Sports
7 big questions that will impact the 2026 NCAA tournament bracket
A new men’s college basketball season has finally arrived. With it comes inevitable questions, both obvious and arcane, about players, teams and, most importantly, what will happen 5½ months from now. Below are just some of what your intrepid ESPN Bracketologist will be watching in the 19 weeks between now and Selection Sunday.
The first in-season projections of the 2026 March Madness field of 68 will release Nov. 11.

1. Who will secure the four No. 1 seeds on March 15?
Our season-opening projection lists Houston, Purdue, Florida and Duke on the top line of the bracket. History suggests we’ll be only half right, so I’m nominating Purdue and Florida as most likely to deceive. The reasons are that the Big Ten (in Purdue’s case) and the SEC (in Florida’s) have more contenders to chase the respective league favorites. Ultimately, Bracketology is a prisoner of probability, and it’s simply more likely that Houston and Duke ride the wave of their respective conferences to a No. 1 seed.
2. Who do we like in the emerging UConn–St. John’s rivalry?
The Big East has needed a grudge match like this since the end of Villanova’s hegemony in the conference. Both the Huskies and Johnnies are No. 2 seeds on our board to open the season, but we like the former to win the regular-season crown and the latter to cut down the nets at the Big East tournament. The major difference comes later in March, when Rick Pitino leads St. John’s to the Elite Eight and UConn falls in the second round in its chase for Dan Hurley’s third NCAA title.
3. Can the Big Ten really end a quarter-century of NCAA tournament frustration?
Yes. But I don’t think it will be preseason favorite Purdue that takes the conference’s first national championship since 2000. I’ve pushed my chips to the center of the table on Michigan.
4. Are there practical considerations already determining the 2026 NCAA bracket?
More than usual. Houston stepping back as host of the South regional means the Cougars can play in their home town in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Count on this after an opening weekend assignment in Oklahoma City. Another Big 12 entry, BYU, seems fairly locked on a West region placement and even more certain to open NCAA play in Portland (a Thursday-Saturday site) because of the school’s ban on Sunday competition.
On the other side of the country, UConn and St. John’s figure to have easy bus rides (to Philadelphia) when the bracket is revealed. Villanova could also play in Philly, having only three regular-season games scheduled for Xfinity Mobile Arena, but would be happy to see its name anywhere after three straight NCAA misses.
Other schools whose fans should be comfortable booking opening-round hotels: Florida (Tampa), Duke (Greenville, South Carolina), UCLA (San Diego) and Gonzaga (Portland). These and other travel tips are available for no extra charge for longtime Bracketology readers.
5. Which power conference gets the most bids …
The SEC should once again lead the way with the highest number of NCAA bids, although the Big Ten will be within striking distance. What the SEC will not do is match its record bid total (14) from last season. A dozen bids seems like a more realistic number this time around, as it took a perfect storm of metrics and mediocre teams in other multibid conferences for the SEC to hit the mother lode eight months ago.
6. … and which gets the fewest?
Once again, the ACC is listed for this dishonorable mention. The conference’s multiyear decline should be a thing of the past, however, with a healthy number of potential bubble teams that could raise the league’s bid number well above the half-dozen projected at this point, in a push toward double figures.
7. What are the other multibid conferences?
Last season, only the Mountain West (New Mexico, Utah State, San Diego State, Colorado State) and WCC (Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s) snagged extra bids outside the Power 4-Big East cluster. The American and Atlantic 10 sunk to one-bid status mostly as a result of poor nonconference results. This season, the American’s best hope is for a team other than Memphis to win its automatic bid. In the A-10, multiple teams — VCU, Saint Louis, Dayton, Loyola Chicago and sleeper George Washington — have put together rosters good enough to be in the at-large conversation.
8. If ESPN put me in charge of programming, what would the “College GameDay” schedule look like?
With the caveat that this is not actually the “College GameDay” schedule.
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Jan. 24: Houston at Texas Tech
Could very well be the game of the year in the Big 12, and also double the population of Lubbock for the weekend.
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This is a no-brainer in Year 2 of the post-John Calipari era at Kentucky. Remember, the Razorbacks pulled the upset at Rupp Arena a year ago.
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Feb. 7: Boise State at New Mexico
Let’s branch out a bit and go to The Pit in Albuquerque for the first time in forever.
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If my hunch on the Wolverines is a good one, this would be a colossal showdown of old-school vs. new-school Big Ten.
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Feb. 21: Tennessee at Vanderbilt
Let’s turn the set 90 degrees at Memorial Gym and look at Rece & Co. sideways (might not be a bad thing …). Also, there haven’t been enough seasons in which the Vols and ‘Dores have been this good at the same time.
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Feb. 28: Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s
The end of the best and longest rivalry in the history of the West Coast Conference.
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March 7: North Carolina at Duke
I have to make Cameron Indoor the season’s final stop.
Sports
Shaheen, Babar, Shadab’ under fire as India thrashes Pakistan – SUCH TV
Reactions poured in from across the cricketing world after India secured a comprehensive victory over Pakistan to register their third successive group-stage win in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
Ishan Kishan’s breakneck 77 powered India to 175-7 at the R Premadasa Stadium, where Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack managed to apply the brakes to an extent after the opener’s exit.
The tournament co-hosts returned to bundle out Pakistan for 114 in 18 overs to register their third win in a row.
The result triggered widespread criticism from former cricketers and analysts.
Former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, sharing his views on X, stressed the need for accountability and fresh talent, stating that Pakistan’s repeated underperformance against top-tier teams requires a change in approach.
“Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides,” Yousaf wrote.
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja criticised Pakistan’s batting collapse and the lack of growth despite facing a familiar bowling attack.
Well, that was a bit of a disaster- especially batting !! India have been fielding the same bowling attack against Pakistan since last 2/3 years and every time batsmen have been woefully ordinary …no growth.
Ex-Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad also slammed team selection and called for immediate changes ahead of crucial matches.
“Pathetic cricket from Pakistan. Same old faces, same old results. Please don’t fool the nation anymore. It’s still time to bring positive changes in this WC. Fakhar, Nafay, and Salman should be playing now,” he said.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote: India seem to intimidate Pakistan on the cricket field .. they are so much better in all facets of the game and such a better mentality of coping with the huge occasion.
Cricketer Sohaib Maqsood said: Everyone blaming batters, yes, they played poorly, but your bowling is the reason by far for today’s defeat.
It’s not a 180 pitch, even 140 could have been tough to chase on this pitch above all we prepared on such pitches against Australia at home before the World Cup, where Agha won all the tosses and batted first. Why bowl first today?
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews shared his observations on the high-voltage clash, highlighting the atmosphere and the performance on the field.
“Colombo was lit tonight, but India were too good for Pakistan. A convincing win by them,” Mathews wrote.
Test cricketer Abid Ali expressed his strong views on the current state of Pakistan’s T20 squad following their recent performances.
“Reputation ≠ Selection. Pakistan T20 squad needs impact players, not passengers.
Babar, Shaheen, Shadab and others must earn their spots through performance, not past glory. Fans deserve fight, not excuses. Time to reset,” Ali wrote.
Sports
2026 NFL offseason: Free agency, draft questions for all 32 teams
The 2026 NFL offseason is in full swing, which means it’s time for every team to finally address its glaring holes. Whether it be through remaining hirings, free agency (March 11 at 4 p.m. ET) or the draft (April 23).
Teams looking for a quarterback might have a hard time, but other position groups offer a great variety of trade candidates. Will some team pick up Maxx Crosby from the Raiders or A.J. Brown from the Eagles? Which teams might make big moves in the draft? What improvements will the Broncos and Chiefs make in time for their injured QBs to return?
We asked our NFL Nation reporters to take a close look at the biggest question each team will face this offseason and give their insight into what could happen over the next few months.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC EAST
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How will the defense be built under new coordinator Jim Leonhard?
Former coach Sean McDermott’s vision guided the defense for nine seasons, but the unit should look different under Leonhard. Free agency and the draft will reveal which players he wants to build the defense around for years to come. Leonhard was formerly the defensive pass game coordinator for the Broncos, who allowed the second-fewest yards per game (278.2) with a true shutdown corner in Pat Surtain II. — Alaina Getzenberg
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How critical is it for Miami to find a quarterback this offseason?
Tua Tagovailoa is still under contract, yet the Dolphins are reportedly looking to trade their former franchise quarterback. But first-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said the team will first focus on its infrastructure around its next quarterback before even finding him — which could suggest either a season of a bridge veteran or 2025 seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers under center. Either way, Miami isn’t likely to find a long-term answer this offseason due to the lack of impactful options in free agency and the draft. But it’s still important for the Dolphins to have a proper support system in place before identifying their next franchise quarterback. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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What is Christian Gonzalez‘s approach with a possible contract extension?
This is the first time in his career that he is eligible for an extension, even though he is technically under contract for one more season. So does Gonzalez force the issue? Or will he be patient and let the process play out? Gonzalez (four tackles, three passes defended) reminded everyone in Super Bowl LX that he is still an elite talent and critical to the Patriots’ success. — Mike Reiss
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How will the Jets reset at quarterback?
This could be a make-or-break question for coach Aaron Glenn. Justin Fields and Brady Cook are under contract, though neither is guaranteed to be on the roster because both played poorly in 2025. The Jets will look to acquire one, possibly two veterans. Names to watch include Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett. The latter three are under contract, but could become available through a trade or release. If they add the best bridge QB available for 2026, they can hope to find their long-term answer in the 2027 draft — New York will have three first-round picks next year. — Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH
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How will the Ravens upgrade quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s supporting cast?
Baltimore needs to get a new deal done with Jackson to lower its $74.5 million salary cap number and create between $25 million and $30 million in cap space. This will allow the Ravens to address their offensive line and Jackson’s targets in the passing game. Last season, Jackson was sacked on 9.8% of his dropbacks, the worst rate of his career. Baltimore will look to re-sign Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, who is the team’s top free agent, and upgrade at both starting guard spots. The Ravens also need to help Jackson in the passing game, where he had only one target average over 25 yards receiving per game (wide receiver Zay Flowers). — Jamison Hensley
0:48
Will Lamar and Jesse Minter lead Ravens to a Super Bowl?
Jeff Saturday and Jason McCourty weigh in on what the Ravens need to do to be in the Super Bowl conversation next season.
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How will Cincinnati fix the defense?
The Bengals got worse defensively in 2025 despite making a change at coordinator. Under Al Golden, Cincinnati surrendered big plays at an alarming rate and didn’t do a good enough job of helping QB Joe Burrow and the offense. With Burrow now entering his seventh season and the team in a three-year playoff drought, the Bengals need to add defensive playmakers in free agency and also develop players they’ve drafted. Both of those aspects have been lacking in recent years. — Ben Baby
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How will the Browns remake their offense?
Cleveland hired Todd Monken as coach to help lift an offense that has ranked last in scoring (averaging 14.5 points per game) over the past two seasons. Now the spotlight turns to general manager Andrew Berry to infuse that side of the ball with the talent needed to compete in the AFC North. The Browns, stocked with two first-round picks and 10 total selections in the 2026 draft, will have to replace as many as four offensive linemen, add playmakers and decide how to approach their quarterbacks room. — Daniel Oyefusi
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Who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026?
The question the Steelers have consistently faced since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021 remains most pressing because it will dictate the ceiling of new coach Mike McCarthy’s team. Aaron Rodgers returning appears to be an option, but if the veteran doesn’t come back, will the Steelers draft their next signal-caller? Or will Pittsburgh start Mason Rudolph while developing Will Howard? What about signing a free agent or making a splash trade? All options are on the table. — Brooke Pryor

AFC SOUTH
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How can Houston improve around quarterback C.J. Stroud?
The Texans had a good base of rookie talent around Stroud last season in wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, running back Woody Marks, and left tackle Aireontae Ersery. So don’t expect them to overspend in the offseason. But Houston still must make shrewd moves to help improve around Stroud — specifically on the offensive line — to get him back to producing like he did during his rookie season. Last season, the O-line was tied with the Lions’ for the NFL’s second-worst pass block win rate (55.5%). — DJ Bien-Aime
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How much work does the Colts’ defense need?
The Colts showed signs of improvement on defense last season, but the consistency wasn’t there. Late in the season, things broke down, and Indianapolis finished 21st in scoring defense (24.2 points per game) and 23rd in yards allowed (349.8 per game). Look for some moves this offseason to invigorate the pass rush and bolster an underwhelming linebacker unit. General manager Chris Ballard made an admission at the end of the season, conceding, “We’ve got to get faster on defense.” — Stephen Holder
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How will the Jaguars address their pass rush?
The Jaguars must make getting the quarterback on the ground a priority; they ranked third in QB pressures (222) but 27th in sacks (32) in 2025. This year’s class of edge rushers is regarded to be pretty deep, which is good since Jacksonville doesn’t have a first-round pick because of the Travis Hunter trade last year. Could the Jags get involved in the pursuit of the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby? — Michael DiRocco
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Can quarterback Cam Ward take the next step under Brian Daboll?
Ward closed the season on a high note before suffering a shoulder sprain to his throwing arm. Perhaps that injury hasn’t impacted his offseason training since he’s been working mostly on footwork? But his rehab paired with learning a new offense led by new-to-Tennessee coordinator Daboll will likely be a challenge for Ward. Daboll most notably helped Bills QB Josh Allen go from a raw rookie to an All-Pro passer. The Titans are banking on a similar jump for Ward that would help turn the franchise around. — Turron Davenport
2:02
How Brian Daboll would help Cam Ward at Titans
With the Titans set to hire Brian Daboll as their new offensive coordinator, Marcus Spears is excited about him working with quarterback Cam Ward.

AFC WEST
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What will the playbook look like when quarterback Bo Nix returns?
Start with whether coach Sean Payton or new offensive coordinator Davis Webb will call plays in 2026. Payton hasn’t surrendered full-time playcalling duties as a coach, but it’s difficult to believe he’d keep Webb if some more responsibility didn’t come with it. Then add Nix’s recovery from a broken ankle into the mix. He expects to be ready by the start of the offseason program. But Nix has now had ankle surgeries in the past two years, as well as multiple fractured transverse process bones in his back in 2024. Should the Broncos keep him heavily involved in their run game in 2026? They had Nix throw the most pass attempts (612) in the NFL last season, but he lacked efficiency (minus-2.1% in completions over expectation, ranked 26th). — Jeff Legwold
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Can the Chiefs offense make sizable improvements while quarterback Patrick Mahomes rehabs?
Once again, the Chiefs will likely have to release some veterans to create salary cap space. While Mahomes continues to recover from a torn ACL, Kansas City must find a way to improve the running back depth, and it would be wise to find a difference-making pass catcher in the draft. Plus, the Chiefs are hoping to re-sign tight end Travis Kelce. When the offseason is over, success will be determined by whether coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach acquired talented skill-position players to help Mahomes once he returns. — Nate Taylor
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Will the Raiders actually trade defensive end Maxx Crosby?
New coach Klint Kubiak and owner Mark Davis made it clear that they want Crosby to remain in Las Vegas. At the same time, Crosby turns 29 in August, is set to play for his fifth non-interim coach since entering the league, and is still determined to win at the highest level. Las Vegas has a long way to go before being considered a contender, so it could make sense for both sides to go their separate ways. If the Raiders receive a strong offer for Crosby, it will help their rebuild while giving the All-Pro edge rusher a fresh start elsewhere. — Ryan McFadden
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Will Mike McDaniel unlock something in quarterback Justin Herbert?
As Herbert heads into his seventh season, McDaniel will be his fifth playcaller. None of the previous four has propelled one of the league’s most talented players to a playoff win. But the Chargers’ playoff blunders haven’t all been on the playcallers, as Herbert performed below his standard in his three playoff losses. McDaniel said in his introductory news conference that he hopes to make life easier for Herbert. L.A. is betting that this is the playcaller who finally helps Herbert realize his potential when it matters most. — Kris Rhim

NFC EAST
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How will the Cowboys fix their defense?
It’s one thing to feel confident in a first-time defensive coordinator like Christian Parker and a new staff. It’s another to give Parker more pieces to work with after Dallas allowed the most points in franchise history in 2025 (511). That means doing more in free agency and not just relying on the draft, even with two first-round picks. The Cowboys have not been big spenders in free agency in more than a decade. Owner Jerry Jones said he would be willing to “bust the budget.” Will his actions follow his words? — Todd Archer
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How will new coach John Harbaugh reshape the roster?
Harbaugh is running the show, as evidenced by the team’s fresh reporting structure. He will tweak the roster to his desires. With that come some significant roster decisions on whether to re-sign free agents Wan’Dale Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor and Cor’Dale Flott, or cut middle linebacker Bobby Okereke ($9 million in cap savings). Also, how will the Giants reshape their offensive line and find another playmaker to supplement WR Malik Nabers? There is lots of work to do. They didn’t go 7-27 over the past two seasons by accident. — Jordan Raanan
1:54
How good will the Giants be next season?
The “Get Up” crew evaluates the current state of the Giants and debates what they are capable of achieving next season.
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Will the Eagles trade WR A.J. Brown?
Brown has made his mark as arguably the best receiver in Philadelphia’s history, posting two 1,400-plus-yard seasons and reaching two Super Bowls since joining the team in 2022. His frustrations with the offense have been well documented, however, and it’s fair to wonder whether that impacted his play in 2025. The front office will have to decide whether it can get Brown to buy in or it’s better to move on from him. “It is hard to find great players in the NFL, and A.J.’s a great player,” general manager Howie Roseman said in January. — Tim McManus
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Can the Commanders build a strong defense?
The Commanders started the defensive rebuild process by hiring Daronte Jones at coordinator, but they need a talent boost as well. Over the past two seasons, Washington was a combined 24th in scoring defense (24.8 PPG) and 28th in yards allowed per game (355.6). They’re top six in available cap space and have the No. 7 pick, so they have premier spots to add talent. The Commanders need an impact player or two; they need youth along the front, as only one rotational player was under 25 this season. A strong defense with a healthy Jayden Daniels at quarterback can lead to a quick resurgence. — John Keim

NFC NORTH
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How will the Bears add to their pass rush?
This was one half of the Bears’ biggest offseason question a year ago. Chicago ranked 31st in pass rush win rate (29%) despite making pricey additions last free agency (DE Dayo Odeyingbo and DT Grady Jarrett) and using a second-round pick on DT Shemar Turner. Injuries played a role in the Bears not seeing a return on investment in 2025, but Chicago needs to land a dominant edge rusher to play opposite DE Montez Sweat. Until that happens, the Bears will continue to struggle generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. — Courtney Cronin
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How will the Lions adjust to new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing?
Out of all the offseason coaching candidates who were available, Petzing wasn’t necessarily an eye-popping choice among Lions fans. However, after Detroit missed the playoffs in 2025, all eyes will be on Petzing as the Lions try to get the ground game going more consistently and reshape the offensive line. Petzing has spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Cardinals, who ranked second in the NFL in rushing average (4.92) and were ninth in rushing yards (6,399) during his time there. — Eric Woodyard
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How can the Packers upgrade their roster?
This offseason could be one of Brian Gutekunst’s biggest challenges since he took over as general manager in 2018. He doesn’t have a first-round pick after giving it up (and next year’s as well) in the Micah Parsons trade, and the Packers aren’t exactly flush with salary cap space. Yet there are positions in desperate need of an upgrade — with cornerback being at the top of the list — if they’re to go from being a one-and-done playoff team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. — Rob Demovsky
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What will become of quarterback J.J. McCarthy?
The firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah raised the stakes on the 2026 season and made McCarthy’s immediate future less certain than ever. At 23, McCarthy might be ready for a big career jump after a mostly disappointing first two seasons. But can Minnesota’s decision-makers, most notably coach Kevin O’Connell, stake their careers on it? While no one expects the Vikings to give up on McCarthy, the Vikings should acquire a QB who is at least a credible hedge against McCarthy’s progress. McCarthy could win the starting job in training camp, or he could find himself on the bench in a playoffs-or-bust season. — Kevin Seifert

NFC SOUTH
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What will the Falcons do with James Pearce Jr.?
The new Falcons regime — president of football Matt Ryan, coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham — have their first crisis just days into being hired. Pearce, who led the team with 10.5 sacks as a rookie, was arrested Feb. 7 on five felony counts. How will they handle such a situation? Pearce was a crucial part of a much-improved defense that set a franchise record in sacks (57). It’s premature to say how Pearce’s legal issues will go. But in any kind of absence, fellow 2025 draftee Jalon Walker might need to increase his production and — yet again — Atlanta will likely be in the market for another edge rusher this offseason. — Marc Raimondi
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Will Carolina take a big swing on a linebacker?
General manager Dan Morgan admitted after the season that the pass rush was “not acceptable.” It’s time to spend big money to fix that. Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson is the most notable free agent edge rusher, but he’s 31. Philadelphia’s Jaelan Phillips, 27, makes more sense as a fit for the Panthers, given his experience in the 3-4 scheme. Also, don’t forget the need for a middle linebacker who can cover. Cleveland’s Devin Bush is coming off a career-best 125 tackles. He’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, but Panthers legend Sam Mills played the role at 5-9. — David Newton
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Do the Saints extend wide receiver Chris Olave?
Olave is coming off a career-best season in which he caught 100 passes for 1,163 yards in 16 games played. His big season came only a year after he pondered retirement because of sustaining several concussions in 2024. The 2022 first-round pick will now play on his fifth-year option unless the Saints give him a long-term extension. New Orleans lacked other offensive playmakers in the second half of the 2025 season, so reaching a long-term contract with Olave could be one of its big priorities this spring as it looks to build around quarterback Tyler Shough. — Katherine Terrell
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Will wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David return?
These two Hall of Fame-caliber players have given a combined 26 seasons to the Buccaneers and will both wind up in the team’s ring of honor one day. Neither player has discussed his future with the team yet, and both are unrestricted free agents. David has already said he won’t play anywhere else, so it’s Tampa Bay or retirement. Evans, 32, is less likely to retire, based on conversations with those closest to him. But how much does being left out of the 2025 playoffs eat at Evans, knowing he has only so much time left? — Jenna Laine

NFC WEST
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What will the Cardinals do with quarterback Kyler Murray?
Now that Arizona has a new coach in Mike LaFleur, all of the team’s focus turns to Murray. Will the Cardinals keep him for at least another season, or will they trade/release him? That question will likely have to be answered by March 16, because that’s when Murray will be guaranteed his $19.5 million base salary for the 2027 season whether he’s on the team or not. (He has already been guaranteed $39.8 million for 2026.) But another question looms large: Who will decide Murray’s future? Will LaFleur have a say on whether Murray is the right fit for his West Coast scheme? Or will owner Michael Bidwill make the decision without LaFleur’s input? — Josh Weinfuss
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What does making “the most of the time we have” with quarterback Matthew Stafford look like?
In his end-of-season news conference, general manager Les Snead said that if Stafford returns, Los Angeles would want to “take advantage” because “the type of season [Stafford] had, the type of season that he’s still showing that he can have, there are only so many of those left.” The Rams know how to go all-in, having traded for Stafford and outside linebacker Von Miller in 2021. Snead did say the team would look to find the balance of helping its long-term future as well. So L.A. going all-in could mean using its two first-rounders (No. 13, 29) to trade up in the draft or as capital to trade for a veteran. — Sarah Barshop
1:57
Nacua on Stafford’s return announcement: ‘I almost did a front flip’
Puka Nacua joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss his relationship with Matthew Stafford and the veteran’s return at QB for the Rams.
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How aggressive will the 49ers be in adding to the roster?
The Niners should be motivated to make some big moves this offseason, especially since so many of their key veterans are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. In what San Francisco viewed as a reset year in 2025, it still managed to go 12-5 and nearly earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The good news is the 49ers appear to be a bit ahead of schedule after last offseason’s roster makeover. The bad news? They play in a division with the Seahawks and Rams, both of whom don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. — Nick Wagoner
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How much can the Super Bowl champs stay intact?
Super Bowl teams are impossible to keep together, and the Seahawks already lost a big piece in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (hired by the Raiders). Running back Kenneth Walker III headlines Seattle’s list of unrestricted free agents. The Seahawks want the Super Bowl MVP back, especially with Zach Charbonnet (knee) likely out until the second half of next season. But Walker’s strong finish to 2025 means they’ll have competition. Seattle’s other big-name free agents are on defense — cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe, safety Coby Bryant, and outside linebacker Boye Mafe. Coach Mike Macdonald’s top-ranked scoring defense is guaranteed to look different in 2026. — Brady Henderson
Sports
Rayo thrash Atletico who ‘deserved to lose’ | The Express Tribune
Rayo Vallecano’s Spanish midfielder Fran Perez celebrates scoring his team’s first goal in the rout of Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga. Photo: AFP
MADRID:
Rayo Vallecano waltzed to a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga, leaving Diego Simeone’s side 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Atletico dropped to fourth after their heavy defeat at Leganes’s Butarque stadium, where Rayo hosted the fixture due to pitch problems at their own Vallecas ground.
Real Betis, fifth, were able to cut the gap to Atletico down to four points with a 2-1 win at Mallorca.
Fran Perez, Oscar Valentin and Nobel Mendy struck for Rayo, who thoroughly deserved their triumph against an Atletico side that had thrashed Spanish champions Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
With the Spanish cup their best chance of silverware this season it has seemed that Atletico lack some focus in La Liga, and that was reflected in this humbling by their city rivals.
The Rojiblancos have not won in their last three league matches.
“It seems like the league has slipped away, we can’t lose games like this and we can’t play a game the way we did today,” angry Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told DAZN.
“Competing like this is going to be to tough, you can’t choose your games, every game has to be played at the highest level…
“Today they were much better, congratulations to them, we lost and deserved to lose.”
Simeone, who rotated much of the team that beat Barca with Wednesday’s Champions League play-off against Club Brugge in mind, did not agree with all of Oblak’s analysis.
“I don’t share (his opinion), I thought the team gave what it could, they were better, but the truth is there is no need to criticise the team in terms of effort, work, of wanting to do well,” said Simeone.
“We didn’t have a good match, the opponent was better, congratulations to them and let’s think about what’s coming on Wednesday.”
Inigo Perez’s Rayo took the lead in the 40th minute when Perez finished Andrei Ratiu’s cross, and Valentin doubled their advantage after Clement Lenglet gave the ball away.
Mendy netted the third in the 76th minute after some more poor Atletico defending to round off a miserable afternoon for Simeone’s side.
Rayo, whose players have complained in recent weeks about the way the club is being run, as well as the state of the Vallecas pitch and their training ground facilities, backed by the coaching staff, climbed up to 17th.
“This is a battle-hardened team that adapts well to circumstances,” said Rayo coach Perez.
“Today’s match was very tough both because of the opponent and because of our own institutional and sporting situation.”
Betis pushing
Betis doubled down on their win over Atletico in La Liga last weekend with a third straight top flight triumph, boosting their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side capitalised on Atletico’s defeat by Rayo on the road at Mallorca, thanks to first-half goals from Ez Abde and Cedric Bakambu.
Vedat Muriqi pulled one back for the hosts in the second half with his 16th league goal of the season, behind only Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts, but it was not enough.
Despite the Kosovan target man’s goals Mallorca are 18th, a point behind Rayo.
Valencia won 2-0 in a derby clash at Levante to move up to 14th, two points clear of the drop zone.
On Monday champions Barcelona visit Girona, aiming to go back top after Real Madrid usurped them on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.
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