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The Cowboys Just Handed One Viking Very Good News

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Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey at the awards ceremony in 2026
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (right) and wife Jenn Aubrey pose on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Not now, but perhaps a year from now, the Dallas Cowboys laid the framework Monday for Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard to become a very rich man. Dallas paid its premier kicker, handing Brandon Aubrey a mega extension just three days before the NFL draft.

Dallas reset the kicker market, and that only strengthened Will Reichard’s long-term outlook in Minnesota.

Aubrey is the gold standard among NFL kickers, and Reichard is gunning for the title.

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Aubrey’s New Deal Clarifies the Vikings’ Kicker Future

Dude got paid; so will Reichard in 2027.

Brandon Aubrey watching warmups before Cowboys vs Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Will Reichard Vikings.
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches warmups from the field at AT&T Stadium, on Nov 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas, observing pregame routines ahead of a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles as he prepared for another outing during a strong season as one of the league’s most reliable kickers. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

DAL Locks Aubrey In for the Long Haul

There’s no mystery about Aubrey’s long-term status. ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote Monday, “The Dallas Cowboys have made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Aubrey agreed to a four-year extension that makes him the first kicker to earn $7 million per year and includes $20 million guaranteed, agents Todd France and A.J. Stevens of Athletes First told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.”

“A source said Aubrey’s signing bonus is $8.25 million. Earlier this offseason, the Houston Texans made Ka’imi Fairbairn the highest-paid kicker on average annual salary at $6.5 million. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker had the largest guarantee at $17.75 million.”

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Every offseason brings a new version of “x player is the highest-paid player at x position in NFL history.” Aubrey is merely the latest.

Reichard in 2027

Reichard’s 2025 season was phenomenal, converting 33 of 35 field goal attempts. This consistency sharply contrasted with years of kicking instability the Vikings had experienced, a trend Reichard completely reversed in a single season.

He has also been automatic on extra points, an aspect of the game that previously caused the team considerable trouble but is now completely secure. As a result, the Vikings have not missed a single extra point and rank among the league leaders in field goal percentage.

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Equally impressive is his range. Reichard has successfully converted 11 kicks from 50 yards or more, placing him among the league’s elite long-distance kickers. This impressive range is a game-changer for Minnesota’s offense, needing only to get to the 42-yard line to have a chance.

In sum, Reichard has provided the Vikings with a truly exceptional kicker. He delivers reliability, impressive range, and consistent, drama-free performance — all achieved in two seasons.

Comparing the Two

Aubrey actually missed some kicks in 2025, believe it or not. He connected on 36 of 42 last season, which is actually mediocre by his standards. From 50 and beyond, Aubrey missed 6 times on 17 tries, another head-scratching development for the best in the business.

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Will Reichard lining up field goal attempt vs Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Will Reichard Vikings
Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) lines up a field goal attempt during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Aug 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focusing on his approach as he continued to build consistency during preseason action. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Conveniently, no Cowboys-themed analysts mentioned the 2025 stat line when he reached his monster contract this week. It was all sunshine and rainbows.

But in the backdrop, Reichard earned All-Pro recognition in 2025. Aubrey did not. By the numbers, Reichard took the mantle as the NFL’s best kicker, if only for a year. It’s a long way of saying that Aubrey and Reichard will have quite the battle in 2026, albeit from afar.

CBS Sports Zachary Pereles on Aubrey’s new deal: “What truly sets him apart, though, is his distance. His six career field goals from 60+ yards are most in NFL history. In 2025 alone he made three such kicks, most in a single season in league history. In February, reports emerged that Aubrey sought nearly $10 million per season.”

“Instead, the Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Aubrey, which would have paid him roughly $5.8 million in 2026. Though his new deal doesn’t come close to the $10 million figure annually, Aubrey does become the game’s richest at the position and get major guarantees; Dallas, meanwhile, retains one of the league’s very best and a true offensive weapon.”

Vikings Fans’ Prayers Answered

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Have you ever seen the Meek Mill meme, featuring Michael Jordan holding the NBA Championship trophy? The caption says, “I used to pray for times like this.” That’s Vikings fans relationship with Reichard.

Dating back 28 years, purple fans have been ruined by various kickers, basically relentlessly, with the exception of Ryan Longwell from 2006 to 2011. In these three decades, there’s always something wrong with the kicker, whether he blows it in a game’s most crucial spot, can’t make extra points, or generally stinks.

Will Reichard on field during NFC Wild Card game against Rams at State Farm Stadium. Will Reichard Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (16) takes the field during an NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium, on Jan 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona, appearing in postseason action as Minnesota relied on his leg in a high-stakes playoff environment. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reichard, through two seasons, has changed that. He’s steady as hell and has given Vikings fans no reason to panic. Not yet, anyway.

So when extension talks emerge next offseason, the same crowd will have no problem handing Reichard $9 million per year or whatever the number may be.

And he’s young. Reichard turned 25 in January. He could conceivably kick for the Vikings until 2040.

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Drake wears Packers jacket in possible jab at Bears’ Caleb Williams

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As rapper Drake rolls out the latest promotion for his upcoming “Iceman” album, it appears he’s also taking a jab at Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the process.

The Canadian artist posted a photo on Monday of himself rocking a Green Bay Packers jacket in front of blocks of ice that were set up in downtown Toronto with the release date of his highly anticipated album hidden inside. The promotion led to fans trying to speed up the melting process of the heavy blocks.

A streamer who goes by “Kishka” ended up finding the envelope, took it to Drake’s home in the area, and the May 15 release date was eventually revealed for all to see.

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Rapper Drake performing onstage at State Farm Arena in Atlanta

Rapper Drake performs onstage during the Lil Baby & Friends Birthday Celebration Concert at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 9, 2022. (Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The Packers even reposted the pictures of Drake, with a simple “Hi” in their caption while tagging the famous rapper.

So, where does Caleb Williams come into play here?

PACKERS GREAT CLAY MATTHEWS RESPECTS LIONS STAR AMON-RA ST BROWN ADDING JUICE TO RIVALRY: ‘I LOVE IT’

Well, as Williams helped lead the Bears to the playoffs, he claimed himself the “Iceman” after coming from behind for dramatic wins during a remarkable 2025 campaign.

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Then, Williams took it to another level, trying to trademark the nickname in March, though he received scrutiny not from Drake, but Basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin. The four-time scoring champ and 12-time All-Star was called “Iceman” throughout his career.

But now, Drake is claiming himself the “Iceman.” And while it could just be a coincidence Drake was wearing the Packers bomber jacket, he is quite known for jabs at his “foes,” whether straight-forward or through subtle things like his attire.

Drake performing live on stage at Wireless Festival in London

Drake performs live on stage during day two of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park in London on July 12, 2025. He is headlining all three nights of the festival. (Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA)

Drake has been hinting at this new album for some time now, slowly releasing promos since last summer. Considering his love for sports, he made sure to play that up to build anticipation for the album.

At Scotiabank Arena, the home of the Toronto Raptors, Drake had fake icicles placed on the two courtside seats that he usually sits in when he attends NBA games. They were spotted on April 12 — a 136-101 blowout win for the home team.  

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Meanwhile, Bears fans have learned to enjoy “Iceman” Williams, even if the games are rollercoasters at times. The 24-year-old threw for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, while leading the team to the playoffs with an 11-6 record.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warming up on the field at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 4, 2026. (David Banks/Imagn Images)

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The Bears eventually fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round in an overtime thriller. It wasn’t Williams’ best game, throwing for two touchdowns, but three interceptions in the loss.

But feelings around the Bears are that the No. 1 overall pick is the right guy to continue leading the franchise, especially when it comes to defeating divisional opponents like the Packers.  

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Lakers injury updates: Reaves could return during first round; Dončić further off

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The Los Angeles Lakers expect to be without star guard Luka Dončić for the remainder of their first-round series with the Houston Rockets, but Austin Reaves has returned to on-court activity and could return late in the series, according to ESPN, if it reaches that point. The Lakers have a 2-0 lead after a 101-94 win in Game 2 on Tuesday night in L.A. 

Dončić suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during the Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2 and has been ruled out indefinitely. Prior to the playoffs, Dončić went to Spain to undergo special treatment on his hamstring. He has since rejoined the team, but his timeline to return to play remains unclear.

Reaves went down with a Grade 2 oblique strain in the same game against the Thunder, but is closer to a return than his backcourt mate. Here’s more from Shams Charania:

“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1-on-1 on-court work. The next step for him is to continue to go through the progression of 3-on-3, 5-on-5. Remember, early April he had a four-to-six week timetable, so theoretically that puts him on track late in this series, potentially early in the next series.”

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The Lakers caught a real break with the schedule for their first-round series, which is why there’s optimism that Reaves could play against the Rockets. There were two full days off between Games 1 and 2, and there will be another full two days off between Games 2 and 3 and Games 4 and 5. Here’s a look at the unique schedule, which will stretch into May if it gets to six games. 

  • Game 3: Lakers at Rockets, April 24
  • Game 4: Lakers at Rockets, April 26
  • Game 5*: Rockets at Lakers, April 29
  • Game 6*: Lakers at Rockets, May 1
  • Game 7*: Rockets at Lakers, May 3

*If necessary

The Lakers winning Games 1 and 2 could change the team’s thinking some here. The Rockets lost Game 2 even with Kevin Durant back in the lineup, but the series could certainly be lengthened as it shifts back to Houston. Again, Reaves got hurt on April 2, and the initial timeline was four to six weeks, so it certainly would be conceivable that he could play by Game 6 or Game 7. 

Getting Reaves back would be a massive boost for the Lakers. He averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game on 49/36/87.1 shooting splits and put up career highs in both scoring and rebounds. He was second on the team in scoring and would have been 18th in the league if he had played enough games to qualify for the official leaderboard. 

While they got a huge night from Luke Kennard in Game 1 (27 points, four rebounds and three assists on 9 of 13 from the field, including 5 of 5 from 3-point range) and an outstanding performance from Marcus Smart in Game 2 (25 points, seven assists, five steals) they can’t count on that every night. Reaves, even at less than 100%, would give their offense another top-level creator who could get his own shots and take pressure off everyone else. 

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If the Lakers get Reaves back and pull off an upset in this series to advance to the second round, that would give Dončić time to get back on the floor. 

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Premier League has clinched fifth Champions League spot – but could get another

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The Premier League could boast six clubs in the Champions League for a second season running if all the right pieces fall into place.

The extra fifth place was sealed after Arsenal reached the Champions League quarter-finals. It is the second consecutive year that the Premier League has earned an additional spot, with the English top flight at the top of the European Performance Standings (EPS).

Last term saw an unprecedented six English clubs qualify for the Champions League; five by their league position, and with Tottenham earning their place in the league phase after winning the Europa League.

The same could happen again this term, with the Premier League appearing as one of the more prominent beneficiaries to the competition’s expansion to 36 teams that came into effect at the beginning of 2024/25.

Here’s what needs to happen:

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Why six Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League

As with every season, the top four clubs in the Premier League table are guaranteed a spot in the 2026/27 edition – but like last year, England have earned an additional place.

That fifth spot is earned by being one of the best-performing two nations in each season’s European club competitions. English teams performed particularly well in the Champions League league phase, which boosted their points tally in Uefa’s standings, and while last-16 exits of Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham threatened their ranking, Arsenal’s success has eased any fears of the Premier League being limited to four berths next term.

The Premier League will therefore definitely have a quintet of Champions League teams by the end of the campaign. But wait, there’s more! The winner of the Europa League is also awarded a place in the Champions League – and Aston Villa will be playing Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, with Freiburg and Braga on the other side of the draw.

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What happens if Aston Villa win the Europa League?

Aston Villa are the favourites to lift the title. Unai Emery is a serial winner of the competition and Villa stormed past Bologna 7-1 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals, where they will face a Nottingham Forest side that is also battling relegation this season.

Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League, way ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea. As it stands, they are looking on course to qualify for the Champions League anyway. If Villa win the Europa League and finish fourth, the Premier League will stay with five teams in the Champions League.

But if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth the additional place in the Champions League awarded by the EPS will drop down to the team that finishes sixth in the Premier League.

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This is of interest to several Premier League teams, with the race for sixth extremely competitive this season. There are just three points separating sixth-placed Chelsea to Fulham, in 12th.

What happens if Nottingham Forest win the Europa League?

Forest are embroiled in a relegation battle at the other end of the table so their requirements are more straightforward; if they win the Europa League, a sixth spot in the continent’s premier competition will be sealed, just like Tottenham last season.

Unlike Aston Villa, Europa League glory does not need to come at the expense of domestic success for the Premier League to earn an extra Champions League spot
Unlike Aston Villa, Europa League glory does not need to come at the expense of domestic success for the Premier League to earn an extra Champions League spot (Reuters)

The Premier League could have had an unprecedented seventh seat at Europe’s top table, which might have come if an English team won the Champions League but also finished outside of the top five.

However, after how things panned out in the quarter-finals, that is no longer possible. Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League, were knocked out by holders Paris Saint-Germain, while Arsenal – still in the competition and set for a semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid – cannot mathematically finish outside the Champions League qualification places, sat 22 points ahead of sixth at the top of the English top flight.

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2026 World Snooker Championship: Hossein Vafaei ‘fighting to make Iranians proud’

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Vafaei beat Barry Hawkins in the first round at the Crucible last year before losing 13-10 to Mark Williams.

An injury wrecked the start of this season but an intensive physio programme got him back playing, although he then had a poor run of results following his return.

“With my injury, I took two or three months [out] and after that I lost my form,” he added. “It was a shoulder problem, it was hurting my fingers and all the nerves on my left side.

“It was tough to get back my form and to find something and the struggles started from there.

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“I’m under lots of pressure. I’m not having a good season. A lot of people have been like ‘where is he? what’s he doing?’. They’re thinking I’ve stopped playing snooker.

“I’ve had a tough year mentally, personally, and everything.”

But there has been some encouragement on the table as before his success at qualifying, he beat Williams and Zhang Anda to reach the quarter-finals of last month’s World Open where he was beaten by Trump.

However, he said news from back home meant he was often not focused on snooker.

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“You get a bad text in the day and you can’t focus on your job. How can I focus?” said Vafaei.

“No-one knows how tough it is but hopefully it will be over soon, then the safety comes back to my country.”

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Former Vikings Coach Headed to NBC

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A Peacock sideline reporter holds a microphone in 2025
A Peacock sideline reporter holds a microphone with the NBC Peacock logo during Michigan State’s football game against Washington on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. © Nick King/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mike Tomlin didn’t stay with the Minnesota Vikings for long (2006), but purple fans still claim him nevertheless. Now, a few months removed from the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s heading into the booth as an analyst.

Tomlin’s move to NBC may look like a career detour, but it also keeps him relevant to any future Vikings coaching speculation.

The arrangement could be a one-year pit stop for the future Hall of Fame coach.

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Yes, Tomlin Could Make Sense in MIN’s Long-Term Orbit

If you thought you’d miss Tomlin, well, he’s already back.

Mike Tomlin reacting on sideline during Steelers vs Ravens game at Acrisure Stadium. Mike Tomlin NBC.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts on the sideline during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium, on Jan 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showing visible intensity as his team battled a division rival in a late-season matchup with playoff implications. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Tomlin the Announcer

It’s Sunday Night Football for Tomlin. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor wrote Tuesday, “For the first time in two decades, Mike Tomlin won’t be on an NFL sideline this fall. Tomlin, known for his one-of-a-kind oration, will be in the studio instead. The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach is joining NBC’s Sunday night pregame show, ‘Football Night in America,’ as a studio analyst, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

“Talks between Tomlin and the network picked up steam in Augusta, Georgia, two weeks ago, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Tomlin, 53, is the second former Steelers head coach to make a foray into broadcasting, joining his predecessor, Bill Cowher, who joined CBS as a studio analyst in 2007 after stepping down from the Steelers. Cowher never returned to coaching.”

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It’s not a hot take to suggest Tomlin will be marvelous in the role.

The Athletic‘s Andrew Marchand also noted, “Fox showed some interest in Tomlin, but NBC had the biggest need for his services. The network is reimagining its pregame show, a move that has already led to Tony Dungy’s dismissal after 17 seasons.”

“The roles of Rodney Harrison, Jac Collinsworth and Chris Simms are also in question as the network seeks more current star power and fewer people on the show. NBC Sports declined to comment. Tomlin will join host Maria Taylor, ex-Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and Devin McCourty on set.”

The Split from PIT

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Over the last decade, the Steelers habitually did the same thing: post a winning record, exalt Tomlin to the high heavens for it late December and early January, get to the playoffs, and refuse to win a game. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Mike Tomlin on sideline during Steelers vs Bengals game in Cincinnati. Mike Tomlin NBC.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, on Nov 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio, monitoring the action as Pittsburgh worked through a physical AFC North matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The routine evidently grew stale, as Pittsburgh and Tomlin mutually parted ways after the Houston Texans crushed the Steelers in the playoffs in January. There was not much steam about Tomlin interviewing for head coaching jobs around the league thereafter, and in fact, many exactly predicted the eventual outcome — he’d join the booth somewhere.

And that’s what happened.

The Steelers later hired Mike McCarthy from Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys fame, which was funny because he’s basically Tomlin, in a nutshell, though he doesn’t have the same consistent success.

A Name to Keep an Eye on for the Vikings if Things Go Bad

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Tomlin to Minnesota would not be weird. Let’s just get out there. His connection with Vikings ownership will forever position him as a candidate whenever the head coach role is considered.

The 2026 season will be the critical juncture for Kevin O’Connell’s tenure. If the Vikings make significant progress — securing a postseason berth and finally achieving a playoff win — speculation will cease. O’Connell’s job will be secure, and external chatter will stop.

However, O’Connell’s current record — four seasons, two playoff appearances, and zero playoff wins — remains a significant factor. While he has earned more patience than many NFL head coaches, such a track record typically shortens a coach’s leash. External pressure will intensify if results don’t improve, and by the 2026 training camp, you can already expect to see O’Connell on “hot seat” lists.

Should the 2026 season conclude without a substantial playoff push, the coaching door will swing wide open. A change at that point would surprise no one. Tomlin, with his stability, experience, and established connection to the Vikings’ owners, would become an obvious candidate.

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Mike Tomlin watching from sideline during Steelers win over Bengals in Cincinnati. Mike Tomlin NBC.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches from the sideline during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, on Dec 18, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio, observing as Pittsburgh secured a narrow 24-20 victory in a tightly contested divisional game. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The only hassle? The Vikings would have to trade for Tomlin. He has the Sean-Payton-Saints deal, where his next team might have to donate draft picks to get him. An annoyance.

Other Possible 2027 Destinations

Tomlin turned 54 last month. Assuming the Sunday Night Football relationship is a one-hit wonder — it may not be — he’ll obviously have a market during next year’s coaching carousel. In addition to the Vikings, if O’Connell doesn’t produce, here’s a list of possible teams that could pursue Tomlin:

  • Carolina Panthers
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Detroit Lions
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • New England Patriots
  • New Orleans Saints
  • New York Jets
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Washington Commanders

Of course, if any of those teams win and play well, their respective head coaches won’t be fired. The list assumes that things go poorly or a coach retires.


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Curious addition at LPGA’s first major has deeper meaning

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First-place Victoire miss chance to extend lead with loss to Goldeneyes

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VANCOUVER — Tereza Vanisova scored and contributed a pair of assists, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes held on for a 4-3 win over the Montreal Victoire on Tuesday.

Sarah Nurse tallied her eighth goal of the season, Ashton Bell added a power-play marker midway through the second and Claire Thompson rounded out the scoring for the Goldeneyes (9-2-4-14).

Thompson’s goal at the 5:06 mark of the third period gave Vancouver a 4-0 lead, but Montreal (16-5-2-6) pulled goalie Sandra Abstreiter with more than seven minutes left on the game clock in favour of an extra attacker.

Hayley Scamurra responded with three goals over two minutes and 44 seconds to cut the Victoire’s deficit to a single goal with the first hat trick of her PWHL career. Nicole Gosling registered three assists and Erin Ambrose had two helpers.

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Vancouver goalie Kristen Campbell stopped 25 of the 28 shots she faced and Abstreiter made 14 saves for Montreal.

The Victoire have locked up their playoff spot but are still looking to secure first place so they can pick their semifinal opponent. The Goldeneyes have been eliminated from post-season play, but are aiming to rack up draft order points with strong showings in their final games.

Goldeneyes: Earned their first-ever win against Montreal. The Victoire came out on top in the three previous meetings this season by a combined score of 8-2. … Defender Sophie Jaques contributed an assist on Thompson’s goal, marking her 50th PWHL point.

Victoire: Outshot Vancouver 10-4 across the first period but couldn’t get a puck past Campbell. … Ann-Renée Desbiens did not dress for the game. The Montreal goalie leads the league in save percentage (. 955) and goals-against average (1.12), and is tied with Aerin Frankel of the Boston Fleet for most wins (18).

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Victoire star Laura Stacey picked off a puck in the defensive zone for a short-handed breakaway midway through the second period and steamed up the ice unimpeded, only to see Campbell make a solid save, sending the blistering shot off the knob of her stick.

The Goldeneyes have earned at least one point against every other PWHL team during their first season in the league.

Victoire: Visit the Seattle Torrent on Saturday.

Goldeneyes: Close out their inaugural season Saturday when they host the Minnesota Frost.

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Tolu Arokodare Faces Uncertain Future as Wolverhampton Wanderers Suffer Relegation

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Tolu Arokodare’s Wolverhampton Wanderers have been relegated from the Premier League following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign.

Their drop was confirmed on Monday after other results went against them, leaving Wolves unable to close the gap on teams above and ending their eight-year run in the top flight.

It has been a frustrating season from the start. Wolves failed to win a league match until January, putting them under early pressure. Although results improved later, including a draw with Arsenal and wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool, they remained stuck in the relegation zone.

  • Zaidu SanusiZaidu Sanusi

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A change in the dugout saw Rob Edwards replace Vítor Pereira, but the situation did not improve enough. Wolves struggled in attack and defence, conceding 61 goals and scoring only 24 in 33 matches, leaving them with the worst goal difference in the league.

Relegation means the club must now regroup in the Championship, with key decisions expected about the squad. For Arokodare, it brings uncertainty over whether to stay and fight for promotion or seek a move elsewhere.

Arokodare’s difficult debut season

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The Nigerian striker joined from KRC Genk in September 2025 after finishing as the Belgian league’s top scorer. However, his first season in England did not meet expectations.

He featured in 28 league games, mostly as a substitute, scoring three goals and providing one assist. It was a modest return for a player brought in to lead the attack.

There were a few bright moments. His first Premier League goal came as a late header against Arsenal, showing his strength in the air. He also contributed in a surprise win over Liverpool and impressed more in cup competitions, scoring twice in the EFL Cup.

However, he struggled for consistency. Despite his height and physical presence, he found it difficult to convert chances, reflecting a low scoring rate. Like many of his teammates, adapting to the speed and intensity of the league proved challenging.

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Off the pitch, his situation became more complicated after reports of a dressing-room clash with teammate Mateus Mané following a heavy loss to West Ham United. The incident led to disciplinary action, including a fine and his omission from the squad.

Big decision ahead

At 25, Arokodare faces an important choice. He could remain with Wolves and try to rebuild in the Championship, where his physical style may suit the demands of the league.

With more regular playing time and better support, he has the chance to regain confidence and rediscover his scoring form, similar to his time in Belgium. However, staying would also require him to rebuild trust within the squad and prove himself again to the coaching staff as Wolves prepare for a fresh start.

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IPL 2026, LSG vs RR Preview: Will Lucknow Super Giants finally feel at home at the Ekana? | Cricket News

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IPL 2026, LSG vs RR Preview: Will Lucknow Super Giants finally feel at home at the Ekana?
Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper Rishabh Pant and teammates. (ANI Photo)

LUCKNOW: Lucknow Super Giants return to the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday needing more than a win — what they need is a course correction. LSG have lost four of their first six matches, including a 54-run defeat to Punjab Kings in their previous outing, and are still without a home win this season after two losses in Lucknow. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, arrive better placed, with four wins from six games and third place on the points table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!For LSG, the concern is straightforward: their top order has not given them enough. The side has too often been forced into recovery mode and on a ground where setting up the innings matters, another shaky start could leave them chasing the game early. That makes the first six overs the clearest tactical window of the contest. Asked what whas wrong with their batting unit, LSG’s Aiden Markram said, “It’s probably just a case of maybe struggling for a bit of rhythm. It’s quite strange. We laugh about it in the sense that one or two guys can struggle, it’s part of the game, but when the full batting lineup does so… the odds of that happening normally are quite slim.”Rajasthan look better equipped in that phase. Jofra Archer has been their early enforcer, with nine wickets in his last eight T20s, and he goes up against an LSG batting group still searching for rhythm. If Archer breaks through up front, Rajasthan can immediately squeeze a middle order that has not consistently played from positions of control. Lucknow’s counter lies with Prince Yadav, whose recent numbers also stand out.

LSG vs RR

He has been one of LSG’s few bright spots with the new ball and his duel with Rajasthan’s aggressive opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaswal could shape the match. If Prince can strike in the Powerplay, LSG would have already done half the job.There is also a wider context for LSG. They are yet to feel at home at the Ekana stadium after three winless games. Home cannot become a disadvantage and on a red-soil pitch, Lucknow’s batter have a lot to play for.

82 – Sanju Samson’s unbeaten knock off 52 balls in Jaipur on March 24, 2024 is the highest individual score in matches involving RR and LSG.

4/41 – Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling performance for RR at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 10, 2022 is the only four-wicket haul in games involving these two teams.

—Stats: Rajesh Kumar

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Glass shatters behind Kings bench, delays playoff game vs. Avalanche

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DENVER — Los Angeles interim coach D.J. Smith quickly ducked when shattered glass fell on him after a pane broke behind the Kings bench Tuesday night in Game 3 against Colorado.

It happened right after Quinton Byfield was stopped on a penalty shot by Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood with 16:48 remaining in the second period. The glass began to sway as fans pounded on it in excitement and then gave way, with pieces raining on Smith. He covered his head and then brushed the glass off his suit before heading down the tunnel to the locker room. He returned a few minutes later.

The Avalanche cleanup crew brought out shovels and buckets to clean up the fragments from the L.A. bench. The Kings players mingled on the ice as they waited for a new pane to be brought in and installed.

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog told ESPN hockey analyst Erik Johnson he’s never seen something like that happen before. Landeskog added: “It was loud there when ‘Wedgy’ made that save and fans got a little too excited.”

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The delay took more than 15 minutes. The score was 0-0 when play was halted.

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