Toni Storm has now reportedly taken a hiatus from in-ring competition in very shocking fashion. She was suddenly taken out by a suprise attacker on Dynamite before her scheduled match against Marina Shafir. Some reports have now surfaced on the internet and have stated that the Timeless star is not actually injured.
After they squared off at AEW Revolution with everyone banned from the ringside, Toni and Marina were set to collide again on last week’s Dynamite. The match was set to have a No Holds Barred stipulation to it. However, Storm was attacked by a mystery attacker before the match and was left unconscious in a pool of her own blood. Her tag team partner Mina Shirakawa replaced her in the match.
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As per the latest report by PWInsider, Toni Storm is not actually injured but will still be taking a long hiatus from professional wrestling. She recently attended the Big Event EXS in New York and there were no signs of any injuries on her body. She was even in good spirits while interacting with her fans.
Fans are hoping that everything is alright with Toni and they get to see her back in the ring soon.
WWE Veteran shares his thoughts on the current Toni Storm situation
While speaking on his Coach & Bro podcast, WWE veteran Vince Russo shared his thoughts on what’s happening with Toni Storm right now. He said that it was sad that Toni was taking so much time off and even compared it to a professional athlete taking time off due to injury. He said that the fans will miss seeing the Timeless star on television.
“It’s no different than a pro athlete being out for a couple of years with an injury, and I hate that. That is so sad to me, man, especially when you’ve got a talent like Toni Storm. We get cheated. At the end of the day, the fan gets cheated,” he said.
It will be interesting to see when the former AEW Women’s World Champion will make her next appearance.
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Tulsa and New Mexico both advanced to the NIT semifinals with victories Tuesday and will face each other on April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
No. 1 seed Tulsa advanced with an 83-79 win over Wichita State behind a standout performance from guard Tylen Riley. He finished with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in the win over the Shockers.
No. 1 seed New Mexico moved on to the semifinals after defeating Saint Joseph’s 84-69 behind 27 points from Tomislav Bulijan.
Wednesday will see the other side of the bracket get filled out. No. 1 seed Auburn hosts No. 2 seed Nevada, while No. 2 seed Dayton will face No. 4 seed Illinois State. Auburn, the only remaining high-major team in the field, has never reached the semifinals of the NIT. The Tigers’ last appearance in the NIT came in 2009, when they lost to Baylor in the quarterfinals.
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Only four power conference teams are competing in the NIT this year: Auburn, Cal, Wake Forest and Oklahoma State. Multiple programs — such as Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Belmont and San Diego State — declined an invitation to the NIT after missing out on the NCAA Tournament.
Here is a look at the full bracket.
2026 NIT schedule
Games in the first three rounds to be played at the higher-seeded team’s home arena. All times ET
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Opening Drive show at the SiriusXM NFL radio set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are unofficially being held hostage by Aaron Rodgers’s gruesomely unpunctual decision-making, and if Rodgers ultimately decides to retire, Kirk Cousins could be the Steelers’ fallback plan.
Pittsburgh may need a contingency plan, and Cousins is firmly in the conversation.
That’s the word recently from NFL insider Jason La Canfora, who claimed that Cousins is Pittsburgh’s current insurance policy.
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The Steelers Continue Weighing Cousins as a Backup Plan
Cousins could start after all in 2026.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) walks off following a tough road loss, with frustration visible as Denver controlled the game late at Empower Field at Mile High, Nov 17, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, USA. Cousins and the Falcons struggled to find consistency against a disciplined Broncos defense throughout the contest. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
La Canfora: Steelers Keeping an Eye on Cousins
In article explaining that Cousins may not find a new team until after the NFL draft, La Canfora mentioned, “While several GMs told me they believe the Falcons would have been far better off keeping Cousins as their starter for this season, Atlanta did not attempt to bring him back, the sources said, and at this point it might make the most sense for him to wait until inevitable injuries occur, rather than make a decision now.”
“Cousins is not going to be signing anywhere for the veteran minimum, and there are fewer options available to him now. Pittsburgh is monitoring Cousins and view him as a viable alternative if Aaron Rodgers opts to retire.”
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If not Cousins as the contingency plan, the Steelers are down to Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo from free agency, in addition to their incumbent second-year passer, Will Howard.
Rodgers’s Cringeworthy Delay
Before the 2025 regular season began, reporters naturally asked Rodgers if the campaign was his final, and he hinted affirmatively. The first year in Pittsburgh lined up as his final season in the pros, per his lips.
Then, after the Steelers lost in Round 1 of the postseason, he told the media that he wouldn’t make a rushed decision about his future, waiting for the raw emotion to burn off before locking in his return or retirement. That was 2.5 months ago.
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Fast forward to late March, and Rodgers continues to lollygag, refusing to notify the public of his plans, despite fearlessness over appearing on national programming like ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. It’s also worth noting that Rodgers and his predecessor for the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre, are the only two NFLers to do this — get to the offseason for multiple years during their career twilight and then just have everyone guess about what they might do.
It’s utterly bizarre.
Raiders as a Bridge Spot for Kirk
On Cousins, suppose Rodgers returns, postponing retirement and guaranteeing the 2027 offseason brings another “Will he or won’t he?” regarding retirement. Cousins would look for a new landing spot, and the Las Vegas Raiders might make sense if probable first overall pick Fernando Mendoza isn’t quite ready to start Week 1.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) takes the field during pregame introductions, returning to a familiar venue as fans looked on ahead of kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium, Dec 8, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Cousins faced his former team in a matchup that carried added attention across both sidelines. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
La Canfora noted on Vegas an option for Cousins, “Las Vegas is still looking for a more established quarterback to buy them time if they need it, if presumptive first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza is not ready to start Week 1.”
The Raiders’ new skipper is Klint Kubiak, and he crossed paths with Cousins in Minnesota. The only quarterback — at all — on Las Vegas’s roster at this very moment is Aidan O’Connell. The Raiders traded Geno Smith to the New York Jets. Some teams, like the Vikings, have four quarterbacks in March. The Raiders have one.
The Other Teams?
If it’s not the Steelers or Raiders, Cousins might be down this list of destinations:
Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland Browns
Indianapolis Colts
San Francisco 49ers
The Cardinals have Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew ready to do battle for the QB1 job this summer — not an ideal combo unless a team is outwardly tanking. The Browns have three quarterbacks — which means they could have none in a practical sense — in Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel.
Colts quarterback and former Viking Daniel Jones is recovering from a busted Achilles, and Indianapolis may trade Anthony Richardson to a team like the Green Bay Packers. The San Francisco 49ers? Why not trade Mac Jones to a team like the Arizona Cardinals for a 2nd-Rounder and sign Cousins for cheap as the QB2?
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins greets attendees and poses for photos during a community event that brought together local athletes and fans, highlighting his connection to the region, May 11, 2019, at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. The Argus Leader Sports Awards ceremony featured prominent figures from across the state. Mandatory Credit: Michael G. Brown-Argus Leader.
La Canfora on the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams as landing spots for Cousins: “Several executives have noted Cousins’s past ties to head coach Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco) and Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams), and believe Cousins could be a welcome addition as a back-up there (or perhaps with Andy Reid in Kansas City), but at this point it seems unlikely Cousins would go that route without exhausting any opportunity to start.”
Cousins will turn 38 in August and ranked as the NFL’s 10th-worst quarterback last season per EPA/Play.
Chances are your lineup hasn’t been hit hard enough by injuries yet for you to turn to the waiver wire for replacements. If that’s the case, I want you to think of this article as superfluous. No matchup considerations are enough for you to stray from those big bats you drafted.
But if you have had a couple of injuries already or came out of your draft with some known weak points, these recommendations could be of interest.
I’ll come out with some every week, and they may prove to be more vital as the season plays out. Note that I’ll be limiting my selection this week to those rostered in no more than 75 percent of CBS Sports leagues.
This first week actually requires two lists. With the season beginning on a Wednesday, some leagues will choose to treat opening weekend as its own five-day scoring period (which is the CBS standard), but others will combine it with the first full week for an extra long 12-day scoring period. Rest assured that no matter how your league has opted to handle it, I have you covered.
NEW DELHI: Rinku Singh enjoyed a double bonanza on Tuesday. First, he was handed the vice-captaincy of the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season, and then he was appointed as a Regional Sports Officer by the Uttar Pradesh Government. He was handed the appointment letter for the post by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Rinku has been a key performer for KKR, thanks to his explosive batting and stupendous fielding. He was also part of the victorious India team that won the 2026 T20 World Cup. India defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the title clash in Ahmedabad to lift their third T20 World Cup title, having previously won it in 2007 and 2024.
Watch
RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute & squad update
Praising Rinku, CM Yogi said: “UP is the first state in the country to give athletes priority in government service. So far, we have provided appointment letters to over 500 athletes for various police positions… For his performance in cricket and the Asian Games, Rinku Singh has been given an appointment letter as a Regional Sports Officer. He is already a part of a camp (KKR camp in the IPL), so he has gone there. Many other players have also got appointment letters here today.”Apart from Rinku, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to give employment to six international medallists, including hockey player Rajkumar Pal, javelin thrower Ajit Singh, sprinter Simran, and Paralympic gold medallist Praveen Kumar.Rinku, who is known to turn the game on its head, bat in any situation or conditions, and whack bowlers out of the park as a finisher, will now also be sitting in an office and shaping the future of sports and players in Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Regional Sports Officer post Rinku Singh will be holding?
A Regional Sports Officer (RSO) is a Class-2 gazetted officer. He is responsible for promoting sports activities, overseeing sports stadiums, and nurturing new talent.
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What will be Rinku Singh’s salary as a Regional Sports Officer?
The salary of Rinku as a Regional Sports Officer (RSO) may be between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000.Rinku became a star overnight after he smashed Yash Dayal of the Gujarat Titans for five successive sixes in the final over during IPL 2023 to help KKR seal a thrilling win.Since then, he has not looked back.He has been part of the Indian team that won the Asian Games gold medal, the Asia Cup, and most recently, the T20 World Cup.
Several members of the Super Eagles have begun arriving at the team’s training base in Turkey as preparations gather pace for the upcoming international friendly matches later this month.
Among the first group of players to report to camp are Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi, Hull City defender Semi Ajayi, and Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The trio are part of an initial batch of players who touched down as camp officially opened on Tuesday.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Iran and Jordan in friendly fixtures aimed at helping the coaching crew assess the squad and test new ideas. Although the team will not be involved in the next World Cup, the matches are expected to provide valuable opportunities for tactical adjustments and player evaluation.
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According to updates from the team’s media office, a number of players had already checked into the camp at the Bellis Deluce Hotel in Antalya by Monday.
The early arrivals include Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Emmanuel Oluwasegun, Yira Sor, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele, Semi Ajayi, Moses Simon, Francis Uzoho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, and Adebayo Adeleye.
More players are still expected to join the squad, with Samuel Chukwueze and Maduka Okoye among those scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.
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With camp gradually filling up, attention now shifts to full training sessions as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the international fixtures.
The Blues slipped to a 3-1 defeat but had two goals controversially disallowed, with VAR upholding both decisions.
Arsenal were 2-0 up through goals from Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly when Veerle Buurman converted Sandy Baltimore’s free-kick at the far post, but she was penalised for a light shove on Laia Codina.
Lauren James hauled Chelsea back into the tie with a sublime goal from 25 yards, before Alessia Russo spectacularly volleyed in Arsenal’s third.
Then, in stoppage time, Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan bundled the ball home only to be pulled up for a foul on goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.
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“About the officials, it’s really frustrating,” said Bompastor. “It’s always more difficult to complain about the referees when you lost the game, but to be honest, it’s not good enough.
“I think we need to really find solutions. I think when you are playing a quarter-final of the Champions League you need to respect more the women’s game.
“You need to respect more the players because they work hard every week to put a good performance on the pitch. And for sure, the first goal is a goal. I don’t see with VAR how you cannot allow that goal.
“We deserve the best referees so bring in the best. If it has to be from the men’s game, maybe. We have to make these decisions. We need to bring competence.”
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Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan was penalised for fouling Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe (John Walton/PA Wire)
Chelsea also hit the woodwork twice through Alyssa Thompson and James, but all is not lost as they came from two goals down to win in last season’s quarter-final against Manchester City.
Gunners boss Renee Slegers said: “It was a very tight game. It was a Champions League quarter-final, between two rivals, and it was a battle. We stayed calm and found solutions.
“For half-time I’m happy for the players. We’ll have to have a really good plan in place for the second leg.”
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) accelerates upfield after securing a catch, creating separation late in the game as the offense pushed for points at Levi’s Stadium, Sep 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, California, USA. Aiyuk’s ability after the catch remained a focal point against the Jets’ defense. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Saying the words “Brandon Aiyuk” comes with a bad connotation in March 2026, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Before too long, the San Francisco 49ers will release or trade Aiyuk, and it’s not the worst idea for the Minnesota Vikings to investigate his asking price.
Aiyuk may be difficult to land, but Minnesota has a real reason to keep watching.
Aiyuk royally flamed out of San Francisco — well, he’s in the final stages of flaming out — and will look for a new opportunity in the near future.
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Minnesota Has a Clear Incentive to Track Aiyuk’s Market
Yes, the Vikings should do the diligence on Aiyuk.
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Aiyuk Likely to Be Cut
Aiyuk is on the brink of a divorce with the San Francisco 49ers, bogged down in a he-said-he-said situation about what transpired after his injury in 2024.
Bleacher Report‘sKristopher Knox wrote about his inevitable roster cut fate on Sunday, “Most expected the 49ers to release Aiyuk at the start of the new league year on March 11. However, San Francisco may be trying to get something in return via a trade before releasing him outright — though the return would be minimal. If the 49ers haven’t found a trade partner by the end of draft weekend, Aiyuk will probably be a post-June 1 cut.”
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“Releasing him before then would cost San Francisco $19.9 million in cap space, while releasing him after June 1 would save $1.3 million in 2026 cap room. What could AIyuk provide another receiver-needy team? That depends on how close he is to being 100 percent healthy. The 28-year-old racked up 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions in his last full season.”
With his next team, Aiyuk will be a prime candidate for a redemption arc.
Vikings Need Another WR
The Vikings have three wide receivers who could be involved in the offense this September — and that’s not enough. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton are at the top of the ticket, and with Felton, no one really knows if he’ll blossom in 2026 because the Vikings refuse to use him on offense as a rookie.
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Realistically, if one invokes doomsday planning, it’s just Jefferson and Addison.
The Las Vegas Raiders stole Jalen Nailor away in free agency two weeks ago, handing the speedster a deal worth $35 million over three years that the Vikings evidently could not afford. Therefore, without Nailor, Minnesota needs a replacement from free agency like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, or DeAndre Hopkins — or it must draft a wide receiver or two that it plans to use right away in 2026. Otherwise, all signs point to grand elevation for Felton.
Or — the Vikings could sniff around Aiyuk.
SI.com‘s Jose Sanchez on the 49ers’ handling of Aiyuk: “At this point, all the 49ers are doing is looking petty by retaining Aiyuk. That likely is the case since they weren’t pleased he abandoned the team last season when they desperately needed him. Having Aiyuk would’ve elevated the offense so much.”
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“Just imagine how impactful he would’ve been in the last two decimating defeats against the Seattle Seahawks. Being without a dominant wide receiver hurt the 49ers the most against the Seahawks. It’s why they went out and signed Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
The Plan for Life With or Without Jordan Addison?
That’s all assuming that Addison is in the house for the long haul, which some might consider a stretch. Minnesota has until May 1st, 2026, to exercise Addison’s fifth-year rookie option, and because Nailor left and the WR depth is so skimpy, most expect the Vikings to lock that in.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) is introduced to the home crowd during pregame ceremonies, drawing energy from fans as players prepared for kickoff at Levi’s Stadium, Sep 9, 2024, in Santa Clara, California, USA. Aiyuk took the field with the offense set to face the New York Jets. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
Still, Addison is responsible for an array of bizarre transgressions since entering the NFL three years ago, arrested three times for various behaviors, including a “wet reckless” drunk-driving-adjacent charge in Los Angeles two summers ago. The NFL suspended him for three games for the crime.
Addison is not a beacon of dependability. Theoretically, if Minnesota knows that Addison won’t stick around beyond his rookie contract, forming a contingency plan involving Aiyuk, for example, isn’t the worst idea.
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Probably an Affordable Deal
Aiyuk didn’t play in 2025 because of his torn ACL, and general mystery shrouded the 49ers’ handling of the injury and Aiyuk’s commitment to the recovery. But before the injury, Aiyuk logged 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023, along with 1,015 yards and 8 scores in 2022. He just turned 28 last week and has the volume gene when healthy and targeted in offense.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates a touchdown reception by kicking the ball into the stands, energizing teammates and fans during second-half action at Nissan Stadium, Dec 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Aiyuk’s score helped fuel the 49ers’ offensive effort against the Tennessee Titans in a primetime matchup. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images.
Yet, because his career is at a low point, his next team won’t break the bank to give him a shot at redemption. He’ll likely sign somewhere for cheap.
At that price, why not the Vikings, the club with Kyler Murray, Jefferson, Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and head coach Kevin O’Connell scheming playmakers open on Sundays?
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has undergone the first of two planned shoulder surgeries as the veteran looks to salvage his playing career.
The 39-year-old Denmark number one revealed the extent of his injuries live on radio last week.
Now, writing on Instagram, Schmeichel announced: “First shoulder operation done, everything went well.
“Now full focus on recovery and preparing for the next one. Thanks for all the messages over the past few weeks, it means a lot.”
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Schmeichel, who joined Celtic after leaving Anderlecht in 2024 but is out of contract this summer, faces up to a year in recovery.
Having received some criticism for his final performances for Celtic – he has not played since 22 February – the Dane revealed that he had been playing through the pain barrier for several months.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill admitted he was “surprised at the severity” of Schmeichel’s shoulder injury.
An Atlanta Falcons helmet rests on the field during second-half action, with players moving in the background as the game unfolds at Bank of America Stadium, Oct 13, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The matchup against the Carolina Panthers carried divisional implications as both teams battled deep into the contest. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
A couple of years ago, ex-Minnesota Vikings passer Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but in 2026, and at a much smaller price tag, another former Vikings quarterback has followed suit: Trevor Siemian.
The Falcons added Siemian, bringing a familiar former Vikings passer into their evolving QB setup.
Siemian actually backed up Cousins in Minnesota eight years ago in Minnesota; now he’s in the mix behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa down in Atlanta.
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Atlanta Adds Another Layer to Its QB Depth Chart
Do you remember Siemian?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Trevor Siemian (3) stands at the line of scrimmage, calling signals and directing the offense during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, Aug 18, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Siemian worked through pre-snap reads as Minnesota faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in preseason play. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
Siemian to Falcons
Siemian’s long NFL career continues. SBNation‘s David Choate wrote Tuesday, “Per NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Trevor Siemian will be joining the Falcons as their new third quarterback. If Michael Penix Jr. isn’t healthy to begin the season, he’ll back up Tua Tagovailoa directly; either way, this is about getting experience insurance for the quarterback room.”
“You’re getting a player who you’re hoping can be a good teammate holding a clipboard and that you’d only have to install for a start or two in dire straits, instead of someone who will be counted on to start for half a season. In light of that, Siemian is a perfectly solid choice for QB3 who has the experience and track record to give the Falcons some confidence in an emergency.”
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Siemian spent the last two seasons in Tennessee as a backup to Cam Ward (2025) and Will Levis (2024).
The Outlook as QB3
Like Carson Wentz in Minnesota — he re-upped with the Vikings last week — Siemian is firmly in the Falcons’ QB room as a QB3. There’s just no way he’ll dethrone Penix Jr. or Tagovailoa for the QB2 job, let alone QB1, and he may have to battle an eventual fourth quarterback to avoid the practice squad or an outright August release.
In other news, the Penix Jr. vs. Tagovailoa battle will steal all NFL headlines, assuming Penix Jr.’s knee is good to go by training camp or the preseason. The Falcons picked Penix Jr. in Round 1 two years ago and still have high hopes for his development, even if he regressed and got hurt as a sophomore in 2025.
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Tagovailoa is no slouch, either. He led the NFL in passing yards as recently as two seasons ago. He could upset Penix Jr., and no one would bat an eye.
Tagovailoa said about the upcoming competition a couple of weeks ago, “If there’s no competition, I don’t think anyone’s getting better, in aspect of the field of work you’re in. I am excited to be able to compete against Penix, to compete with him, to be able to get to know my teammates on a personal level, knowing them from the outside in.”
“We have a lot of good football players on this team, so I’m excited to get to play with these guys and get the chance to throw the ball around, conversate with them. I think it’s going to be great.”
Siemian’s History
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In 2018, Siemian served as the backup to the aforementioned Cousins and secured the QB2 role for the Vikings. Despite successfully holding off Kyle Sloter for the position during the preseason, Cousins’ consistent availability limited Siemian’s regular-season playing time. He didn’t see the field at all that year.
Chicago Bears quarterback Trevor Siemian (15) signals for a timeout during second-half action, reacting quickly as pressure mounted in a road matchup at MetLife Stadium, Nov 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. Siemian managed the offense while facing the New York Jets defense in a tightly contested game. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports.
Siemian’s NFL career includes stints with the following teams:
Denver Broncos (2015–2017)
Minnesota Vikings (2018)
New York Jets (2019)
Tennessee Titans (2020)
New Orleans Saints (2020–2021)
Chicago Bears (2022)
Cincinnati Bengals (2023)
New York Jets (2023)
Tennessee Titans (2024–2025)
Atlanta Falcons (2026)
Siemian remains a recognizable name, primarily because of his tenure as the Broncos‘ starting quarterback following Peyton Manning’s retirement. Ten teams in 12 seasons indicate staying power, if only in hopscotch format.
All the Falcons’ FA Moves
The Falcons have fired up about 15 external and internal signings since the start of free agency two weeks ago:
Jake Bailey (P) DET → ATL
Cam Thomas (ED) CLE → ATL
Channing Tindall (LB) ARI → ATL
Samson Ebukam (ED) IND → ATL
Nick Folk (K) NYJ → ATL
Christian Harris (LB) HOU → ATL
Da’Shawn Hand (DL) LAC → ATL
Darnay Holmes (CB) LV → ATL
Austin Hooper (TE) NE → ATL
Corey Levin (C) TEN → ATL
LaCale London (DL) ATL → ATL
Azeez Ojulari (ED) PHI → ATL
Trevor Siemian (QB) TEN → ATL
Tua Tagovailoa (QB) LAC → ATL
Chris Williams (DL) CIN → ATL
Olamide Zaccheaus (WR) CHI → ATL
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Trevor Siemian (3) drops back in the pocket, scanning the field and preparing to throw during fourth-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, Aug 24, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Siemian operated the offense late in the game as Minnesota faced the Seattle Seahawks in preseason competition. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Here’s who left for other teams:
Tyler Allgeier (RB) ATL → ARI
Dee Alford (CB) ATL → BUF
Arnold Ebiketie (ED) ATL → PHI
Kaden Elliss (LB) ATL → NO
Felipe Franks (TE) ATL → CAR
Zane Gonzalez (K) ATL → MIA
Jovaughn Gwyn (C) ATL → BAL
Bradley Pinion (P) ATL → MIA
Darnell Mooney (WR) ATL → NYG
David Onyemata (DL) ATL → NYJ
Sam Roberts (DL) ATL → NYG
Kentavius Street (DL) ATL → CHI
Teagan Quitoriano (TE) ATL → ARI
Elijah Wilkinson (G) ATL → ARI
Cousins, a free agent, should sign somewhere before too long, and the rumor mill suggests the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers are viable landing spots.
Siemian will turn 35 in December. Sportsbooks expect the Falcons to win seven or eight games in 2026.
Minnesota Vikings guard Donovan Jackson takes part in position drills during minicamp, working through technique and conditioning sessions with coaches and teammates at the team facility, Jun 10, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The rookie lineman focused on refining fundamentals as he pushed to carve out a role along the offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, who mostly worked out as a rookie. At the time, many considered him a slight “reach” on the draftboard, and here’s a look at who’s in play if the Vikings follow the same pattern.
Last year’s Jackson template may offer a clue about Minnesota’s next first-round swing.
A Familiar Draft Reach Could Be in Play for Minnesota
What’s your preference for the Vikings’ draft pick?
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) and guard Donovan Jackson (74) celebrate with fans along the sideline following a road victory, sharing energy after the final whistle at AT&T Stadium, Dec 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, USA. The moment captured postgame enthusiasm as Minnesota wrapped up its matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
Jackson at No. 39 on the CBB Last Year
Minnesota held the 24th pick heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and they picked a man ranked at No. 39 on the Consensus Big Board. After-the-fact reporting claimed the Houston Texans would’ve chosen Jackson at No. 25 — he’s from Houston, so there was a hometown angle — and the Texans needed interior offensive line help.
The Vikings basically proved that they’re comfortable whisking public-facing draftboards to the side in the interest of getting their man. For example, per the draft community, Minnesota might’ve been able to trade down and still get Jackson, though the public didn’t know about the Texans-Jackson stipulation.
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This was the Consensus Big Board last year, men ranked from 24 to 40:
Kenneth Grant (DL, Michigan)
Grey Zabel (iOL, North Dakota State)
Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State)
Derrick Harmon (DL, Oregon)
Tyler Booker (iOL, Alabama)
Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
Jaxson Dart (QB, Mississippi)
Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
Josh Conerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)
Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
Trey Amos (CB, Mississippi)
Donovan Jackson (iOL, Ohio State)
Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
Jackson climbed 15 spots when it was all said and done.
The Same Territory … This Year
Now, pretend the same situation arises — the Vikings swipe a player somewhat far removed from their organic draft pick.
That list would look like this in 2026 speak:
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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
Kevin Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Caleb Banks (DL, Florida)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Lee Hunter (DL, Texas Tech)
Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter addresses reporters during a media session, discussing preparation and expectations ahead of the season at Big 12 Football Media Days, Jul 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, USA. Hunter fielded questions from assembled media as part of the conference’s annual preseason event at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
The translation? These are rookies who seem like a reach right now. Or might fit this lingo: “I like him, but the Vikings can trade down and still get him.” That was Jackson at this time last year, and he ultimately became a Viking at pick No. 25.
Who Makes the Most Sense?
Minnesota has more than one long-term roster need right now because of former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s nauserating drafting habits. But from the list above, the players who might propel the Vikings to “reach” can be reasonably narrowed to this:
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Caleb Banks (DL, Florida)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
Lee Hunter (DL, Texas Tech)
Interim boss general manager Rob Brzezinski would basically see one of those names and fear that another team would swipe him, and with Minnesota’s draft board not necessarily aligning with the CBB, he could pounce.
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a fumble recovery with teammates after forcing a turnover, reacting quickly during first-half action at Gies Memorial Stadium, Oct 11, 2025, in Champaign, Illinois, USA. The Buckeyes capitalized on the play against Illinois as momentum shifted following the defensive takeaway. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Columbus Dispatch.
Yahoo Sports‘ Nate Tice mock-drafted McDonald to Minnesota at No. 18 this week and explained, “There are a couple of interesting safety options, they could look to find the T.J. Hockenson replacement in Kenyon Sadiq, or they could add some tangible beef to their defensive line. Brian Flores is going to scheme pressures and big plays for his defense, but the Vikings could use someone to eat up blocks to let teammates fly to the football.”
“McDonald isn’t the sexiest prospect, but his ability to hold up against the run is his calling card, while also having light enough feet to be used on the twists and stunts that Flores loves so much. McDonald is basically the defensive version of the line of thinking that led to the Donovan Jackson selection last year at offensive guard: a tangible trench talent who can let the creative coaches be creative.”
The Favorites Otherwise
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Back to reality, if the Vikings do not follow last year’s pattern, these are arguably the frontrunners to join the club with the 18th overall pick:
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
In the last two weeks, since the NFL Combine, Thieneman has morphed into the Vikings’ almighty mock-draft darling.
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