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Tarik Skubal is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But the Dodgers are reeling.

Following a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon, the Dodgers have now lost six consecutive games. They also lost Skubal’s debut in Dodger blue on Tuesday night and are going through their longest losing streak of the season.

Furthermore, the Dodgers (69-46) have lost 15 of their last 25 games and have been knocked off the pedestal by the Milwaukee Brewers (70-43) for the best record in both the National League and MLB altogether.

What gives?

Colin Cowherd, for one, thinks this dry spell is exposing the Dodgers as a flawed club.

“Stop staring at the paint job. Look under the hood: the Dodgers are a mess,” Cowherd asserted on Wednesday’s edition of “The Herd.” “The Skubal acquisition was much more life-raft than adding a helipad to the yacht. … The Dodgers have bullpen issues and age issues.”

As for some of the struggling bats, star shortstop Mookie Betts is having arguably the worst offensive year of his MLB career. He entered the team’s Wednesday afternoon game against the Cubs with a .223/.280/.390 slash line.

Right fielder Kyle Tucker, who the Dodgers signed to a four-year, $240 million deal in the offseason, entered Wednesday with a career-low in batting average (.243), slugging percentage (.381) and OPS+ (101); center fielder Andy Pages — who blasted 10 home runs, drove in 39 runs and boasted a .304/.357/.530 slash line over his first 46 games this season — entered the day with a .245/.318/.405 slash line over his last 67 games.

Over the last 30 days, the Dodgers are 20th in MLB in runs (93), tied for 21st in on-base percentage (.306), tied for 17th in home runs (26), tied for 15th in slugging percentage (.399) and 12th outright in hits (196).

Meanwhile, on the rotation front, left-hander Blake Snell has made one start this season due to shoulder and elbow injuries; right-hander Tyler Glasnow has been limited to seven starts due to a back injury; second-year starter Roki Sasaki has struggled to turn a corner, finding difficulty in finishing off hitters and sporting a 4.64 ERA and an 89 ERA+.

Dodgers Related Stories

In the bullpen, closer Edwin Díaz, whom the Dodgers signed to a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, recently returned from a roughly three-month absence due to elbow surgery; as a collective, Los Angeles is 16th in the sport in bullpen ERA (4.08) and has blown 16 save opportunities.

“This team is winning on the margins the last two years, and now they’re broken,” Cowherd said.

As for their championship success in recent memory, the Dodgers were just the third seed in the NL playoffs last season. They trailed the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 in the World Series and 4-2 in the eighth inning of Game Seven before pulling off the series comeback. 

Still, Los Angeles is seeking to become the first MLB team to three-peat as World Series champions since the New York Yankees did so from 1998-2000.

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Aaron Judge has been cleared to begin light workout activity, and the New York Yankees captain said he will return this season from the rib injury that’s sidelined him since May 31.

“Oh, I’ll be back this season. I don’t know why I wouldn’t be,” the three-time AL MVP said Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. “That was always the plan to come back — sooner than later, definitely. But I never had a thought of not playing this year.”

Judge was on the field in baseball gear Wednesday afternoon, stretching, jogging and doing shuffle slides with a resistance band. He was given the green light to take a step forward in his recovery progression after undergoing his latest scan Tuesday.

“Better news. Healing up. So, you get a chance to progress a little bit, do some running, do some more upper-body stuff, and kind of progress towards getting back out on the field and swinging it,” he said. “I wish it was completely healed and the fracture was gone and start playing tomorrow, but that’s not the case. But, great step forward.”

It will still be a while before Judge is back in the lineup. He must first advance to taking swings, and it remains unclear when that could occur.

“I think that’s going to be the ultimate test, is hitting,” Judge said. “That’s the most violent of it all, I think, more than running or lifting and stuff like that. So, once we keep progressing, everything’s feeling great, then we take another scan, see where it’s at and hopefully add in hitting and throwing and all that down the road.”

Neither he nor Yankees manager Aaron Boone offered a target date for the outfielder’s return.

“I’ve got nothing for you on that yet. I just got the scan yesterday and the minute they said all right, we’re going to start running, I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you outside.’ So, I kind of forced them on that one,” Judge said.

“But, no, hopefully whenever we get a game plan, you guys will be somewhere on the list,” the slugger added, drawing laughs from reporters. “Not the top.”

Judge is on the 60-day injured list with a stress fracture of his right rib. He is hitting .248 with 17 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .907 OPS this year, but he had just one homer in his last 18 games before going on the IL.

“It was great being on the field, great being back out there,” he said. “I’ve been with the guys as much as I can, especially on the road or here in the dugout. But to actually feel like a little bit of a player felt great.”

Going into Wednesday night’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Yankees (64-50) were 28-27 since Judge last played — although their offense has been one of the worst in the majors during that stretch.

New York also has been without designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton since April 25 because of a right calf strain and All-Star left fielder Cody Bellinger since July 26 due to a left hamstring strain.

Looking to boost their lineup, the Yankees acquired first baseman Luis García Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. They entered Wednesday night trailing first-place Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East and holding the league’s top wild card.

“I’ve got a broken rib, so you’re going to feel it. But it’s healing up. So that’s the progress we want see so we can start doing some more and kind of testing and see where we’re at,” Judge said. “Because we’re running out of days. I know we’ve got 52 days left, 53 days left, so, got to get back out there.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The pads are on at training camp for all 32 teams across the NFL, but transactions continue to dominate the headlines early on in practice season. 

Wednesday gave us another update in Aaron Donald’s potential return to football, with the most recent bit of news suggesting that he might be on the precipice of rejoining the Los Angeles Rams. Elsewhere, Stefon Diggs found his next professional home after being a free agent for the last few months, and the Detroit Lions general manager provided some insight on extension negotiations with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. 

Here are all the headlines you need to know from Wednesday around the NFL. 

Two years after walking away from the game, Aaron Donald might be ready to put the pads back on. The former All-Pro defensive tackle officially worked out with the Los Angeles Rams Wednesday, per the NFL Wire. 

Donald wanted to do a workout in a football helmet, even though he did not wear pads during it, according to ESPN. He ended up using the Rams’ team equipment at their facility during training camp, requiring them to report his activity to the NFL.

A league source recently told our Erc D. Williams that Donald was leaning toward returning. However, Los Angeles hasn’t given Donald a date he has to make a decision. 

If Donald unretires, he’ll join arguably the most talented defense in the NFL. The defensive line already features two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford to go with a secondary that has cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders. 

Diggs spent last season with the New England Patriots, recording 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games during their Super Bowl run. 

The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who was a key contributor during New England’s run to the Super Bowl last season, provides Daniels and the Commanders with another target out wide along with Terry McLaurin.

Prior to the signing, Washington needed another receiver following the departure of Deebo Samuel, who recently rejoined the San Francisco 49ers. There was some speculation that the team could go after 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk if he became available. 

Now, Washington has some stability after McLaurin in a wide receiver room that includes Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and third-round rookie Antonio Williams. 

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to the practice field in a limited capacity Wednesday, participating in padded practice drills for the first time since December 2024. 

Dell missed the entire 2025 season after sustaining multiple torn knee ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in late 2024. He ran routes and caught passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud during individual work Wednesday.

Jordan Love vs. Jared Goff, How much pressure is on C.J. Stroud and the Texans this season? | FTF

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Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said his recovery plan is unchanged and he expects Dell to continue his program as scheduled.

Dell has totals of 1,376 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over 25 career games as he formed a strong connection with Stroud in their rookie seasons back in 2023. 

When Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson reset the running back market with his historic extension, he didn’t just secure his own future, but he started a ticking clock in Detroit. Now, all eyes turn to Jahmyr Gibbs and his potential extension with the Lions.

Speaking with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday, Lions general manager Brad Holmes gave an update on where negotiations stand with Gibbs.

“We love Jahmyr,” Holmes said. “Me and Dan [Quinn] have always been believers in that one-two punch. I just think that’s kind of how the league is going now and we’re having dialogue. We’ll see where it goes.”

Gibbs has been one of the NFL’s premier playmakers since coming into the league. Despite sharing a workload in Detroit’s backfield, he has compiled 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns, while adding 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and another 10 scores through the air.

Robinson’s three-year, $75 million deal gives both sides a baseline for negotiations. That contract made Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history, a title Gibbs could soon claim. 

Whether Gibbs receives a similar payout remains to be seen, but as long as his camp hold-in continues, all pressure rests on the Lions front office.

49ers Injury Bug Continues During Training Camp

The San Francisco 49ers’ injury bug continues to bite during training camp this year. On Wednesday, the team was missing over 20% of its roster, with plenty of key faces not suiting up for practice, per The Athletic.

Several key players have been added to the injury report, according to ESPN. Nick Bosa and Dre Greenlaw are dealing with soreness, Kyle Juszczyk has a broken finger, Jacob Cowing is managing a hip flexor strain and Carver Willis is in concussion protocol.

Brett Toth is dealing with an undisclosed injury, while head coach Kyle Shanahan remains limited as he works his way back to the sidelines full-time.

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Aaron Donald formally worked out with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, presumably taking one of the final steps before the superstar defensive tackle decides whether to end his 2 1/2-year retirement.

The 35-year-old Donald participated in a hosted workout with the Rams, according to the league’s official transaction wire, which records such workouts with free agents before their possible signings to NFL rosters.

Donald has been working out at the Rams’ Woodland Hills training complex and at home for several weeks in his attempt to return to NFL shape. While the Rams have emphasized their willingness to wait indefinitely for Donald to decide, coach Sean McVay has expressed cautious optimism in the past week about the prospect of lining up Donald and Myles Garrett together this season on a remarkable defensive line.

“If there’s an arrow, it’s trending upwards,” McVay said last Friday.

McVay indicated that the Rams didn’t expect a decision until after they wrap up training camp at Loyola Marymount University this week. The Rams are planning to reconvene in Woodland Hills on Saturday for their first post-camp practice.

Donald retired somewhat abruptly in March 2024 following a decorated 10-year career spent entirely with the Rams. He won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times along with eight All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship ring.

Donald apparently began to entertain the idea of a comeback early last month after the Rams traded for Garrett, one of Donald’s few contemporary peers. The 30-year-old Garrett won two of the last three Defensive Player of the Year awards in Cleveland, where he received five All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl selections, along with setting the NFL’s single-season sacks record last year.

“If he’s here, I’m going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime,” Garrett said last week. “I think we’re going to do great things.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The National Women’s Soccer League will kick off its season earlier than ever before next year to work around the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman gave a wide-ranging midseason State of the League address Wednesday during which she discussed next season’s schedule, the impact of the men’s World Cup and other topics impacting the league.

The league’s 15th season will open on Feb. 11, more than a month earlier than this season. The annual Challenge Cup match will be played on Feb. 6. The NWSL will pause from June 24 to July 25 during the Women’s World Cup as many of the league’s players will be on national teams that qualify for the tournament. The playoffs will start on Nov. 5 and the league championship will be played on Nov. 20.

“We know that major tournaments inspire millions of people to follow the sport, and our schedule allows us to be part of the lead-in and the lead-out of that big moment,” Berman said.

The league is intentionally launching the season during Super Bowl weekend and will be “working closely with ESPN to make sure that the NWSL is woven into the weekend stories, and we’re very excited about that,” Berman said. ABC/ESPN is a broadcast partner of the NWSL, and ABC is broadcasting the 2027 Super Bowl.

Photo by Zhu Wei/Xinhua via Getty Images

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There has been speculation the NWSL may at some point shift to a season that would align with its international counterparts, although the players’ union has objected to such a move and the league will remain on a spring to fall schedule through at least 2030.

The men’s domestic league, Major League Soccer, will shift its season to a summer to spring calendar next year. Berman said the MLS move presents both benefits and challenges because many teams share stadiums.

“Right now, being on a spring to fall footprint with MLS, we both have our playoffs at the same time, and what that means is that there are holds across lots of dates with uncertainty,” she said. “With us being on different calendars, that’s no longer going to be the case. We’re going to have visibility into weeks that might otherwise have been reserved but not confirmed, and that will be helpful.”

Berman said the league appears to be benefiting from the so-called World Cup bump, with increased viewership and engagement following the men’s tournament this summer. The league’s “Summer of Soccer” event tour and marketing campaign aimed to capitalize on the men’s tournament to boost the NWSL’s profile.

Berman touted the campaign for growth on social media platforms Instagram and YouTube. The league had nearly 40 million impressions on social media with the Summer of Soccer tour hashtag, #NWSLOnTour.”

Average attendance to date is 11,174 per game, the second-highest behind 2024, which had an average of 11,249.

“We’re close to beating that, and we hope we’ll have a strong second half of the season, where we can celebrate this being our highest-attended year on an average basis,” Berman said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Does Texas quarterback Arch Manning have what it takes to be college football’s top signal-caller this season, especially after his performance last year? 

Manning committed to Texas as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class and sat behind former starting quarterback Quinn Ewers for a year in 2024, with a few starts early in the season. When Manning was handed the keys as their starter last season, the expectations didn’t seem to be met right away. 

FOX Sports’ Matt Leinart joined First Things First to talk about Manning’s future with the Longhorns and why he’s capable of being one of the sport’s top quarterbacks. 

“He started off pretty slow last year, but as the season went on, he was really good,” Leinart said. “He’s built the right way. I actually kind of feel like there’s less pressure on him this year … He has all of what you want in a quarterback, and it’s not just the last name and the pedigree.”

Manning threw an interception in each of his first three starts last season and had under a 60% completion rate in three of his first four starts. However, things seemed to click for him after the Longhorns’ convincing 26-3 win over then-No. 6 Oklahoma in Week 6.

The Longhorns finished 7-1 in their final eight games of the season with Manning throwing 14 touchdown passes, two interceptions and rushing for five touchdowns down the stretch. Now the expectations are back for Manning as he heads into his second full season as the starter, especially after being tabbed as a Heisman frontrunner early. 

In a college football season that features returning quarterbacks like Oregon’s Dante Moore, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, the playing field to be the best is nothing but competitive. 

The Longhorns also face a strong SEC slate, which includes road contests at LSU, Texas A&M and Tennessee, with Ole Miss and Ohio State at home. After missing the College Football Playoff last season, Manning and the Longhorns are looking to make a return with a talented roster featuring edge rusher Colin Simmons, transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman, and transfer running back Hollywood Smothers.

Texas opens the 2026 season against Texas State at home on Sept. 5. 

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The hope for every NFL team ahead of each season always comes down to one truth: the belief that they have a player (or players) who will finally exceed their expectations. Someone, they think, is about to become a star. And they believe the whole team will be carried along for the ride.

So who’s primed to break out in 2026? Some are familiar names. Some have flown way under the radar.

Here are 16 breakout candidates — one for each NFC team.

NFC EAST

His career has been a disaster of injuries, from a torn ACL keeping him out as a rookie to another one prematurely ending his second season and ruining his third. But in between, Overshown did have five sacks in 13 games in 2024, where he showed off his speed and explosive playmaking ability. Presumably healthy now, the 6-2, 220-pound linebacker could be a star on a Dallas defense that needs one with Micah Parsons now long gone, especially with a rebuilt defensive line playing in front of him. Overshown has the sideline-to-sideline skills the Cowboys have been lacking of late.

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There were huge expectations for the No. 3 overall pick of last year’s draft, but his headline numbers didn’t match them. He didn’t have his first full sack until Week 13 and finished with just four overall. But buried behind that disappointing total were 23 quarterback hits and, according to PFF, 66 quarterback pressures, which led all rookies. Those are huge numbers, which indicate there’s a lot more to come. He still has fellow pass-rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux to draw attention, and a new defensive coordinator in Dennard Wilson to presumably find better ways to use him. Double digits in sacks wouldn’t be a shock for Carter.

When Howie Roseman traded fifth- and sixth-round picks for Wicks this offseason, it looked like a depth move for a team that was about to trade A.J. Brown. But it could end up being a lot more than that. Yes, DeVonta Smith is the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver, and first-rounder Makai Lemon is the favorite to be No. 2. But Wicks could put up a fight for that spot in the short term. He was underused in Green Bay, despite catching 60% of the balls thrown his way and averaging 12.3 yards per catch. He’s also only 25, so his best might still be in front of him. Lemon has more upside, but Wicks has the experience and played in the system new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is bringing with him from Green Bay. Wicks will have a chance to help fill Brown’s shoes, especially early in the season.

Daniel Jones will ‘pick up where he left off,’ Eagles offense a concern heading into 2026 season

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In Jayden Daniels’ spectacular 2024 rookie season, 19% of his passes went to tight end Zach Ertz, who was his second-leading receiver (66-654-7). Ertz is gone now, replaced by the 26-year-old Okonkwo. He averaged 54-522-1 over the past three seasons for some bad Titans offenses. The Commanders do have a new offensive coordinator (David Blough), but Daniels clearly loves to throw to his tight ends. And he doesn’t have a lot of other great weapons to choose from in Washington anyway. All of that should mean an increase in workload for Okonkwo, who potentially has huge upside with a better quarterback.

NFC NORTH

He went a long way toward establishing himself as an elite tight end last season when he caught 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns. But it’s how he finished that truly showed off his potential. He exploded after catching just 11 passes for 116 yards over the first six games of his rookie campaign. In his final four games alone, including two in the playoffs, he had 28 catches for 378 yards and two touchdowns. If he even comes close to replicating that over a full season, he might be the NFL’s top receiver at his position. The Bears do have Cole Kmet to take away a few catches, but Loveland is firmly established as Chicago’s No. 1 tight end. There aren’t many who are more electric in the entire league.

Colston Loveland looked like one of the best tight ends in the NFL as a rookie, particularly in the postseason. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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The Lions looked like they had a budding star in the middle of their defense in 2023 when McNeil had five sacks through the first 13 games and was proving to be a tough run-stuffer. But then his season was derailed by a knee injury. The Lions still gave him a four-year, $97 million extension, but the next year he had 3.5 sacks in 14 games before tearing his ACL. He’s presumably healthier now than he has been in three seasons. And with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson and Tyleik Williams alongside him, the Lions’ line could be more dangerous than ever. McNeill won’t get a lot of attention from blockers, which could give him the room for his pass rushing numbers to shoot back up.

The Packers didn’t give the 2022 second-rounder a four-year, $110 million contract in the offseason for more of the same from a player who’s never topped 41 catches or 620 yards in any of his four NFL seasons. Nor would they have traded away Dontayvion Wicks or let Romeo Doubs leave in free agency for a middling player. What they did was clear the deck for the 27-year-old to finally fulfill his promise in what surely will be a larger role. Matt LaFleur’s offense has never been high volume for the passing game, and it has always encouraged spreading the ball around, save for some seasons involving Davante Adams. But there are fewer weapons for quarterback Jordan Love to target now, and Watson has the talent to be the best of the smaller bunch.

The 23-year-old edge defender recorded eight sacks last season, but even more was expected when the Vikings traded up to get him in the first round in 2024. He didn’t do much as a rookie, or in the first half of last season. But the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year had 6.5 sacks over the final eight weeks of 2025, which could be a sign of things to come. The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia, clearing the way for the speedy Turner to be the top edge rusher in Brian Flores’ blitzing scheme. If the second half of last season was any indication, he could eventually be one of the best pass-rushers in the league.

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Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are currently battling to be the starting QB of the Minnesota Vikings. Danny Parkins, Eric Mangini, and Greg Jennings ask which QB should start, and if the Atlanta Falcons are already in trouble.

NFC SOUTH

After picking off 13 passes in his final two seasons at Notre Dame, everyone knew Watts had ball-hawking instincts. The lone conern was whether he had the skills to do it in the pros. Well, there’s no question now, after the third-round pick had six picks in his rookie season and finished fourth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. The only question now is, how high is his ceiling? Watts had 11 pass breakups, 96 tackles and a fumble recovery as a rookie, showing he’s got an all-around game. He has the potential to be a regular among NFL interception leaders and an anchor in the Atlanta secondary for a long time.

He’s competing alongside the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in front of him (Tetairoa McMillan) and another former first-rounder (Xavier Legette). But there is still room to grow with the Panthers for this former undrafted rookie (2024). The proof was in Coker’s playoff outburst — a nine-catch, 134-yard, one-touchdown performance in a first-round loss to Rams. Coker was actually already beginning to emerge over the final five games of the regular season (19-244-3). And he’s yet to drop a pass in his short career. The 6-3, 213-pounder likely opens the season as Carolina’s third receiver, but if quarterback Bryce Young continues to improve, Coker has a chance to put up sizable numbers in that role. That’s why the 24-year-old just got a new three-year, $55 million deal.

He was the best rookie quarterback last season, even though the second-rounder started only nine games for a bad Saints team. He put up some impressive numbers in those starts, completing 69.2% of his passes for 2,256 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also led the Saints to a 5-4 record, including a 4-1 finish that nearly got them into the playoffs. This offseason, New Orleans beefed up its offensive line (with free agent guard David Edwards), drafted a first-round receiver (Jordyn Tyson), and added a top free-agent running back (Travis Etienne). In other words, the 26-year-old Shough is set up for even more success with offensive-minded head coach Kellen Moore again calling the plays. Playing in a bad division, Shough could quickly emerge into a star.

Is Tyler Shough ready to take a leap after a surprisingly successful rookie season? (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) –>

He absolutely exploded onto the NFL scene as a rookie last year with 25 catches, 445 yards and five touchdowns over his first five games. But he seemingly hit a wall after that and played himself right out of Rookie of the Year contention. He still finished with a respectable 63-938-6 stat line, but he was on pace for so much more as the centerpiece of the Bucs’ passing game for much of the season given the injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. No Buc had more targets (127), yet Egbuka caught only 49.6% of those passes. Assuming he improves at getting into the right spots and finishing plays, he will have a chance to put up elite numbers, especially with Evans no longer in the picture.

NFC WEST

He has 103 catches, 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns since the Cardinals drafted him No. 4 overall. It’s about what would be expected of him if that had come in one season instead of two. Harrison, however, has been hampered by injuries and a terrible quarterback situation in Arizona. Entering Year 3 … well, hopefully his health has at least improved. If so, expect new coach Mike LaFleur to add some creativity to an offense surely built around this potentially dominant receiver. His numbers should spike, even if the Cardinals’ QB situation remains a mess.

He had 12 sacks last season, so maybe it could be argued that he already had his breakout season (and really, most of the powerful Rams already have). But last season, he was the big man on the edge of the L.A. defense. Now, opposing offenses will have to deal with Myles Garrett (and perhaps Aaron Donald again). With the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year on the other end, it’s safe to say Young won’t see many double teams this year. He was already a top-10 pass-rusher in most categories, and with Garrett drawing most of the attention now, Young’s pressure rate and sack totals should only increase. 

49ers core’s ‘one last ride’, Rams depth issues, Can Maye follow up his 2nd-place MVP season? | FTF

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He came into the NFL in 2024 with a reputation for locking down college football’s best receivers, and late in his rookie season he began to flash that potential. But last season was a step back for the former second-rounder, who wilted at times under the pressure created by the 49ers’ lack of a pass rush. That rush should be better this season, and accordingly, the 25-year-old Green could be right back on track. He has the speed, physical style and elite instincts to develop into one of the NFL’s elite corners. He just has to put it all together.

For three seasons, the 6-1, 214-pounder has been the perfect handcuff in Seattle for Kenneth Walker III and a bruising option at the goal line. With Walker now in Kansas City, the 25-year-old Charbonnet is in prime position to be a bell-cow back. The good news is, he has shown over the years he’s more than capable of handling that. The bad news is, he’s never really been asked to expand his role for more than a few games at a time. He’s been fairly durable while averaging 4.1 yards per carry and has caught 82% of the passes thrown his way. Considering that 2026 first-round pick Jadarian Price had a limited role at Notre Dame, he’s not really a threat to steal too many touches right off the bat. Don’t be surprised if Charbonnet puts up Walker-like numbers as Seattle’s unquestioned No. 1 back.

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Finding NFL players with something to prove this season — or in any season — is not difficult. But of those currently navigating contract years or looking to move past 2025 hiccups, who has the most to gain in 2026? 

Here’s my top 11 in descending order, ranking players not only by financial compensation at stake but also their perception in the eyes of the league:

11.

Williams established himself as one of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks last season, delivering in the clutch and leading the Bears to their first playoff victory in 15 years. If he builds on what was an impressive second season, he sets himself up for what could be an extension that resets the quarterback market in the 2027 offseason. 

Caleb Williams led all NFL QBs with six fourth-quarter comebacks last season, but he also ranked next to last among all qualified quarterbacks in completion percentage. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

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10.

The 31-year-old Mayfield is entering a contract year after he and the Bucs failed to reach an extension agreement before training camp. A bounce-back campaign in 2026 — Mayfield’s numbers regressed across the board last season compared to his first two years in Tampa — should earn the former No. 1 overall pick a deal that ranks comfortably in the top 10 of quarterback contracts. 

9.

Nix has been a good quarterback through two NFL seasons, helping lead the Broncos to back-to-back playoff appearances. If he makes the leap to elite in Year 3, it not only would mean a record-setting contract for the 2024 first-round pick next offseason, but would also make Denver a legitimate Super Bowl contender. 

8.

If Pickens once again performs like a true WR1 in 2026, a top-end wide receiver contract awaits him from the Cowboys or someone else in the spring. The former second-round pick will play in Dallas this season on the franchise tag, which will pay him $27.3 million fully guaranteed. 

In his first season with Dallas, George Pickens made his first Pro Bowl after setting career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdowns (9). (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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7.

After an injury-riddled 2025, Daniels needs to show the Commanders that he can stay on the field. Doing that, and picking up from his historic rookie season two years ago, would all but guarantee him a deal that resets the benchmark for quarterback contracts. 

6.

The talented Woolen is coming off a season in which he lost his starting job. After three years with the Seahawks, he’s now with the Eagles on a prove-it, one-year deal worth $12 million fully guaranteed. If he can recapture Pro Bowl form from his rookie season, he’ll be able to secure a contract that will rank among the richest cornerback deals. 

5.

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Young’s career has been marked by inconsistency, including a benching in 2024. But he’s coming off his best season as a pro — he posted career-highs in completion rate, passing yards and touchdowns, and guided the Panthers to their first playoff appearance in eight years. Another step forward in 2026 will cement his place as Carolina’s long-term quarterback. 

4.

After playing just 12 games over the past two seasons combined due to suspension and injury, Rice is now in the last year of his rookie deal. If he’s on his best behavior and produces like a WR1 this season, the former second-rounder is in line for a lucrative second contract. 

3.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio has said the team has had “productive” extension talks with Stroud, but there’s a possibility that the QB plays this season without a new deal, given his playoff struggles last season and general regression since his rookie year in 2023. 

A bounce-back Year 4 would not only cement Stroud’s status as Houston’s long-term quarterback, but also earn him a mega extension in 2027. 

C.J. Stroud’s future in Houston is on the line after two subpar years following his rookie breakout. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

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2.

Murray signed a league minimum, one-year contract with the Vikings after his release by Arizona. If he wins Minnesota’s starting quarterback job and regains Pro Bowl form, a top-end QB deal will be waiting for him in the spring. 

1.

Football-wise, Nacua already deserves a second contract that would be the richest for a wideout in league history. He led the NFL with 129 catches last season and his 95.3 receiving yards-per-game career average is the most all time. 

But after a few off-field controversies dating back to last season, the All-Pro receiver must rebuild the Rams’ trust in him to earn that mega extension. The former fifth-round pick is slated to make just over $5.6 million in base salary in 2026, while a new deal would be expected to start at over $42 million in average annual value. 

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LIV Golf New York brings four days of golf to Trump National Golf Club Bedminster from Thursday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 9. Here is how to watch every round on FOX platforms.

When Is LIV Golf New York 2026?

LIV Golf New York begins Thursday, Aug. 6 and concludes Sunday, Aug. 9. The tournament returns to Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey, for the first time since 2023.

What Channel Is LIV Golf New York On?

FOX will carry live coverage Friday, Saturday and Sunday. FS2 will have coverage on Friday as well. Thursday’s opening round and the beginning of Friday’s second round will be available through the FOX Sports App. Every round also streams live on FOX One.

LIV Golf New York 2026 Schedule

All times Eastern. The listed start times are LIV Golf’s scheduled shotgun starts. Broadcast coverage may begin before or after the opening shots.

• Round 1: Thursday, Aug. 6, 1:15 p.m. ET (FOX Sports App, FOX One)
• Round 2: Friday, Aug. 7, 12:15 p.m. ET (FS2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; FOX Sports App from 1 to 2 p.m.; FOX from 2 to 3 p.m.; FOX One beginning at noon)
• Round 3: Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:15 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One beginning at noon)
• Round 4: Sunday, Aug. 9, 11:05 a.m. ET (FOX, FOX One beginning at 11 a.m. ET)

LIV Golf United Kingdom Best Moments ️ Golf on FOX

Check out the best moments from LIV Golf United Kingdom!

How Can I Stream LIV Golf New York?

Every round of LIV Golf New York streams live on FOX One. Coverage is also available through FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.

Where Is LIV Golf New York Being Played?

The tournament is being played at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey. LIV Golf previously visited the course in 2022 and 2023, with Cameron Smith winning the most recent individual event there.

Who Is Playing in LIV Golf New York?

The 57-player field includes major champions Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson. Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton are also among the notable players scheduled to compete.

What Is the LIV Golf Tournament Format?

LIV Golf events expanded to four rounds and 72 holes in 2026. The individual competition uses stroke play while the team competition runs concurrently. Each round uses a shotgun start, with groups beginning at the same time from different holes.

Follow the LIV Golf New York leaderboard on FOX Sports for scores, tee times and results throughout the tournament.

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Bijan Robinson set the market, and Jonathan Taylor is following it.

The Indianapolis Colts have signed Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension, ESPN reported on Thursday morning. The contract includes a maximum value of $47 million and includes $39 million guaranteed.

This deal, which includes a $22 million average annual value, makes Taylor the second-highest paid running back in the NFL behind Robinson, who signed a three-year, $66.75 million extension ($22.25 AAV) with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week ($75 million maximum value).

Taylor was entering the final season of a three-year, $42 million extension that he signed with the Colts during the 2023 regular season.

Taylor, a 2021 All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, rushed for 1,585 yards — which was third in the sport — and an NFL-high 18 touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry last season (2025). He tallied 46 receptions for 378 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor also logged 67 forced missed tackles, which ranked second among running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

The now-seventh-year star back has led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and rushing attempts twice apiece (2021 and 2025), while leading the sport with 1,811 rushing yards in 2021. Moreover, Taylor, who was selected by Indianapolis with the No. 41 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, is first in Colts history with 69 rushing touchdowns and second with 7,598 rushing yards.

The Colts are coming off an 8-9 season that saw them miss the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year in a season derailed by quarterback Daniel Jones — who was re-signed on a two-year, $88 million deal this offseason — suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. Indianapolis lost its last seven games after starting the season 8-2.

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