Cowboys say they are leaning toward using franchise tag on receiver George Pickens
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are leaning toward using the franchise tag on receiver George Pickens while continuing to discuss a long-term contract, vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said Monday.
Jones spoke to reporters at the NFL scouting combine, declining to put a timeline on getting a deal done with Pickens.
The Cowboys have until March 3 to use the tag, after which there is a July 15 deadline for agreeing on a longer-term contract. The one-year offer on the tag could approach $30 million.
“We want Pickens here,” Jones said. “We think the world of him. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that’s a plus.”
Pickens, who turns 25 next month, had a breakout year in Dallas following an offseason trade with Pittsburgh. He had career highs with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns for one of the league’s best offenses in the final year of his rookie deal.
The Steelers drafted Pickens in the second round out of Georgia in 2022, and his three years there were marked by enough instances of questionable behavior for coach Mike Tomlin to question his maturity.
Pickens thrived with quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb, although Lamb and Pickens were benched for the first series at Las Vegas when they visited a casino and missed curfew.
When asked about the franchise tag during the season, Pickens wouldn’t say whether he would sign it quickly or let contract negotiations play out.
Lamb had some contract drama with the Cowboys four years into his career, when he was entering the fifth year of his rookie deal. Teams have a fifth-year option with all first-round picks.
Lamb stayed away from the team the entire 2024 offseason and training camp before the 2023 All-Pro reached a deal on an extension not long before the start of the season.
This past weekend, the Cowboys reached a $24 million, three-year agreement to re-sign free agent running Javonte Williams.
Like Pickens, Williams rejuvenated his career in the 25-year-old’s first season with Dallas. His 1,201 yards rushing were the most for a Dallas back since two-time rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott had 1,357 in 2019.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cowboys-leaning-toward-using-franchise-203818613.html
Two MLB Stars Take Swipes at Dodgers, Fans
A pair of baseball stars have taken aim at the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans in recent interviews, though at least one of them seems like he regrets what he said.
Yankee Would Rather Be an Angel Than a Dodger
Jazz Chisholm made headlines recently when he told Chris Kirschner of The Athletic that he will be the second to accomplish Shohei Ohtani’s legendary 50-50 season.
While he wants to play like a Dodgers star, though, he never intends to be one.
In an interview with Randy Miller of NJ.com, Chisholm said he never wants to be a Dodger, adding that he’d rather play for the other Los Angeles team than suit up for the Boys in Blue.
“I’d go to the Angels before I’d go to the Dodgers,” he said. “I’d want to go and win by myself. I’d rather build my roof than go to the Dodgers.”
If you clicked that link to see what he said, though, you’re out of luck. That quote has reportedly been deleted from the story, but not before many in the sports world took notice.
The NJ.com article does not note the quote’s deletion, nor does it provide a reason as to why it was removed.
Angeleno on the Cubs Disparages Dodgers Fans
Despite growing up in Sherman Oaks, Pete Crow-Armstrong seems to not respect Dodgers fans.
Crow-Armstrong graced the cover of Chicago magazine, which said he let “it all hang out” in a Wayne Drehs profile published on Monday.
Apr 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) yells after he hits a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
When asked about his time playing in Chicago, he praised the fans, and did so by criticizing Dodgers fans.
“I love Chicago more and more. It’s just an incredible city. The people are great,” he said. “They give a s—. They aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures or whatever. They are paying attention. They care.”
Unlike Chisholm, though, Crow-Armstrong’s comments remain published as of midday Monday, with that quote even pulled out for emphasis in the story.
It will be interesting to see how Dodgers fans react when the Cubs come to town.
Chicago will be playing at Dodger Stadium on April 24 through 26.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/two-mlb-stars-swipes-dodgers-203805637.html
Ranji Trophy final: Karnataka eye glory; J&K chase history
Months before that 2014-15 title, Rahul had broken into India’s Test side in an away series in Australia. Karun and Mayank followed, their red-ball consistency earning national call-ups. Shreyas, still in pursuit of India colours, has evolved into a dependable all-round mainstay.
The youngsters in the squad, including skipper Devdutt Padikkal, most of whom were making their mark at the inter-school level during Karnataka’s last title run, will look to blend their youth and pedigree when Karnataka take on first-time finalists Jammu and Kashmir.
If Karnataka carry the aura of history, J&K have arrived with hunger and purpose. Their campaign has been built on resilience and performance under pressure. Head coach Ajay Sharma has overseen a steady rise, while veteran skipper Paras Dogra is relishing a late-career high after nearly 25 years in the domestic grind.
Under the harsh Hubballi sun, the contest could revolve around how Karnataka’s celebrated batting line-up negates J&K’s disciplined attack. Red-hot pacer Aquib Nabi has been outstanding with 55 wickets, while left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar (29 wickets) has provided sustained pressure. Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq (26 wickets) adds variety and control.
Karnataka’s own resurgence has been dramatic. Their season appeared to be drifting before a stunning 250-run chase in just 28 overs against Punjab in their final league outing reignited belief. Since then, victories over Mumbai and Uttarakhand have underlined their momentum heading into the final.
Under the harsh Hubballi sun, the batting spotlight will be on the four Test batters in the line-up and R Smaran’s prolific season (950 runs), which has been equally significant. The 22-year-old southpaw’s unbeaten 227 against Chandigarh at this venue earlier in the season demonstrated his temperament and appetite for long innings. Shreyas, wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna and medium pacer Vidhyadhar Patil add further batting depth. Prasidh Krishna will have to weigh in with his experience from his time in the Indian dressing room to marshal the bowling resources.
That said, numbers and pedigree tell only part of the story. J&K have upset more fancied opponents. Nabi’s century and gritty 42 in the semifinal against Bengal highlighted their depth, while Abdul Samad (655 runs), Dogra, Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan have formed the backbone of a batting unit.
INJURY SCARE IN J&K CAMP
The visiting side were dealt a double injury scare on match eve as opener Shubham Khajuria suffered a lower back spasm and had to be stretched out of the ground, while all-rounder Vanshaj Sharma picked up an ankle injury during warmup. On the other hand, the home team skipper Devdutt Padikkal, who was laid low by a split webbing on his right hand during the semifinals, said he was fit to play.
With fitness concerns on the visiting side and the pitch conditions, the team combinations could throw up some surprises and it wouldn’t be out of place to think that a spin-heavy bowling attack could well be on the cards.
On paper, Karnataka — winners of two of the four previous meetings — hold the edge, but their storied domestic history will be countered by the belief of a largely young J&K team.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ranji-trophy-final-karnataka-eye-203800333.html
Tarik Skubal, Drew Anderson dominate in Tigers' 3-0 loss vs Twins
LAKELAND, FL – The Detroit Tigers lost to the Minnesota Twins, 3-0, on Monday, Feb. 23, at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in spring training.
Detroit is 0-2 in Grapefruit League play.
What happened
Left-hander Tarik Skubal, the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, and right-hander Drew Anderson, a former 21st-round draft pick who spent the past four seasons in Asia, dominated across four scoreless innings, with Skubal pitching the first and second and Anderson pitching the third and fourth.
The duo combined for seven strikeouts without any walks, though the Twins collected three hits.
The Twins took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning when Emmanuel Rodriguez – a 22-year-old outfielder ranked by Baseball America as the Twins’ No. 2 prospect – hit a solo home run off left-handed reliever Brant Hurter, a 2021 seventh-round draft pick from Georgia Tech. He crushed a 91.7 mph sinker in the middle of the strike zone.
Rodriguez blasted Hurter’s sinker with a 106.6 mph exit velocity, sending it 420 feet to right field.
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Tarik Skubal starts it up
Skubal completed two scoreless innings.
He threw 21 of 31 pitches for strikes.
In the first inning, Austin Martin and Brooks Lee collected singles against Skubal, with Martin lining a middle-middle changeup and Lee flaring an up-and-in fastball.
Skubal struck out the final two batters swinging in the first inning, stranding the runners. He struck out Ryan Jeffers with an inside sinker and Matt Wallner with an elevated fastball.
In the second inning, Skubal retired all three batters he faced: ex-Tiger Gio Urshela (groundout), Rodriguez (strikeout) and Aaron Sabato (strikeout). Both Rodriguez and Sabato struck out swinging on fastballs.
For his 31 pitches, Skubal threw 14 four-seam fastballs, eight changeups, four sliders, four sinkers and one curveball. The 29-year-old averaged 96.5 mph with his fastball, maxing out at 98.9 mph. Additionally, his fastball velocity increased from 95.9 mph in the first inning to 97.2 mph in the second inning.
Skubal generated eight whiffs on 19 swings with four fastballs, three changeups and one sinker.
At the plate
The Tigers were limited to just three hits.
The best scoring opportunity came in the first inning, Matt Vierling – an outfielder making his comeback from an injury-plagued season – ripped an up-and-in sinker from right-hander Mick Abel – a former first-round draft pick acquired by the Twins with catcher Eduardo Tait from the Philadelphia Phillies for reliever Jhoan Duran at the 2025 trade deadline – down the right-field line and into the corner, legging out a triple.
The Tigers stranded Vierling with three strikeouts in a row from right-handed-pitching slayer Kerry Carpenter (97.1 mph fastball, swinging strike), Gleyber Torres (95.4 mph fastball, called strike) and Riley Greene (95.7 mph fastball, swinging strike).
Greene struck out on three fastballs in a row.
It was part of Abel’s five straight strikeouts, continued by shortstop-turned-center fielder Javier Báez (79.1 mph curveball, swinging strike) and breakout candidate Colt Keith (87.1 mph changeup, swinging strike) in the second inning.
Abel tossed three scoreless innings on two hits and zero walks with five strikeouts, throwing 29 of 46 pitches for strikes.
On the mound
After Skubal, the Tigers turned to Anderson for the next two innings.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $7 million contract in mid-December after two seasons for the SSG Landers in South Korea, which includes a $10 million club option for 2027. He hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2021 with the Texas Rangers.
Anderson impressed in his first spring outing.
He completed two scoreless innings and threw 16 of 28 pitches for strikes.
The only action for the Twins was only a one-out single in the third inning from Martin, who stole second base but was stranded when the next two batters were sent down. All three batters were retired in the fourth inning.
The three strikeouts: journeyman infielder Tristan Gray (95.4 mph fastball, called strike), former second-round draft pick Luke Keaschall (89 mph changeup, swinging strike) and Wallner (80.8 mph curveball, swinging strike).
For his 28 pitches, Anderson used 13 fastballs, nine curveballs, five changeups and one slider, with his fastball averaging 95.3 mph. He generated four whiffs on 12 swings with one fastball, one curveball and two changeups.
In the seventh inning, journeyman catcher Alex Jackson hit a solo home run off right-handed reliever Beau Brieske, who is trying to bounce back after an elbow injury derailed his performance last season.
Jackson hit Brieske’s slider below the zone for a solo home run, making it a 3-0 lead for the Twins.
Three stars
1. Drew Anderson, 2. Tarik Skubal, 3. Matt Vierling.
Next up
Tuesday vs. Atlanta Braves in North Port (1:05 p.m.)
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold
Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon during the season and Tuesday afternoon during the offseason on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tarik Skubal dominates for Detroit Tigers in spring training debut
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tarik-skubal-drew-anderson-dominate-203100218.html
Playoff seeding changes won't be re-proposed until season expands
Last year, the league office cajoled the Lions into proposing a new way of seeding the playoffs, with division champions no longer guaranteed a home game. It was tabled from March to May before being withdrawn.
Which means there wasn’t nearly enough support for it.
The seeding concept has yet to be mentioned as the 2026 offseason rules cycle unfolds. And it won’t be, for now.
When the regular season inevitably expands from 17 to 18 games, it will be back on the table, we’re told. Depending on whether 345 Park Avenue can twist enough arms into a thumb’s up, it may be adopted.
The Commissioner wants the change in order to make late-season games more compelling. Basic fairness can’t be ignored, however, when it comes to scheduling. The current rotational approach aimed at ensuring all teams play all other teams at least every four years makes it easier for one division to produce multiple stellar records, with eight games against the four teams of two different divisions. Often, the rotation lines up just right for the teams of one division, allowing them to play nearly half of their schedules against all teams from two of the weakest divisions.
If the division champion will be competing with second- (and third-) place teams from another division for one of the top four seeds, the schedule will need to have more conference games and fewer interconference contests. At some point, the annual home-and-home approach within each division may need to be revisited.
These are details that will take a back seat to the broader goal of having the playoff tree better reflect total wins and losses. Which, while dormant, isn’t dead.
Again, it’ll return when the league moves to 18 games. That could happen, in theory, as soon as 2027.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/playoff-seeding-changes-wont-proposed-194429066.html
NFL experts predict landing spot for Jaguars' free agent Greg Newsome
What teams could be potential landing spots for Jacksonville Jaguars’ free agent cornerback Greg Newsome?
A few NFL analysts have weighed in.
The trade for Newsome, which included Tyson Campbell going to Cleveland, provided the Jaguars with some added salary cap flexibility this offseason by moving on from Campbell’s contract.
Newsome joined the Jaguars with very good ball production in his career and as someone who was thought to fit well with Anthony Campanile’s zone-heavy defense.
However, the results in Jacksonville were mixed. Newsome allowed a completion rate of almost 70% with the Jaguars and 11.7 yards per catch. He had just one pass breakup and one interception.
Perhaps with a full offseason in Campanile’s scheme rather than learning it mid-season on the fly, the Jaguars could get more out of Newsome moving forward. However, if I’m the Jaguars, I’m prioritizing re-signing Montaric Brown over Newsome.
NFL analysts predict potential landing spots for Jaguars’ free agent CB Greg Newsome
ESPN: Packers
They said it: “The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons‘ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.” – Matt Bowen
FOX Sports: Falcons
They said it: “He only has four career interceptions in five years in the league, but has inside-outside versatility, having played extensively both outside and in the slot. Jacksonville must decide between him and fellow free agent Montaric Brown or bringing back Jourdan Lewis opposite Travis Hunter. He’s still likely to draw between $8-10 million in free agency.” – Greg Auman
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL free agency: Experts pick top landing spots for Jaguars’ Greg Newsome
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-experts-predict-landing-spot-194345505.html
Game Thread: White Sox (3-0) at Rockies (1-2)
Say hello to William Bergolla Jr., early contender for White Sox Cactus League MVP for 2026. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sure, it’s too early to start counting on the calendar to determine which White Sox arm is in line for Opening Day on March 26 but … well, OK, I just did. And today’s starter, Shane Smith, going every five days lands him at March 25. So, as makes absolute sense, Shane Smith is your Opening Day starter.
In addition to Smith, Grant Taylor and Seranthony Domínguez are scheduled to pitch today. Though there could be surprises, that likely means any other arms (say, five innings’ worth?) will be from minor league camp.
Of additional interest is Munetaka Murakami getting a back-to-back start after playing half of the game on Sunday, slotting into the 3-hole and DHing. We’ll also get another look at the possible right side of the outfield in 2026, with Luisangel Acuña in center and Jarred Kelenic in right. Finally, camp sensation William Bergolla Jr. (who had Bergolla and Sam Antonacci as your second-half 2026 middle infield?) hits ninth, playing shortstop. Bergolla has gone 4-for-4 with two doubles, two runs, a steal and an RBI so far this spring.
So now, the bad news: It’s a Gameday view today, with no TV, webcast or even radio from Chicago or Colorado. You’re dependent on my take on the game … which will be through Gameday! See you then.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/game-thread-white-sox-3-194203594.html
Could 2026 Alabama Gymnastics Be Something Special?
Jan 19, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama gymnast Chloe LaCoursiere celebrates after her routine on the bars in Coleman Coliseum Friday. Alabama and Arkansas tied with scores of 197.525.
The most important thing to understand about NCAA gymnastics is that the W-L record is not very important in evaluating a squad. Alabama is 5-2, but that doesn’t mean diddly squat. First off, the “losses” came on the road at Oklahoma and Florida – two of the darlings of women’s gymnastics. NCAA judging has been notoriously slanted towards certain programs over the last decade or so, and NO team in the nation is going to get a fair shake when arriving in those arenas. [BTW, Bama’s next meet is in Baton Rouge – home of another puppy-love team who judges get all weak-kneed around.]
The best way to appraise the strength of a team is the National Qualifying Score. The NQS is a ranking system used in college gymnastics to determine which teams qualify for postseason competitions. It is calculated by meet scores, with specific requirements for away and home scores, and helps assess overall performance rather than just wins and losses. Thus, road defeats do not punish a team as long as the score was good. And Alabama has consistently had some good scores this season.
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DateVSOPPLOCRESULTPTSJan 9, 2026AwayClemsonClemson, SCW, 197.475-196.550197.475Jan 16, 2026AwayFloridaGainesville, FLL, 197.275-197.425197.275Jan 23, 2026HomeMissouriTuscaloosa, ALW, 197.500-197.225197.500Jan 30, 2026HomeOregon StateTuscaloosa, ALW, 197.450-195.825197.450Feb 6, 2026AwayOklahomaNorman, OKL, 197.475-198.200197.475Feb 13, 2026HomeArkansasTuscaloosa, ALW, 197.950-196.900197.950Feb 20, 2026AwayAuburnAuburn, ALW, 197.950-197.250197.950
The magic number to hit for elite gymnastics teams in 198.00 or higher. Thus far in the season, only five teams have been given such a score, but three of them are calculated below Alabama. The last two weeks, the Crimson Tide has been right on the verge of hitting that mark, but have not reached it as of yet. Despite that fact, Alabama is ranked No. 3 in NQS.
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RANKTEAMNQSAVEHIGHCONF1Oklahoma197.938197.934198.425SEC2LSU197.735197.693198.325SEC3Alabama197.570197.582197.950SEC4Florida197.480197.421198.050SEC5UCLA197.450197.478198.150B1G6Georgia197.296197.291197.675SEC7Missouri197.163197.169197.550SEC8Arkansas197.150197.072197.700SEC
These numbers say a lot about the Tide’s consistency. It seems every years since legendary Bama gym coach Sarah Patterson retired, an Alabama squad was always destined for an off-day and a sub-197 score. So far, they have had some very strong scores.
Current Alabama coach Ashley Johnston has assembled a solid group of youngsters to match with some upperclassmen leadership. Junior Chloe LaCoursiere is the national leader on the bars. Others to watch include RS-senior Jordyn Paradise (excellent on vault and bars), all-around senior Gabby Gladieux (especially on the floor exercise), freshman Azaraya Ra-Akbar (bars), freshman Jasmine Cawley and sophomore Kylee Kvamme (both on beam).
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/could-2026-alabama-gymnastics-something-194152692.html
Winter Olympics 2026: Team USA women's hockey declines President Donald Trump's invite to State of the Union
Team USA’s women’s hockey team was asked to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, but declined that invite Monday.
In a statement, a USA hockey spokesperson said the team was grateful for the invite, but had “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments,” per NBC News.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” a USA Hockey spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
“They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment,” the spokesperson added.
Trump drew some criticism Sunday after video emerged of him congratulating the men’s hockey team for also winning the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics. Toward the end of the call, Trump laughed as he told players, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” That comment drew laughs from players in the locker room.
FBI director Kash Patel also drew criticism for flying to Italy and celebrating with the men’s hockey team. He was the one who called Trump following Team USA’s win.
While Trump chuckled about the suggestion on the phone, the invite was ultimately extended to the women’s team. And the women’s team opted to decline.
The women took home the gold medal Saturday, defeating Canada in overtime 2-1. The women’s team trailed late in the contest before Hilary Knight deflected the puck into the goal with roughly two minutes to play. Megan Keller then pulled off a tremendous move on a defender before scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to give Team USA the win. It wound up being the most-watched women’s hockey game of all time.
A day later, the men defeated Canada in overtime 2-1 in eerily similar fashion. With the contest tied 1-1, Jack Hughes scored in overtime to give the men the walk-off, gold-medal win. It marked the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” game that the men’s team took home gold in hockey at the Olympics.
He's the one! Special star can now save Liverpool's season
He’s the one! Special star can now save Liverpool’s season
Other than the sparkling magic that was introduce on the 77th minute. Rio Ngumoha has been very limited in his usage so far. Slot has argued this has been to protect him. Although you’d have to question how much protection a player of Ngumoha’s talent actually needs.
And whether not playing him and keeping him on the bench while he gets limited minutes for the U21s may actually be setting him up worse.
Sure, you always have to be careful with teenagers. Especially as their body is still growing. You don’t want to overload them.
But there is a balance between over training players under Jurgen Klopp and under-using them under Slot.
Ngumoha falls into the latter category and he showed that with the brilliant performance he produced on Sunday afternoon.
The special young winger made a statement with his performance, completing more dribbles (2/2) than Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo managed all game.
Meanwhile, Ngumoha also created the same amount of big chances that Gakpo and Salah managed together in the previous 77 minutes prior to his introduction.
That was a damning indictment of Liverpool’s senior wingers but it’s also a massive endorsement in favour of Ngumoha.
No Liverpool fan is asking him to start every game. He is still very young and of course he cannot be relied upon in that way.
But these 15-20 minute cameos need to be more frequent. Slot cannot be just throwing him in every now and again for the last few minutes of the game.
Ngumoha has proven he will save Liverpool’s season. He’s got that special one vs one ability that Slot is missing in his attack. He’s got the ability to turn games in the Reds’ favour.
All he needs to be given is a chance. And with the media and fan pressure now mounting, as well as Ngumoha putting in these kinds of cameos, Slot will have no choice but to actually unleash him.
When he does, there will be no going back.
Slot will have unlocked Liverpool’s new secret weapon.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hes-one-special-star-now-194000763.html
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