Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

Sports

Steph Curry injury: Why Warriors are lucky they’re running out of time to bring star back

Published

on

Stephen Curry missed the Golden State Warriors‘ win over the tanking Washington Wizards on Friday night, and, according to ESPN, he will miss at least one more game against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the very least, that will extend his absence to 25 games since being diagnosed with “runner’s knee” after leaving the Warriors’ game vs. Detroit on Jan. 30. 

Curry has reportedly “graduated to more intensified court work” of late but has yet to get clearance for a five-on-five scrimmage. 

Clearance. That’s an important word here. Indeed, all the Warriors have to do to allow this life-support season to pass in peace officially is not clear Curry to return. That may just be what they’re doing with these updates coming every so often, pushing the rock down the road until there isn’t enough season left for it to be feasible to bring Curry back. Steve Kerr has already laid the groundwork for this increasingly likely scenario.

“We’re not bringing him back [only] for the play-in game,” Kerr said, via ESPN. “He’d need to play some games. We need to give him a runway if this is going to work. And we are running out of games. That’s fair to say.”

Advertisement

This is actually perfect for the Warriors, whose entire focus at this point should be on not making the playoffs. The season is already lost. To lose out on a lottery pick (potentially a high one with the flattened odds making anything possible) on top of it would be nothing short of foolish. 

This isn’t a case where the Warriors will be fined for tanking. This is a legitimate injury. Nobody can question the severity of the “pain and swelling” that has persisted. ESPN’s Anthony Slater already reported that the Warriors are fearful of risking long-term damage to an already “unpredictable” knee. That’s open to interpretation. At this point, the Warriors could say the 38-year-old Curry caught the flu and get through the next few weeks. There are only eight games left for crying out loud. 

Advertisement

Honestly, what’s the upside of bringing him back at this point? Curry gets hot and somehow carries an utterly hopeless Warriors team through the Play-In Tournament and into the first round of the playoffs, where they will promptly be whacked? That’s worth the forfeiture of a lottery pick? No chance. The Warriors would be out of their organizational mind to even consider allowing that to happen. 

Without Curry, they’re not going to jump the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 8 seed. So they’re going to have to win two Play-In games, which, without Curry, is not likely. If you have to, you tank a Play-In game. Whatever it takes. With commissioner Adam Silver set to crack down on tanking next year, and probably in a pretty aggressive way, the Warriors might not have another chance to do this for a while outside of being honestly bad — which they are at this present moment. Trying to get good again with two weeks left in the season can only screw this up. 

Again, it’s likely the Warriors are aware of this and are milking Curry’s injury accordingly. That’s not to say he isn’t hurt or that these “setbacks” aren’t real. But if the Warriors were a good team and fighting for one of the top six playoff seeds, would he still be out? The Warriors have erred on the side of caution all this time because Curry’s health is not to be trifled with in any capacity whatsoever, but also because they know if there was a time to rush him back, this isn’t it. 

If the Warriors are serious about taking one more run at contention with Curry, which they should be, then that lottery pick this summer is a big deal. They can trade up to five first-round picks this summer, and the higher their 2026 pick lands, the more its market value increases accordingly. 

Advertisement

For clarification, to comply with the Stepien rule (which says you can’t go two straight years without making a first-round pick), the Warriors would have to make their 2026 pick first, with the understanding that they are doing so for the drafted player to be traded. From there, they could send their 2027, 2029, 3031 and 2033 picks, along with whatever young player(s) that a trade partner might desire. That’s a lot of ammo. 

So yes, the Warriors can still put a contender around Curry one last time. Next season was always tabbed as the end of this thing. That’s why the contracts of Curry, Kerr, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler all conclude in 2027. It’s lined up that way. It’s all about next season, which effectively starts with the way they choose to end this season.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Tigers vs. Royals odds, prediction, line: 2026 MLB picks for Sunday Night Baseball

Published

on

A pair of divisional rivals will meet on Sunday Night Baseball as the Kansas City Royals host the Detroit Tigers. Kansas City (19-21) took the first two games of the series, including a 5-1 win on Saturday. Detroit (18-22) has now lost five in a row, marking its second five-game losing streak this season. Noah Cameron (2-2, 5.40 ERA) will tote the rubber for the Royals, while Detroit will trot out Brenan Hanifee (0-0, 0.00 ERA) who will make his first start of the year after four relief appearances.

First pitch is at 7:20 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Tigers swept a three-game series between the teams in mid-April. The latest Royals vs. Tigers odds list Kansas City as the -124 favorite on the money line (risk $124 to win $100). The over/under for total runs is 8.5. Before making any Tigers vs. Royals picks or MLB predictions, be sure to see the Sunday Night Baseball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model

Visit our DraftKings promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and is coming off a 5-0 week on top-rated MLB picks. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit. Anybody following its MLB betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.    

Advertisement

Now, the model has set its sights on Royals vs. Tigers and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Tigers vs. Royals:

Royals vs. Tigers money line

Royals -124, Tigers +105

Royals vs. Tigers over/under

Advertisement

8.5 runs

Royals vs. Tigers run line 

Tigers +1.5 (-198)

Royals vs. Tigers picks

Advertisement
See picks at SportsLine

Royals vs. Tigers streaming 

Peacock 

Top Tigers vs. Royals predictions 

After 10,000 simulations of Royals vs. Tigers, the model is going Over 8.5 total runs. This is Cameron’s seventh start of the year, and the Over is 4-2 thus far with the pitcher on the mound. Additionally, this is the last of a three-game set between these teams, and the Over is 5-0 in Royals home series finales.

Hanifee has been lit up by Royals batters, who are 11 for 32 off him over his career, for a .344 batting average and 1.145 OPS. Meanwhile, Cameron has a 5.40 ERA, including a 7.29 ERA over his last four starts. The model calls for 8.8 combined runs scored, making the Over a strong pick in over/under sports betting. Get the Tigers vs. Royals money-line pick at SportsLine.

Advertisement

New to sports trading? Visit our Kalshi promo code review to see their latest offers and get started. 

How to make Royals vs. Tigers picks

After simulating every pitch of Tigers vs. Royals 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can get that pick at SportsLine

So who wins Royals vs. Tigers, and which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

NBA Playoff Bet Picks: Spurs vs. Timberwolves & Knicks vs. 76ers Predictions

Published

on

May 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesMay 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts during the first quarter of game one of the eastern conference semifinal round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama is on the fast track to super stardom and doesn’t seem to want to wait his turn. Instead of reaching top-five player status in his mid-20s, the San Antonio Spurs’ big man is taking over at just 22 and he’s rattled most of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Spurs lead the Western Conference second-round series 2-1 entering Sunday’s Game 4 in Minneapolis. Wemby has blocked 19 shots in the series – including a postseason-record 12 in Game 1 – and altered countless others.

The New York Knicks are looking to close out their Eastern Conference second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 deficit to slay the Boston Celtics in the first round but no NBA teams have ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit as the 76ers face.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Wembanyama put on a show for the ages in San Antonio’s 115-108 win in Game 3 by recording 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots. That made him just the fourth different player in NBA history to produce at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a playoff game since the NBA began tracking blocks at the start of the 1973-74 season.

The others in that club are Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal (three times), Hakeem Olajuwon (three times) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (twice). Wemby was impressed — “It’s good to be along with the big fellas,” he said – and he’s listed at (27-plus points, -113), (13-plus rebounds, -112) and (five-plus blocks, +127) for Game 4.

Advertisement

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who was limited in the first two games with a hyperextended left knee, was lethal on Friday with 32 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Minnesota is going to need some big efforts from Edwards (26-plus points, -106) to win this series, starting with Game 4.

It will be interesting to see how much the Timberwolves rely on Julius Randle (18-plus points, -111) and Jaden McDaniels (17-plus points, -108) after their anemic shooting outings in Game 3. Not sure if ‘Wembyitis’ is an official term but McDaniels (17 points) was just 5-of-22 shooting and Randle (12) made only 3 of 12 shots.

Spurs minus 4.5-point spread, -115 (DraftKings)

Our Current Best Offers

Advertisement

Channel debug: betting

NEW YORK KNICKS AT PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

New York has won six consecutive playoff games after posting a 108-94 victory in Friday’s Game 3 at Philadelphia. Completing the sweep would give the Knicks plenty of rest before the conference finals but the 76ers figure to put up a good fight.

Look, everybody knew New York would win the series after it steamrolled Philadelphia by 39 points in Game 1. But the heart the 76ers showed in the Boston series was impressive so avoiding the sweep and not having the series end at home does provide motivation.

However, Jalen Brunson (28-plus points, -106) has done whatever he’s wanted in this series with outputs of 35, 26 and 33 points. OG Anunoby (hamstring) missed Game 3 and is questionable for Sunday and that’s tough news for Philadelphia if he plays as he’s shooting 61.9% from the field and averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds in eight postseason games.

Advertisement

Sixers star Joel Embiid (26-plus points, -122) has fared well after an appendectomy gave him a late start this postseason and Tyrese Maxey (25-plus points, -117) figures to go all out. Look for Philadelphia to survive to play one more time this season.

76ers plus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

The Vikings’ Roster Has 34 New Faces

Published

on

Advertisement

Jakobe Thomas lies on the field after an injury during a Miami game against SMU.
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas remains on the field after suffering an injury during second-quarter action against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. On Nov. 1, 2025, Thomas was hurt following a defensive stop as Miami’s defense battled through a physical road matchup in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.

It’s not unusual by any stretch of the imagination, but the Minnesota Vikings’ roster will feature about three dozen newcomers in 2026, joining the club from free agency, the draft, and undrafted free agency.

Six free agents. Nine draft picks. Nineteen undrafted rookies.

The club has 90 players on the depth chart right now, a number that will be shaved to 53 in late August.

Advertisement

Minnesota’s Newcomers Stretch across Every Roster Lane

Get to know the newcomers.

James Pierre celebrates an interception during a Steelers game against the Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Vikings roster
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre reacts after recording an interception during fourth-quarter action against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Dec. 8, 2024. Pierre helped swing momentum late in the divisional matchup as the Steelers defense tightened in crunch time, celebrating the takeaway while teammates quickly gathered around him following the pivotal turnover. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

From Free Agency (6)

Newcomers:
Johnny Hekker (P)
Jauan Jennings (WR)
Eric Johnson (DT)
Kyler Murray (QB)
James Pierre (CB)
Ryan Van Demark (OT)

Murray obviously takes the cake here; he’s a two-time Pro Bowler with a better career-long EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, and Daniel Jones, among others. He instantly makes the Vikings a playoff contender, showcasing no real weaknesses aside from his 5’10” height.

Advertisement

Jennings signed on Thursday night, a cake-topper of the offseason. He’s the new WR3, replacing Jalen Nailor, who bolted for the Las Vegas Raiders in March. The new punter, Hekker, was once the best in football 8-10 years ago; now, he’ll hope to stay off a rookie from the third section of this article.

Pierre is Minnesota’s new CB3, a replacement for Jeff Okudah, who hasn’t signed anywhere in 2026. Van Demark is offensive tackle insurance in case something happens to Christian Darrisaw or Brian O’Neill. Johnson, a defensive tackle, is a roster-bubble guy who may or may not make the 53-man depth chart in August.

From The Draft (9)

Newcomers:
Caleb Banks (DT) | Florida, Round 1
Jake Golday (LB) | Cincinnati, Round 2
Domonique Orange (DT) | Iowa State, Round 3
Caleb Tiernan (OT) | Northwestern, Round 3
Jakobe Thomas (S) | Miami, Round 3
Max Bredeson (TE) | Michigan, Round 5
Charles Demmings (CB) | Stephen F. Austin, Round 5
Demond Claiborne (RB) | Wake Forest, Round 6
Gavin Gerhardt (C) | Cincinnati, Round 7

Advertisement

Banks will define this class — no matter what. If he hits, to the tune of his All-Pro ceiling, the group can almost do no wrong. Golday arrives as an Andrew Van Ginkel-like defensive weapon, the first inside linebacker drafted by the Vikings in the first two rounds since Eric Kendricks in 2015.

Max Bredeson looks on during Michigan practice before the national championship game in Houston. Vikings roster
Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson watches practice before the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston on Jan. 6, 2024. Bredeson carved out a valuable role in Michigan’s offense with his blocking ability, toughness, and versatility during the Wolverines’ championship run under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Oragne is a nose tackle, and the Vikings haven’t had a pure version of one of those in eons. Tiernan is an offensive tackle, youth in the pipeline next to Darrisaw and O’Neill. Harrison Smith hasn’t resigned yet, and if he does not, Thomas will get a look as his replacement.

Bredeson is the new C.J. Ham; fans will love him. Demmings is a scrappy cornerback who could break out because Minnesota hasn’t drafted a corner with staying power since Xavier Rhodes — 13 years ago.

The new running back, Claiborne, will be something in the neighborhood of Nyheim Hines, Jerick McKinnon, or De’Von Achane, based on his size and play style. Gerhardt is a longshot bid for the Vikings’ center of the future.

From Undrafted Free Agency (19)

Advertisement

Newcomers:
Marcus Allen (CB) | North Carolina
Da’Veawn Armstead (CB) | North Texas
Dillon Bell (WR) | Georgia
Jordan Botelho (OLB) | Notre Dame
Tyreek Chappell (CB) | Texas A&M
Monkell Goodwine (DL) | South Carolina
Shaleak Knotts (WR) | Maryland
Keli Lawson (LB) | Central Florida
Tristan Leigh (OL) | Clemson
Delby Lemieux (OL) | Dartmouth
Kejon Owens (RB) | Florida International
Tomas Rimac (OL) | Virginia Tech
Marcus Sanders (WR) | Georgia Southern
Cam’Ron Stewart (OLB) | Temple
Jacob Thomas (S) | James Madison
Brett Thorson (P) | Georgia
Arden Walker (OLB) | Colorado
Scooby Williams (LB) | Texas A&M
Luke Wysong (WR) | Arizona

This list is obviously huge, and most of these men won’t latch on to the Vikings’ roster or anywhere in the NFL when it’s all said and done. Still, it’s important to note that wide receiver Dillon Bell could score a roster spot or practice squad invitation in late August.

Cam’Ron Stewart has some fans, and he’s 24, so he should be more game-ready than most. Jacob Thomas may be a dark horse of the practice squad. And most expect Brett Thorson to have an honest-to-goodness punter battle with Johnny Hekker this summer.

Brett Thorson punts the football during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Vikings roster
Georgia punter Brett Thorson kicks the football during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 25, 2026. Thorson entered the pre-draft process after building a reputation at Georgia for consistency, hang time, and field-position control while handling punting duties for one of college football’s premier programs. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

DawgNation‘s Connor Riley on Thorson, “Thorson won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter and now he’ll be playing in the NFL. Thorson was a four-year starter at the University of Georgia. Thorson was one of the best punters in the country throughout his entire career, consistently pinning teams back deep.”

“He did suffer a knee injury that required surgery in December of 2024. Thorson missed the first game of the 2025 season but returned to play in Georgia’s final 13 games in 2025. He was named a First Team All-American for his play last season.”

Advertisement

The Vikings have a rich recent history of empowering undrafted free agents. You can’t rule out players from the list without some summer diligence.


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

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Knicks tie NBA playoff record for first-half 3-pointers as they eye sweep of 76ers

Published

on

With OG Anunoby sidelined with a hamstring injury, Miles McBride got a second straight start for the New York Knicks on Sunday in a closeout game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

McBride made the most of the opportunity while leading the Knicks to a record effort from 3 in the first half.

Advertisement

McBride hit all four of his first-quarter 3-point attempts as the Knicks sprinted out of the gates with an 11-of-13 effort as a team from long distance. By halftime, McBride was shooting 6 of 7 from 3. And the Knicks were 18 of 29 as a team.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

England vs New Zealand: Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Charlie Dean give reasons for optimism despite familiar failings

Published

on

Those words showed maturity but also the teenager’s high standards.

Corteen-Coleman perched herself next to England’s coaches on the balcony for much of her side’s chase. She believed her work for the day was done, but her most consequential moment was still to come.

Ten runs were still needed when she emerged as the last batter to join Dean.

Crucially, she helped Dean run twos and, with solid defence, bettered her previous high score of one not out in The Hundred to finish unbeaten on three and sealed the win.

Advertisement

“I am glad I looked calm because I definitely wasn’t,” she said.

“The main point for me was to keep it really simple.”

Corteen-Coleman did not, of course, complete the win alone.

Central was the role of Dean, who admitted to exposing her team-mate more than she intended by taking singles early in the over, but otherwise played the situation well.

Advertisement

Much has been made of Dean’s ability to hold her mettle in chases. There has been some success but failure too – notably in the Mankad ODI at Lord’s in 2022 and the second ODI of the Women’s Ashes last year.

This time, standing in as England captain for the first time, Dean dragged her side over the line.

If England’s training camp with the army last week was supposed to develop leaders, this was Dean’s Passing-Out Parade.

“I have worked on having that calmness and being ready in any situation but that mainly came from Deano,” added Corteen-Coleman.

Advertisement

“If I came out and she was panicking I would have been under the pump.”

Corteen-Coleman emerged with the words of coach Charlotte Edwards in her ears. She told her to back her strengths and keep a clear mind.

That was backed up by Dean in the middle.

“She came out with good clarity,” said Dean.

Advertisement

“I said, ‘Yorkers have been successful for them so they will probably look to get under your bat’.

“We decided getting forward was the best option.

“Tilly is really proactive with her thinking. She has a good cricket brain.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Twins recall LHP Kendry Rojas, option LHP Kody Funderburk

Published

on

MLB: Minnesota Twins at New York MetsApr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kendry Rojas (60) pitches against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins recalled Kendry Rojas from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday and optioned fellow left-hander Kody Funderburk to the affiliate.

Rojas will be making his second stint with the Twins this season. He made his major league debut on April 22 and allowed two hits and three walks over two scoreless innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets.

Rojas, 23, is 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in six appearances (two starts) with St. Paul.

Funderburk, 29, is 1-1 with one save and a 2.81 ERA in 19 relief appearances this season with Minnesota. He has pitched in 96 games for the Twins since 2023 and owns three saves and 20 holds.

Advertisement

–Field Level Media

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Carson Wentz, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Deebo Samuel

Published

on

Advertisement

Carson Wentz looks downfield during a Vikings international game against the Steelers in Dublin.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz scans the field during second-quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. On Sep. 28, 2025, Wentz operated Minnesota’s offense during the overseas matchup as the Vikings continued expanding the NFL’s global presence with another showcase event in Dublin. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings are less than 12 weeks from training camp, when roster battles will take center stage. In the meantime, the rumor mill remains ablaze, and we chronicle the most important ones each weekend.

Minnesota’s latest rumor batch centers on quarterback depth, rookie patience, and a wide receiver idea that faded fast.

This week’s edition is scattered across the board in terms of positional importance.

Advertisement

The Wentz Update Leads a Practical May Rumor Batch

The Purple Rumor Mill for May 10th, 2026.

Khalil Mack tackles Carson Wentz during a Vikings-Chargers game at SoFi Stadium. Vikings rumors
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) wraps up Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during first-half action on Oct. 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wentz later returned to Minnesota in a familiar backup role, providing veteran quarterback insurance behind the Vikings’ revamped depth chart entering 2026. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.

Rumor: Carson Wentz’s shoulder is healed, and he’s 100% ready to go.

Talking to KFRY-TV’s Luke Gamble on Tuesday, Wentz said he was all set for 2026: “Physically, I feel great. Shoulder’s more or less behind me now. It wasn’t fun by any means, but surgery went well, and rehab’s gone really well too. So for me, it’s behind me. I’m healthy, and I’ll be ready to roll.”

Wentz’s October shoulder injury made a May return seem realistic, and he is now back.

Advertisement

Should the Vikings need Wentz in 2026 — ideally, they won’t — he is healthy enough to step in. It’s the primary purpose of his deal. Minnesota doesn’t require him to threaten anyone’s job or spark a quarterback controversy; they need him prepared in case unforeseen circumstances affect the depth chart.

Following Wentz’s re-signing, some fans speculated he could displace J.J. McCarthy or lead to a trade. Such notions never really made sense, as there is ample room for all three quarterbacks on the current depth chart: Kyler Murray as QB1, McCarthy as QB2, and Wentz as QB3. McCarthy has not been traded, and Wentz was never re-signed to create such drama.

Overall, Vikings fans praised Wentz for his toughness. When he returned this offseason, the reaction was largely positive because his role was clear: a proven veteran securing the QB3 spot, remaining ready, and providing the Vikings with an additional layer of protection at quarterback. Can’t go wrong.

Rumor: Caleb Banks could be a dark horse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Advertisement

ESPN’s Ben Solak sized up the Rookie of the Year stakes last week, and regarding Banks, he wrote: “No defensive tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, and the only other tackle to do it this century was Ndamukong Suh. Banks is that sort of talent and an enticing bet accordingly. But he has a foot injury that’s impossible to overlook.”

“He also plays in a Brian Flores defense that doesn’t allow defensive tackles to play the sort of unhinged, penetration-oriented style that leads to sacks. Sure, the Vikings spent an early pick on Banks — but as head coach of the Dolphins in 2019, Flores used the No. 13 pick on Christian Wilkins, and he had two sacks as a rookie. It’s hard to see the path for Banks.”

Caleb Banks celebrates after recovering a fumble during a Florida-Florida State game in Gainesville. Vikings rumors
Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks (88) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Florida State Seminoles on Nov. 29, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Banks later climbed into first-round NFL Draft territory because of his athleticism, disruptive traits, and upside as an interior defensive lineman. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images.

Second-round linebacker Jake Golday also got some love: “Golday is an off-ball/on-ball tweener who will be stuck behind established starters at both positions: Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner at outside linebacker; Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker.”

“He will undoubtedly have flashy plays in subpackages, but he simply will not see enough snaps — barring injury — to contend for this award.”

Rumor: Deebo Samuel might’ve made a lot of sense as the Vikings’ WR3.

Advertisement

Bleacher Report‘s Bradley Locker walked through the NFL’s top 1o free agents last week. On Samuel, he nominated the Vikings and wrote, “The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks.”

“However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders. Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run.”

Minnesota later signed Samuel’s former teammate, Jauan Jennings.

Deebo Samuel Sr. celebrates after scoring a touchdown for the 49ers against the Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Vikings rumors
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Samuel remained one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons, blending wide receiver production with physicality and backfield usage in San Francisco’s offense. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images.

Locker added, “Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets. Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.”

Samuel would be in play for Minnesota if the Jennings contract didn’t come together. But now, the Vikings don’t need another popular wideout and cannot afford one. If any free agents are signed in the next couple of months, Minnesota might want an extra outside linebacker after Jonathan Greenard left the team via trade. Players like Jadeveon Clowney. Joey Bosa, and Leonary Floyd might make sense.

Advertisement

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

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

How to watch Round 4

Published

on

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Devyne Rensch speaks after Roma’s comeback win: “What a crazy game. Now we focus on the derby.”

Published

on

Roma fullback Devyne Rensch was on the scoresheet tonight as he helped lead the comeback against Parma to secure three crucial points at the Tardini.

After the match, Rensch discussed the importance of this victory.

Advertisement

“What a crazy match, Parma is a good team, the most important thing was to win, a goal and the penalty make me even happier but I’m happy for the team. Now we’re focused on the derby.”

Advertisement

“Top 4? We’ve fought all season, we’ve always believed in it all together, we put a lot of effort into training even if it doesn’t show. We deserve it.”

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Jeeno Thitikul’s new mindset won her Mizuho. Will it help her answer major question?

Published

on

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025