The Chicago Bears are protecting what they built in 2025. Fresh off their first winning season since 2018, they took a massive step toward sustaining that momentum by locking up offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

The two sides agreed to a four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed, ESPN reported Tuesday. The extension is the most ever for a right tackle, and Wright has now secured the most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman in NFL history.

Wright was the No. 10 overall pick out of Tennessee in the 2023 NFL Draft and has quickly proven his worth. Coming off an All-Pro season, he has established himself as a core piece of the Bears rebuild under general manager Ryan Poles.

When Poles was hired by the Bears in 2022, he completely tore down the roster to rebuild from the ground up. To kick off his vision, he took Wright with his first draft selection as general manager. Now, Poles is rewarding Wright with a record-breaking extension.

Wright’s second-team All-Pro nod made him the first Bears offensive lineman to earn a spot on the All-Pro team in over a decade. Kyle Long was previously the last Chicago offensive lineman to earn that distinction during the 2014 season.

Wright was widely viewed as a top offensive tackle in 2025. His 81.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade last season ranked 14th among all tackles. His elite 85.6 run-blocking grade, which ranked sixth in the league, solidified him as a key building block for Ben Johnson’s offense.

Johnson’s offense was third in the league in rushing last season, averaging 144.47 yards per game and 19 total touchdowns. Wright was one of the big reasons the team was able to establish its dominance with running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.

With Wright now locked up for the long term, all eyes will shift to the development of star quarterback Caleb Williams and whether Johnson can keep their winning ways going into 2026. They open up the season traveling to Carolina to take on the Panthers in Week 1.

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The NASCAR 2027 Cup Series schedule is still a bit in flux as the fate of a return to Naval Base Coronado and a return after a one-year hiatus to the Chicago street course are still to be determined.

But considering tracks want to start selling tickets for 2027 and it’s important for fans to know the dates, tracks have started announcing their 2027 Cup events.

Here’s a list of Cup race dates that have been announced. 

Those with an asterisk (*) show tracks not announced but are traditional dates (Memorial Day, Labor Day) on the calendar.

2027 NASCAR Cup Series

Feb. 13: Clash at Daytona
Feb. 21: Daytona 500
Feb. 28: Atlanta
May 30: Charlotte*
July 18: Atlanta
Aug. 28: Daytona
Sept. 5: Darlington*

The Cup schedule will remain at 38 events. 

FOX Sports (FOX, FS1) will have the first 14 Cup events again, Prime will have the next five, followed by five on TNT and the final 14 on USA Sports (USA, NBC). 

This post will be updated as more tracks announce their 2027 dates.

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Not many positions have benefited from the NFL’s ever-growing salary cap more than wide receiver; just ask Zay Flowers and Chris Olave.

Flowers and Olave have each become two of the highest-paid wide receivers in the opening week of training camp. Flowers agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, which includes $108 million in guaranteed money. That deal came days after Olave agreed to a four-year, $124 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, as that deal includes $90 million in guaranteed money.

The deals for Flowers and Olave came after a busy offseason for wide receiver contracts as well. Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed an extension with the Seattle Seahawks that made him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history back in March. Alec Pearce, meanwhile, re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a four-year, $116 million deal just minutes into the start of free agency. 

In recent years, an annual salary of $30 million became the barometer for the best receivers in the NFL. But the elite players have received more than that. Ja’Marr Chase broke the $40 million threshold when he signed his extension with the Cincinnati Bengals last offseason.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 4, here are the highest annual salaries among NFL wide receivers, including Pierce’s reported contract with the Colts (data courtesy of Over the Cap):

Player	Annual Avg.	Total Value
Jaxon Smith-Njigba	$42.15 million	$168.6 million
Ja’Marr Chase	$40.25 million	$161 million
Drake London	$35.26 million	$141 million
Justin Jefferson	$35 million	$140 million
Zay Flowers	$35 million	$140 million
CeeDee Lamb	$34 million	$136 million
DK Metcalf	$33 million	$132 million
Garrett Wilson	$32.5 million	$130 million
A.J. Brown	$32 million	$96 million
Chris Olave	$31 million	$124 million
Amon-Ra St. Brown	$30 million	$120 million
Nico Collins	$30 million	$60 million
Brandon Aiyuk	$30 million	$120 million
Alec Pierce	$29 million	$116 million
Terry McLaurin	$29 million	$87 million
Tee Higgins	$28.75 million	$115 million
Jaylen Waddle	$28.25 million	$84.75 million
D.J. Moore	$27.5 million	$110 million
George Pickens	$27.3 million	$27.3 million
Jameson Williams	$26.7 million	$80 million
DeVonta Smith	$25 million	$75 million
Courtland Sutton	$23 million	$92 million
Christian Watson	$23 million	$92 million

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After an eventful offseason in the NFL, the real drama is about to resume. Pressure is everywhere, as star players are trying to get their respective teams over the hump, get their careers back on track, reach their potential, live up to big contracts, earn new ones and everything in between. 

So, with all of that considered, who’s under the most pressure ahead of the 2026 NFL season? We ranked 15 players who must deliver big this year.

Bucky Brooks: The departure of Micah Parsons left a huge hole in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense. Despite the team’s commitment to replace Parsons’ production, the unit misses the All-Pro’s sideline-to-sideline playmaking prowess. Overshown has shown flashes as a disruptive defender (see: five sacks, an interception, forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 2024 as a 12-game starter), but he has missed more games (32) than he has played (19) due to multiple knee injuries. 

As he enters the final year of his rookie deal, Overshown is trying to carve out a long-term role and ideally earn a contract extension by season’s end. Meanwhile, the Cowboys need all they can get from the fourth-year linebacker. They’ve missed the postseason two years in a row, and their beleaguered defense is the primary reason for it. A healthy and productive Overshown could change their fortunes. 

Brooks: The 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year has the unenviable task of replacing a future gold jacket playmaker with a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards and the single-season sack record. Verse not only steps into the role previously occupied by Myles Garrett, but he must anchor a defense that is transitioning under a new defensive coordinator. Given the lofty standards and expectations within the “Dawg Pound,” the third-year pro must provide a disruptive presence on the frontline to enable the defense to continue suffocating opponents. 

Moreover, Verse must deliver massive sack production to help compensate for the loss of a destructive force who posted eight straight seasons with at least 10 sacks. Considering the stellar performance and production of his predecessor, the Browns’ trade acquisition is on the hot seat to put up blockbuster numbers to justify the surprising trade. It’s a huge challenge for a player who has earned two Pro Bowl selections in his two seasons yet recorded just 12 career sacks.

Eric D. Williams: The fifth-year running back recently earned Super Bowl MVP honors with the Seahawks. Now he’s the potential X factor for his new team to get back to the big game. After signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the Chiefs, he will be counted on to serve as the bell-cow running back for an offense that has become a bit stale and whose all-world quarterback is coming back from a torn ACL. For years, Patrick Mahomes has compensated for Kansas City’s mediocre running game. In fact, the Chiefs haven’t had a single back eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in Mahomes’ eight seasons as a starter. 

The 31-year-old version of Mahomes will need more help, and Walker is more than capable of providing it. The bigger question is whether he can stay healthy. He struggled to stay on the field in Seattle, despite often sharing lead back duties. 

Brooks: The big-play specialist averaged 20-plus yards per catch in back-to-back seasons as the secondary option in the Indianapolis Colts’ passing game. With a promotion to the No. 1 role after Michael Pittman’s departure, Pierce must show that he can win against elite corners and double coverage tactics. 

Just as important, Pierce must validate the Colts’ $114 million commitment to a former WR2 transitioning to the featured playmaker spot. Although his position coach (Reggie Wayne) successfully made the transition when his Hall of Fame teammate (Marvin Harrison) retired, the student must apply his mentor’s lessons to handle his new role and responsibilities as a go-to guy with the Colts desperate to get back to the playoffs. 

Williams: Pickens has taken the high road in terms of his contract negotiations with the Cowboys, signing his franchise tender. So, he’ll make $27.3 million on a one-year deal for the upcoming season. 

But another strong season from Pickens could lead to an even greater payday, as evidenced by the recent extensions for Zay Flowers and Chris Olave. If Pickens matches the numbers he put up in a career year in 2025 (93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns), he should be looking at a long-term deal that pays him over $30 million annually while also potentially serving as the catalyst to a deep Cowboys playoff run. 

If Pickens falls well short of that, though, he could miss out on a major payday and might have to prove his worth again in 2027. 

Tua Tagovailoa (right) is competing with Michael Penix Jr. (left) for the Falcons’ starting quarterback job. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Brooks: If the former Pro Bowler cannot win a quarterback competition against a young, inexperienced passer with an extensive injury history, his days as a QB1 are over. Tagovailoa steps into a situation where he is surrounded by blue-chip talent on the perimeter, with a solid offensive line in front of him that will enable him to wheel and deal from the pocket. 

As a quick-rhythm thrower who perfectly matches Kevin Stefanski’s quarterback profile, the seventh-year pro has the requisite “3Ps” (play caller, playmakers and protectors) needed to play at a high level. Considering he has led the league in completion percentage (72.9% in 2024) and passing yards (4,624 in 2023) at various points of his career, Tagovailoa enters the “no-excuse” zone in Atlanta. 

Williams: Garrett finally got his wish in the blockbuster trade of this offseason, with Browns general manager Andrew Barry moving the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to a team built to win now in the Rams. Now, the expectation is the NFL’s all-time single-season sack leader will elevate a Rams defense that underperformed in the bright spotlight of the postseason.

Specifically, the Rams had trouble closing out offenses at the end of games. It was a surprise given that they finished the regular season tied for sixth in the league in sacks (47) and fifth in pressure rate (38%). But they finished with just one sack in three postseason games. Enter Garrett (and perhaps Aaron Donald?), who was brought in as the final piece for L.A.’s Super Bowl puzzle. 

Myles Garrett will be asked to be the Rams’ closer on defense in 2026. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

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Brooks: The two-time Pro Bowl selection has been lauded as a fringe top-five quarterback, but a résumé still void of a postseason win (and big moments in general) has critics questioning whether Herbert is a clutch performer capable of sparking a Super Bowl run. 

Despite his record-breaking success as a gunslinger during the regular season, including the most passing yards and completions in NFL history through the first five seasons of a career, the seventh-year pro has plenty to prove with a new offensive coordinator at the helm. Mike McDaniel not only brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a playcaller, but a quarterback-friendly scheme that transforms a simple game of “pitch-and-catch” into a pinball session that lights up the scoreboard. 

If Herbert is unable to lead the Chargers on an extended playoff run, the football world will continue to view him as a talented underachiever who gives off Cinderella vibes in the postseason. 

Williams: After getting traded to the team he preferred and a coach he respects in Mike Vrabel, there should be no need for Brown to partake in the theatrics that defined the end of his tenure in Philadelphia (see: reading a book in-game on the sidelines). It’s time for Brown to let his play do the talking in New England.

Brown’s playing with perhaps the best young quarterback in the game in Drake Maye. Moreover, the Patriots need Brown to play like a No. 1 receiver, particularly in the red zone where he should receive plenty of 1-on-1 matchups. New England has a much tougher schedule after a surprising run to the Super Bowl last season, and the addition of Brown should help add more explosive plays to this offense. 

Williams: The lightbulb seemed to turn on for Young in 2025 after struggles in his first two seasons, when he was benched for Andy Dalton after the Panthers took him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He led Carolina to the playoffs last season, helping the Panthers win the NFC South. 

Specifically, Young played clutch in critical moments of the game, as evidenced by leading the Panthers to six game-winning drives last season and pushing the Rams to the limit in a close playoff loss.

But Young has to continue improving if he’s going to command a long-term deal. The Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie deal for the 2027 season, but he’s not getting a big extension until he can prove he can play at a high level on a consistent basis. This year is the ultimate test. 

Brooks: After making a blockbuster trade to acquire Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jaguars are counting on their prized acquisition to make his mark in 2026 as a full-time cover corner and part-time offensive playmaker. Although Hunter flashed big-play potential as an offensive weapon as a rookie prior to his season-ending injury, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound dynamo is expected to step into the CB1 role this season to upgrade a turnover-obsessed defense with his ball-hawking presence. 

While questions persist about his athleticism and explosiveness after his ACL injury, the second-year pro must play like an elite defender and pass-catcher from Day 1 to silence the critics doubting his impact potential as a two-way pro.  

Williams: Just three years ago, Stroud posted one of the better rookie QB seasons en route to leading the Texans to a surprising postseason appearance (and victory). But the former No. 2 overall pick has failed to play to that level since, throwing just 39 touchdowns compared to 20 interceptions while taking 75 sacks (tied for sixth-most in the league).

That regression is why Houston didn’t sign him to an extension this offseason, something that seemed like a lock two years ago. During that charmed rookie season, Stroud threw for over 4,000 yards with 23 touchdown passes and just five interceptions, posting a 100.8 passer rating. The Texans have a championship-level defense but need Stroud to return to form to make a legitimate run at a title. 

‘Not sure’ C.J. Stroud is good enough, Packers under pressure, Cowboys Super Bowl contenders? | FTF

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Williams: Nacua would be wise to let his play do the talking as he heads into a contract year. The BYU product has been one of the best receivers in the league since entering the NFL as a fifth-round selection in the 2023 draft. However, immaturity and off-field issues led to Nacua checking himself into a holistic care facility this offseason.

McVay said Nacua’s situation has not risen to the level where he’s no longer in the Rams’ long-term plans. But the extension that seemed inevitable when last season concluded still has to be earned.

On the field, Nacua deserves to be paid among the top receivers in the league. But given the natural concerns surrounding his behavior coupled with how the Rams traditionally handle contract extensions, he will have to not only wait for a new contract but prove he’s good for it. 

Williams: After a disappointing 2025, the Ravens opted to move on from longtime head coach John Harbaugh, and Jackson had a say in who replaced him. Baltimore ultimately hired Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to replace Harbaugh, and he brought in 29-year-old Declan Doyle from the Chicago Bears to be the team’s offensive coordinator, which will undoubtedly bring a new approach to the Ravens.

Now, it’s up to Jackson to make it work.

Ravens’ Super Bowl window is ‘OPEN’, Myles Garrett & Rams ‘want Seattle’, Will Baker re-sign?

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The 29-year-old, two-time NFL MVP had an underwhelming season himself last year, in which he struggled to stay healthy and didn’t play to his elite potential when he was on the field. That led to the Ravens missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021, as questions about Jackson’s ability to perform in big moments continue to linger. 

And, oh yeah, Jackson is seeking a new deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the league. How’s that for pressure? 

Williams: A.J. Brown has been traded to New England, so there’s no excuse for bad vibes in Philadelphia. And although Hurts has his sixth offensive coordinator in seven seasons in Philadelphia with Sean Mannion, he must prove to doubters that he is an elite signal-caller in the league. 

Armed with one of the best offensive lines, one of the best runners in Saquon Barkley and a talented receiver room led by DeVonta Smith, along with some intriguing newcomers, Hurts has the weapons and system in place to create an explosive offense. Now he must go out and make it happen.   

Eagles offense a concern heading into 2026 season?

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Brooks: The rhetoric around the former Super Bowl MVP is alarming, given his individual success and the Eagles’ status as a perennial contender. Despite leading the franchise to a pair of Super Bowl appearances where he outplayed Patrick Mahomes in each contest, the Eagles’ sagging passing game with Brown as the featured playmaker has raised concerns about Hurts’ long-term effectiveness as a pocket passer. 

With his sixth playcaller in place since arriving in Philadelphia, Hurts must adapt to another system while dealing with outsized expectations from a fan base growing increasingly frustrated by the Eagles’ inconsistent offense. Hurts needs a strong 2026 campaign to silence the boo birds and naysayers — and perhaps save his head coach’s job, if not his own. Hurts has seen firsthand in Philly how this could all play out.

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To recap: Tarik Skubal is now a Dodger, Freddy Peralta is a Ray, Kevin Gausman is a Cub, Casey Mize is a Padre, Luke Weaver is a Pirate, Adley Rutschman is the Red Sox’s catcher, Luis Arraez is a Phillies infielder and … well, just take a look below for more. 

In this week’s post-deadline Power Rankings reshuffle, we’ll highlight every team’s biggest move or moves. 

(And you can find the winners and losers of the trade deadline here and our trade grades for the biggest moves here.)

The Angels got a lot worse at the deadline, which is … actually refreshing! This organization wasn’t ready to contend anytime soon and was in need of an overhaul. The infusion of nine prospects to the system — even if it meant parting with controllable pieces, including starter José Soriano and outfielder Jo Adell — was a necessary move. They now have a new top position player prospect in shortstop Arjun Nimmala, a top-50 prospect in baseball.

Pitcher José Soriano was one of a number of players the Angels moved at the deadline, a departure for the organization. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Remember when the A’s were 38-38? Me neither. They’ve lost 29 of their past 36 games and nothing really changed with their outlook at the deadline. Their biggest move was trading 2022 third-round pick Colby Thomas, a corner outfielder who has been a below replacement level player in his brief MLB tenure, for 2019 first-round pick Seth Johnson, a reliever from the Phillies who has also been a below replacement level big-league player. 

Much like the Athletics, this was a team that needed to sell but lacked the talented rentals to bring back impact pieces. They held onto controllable arms Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo and sold low on injured starter Kris Bubic — to, guess who, the Dodgers — after an All-Star season last year. Their biggest move was getting pitching prospect Lucas Braun as part of the Lane Thomas trade to Atlanta. 

This had a chance to be a bigger deadline for the Rockies, considering the interest in All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman and the lack of available outfielders for contending teams. But Goodman stayed, as did outfielders Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak, who reportedly signed a two-year extension amid the deadline chaos. 

The Rockies did trade outfielder Brenton Doyle and relievers Antonio Senzatela, Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen to add mostly arms to the farm system. 

The Rockies held on to Hunter Goodman despite plenty of interest in the All-Star catcher. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)

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The Giants weren’t able to move any of their long-term deals, but they did what they had to do, trading most of their rentals. Ramon Marquez (acquired in the Luis Arraez trade), Henry Lalane (acquired in the Heliot Ramos trade) and Miguel Mendez (acquired in the Robbie Ray trade) immediately become three of the best pitching prospects in the system, and it will be interesting to see if a change of scenery can unlock more out of former top prospect Marcelo Mayer. 

They needed to sell, and they did. The only surprise was that they held onto Luis Robert Jr., who maybe didn’t have the market we expected. Their returns were more quantity over quality, though infielder Jefferson Rojas — acquired in the Clay Holmes deal with the Cubs — immediately became their top prospect. 

The Mets also clearly think highly of shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, a 2023 second-round pick who’s mashing at High-A, as they acquired him straight up for one of the top relievers on the market in Luke Weaver. 

Huh? This was a confounding deadline for the Reds, who traded Nathaniel Lowe and Caleb Ferguson but held onto rentals Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson and Brock Burke. With as many contenders as there were out there in need of catching help, I have no idea how or why Stephenson in particular is still on the team. 

The Adley Rutschman era is over with unfulfilled promise and zero playoff wins. The O’s received a significant haul of prospects in dealing away their franchise catcher to a division rival — Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon are now two of their top arms on the farm.

It’s very possible they win that trade, but at what greater cost? It’s another year in which the fan base has to think toward the future instead of the present. Taylor Ward, Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells were also part of the deadline sale. 

After trading Tarik Skubal two days before the deadline, the Tigers were a fascinating team to watch to see what they did next. They were still within striking distance of a wild-card spot, so they could have gone either way — tear it down and look to the future, or convince the fan base that even after dealing Skubal there were still enough pieces in the rotation to contend. But by trading Casey Mize at the buzzer, while holding onto other pieces (including a rental in Gleyber Torres), this felt more like a half measure. 

When you’re a team withstanding an unexpectedly poor first half after coming two outs away from winning the World Series a year ago, you can understand the desire to thread the needle at the deadline. The Blue Jays did that arguably more than any other team, adding starters José Soriano, Spencer Arrighetti and Jameson Taillon and infielder Josh Smith while trading starter Kevin Gausman, outfielder Daulton Varsho and former closer Jeff Hoffman. 

The 2026 magic might have run out for a youthful St. Louis club. After losing each of their first five series to start the second half, the Cardinals traded Dustin May, JoJo Romero and Lars Nootbaar at the deadline. The deal with the Brewers netted two legit outfield prospects in Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale. 

This was not a deadline about capitalizing on unexpected success. A recent sweep of the Phillies, and moving just a couple games out of a playoff spot, didn’t cause the Marlins to change direction. They were light sellers, trading one of their best hitters this year in Liam Hicks and a starter in Braxton Garrett to look toward the future, but they held onto Sandy Alcantara. 

Perennial trade candidate Sandy Alcantara stayed put at the deadline despite the Marlins’ recent swoon. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images)

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What a difference a week makes. Last Tuesday, the Rangers were two games up in the division and seen as potential buyers. Then they lost six straight and basically sat out at the deadline. They did, at least, grab a couple relievers in Chase Silseth and Adam Macko, but it was quiet in Arlington. 

The Nationals have lost six straight and are unsurprisingly looking to the future after trading their best pitcher, Foster Griffin, to the Guardians and one of their top hitters, Luis Garcia Jr., to the Yankees. 

They needed an infusion of arms into the system, and that’s what they got. Some should quickly assist what is one of the worst bullpens in baseball. The trade for starter Connelly Early already looks like a big win.

A year after selling off every big piece in their bullpen, the Twins used this deadline to try to patch it back up by adding Jeff Hoffman and AJ Minter. 

They needed a right-handed bat and found one in Taylor Ward. They also traded from their excess of starting pitching and got Luis Castillo’s contract off the books in a deal with the White Sox, adding an intriguing catching prospect (Boston Smith) and a piece who can help their bullpen now (Seranthony Domínguez) in the process. Their deadline looks better when you consider how little the other AL West contenders did to improve. 

Seranthony Domínguez had 12 saves for the White Sox, but lost the closer role in late June. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)

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They’ve won 11 of 13, just swept the Rangers to move into first in the AL West … and got little help from the front office at the deadline to back up their strong start to the second half. The Astros picked up Daulton Varsho to help a lackluster Houston outfield, but they traded Spencer Arrighetti to get him when they could really use more, not less, starting pitching. 

The Guardians needed to add more pop to their lineup (who would have thought?), and the additions of Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe should do that. The more unexpected move was their trade for All-Star Foster Griffin, which adds depth to an already solid rotation. 

Relief pitching was the obvious area of need, and the Pirates completely rebuilt their bullpen by adding Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, Lake Bachar and Kirby Yates. The Weaver acquisition was one of the best moves any team made at the deadline. 

The Mets sent leverage reliever Luke Weaver, who’s having the best season of his career and is signed through next year, to Pittsburgh in a one-for-one swap. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

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I was all set to put Arizona in the top 10 … and then they snoozed at the deadline. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar could be a nice addition, but this was a disappointing deadline for the D-backs, who could have used both first base and pitching reinforcements and whose play to start the second half deserved more. 

With both the bats and the team heating up, GM AJ Preller managed to fix the biggest problem area of the club by acquiring starters Casey Mize and Robbie Ray. Whatever you think of Preller’s body of work, you have to give him credit for always finding a way to surprise at the deadline regardless of how depleted the farm system might be. 

The White Sox needed pitching help and got it, but I’m not a huge fan of the Luis Castillo trade. He has a 5.06 ERA, his strikeout rate is plummeting, and he has been a below replacement level pitcher on the year. I wish they would have added more of a sure upgrade to the rotation. We’ll see if Castillo can turn it around with a change of scenery. 

I liked the Huascar Brazoban addition for the bullpen, and Brenton Doyle provides more outfield depth. 

The 33-year-old Luis Castillo is having the worst season of his career and is owed $30 million through next season, not to mention a vesting option for 2028. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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This will be one of the most interesting teams to watch after the deadline. The addition of Luis Arraez gives the offense a needed boost and an element it has been missing, but he also completely reshuffles the defensive alignment. Surely that won’t be a problem, right? The additions of Brooks Raley and Caleb Kilian were important moves for the bullpen. 

The addition of three-time batting champion Luis Arraez is a boon for Philly’s offense but could be an issue for the reshuffled defense. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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It was a bit of an odd deadline for the Yankees, who didn’t address their needs at catcher or the bullpen but did manage to upgrade the offense with the additions of Luis Garcia Jr. and Heliot Ramos. Garcia might be the best bat moved at the deadline, but I’m still surprised Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, at the very least, isn’t on this team. 

“Adley Rutschman, Boston Red Sox catcher.” Imagine saying that when Alex Cora got fired in April. Or in May, when Boston was 23-33. Or in June, when Boston was 32-46. The Red Sox have won 28 of 33 games, and after sweeping the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, Craig Breslow went all-in at the deadline. 

Now, we wait to see if the Rutschman gamble was worth it. 

The Cubs needed pitching help across the board. How about Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett and Ryan Zeferjahn? That do anything for you? Jed Hoyer needed a big deadline if he wanted the Cubs to contend, and he delivered. 

The Braves failing to get an impact starter was one of the biggest swings and misses of the deadline. Lane Thomas, Tyler Mahle and Brent Suter might be useful pieces for them, but their start to the season deserved more than depth. They lose a spot on this list for their inaction. 

They raised the ceiling of the rotation by adding Freddy Peralta, acquired a useful bullpen arm in Tyler Wells, and while everyone was penciling in Luis Arraez as the logical bat to add, the Rays instead made an unexpected big swing to upgrade at catcher by trading for Liam Hicks. 

Don’t be surprised if we look back on that Hicks move as one of the biggest of the deadline. 

Freddy Peralta talks to the media after being acquired by the first-place Rays. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Dustin May, JoJo Romero and Antonio Senzatela will all help the Brewers. But none of those pitchers are Tarik Skubal (or even Casey Mize, Clay Holmes, Foster Griffin or José Soriano). That is worth remembering if they flame out in October again. 

The trade for Tarik Skubal has distracted a bit from the fact that the Dodgers have not been playing good ball. They’ve now lost six of their past eight games after running into the buzz saw that is the Red Sox over the weekend. 

But, who are we kidding? On Tuesday, Skubal will make his Dodgers’ debut, Blake Snell is throwing what will likely be his final rehab start, and Tyler Glasnow heads out on assignment. Also, lest we not forget, they have Ben Rortvedt again. 

It’s full speed ahead in L.A. 

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Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons is looking forward to returning to action, even more so against his former team.

Parsons told reporters that returning for Week 6 against the team that traded him to Green Bay, the Dallas Cowboys, on October 11 is “very realistic.”

“Me and the (medical) staff, we’ve got to get to the point where I’m feeling great and we say, ‘Micah, you’ll be in a really good phase,'” Parsons said on Tuesday. “Is it possible? Yes. I wouldn’t say it’s not possible. But, at the same time, in these next 10, 12 weeks from now on, we’ve got to do our part to make it possible. It’s not off the board, but we’ve got to put the work in.”

Parsons is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus sustained in Week 15 of last season. As a result, he opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If Parsons opens the regular season on the PUP list, he’ll be forced to miss the Packers’ first four games.

The Dallas Cowboys traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August 2025. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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Updated league rules allow players on the list to practice after two regular-season weeks, though Green Bay historically prefers a nine-month recovery window after surgery before clearing players for practice. That timeline points to a late September practice return.

“I wouldn’t say it’s not possible, but, at the same time, in these next 10 weeks — 10, 12 weeks from now on — we’ve got to do our part to make it possible,” Parsons said. “It’s not off the board, but we’ve got to put the work in.”

While Parsons has resumed straight-line running, he noted he still needs to clear hurdles such as changing directions. Before his injury, Green Bay was 9-3-1, and Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks and 64 quarterback pressures. The Packers didn’t win a game after Parsons’ season-ending injury. 

Addressing concerns about his recovery, Parsons urged observers to look past the short-term timeline. 

“People are worried about the knee; they should be worried about how I’m going to play when I get back,” Parsons said. “The anger, the frustration, the things that I’m going to have to let out because of how long it’s been since I played. So I think that’s what people should really worry about.”

Parsons, who missed training camp last year before being traded from Dallas to Green Bay shortly before the regular season, attributed his injury to physical overload. 

He went on to add how the experience has given him another opportunity to improve.

“I feel more stable. I feel stronger. I probably was blind to a lot of things that I probably should have been working on that I got a chance to correct and get stronger during this process,” Parsons said.

The Packers begin the season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13.

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Adley Rutschman was still adjusting less than 24 hours after being traded for the first time in his career.

Being in playoff contention may make for a smoother transition once the three-time All-Star catcher is ready to take the field for the Red Sox after spending his first four-plus seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.

“Just from playing here, the city loves baseball. It always has a great atmosphere and I’m excited to play in it,” Rutschman said Tuesday at Fenway Park before the Red Sox hosted the Chicago White Sox. “They’re playing the game the right way and doing things right. It was cool to watch from a distance. Now being here, like I said — just trying to fit in and help out any way I can.”

Rutschman joined his new club on the injured list with left wrist inflammation. He and Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said Rutschman would meet with the team’s medical staff to determine what’s next in his rehabilitation and how soon he could be back behind the plate.

Tracy said Rutschman is already swinging a bat and the Red Sox were hopeful to add him to their lineup soon. Boston also wasn’t about to rush the recovery of a player that cost it a handful of top prospects in a deal pulled off shortly before Monday’s trade deadline.

“It’s been feeling good. I’ve got to get with the medical staff here and kind of just see what the next steps are moving forward,” said Rutschman, who’s been on the IL since July 20. “I don’t exactly know just what kind of timeline and how all that goes.”

Rutschman moved from the Orioles, who were 12 games back in the AL East and on the fringes of the wild-card race entering Tuesday night, to the Red Sox, who were 5 1/2 games out of the division lead and in position for a wild card after winning 23 of their last 26 games.

The Orioles stopped Boston’s franchise record-tying winning streak at 15 games last month, but reaching the playoffs appeared less likely for Baltimore without Rutschman, the top overall pick in the 2019 draft.

“I played my entire career there and there’s been a lot of unbelievable memories. Just made a lot of great friends for life,” Rutschman said. “It’s tough goodbyes. But we’re on to the next thing. And excited to be here and playing. It’s all part of the game.”

Rutschman said part of his down time will include getting to know Boston’s pitchers, although there was already some familiarity.

“I’ve seen a lot of these guys pitch and faced them,” Rutschman said. “I kind of understand how they attack guys but I’m definitely going to have some more in-depth conversations, just make sure that we’re on the same page and it flows smoothly when we get out there.”

Whenever that is, Boston will be glad to have him.

“I think it’s a strong statement to the group with a player like that,” Tracy said. “We went out and got a huge addition to our lineup and behind the plate. So it means a lot. We’ll work through getting him healthy and getting him out there. But his history speaks for itself and who he is as a catcher and as an offensive player. So it’s a big add for us.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Newly acquired Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez is excited to be in Philadelphia and in a playoff race. He’s also grateful that two-time MVP Bryce Harper was willing to make a position switch.

“I was surprised, but I’m really excited to be here,” Arraez said Tuesday ahead of his Phillies debut.

A three-time batting champion and four-time All-Star, Arraez was slotted into the cleanup spot behind Harper for Tuesday night’s game against Washington. In 105 games with the San Francisco Giants this season, he batted an NL-best .324 with just 21 strikeouts in 464 plate appearances.

“I love to put the ball in play,” he said. “I hate strikeouts.”

Arraez’s acquisition for a pair of minor leaguers required Philadelphia to revamp its defensive lineup, most notably with Harper moving back to right field from first base. Harper last played the outfield on April 16, 2022, and moved to the infield after he suffered an elbow injury on a throw that led to Tommy John surgery. He consented to the switch to help the team, he said Monday.

“That’s a pro,” Arraez said of Harper. “A lot of respect from me.”

Interim manager Don Mattingly said that while Harper will need to ramp up to full arm strength, there are no issues with his throwing.

“No restrictions on how he plays,” Mattingly said.

Alec Bohm is moving from third base to first, and Bryson Stott will vacate second base for Arraez and shift to third.

“There may be some bumps and bruises with this, but these guys are baseball players and they’re going to be fine,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly considered batting Arraez in the leadoff spot but ultimately decided to put slugger Kyle Schwarber at the top of the lineup and Arraez in the cleanup role, which is not typical for a contact hitter. Arraez, who has four homers and 43 RBIs this season, said he doesn’t worry about where he bats in the order.

“I just want to go there and try to help the team,” he said.

The Giants were 17 games under .500 entering Tuesday, while Philadelphia is in position for an NL wild card.

“I can’t wait,” Arraez said.

But he won’t try to change his game, which is a throwback to a bygone era when there wasn’t such an emphasis on power.

“It’s not my game,” Arraez said. “If I change it, I’ll be in my house watching the guys play baseball.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The pads are on and players are getting paid across the league as NFL training camp rolls on and teams near their preseason openers.

Tuesday saw several contract extensions across the NFL, with three members of the 2023 draft class setting new benchmarks at their respective positions. And with the first bit of preseason action right around the corner, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers have each named their starting quarterbacks for Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game. 

Here’s all the news you need to know from Tuesday around the NFL. 

Bijan Robinson’s hold-in is over.

The star running back agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $75 million on Tuesday, with $51 million guaranteed.

Robinson’s average annual salary of $22.25 million makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, moving past Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million). 

Robinson becomes the second running back in NFL history guaranteed over $40 million, following rookie Jeremiyah Love’s fully guaranteed $53 million deal. Robinson’s $51 million guaranteed leads all veteran running back contracts, topping Barkley ($36 million) and Ashton Jeanty ($35.9 million).

The agreement establishes a new standard for top-tier running backs as Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues his own hold-in while seeking an extension. As Gibbs has arguably been better than Robinson for most of their respective careers, the Falcons running back might not hold the record for the highest-paid player in the history of the position for long. 

The Baltimore Ravens will sign wide receiver Zay Flowers to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with $108 million guaranteed. The agreement replaces Flowers’ 2027 fifth-year rookie option, which Baltimore exercised in April.

The $35 million average annual value ties Flowers with Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson for the fourth-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million), Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million), and Drake London ($35.26 million) hold higher average annual salaries. Flowers’ contract places his annual salary ahead of CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, and A.J. Brown.

Zay Flowers has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

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With Flowers and New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave each getting extensions over the last week, that only sets the bar for Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Puka Nacua to receive an extremely rich deal over the offseason. Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but isn’t expected to be extended before the start of the season. The extension for Flowers could also set the bar for what George Pickens might get next offseason after the Dallas Cowboys franchise tagged him this offseason.

Flowers set a Ravens single-season record for a wide receiver with 1,211 receiving yards in 2025. His receiving output represented 36.9% of Baltimore’s total receiving yards, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (44.1%) for the highest share in the league. 

Since entering the NFL in 2023, Flowers ranks third in receiving yards among his draft class with 3,128 yards, behind Nacua (4,191) and Smith-Njigba (3,551).

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright on a four-year, $116 million contract extension that includes $93 million guaranteed. The deal includes the most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman in NFL history, per NFL Network.

The former first-round selection locks in his long-term future in Chicago as the highest-paid right tackle in the league.

The Bears drafted Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft and has started 49 out of 51 games the past three seasons. Wright earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders reportedly took all first-team reps for the Cleveland Browns during training camp Tuesday. Sanders completed 21 of 25 passes with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions, per ESPN Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson reportedly completed 5 of 11 passes with no touchdowns or interceptions. Dillon Gabriel finished 4 of 7 with one interception. 

As the Browns’ quarterback competition heats up, Sanders gave a quote that instantly went viral when he was asked if he’s ever been in a quarterback competition. 

“Yeah, I have, me vs. myself,” Sanders replied. 

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was seen catching passes in an unconventional fashion at Tuesday’s practice. Lamb wore a net covering his helmet and facemask while catching passes from the Jugs machine during training camp. 

As Lamb is using unconventional ways to practice catching the ball, he’s also prioritizing his health ahead of the 2026 season. 

“For one, for me, it’s all about being healthy, being available for my team, because the last two years, that wasn’t the case,” Lamb told reporters on Sunday. “So, just overall health and being able to lead, and teach the younger guys and, overall, I gotta go be me – going out there, making plays, helping the guys, and scoring.” 

Lamb missed three games last season due to an ankle injury. 

Third-round rookie Carson Beck will start at quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in Thursday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers in Canton, Ohio, the team announced Monday

Jacoby Brissett and backup Gardner Minshew II are reportedly unlikely to play.

Carolina head coach Dave Canales confirmed Kenny Pickett will start the Hall of Fame Game for the Panthers. 

Pickett is reportedly expected to play a few series, with the rest of the work to be handled by undrafted rookie Haynes King.

 

• Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker reportedly sustained a lower leg injury during Tuesday’s practice. The Falcons’ initial fear is that Walker tore his ACL. Walker, reportedly, will have an MRI to confirm the injury.
• Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater reportedly had to enter the medical tent due to injury Tuesday. Slater later observed individual drills while holding his helmet as Trey Pipkins and Branson Taylor split repetitions at left tackle in his place.
• Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto limped off the field to the locker room during practice. Head coach Sean Payton said Bonitto will “be fine” and provided no further update.
• Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette was reportedly carted off the field with a stinger injury Tuesday. However, Panthers head coach Dave Canales later said that Legette didn’t suffer a concussion and would be OK.
• The Steelers hosted veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins for a tryout on Tuesday.

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James Cook treats carrying the football the same way he answers questions about his past accomplishments.

The Buffalo Bills running back does both by solely looking forward.

So there was no point in asking Cook to reflect on last year, when he used a brief training camp hold-in as leverage to get a new contract, and then proved his worth by leading the NFL with 1,621 yards rushing.

“I don’t like to talk about last year, because last year is in the past. This year is a new year,” Cook said last week. “Put last year behind me, and just come out here to do it again.”

That would be difficult for anyone, given that only two players since 2001 have won consecutive NFL rushing titles — Derrick Henry (2019-20) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006-07).

Propelling the 26-year-old Cook’s belief entering his fifth season are a healthy dose of self-confidence, an offensive line that remains mostly intact and newly promoted head coach Joe Brady’s offensive scheme.

Despite Josh Allen’s strong arm and improvisational skills, the Bills split rushing and passing attempts evenly during Brady’s two-plus seasons as offensive coordinator. Brady sees no reason to change course or to reduce Cook’s workload this year.

“I expect James Cook to take another step this year in different elements of his game and continue to be the workhorse as a runner,” Brady said.

“And he wants it, right?” he added. “He had such an incredible season last year. And without diving into exactly what, this is what I told him: He has got to get better. We can’t take steps backwards.”

Cook’s power and elusiveness were on display in practice Tuesday, Buffalo’s first full day in pads.

On the first team drill, Cook took a handoff and burst through a hole on the left side for what would have been a 5-yard gain, and then sprung back up off the ground and kept running. A few minutes later, on a sweep to the right, Cook turned the corner and lowered his shoulder pad directly into the midsection of safety Cole Bishop.

“It’s a new year, and he going to do the same thing that he did last year, having that intensity,” Bishop said.

Cook led the NFL last season with nine games of 100 yards rushing or more, and his 12 rushing TDs were fourth in the league. He had a career-high 309 carries and averaged a career-best 5.2 yards per attempt, which tied for second in the NFL.

His only blemish has been ball security. He lost four of seven fumbles, including one at the Denver 30 in a 33-30 overtime loss in a divisional-round playoff game.

Brady made a point to remind Cook about protecting the ball after the running back lost a fumble early in camp.

“I fumbled. So I just got to fix it,” Cook said. “The ball is everybody’s job, and that’s my job. I’m willing to protect it.”

Make no mistake, Cook thrives on challenges.

He did so last year by withholding his services before eventually landing a four-year, $48 million contract.

“I wouldn’t say stress. I wasn’t stressing,” Cook said.

His calm approach to the contract dispute, and how he performed after signing the deal, impressed his teammates.

“I learned that he is very explosive, and he’s the man, and he takes care of business on the field and off the field,” running back Ray Davis said. “He’s going to continue to excel in that way and prove that he earned every dollar.”

Cook has his sights set higher this year, for himself and the Bills.

“I’m looking forward to doing even bigger things. So whatever that is, I’m willing to do it,” he said.

Buffalo has underperformed in the playoffs. The Bills are the NFL’s first team to win a playoff game in six straight postseason appearances without reaching a Super Bowl.

“It’s on us. The ball is in our hands,” Cook said. “We control our own destiny. So whatever we do is on us. Eventually, it’s going to happen.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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