Sports
What We Got Wrong about the Vikings’ Offseason
Entering every offseason, VikingsTerritory declares predictions in its writings, basically outcomes it expects to unfold. Of course, not all of those come to fruition, and when the summer arrives, we find it best to hold ourselves accountable.
Here’s what we got wrong over the last several months.
Vikings’ Spring & Summer Reality Changed Several Early Assumptions
Aaron Jones or T.J. Hockenson Would Be Released as a Cap Casualty
There was steam that Minnesota would move from Jones and Hockenson because their 2026 cap hits were naughty — and we bit. Hook, line, and sinker. In fact, credible reporting suggested that Jones, in particular, was as good as gone.
Then, both men accepted paycuts. The Vikings wanted Jones and Hockenson back on their terms, and each man agreed. They likely asked their agents to assess their market value, learning that Minnesota’s pay cut outshone the potential of their next contract.
Therefore, Minnesota won’t lose veteran locker room leadership, and Jones and Hockenson will presumably test the open market in March 2027. Specifically, we believed the Vikings might cut ties with Hockenson and potentially draft Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. No cigar.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Jones’s paycut in March, “Keeping Jones around at roughly 60 percent of his previous base salary makes some sense for the Vikings, especially with the free agent running back class being pretty picked over already.”
“The former longtime Packer should still have some juice left as part of a committee backfield. He’s no longer as explosive as he once was, but he can get what’s blocked, run a wide range of routes out of the backfield, and serve an important pass protection role on third downs after C.J. Ham’s retirement.”
A True Center Would Be Signed in Free Agency or Drafted
Foremost, back in March during free agency, we suspected Minnesota would be interested in a new center after Ryan Kelly retired. Several options were there for the taking:
- Tyler Linderbaum — BAL → LV
- Elgton Jenkins — GB → CLE
- Tyler Biadasz — WAS → LAC
- Cade Mays — CAR → DET
- Luke Fortner — NO → CAR
- Austin Schlottmann — NYG → TEN
The Vikings said, “No thanks — we’ve got Blake Brandel.” Thereafter, Minnesota had to draft a center sometime before the end of Round 4 or so, right? Nope. The “Big Four” of rookie centers wound up like this:
- Jake Slaughter → LAC
- Logan Jones → CHI
- Sam Hecht → CAR
- Connor Lew → CIN
In Round 7, Minnesota took the plunge with Cincinnati’s Gavin Gerhardt, but 7th-Rounders are truly hit and miss.
It looks like The Blake Brandel Show in 2026. We firmly believed the Vikings would land Fortner or Jones, for example.
The Vikings Would Fix the RB Position with Youth
The Vikings haven’t had a truly impactful young running back since Dalvin Cook, whose career began nine years ago. Prior to that, Minnesota enjoyed sixteen years of elite talent with Adrian Peterson and Cook. However, since 2023, the team’s running back production has been decidedly average.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, often prioritizes the passing game, particularly when the Vikings are behind. Under his leadership, the run game has lacked consistency, fueling ongoing discussions about player roles.
Enter Demond Claiborne.
Drafted in April, the rookie running back has impressed early this summer. Claiborne’s 4.37-second 40-yard dash time injects much-needed speed into a backfield that has been craving it. The key question is whether the rest of his game — vision, contact balance, pass protection, and tackle-breaking ability — will translate to the professional level.
While 6th-Round running backs can certainly succeed, Claiborne’s draft position makes it less probable that he’ll develop into a superstar RB1. A more realistic outcome is for him to become an explosive RB2.
The Vikings opted not to address the running back position in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft. Now, hopes are high that Claiborne will prove to be more than just a summer standout. If he doesn’t, the team will rely on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, and fans will continue to wonder when the Vikings will invest draft capital in the position again.
The Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens Would Hire Brian Flores
Flores said during the 2025 offseason that he would only depart the Vikings for a head coaching job that felt stable with a reputable organization. Well, that’s Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Flores interviewed for both positions, but it never felt like he had momentum. Ultimately, the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, and the Ravens rolled with Jesse Minter.
Flores’s lawsuit against the NFL is probably holding him back from being a serious head-coaching contender, as sad as that is.
Haeran Ryu has her first major championship, winning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine.
Ryu’s victory keeps up a historic run for TaylorMade as the company has been the winning driver in all six men’s or women’s majors played this season. Five of those six have come with the company’s flagship Qi4D driver. Ryu’s victory was the first major for the Qi4D LS model.
For more on Ryu’s detailed setup, keep reading below.
Haerun Ryu’s winning WITB at the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
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TaylorMade
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS 8.0 SHAPED FOR SPEED
Traditional address shape based on feedback from world-class players helps create confidence on every shot. FACE FOR DISTANCE
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4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight.
TOUR PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES
New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue OG 5-S
TaylorMade Qi4D LS Custom Driver
Qi4D LS is the lowest spinning option in the Qi4D lineup.
Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation of TaylorMade driver performance.
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Fujikura Ventus Blue Wood Shaft (Velocore+)
The next generation of Fujikura’s ground-breaking proprietary key technology. VeloCore+ is a multi-material bias core construction technique that not only increases and enhances the original combination of Pitch 70 and 40 Ton materials, but incorporates an all-new third premium material to give players even tighter dispersion and increased ball speeds.
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TaylorMade
Mini Driver: TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini Driver 11.5˚
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 S
TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability.
R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM
The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability.
INFINITY CARBON CROWN
A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.
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2-Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi4D Rescue 17.0˚
RESCUE™ YOUR ROUND
Advanced multi-material construction combines 450 stainless steel and a carbon fiber crown creating the ultimate iron replacement option. ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System (TAS) weight (8g) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight. CG OPTIMIZATION
Engineers achieved a balanced CG placement for optimal flight and workability by utilizing an ultralight carbon crown and strategically positioned TAS weight for more iron-like performance.
TOUR PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES Cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB OG 8-S
TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Hybrid
The Qi4D Rescue™ is designed to hit desired carry yardages while maintaining a steep landing angle, providing golfers the ultimate tool to hold greens with added utility from any lie.
3° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight.
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Irons: TaylorMade P770 (4), P7MC (5-PW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH S (4), Nippon N.S. Pro 1050GH S (5-PW)
TaylorMade P770 Custom Irons
SOLID FORGED FEEL
Improved for a more solid feel like never before. The 2024 P•770 has been strategically tuned using a player’s forged construction and modal analysis to create a notable improvement and the best feeling P•770 to date.
MODERN PLAYERS IRON
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Consistent ball striking and accurate shot making from a forged iron construction designed with meticulous mass optimization and an updated tungsten weight design for more forgiving long irons.
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Wedges: TaylorMade MG5
FORGED FEEL
Lofts/Grinds: 48-09SB, 54-12SB, 58-07LV
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro 1050GH S
TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Custom Wedge
Incredible feel is a must for having a great wedge game. MG5 has been forged from soft carbon steel and designed with geometry to provide excellent feel with great feedback.
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CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS CONSISTENCY
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Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 11R OC
Inspired by prototype models made for tour players, the Phantom 11R OC—“R” for “round” and “OC” for “onset center”—is a new Phantom mallet with rounded corners in a revolutionary low torque package. With a straight shaft installed directly in line with the model’s CG, the Phantom 11R OC is designed with a heavier head to provide high stability while maintaining very low torque through the stroke.
CHAIN-LINK FACE MILLING TECHNOLOGY CUSTOM BLACK SHAFT CUSTOM MATADOR GRIP
Scotty Cameron 2025 Phantom 11R OC Putter
The texture of chain-link face milling technology reduces the putter face’s touch points with the ball to soften sound and improve roll characteristics while preserving feel and optimizing feedback.
Custom made for the new OC putters, each model includes a special black KBS x Scotty Cameron shaft with optimal flex, unimpeded alignment and precise feel.
With a debossed chain-link texture built-in, each new OC putter includes a custom 11-inch mid-size Matador grip in black with racy red and cool gray accents.
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Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
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Golf Pride Tour Velvet Swing Grip
Tour Velvet Swing Grip The most popular grip in golf today combines an exclusive, state-of-the-art rubber-blend compound, non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability, comfort, and confidence. The Tour Velvet® is the standard upon which many club manufacturers base their grip designs. ALL-WEATHER CONTROL State-of-the-art rubber-blend compound with a non-slip surface pattern for maximum playability and confidence. MODERATE SURFACE TEXTURE Scientifically designed plus sign texture created to pull moisture away from surface to allow for consistent traction. MODERATE FEEDBACK The standard in grip feel providing comfort and moderate feedback. Specifications: Grip Size: Standard, Midsize, Jumbo Core Size: 58 Round, 60 Round, 60 Round
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TaylorMade
Ball: TaylorMade 2021 TP5
TaylorMade TP5 2026 Golf Balls
It’s Time to Switch The best players in the world, like 2025 champion in Augusta and career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa have already made the switch to the fastest ever TP5. It’s time for you to make the switch, too. What Is Microcoating? No two golf balls are the same, but the all-new TP5 sets out to solve an invisible problem through our revolutionary microcoating finish process. Uneven paint and excess pooling in the dimples can compromise distance and accuracy. Microcoating uses precision application technology to ensure uniform coverage across the ball’s entire surface. Click on the video for a deep dive. Thinner than a Human Hair Microcoating is thinner than a human hair and delivers measurable performance advantages: more consistent ball flight, optimized distance, and tight left-to-right dispersion. The Fastest TP5 Ever TP5 has long been our softest five-layer Tour ball, but now it’s faster than ever. Employing our largest Tour core to date, the TP5 retains more energy at impact, which results in faster ball speeds and more distance at the top of your bag. Tour Flight The reengineered Tour Flight Dimple Pattern features new dimples that when combined with microcoating, promote a more predictable, penetrating ball flight with optimized peak height performance and increased accuracy. Hyper Focus TP5 Stripe employs an all-new Tour Stripe with 360° ClearPath Alignment™, tighter feedback lines and a performance dot that allows you to achieve hyper focus on the green and hole more putts.
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Tilak Varma‘s fighting half-century was one of the few positives for India in their dramatic one-run defeat to Ireland in the second T20I on Sunday, but the left-hander also found himself on an unwanted list after registering one of the slowest fifties by an Indian in T20 Internationals.Walking in with India in deep trouble after a top-order collapse, Tilak reached his half-century in 45 deliveries during the chase of 155 at Stormont. The knock is now tied as the sixth-slowest T20I fifty by an Indian and stands as the slowest-ever half-century by an Indian batter against Ireland in the format.Slowest T20I 50s for India (by balls)56 KL Rahul vs SA Trivandrum 202254 G Gambhir vs Aus Melbourne 201249 SK Yadav vs USA New York 202448 V Kohli vs SA Bridgetown 202445 V Kohli vs Pak Dubai 202145 T Varma vs Ire Belfast 2026 *The circumstances, however, were far from ordinary. India were rocked in the opening over when software engineer-turned-cricketer Jai Moondra, who hails from Tonk in Rajasthan and still holds an Indian passport, dismissed Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for first-ball ducks before removing captain Shreyas Iyer to leave the visitors reeling.India slipped to 35 for 4 inside the Powerplay after Ishan Kishan was run out, leaving Tilak with the task of rebuilding the innings on a surface offering movement, uneven bounce and seam throughout the chase.Unlike several of his teammates who struggled to adjust to the conditions, Tilak adopted a patient approach, absorbing pressure before stitching together a valuable partnership with Axar Patel. He eventually brought up his fifty by launching Matthew Hollard over deep mid-wicket for India’s first six of the innings.The milestone, however, proved short-lived. Attempting another attacking stroke off the very next ball, Tilak mistimed a lofted drive to extra cover and departed for 55 off 46 deliveries, ending India’s best hope of completing the chase.Harshit Rana’s late cameo of 21 from just 10 balls briefly revived India’s hopes, but Ireland held their nerve to restrict India to 153 for 9, sealing a famous one-run victory and completing a historic 2-0 series sweep over the reigning T20 World Cup champions.The defeat also ended India’s run of 16 consecutive T20I series victories dating back to 2023, while Ireland celebrated their first-ever bilateral T20I series triumph over India.
Each Sunday at VikingsTerritory, we diligently track Minnesota Vikings-themed developments that don’t pan out, takes from folks that are just absurd, and blatant falsehoods that circulate on the internet.
We call them “Nopedy Nopes,” and here’s the edition for July 28th.
Vikings’ Offseason Chatter Reaches Familiar Veterans
The Nopedy Nope: Joey Bosa as an OLB option for the Vikings in free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter told the Bosa story on Tuesday, with NFL training camps about a month away. He said, “It is more likely than not that Joey Bosa has played his last NFL down. Now, again, could a situation like the 49ers come along that entices him enough to come out and play again? Yeah, absolutely. We saw it happen last year with Philip Rivers, so you never know when a player is fully done and when he’s not done.”
“But the fact of the matter is, I think if the Niners wanted to pair those two together, it probably would have happened already. I think if Joey Bosa wanted to play football, it probably would have happened already.”
Bosa has twisted in the Vikings rumor stratosphere from the moment Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in April.
If Minnesota wants a free-agnet EDGE, the list is down to this:
- Derek Barnett
- Jadeveon Clowney
- Marcus Davenport
- Leonard Floyd
- Von Miller
- Yannick Ngakoue
- Haason Reddick
- Kyle Van Noy
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Bosa turning purple.
The Nopedy Nope: Someone said Aaron Jones is washed. He vehemently disagrees.
An Instagram account named “VikesVision” that specializes in graphics of players with huge adjectives in the background teed off on Jones this week, using the “washed” label.
Jones commented on the post, “When the lights come on, it’s Showtyme 😈. Silence the doubters and haters! When I first got in the league, he was not good enough. He’s too small. Next they say, he’s injury prone — played in just as many games as your favorite backs.”
“Numbers Don’t lie. Line them up with the worlds best! The thing is, no one ever expected me to be here but ME! 10 in and I ain’t stopping now 😤💛🙏🏾.”
In short, VikesVision pissed him off.
The Verdict: Nopedy Nope on Jones’s “washed” assessment. He’s having none of that.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings have just one player in the NFL Top 100, a list sponsored by CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco.
Just in front of Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams, WR) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens, QB), Jefferson landed at No. 8, with Pete Prisco explaining, “He was hurt by poor quarterback play last year, but he remains the most talented receiver in the game.”
“He had 84 catches and only two touchdowns last season. Kyler Murray should help his numbers this year. (Last season: No. 5)”
Prisco also said about his criteria for the list, “Quarterbacks are by far the most valuable players in football, especially in the NFL. If you picked a list of team MVPs, it would almost certainly be filled with starting quarterbacks. But that doesn’t mean they are always the best players, although many are that and more.”
“So when putting together my list of the top 100 players in the league, it would be easy to put a quarterback at the top. But that’s not the case this year, although several are in the top 10 and scattered throughout the list.”
Several other Vikings players deserved consideration for Prisco’s list, even if their inclusion wasn’t guaranteed.
On offense, Brian O’Neill stands out. If any Minnesota offensive player was overlooked, it’s likely O’Neill. He delivers strong performance all the time and remains one of the NFL’s most reliable right tackles. If players and coaches were to vote on a Top 100, O’Neill would have a strong chance of making the cut.
Christian Darrisaw also warrants a mention. His situation is more complex due to his recovery from an ACL injury sustained in October 2024, which sidelined him for the 2025 season. Therefore, his omission from this specific list is understandable. However, when healthy, Darrisaw is undoubtedly a Top 100-caliber player.
Jordan Addison is the third offensive player worth highlighting. He has yet to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season, and like Justin Jefferson, he contended with Minnesota’s unstable quarterback situation in 2025. This could change rapidly, though. If Kyler Murray effectively utilizes Addison’s talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Addison generating Top 100 buzz by this time next year.
The defensive side presents a similar scenario. Andrew Van Ginkel is the most apparent snub. He has established name recognition and offers versatile deployment across the defense. Most of the league is now aware of his contributions, making his absence particularly noticeable.
Jalen Redmond also presents a compelling case. He has delivered two excellent seasons, and his transition from the UFL likely keeps him somewhat under the national radar. Following the Vikings’ trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in April, Redmond might arguably be Minnesota’s most impactful defensive player.
Finally, Blake Cashman completes this group. His case is more challenging due to a lack of significant national attention and a tendency to miss a few games each season. Nevertheless, when healthy, he is a crucial component of Brian Flores’ defense.
The Verdict: Brian O’Neill, at the very least, should’ve made the cut. But nopedy nope.
TORONTO — Late in Sunday afternoon’s game at Rogers Centre, the vice grip had loosened on the Toronto Blue Jays. Then, minutes later, it tightened right back up.
In the eighth inning, Nathan Lukes launched a game-tying, two-run homer that sent the crowd of 40,898 into a frenzy. It offered needed momentum to the Blue Jays and put the team in a position to snap their extended losing skid.
Closer Louis Varland was handed the ball and looked dominant while striking out the first two batters in the ninth. However, the good vibes disappeared as quickly as they arrived when Josh Jung doubled and pinch-runner Jarred Kelenic scored from second on a wild pitch that caromed off the home-plate umpire and toward the visitors’ dugout.
The Blue Jays couldn’t counterpunch in the bottom of the frame, and with that, the 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers stood out as one of the more painful defeats of the campaign.
“Last thing you expect,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “We’ve been through those swings before where it’s real high, then real low in a game. But not what you expected, for sure.”
“That’s a very rare way to lose the game,” said right-hander Shane Bieber.
Toronto (39-45) has now lost six straight, matching a season high, and sits 2.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners, who currently hold the third American League wild-card spot.
The Blue Jays’ entire season has been filled with equal steps forward and back. However, this stretch has been concerning given that it’s featured red flags for both the pitching staff and lineup.
All six of the losses have been close games. Three were decided by one run, while two were by two runs, scores that underline the fact that the Blue Jays aren’t producing the key hits.
“Obviously, we’re not getting any offence going early in games,” said Schneider. “That’s well-documented and that’s something we talk about almost daily in terms of what we can control in terms of prep and what we can control in terms of adjusting as the game goes.”
Of course, any conversation about the offence must include the continued struggles of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who went hitless in four at-bats on Sunday, dropping his OPS to .697.
Guerrero Jr. wasn’t in the clubhouse following Sunday’s loss and Schneider said that after Saturday’s game, he spent time with the first baseman as he took extra swings in the batting cage.
“I’m not going to bench him,” said Schneider. “I think there’s always a time when a guy needs a little bit of a break, whether it’s physically, mentally, whatever it is. It’s no secret we’re going to need Vlad if we want to be good. He knows that, we know that, so I think my job is to make sure his work is good, his mindset is good.
“He’s actually good,” added Schneider. “I always say, you want some players to be good liars to a manager in terms of how they’re feeling. And Vlad’s been an open book with me. I’ve pressed, I’ve asked him a few times in the last couple of weeks and he’s good. I can’t imagine what it is to be Vlad. And the pressure that comes with it, the expectations that come with it.”
Compounding matters for the Blue Jays are the continued struggles of the starting rotation, which has put the team behind early in each of the past six games. Bieber, making his second start since returning from the injured list, continued the trend when he surrendered a homer to Joc Pederson on the first pitch of the game. The right-hander proceeded to load the bases but pitched out of the tricky spot by inducing a force out at home and a punchout.
After allowing some hard contact in the second, he made a mechanical adjustment and settled down considerably over the next three innings, before running into trouble again in the sixth. In total, Bieber allowed two runs on five hits over 5.1 frames, with four walks and strikeouts on 92 pitches.
“Obviously, the game didn’t start in an ideal fashion but was able to bounce back and put up some competitive innings,” said Bieber. “So, I was happy with that. It was definitely some progress and a step in the right direction relative to my first outing.”
As for the state of the club, Bieber said there’s obvious frustration among the players.
“We all sense what’s going on. It’s been some tough and emotional losses,” he said. “We’re just going through it a little bit and we’re being tested and I know we’ll respond.”
That response must come soon, of course, and the Blue Jays will get an opportunity to flush the tough loss and take a needed step forward on Monday in the opener with a three-game series against Bo Bichette and the free-falling New York Mets.
“The guys in the clubhouse are going to continue to fight and they’re going to continue to work to get better, and probably every one of them is better than what they’ve been so far,” said Schneider. “That’s what you cling to, and you got to go out and do it.”
The Toronto Raptors never wanted Kawhi Leonard to leave seven years ago. And signs point to the two-time NBA Finals MVP returning to the team with which he won the 2019 championship.
There are plenty of moving parts and some contradictory information kicking around, but two sources close to the situation that I spoke with on Sunday confirmed that the Raptors have discussed the possibility of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that would bring the 2025 second-team all-NBA selection back to Toronto. The Raptors’ interest in Leonard was first reported by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
The most likely construction of the deal would centre on a package including 2025 all-star Brandon Ingram and third-year wing Gradey Dick, which would work in terms of salary matching, per one source. The Raptors would likely have to add some draft picks as additional compensation.
Leonard has one-year and $50.3 million left on his contract. According to sources, the 35-year-old is unlikely to get an extension from the Clippers and is open to finding a team that would extend his deal beyond the upcoming season.
“The Clippers aren’t going to commit to anything with him, so it looks like he’s trying to strong-arm his way out of there,” said one source.
Said another: “The Clippers are willing to move him … and I think a lot of teams are wary of acquiring Kawhi because you just don’t know if he’s going to play … there’s risk there, obviously. Toronto had him, and so maybe feels more comfortable that he would play for them, could play for them.”
There are also constructions that work with Raptors wing RJ Barrett’s expiring deal as the basis of a trade, but I have been told that the Canadian national team star is not likely to be part of any Clippers deal.
Exactly how determined the Raptors are to make the trade to acquire Leonard isn’t entirely clear either. A couple of different sources on Sunday suggested a move could be pending, but the predominant view seems to be that things are moving a little more slowly.
“They’ve talked, but it’s pretty preliminary,” said one source. “It’s not close,” said another.
The chatter is building momentum as the NBA heads into the opening of its free agency period on Tuesday night. The Raptors have some business to focus on there, too, with power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili expected to opt out of the final year of his $2.8 million deal on Monday. Sources are telling me that he’s expected to attract multiple offers starting at more than $10 million a year, which could make it challenging for the Raptors to keep him.
How that unfolds will be revealed in the coming days, but there seems to be a consensus that the Raptors are at least seriously entertaining the idea of bringing back Leonard. Toronto originally acquired him in the summer of 2018 in a trade with San Antonio, and he left for the Clippers in free agency in the days after leading the Raptors to their only championship.
“If the price is right, you have to think about it,” said one league source.
The market for Leonard doesn’t seem to be all that deep, with teams concerned about his injury history, his age and his proven determination to control his own destiny if the situation he’s in isn’t to his liking. That should help the Raptors, who stand to add a proven championship piece at a relative discount – for the second time.
It’s certainly a gamble, even if Leonard is coming off a superb season with the Clippers, earning his seventh all-NBA selection after averaging a career-best 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 per cent from the floor and 38.7 per cent from the free throw line and appeared in 65 games.
Before last season, Leonard had averaged just 44 games per year in his six previous years in Los Angeles, including missing the 2021-22 season with injury.
But the Raptors still have vice-president of player health and performance Alex McKechnie on staff, which should give them a level of comfort other teams might not have.
It was McKechnie who did such good work getting Leonard – who was limited to just nine games due to injury in his last season in San Antonio – through 60 regular-season games in Toronto, then able to lead the NBA in post-season minutes. Part of the approach included strategically resting Leonard to make sure he didn’t fatigue and increase his injury risk. It was one of the first instances of the application of ‘load management’ for a full season and has become much more common since.
Additionally, if it is Ingram who is the centrepiece of an outgoing trade package, the Raptors might feel more comfortable taking on whatever risk Leonard’s health carries.
Yes, Ingram played a career-high 2604 minutes for Toronto and appeared in 77 games, the most since his rookie season.
But the 10-year veteran had averaged just 52 games per year in eight seasons before joining the Raptors. After leading the Raptors in scoring during the regular season (21.5 points per game), Ingram struggled during the Raptors first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, playing just 11 minutes in Game 5 and missing Games 6 and 7 before undergoing surgery for a bone spur in his right heel in early May.
Ingram has two years and $82 million on his contract. The second season is a player option, and the expectation is that if he has a season similar to the one he just had with the Raptors, the soon-to-be 29-year-old will be looking for a contract extension of his own.
Leonard is the better player; there’s little argument there, and Ingram has his own durability concerns.
In his first full year as the Raptors top decision maker, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster has speculated about the timing of “maybe start[ing] to push some chips into the middle.”
Webster led the Raptors’ efforts to acquire Leonard back in 2018, a risky, franchise-shifting move that led directly to the Raptors only championship.
It appears he’s at least considering trying to go down the same path again.
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The Hardys used ladders time and time again to help capture many tag team championships over the course of their historic careers and they needed it again at Slammiversary.
Whenever a pro wrestler climbs the ladder, there’s always a chance of a dangerous situation. When a Hardy brother climbs the ladder, every pro wrestling fan knows that they’re bringing the danger. Jeff Hardy turned back the clock on Sunday night in a four-way ladder match against Bear Bronson and Brian Myers, Jason Hotch and John Skyler and Vincent and Dutch.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy sit in the audience during SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 3, 2025. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
Matt Hardy set Hotch and Skyler in between a ladder that was sandwiched in between the barricade and the ring apron. Jeff Hardy grabbed the ladder from the wicked garden that Vincent and Dutch brought out. The 48-year-old climbed to the top and hit a Swanton Bomb.
After that, the Hardys went to the ladder in the middle of the ring and grabbed the TNA World Tag Team Championship belts to win the match.
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Jeff Hardy wrestles in the ring during a WWE SummerSlam match at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 19, 2018. (Rob Tringali/Sports Illustrated)
It is the fifth tag team championship reign for The Hardys in TNA. They tied Beer Money Inc and The Wolves for the most reigns in TNA history. It’s also their second reign over the last 12 months.
The Hardys won the title at last year’s Slammiversary. They had the titles for 265 days before losing it to Myers and Bronson at Rebellion earlier this year. But the Hardys are back on top once again.
Matt and Jeff Hardy enter the ring during NXT Halloween Havoc at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Ariz., on Oct. 25, 2025. (Andrea Kellaway/WWE)
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Bronson and Myers had their title for 78 days.
Rory McIlroy – Key Stats table
| Metrics | Details |
| Full Name | Rory McIlroy |
| Nickname | Rory |
| Birthplace / Nationality | Northern Irish / Holywood, Northern Ireland |
| Date of Birth | 4 May 1989 |
| Age | 37 |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Swing | Right |
| Current World Ranking | 1 (Source: https://www.pgatour.com/stats/detail/186) |
| Earnings: | Sum of all awards or else check from https://www.pgatour.com/player/28237/rory-mcilroy |
Rory McIlroy Career
Career Wins
| Tour | Wins |
| PGA Tour | 30 |
| DP World Tour (European Tour) | 20* |
| Asian Tour | 1 |
| PGA Tour of Australasia | 1 |
| Other Professional Wins | 4 |
| Total Professional Wins | 45 |
Current Word Ranking
- Current rank: 3
- Previous rank: 1
- Average ranking points: 9.5687
- Total points: 421.02379
- Actual Events Played: 44
Last 10 Tournament Results
| DATE | TOURNAMENT | COURSE | POS | ROUND SCORES | OVERALL SCORE | EARNINGS |
| 2/12 – 2/15 | AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | Pebble Beach Golf Links | T14 | 68-67-72-64 | 271 (-17) | $3,42,750 |
| 2/19 – 2/22 | The Genesis Invitational | Riviera Country Club | T2 | 66-65-69-67 | 267 (-17) | $18,00,000 |
| 3/5 – 3/8 | Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard | Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Withdrawn | 72-68 | 140 (-4) | — |
| 3/12 – 3/15 | THE PLAYERS Championship | TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) | T46 | 74-71-72-71 | 288 (E) | $72,125 |
| 4/9 – 4/12 | Masters Tournament | Augusta National Golf Club | 1 | 67-65-73-71 | 276 (-12) | $45,00,000 |
| 5/7 – 5/10 | Truist Championship | Quail Hollow Club | T19 | 70-67-75-67 | 279 (-5) | $2,42,100 |
| 5/14 – 5/17 | PGA Championship | Aronimink Golf Club | T7 | 74-67-66-69 | 276 (-4) | $6,37,050 |
| 6/4 – 6/7 | the Memorial Tournament pres. by Workday | Muirfield Village Golf Club | T18 | 71-74-71 | 216 (E) | — |
| Total Earnings | $75,94,025 |
About Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irish professional golfer and one of the most successful players of his generation. Born on May 4, 1989, in Holywood, Northern Ireland, he turned professional in 2007 and quickly rose to the top of the world rankings. McIlroy has won five major championships, including the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and two PGA Championships, completing the career Grand Slam. Known for his powerful driving and consistent performances, he has earned more than 45 professional victories worldwide and remains one of the leading figures in professional golf.
Latest News – Rory McIlroy
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Has Rory McIlroy ever won the Masters?
Answer: Yes. Rory McIlroy won The Masters Tournament in 2025, completing the career Grand Slam.
Question: How many major championships has Rory McIlroy won?
Answer: Rory McIlroy has won five major championships. His major victories include the 2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, 2014 PGA Championship, and 2025 Masters Tournament, making him one of the few golfers to complete the career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy won his fifth major title at the The Masters Tournament in 2025.
Co-hosts Canada made history on Sunday after defeating South Africa 1-0 in dramatic fashion to qualify for the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time ever.
Stephen Eustaquio’s stunning strike in the second minute of stoppage time secured a famous victory for Jesse Marsch’s side in Los Angeles, ending South Africa’s World Cup campaign.
Here are five key lessons learned from the historic encounter:
1. Belief and Persistence Can Change History
Canada entered this tournament having lost all six of their previous FIFA World Cup matches. However, Jesse Marsch’s team refused to be defined by their past failures.
After recording their first-ever World Cup victory against Qatar earlier in the tournament, the Canadians continued to believe in themselves and were rewarded with a historic place in the knockout rounds.
Their journey shows that persistence and belief can transform a team’s fortunes.
2. Playing for Extra Time Can Be Dangerous
South Africa appeared content to take the match into extra time after producing very little attacking threat throughout the game.
The Africans managed only one shot on target and struggled to create meaningful chances. Their cautious approach eventually backfired when Eustaquio struck late to punish their defensive mindset.
The lesson is clear: teams that stop trying to win often leave themselves vulnerable to heartbreak.
3. Quality Players Make the Difference in Big Moments
In a match lacking clear chances, it took a moment of individual brilliance to separate the two teams.
Eustaquio’s superb low strike from outside the penalty area demonstrated the importance of having players capable of delivering under pressure.
At major tournaments, one moment of quality can decide an entire campaign.
4. Squad Depth Is Crucial at Major Tournaments
Canada received a huge boost with the return of star defender and captain Alphonso Davies after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Although he started on the bench, the Bayern Munich star immediately added energy and quality after coming on, helping Canada increase the pressure on South Africa.
Successful teams at major tournaments need strong squads capable of making an impact from the bench.
5. Strong Leadership Can Inspire Extraordinary Achievements
Jesse Marsch deserves enormous credit for Canada’s remarkable World Cup campaign.
The American coach consistently encouraged his players to remain aggressive, disciplined and committed to their style of play. His emotional post-match speech, in which he called his players “Canadian heroes”, highlighted the strong bond within the squad.
Canada’s historic achievement proves that good leadership, clear planning and team unity remain essential ingredients for success at the highest level.
Canada will now face either Morocco or Netherlands in the last 16, while South Africa’s dream of reaching the knockout stages comes to a painful end.
Ben Hayes has learned through Madiyya’s career that opportunities don’t always come readily in each preparation.
Consequently, the narrow defeats suffered in her last two starts have been particularly difficult to swallow.
The Super Seth filly has been edged out in tight finishes on her previous two outings, each time finding herself unable to get clear until approximately 250 metres from the post, which was about 50 metres too late.
Madiyya, a mare nearing five years of age, has not competed in more than four races in any single campaign. However, Hayes has seen enough this preparation to feel confident she can bounce back in Saturday’s $130,000 Sportsbet Feed BM78 Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield.
“That’s been her problem as a horse, she’s never really handled her training,” Hayes shared.
“But this prep she’s actually held weight and doing really well.”
“She’s an older mare now and hopefully we can get the result, because when she gets it all together she’s got the ability.”
The two close calls, both occurring at Flemington, followed a fourth-place finish on her return, also at Flemington, where she was beaten just over 1-3/4 lengths by Capper Thirtynine.
Madiyya’s record across 10 starts shows she has never finished worse than fifth, with three wins, two second placings, and two thirds to her credit.
She has drawn barrier 11 for the 16-horse field on Saturday, and will be ridden by Jamie Mott, a jockey actively pursuing the metro jockeys’ premiership title.
Madiyya has a perfect record at Caulfield, winning her only two starts there. Saturday’s race will be the mare’s first attempt beyond 1600 metres, a distance Hayes considers her ready for, competing in the Trelawney Stud colours.
“I think (benchmark) 78, over 1700 should be ideal for her and she’s building fourth-up,” stated Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD.
Madiyya, currently listed at $4.80 in the betting, will be joined in Saturday’s event by stablemate Oriental Smoke. Oriental Smoke, a $51 outsider, is making his fourth start since returning from a Hong Kong campaign, with Jackson Radley in the saddle.
Explore the leading sports betting platforms for the most competitive racing odds.
The summer is firmly here for the Minnesota Vikings, and annually, we forecast players who may break out at training camp. It’s a tradition, and you can find last year’s edition here.
The ask was simple for each writer: Who’s your prediction for the Vikings’ summer breakout player?
Here’s how they replied.
Vikings’ Young Depth Pieces Have Real Momentum before Camp
1. Jay Ward | S
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
Not only do the Vikings need him without Harrison Smith, but he has looked on the cusp for a bit now. This is the summer he puts the league on notice.
2. Levi Drake Rodriguez | DT
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Rodriguez plays with a great motor and is violent in his movements (a great compliment for somebody in the trenches). I think LDR starts in Week 1.
3. Demond Claiborne | RB
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
While he’ll be the No.3 back behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, he could still very well have a decent amount of opportunities to flash. Jones is also almost 32 years old and could see fewer carries this year. He also missed five games last year. Can he stay healthy this year?
4. Brett Thorson | P
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Is it lame to predict a punter as a summer breakout player? Absolutely. Do I care? Absolutely not.
Thorson was the best punter in college football last year, and he’s somehow in a summer training cmap battle against Johnny Hekker, who is past his prime. The new guy will show that he has the juice for the punter’s job and make you forget all about Ryan Wright.
The hot take here: Thorson should just be the main punters — the Hekker signing was unnecessary.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Tony Schultz
He’s a big corner with plenty of potential regardless of where he was drafted. He also has a personality big enough to fill U.S. Bank Stadium and then some. His quick quotes and affable personality were shown immediately after he was drafted.
I think he will become a fan favorite before too long, especially after he has some shining moments on the field. Minnesota may have lost Naz Reid, but we gained Charles Demmings. Get your flags ready.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Not only does Demmings break out this summer and force Minnesota to give him reps this coming season, but he also eventually blooms into the Vikings’ franchise CB1.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The rookie has shown in college that he has a nose for the ball, with 9 interceptions, and that his speed makes him a great fit for the 53-man roster, providing depth as the CB4 and adding impact on special teams. I am high on Demmings and think he will turn heads at training camp.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Wesley Johnson
Orange likely has the easiest pathway to early camp/season relevance. He’s going to be asked to eat blocks and plug up holes in the run game. So long as he can learn Brian Flores’s complicated scheme, he should provide an immediate impact. He might not flash statistically, but his impact will free up others to garner tackles and shut down opposing run offenses.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Josh Frey
Big Citrus has a great motor and is a player who doesn’t take plays off. It wouldn’t be surprising to see that tenacity create some big waves in camp this summer.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings snagged the rookie out of Georgia in free agency. After already getting some buzz in OTAs, he’ll continue to emerge in the summer and earn a role for his rookie season. Bell has the size and the explosiveness to be Minnesota’s WR4 in 2026.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
The UDFA out of Georgia is already turning some heads during practice, and he has the skillset to be a fun gadget player early on in his career. With no proven WR behind Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings, Bell can make the roster and have an important role early on.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Adam New
There’s not much room on the Vikings depth chart at WR, but one player who could force his way in is Dillon Bell. A big-bodied offensive weapon at 6-foot and 210 lbs, if you get the ball in his hands, he can make things happen. I expect to see some explosive plays over the summer that get people talking.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Cole Smith
The UDFA from Georgia was catching passes from Kyler Murray in team drills during OTAs. He brings a different skill set from the star receivers at the top of the depth chart, offering a unique path to not only the 53-man roster but also the WR4 spot.
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