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NFL MVP race: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow? Plus, the case for Saquon Barkley

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NFL MVP race: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow? Plus, the case for Saquon Barkley

When assessing NFL MVP candidates one year ago, I lamented the dearth of candidates producing at levels high enough for consideration.

There’s no such problem as the 2024 MVP race enters its final stages.

Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley are superstar talents whose conventional and/or advanced stats match historic standards for MVP consideration.

Jackson was my favorite when assessing the situation one month ago, partly because his production was allowing Baltimore to win despite terrible support from the Ravens’ defense and special teams. The picture looks different now. Allen and Burrow have surged. Barkley, having topped 2,000 yards rushing, fits into a different category as a non-quarterback. The best case for him goes well beyond statistics.

We’ll start with the quarterbacks because they are obviously most valuable. We’ll finish with the special case for Barkley, who has helped transform the most pass-oriented organization of the past quarter-century.

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The best MVP candidates, in my view, are high-producing, dynamic QBs for teams that win despite lackluster support from their defenses and special teams. These are the ultimate win-because-of quarterbacks.

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Patrick Mahomes has set the standard. He led the 2022 Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl glory after the team finished 29th in combined expected points added (EPA) on defense/special teams. He did this even though his defense/special teams failed to come alive in the playoffs the way Peyton Manning’s 2006 Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts did after ranking 32nd in the regular season (in that case, Bob Sanders’ return to the defense helped Indy win it all despite Manning tossing three touchdown passes with seven interceptions in the postseason).

Mahomes proved to be the ultimate MVP. His case this season is tougher to make in the absence of elite statistical production, so he’s not part of this discussion, which focuses on betting favorites for the award (imagine if someone had told you before the season that Kansas City would take a 15-1 record into Week 18 without Mahomes — the preseason favorite at +500 — registering on the MVP radar).

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Press play or drag the slider on the chart below to see how leading MVP candidates’ production and betting odds have shifted over the season, week by week. Burrow was far out of contention, as distant as +25000 three weeks ago and +15000 one week ago, until jumping to +2000 after Week 17’s overtime win over the Denver Broncos.

scatter visualization

MVP voting closes before playoff results are known, so we can’t make a full evaluation. We do not even know whether Burrow’s 8-8 Cincinnati Bengals (29th in EPA on defense/special teams) will finish with a winning record, let alone reach the postseason. Jackson’s Ravens are 11-5 despite ranking 24th in EPA on defense/special teams, while Allen’s Buffalo Bills are 13-3 while ranking 15th in those phases that usually are critical for winning. Allen is expected to sit most of the Bills’ finale, while Burrow and Jackson could add to their resumes.

Allen overtook Jackson as the betting favorite after a Week 11 to 15 stretch that saw Buffalo beat Kansas City, put up 42 points on the Los Angeles Rams and win at Detroit, 48-42. Jackson’s Ravens lost in Weeks 11 and 13 before taking off Week 14 for their bye.

That stretch is fresher and more relevant to the current discussion than a Week 4 to 5 run featuring Baltimore’s victories over Buffalo (35-10) and Cincinnati (41-38). We’ll take the full season into account here.

As fans debate the MVP merits of their favorite players, let’s take a quick look at basic stats for Jackson, Allen and Burrow before evaluating them through other contextual lenses.

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Establishing basic MVP credentials for the leading QB candidates

Ten quarterbacks have combined to win 21 MVPs since 2000.

Through 16 games, those QBs averaged 4,373 yards passing with 37 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 108.8 passer rating during their MVP seasons, per TruMedia.

They averaged 40 total touchdowns with 11 turnovers.

They averaged 165.9 total EPA on pass plays and rushes (0.27 per play), not counting kneeldowns.

QB JACKSON ALLEN BURROW

Cmp-att

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300-442

307-483

423-606

Cmp%

67.9%

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63.6%

69.8%

Pass yds

3,955

3,731

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4,641

Yds/att

8.9

7.7

7.7

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TD-INT

39-4

28-6

42-8

Rating

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121.6

101.4

109.8

Sacked

23

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14

44

Rush yds

864

539

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212

Rush TD

4

12

2

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Total TDs

43

40

44

Turnovers

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9

8

13

Total EPA

172.8

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155.5

116.7

EPA/play

+0.29

+0.27

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+0.15

EPA/pass play

+0.33

+0.24

+0.17

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EPA/pass att

+0.42

+0.25

+0.30

Jackson, Allen and Burrow measure up to those standards except for Burrow’s 116.7 total EPA, which would rank 19th among those 21 MVP seasons, just behind 2021 Aaron Rodgers and ahead of 2003 Steve McNair. The lowest since 2000, by far, belonged to Jackson in 2023. His 51.5 EPA through 16 games was less than half the 16-game totals for the next-lowest MVP since 2000 (2015 Cam Newton).

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Assessing MVP-caliber performance frequency: Advantage, Jackson?

As noted, those 10 quarterbacks with 21 MVP seasons since 2000 averaged 0.27 EPA per play when kneeldowns are excluded.

The table below stacks Jackson, Allen and Burrow by their best to worst EPA per play for each of their 16 starts this season.

Jackson met the MVP threshold of +0.27 EPA per play 11 times, compared to eight times for Allen and four for Burrow. Jackson also had the fewest games with negative EPA per play.

MVP candidates’ best to worst EPA per play

Rank Jackson Allen Burrow

1

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0.95 (W)

0.79 (W)

0.67 (L)

2

0.65 (W)

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0.65 (W)

0.39 (L)

3

0.64 (W)

0.65 (L)

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0.28 (W)

4

0.61 (W)

0.59 (W)

0.28 (W)

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5

0.59 (W)

0.38 (W)

0.24 (L)

6

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0.58 (W)

0.34 (W)

0.23 (W)

7

0.57 (W)

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0.33 (W)

0.22 (W)

8

0.41 (W)

0.28 (W)

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0.16 (W)

9

0.34 (W)

0.26 (W)

0.15 (L)

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10

0.34 (W)

0.23 (W)

0.12 (W)

11

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0.27 (W)

0.22 (W)

0.10 (L)

12

0.12 (L)

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0.20 (W)

0.05 (L)

13

0.05 (L)

0.05 (W)

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-0.07 (L)

14

0.01 (L)

-0.07 (W)

-0.10 (W)

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15

-0.04 (L)

-0.08 (L)

-0.19 (L)

16

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-0.25 (L)

-0.23 (L)

-0.45 (W)

Avg

0.29

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0.27

0.15

Jackson accounts for seven of the top 14 single-game figures.

Median ranks for their 48 single-game figures: 20th for Jackson, 23rd for Allen, 30th for Burrow.

This is one way to get a feel for consistency.

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The Ravens have gone 11-0 when Jackson has produced at the historic MVP level, but 0-5 when he did not.

The splits are 7-1 and 6-2 for Allen, compared to 2-2 and 6-6 for Burrow.

This suggests Baltimore has needed MVP production from its quarterback to win.

Burrow has elite receiving weapons in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Allen has a strong offensive line. Jackson has a dominant running back in Derrick Henry. These are factors worth noting, but I don’t see them as significant enough to tip the balance one way or another.

Trading places: Burrow overtakes Jackson atop Betrayal Index, but wins less frequently

If the best MVP candidates are indeed dynamic quarterbacks whose elite production helps their teams overcome weak defense/special teams to win, refreshing the Betrayal Index can help.

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Burrow and Jackson have swapped places at the top since our check-in after Week 10, but Jackson has a much better record (11-5, compared to 8-8 for Burrow), which factors into the MVP equation. Being good enough on offense to overcome the other components and win is the goal. Sometimes, that’s unrealistic, but no MVP quarterback’s team has had worse than an 11-5 record from a win percentage standpoint.

The table below shows all 32 current quarterbacks with at least eight starts this season. It stacks them by the difference between where these players rank among each other in QB EPA per start, and where their teams rank in defense/special teams EPA during each QB’s starts. Dallas has two players on the chart. Cleveland has none.

High-producing QBs with weak defenses/special teams rise to the top. These are the most “betrayed” quarterbacks. Burrow and Jackson lead the way.

The San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy and the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa are close behind Burrow and Jackson, something for their teams to consider when making full-season evaluations.

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QBs appearing in the middle of the Betrayal Index rank about the same in QB EPA and team defense/special teams EPA, whether good or bad. That’s how Jordan Love (good QB EPA, good team defense/special teams EPA) and Gardner Minshew II (bad, bad) appear in close proximity.

Low-producing QBs with strong defenses/special teams fall to the bottom. It’s striking to see the Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud lagging to such a degree.

Taking this another step with our QB MVP frontrunners, the table below shows just how many games Jackson, Allen and Burrow have played with strong, average and weak support from their defenses/special teams.

MVP candidates’ best to worst team D/ST EPA by game

Rank Jackson Allen Burrow

1

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16.7 (W)

16.6 (W)

20.3 (W)

2

11.8 (W)

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15.8 (W)

13.6 (W)

3

10.9 (W)

15.3 (W)

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13.6 (W)

4

9.0 (W)

13.2 (W)

10.1 (W)

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5

7.4 (L)

12.4 (W)

2.0 (L)

6

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2.9 (W)

12.0 (W)

1.4 (W)

7

-1.2 (L)

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9.9 (W)

1.0 (W)

8

-7.1 (W)

1.2 (W)

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0.7 (L)

9

-7.3 (L)

0.6 (L)

-3.0 (W)

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10

-7.4 (L)

-1.1 (W)

-10.5 (L)

11

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-8.3 (W)

-5.0 (W)

-10.6 (W)

12

-9.9 (W)

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-8.0 (W)

-15.4 (L)

13

-10.9 (L)

-9.4 (W)

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-15.4 (L)

14

-11.9 (W)

-13.8 (L)

-20.3 (L)

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15

-12.0 (W)

-19.9 (W)

-22 (L)

16

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-15.1 (W)

-32.6 (L)

-32.5 (L)

Totals

-32.4

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+7.2

-67

Burrow (five) and Allen (two) have combined to play seven games with worse defense/special teams support than the Ravens’ worst game, but Jackson has had more overall games with below-average support. Buffalo’s offense has started a league-high 28 drives in opponent territory. The figure is 19 for the Bengals and 14 for Baltimore. That helps explain why Allen’s Bills average more points per drive but less EPA per drive.

Jackson is 6-3 when the Ravens’ combined EPA on defense/special teams was -7.0 or worse. Allen is 3-2 in those games. Burrow lags at 1-6, including 1-3 in games similar to the ones Jackson played in.

Why Barkley should be considered

Anyone arguing for a running back to win MVP risks getting laughed out of Math Club.

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The statistical value associated with Barkley’s 2,005-yard rushing season (13 touchdowns, 5.8 yards per carry) doesn’t compare to the value quarterbacks contribute mostly through passing.

Barkley’s 46.9 EPA on rushes and receptions ranks second to the Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs (54.2) among running backs this season, which isn’t very exciting.

Only eight of the 35 running backs with at least 500 yards on the ground this season have produced positive EPA on even half of their rushes. Barkley is at 49 percent, meaning most of his runs actually cost the team value.

But there’s a case to be made that Barkley saved the Philadelphia Eagles this season by driving a philosophical shift that would not have occurred without him.

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For decades, the organization has embraced analytics, which have affirmed that passing is the key to winning. Philly has hired only offensive-minded coaches over the past 25 years: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and now Nick Sirianni. Most of them were oriented toward the pass.

From 2000 through last season, the Eagles ranked No. 1 on the Cook Index, which measures how frequently teams pass in generally neutral situations: early downs in the first 28 minutes of games, before score differential and time remaining exert more influence on play calling. They were eighth on the Cook Index last season — naturally inclined to pass first.

Philly has a highly paid quarterback in Jalen Hurts and two highly paid elite receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The offensive coordinator the Eagles hired before this season, Kellen Moore, was known primarily as a pass-oriented play caller.

But this team, with this dual-threat quarterback and this offensive line, appears much better when it runs the ball enough to reduce exposure to the dropback passing game. Did it take signing a running back of Barkley’s pedigree, ability and earning power for the Eagles to lean into the identity Hurts and the offense needed to embrace to be their best selves? An MVP case for Barkley could make that point.

The Eagles rank 25th on the Cook Index this season. Hurts is attempting about seven fewer passes per game. There’s a calm and consistency to the team’s offensive operation. Barkley appears to be the leading reason for that. He is also the ninth player to surpass 2,000 yards rushing, and he didn’t need a 17th game to get there (O.J. Simpson was the only runner to do it in a 14-game season).

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The odds are against Barkley winning the award. Jackson, Allen and Burrow have provided more verifiable value to their teams. But it’s plausible to say Barkley’s contributions go beyond the impressive numbers.

Voters have no shortage of viable candidates this season.

(Photo of Lamar Jackson, right, and Josh Allen: Greg Fiume / Getty Images)

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All-32: Each NFL team’s biggest remaining need after 2025 free agency

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All-32: Each NFL team’s biggest remaining need after 2025 free agency

We’re only two weeks into the league new year and every NFL team has been deemed offseason champion, offseason chump or somewhere in between. But no one’s offseason to-do list is completely checked off in such little time.

So, what is your team still missing? Is it a need that can be filled in the 2025 NFL Draft in April or is there still a signing to be made? The Athletic’s NFL writers answer those questions, as they dish below on the remaining needs and wants for all 32 teams.


Arizona Cardinals

GM Monti Ossenfort is off to a solid start. The Cardinals made one of free agency’s biggest moves with the signing of Philadelphia pass rusher Josh Sweat, filling perhaps the team’s greatest need. Ossenfort also signed Cleveland’s Dalvin Tomlinson, a sturdy, dependable defensive tackle. Shoring up the offensive line — the Cardinals need help at guard — is the obvious next step. The Cardinals can address this in the draft. At No. 16, they should have options should they choose to go this direction. They also could use a productive veteran receiver to complement Marvin Harrison, Jr.. — Doug Haller

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons taped over their holes at edge rusher and in the secondary by signing outside linebacker Leonard Floyd and safety Jordan Fuller and re-signing last year’s starting cornerback Mike Hughes, but none of those moves are the final fixes at those positions. That leaves any of the spots as options when the Falcons are on the clock with the 15th pick of the first round. Given Atlanta’s historically bad pass rush, edge rusher should still probably be the betting favorite, though. — Josh Kendall

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens got a little clarity along their offensive line by re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley. They’ve added a backup quarterback (Cooper Rush) and a third quality wide receiver (DeAndre Hopkins). However, they’ve done nothing at cornerback beyond losing starter Brandon Stephens in free agency and releasing Arthur Maulet. Baltimore has only four corners on its roster. Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins are a good duo to start with, but the Ravens need at least two more starting-caliber cornerbacks. They can get one in the draft. It’s asking a lot to hit on two quality rookies ready to play immediately when you have other needs. — Jeff Zrebiec

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Buffalo Bills

The Bills have starters in place almost throughout the entire roster. That is, except for their second cornerback position. Last season’s starter, Rasul Douglas, remains a free agent and they traded 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam. Their only move to replenish the position was to sign Dane Jackson, primarily a No. 3 cornerback. Top starter Christian Benford is one of the best players on the team, but he’s a free agent after 2025, further complicating the potential depth of the need. The Bills would likely want to get him under contract if they can to help the need. After striking out on Elam with their top pick and finding several later draft gems at the position, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Bills are a slam dunk to use their first-round pick on a cornerback this year. — Joe Buscaglia

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers made a flurry of moves to address a defense that was among the worst in NFL history last year. But even after signing ex-Raider Tre’Von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million contract and re-signing backup/special teams regular Nick Scott, general manager Dan Morgan still has work to do in a safety room that is being overhauled. Moehrig said he is looking forward to helping the young players “coming from college or whoever else we bring.” Morgan is expected to target a safety in the draft, but he could still add another in the late stages of free agency. — Joseph Person

Chicago Bears

The Bears added five new starters up front this offseason: guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Adding a draft pick or two will also improve the trenches. The depth at linebacker and safety now stands out. Linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Kevin Byard are entering the final years of their contracts, while there is an affordable exit point in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ deal after 2025. Safety Jaquan Brisker has a history of concussions. Addressing both positions in the draft makes sense. — Adam Jahns

Cincinnati Bengals

Hard to pin down just one need. The Bengals didn’t fill many needs in free agency outside of the bank accounts of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They need two starting guards, a backup swing tackle, any form of pass-rush juice on the defensive line, a linebacker to start next to Logan Wilson and probably a long-term replacement for safety Geno Stone. But they don’t need receivers! The Bengals will need to find starters in the third wave of free agency as well as nail the draft to make the rest of the pieces fit around Joe Burrow, Chase and Higgins. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Cleveland Browns

Past overspending and the disastrous commitment to Deshaun Watson made the Browns value-only shoppers in the first wave of free agency, and it’s hard to make the case the team has improved at all. Quarterback remains the biggest need, both for the present and future. Kenny Pickett was acquired in a trade ahead of the new league year and is the only healthy quarterback on the roster. The Browns are still in the market for a veteran starter and will certainly be drafting a quarterback next month. But whether that player comes with the No. 2 pick or at some point on the draft’s second day remains to be seen. The Browns continue to keep an eye on things with Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, but real hope lies only in drafting the right young passer. — Zac Jackson

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Dallas Cowboys

There’s not an absolute No. 1, but running back is as close as it gets. They added some depth pieces in free agency with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but they’re still lacking that unquestioned No. 1 back. Rico Dowdle had that role most of last year. He’s now in Carolina. The Cowboys, one of the NFL’s worst rushing teams last season, need an upgrade. The most likely path continues to be early in next month’s draft.

This is considered a quality running back draft class. Dallas should’ve drafted a back in one of the first four rounds either last year or the year before. It didn’t happen and now it’s a must. If Ashton Jeanty is still available at No. 12, it just makes too much sense. — Jon Machota

Denver Broncos

There might as well be a neon “Help Wanted!” sign hovering above Denver’s backfield. Javonte Williams joined the Cowboys in free agency, leaving the Broncos without a running back on the roster who has rushed for at least 500 yards in a season. There isn’t a huge bar to clear to outpace what Williams did last season — 3.7 yards per carry and 8.2 attempts per game — but the question is who will Denver target in a draft rich with running back talent. Omarion Hampton looms as a first-round option, but Denver should be able to get a difference-making rusher without using the 20th pick. — Nick Kosmider

Detroit Lions

What the Lions do at the edge spot opposite of Aidan Hutchinson remains a question. They released veteran Za’Darius Smith — whom they traded for ahead of the deadline after Hutchinson went down — earlier this month. They re-signed Marcus Davenport, the current projected starter, but he’s played just six total games the last two seasons. A team with Super Bowl aspirations should not count on Davenport to play a starter’s workload and stay healthy over the course of 17 games and the playoffs. The rest of the edge room consists of rotational pieces and depth. The Lions usually address needs in free agency so they don’t have to draft for need, but unless Detroit adds a starting-caliber edge before then, it should be a real priority next month. — Colton Pouncy

Green Bay Packers

The future of Green Bay’s best cornerback, Jaire Alexander, remains uncertain. My guess based on what I’ve heard is still that he doesn’t play for the Packers in 2025. Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell have signed elsewhere in free agency. The Packers brought in Nate Hobbs from the Raiders and still have Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine (Packer fans won’t be thrilled if that’s the top three), but their need for depth at the position is glaring. You could argue wide receiver is a more pressing need since they’ll be without Christian Watson for at least the first half of the season, but cornerback might be atop the priority list entering the NFL Draft in Green Bay next month. — Matt Schneidman

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Houston Texans

Offensive line help remains a high priority for a team that surrendered the third-highest sack total in the NFL last season. C.J. Stroud is a quality young quarterback, but the Texans will never see him fully ascend to stardom if they do not invest in protecting him. Houston did sign ninth-year pro Cam Robinson to a one-year deal and added veterans Trent Brown and Laken Tomlinson, but they need a long-term solution and upgrades on the interior. The goal should be to emerge from the draft having used multiple early round picks on a left tackle and an interior lineman. — Mike Jones

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts desperately need to upgrade at tight end, and they’ll likely target one in the draft. Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory are currently atop the depth chart, but that likely won’t hold up for the 2025 season since neither has shown signs of being a No. 1 option. Jelani Woods was supposed to be Indianapolis’ long-term answer at tight end — using his 6-foot-7, 253-pound frame and speed to create constant mismatches — though the 2022 third-round pick has missed the last two seasons due to injury. Perhaps Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland could fill Indy’s years-long void at tight end. — James Boyd

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags still have plenty of needs, but there’s a glaring hole at receiver behind Brian Thomas. Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, Josh Reynolds and Elijah Moore are among the best available. It’s probably not a spot where they want to draft a wideout at No. 5, so they should find a lower-cost veteran beforehand. — Jeff Howe 

Kansas City Chiefs

With the addition of left tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, the Chiefs’ biggest priority should be to continue building their defensive line. One of the most underrated parts of the Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX was how little effect their pass rush had against quarterback Jalen Hurts. Adding more youth and talent around pass rusher Chris Jones and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu would be a shrewd decision for general manager Brett Veach. — Nate Taylor 

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders took care of their biggest need, trading for Geno Smith, and then chipped away at some others in free agency. So we’re going with a four-way tie with linebacker, cornerback, running back and receiver. The Raiders lost both starting linebackers from last year and signed run-stopper Elandon Roberts from the Steelers, but saw the Patriots match an offer sheet for pass-coverage guy Christian Elliss. They also rolled the dice on former first-round pick Eric Stokes at corner and got a bargain in 11th-year change-the-pace running back Raheem Mostert. There is no depth at receiver after Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, though the Raiders will likely sign one in these last ripples of free agency. — Vic Tafur

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Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers did a fine job methodically plugging holes through free agency. They made moves in every position group, and that has created depth. I still see two needs tied for the biggest remaining: running back and edge rusher. The Chargers have Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree. They need a fourth edge to round out that room and insure against two older players in Dupree and Mack. They have running back Najee Harris, who they signed in free agency. They need a second back with some big-play potential to create a viable one-two-punch in a remade room. — Daniel Popper

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams set the table for themselves in free agency to not enter the draft with any glaring needs. It started with keeping quarterback Matthew Stafford for at least one more year, then extending left tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Tutu Atwell, signing nose tackle Poona Ford, receiver Davante Adams and center Coleman Shelton. Depth concerns were addressed at cornerback and inside linebacker with the signings of Ahkello Witherspoon and Nate Landman. They still need to add at the latter positions, and should be in the draft market for another young receiver, a right tackle to eventually take over for veteran Rob Havenstein, a quarterback to develop and a dynamic tight end. — Jourdan Rodrigue


Miami Dolphins

After losing Jevon Holland in free agency, you could make a compelling case for their biggest needs being at safety or defensive line — what’s the plan next to Zach Sieler? — but the Dolphins cannot enter the 2025 season with Liam Eichenberg penciled in as a starting guard. He’s OK as depth, but Miami must continue to upgrade its interior offensive line, even after signing James Daniels, who is plenty talented but coming off of an Achilles tear. The Dolphins’ running game efficiency nosedived last season, largely because of a substandard offensive line. I expect upgrading the line to be a top priority in the draft. — Jim Ayello

Minnesota Vikings

The difficulty in trying to answer this question reflects how successful a free-agent period the Vikings had. They added two interior offensive linemen (Ryan Kelly and Will Fries). They revamped the interior of their defensive line (Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave). They kept high-end cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. They enhanced their running back room (Jordan Mason). Minnesota still needs a backup quarterback. The cornerback room could use more depth. For now, though, the most glaring question mark is at left guard. The Vikings could opt for Blake Brandel or Walter Rouse, but they could also use the draft to fortify this spot. — Alec Lewis

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New England Patriots

This one is rather easy. Despite having perhaps the worst group of wide receivers in the NFL, the Patriots’ biggest need is at left tackle. Their hopes of signing Ronnie Stanley in free agency evaporated when he re-upped with the Ravens, and the other free-agent options weren’t too appealing to them. So as the draft nears, the Patriots remain without a long-term blindside protector for Drake Maye. — Chad Graff

New Orleans Saints

Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo opened last season as the Saints’ starting cornerbacks. Both of them are long gone now. They brought back Isaac Yiadom via free agency after he spent last season in San Francisco. He’s a solid piece and the Saints will likely start Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry. But there’s a reason the Saints pursued Charvarius Ward so vigorously. The draft seems like the direction at this rate, unless the Saints pull off a trade. Taking a cornerback at No. 9 would be a likely stretch unless New Orleans made a bold move for Travis Hunter. — Larry Holder

New York Giants

Despite signing Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal, not much has changed for the Giants in their quarterback pursuits: They still need a reliable starter. Winston, who hasn’t played a full season since 2019, isn’t that. While he’ll inject personality to the locker room and in his on-field play, the Giants are still in the hunt for top remaining veteran Aaron Rodgers, per reports. Plus, they have the No. 3 pick in the draft and they have to hope for a new face of the franchise to leave with on that April weekend. — Charlotte Carroll

New York Jets

The Jets need more weapons for Justin Fields. Badly. Yes, they’re in good shape at running back. While Garrett Wilson is there at wide receiver, an argument could be made the Jets have one of the worst groups of targets at both wide receiver and tight end in the NFL — especially at TE, where they added Stone Smartt to a room with Jeremy Ruckert. Fields needs a reliable tight end for the offense the Jets are going to run — someone who can act as a safety valve in the middle of the field while also contributing as a blocker — which is why they’ve been heavily tied to Penn State’s Tyler Warren. At receiver, Allen Lazard is the current No. 2 — and he might still get cut. After him it’s just Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley and Xavier Gipson. — Zack Rosenblatt

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Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles need more options at safety. After trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for Kenyon Green, an offensive guard, the Eagles created a vacancy for the starting spot opposite Reed Blankenship. Sydney Brown is the presumptive frontrunner. The 2023 third-round pick showed promise while starting in six games during his rookie season, which ended with a Week 18 ACL tear. Brown’s recovery timeline necessitated Gardner-Johnson’s arrival. His departure signals the Eagles’ faith in Brown. But it’d behoove them to acquire another option, likely in the draft. Among the three other safeties under contract, Tristin McCollum is the only one who has ever started in a game. — Brooks Kubena

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers general manager Omar Khan said at the combine that “ideally” he hoped to have his quarterback in place before the start of free agency. But now here we sit, two weeks after the NFL’s negotiating window opened, and the Steelers still don’t know who their starting quarterback will be in 2025. Four-time NFL MVP and soon-to-be 42-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers continues to hold the franchise hostage. It’s reached the point that people in Pittsburgh are throwing their support behind Mason Rudolph as a possible starter in 2025. Eventually, the glaring hole at defensive tackle will become the No. 1 priority in the draft. But until a QB is in place, it’s hard to think about anything else. — Mike DeFabo


The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Aaron Rodgers for a visit last week, but continue to wait to see if the quarterback will join the team. (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers lost three-fourths of their 2024 starting defensive line in free agency. An argument can be made that the team finally should find a bookend for Nick Bosa at defensive end. But the most glaring weakness is defensive tackle. As it stands now, Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens are the top players there. The upcoming draft is deep at the position, and the 49ers should bring in both a quick, penetrating defensive tackle and big body who can occupy double teams and clog the opponent’s running game. – Matt Barrows

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle’s only addition to the offensive line in free agency was Josh Jones, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract to be a backup. The Seahawks are set at tackle with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, but the interior of the offensive line isn’t very strong. General manager John Schneider has acknowledged that the front line is the team’s main deficiency, but he prefers to address it through the draft rather than throw big money at average players. Now he must hit on several players in the draft to fix the team’s most glaring weakness. — Michael-Shawn Dugar

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bringing back Lavonte David was significant, but the Bucs still have a need at inside linebacker. David played well last year, but he’s 35, so he might not play as well or be as healthy in the coming season. And even if he plays well again, a replacement is likely to be needed for 2026. Aside from David, the Bucs still are searching for another inside linebacker. The team remains hopeful about 2023 fifth-round pick SirVocea Dennis, but he has yet to start a game. Free-agent pickup Anthony Walker also could be a factor. The Bucs have a need at cornerback as well. Their primary need, however, is inside linebacker. — Dan Pompei

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Tennessee Titans

The Titans did much to address their biggest weakness, offensive line — though the jury’s out on Dan Moore Jr. as a satisfactory answer at left tackle — and plugged a couple other holes on a roster full of them. That leaves receiver and edge as glaring areas of concern. Harold Landry has been cut. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has signed with the Dolphins. And those were problem spots with those guys. It would be very surprising if the Titans don’t address both positions in some way before the draft. Then, if Cam Ward at No. 1 is indeed the choice, pick No. 35 figures to be devoted to one of the two. This is a bad year to not have a third-round pick, which was traded to the Chiefs last year for L’Jarius Sneed. — Joe Rexrode

Washington Commanders

Splashy trades for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel addressed the offense’s primary needs. Moves on the defensive front have been more quantity over quality, particularly on the line. Enough to improve last season’s 30th ranked run defense or upgrade the pass rush? Maybe on the margins, but no DE with high-end potential exists. The remaining free-agent options are solid but trend older or risky. Trading for Trey Hendrickson might no longer be an option but it’s also a pricey one on multiple fronts if executed. The Commanders likely will draft help in the first two rounds. That means raising the group’s potential but what about Washington’s 2025 ceiling? — Ben Standig

(Top photos: Al Bello and Robin Alam / Getty Images)

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Glenn Jacobs, WWE legend and Tennessee mayor, willing to do 'anything' for charity wrestling match vs Tim Walz

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Glenn Jacobs, WWE legend and Tennessee mayor, willing to do 'anything' for charity wrestling match vs Tim Walz

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Glenn Jacobs, the former WWE legend known as Kane who is now serving as mayor of Tennessee, said Tuesday he’s willing to agree to a stipulation to make a pro wrestling-style match against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz happen.

Jacobs, the mayor of Knox County, explained more about his idea for the match in an appearance on OutKick’s “The Ricky Cobb Show.” It came after Walz claimed on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast he could kick the butts of most President Donald Trump supporters.

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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs (Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

“You know, obviously, my first reaction when I saw what he said was, ‘You gotta be kidding me man, Tim Walz is saying that?’ Then I thought to myself, ‘Wait a second, this could be really cool.’ We could have a charity wrestling match, have some fun, and the proceeds would go to a good cause. 

“We would split the gate 50/50 between my chosen organization and his chosen organization. I’m not going to hurt him, I promise. I was the consummate professional, ask anybody I worked with. I make it look good, but I didn’t hurt people. I pride myself on that. And I’m willing to agree to a stipulation. If I have to wrestle with one hand tied behind my back or wear a blindfold or whatever, I’ll do anything to get him in the ring.”

KURT ANGLE, WWE LEGEND AND OLYMPIC HERO, COMPARES WYATT HENDRICKSON’S WIN TO OTHER HUGE SPORTS UPSETS

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Tim Walz in August 2024

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Jacobs said he believes that Walz would have fun and that the two could maybe even become friends after stepping out of the squared circle.

“And what he is going to find is actually fun, and I think afterward we could be friends. We’d disagree on politics, but I think that we could be friends and we’d have newfound respect for each other.”

Kane in 2012

Kane takes down two top stars during a WWE Raw event on February 27, 2012. (Ryan/Corbis via Getty Images)

Jacobs backed Trump during the 2024 presidential election. Walz was tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, but the two fell short of Trump and JD Vance.

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Prep baseball roundup: No. 1 Corona, No. 2 Huntington Beach win Boras Classic openers

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Prep baseball roundup: No. 1 Corona, No. 2 Huntington Beach win Boras Classic openers

The Boras Classic began Tuesday with No. 1 Corona, No. 2 Huntington Beach and No. 4 La Mirada all coming away with impressive victories to set up playoff-like matchups in the quarterfinals Wednesday.

Corona (8-0) will play Santa Margarita (7-2) at 3 p.m. at JSerra. Huntington Beach (7-0) will play La Mirada (7-1) at 3 p.m. at Mater Dei.

Corona 6, Gahr 0: For the seventh time in eight games, the Panthers recorded a shutout. This time it was sophomore Mason Sims going the distance, striking out six and giving up three hits. Jesiah Adrade had two doubles.

Santa Margarita 13, Paloma Valley 2: Warren Gravely had three RBIs for the Eagles. Gavin Spiridonoff homered and Brody Schumaker had two hits.

Huntington Beach 4, Aquinas 1: Trevor Goldenetz hit a two-run double and Otto Espinoza struck out seven in five innings to help hand Aquinas its first defeat.

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La Mirada 7, Birmingham 0: A grand slam in the first inning by Travis Friend and a two-run homer by Bear Calvo gave pitcher Jacob Oropeza all the run support he needed in five scoreless innings.

Vista Murrieta 2, Maranatha 1: A sacrifice fly by Michael Velardez in the sixth inning broke a 1-1 tie and lifted Vista Murrieta to a win in the Boras Classic. Vaughn Necker struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings. Zach Strickland struck out nine in five innings for Maranatha, which received a home run from Trevor Rivas.

Carlsbad 8, Cypress 4: Lucas Johnson had three hits for Carlsbad. Paul Dominguez homered for Cypress.

Oaks Christian 11, Calabasas 1: The Lions opened Marmonte League play with an impressive victory. James Latshaw was four for four and Carson Sheffer had three hits. Ty Hanley gave up one run in six innings.

Servite 5, Oregon Jesuit 4: The Friars (9-2) won in nine innings. Tomas Cernius homered for Servite.

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Josh Stonehouse celebrates a double to help Crespi improve to 11-0 with a 9-0 win over Loyola.

(Craig Weston)

Crespi 9, Loyola 0: Jackson Eisenhauer threw four scoreless innings to raise his scoreless innings streak to 30 this season as the Celts improved to 11-0 and 6-0 in the Mission League. Josh Stonehouse had three RBIs.

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 2, Sierra Canyon 1: The Knights won their fourth straight Mission League game. Juju Diaz-Jones gave up one run in five innings and Patrick Arranaga got the save.

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Bishop Alemany 15, St. Francis 2: Sophomore Chase Stevenson collected four hits to help the Warriors pick up their first Mission League win under new coach Randy Thompson.

Harvard-Westlake 12, Chaminade 2: James Tronstein was three for three with two RBIs and Jake Kim had a home run and three RBIs for Harvard-Westlake.

Bishop Amat 4, St. Paul 1: The Lancers scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to win the Del Rey League game. Izaac Muniz struck out 11 in 5 2/3 innings. Joaquin Ortiz had three hits.

Thousand Oaks 10, Agoura 5: Dane Holt homered and also drew four walks to lead the Lancers.

Westlake 6, Newbury Park 5: Mason Charles had a walk-off hit in the seventh for Westlake. He finished with three hits and four RBIs.

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Newport Harbor 3, Edison 2: Gavin Guy drove in the winning run with two out in the 10th inning for Newport Harbor. Cody Kruis had three hits for Edison.

Marina 7, Los Alamitos 3: A six-run seventh led Marina to victory. Luke Pratali finished with a double and single for Marina.

Corona del Mar 4, Fountain Valley 2: Marc Solomon homered for Corona del Mar.

Softball

Granada Hills 20, North Torrance 4: Elysse Diaz contributed three doubles and Annabella Ramirez hit two home runs for Granada Hills.

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