta’amu’s labor in the UFL. The 2026 campaign is no different, but there’s a catch: Ta’amu is now hurt.

Ta’amu’s spring football rise added another unfortunate turn before the Defenders’ postseason push.

The man was cooking, but the Defenders must improvise.

Ta’amu’s Minnesota Stay Was Brief but a Bit Memorable

It’s a blow for the champs.

Ta’amu Out for Year

NBC Sports‘ Mike Florio wrote Monday, “Even though the UFL has been generating solid TV ratings, it’s had a hard time moving the needle. That’s largely because the NFL continues to dominate the calendar, even in the months when NFL games aren’t being played. Still, certain developments merit a mention.”

“Like this one: D.C. Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has been lost for the season due to an injury suffered in a Week 8 loss to Louisville. The specific injury was not specified.”

Defenders head coach Shannon Harris said of the setback, “We never want to lose a quarterback of that caliber, especially a guy who’s been an MVP-level player and championship leader for us. But we still have a really good football team, and we are going to rally behind Spencer Sanders and Jason Bean.”

Time with the Vikings

Just before the 2023 regular season, the Vikings signed Ta’amu to bolster their preseason quarterback depth. He arrived with significant spring buzz, having won the XFL’s 2023 Offensive Player of the Year award five months earlier.

However, his tenure in Minnesota was brief. Ta’amu lasted only a week before being cut, eventually returning to the Defenders on February 22, 2024. The Vikings, already boasting Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall on their roster for the 2023 season, further solidified their quarterback room during that season by trading for Joshua Dobbs a couple of months later.

Last Year’s Masterclass

In 2025, the Defenders won the UFL Championship, as Ta’amu passed for 2,153 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, along with 178 rushing yards and 2 scores, in nine games. Nearing the end of the current campaign, the Defenders have a 5-3 record, so they’re trending toward another championship push. Ta’amu has produced 1,516 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, and 9 picks, in addition to 196 rushing yards in 8 games.

Of course, the injury ends his dream of back-to-back titles and MVP awards. A brutal blow.

Pro Football Newsroom‘s James Larsen on the Defenders’ without Ta’amu: “Earlier this year, the Defenders traded for Jason Bean from the Kings. He seems like the perfect prospect to fill in, with his mobility – and ability to push the ball down the field. Through four weeks of play with the Louisville Kings, no QB in the UFL had more big-time throws than Bean, with 10.”

“The clock is ticking on what was shaping up to be another big year for DC. If any team can manage this instability – it’s the Defenders. Shannon Harris has chartered strange waters before, and now will have to lead DC to success without their signal caller of the past four seasons.”

Bean might be the meal ticket sans Ta’amu.

Larsen concluded, “Hopefully, this isn’t the last we’ll see of Jordan Ta’amu. He has been one of spring football’s best over the past several years, with two Championship appearances (and a win) in DC. The veteran is, no doubt, on the Mount Rushmore of spring football.”

Lucky Jackson Thriving

Another former Viking has stood out in the offshoot league: Jackson. He plays for the Louisville Kings, a club with a 4-4 mark through eight games, and has tabulated 27 receptions for 341 yards and 2 scores in eight games. Much in part due to his first name, Jackson is well-known in recent Vikings lore as a summer attraction and preseason stud.

And he’s been associated with the Vikings for a while, beginning around the time that Ta’aum initially entered the mix. Jackson signed with the Vikings in May 2023, sticking around for the whole summer and later reaching the 2023 practice squad. He earned active roster placement in late 2023 and signed a futures contract at the start of the 2024 offseason.

Then, he encountered the same arrangement from the summer prior in 2024 — an August cut, followed by a practice squad assignment. In 2025, Jackson actually flirted with becoming the team’s WR4 due to a notable training camp and preseason. But in the end, Minnesota dropped him on September 23, 2025. He signed with Louisville on February 18th — three months ago.

Overall, he’s known for his 4.36 speed coming out of college (Western Kentucky) in 2020.

The Ta’amu-less Defenders’ next game is Friday at the Orlando Storm. Ta’amu will turn 28 in December.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant

NEW DELHI: India’s squads for the upcoming Afghanistan tour have largely retained the core from the side’s previous Test and ODI assignments, but there are still several notable inclusions, exclusions and workload-management calls across formats.While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue in the ODI setup, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, opening the door for fresh faces like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey. Here’s a closer look at who’s in and who’s out from India’s previous squads:

ODI squad: Who’s in and Who’s out?

Ishan Kishan comes back into India’s ODI setup on the back of some stellar form in domestic cricket and carrying the momentum of T20 World Cup selection. With Rishabh Pant not part of the ODI squad, Kishan slots back in as the additional wicketkeeping option alongside KL Rahul.Hardik Pandya returns to the ODI setup, though his inclusion remains subject to fitness clearance. India had gone without a frontline pace-bowling all-rounder since the 2025 Champions Trophy.The biggest headline from the ODI squad is Prince Yadav’s maiden India call-up. The Lucknow Super Giants pacer impressed selectors with his IPL 2026 performances, especially his pace and hard-length bowling.Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar also earned a place in the ODI squad as well as the Test squad as India continue to test their fast bowling depth, in the absence of injured Harshit Rana.

Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey (PTI Photo)

Harsh Dubey’s domestic performances have earned him a place in the ODI and Test squad as India look to expand their all-round options.One of the biggest absentees from the ODI squad is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been rested for the Afghanistan tour.Rishabh Pant, who was withdrawn from India’s previous ODI squad against New Zealand owing to an injury sustained during the practice, does not find a place in the current setup either.Ayush Badoni, part of the ODI squad against New Zealand earlier this year, has been left out.Despite being part of the last ODI squad, Yashasvi Jaiswal does not feature in the Afghanistan ODI setup while Dhruv Jurel also misses out from the ODI squad.Mohammed Siraj, who featured in the New Zealand ODI series, is not part of the Afghanistan squad, while Harshit Rana loses his place from the previous ODI squad.

Test squad: Who’s in, who’s out?

Gill, who had withdrawn after the first Test against South Africa due to injury, returns and will captain India in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.Prasidh Krishna comes into the Test squad, strengthening India’s pace attack in Bumrah’s absence, while Punjab left-arm seamer Gurnoor Brar is among the fresh additions to the Test setup alongside spinner Manav Suthar has also earned a place in the Test squad as India continue investing in younger red-ball options. Harsh Dubey’s rise continues with inclusion in the Test squad as well.India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from the Afghanistan tour. Ravindra Jadeja is also absent from the Test setup as part of workload management. ALSO READ: Who is Gurnoor Brar? Spotted by Shubman Gill, impressed Shikhar Dhawan with pace, being groomed by Ashish NehraAxar Patel, who was part of India’s last Test squad against South Africa, does not feature in the Afghanistan Test squad. Pacer Akash Deep also misses out from the current Test setup.