TAMPA, Fla. — Disrespected. Undervalued. Very disappointing.

Those were the words Baker Mayfield used to describe how he feels his current team has treated him as he seeks a contract extension beyond the upcoming season. And with that, Tampa has solidified its status as the drama capital of the NFL, wrapping up an offseason of major departures, uncertainty and now two big and public contract squabbles.

“To feel disrespected a little bit, that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after, you know, thinking you earned it,” said Mayfield, 31, who is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract. “This is not a ‘poor me’ thing. There’s a lot of other people that have it way worse off. I can sit here and look at other quarterbacks and peers and evaluate myself based on that and put myself in certain categories that I deserve to be compensated for that. 

“I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here. So to not have a deal done is very disappointing.”

It’s about as pointed a criticism as you can make publicly about your employer, all said with an even voice and framed in the context of him being grateful for the opportunity the Buccaneers have given him. It would have taken compromise, but this could have been a very different story, with Tampa Bay handing out the biggest contract in franchise history to find some stability in the franchise’s future.

Instead, both sides are taking on significant risks in 2026. 

The Buccaneers know their best scenario — Mayfield returning to his 2024 form, when he threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdown passes to lead them to 10 wins and a division title — is now an outcome that will cost them more financially to keep Mayfield around. And Mayfield, who was with three teams in one year before he found solid ground in Tampa, risks losing the firm grip he has on the Bucs’ future at quarterback. 

What if he gets hurt? What if the team continues to struggle as they did in losing seven of their last nine games last year? What if Todd Bowles isn’t back as coach, or Jason Licht isn’t kept as general manager? Could new leadership possibly have the same interest in keeping him?

We don’t know the exact figures offered or sought in this negotiation, other than that the Bucs offered Mayfield a two-year deal, he told ESPN. It’s hard to imagine the Bucs offering less than the $44 million a year the Colts gave Daniel Jones, coming off a half-season of success and a torn Achilles. It’s hard to think Mayfield and his agent want more than maybe $55 million a year, on the cusp of the top 10 at his position.

Baker Mayfield was an MVP frontrunner in the first half of the 2025 season before the Buccaneers stumbled and missed the playoffs. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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And the uncertainty around the Bucs is hardly limited to Mayfield. Linebacker Lavonte David retired after 14 seasons, all in Tampa, and more stunningly, receiver Mike Evans took less money to leave in free agency for the 49ers, saying they gave him the best chance to win another Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Vita Vea, who Mayfield called “the anchor of our defense” on Thursday, recently asked for a trade, unhappy the Bucs won’t give him a raise and a new contract beyond his current deal.

That’s not even counting a fan base divided over the decision to keep Bowles after a collapse that saw the Bucs go from 6-2 to 8-9, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. It all adds up to put an incredible amount on the line in the upcoming season, which could have the Bucs back in the playoffs, or facing a complete overhaul. 

Even the long-term compromises look difficult.  In theory, if the two sides can’t work out a deal after the season and before free agency in March, the Bucs could use the franchise tag on Mayfield at a cost of about $50 million. They would also incur about $30 million in dead money from his current deal if they couldn’t reach a long-term extension, resulting in a cap hit of about $80 million in 2027.

“Franchise tag isn’t exactly in play for them,” Mayfield said. “There will be a lot of dead money. So it is what it is.”

Baker Mayfield’s blunt remarks came days after defensive tackle Vita Vea’s trade request went public. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Three years ago, Mayfield had bounced to three NFL teams in a year, from the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers to the Los Angeles Rams, and he landed in Tampa on a one-year, $4 million contract after Tom Brady’s retirement. He re-established himself as an NFL starter, and he hasn’t missed a game in three seasons. He started his comments by reiterating how much he appreciates the home he and his family have found in Tampa and the stability that comes with that.

“I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me. Do not get me wrong on that,” Mayfield said. “But I also know, I really know what I brought to this franchise, leadership-wise and even play-wise. It’s been some of the best years of my career, and I think it’s only going to trend upwards.”

Can the Bucs push through the outside noise and stay together as a team, talented enough to be the oddsmakers’ favorites to win the NFC South after losing to Carolina on a tiebreaker last season? Mayfield said he’s confident the locker room remains close-knit and he’ll be focused on having the best season — for himself and his team — to set up whatever happens after that.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, in a really good place, and feeling really confident with the staff Todd [Bowles] has put together, that we’re going to have a really good team,” Mayfield said.

After forming a strong connection with Mike Evans in his first three years in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield will have to find a new No. 1 receiver as he enters a contract year. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Both sides have expressed a consistent desire to keep Mayfield in Tampa — that hasn’t translated to an offer he’s willing to accept, saying Thursday their last offer was “not appealing whatsoever.” The cost of keeping him around could be even higher if he has a great season in 2026, but he said he won’t be motivated only by financial things like that.

“Money should never be the motivation,” Mayfield said. “It’s ‘How do I help this team win?’ It’s never going to be the motivation for me when it comes to the kind of chip on your shoulder. It just puts me in the mindset of betting on myself, and that’s something I’m pretty familiar with. It’s a good place to be as a high competitive guy. Sometimes you have to back yourself into a corner and fight your way out. I have a lot of guys and a lot of staff around me that are with me, so I’m not alone in it. We’re fighting for the same goal.”

Fans are divided on Mayfield – the franchise was starved for any kind of franchise quarterback for most of its first 50 years, but the second half of last season wasn’t the kind of play you want to reward with a huge contract. So, as strange as it seems, you have Mayfield essentially threatening to have a great season, to make the franchise he wants to settle in with pay by having to write a bigger check to keep him. And reiterating it’s still where he wants to play. 

“If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad because it’s only going to get worse from here,” he said. “I’m going to have a really big year.”

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LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams are the toast of the NFL after trading for Myles Garrett and the potential return of All-Pro performer Aaron Donald looming. Everyone thinks they are going to win the Super Bowl. 

But even with all the star talent that there is on Los Angeles’ roster, there’s one thing that could hinder the Rams’ hopes of lifting the Lombardi Trophy: the backup quarterback situation. 

That wasn’t an issue last season, which might have been a surprise considering that Matthew Stafford missed the first month of training camp due to a lingering back injury. Stafford played the entire regular season for the first time since 2021 and went on to win MVP for the first time in his career, leading Los Angeles to the NFC Championship Game. 

Stafford’s good bill of health has continued through the start of training camp this year as well, as he was a healthy participant in his first training camp practice on Monday. However, how the Rams handle the 38-year-old should still be top of mind ahead of the 2026 season. 

Rams head coach Sean McVay has already said he will take a cautious approach to the star quarterback’s practice time, too. Stafford will participate in every second and fourth day of the team’s four-day practice cycle as the Rams want to make sure he gets to the team’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia healthy.

“I’m just doing everything I can to make sure that my body and my mind feel as good as I possibly can,” Stafford told reporters this week. “Every time I’m out here, obviously you guys know I’m giving everything I got and trying to raise the level of play and help our guys be as good as we possibly can as a team.”

Ty Simpson (left) and Stetson Bennett (center) are competing to be Matthew Stafford’s backup. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Stafford on a pitch count means more reps for surprise first-round selection Ty Simpson, drafted as the heir apparent to Stafford once he retires. The Alabama product played in only 15 games in college, and he needs as many reps as possible to get comfortable in McVay’s scheme, one of the more complex offenses in the league. 

For now, though, Simpson is running with the third group behind Stafford and Stetson Bennett. Bennett, who Los Angeles drafted in the fourth round three years ago after helping Georgia win two national titles, has predictably shown better command of the offense than the rookie. 

Bennett struggled in his first year in the league but has improved every year he’s been with the organization, particularly showing playmaking ability in preseason games. Bennett is more likely equipped to take on the role of backup instead of Simpson.

“I appreciate his competitiveness in all moments,” Rams offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase said about Bennett.  “Going back to last year, obviously you get to experience him in the training camp. You get to experience him in preseason. And just seeing the way that he went to work, the way the guys would rally around him. He competes. … That’s something that’s been his calling card since the jump.”

Although Simpson is running with the third group, McVay said he’s not pigeonholed into keeping the rotation the same, allowing the chance for things to evolve as the Rams compete in joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, along with three preseason games.

Scheelhaase said he likes Simpson’s focused approach to practice. After every series, Simpson meets with quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone on the sideline to over adjustments that he needs to make in running the offense. 

“When you got that mindset, that workman’s mentality, you’re going to just see growth happen day in and day out,” Scheelhaase said about Simpson. “I like where he’s at, like the opportunity that he’s going to get to just continue to grow in this camp.”

Still, even as heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl, the Rams have a 38-year-old quarterback with a back injury history and are a play away from having a quarterback who has never made a regular-season start in Bennett or Simpson. And as the Rams juggle practice snaps for the inexperienced backup quarterbacks, they could also be without their starting left tackle. Alaric Jackson faces a possible suspension at the start of the year due to a domestic violence charge he was arrested for in June. 

So, sure, the Rams might have the NFL’s next Super Team and one of the most star-studded rosters in recent memory. But they could use a more experienced alternative behind Stafford should he suffer an injury that makes him miss a handful of games. Someone who can win a game in a pinch that keeps Los Angeles on a Super Bowl trajectory while Stafford heals up.

The backup quarterback competition for the Rams is also instructive in understanding why McVay showed interest in Kirk Cousins before he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. It also helps understand why the possibility of a retired Jimmy Garoppolo returning as a backup still remains. After serving as Stafford’s backup the last two seasons, Garoppolo is considering a return to Los Angeles, according to multiple reports. 

I’ve said in years past that the Rams needed to develop a succession plan for Stafford. However, even after the Rams drafted a quarterback in the first round for the first time since taking Jared Goff No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft, their backup quarterback situation remains questionable in a year that they’re all-in to win a Super Bowl, and they could have used that pick to add depth along the offensive line or at receiver. 

Despite the lack of experience behind Stafford and the possible shake-up on his offensive line, McVay isn’t concerned about the outside noise.

“I respectfully say that your guys’ opinions doesn’t mean s— to us,” McVay joked with reporters this week. “But in all seriousness, though, what I think is important is that we’re inside out. There’s going to be adversity that inevitably we hit. How we handle that will be key, how we stay connected and how we continue to be courageous to put ourselves out there with the unpredictability of what sports entails.”

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After spending the season proving he can lead the New Orleans Saints’ offense, Chris Olave is being rewarded like a true star. 

Olave and the Saints have agreed to a four-year extension worth $132 million with $90 million guaranteed, ESPN reported Thursday.

The payday comes after Olave flourished and became the go-to target in first-year head coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Olave was able to haul in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns to secure his third 1,000-yard season since entering the league.

With the extension, Olave is now in an elite company. His $33 million average annual salary ties him for the sixth-highest among receivers, per Over The Cap. Olave’s $90 million in guarantees surpasses the recent deal signed by Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce earlier this offseason.

Olave, 26, was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He has yet to play a full season, but a lot of his recurring injuries might be behind him as Olave is heading into training camp fully healthy.

Over his four seasons in the league, Olave has suffered multiple concussions, leading him to briefly contemplate retirement before returning to play last season. He stayed healthy until Week 18 after the medical staff discovered a blood clot in his lung.

Not only is Olave now a part of the long-term future, but the Saints could be on the verge of building quite the young nucleus. They could have something special in second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who built quite the connection with Olave last season.

Alongside Olave will be rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, who the Saints ended up selecting No. 8 overall in this year’s NFL Draft. While Olave’s target share isn’t expected to take a hit, fewer double teams should be on the horizon for him going forward.

With Olave healthy and locked in for the long haul, the Saints will look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. New Orleans went 5-4 after Shough became the starting quarterback last season, finishing the year 6-11.

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Carmen Vitali

NFL Reporter

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In today’s Fast Five, Jerry Jones is playing a dangerous game with Micah Parsons, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti takes a shot at the SEC, ‘lofty’ goals for the Bears and more! (7/23)

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The 2025 season was a magical one for the Chicago Bears.

In Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, Chicago won 11 games and captured its first NFC North title since 2018. 

The Bears also developed a flair for the dramatic, rallying to win seven games after trailing in the final two minutes (six in the regular season and one in the playoffs), the most by any NFL team since the 1970 merger.

Quarterback Caleb Williams was at the center of it all, throwing for a franchise-record 3,942 passing yards while establishing himself as the face of the organization.

Let’s check out their Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.  

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Chicago Bears

Over 9.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 9.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)

What to know: In the wild-card round last season, Chicago pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL postseason history, rallying from 18 points down to beat the Packers. In the divisional round, Williams provided more late-game heroics to force overtime, but the Bears ultimately fell to the Rams in heartbreaking fashion.

Now, on to 2026. 

The Bears are projected to have fewer wins than they did a season ago. A big reason for that is that Chicago has the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL for the 2026 season based on opponents’ combined 2025 records.

Chicago had a few key losses this offseason as well. The Bears lost DJ Moore and Drew Dalman on the offensive side of the ball and Tremaine Edmunds, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard on the defensive side. However, they did go out and get Coby Bryant and Devin Bush. 

Odds: This upcoming season, Chicago is the +305 third choice to win the NFC North, the +1250 seventh choice to win the NFC and the +2400 15th choice to win the Super Bowl. 

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Fermín López has revealed he endured “the worst summer” of his life after an injury ruled him out of Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign. 

The Barcelona midfielder admitted he required professional help to cope with the heartbreak while being at his physical peak.

Heartbreak During The World Cup

Fermín has revealed the immense psychological toll of missing Spain’s recent World Cup triumph. A poorly timed injury completely derailed his summer, forcing him to watch his compatriots achieve international glory from the sidelines. 

The 23-year-old playmaker was operating at the peak of his powers before the physical setback abruptly ruled him out of the tournament. 

Navigating this devastating blow required a massive support system, with the youngster relying heavily on his family, friends, and partner to pull through.

Tuning Out The World Cup

The emotional impact of his forced exclusion was so severe that Fermín initially refused to tune into the tournament. Speaking to Catalunya Radio’s Tot Costa from Barcelona’s pre-season camp in England, he confessed that watching Spain play was simply too painful.

“It’s been the worst summer of my life. I was at my peak, everything was going well, and then the injury happened,” Fermín admitted. “You learn from these situations, but it’s true that I’ve had a really tough summer. I’ve gotten through it thanks to my family, my partner, and my friends. I needed help. I already had it before, but my coach has helped me a lot to get through it.

“I didn’t watch the first few matches of the Spanish national team in the World Cup. I couldn’t. I wanted to be there at the World Cup. Let me make it clear that it made me very happy to see my teammates win the World Cup. Towards the end of the World Cup, I felt a bit better and decided to go see the final live in New York.”

Road To Recovery Under Flick

After enduring months of grueling rehabilitation, Fermín is finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The midfielder is currently working closely with Hansi Flick’s squad in the United Kingdom as he focuses on regaining his match sharpness ahead of the new campaign.

He remains incredibly optimistic about his current physical status and is already eyeing a return to action at the Joan Gamper Trophy. The young star insists that his painful summer experience has only provided him with more motivation to succeed.

“I’m feeling better every day. I have no discomfort, which is important,” he explained. “If everything goes well, I could play a few minutes in the Gamper Trophy match. The intention is to come back from this injury with even more motivation. I think I’m very ready. I’ve already shown how I can help Barça, and I have to continue doing the same next season.”

He added about his ambitions for the new season, saying: “The dream of winning the Champions League is shared by the whole team. We’ve closed the last two years. This season could be a good one. We’ve been playing together for three years and have experienced a lot. I feel we’re ready to win the Champions League. Winning a third consecutive league title is difficult. It will be a tough year. But if we’re focused on our game and united, we can win a third league title.”

Focus On The New Season

With his fitness returning and his mindset reset, Fermín is now firmly focused on achieving greatness with Barcelona. The Catalan giants are targeting domestic dominance and European success as they head into the new season under Flick’s guidance.

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John Stones has touched down in Italy as he prepares to finalize a high-profile move to Serie A champions Inter. 

The veteran England international, who recently departed Manchester City following the expiration of his contract, was greeted by reporters upon his arrival in Milan.

Nerazzurri Landing For England Star

The wait is almost over for Inter fans as Stones has arrived in Milan to put the finishing touches on his move to San Siro. After a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium, the 32-year-old is set to embark on a new chapter in Italy, bringing a wealth of elite European experience to Christian Chivu’s defensive line.

Upon his arrival, Stones made his excitement clear regarding the upcoming challenge in a new league. “I’m excited to be here, thank you so much. I’ll see you soon, ciao,” the defender said. 

According to Sky Italia, the centerback is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations and obtain his sports fitness certification from CONI Thursday. Once these formalities are completed, he is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year contract worth €4 million per season.

Chivu’s Defensive Rebuild Takes Shape

The arrival of Stones is regarded as a major coup for Inter as they look to defend their Scudetto. Chivu has been vocal about wanting to add proven winning experience to his backline, and Stones fits that profile perfectly. 

During his time atManchester City, the defender amassed 20 major honors, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

However, the signing of Stones may not be the end of Inter’s defensive recruitment this summer. The club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, recently confirmed that active discussions are underway for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero. 

The Argentinian 2022 World Cup winner remains a primary target, and there is a possibility that both Stones and Romero could arrive if Benjamin Pavard departs the San Siro during the current transfer window.

Beyond the central defensive positions, Inter have reportedly identified Djed Spence as their priority target to bolster the wing-back slots.

Fitness Concerns And World Cup Form

Despite his undeniable pedigree, the 2025-26 campaign was a challenging one for Stones due to persistent fitness issues. Thigh and calf problems restricted him to just 18 appearances across all competitions, raising questions about his long-term durability. 

However, he silenced some of those doubts with his performances for England at the World Cup, where he played five games and helped the Three Lions secure a third-place finish.

Inter’s medical staff will be paying close attention to these injury concerns as they conduct his physical assessments today. The Nerazzurri are banking on the fact that a fresh start in a new environment will help the defender put his recent fitness woes behind him.

Final Details Before Official Announcement

All signs point towards an official announcement in the next 24 to 48 hours, provided there are no late hitches during the medical process. The deal represents a massive blow to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who were both heavily linked with the defender following his exit from Manchester.

The veteran defender leaves Manchester City as one of the most decorated figures in the club’s 132-year history. His time under Pep Guardiola transformed him into one of the most unique ball-playing defenders in the world, a skillset that Chivu is eager to integrate into the Inter setup.

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After a historic 2024 season in which the Lions won a franchise-record 15 games, Detroit took a major step back in 2025.

The Lions finished 9-8 and fell to last place in the NFC North.

Can Detroit return to the success it had in 2023 and 2024, when it won a combined 27 regular-season games?

Let’s take a look at the Lions’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Detroit Lions

Over 10.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 10.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)

What to know: Despite the disappointing 2025 season, Detroit remained one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, ranking fourth in scoring at 28.3 points per game and fifth in total offense with 372.0 yards per game.

Jared Goff threw for the second most yards (4,564) and touchdowns (34) in the NFL, Jahmyr Gibbs had 1,839 all-purpose yards, and Amon-Ra St. Brown had 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

The defense, however, couldn’t match that production. The Lions allowed 24.3 points per game, ranking 22nd in the league. 

This offseason, Detroit added D.J. Wonnum to bolster the pass rush, while also signing Roger McCreary to help with the secondary. 

The Lions also focused on improving their offensive line by adding Cade Mays and Larry Borom in free agency before selecting Blake Miller in the first round of the NFL Draft. After the unit slipped from its usual standard over the past few seasons, Detroit made strengthening the trenches one of its top priorities. 

Odds: This upcoming season, Detroit is the +170 favorite to win the NFC North, the +930 fifth choice to win the NFC and the +1900 12th choice to win the Super Bowl. 

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Chicago — Just like that, talking season has officially reached its conclusion.

After patiently waiting its turn while other conferences around the country took the spotlight, the Big Ten assumed center stage at the Hilton Chicago for a three-day preview (July 28-30) that served as an unofficial beginning to the 2026 campaign.

Storylines were aplenty: from defending national champion Indiana to Michigan’s never-ending drama. From a handful of potential Heisman Trophy candidates to more than a few coaches who are occupying increasingly hot seats.

Here are our biggest takeaways from the week in Chicago: 

1. Curt Cignetti Is The Conference’s Biggest Star

Michael Cohen:If there were any doubts surrounding whether Indiana, the defending national champion, could maintain the supreme focus it displayed across the first two seasons of an incredible rebuild, consider this quote from Cignetti on Thursday — more than a month before the Hoosiers’ opener against North Texas:

“Yesterday morning we flew in here, right?” Cignetti said during a breakout session. “I was working on opponents yesterday morning until I had to leave to go to the airport, you know? Because I like to know opponents like the back of my hand before we go to camp. It gets a little more difficult now with the portal, a lot of new faces.”

Curt Cignetti and Indiana celebrate beating Miami in the 2025 CFP national championship. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Despite everything Cignetti has accomplished since taking over Indiana — the 27-2 overall record, the back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the Big Ten championship, the national title, the fairytale turnaround of a perennial conference doormat — he’s using every last minute to grind through tape in late July before his mandatory media responsibilities get in the way. National champion or otherwise, he refuses to deviate from what works.

At an event that is traditionally dominated by two of college football’s biggest brands in Ohio State and Michigan, Cignetti arrived in Chicago with the grandest profile. He captivated a national television audience during his quip-filled address from the main stage at the Hilton Chicago. And when he migrated to a smaller podium across the room, riffing and rolling for an additional 30 minutes, reporters who have covered this event for years were stunned by the size of the crowd. Only Cignetti — whom Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson describes as a “unicorn” — could dwarf the attention Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day captured earlier this week.

And in trademark Cignetti fashion, the zingers flowed:

On the rigors of the Big Ten compared to the SEC: “The Big Ten is the best league in football. A lot of really good football teams, very physical football teams, very well-coached. It definitely prepares you for the playoffs, there’s no doubt about it. The numbers speak for themselves. We don’t run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. When we fall short, we say: ‘We fell short.’ We don’t cry a river, whine and complain. That’s why we’re the best.”

On the Hoosiers’ success during his tenure: “I’m a firm believer in our blueprint. Our Monday morning meeting will be very similar to what it was eight years ago. It’ll be about an hour long. There’s certain things we’ll do in there, there’s certain things I’ll say in the team meeting Tuesday night that I said eight years ago. It’s not word for word, but it’s pretty damn close. The way we practice, pretty similar to what we did eight years ago. We have a way of doing things. We’ve got guys that have been together, and all we do is win.”

On why he’s excited for the 2026 season: “I’ve been on vacation long enough. I’m tired of being bossed around by my wife. I’m ready to boss somebody else around and develop a football team.”

The Hoosiers, which welcomed 39 newcomers, finished third in most of the unofficial Big Ten preseason polls released earlier this week. Indiana returns 10 starters from the group that won a national championship in January and retained virtually everyone on Cignetti’s highly respected coaching staff — most notably, offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, both of whom received large raises. Program-wide continuity is fueling Cignetti’s confidence that this team can make another run despite new starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback and edge rusher.

At this point, who could possibly doubt him?

“I think part of the key to the drill is getting everybody to think alike,” Cignetti said. “That’s where my messaging is important in upholding a standard and having accountability. But look, you’ve got to have the right people in place. You’ve got to have a process and people in place. We have the right people in place, upstairs and downstairs. I feel very strongly about that. I’ll be stalking complacency. I know that question is coming. But I like what I’ve seen so far.”

2. Kyle Whittingham Aims To Stabilize Michigan Football

Cohen: In addition to the coaches and players, there are also plenty of athletic directors eager to mingle with reporters at Big Ten Media Days.

Some of them, like Josh Whitman from Illinois and Ross Bjork from Ohio State, are highly visible. They linger around the perimeter of the main interview room, offering friendly smiles when approached. Others might travel with their school’s contingent to engage in meetings with colleagues from around the conference, but avoid engaging with reporters.

Warde Manuel, Michigan’s athletics director, has almost always portrayed the latter. And that was certainly true this time around, at the Hilton Chicago, amid a tumultuous summer in which Manuel’s future with the Wolverines has been hotly debated. It was announced earlier this month that Manuel, whose tenure has been strewn with scandals and national championships alike, will voluntarily step down later this year — in exchange for a hefty buyout.

“That’s one thing about the players at Michigan right now,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said, “they’re hungry and ready to get back in a season, get some football. They’ve been through a lot in the last four or five years. Hopefully we can put the drama to bed and just get back to being student-athletes and having a great college experience.”

Warde Manuel will voluntarily step down from his post as Michigan athletics director at the end of this calendar year. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

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With Manuel nowhere to be seen this week, Whittingham, the Wolverines’ new coach, fulfilled the role he was expected to play when Michigan plucked him from Utah last December: the adult in the room.

Whittingham, 66, ran a successful and squeaky-clean program at Utah for two decades before coming to Michigan after Sherrone Moore was fired for cause. In addition to outperforming Moore on the field — the Wolverines have lost eight games over the previous two seasons combined — Whittingham is tasked with providing some much-needed ballast for a program where embarrassing personnel issues and running afoul of the NCAA are regular occurrences. How quickly the mess can be cleaned was a question Whittingham faced time and again on Thursday in one form or another.  

“There has been a lot of drama,” Whittingham said. “We hope that we’ve come to the end of that, and we’re ready to proceed with the business of playing football and winning football games and graduating players and putting the emphasis on things that should have the emphasis.

“There were some unfortunate things that happened. It’s not my place to really speak out on it. I wasn’t there, I was not involved. I can tell you [that] now we have a very hungry and willing group of players that have worked their tail off for the last seven months and are eager to get the season started. Very good leadership as well. I’m just excited to make the first thing first, which is graduating and winning football games.”

3. QB Dylan Raiola Is Expected To Stick At Oregon

RJ Young: With Dante Moore’s decision to forgo the NFL Draft and return to Oregon this season, the arrival of former Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola to Eugene created what seems like a natural transition from Moore to Raiola in 2027.

Quarterbacks Dante Moore (left) and Dylan Raiola (right #8) chat on the sideline at Oregon’s spring football game. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

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Raiola also provides the Ducks with a former starting quarterback as their backup — with 22 total starts across two seasons, over 4,800 passing yards, and 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. But given the unpredictability of players entering the transfer portal at season’s end, most coaches would worry about the possibility of seeing both his QB1 and QB2 leave.

Not Lanning.

“I think there’s always a looming threat. But not with Dylan. I believe Dylan chose Oregon knowing in advance what it looks like at Oregon,” Lanning said on Wednesday. “He wanted to sign up for an opportunity to be with us. We were transparent throughout the process that there’s a great chance that Dante could be back. Dylan has done an unbelievable job changing his body, working really hard. He has unbelievable talent, a smart player, that has the opportunity to get exposed to our system.

“You’re only as strong as all your players. You need everybody to be a part of that. Dylan is a big part of the success we’ll have this season, as well as every other quarterback in that room.”

4. Jeremiah Smith Expects Kenyatta Jackson Jr. To Have A Huge Season 

Young: Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith, arguably the best college football player in the country, believes Buckeye defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. has the same ability former Ohio State defensive end Chase Young displayed.

Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. enters his fifth season at Ohio State. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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“He’s a leader on the defense,” Smith said Wednesday. “Hopefully, he’ll have a big year, and that’s just somebody I believe in. I won’t say he’s Chase Young yet. I’m always telling him you can take over the game. You’re [six-foot-six], 260 [pounds] — like you’re kind of like Chase Young, and hopefully he shows that this year.”

Jackson notched 6.5 sacks and 16 tackles last season, ahead of a potential breakout campaign in 2026.

 

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NFL training camps might be underway, but some teams still have plenty of work to be done on the contractual side of things. 

Thursday saw a few contract matters dominate the headlines around the league. While Baker Mayfield isn’t holding out, he expressed his displeasure with what went down during extension negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.

Elsewhere, a star wide receiver received an extension that made him one of the highest-paid players at the position, while another notable wide receiver signed a deal to reunite with his former team. 

That’s just some of what you need to know from Thursday’s NFL news. 

Baker Mayfield revealed that contract extension negotiations with the Buccaneers have not met his expectations. 

Mayfield, who is entering the final year of a three-year, 100 million deal, expressed disappointment after Tampa Bay offered him a two-year contract, stating that he is seeking a long-term commitment from the organization. 

The Tampa Bay signal caller added that the two sides remain far apart financially, as Mayfield is aiming for an extension in the $50 million annual range as training camp gets underway, but told ESPN that the Buccaneers were “pretty far” from offering him that. 

After spending the season proving he can lead the New Orleans Saints’ offense, Chris Olave is being rewarded like a true star. The two sides have agreed to a four-year extension worth $132 million with $90 million guaranteed, ESPN reported.

The payday comes after Olave flourished and became the go-to target in first-year head coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Olave was able to haul in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns to secure his third 1,000-yard season since entering the league.

Olave, 26, was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He has yet to play a full season, but a lot of his recurring injuries appear to be behind him as Olave is heading into training camp fully healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to work his way back from injury following the torn ACL and LCL injuries he suffered last December. 

Cleared for full participation ahead of training camp, Mahomes appeared to be able to scramble without issues during Thursday’s practice session. He made multiple throws on the run and even scrambled downfield as he progresses toward potentially playing in Week 1 of the regular season. 

Mahomes is coming off a 2025 campaign where he threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 14 games before his injury.

Back in with the old? 

That’s how it is in the Bay Area, at least for Thursday. The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with Deebo Samuel, reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. 

San Francisco’s decision to bring back Samuel came a day after the team’s concerns about wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s knee became public. Pearsall is dealing with lingering knee swelling connected to the PCL injury that limited him during the 2025 season, and the Niners are concerned that he could miss the entire 2026 season, NBC Sports Bay Area reported Thursday.

Pearsall, who the 49ers took in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has been an asset to the team’s offense when healthy. He’s logged 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns, but has only played in 18 games over his career.

Now, Samuel becomes the third notable addition the 49ers have made to their wide receivers room this offseason. They made one of the biggest splashes in free agency when they signed former Buccaneers star Mike Evans and used their second-round pick on Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. 

Samuel, who played six of the first seven years of his career with the Niners, put up a respectable stat line with the Washington Commanders in 2025. He had 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns with starting quarterback Jayden Daniels out for much of the season. 

Now, the 30-year-old Samuel will look to make some magic happen in San Francisco again. He was a key part of four 49ers teams that reached the NFC Championship Game, earning an All-Pro and a Pro Bowl nod during that time. 

 

• Panthers rookie WR Chris Brazzell will undergo season-ending surgery on his torn lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, the team announced Thursday.

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