MLS is back this weekend, kicking off Saturday with a full slate headlined by LAFC and Inter Miami meeting at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.
Those two teams in particular are increasingly representing what MLS is about. Both are led by international megastars using league play in the U.S. to prepare for this summer’s World Cup here. Lionel Messi led his Miami team to the league title last year, while Son Heung-Min arrived in the summer and, after a sensational half-season, is now hoping to knock Messi and Miami from that throne.
But lining up next to that duo are a bunch of other top players, both from North America and abroad, who may not be as famous as the Argentina and South Korea stars but who have played for top teams around the world — or will soon — after using MLS to launch to a larger league.
Of course, there are a fair number of teams not participating in Saturday’s marquee clash who will look to prove their rosters are as good or better than those title favorites.
Will Messi and Miami fend off those charges to repeat? Can Son spur his team to a trophy? Or will another contender emerge over the course of a grueling campaign? Here’s what you might have missed in the winter, along with the storylines that will define the 2026 season.
Can anyone stop Miami and Messi?
As Messi lifted MLS Cup, the first domestic title in Miami’s short history, he also bid farewell to a pair of longtime running buddies. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, teammates at Barcelona who joined him across the Atlantic in MLS, had announced it would be their final season. They went out on a high, and already, Miami’s front office had a plan to replace them and go a few steps further.
Beyond those holes in the starting XI, the title winners looked to bolster things at the back, where they were far too inconsistent. Miami signed Dayne St. Clair, the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, from Minnesota United, and are expected to start the Canada international immediately. Micael, a former Houston Dynamo center back who spent the last season with Palmeiras in his native Brazil, has returned to MLS to bolster Miami’s defense.
With a designated player spot still open, Miami made another splashy move, acquiring Germán Berterame from Monterrey. A forward who scored consistently in Liga MX with Rayados, his addition will allow manager Javier Mascherano to use Luis Suárez as a super-sub and also put Messi back into his typical No. 10 role rather than asking him to operate as a false 9.
The stunning rebuild gives Miami the best roster — on paper, of course — heading into an MLS season in recent memory. And the club has reason to push for more trophies: It is opening up the gleaming new Miami Freedom Park near the airport in early April.
Still, there’s a reason these games are played. Not only will Miami take everyone’s best shot as it defends its crown, but it is also looking to win the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time in club history and earn a place in the next Club World Cup in 2029 after occupying the host team’s place in 2025.
The opponent Saturday, Son’s LAFC, is a top candidate to topple Miami off the perch. In addition to having a rested and ready Son, the Black and Gold also fended off bids from Brazilian teams and, reportedly, from Miami itself, for Gabon international Denis Bouanga. The dynamic forward has scored 20 goals or more in each of the last three seasons for LAFC and gelled well with Son despite initial concerns about fit.
Under new manager Marc dos Santos, a Montreal native, LAFC has also become a hotbed for Canada internationals. The most notable is midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, whom the team signed only on a short loan through to the World Cup, but has the option for a full transfer. If he can replicate what he does for the Canada national team, LAFC will surely want to lock down the versatile 29-year-old to a longer contract.
Center back Aaron Long‘s much-anticipated return from Achilles injury could be coming in the first half of the year. He was registered on the club’s roster for the CCC.
The questions are about how Dos Santos will handle the star-studded team. While he has MLS managerial experience, he’s been working as an assistant under Steve Cherundolo. The former Bundesliga pro opted to leave the team for personal reasons and move back to Germany with his family. Rather than bring in an unknown, LAFC opted for Dos Santos, but expectations are high and the pressure will be on if things don’t go well from the start.
Big stars continue to shine even outside South Florida and Hollywood
The Vancouver Whitecaps will also enjoy a full season of their summer signing, with Thomas Müller preparing for a full year in MLS. The Caps managed to make the final of both the CCC and MLS last season, only to fall short in both games. Most key players have returned, though attacking players Ali Ahmed (to English club Norwich City) and Jayden Nelson (to Austin FC) did move on. They’ll look to get over the hump after a strong 2025.
Familiar names continue to see MLS as a destination. Most notably, James Rodríguez has joined a Minnesota United team in transition after manager Eric Ramsay left for West Bromwich Albion of the EFL Championship. The Colombian ace will hope the set-piece happy team is the perfect place for him to prepare for the World Cup.
Timo Werner won’t burst back into the Germany picture, but at least will be playing for the San Jose Earthquakes after a turbulent final period with RB Leipzig and on loan to Tottenham Hotspur. The Quakes lost winger Cristian Espinoza to Nashville in free agency and need Werner to help shoulder some of the attacking responsibilities.
A familiar face is back in MLS as Austin FC splashed out to bring Facundo Torres back to the league. The Uruguay winger had moved from Orlando City to Palmeiras, but signed a long-term deal this winter as a designated player with the Verde and Black.
Even teams without much recent success are looking to bolster with internationals. D.C. United signed Romania forward Louis Munteanu, who will work to jolt D.C.’s attack and hopefully push Romania through the World Cup playoff and into the tournament this summer.
Intra-league market also continues to grow
It’s not only players arriving from abroad who are making MLS a more competitive league. The loosening of rules on using cash to sign players from other clubs has seen far more intra-league moves than ever before in MLS’ three-decade history. Most of the names aren’t as famous as James or Werner, but they are players whose new clubs hope will provide consistent production.
D.C. United pried Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union after he scored 18 goals last season. That’s only a dozen less than D.C. United scored as a team last season.
It’s a way for teams to get players who have proved themselves in MLS, but also frees up players who might be stuck behind others for playing time at one club to head elsewhere and earn minutes.
World Cup, international duties will test managers in new ways
MLS will break for almost all of the World Cup, releasing players to their international teams in late May and resuming play the weekend before the tournament final in July. Several MLS stadiums are in use for the sport’s biggest tournament, some as match venues like Atlanta, Seattle, Vancouver and New England, and many others as training sites.
Plus, dozens of players will be taking part, from Messi and De Paul joining defending champs Argentina to a trio of players representing tournament underdogs Haiti. MLS managers will want to work with those players to make sure they arrive in optimal conditions in the summer. Then, they’ll hope that whatever those players’ fate on the biggest stage of their lives, they’re able to turn around and focus on the back stretch of the season and the Leagues Cup tournament that comes right after.
Plus, managers will be eager to make sure their players who aren’t taking part in the World Cup — likely the vast majority of most squads — are still staying sharp ahead of the league resuming.
Whether it’s figuring out how to knock off one of the deepest teams in memory, scheming on the best way to have players ready to chase one trophy or another, or trying to break into the favorites category with a good run of results, it’s set to be a fascinating season that demands a lot of managers and the players they’re leading.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Mikaela Shiffrin’s turbulent, 12-year Olympic journey came full circle Wednesday when she won the slalom by a massive 1.50 seconds to break her long medal drought at the Winter Games.
Shiffrin put in two dominant runs in gorgeous conditions amid the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to show, again, why she is regarded by many as the greatest Alpine skier of all time.
It was the third-largest margin of victory in a women’s Olympic slalom, the event she won as a fresh-faced teenager in Sochi in 2014 to underline her status as a skiing star.
Twelve years later, she delivered again in her favorite race and the emotions came out in the finish area after being embraced by world champion Camille Rast of Switzerland, who took silver, and bronze-medalist Anna Swenn Larsson of Sweden.
The 30-year-old Shiffrin pumped her fists to the crowd and then was fighting back tears as she approached her mom and coach, Eileen, for a long hug on the sidelines.
Shiffrin said it was “really hard to understand and process” her victory.
“Maybe,” she added, “just today, I realized what happened in Sochi. It’s crazy.”
For Shiffrin, maybe it also was a release of all the pressure after failing to win an Olympic medal since adding gold and silver to her collection in Pyeongchang in 2018.
A nightmarish 0-for-6 performance in Beijiing was followed in Cortina d’Ampezzo this year with an 11th place in the giant slalom and a fourth-place finish with Breezy Johnson in the team combined, in which Shiffrin placed 15th in the slalom portion.
That’s all in the past.
Shiffrin has now won three golds and a silver at the Olympics to add to her record total on World Cup wins — it’s 108 and counting, including 71 in slalom.
– Arsenal have been told that Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is considering a transfer away from the club this summer, as reported by TEAMtalk. The 23-year-old’s contract includes a release clause in the region of €100 million, with Barcelona and the Gunners being the two clubs that appeal most to him. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also been informed that he could be available by “intermediaries.”
– Juventus will speak to Marcos Senesi‘s agent again to try to reach an agreement to sign the center back as a free agent when his contract at AFC Bournemouth expires this summer, as reported by Nicolo Schira. Juve are working to overtake Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Manchester United in the race to sign the 28-year-old.
– Manchester United will continue to monitor Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as the Red Devils plan their recruitment strategy for the midfield ahead of the summer transfer window, according to TEAMtalk. Middlesbrough were resolute in January to see off interest from Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, but there is a belief that Hackney will be playing Premier League football next season whether that is due to promotion or a transfer, and his links with former Boro boss Michael Carrick (who is now in charge at Old Trafford) could be key to his future. But Everton are also keeping an eye on the 23-year-old’s situation.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Liverpool correspondent Beth Lindop on the chances of a shock move for midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
While there has been plenty of speculation over Mac Allister’s future in recent months, this one feels like a bit of a nonstarter.
The Argentina international was outstanding for Arne Slot’s side as they romped to the title last season but his notable dip in form has contributed to their struggles this term. With close friends and fellow South Americans Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez having left the club last summer, there have been some suggestions Mac Allister could soon be open to a new challenge.
However, considering a player hasn’t directly transferred between Liverpool and Manchester United since Phil Chisnall in 1964, it seems highly unlikely Mac Allister will be the one to buck that trend.
The midfielder is under contract at Anfield until 2028 and so would command a significant transfer fee this summer. It is a move that would make little sense for all parties.
OTHER RUMORS
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Laurens: Eze needed this performance for Arsenal
Julien Laurens praises Eberechi Eze performance vs. Wigan as Mikel Arteta rotated his starting XI in the FA cup.
– Arsenal hold an edge over Tottenham Hotspur in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent in the summer. (Football Insider)
– Liverpool are considering reigniting their interest in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in case Mohamed Salah leaves. (Football Insider)
– Nicolas Jackson is set to return to Chelsea in the summer as Bayern Munich are unlikely to trigger the clause that would require them to sign the striker for a further £56.2 million on top of the £14.3 million loan fee. (Times)
– Manchester City prefer to loan out James Trafford than let the goalkeeper permanently leave, with Leeds United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United interested. (TEAMtalk)
– Arsenal will be willing to let left back Riccardo Calafiori leave in the summer amid growing concerns about his injury record. (Football Insider)
– European and Saudi Pro League sides are waiting to move for Hakan Calhanoglu if Internazionale can’t reach an agreement to extend the midfielder’s contract. (Nicolo Schira)
– There is plenty of Premier League interest in Marc Casado, but the midfielder and Barcelona will make the final decision on whether he moves. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Stuttgart have submitted a concrete offer to sign Grischa Promel as a free agent in the summer, but Hoffenheim are keen to extend the midfielder’s contract amid interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg. (Florian Plettenberg)
– St. Louis City are finalizing a deal to sign Venezuela forward Sergio Cordova on loan from Young Boys with an option to make the deal permanent. (Tom Bogert)
Rob Demovsky is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Green Bay Packers. He has covered the Packers since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2013. Demovsky is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year as selected by the NSSA.
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GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers will have a new special teams coordinator this season after Rich Bisaccia, who also served as assistant head coach to Matt LaFleur, announced Tuesday evening that he has stepped down.
Bisaccia, 65, has been with the Packers since 2022. He was hired to fix a problematic special teams unit that the previous season had a both a field goal and a punt blocked in a playoff loss. Bisaccia added the assistant head coach title in 2023. He came to the Packers after serving as the Raiders interim head coach during the 2021 season.
“After taking some time to reflect over the last few weeks, I have made the decision to step down as the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator of the Green Bay Packers,” Bisaccia said in a statement released by the team. “I am incredibly grateful to Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Ed Policy and Mark Murphy for their unwavering trust and support throughout my time in Green Bay. I am also thankful to the players for their consistent work and relentless effort to improve every single day. I would like to thank everyone in the organization for their dedication and commitment. The people in this building make it a special place to work.”
Bisaccia became the second coordinator to leave the Packers this season after defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was named the Dolphins’ head coach. The Packers hired former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon to replace Hafley.
The new coordinator will be the fourth to run the special teams under LaFleur, who is entering his eighth season. Earlier this offseason, the Packers lost Bisaccia’s top assistant, Byron Storer, who became the Browns’ special teams coordinator.
While Bisaccia coached some successful individual performers — punter Daniel Whelan set the franchise record for gross and net punting average last season, and Keisean Nixon was twice selected as an All-Pro kick returner — some of the same mistakes that have haunted the Packers never went away.
Bisaccia’s hand-picked kicker, Anders Carlson, had a dismal rookie season, including a costly missed field goal in the 2023 playoff loss to the 49ers, and it started a revolving door of kickers.
Just this past season, the Packers had a potential winning field goal blocked in a Week 3 loss to the Browns; had an extra point blocked and returned for a two-point conversion in a Week 4 tie with the Cowboys; and muffed an onside kick recovery attempt by Romeo Doubs that the Bears recovered to help beat Green Bay in a Week 16 game.
Then, in the playoff loss to the Bears, kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goals and an extra point.
Bisaccia said last offseason that he contemplated stepping down then in part because he said, “I felt like I failed [LaFleur] at times in some of the things in the way in which we played.”
Still, earlier this offseason general manager Brian Gutekunst said he wanted to Bisaccia to return.
“What Rich brings to our culture, this football team, he’s a very impactful coach around here,” Gutekunst said earlier this month. “Certainly, I thought we’ve been better on [special] teams the last few years than we’ve been in a long time. Our cover units have been better, we’ve got one of the best punters in the National Football League, got an excellent snapper. Brandon was excellent last year.
“This year again he worked through some things injury wise and then had a bad playoff game. … I’ve got a lot of faith in Rich and his staff, what they do around here, not only the X’s and O’s, what they bring to the field, but what they bring to this place culturally is really important.”
LaFleur, in a statement, also indicated that he wanted Bisaccia to return.
“While we are disappointed to lose a person and coach as valuable as Rich, we respect his decision to step down from the Packers,” LaFleur said. “Rich was a tremendous resource to me and our entire coaching staff who had a profound impact on our players and our culture throughout the building. We can’t thank him enough for his contributions to our team over the last four years. We wish Rich, his wife, Jeanne, and the rest of their family all the best moving forward.”
Marcel Louis-Jacques joined ESPN in 2019 as a beat reporter covering the Buffalo Bills, before switching to the Miami Dolphins in 2021. The former Carolina Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer won the APSE award for breaking news and the South Carolina Press Association award for enterprise writing in 2018.
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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill in a flurry of roster moves Monday that will clear significant salary cap space.
Former Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb was also informed of his impending release Monday, per multiple sources, although it was not conveyed whether the transaction will take place immediately or will take place after the start of the league year on March 11 and be designated as a post-June 1 transaction.
Hill dislocated a knee and tore an ACL in Week 4 and missed the remainder of the 2025 season. He turns 32 in March and is now a free agent for the first time in his 10-year career.
In a post on Instagram, Hill thanked the Dolphins, his teammates and the team’s fans. He also vowed that his career will continue.
“Miami, you have became my home. But, the journey doesn’t stop here… Every chapter in life has taught me something. This one taught me leadership, resilience, and mostly gratitude. The love I have for this game is unexplainable. And right now, this off season, for the first time ever, The Cheetah is all the way turned up and locked in. Focused.
“The Cheetah don’t slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what’s next… just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back…Born Again,” he wrote.
These moves reflect the Dolphins’ new direction under first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and will save the team roughly $23 million in 2026. That number increases to $30 million if Chubb’s release is immediate.
Miami traded a first-round pick, second-round pick, two fourth-round picks and a sixth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 to bring Hill to South Florida, and the Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $120 million extension. He instantly became the most productive receiver in the NFL, posting consecutive 1,700-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. That production tapered off in 2024, when he recorded 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns.
His four seasons in Miami were also mired by off-field issues, including multiple lawsuits and an incident in 2024 when he was dragged out of his vehicle by Miami-Dade police officers outside Hard Rock Stadium just hours before the Dolphins’ regular-season opener.
Months after trading for Hill, the Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Chubb and signed him to a five-year, $110 million extension. He posted his second-career double-digit-sack season with 11 in 2023 but suffered a significant injury in his right knee in Week 17, which included a torn ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon.
Chubb missed the entire 2024 season but returned with a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2025, playing all 17 games. He was a team captain and won the local media’s “Good Guy” award for his consistent availability and professionalism with the press.
Although his 10.5% pressure rate in 2025 was the third highest of his career, he was double-teamed on a career-high 23.1% of his pass rushes, which contributed to his career-low 7.8% pass rush win rate last season. He also represented a $31 million cap hit in 2026, turns 30 years old in June and has torn ACLs in both knees during his eight-year NFL career.
Daniels was the Dolphins’ biggest signing of the 2025 offseason when he received a three-year, $24 million deal. However, he suffered a pectoral injury just three snaps into the season opener and missed the remainder of the year.
Westbrook-Ikhine was also in his first season with Miami, signing a two-year, $5.99 million deal after scoring nine touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. His production for the Dolphins was limited, however, as he caught just 11 passes for 89 yards.
While the Dolphins have now begun their rebuilding process, a decision has still not been made regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who represents a $56 million cap hit in 2026 with $54 million in guaranteed salary.
The 2020 first-round pick was benched at the end of last season after throwing a career-high 15 interceptions in as many games. He signed a four-year, $212.1 million extension with Miami in 2024, marking the largest contract in franchise history. Sullivan has publicly stated multiple times that the Dolphins will look to add competition to their quarterbacks room but will prioritize team-building ahead of finding their next franchise quarterback.
The reigning world champion was the only one of American’s vaunted figure skating trio to put herself in contention for gold after the short program on Tuesday night. Liu landed a triple lutz-triple loop, the hardest combination that any woman attempted, and sat only two points back of leader Ami Nakai and right behind her Japanese teammate Kaori Sakamoto on the leaderboard.
“I am really happy about how I skated,” Liu said, “and my siblings, my best friends and a ton of my family is out there. And I saw them on the warmup. I also saw them during my program, so, I don’t know. It was a really cool moment, because they never come to watch like this. I’m really glad I did super well. I felt super grounded and I connected with my program on another level.”
Things didn’t go nearly as well for the rest of the American team Tuesday night.
Isabeau Levito was dinged for under-rotating her triple loop and got leveled down for her step sequence, which is where she tends to pick up points on the competition. It left her in eighth place and a long shot to climb her way onto the podium Thursday night.
Amber Glenn, the three-time reigning U.S. champion, was right in the medal mix until her final jump.
After landing a huge opening triple axel — Glenn and Nakai were the only ones in the women’s field to attempt the 3 1/2-revolution jump — she kept the momentum going with a triple flip-triple toe loop. But something seemed amiss as Glenn approached a triple loop, and she wound up bailing out of it. The resulting double loop became an invalid element and earned her no points.
The lost points on the jump, somewhere in the range of seven or eight, took away any chance of being a medal contender.
“I had it,” Glenn told her coach, Damon Allen, as she tried to hold back the tears stepping off the ice.
“It’s not over,” he replied, giving her a hug.
It certainly was not the way Glenn wanted to end a night that began with the euphoria of a message from Madonna, the “Queen of Pop.” Her song “Like a Prayer” serves as the soundtrack to Glenn’s free skate, and Madonna had seen a clip of the short program and sent a video to Glenn, telling her, “Go get that gold.”
Glenn already has one from the team event on the opening weekend of the Winter Games. Liu also has one from that event.
Now, it’s up to Liu if the Americans are going to bring home a medal from the individual competition.
She also can salvage what has been a largely frustrating Olympics for U.S. Figure Skating. While it won the team event, ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates were left with a bittersweet silver medal thanks in part to some questionable scoring by the French judge, while two-time world champion and Olympic favorite Ilia Malinin crashed out of the men’s free skate.
Liu has experience on this stage, having finished sixth at the 2022 Beijing Games. She also has a carefree attitude after going through a brief retirement, which allowed her to learn a whole lot about herself and put figure skating into perspective.
Liu was asked whether she thinks she can beat the Japanese on Thursday night.
“I don’t think about stuff like that,” she replied. “Whether I beat them or not is not my goal. My goal is just to do my programs and share my story and I don’t need to be over or under anyone to do that.”
Andreas Hale is a combat sports reporter at ESPN. Andreas covers MMA, boxing and pro wrestling. In Andreas’ free time, he plays video games, obsesses over music and is a White Sox and 49ers fan. He is also a host for Sirius XM’s Fight Nation. Before joining ESPN, Andreas was a senior writer at DAZN and Sporting News. He started his career as a music journalist for outlets including HipHopDX, The Grammys and Jay-Z’s Life+Times. He is also an NAACP Image Award-nominated filmmaker as a producer for the animated short film “Bridges” in 2024.
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Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will return to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly a decade when she faces fellow combat sports trailblazer Gina Carano on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, Most Valuable Promotions confirmed Tuesday to ESPN.
The blockbuster showdown between MMA legends will headline the first professional MMA event promoted by Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions and will be streamed live on Netflix.
Rousey and Carano will face each other at 145 pounds, and the fight will be professionally sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA and contested over five 5-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves, inside a hexagon cage.
“Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” Rousey said in a statement to ESPN. “And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion MVP as well as the biggest and baddest streamer on the planet Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more.”
Rousey (12-2) was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo in 2008 and was the first woman signed to the UFC after a stint in defunct MMA promotion Strikeforce as its last women’s bantamweight champion. She took the industry by storm, dominating the opposition upon her arrival in 2013 as the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion, and still holds the UFC record for successfully defending the title six consecutive times.
Rousey, 39, instantly became a star and ushered in an era of women mixed martial artists in the UFC. She ran roughshod over the opposition — behind her vaunted armbar finish — from her professional debut in 2011 to 2015, when 11 of her first 12 fights ended in the first round, with three consecutive opponents defeated in under a minute.
Rousey would eventually be dethroned by Holly Holm in a stunning upset in 2015 and lost again by knockout to Amanda Nunes in 2016, Rousey’s last MMA fight. She would later retire from MMA and embark on a successful career in WWE from 2018 to 2022, becoming a three-time world champion. She’s also a New York Times bestselling author and appeared in The Fast & the Furious and The Expendables movie franchises. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Ronda Rousey is a 1-of-1 athlete,” Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions said to ESPN. “What other female has sold 50,000-plus tickets to an event and generated millions of pay-per-views. She transcends combat sports and represents the greatness that every young athlete hopes to achieve. And her versus Gina Carano is the perfect combination to enthrall the masses and truly deliver a global night of MMA for all constituents.”
Carano (7-1) is widely recognized as a women’s MMA pioneer who enhanced the visibility of women in the sport as a competitor from 2006 to 2009. She faced Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s 145-pound title in 2009 and lost by TKO in her final MMA fight.
After her retirement, Carano, 43, transitioned into an acting career, and she has appeared in films such as “Haywire,” “Fast & Furious 6” and “Deadpool” as well as the TV series “The Mandalorian.” She has long teased a return to MMA and will end her 17-year retirement in a dream bout.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano said in a statement. “She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen. This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win, and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome. This is as much for Ronda and me as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community. What a time to be alive.”
Rousey vs. Carano will have a kickoff news conference March 5 at Intuit Dome. More MMA fights will be added to the card and announced at a later date.
“MVP has always been driven by disruption and delivering the biggest moments in combat sports on a global scale, and today we are officially bringing that energy to MMA for the first time,” Paul and Bidarian said. “Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are the two most formative figures in the history of women’s MMA; they are the icons who shattered the glass ceiling and helped build the foundation this sport stands on. MVP’s conviction in women’s boxing was driven by the success achieved by Ronda Rousey, who was the biggest star of the entire sport of MMA during her career. Following the unprecedented success of our boxing partnership, we are proving that MVP and Netflix can create blockbuster live events in multiple sports that engage fans across generations. This is what we do.”
During an interview on “SportsCenter” Tuesday afternoon, Rousey said that she had initially approached UFC president Dana White about the fight.
“I reached out to Dana and asked him if he would be interested in it, and it didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us here to today,” she said.
Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on following a comment made to him by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
Vinicius Jr had just given Real the lead when he was confronted by Prestianni, who pulled his shirt up over his mouth before saying something to the Madrid striker.
Vinicius Jr ran to speak to match referee Francois Letexier, who immediately stopped the game.
Following Vinicius Jr’s complaint, the referee responded by crossing his arms in front of his face, activating FIFA’s anti-racism protocol and temporarily stopping the match.
Image: Vinicius Jr speaks to referee Francois Letexier after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni appeared to make a comment towards him
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was seen trying to console a visibly upset Vinicius Jr and a member of the Benfica coaching staff was shown a red card during the lengthy stoppage.
After a number of discussions between players, coaches and the referee, play then resumed.
Real Madrid held on to win 1-0, with Mourinho also sent off for a separate incident, but there was a further short delay late in stoppage time when fans threw objects as Vinicius Jr was attempting to take a corner kick.
“Racists are, above all, cowards,” Vinicius Jr posted on his Instagram story post-match.
“They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.
“But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life and my family’s.
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose. I don’t like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a great victory and when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Prestianni has yet to comment on the incident.
Image: Benfica vs Real Madrid was delayed for 10 minutes after an incident involving Vinicius Jr and Gianluca Prestianni
Vinicius Jr’s team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime after the game: “I can’t comment too much as there is probably an ongoing investigation.
“What’s happened tonight is a disgrace to football. It’s overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal.
“Vini has been subjected to this a few times throughout his career, there’s no place for it in football or society. It’s disgusting.”
Benfica boss Mourinho also spoke to Amazon Prime, claiming Vinicius Jr incited the crowd and his players due to the manner of his celebration, but said he wanted to “be independent” on the incident as Vinicius Jr and Prestianni “told him different things”.
Mourinho said: “I told [Vinicius Jr] – when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person [Eusebio] in the history of this club was black.
“This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
Image: Referee Francois Letexier crosses his arms to activate the anti-racism protocol and temporarily stop the match
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa told Amazon Prime: “You have to ask Benfica’s players [about it].
“Everyone can see what happened with Prestianni, he put the shirt over his mouth. You have to ask him.
“What Vini said is not important, we need to fight against racism in football. We support Vini of course.”
On the objects thrown at Vinicius Jr, Alexander-Arnold said: “It’s a hostile environment, maybe they were upset with the way Vini celebrated. I don’t know what set them off like that. Like I said, hostile environment. We are used to it as a team. We take the win, go back home and play again.”
Vinicius Jnr has spoken out previously about repeated racist abuse he has suffered, saying in 2024 that he felt “less and less” like playing football because of the abuse. In that same year, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racially abusing him at a match in May 2023.
Meanwhile, five people were handed suspended prison sentences in 2025 for racially abusing Vinicius in an “unprecedented” ruling in Spain. The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s match against Real Valladolid in September 2022.
‘Shocking, disgraceful, upsetting’
Daily Mirror football journalist John Cross speaking on Back Pages Tonight:
“It’s truly shocking and disgraceful – completely upsetting. I can’t believe in 2026 that football hasn’t got a handle on this. Imagine if you are Vinicius Jnr – a genius and who has just scored an incredible goal.
“This should shine a light and shame football. Strong action must be taken against the perpetrators. In a World Cup year a strong message has to be sent out.”
ANTERSELVA, Italy — France came from last place to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time on Tuesday by less than 10 seconds from stunned world and defending champion Norway.
Sweden hung on for the bronze, less than a minute ahead of Germany.
World Cup champion Eric Perrot was France’s final leg skier. He missed two shots in his last standing shoot and was only seven seconds ahead of Norway’s Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen as they headed out to the ski tracks packed with fresh snow.
After nearly 80 minutes, Perrot led his team of Fabien Claude, Emilien Jacquelin and Quentin Fillon Maillet across the line first, 9.8 seconds ahead of Christiansen.
The French avenged the 2022 Olympics finish outside Beijing where Christiansen shot clean and beat Fillon Maillet home by 28 seconds.
“It is so big for me, for the whole team,” Perrot said. “The French biathlon team has for so many years pushed really hard to win the relay gold medal, and today we represent all those guys who pushed hard for it. I am so proud to be a part of this team.”
Perrot and Fillon Maillet won Olympic gold in the mixed relay on Feb. 8 with Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon. Perrot also won silver in the individual race; Fillon Maillet won gold in the sprint and Jacquelin won bronze in the pursuit.
Christiansen skied the fourth leg for the Norway team consisting of Martin Uldal, Johan-Olav Botn and Sturla Holm Laegreid. Christiansen and Laegreid were on the 2022 gold medal team in Beijing.
“Today our eyes were set on gold,” Laegreid said. “To get silver is almost like losing gold.”
Sebastian Samuelsson anchored Sweden’s team of Viktor Brandt, Jesper Nelin and Martin Ponsiluoma. Samuelsson and Nelin were relay gold medalists in 2018 at Pyeongchang. Ponsiluoma won gold in the pursuit race on Sunday.
The United States was fifth, 2 1/2 minutes off the pace.
The U.S. was 16th after Sean Doherty’s first leg, Maxime Germain and Paul Schommer slowly pulled the team forward and Campbell Wright in the last leg brought them from 11th to fifth.
The U.S. has never won an Olympic medal in biathlon but Wright gave the team hope after winning silver medals in the sprint and pursuit at last year’s world championships.
“As a men’s team, we’ve struggled a bit at these Olympics,” Wright said. “I’ve managed to get away with a few good results but the other guys have caught the worst end of bad luck. I’m really happy we can get fifth as a team here and everyone can kind of get a win before the Games finish.”
Things didn’t look promising for France at the start.
The team was 20th after the second shoot when Claude missed one target despite using three extra rounds and had to ski a penalty lap. He tagged off to Jacquelin, who moved the team up to fifth with only one miss out of 10 shots and then to first place by the time he tagged off to Fillon Maillet.
Sweden, Norway and France stayed together on the tracks and the range, taking turns at the front. But when Norway and Sweden missed one on the prone shoot on the last leg, Perrot shot clean and left in first place.
The women’s relay is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Rising heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma would welcome a fight with the best in the division, Oleksandr Usyk.
But Itauma, only 21 years old and already the No 1-ranked contender with the WBA and the WBO, doesn’t expect to get the chance to fight the great Ukrainian any time soon.
“I’d love to have the shot,” Itauma told Sky Sports. But he added: “There’s no need to fight me, why would Usyk fight me?
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“Obviously he’s got other people on the agenda. Not only that he’s got a whole list of people that, I guess, are in front of me. As in like Fabio Wardley, you’ve got [Agit] Kabayel. These guys I guess deserve the opportunity to fight for a world title.
“Obviously if the opportunity was presented to myself then I’d love to take it of course.”
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Itauma’s trainer, Ben Davison, says Itauma would take the fight with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk now, calling it a ‘win-win’
Tyson Fury’s return adds another dimension to the exciting heavyweight division. But similarly Itauma isn’t anticipating a fight with Fury in the near future.
“I don’t think Tyson would want to take that. I don’t know,” Itauma said.
“For example, he’s got a big fight with Anthony Joshua, as in that fight can still gross massively. He himself knows that there are a lot of other fights that he probably would be able to make more money off and they wouldn’t be as much of a fight. So it doesn’t really make sense for him.”
With his high world ranking Itauma should be in a frame to fight for a world championship this year. But he will have to wait for his opportunity.
“I’m in a predicament where obviously I’ve surpassed the British level and then the guys at the world level they don’t really want to fight me because why would they fight a 21-year-old? I’m stuck in a little bit of a predicament. We’ll see. It’s not really in my hands,” Itauma explained.
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British boxing legend Lennox Lewis believes Itauma is not ready to challenge for world titles and should wait until Usyk retires before stepping up
Even boxing the winner of May’s WBO heavyweight world title fight between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois could be complicated. Wardley and Itauma share a trainer in Ben Davison.
“If Daniel Dubois wins then that makes sense. Fabio Wardley’s obviously in the same gym as me so that would be a sticky predicament,” Itauma reflected.
“I think Fabio can do it. Fabio keeps surprising everyone anyway so if you write off Fabio he’ll end up smashing Dubois out anyway so it doesn’t really matter what you think.
“You don’t really know what to expect from Fabio. I’d probably say Fabio wins, to be honest.”
Though he didn’t entirely rule out a Wardley fight.
“Everything can make sense,” Itauma said, “it all makes sense, but as of right now I’ve got Jermaine Franklin.”
Itauma will box American contender Franklin on March 28 in Manchester. Franklin is a seasoned heavyweight who’s gone the distance with both Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. Most recently he handed a first professional defeat to Olympic medallist Ivan Dychko.
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Highlights of Itauma’s spectacular victory against Dillian Whyte in Riyadh. Coverage courtesy of DAZN and Queensberry Promotions
Franklin has had 149 rounds of action in his 26-bout professional career compared to Itauma, who has been taken just 26 rounds in his unbeaten, 13-bout career. In fact it’s been more than two years since an opponent has lasted more than two rounds with Itauma.
As well being dominant in his professional career to date, Itauma was a brilliant amateur boxer, who excelled at Junior and Youth level. Franklin on paper is the toughest fight of his boxing life.
“There you go. It’s an interesting fight,” the young Briton said.
“I think Jermaine Franklin’s a tougher fight than Dillian Whyte, to be honest. People don’t really see it that way because of what Dillian Whyte’s achieved.
“[Franklin] is tough, he’s durable, what’s question marks in my career he does very well. It’s a good fight, it almost seems perfect.”
Matt Bowen is a fantasy football and NFL writer for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2015, writes regularly for ESPN+ and spent multiple years on “NFL Matchup.” After graduating from the University of Iowa, Matt played safety in the NFL for St. Louis, Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo over seven seasons.
Multiple Authors
A few weeks ago, we ranked the NFL’s top 50 free agents available this offseason. Let’s take that same list of 50 stars — with a few small updates — and now pick out one perfect team fit for each player.
NFL free agencyunofficially opens at noon ET on March 9 with the negotiation window (when players can agree to terms), and it officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 11 (when players can actually be signed). Not all of these 50 players will be available; some will be re-signed or franchise-tagged. But the majority will indeed hit the open market and be looking for the best fit. Which landing spots would make the most sense?
Our suggested fits are mainly focused on team needs, scheme and potential future production, though we also factored each franchise’s salary cap situation. But remember that every team’s cap room will shift up and down before free agency as front offices restructure, cut and re-sign contracts. For some of these fits to work, teams might have to get creative.
Jump to a fit for the top-ranked: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL DL | LB | DB
Colts general manager Chris Ballard could make a splash move in landing the top free agent on our board. And Hendrickson would reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, his former coach in Cincinnati, to boost the pass rush opposite Laiatu Latu. In seven games last season with the Bengals, Hendrickson had four sacks — but his 17.5 sacks in 2024 ranked No. 1 in the league.
The Colts finished with 39 sacks last season, tied for 15th in the NFL. Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis. The Bears are a team to keep an eye on here, too.
All signs point to Pickens staying in Dallas after his breakout season in 2025 — and it could happen with the franchise tag. With his explosive-play ability (22 receptions of 20 or more yards), Pickens can win on the boundary as a three-level target opposite CeeDee Lamb, giving quarterback Dak Prescott two premier targets in coach Brian Schottenheimer’s system.
Linderbaum can follow coach John Harbaugh to New York. Given his movement traits, he would fit the Giants’ zone and gap schemes, and his 97.2% pass block win rate with the Ravens tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season. The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency … but let’s keep an eye on the Raiders here, as well. They could also use Linderbaum’s tone-setting mentality on the interior.
In Indianapolis, Jones can play as a facilitator in coach Shane Steichen’s offense, backed by a productive run game. While the timetable on his return from an Achilles injury is still uncertain, we know the fit works once Jones is cleared to play. Jones displayed more poise in 2025 with the Colts, and he threw with a much stronger sense of timing. His 64.1 QBR ranked eighth through Week 13.
Phillips was traded to the Eagles at the deadline, and they can try to re-sign him. With his 6-foot-5 frame and improved range in coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense, Phillips could continue to play as a disruptive pass rusher who can also set an edge to the run front. Over his five-year career, Phillips has accounted for 28 sacks and 150 pressures.
With the Titans in position to be active in free agency, I like Pierce in Tennessee under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Pierce has the vertical stretch ability to produce down the field and can play a volume role as a multilevel target for quarterback Cam Ward. Pierce averaged a league-best 21.3 yards per catch with the Colts in 2025.
The Jets are rebuilding again, and with ample cap room, bringing Hall back makes sense. With his dual-threat traits and home run ability, he can be the centerpiece of the offense under new coordinator Frank Reich. That system will lean on zone runs and using the backs in the pass game. Hall has 87 rushes of 10 or more yards over four seasons.
With needs across the offensive line, the Browns should target Walker, the top offensive tackle on our board. His pass block win rate of 93.8% with the Packers ranked 11th among 68 qualifying offensive tackles in 2025, and he should be viewed as an upgrade in Cleveland, as new coach Todd Monken rebuilds the front.
Oweh’s production in L.A. after being traded from the Ravens should keep him with the Chargers under new coordinator Chris O’Leary. He had 7.5 sacks with the Chargers in the regular season and added three in their wild-card loss to the Patriots. He’s an explosive rusher whom O’Leary can scheme for one-on-one matchups.
Elevating the offensive line in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud must be a priority for the Texans, and Smith would be an upgrade over free agent right tackle Trent Brown. Durability has been a concern for Smith, who just wrapped up his eighth season with the Colts, but he’s a drive blocker in the run game who can match power off the edges in pass pro.
Under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Franklin-Myers could be used as a versatile defender, playing as a nose or 5-technique in the base fronts while providing an interior rush out of sub-package personnel. He had 7.5 sacks and 23 pressures with the Broncos last season.
The Rams’ lack of speed in the secondary — which showed up in their NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks — must be addressed this offseason. Taylor, who had two interceptions with the Saints in 2025, would provide the Rams a versatile cover corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot. Chicago and Las Vegas are good fits, as well.
With veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner also hitting free agency, Walker could fill a need for the Commanders. After posting 128 tackles with the Packers last season, he has the traits to fit really well in Dan Quinn’s defense. Paired with Frankie Luvu, Walker could be set up on pressures, and he has the second-level speed to track the ball or close throwing windows. Washington would get younger and faster on defense with this move.
The Jets allowed 57 completions of 20 or more yards in 2025, seventh most in the league. Adding Woolen, a 6-foot-5 corner with high-end physical tools and speed, fits under coach Aaron Glenn’s defense. This unit wants to play man coverage, and Woolen has 12 interceptions and 36 pass breakups in his four-year career in Seattle. I also like the Commanders as a fit.
A return to Tampa Bay is clearly an option for Evans, but becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too. Under new coach Joe Brady, Evans could be that boundary X target for Allen and create matchups in the low red zone. I like the idea of Buffalo getting aggressive to add a proven and reliable target who had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign.
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Stephen A. calls on Bills president to improve Buffalo’s roster
Stephen A. Smith says new Bills president Brandon Beane needs to bolster the roster to give the Bills a chance at making the Super Bowl next season.
Watson, who had 64 tackles with the Chiefs in 2025, is scheme-versatile, and the Raiders could land one of the top corners in free agency with this move to upgrade the perimeter of their defense. He has the length to challenge in press and the route awareness to play top-down on the ball in zone.
With new leadership in Miami, the club could move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. New coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan know Willis well from their shared time in Green Bay, and Willis could slot in as the new starter under coordinator Bobby Slowik. Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses. Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.
The Super Bowl LX MVP can stay in Seattle after registering 417 total yards and four touchdowns in the Seahawks’ three postseason games. After Zach Charbonnetinjured an ACL in the divisional round, there is even more of a need to keep Walker, a slasher with big-play juice who can contribute to the pass game. His 33 rushes of 10 or more yards ranked sixth in the regular season.
Under Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd had a career-best five interceptions, taking one back for a score. That type of on-the-ball production at linebacker will garner interest in free agency, but I have Lloyd sticking with a Jacksonville unit that ranked top 10 in both scoring and run defense.
With the Commanders making the transition to new offensive coordinator David Blough, Likely could replace free agent Zach Ertz as the middle-of-the-field target for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Likely would bring more upside with his catch-and-run ability. A move player in the formation, Likely would also be schemed to create underneath one-on-ones. He had 27 catches for 301 yards and a touchdown with Baltimore last season.
The Raiders can add to their wide receivers room for new coach Klint Kubiak by signing Doubs. His ability to uncover and work the heavy traffic areas of the field would be great for anticipated top pick Fernando Mendoza. A reliable pass catcher, Doubs had 55 receptions for 724 yards with the Packers in 2025.
The Bucs had 37 sacks last season, which ranked 18th in the league. They need to address the edges of their pass rush, and while Mack might be seen a situational player for Todd Bowles’ defense, the defender can still create disruption and get home to the quarterback. An elbow injury forced Mack to sit out five of the Chargers’ games early in the 2025 season, yet he finished with 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures.
Pitts will have options in free agency after he set career highs for receptions (88) and touchdowns (five) in 2025, but I still see a strong fit if he stays put in Atlanta under new coach Kevin Stefanski. With heavily defined concepts, Stefanski can set up Pitts to attack open coverage voids off play-action and also create isolation matchups.
Etienne has the play speed to upgrade a Chiefs run game that ranked 25th last season (106.6 yards per game). And with his dual-threat ability as a pass catcher, Etienne would be schemed on screens and backfield releases in coach Andy Reid’s system. This is a move to add more juice and big-play ability to the Kansas City offense. Etienne’s 26 rushes of 10 or more yards with Jacksonville tied for 12th in the NFL last season.
With Geno Stone heading to free agency, the Bengals could look to Cook, a versatile safety for the Chiefs in 2025 who can play from depth or spin down to the front. The top-rated free agent at his position, I see Cook as an upgrade for a Bengals defense that allowed 233.8 passing yards per game last season (26th).
After trading multiple picks to acquire Shaheed during the season, re-signing the wide receiver makes sense for the Seahawks given his impact in multiple phases of the game. He can work the third level of the field as a vertical target for quarterback Sam Darnold, and he is a dynamic and fearless kick returner. Shaheed has 29 receptions of 20 or more yards in his four-year career.
The Ravens had only 30 sacks in 2025, the third fewest in the league, and defenders Kyle Van Noy and Dre’Mont Jones are free agents. Chaisson, who had a career-high 7.5 sacks with the Patriots last season, would fill a void off the edge as an explosive rusher, and he can drop as a coverage defender in coach Jesse Minter’s scheme.
The 49ers’ top WR in 2025 can use his 6-foot-3, 212-pound frame and route-running skills to make himself available to quarterback Bryce Young, especially in critical down-and-distance situations. Plus, with Jennings joining Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, the Panthers would have a versatile receiving group that can work every level of the field.
Williams returning to Dallas makes sense after he rushed for a career-high 1,201 yards in coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. With his explosive movement and north/south power, Williams can keep his role as the Cowboys’ lead back and contribute as a pass catcher for quarterback Dak Prescott.
New Titans coach Robert Saleh has a real need for edge rushers in his defense. Mafe (who could also be a good fit for the Bengals) can be schemed out of loaded fronts to see more one-on-ones, using his first-step quickness and great effort level to hit the quarterback. Mafe had two sacks and 33 pressures last season with Seattle.
Improving the interior of the offensive line is a must for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Seumalo can displace defenders in both zone and gap run concepts, plus he would keep the pocket firm in pass pro for quarterback Brock Purdy. The 10-year veteran has the foot quickness to redirect defenders and the body control to wrestle back against power rushers. Seumalo’s 97.3% pass rush win rate ranked second among 65 qualifying guards this season, and his 76.9% run block win rate checked in at fourth.
With safety Jalen Thompson entering free agency, the Cardinals might opt to sign Blankenship to play opposite Budda Baker. Blankenship was with current Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis in Philly during his rookie season, and he’s a fit for Arizona’s foundational two-high coverages. Blankenship also brings ball production (nine career interceptions).
The Raiders can upgrade their offensive line with Johnson. He’d play the left guard spot in Klint Kubiak’s system, using his mobility in the zone run game. Plus, Johnson’s youth and durability fit the rebuild in Las Vegas. He is just entering his prime playing years, with a 90.7% pass block win rate over his four-year career.
The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons‘ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.
McGovern is still in his prime, and the Bills can re-sign him as the centerpiece of the front in coach Joe Brady’s offense. McGovern is a steady blocker, and his 97.2% pass block win rate tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season.
If Zion Johnson leaves L.A., then Edwards could replace him. Edwards has played his best football as a pro over his past two seasons. He has excellent movement traits at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, and his 95% pass block win rate in 2025 ranked 12th among 65 qualifying guards. That’s a positive for a Chargers team that allowed 60 sacks, tied for the second most in the league.
With a need to add more playmakers in the secondary, the Giants should target Wright, who had five interceptions last season and returned one for a touchdown. Under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Wright can use his long 6-foot-4 frame and good instincts in Cover 2 and press-man.
The Lions had 16 sacks on third down last season (tied for 15th most in the league), so Detroit could add Bosa to elevate its sub-package pass rush. Bosa fits well opposite Aidan Hutchinson with his speed-to-power production and the effort level to clean up late in plays.
Austin Hooper is a free agent, and Hunter Henry in entering the final year of his contract. With Okonkwo and Henry on the field, the Patriots could create more matchups out of two-tight end sets. Plus, coordinator Josh McDaniels could game plan for Okonkwo’s versatility as a pass catcher on screens and crossers. Okonkwo caught 56 passes for 560 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Let’s give the Jets a slot receiver who displayed more vertical ability in 2025 with the Giants. While the Jets must address quarterback this offseason, Robinson could pair with Garrett Wilson to give them a receiving presence both inside and outside the numbers. With at least 92 receptions in each of his past two seasons, Robinson is a volume target who can work multiple levels.
Both of Chicago’s starting safeties (Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard III) are free agents, opening up some spots. In coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense, Curl can play as an interchangeable safety and improve the Bears’ run defense. And don’t be surprised if the team brings back Byard to join him, too.
Bitonio, 34, could opt for retirement, but if he plays in 2026, the Browns should re-sign the veteran guard on a short-term deal. He would bring much-needed experience back to the O-line in coach Todd Monken’s offense. Bitonio allowed only two sacks in 2025.
New coach Mike LaFleur could look at Mays in free agency because of his versatility along the front. While he does have some athletic limitations, Mays is a capable starter at 6-foot-6 and can play the center and guard positions. He had a 94.3% pass block win rate last season, which ranked 20th out of 31 qualifying centers.
In Pittsburgh, Brisker would replace Kyle Dugger under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Brisker can play over the top in Cover 2, and he would be a disruptive box defender in Graham’s single-high schemes. In four seasons with the Bears, Brisker had four interceptions, seven sacks and 14 pass breakups. The Steelers could also target a cornerback in free agency as they try to clean up the secondary.
With his ability to pressure and walk up into the front, Chenal would give defensive coordinator Al Golden more flexibility within his game plans. In four seasons, Chenal has recorded 193 total tackles, seven sacks and 28 pressures.
Dowdle would step in for free agent J.K. Dobbins to pair with RJ Harvey in Denver’s backfield. In this scenario, Dowdle would split touches with Harvey, and the former’s decisive, downhill running style works on the goal line in coach Sean Payton’s offense. Dowdle rushed for 1,076 yards last season, and he had 26 carries of 10 or more yards.
The Patriots could lose starting safety Jaylinn Hawkins to free agency, and Bryant is an upgrade. In coach Mike Vrabel’s defense, Bryant could play the post or match in split-field alignments. He’s also an urgent downhill defender in the alleys.
The Vikings have cap issues heading into free agency, but I really like the fit for Dean in coordinator Brian Flores’ defense. Dean is the league’s best blitzing linebacker, and he would join a system that led the NFL in blitz rate at 46.8%.
Given the uncertainty of running back Alvin Kamara‘s future in New Orleans, the team could bring in Gainwell. In coach Kellen Moore’s offense, Gainwell can be a change-of-pace runner, and he has the receiving traits to create numbers as an outlet for quarterback Tyler Shough. Gainwell caught a career-high 73 passes last season and was vital on third downs for Pittsburgh.
Lavonte David is a free agent, and coach Todd Bowles needs more from his inside linebackers. Anzalone is quick to key the run, and Bowles is one of the best at scheming his linebackers on pressure stunts. Tampa Bay can add another productive veteran on defense here. Anzalone had 2.5 sacks and eight pass breakups in Detroit last season.
The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Seahawks have multiple free agents that they want to retain and sign, and the team would also try to extend the contract of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Starting Tuesday, NFL teams can begin applying franchise or transition tags through March 3. However, there are enough Super Bowl tax costs for the Seahawks that now make using a franchise tag this offseason unlikely, sources told ESPN.
Walker rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and caught two passes for 26 yards in the 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, becoming the first running back to be named MVP since the Denver Broncos‘ Terrell Davis won the award in Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 season.
Walker is slated to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in March after playing the final year of his rookie contract with a salary cap number of just under $2.7 million. The projected cost of the franchise tag for running backs would be $14.5 million, while the transition tag would come at a cost of $11.7 million.
The Seahawks have only used the franchise tag twice in 16 seasons under general manager John Schneider.
Walker rushed for 1,027 yards on 221 attempts with five touchdowns in a backfield platoon with Zach Charbonnet this season, and Walker’s 33 rushes of 10 or more yards in the regular season ranked sixth. After Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the divisional round, Walker became the lead back and totaled 417 scrimmage yards to lead all players in the postseason.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson contributed to this report.
AMES, Iowa — Nate Heise hit a go-ahead 3-pointer and Tamin Lipsey came up with an offensive rebound in the final seconds to cap No. 6 Iowa State’s rally in a 70-67 victory over Big 12 leader and second-ranked Houston on Monday night.
Heise was 3 for 3 from 3-point range hours after sister Taylor Heise scored to help the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team beat Sweden 5-0 to reach the gold-medal game in Milan.
The Cyclones (23-3, 10-3) closed with a 17-4 run to take down a second top-10 team in three days. Iowa State topped No. 8 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday.
The Cougars (23-3, 11-2) had their six-game winning streak snapped and their conference lead was cut to a half-game over No. 4 Arizona heading into their matchup Saturday in Houston. Iowa State is third, a game behind Houston.
Heise hit the 3-pointer from the left corner with 1:17 to play to give the Cyclones a 69-67 lead. Houston had two chances to tie or take the lead, but was called for a shot-clock violation with 43 seconds to play, then Chris Cenac Jr., missed a shot with four seconds left.
Blake Buchanan was fouled after rebounding Cenac’s miss, but missed the front end of a one-and-one. Lipsey, though, got the offensive rebound, tapping the ball back to Joshua Jefferson, who was fouled with asecond left. Jefferson made his first free throw for the final margin.
Jefferson led Iowa State with 12 points. Heise had 11 and Buchanan had 10.
Kingston Flemings led Houston with 22 points. Emanuel Sharp had 16 points, all in the first half. Milos Uzan had 11 points.
Ryan Porteous is determined to return to the Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup in the USA.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who is currently playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, has not featured for his country since moving to the States.
Despite being a regular for Steve Clarke in Euro 2024 qualifying, the 13-time cap has only played once since being sent off in Scotland’s tournament opener against hosts Germany.
However, the former Hibernian and Watford player told Sky Sports he hopes to put things right after coming up against some big-name players in the USA…
Bouncing back from Munich nightmare
Image: Porteous was sent off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany
Porteous saw red at the end of the first half in Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany, following a foul in the box on Ilkay Gundogan.
He has played just once for his country since that moment. “It was always going to be difficult after the Euros,” he said.
“But after the first few months of maybe feeling sorry for myself a little bit, every training session, every gym session, every game, has always been, how can I get back into that squad? How can I force my way back into that squad?
“It’s always my goal. It’s always my drive to play for Scotland because it’s the pinnacle and there’s no better feeling in football.
Image: Porteous was sent off for his first-half tackle on Ilkay Gundogan
“That’s in the past now and it’s been a long time.
“I’ve played a lot of football matches since then and I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, to think, and to grow as a person and as a player.
“Every negative in life comes with a positive. Every mistake comes with a learning curve.
“It’s one of these things that happens in football. It was always a difficult one to take but me as a person, as a player, I’ve always had that drive and determination to bounce back from adversity.
“I’ve done that pretty well with the performances that I’ve had in the last six months. I just need to keep focusing on myself, keep working hard and just try and do the best I can.”
Praise for Scotland boss Clarke
Image: Porteous made his Scotland debut against Ukraine in 2022
All of Porteous’ 13 caps for Scotland have come under boss Clarke, who is Scotland’s most successful and longest-serving men’s head coach.
Clarke took over in 2019 and has managed the most matches of any boss, plus became the first to lead the team to three consecutive major finals: Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and this summer’s World Cup.
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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reflects on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and speaks about his future, with his current deal up in the summer
Despite not featuring for the 62-year-old recently, Porteous was full of praise for the national team boss.
“The gaffer switched to a back four [in World Cup qualifying] and again, he’s found ways to win games and qualify,” he said.
“He never takes the credit for it as well. He always gives it to the players, but I think it’s about time someone gives him a little bit of credit as well.
“He’s brilliant. He’s someone who has always had faith in me. He’s always stuck up for me when others haven’t. He’s always been that one guy that’s always been there for me throughout my career, and I’m due him a lot.”
Can MLS experience help at World Cup?
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Porteous explains his move to Los Angeles FC, playing in the MLS alongside Heung-Min Son and Hugo Lloris, plus facing Lionel Messi
After leaving Watford in 2025, Porteous moved to Los Angeles and had an impressive first campaign in the MLS.
“I wanted to try something new, something that not normally people do at my age,” he explained.
“I was at that stage of my career where it was either another move to the Championship, come back up the road, or try something different, and so far I’m loving it.
Image: Will Ferrell is part-owner of LAFC
“There are not a lot of people from Dalkeith that end up in Los Angeles, so the first few weeks were tough getting used to the heat.”
After his first season in the MLS, Porteous believes his time in the USA could help him impress for Scotland, if he is in the World Cup squad.
He added: “I think I’ll be used to the heat. I know Scotland have a fantastic set-up and the team managers that run the group will have them well-prepared.
“But yes, the heat is intense and playing against the South American lads a lot as well could play into my favour.
“You’re able to bring out your A-game because you know you’re going to be playing against top players.
“I was playing against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron, Thomas Muller, and will be coming up against [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez soon.
Image: Porteous made 13 appearances in the MLS last season
“It’s not as if it’s the stereotype of the league four or five years ago. These are world-class players that can still play.
“We’ve got Heung-Min Son, who at 32 years old could just be coming into the peak of his career. The standard and the levels of the games are extremely intense.
“These players have done everything in the game. To have a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris behind you too, someone who has won the World Cup, is fantastic. You always want to learn off of these people.
“The most impressive thing has been how good they are as people off the park. These are world-class players.”
A trio of Americans will be on the ice Tuesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics for the women’s figure skating short program.
Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito will compete against each other, with the top 24 skaters qualifying for the free skate on Thursday. In a preview of the event, NBC used Taylor Swift to narrate a video introducing “The Blade Angels: Three American showgirls on ice,” sharing stories about each American. Liu and Glenn already have a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games after Team USA won the figure skating team event.
The freestyle skiing men’s big air medal round begins with American Mac Forehand in prime position to medal. Four years ago in Beijing, Forehand finished 11th in the same event, but momentum is on his side after being first in the qualifying round.
A pair of American teenagers will compete in the women’s snowboard slopestyle: 16-year-olds Jessica Perlmutter and Lily Dhawornvej. They finished 10th and 11th, respectively, in qualifying.
Though the U.S. men’s hockey team won’t be in action — it automatically advanced after going unbeaten in the group stage — its opponent in the next round will be determined on Tuesday. The winner of No. 7 Sweden vs. No. 10 Latvia plays the U.S. in the last eight.
In 2027, the Super Bowl will air on ESPN for the first time in network history. The occasion will also mark the first Super Bowl on ABC since 2006.
Check out key facts about the 2027 Super Bowl on ESPN below:
When and where is the 2027 Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LXI will be played on Feb. 14, 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
How can fans watch?
The 2027 Super Bowl will air on ESPN with a simulcast on ABC. Additionally, the event will be streamed on the ESPN App and NFL+ on mobile. A ManningCast alternate broadcast will also be available.
Who will be in the broadcast booth?
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call their seventh Super Bowl together.
Who are the favorites to win Super Bowl LXI?
The Seattle Seahawks are the favorites to win Super Bowl LXI, at +950. Check out how the top five shake out on DraftKings, with odds subject to change:
What other content can fans look forward to in the year leading up to Super Bowl LXI?
The “I Scored a Touchdown” series will spotlight 61 NFL players who have scored in the biggest game of the year. Across ESPN properties, industry-leading storytelling will showcase football’s greatest stories, heroes, and moments ahead of the big game.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Dolphins released star receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, ending the All-Pro’s four-year tenure in Miami.
Hill, who turns 32 on March 1, is recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29 that required surgery to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
It is one of several major roster cuts the Dolphins made on Monday. Miami also cut offensive lineman James Daniels and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and will release two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with Kansas City ahead of the 2022 season and gave him a $120 million, four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid player at his position at the time.
His contract, which runs through 2026, would have represented around $51 million against Miami’s cap.
“These past few years have been some of the most meaningful of my life and career,” Hill said in an Instagram post Monday afternoon.
Hill had consecutive 1,700-yard receiving seasons in his first two years with Miami, including a league-leading 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. The five-time All-Pro entered the 2025 season aiming to regain that elite form after a relatively down year in 2024, when he had 81 catches for 959 yards — his lowest totals in both categories since 2019.
He had 21 receptions for 265 yards before he was hurt while making a catch in Miami’s Week 4 win against the Jets. Hill was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee twisted as he was getting pulled down. He was carted off the field and placed on season-ending injured reserve on Oct. 1.
Hill’s Dolphins tenure was characterized by tremendous production on the field coupled with numerous rocky moments off the field, including an altercation with police outside of Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the 2024 season opener, and pulling himself from that season’s finale and later indicating he wanted to play elsewhere.
In an October podcast interview, Hill, who has played 10 NFL seasons, said he was undecided on whether he plans to retire when he’s done rehabbing his injury, but on Monday he indicated on social media that he’s not done playing yet.
“The Cheetah don’t slow down. Ever,” Hill said in the post. “So to everyone wondering what’s next…just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back…Born Again.”
Chubb spent the past three seasons with the Dolphins after being traded to Miami from Denver in 2022.
He suffered a gruesome knee injury late in the 2023 season that required surgery to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament, meniscus and patellar tendon in his right knee and sidelined him all of 2024. Chubb had 11 sacks — the most he had in a season since getting 12 as a rookie in 2018 — in 2023 before the injury.
Last season, Chubb’s 8 1/2 sacks led the team. He represented a $31 million cap hit for 2026.
New general manager Jon Eric Sullivan, who was hired by the Dolphins last month along with head coach Jeff Hafley, was expected to begin making moves to overhaul Miami’s roster.
“We will move with responsible aggression here,” Sullivan said when the Dolphins introduced him on Jan 22. “We will utilize every avenue of player acquisition to bolster this roster.”
Sullivan still faces the question on whether to move on from 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched by former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel toward the end of last season because of poor play.
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024, but has since shown a decline in accuracy and mobility. Tagovailoa finished 2025 with 15 interceptions, second most in the NFL and a career high.
He is guaranteed $54 million for 2026, and the Dolphins would incur significant hits to the salary cap by releasing him. Cutting him would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges are split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.
Sullivan said last week at a fan event that he doesn’t know “what the future holds right now.”
“And I told Tua that,” Sullivan said. “We’re working through some things. What I can tell you is that we’re going to infuse competition into that room — whether Tua is part of the room, whether he’s not part of the room.”
Derek Carr has confirmed he is willing to unretire but said it will take a special circumstance to lure him back to the playing field.
“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said on the “Home Grown” podcast that he hosts with his brother David Carr in the most recent episode, which was published Thursday.
“Would I do it. Absolutely, I would. I told you two things: I have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do. That’s not easy,” he said.
Carr, 34, retired from the NFL in May with the New Orleans Saints saying the quarterback had a labral tear and “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.”
On the podcast, David Carr joked about how hard his brother is throwing now, indicating that Derek Carr’s health isn’t in question.
Because he retired with two years remaining on his contract with the Saints, any team that was interested in adding Carr would have to first work out trade compensation with New Orleans.
Carr threw for 2,145 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games in 2024, his last NFL season. A four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders, he has thrown for 41,245 yards with 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions in his career.
