Sports
What we learned at NFL combine: Stafford trade talks a reflection on shaky QB draft class
INDIANAPOLIS — After speaking with numerous teams and league sources throughout last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, here’s a rundown of some notable things we’re hearing about the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency, which begins next week:
The Stafford tell
Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s return to the Los Angeles Rams didn’t come as a surprise to many around the league who didn’t understand the logic behind the rumored trades, but the development was nonetheless important.
It spotlighted some QB-needy teams’ preference for a proven veteran quarterback over what seems to be a shaky draft class. League evaluators are down on the QB class to the point where many high-ranking personnel executives have top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders ranked below all six first-round quarterbacks picked in 2024.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, what will be minority owner Tom Brady’s tolerance for substandard QB play? And for the New York Giants, the job security of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll likely hinges on finding a solution at quarterback and subsequently maximizing that player’s performance on the field immediately.
Stafford, even at 37, represented that quick solution, and he’s more of a sure thing right now than available veterans such as Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson. Plus, there’s a hidden danger in whiffing on a first-round QB in April — it also may take teams out of the running from a more highly coveted class in 2026.
To the root of it, though, teams strongly believed Stafford wanted to explore his market to gain leverage in his negotiations with the Rams — far more than wanting out. Obviously, the leverage play worked. But short of finding an offer of $60 million from another team, why would he want to join a rebuild at this stage of his career, especially after it took him so long to experience postseason success?
After getting back to the playoffs, why would the Rams opt to start over at quarterback? It would make sense if they could’ve turned Stafford into a first-round pick — either a top-10 selection this year or a first-rounder in 2026 — but it’s hard to believe a rebuilding team would pay such a price, on top of the contractual cost, for a QB at that age.
While having these barroom-style debates with coaches and executives, there simply wasn’t a scenario where Stafford, the Rams and the acquiring team would’ve all felt like winners in such a trade, which is why Stafford isn’t going anywhere.
So, what’s next?
It still sounds like Ward has an edge as the top QB in the class, and has believers within the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 1 pick.
There’s still a cloudy forecast with how this will play out, though, because there’s so much QB desperation with teams at the top of the draft. Teams could be more motivated to trade up if they don’t find their answer in free agency. Conversely, one team near the top of the draft noted that while it is in the QB market, that doesn’t mean it won’t be more comfortable with the wave of players who will be available in the second round.
Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart is a name to watch. Teams believed Dart solidified himself as a first-rounder during his week at the Senior Bowl. And last week at the combine, two teams strongly believed Dart would be taken in the top half of the opening round.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Ohio State’s Will Howard and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel all have intriguing qualities. Teams have varying opinions over each, but there’s a project prospect for everyone in the market.
Milroe appears to have the highest ceiling among that tier. When he plays with confidence, he makes quicker decisions — as a passer and runner — and pops on tape. His performance against Georgia tantalized evaluators. But there were too many occasions when Milroe was too sped up, sometimes getting himself stuck in the pocket, and looking like a longer-developing project.
But if there’s a team that gets it right with the Milroe plan, he’s viewed as the prospect who would make teams want to kick themselves years from now.
Big Buff Hunter
Colorado cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter is the most electric prospect in the class, and teams are still split on how to use him.
The most popular opinion has been to play him as a full-time cornerback who can be used as a part-time wideout, perhaps up to 15 plays per game. Hunter can be a true No. 1 option at either position, but it’s not feasible to give him a full workload on both sides of the ball — even if that’s what he wants.
Teams recognize it’s more difficult for a cornerback to get into the rhythm of the game while being used on a rotational basis. Top corners need to get a feel for tendencies and the offense’s attack strategy to be at their best. All the while, it’s easier to practice a handful of packages at receiver throughout the week before making an impact on Sundays.
GO DEEPER
Travis Hunter on two-way skills: ‘Nobody has ever done it the way I do it’
That’s the other thing. It’s not just a grind of game day but the workload during practices. On a related note, a couple of teams thought Hunter was still only scratching the surface with his development because Colorado had to preserve him at practice throughout the season to keep him as fresh as possible for games.
To Hunter’s credit, he hasn’t made any positional demands with teams. He’s told them to simply draft him, and he’ll do whatever they need.
“Just get him in the building,” an evaluator said. “If you can’t figure out how to use him … ”
Consider the financial impact of Hunter’s approach. The five highest-earning receivers are playing on contracts worth $32.2 million per year, while the five top-earning corners are at $21.9 million.
Hunter is talented enough that he could justify sticking to offense and having a far more lucrative career, but he’s committed to being a two-way player, regardless of how teams choose to divvy up his snap count. That aligns with the scouting report on Hunter, who has a rock-solid reputation as a leader and person off the field.
If Hunter isn’t the first pick, he’ll draw serious consideration from the Cleveland Browns at No. 2, according to league sources.
Financial gymnastics
A common question from teams at the combine: What are the Bengals doing?
Wide receiver Tee Higgins would almost certainly be worth at least $30 million annually in free agency, and the Bengals have until Tuesday to determine whether they’ll use the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive year. That would be worth $26.2 million.
All the while, of course, superstar wideout Ja’Marr Chase will eventually leapfrog Justin Jefferson’s $35 million benchmark, perhaps even becoming the first to crack the $40 million barrier. And, oh by the way, they also have quarterback Joe Burrow earning $55 million per year, and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson wants a new deal.
It would be an unprecedented move to pay both Chase and Higgins.
The Philadelphia Eagles (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) and Miami Dolphins (Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle) are the only teams with two receivers earning at least $25 million annually. It’s worked out splendidly for the Eagles, whose front office is universally lauded for its cap management, but the Dolphins have yet to win a playoff game with this model.
Reduce the benchmark to $20 million annually, and the San Francisco 49ers (Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel), Chicago Bears (D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen), Houston Texans (Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) were the only other teams that went through 2024 with that roster dynamic. They combined for one playoff win.
The Niners just traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders (who will form a highly priced duo with Terry McLaurin) because they needed a cap reset. Diggs and Allen, about to hit free agency, were acquired last year, so we’re about to find out how the Texans and Bears felt about that financial setup. And keep in mind, the 49ers, Bears, Texans and Commanders have QBs on rookie contracts, while Baker Mayfield has greatly outperformed his deal.
So again, what are the Bengals doing? They just got a Herculean season out of Burrow — with the help of Chase and Higgins — but missed the playoffs because their offensive line and defense had major issues. It will take a monumental performance in the draft to fix those problems while doling out historic receiver contracts.
There’s a lot of attention on Cincinnati from around the league.
Receiver options dwindling
It doesn’t sound likely the Seattle Seahawks would make wideout DK Metcalf available in a trade.
Metcalf is entering the final season of his three-year, $72 million pact, so there’s been speculation he could be dealt. But the Seahawks have had a winning record in three consecutive seasons, albeit with an 0-1 mark in the playoffs during that stretch. It doesn’t make sense to trim one of their best players.
Now, things could always change during contract negotiations. But, at the moment, the New England Patriots and others who are trying to get creative at wideout will have to focus their attention elsewhere.
Star clone
Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter has drawn obvious comparisons to former Nittany Lions star Micah Parsons, who went 12th to the Dallas Cowboys in 2021.
Carter, a candidate for the No. 1 pick, has some subtle differences in his evaluation. Carter is viewed as the more instinctive player, according to evaluators, though he isn’t as explosive as Parsons.
Parsons sat out the 2020 season, so there was some risk with his evaluation. Carter has been the more consistent on-field performer, and one coach thought Carter’s upward trajectory could lead to an incredible NFL career, assuming the trend continues.
There are subtle differences to their styles, but there’s a strong belief Carter can join Parsons among the list of the league’s elite defenders in short order.
(Photo: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images)
Sports
Mike Tyson, Kevin Durant, other sports stars urge Trump to enact cannabis reform in White House letter
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EXCLUSIVE: A coalition of sports stars and entertainers have sent a letter to the White House urging President Donald Trump to enact cannabis reform.
The group is headlined by boxing legend Mike Tyson, NBA superstar Kevin Durant, former NBA star Allen Iverson, former boxer Roy Jones Jr., former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant, former NFL star Antonio Brown, and former NFL player and prominent cannabis advocate Ricky Williams.
Williams’ name appears twice on the list of signees.
Kevin Durant watches an NBA basketball game. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez,)
The group labels itself the “Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers Supporting President Trump’s Policy Objectives.”
The letter highlights three main points in their proposed reform: Clemency for “nonviolent” marijuana offenses, support for marijuana rescheduling and ending “discriminatory banking practices.”
The first point in the letter points out Trump’s previous pardon of music producer Weldon Angelos, who was sentenced to 55 years in prison in November 2004 for marijuana charges. Angelos was released in 2016 and then pardoned by Trump in December 2020. The letter also criticized former President Joe Biden for a lack of action on addressing marijuana-related incarcerations.
“Today, people continue to serve lengthy federal sentences for conduct that is now legal in most states – which makes their continued incarceration not only cruel but absurd. After making sweeping promises to voters in 2020, former President Biden failed to deliver on his pledge to address marijuana-related injustices. Not only did he leave office without commuting the sentences of those incarcerated for marijuana, but in one of his final acts, he denied nearly every pending marijuana-related clemency application,” the letter states.
“This betrayal only underscores the urgent need for bold leadership, we believe, and represents an opportunity to correct glaring disparities as part of your Administration’s ongoing push for criminal justice reform.”
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The second point in the letter urges Trump to reclassify the drug from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III. The difference in the respective schedules, which are determined by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), determines how drugs are viewed in terms of their potential for abuse vs. medical application.
Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the U.S. They also have a high potential for severe psychological and/or physical dependence.
Schedule III substances have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence compared to Schedule I and II drugs, and they have accepted medical use in the United States.
“Marijuana’s current classification as a Schedule I substance is scientifically outdated, economically detrimental, and at odds with modern medical understanding,” the letter states. “Rescheduling marijuana would harmonize federal law with state policies, promote innovation, encourage research, and drive economic growth.”
The final point in the letter arguing against “discriminatory banking practices” points out that Trump has been opposed to a previous U.S. initiative called “Operation Choke Point,” which investigated banks and the business they did with firearms dealers, payday lenders and other companies that, while operating legally, were said to be at a high risk for fraud and money laundering.
The group argued marijuana businesses have also been affected by that initiative and other banking practices.
“State-legal cannabis operators, including many of us, have also been unjustly denied banking services despite full compliance with state law,” the letter read. “Despite operating legally in 40 states, employing over 450,000 Americans, and generating more than $35 billion annually, these businesses face unjust barriers to banking services, and their employees struggle to obtain mortgages from traditional lenders.
Marijuana plants are seen at a growing facility in Washington County, New York, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)
“Moreover, cannabis businesses cannot take standard business deductions, leading to effective tax rates often exceeding 85%. While foreign cannabis companies benefit from listings on U.S. exchanges, such as NYSE and NASDAQ, American cannabis operators are unjustly excluded. We fully support your commitment to ‘work with Congress to pass common-sense laws, including safe banking,’ ensuring fair economic opportunities and equal access to financial services for all American businesses.”
The other figures listed on the letter to the White House include former NBA players Steven Jackson, Chris Webber, JR Smith, John Salley and Al Harrington, former NFL players Jim McMahon, Kyle Turley, Champ Bailey, Marvin Washington and Tony Richardson, and former boxers Boyd Melson, Paul Willias and Keith Thurmon.
The entertainment figures on the letter are streamer Adin Ross, rappers Lil Pump and Ralo, and musician Wyclef.
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The Lakers were busy making moves Thursday, doing all they could to move up in the second round of the NBA draft.
Moving up to No. 36 in the draft with their second trade of the day, the Lakers acquired Adou Thiero out of Arkansas.
To get what many with the Lakers and around the NBA view as a “super athletic wing” in the 6-foot-6 Thiero, the Lakers first traded their 55th pick and about $2.5 million in cash to the Chicago Bulls for their 45th pick. Then the Lakers sent that No. 45 pick and cash considerations to the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire the rights to Thiero (originally selected by the Brooklyn Nets), according to a person with knowledge of the deal not authorized to speak publicly.
The deal will be finalized at a later date.
Thiero averaged 15.1 points on 54.5% shooting from the field and 5.8 rebounds last season for the Razorbacks.
He needs to improve his shooting, as do many second-round wing players, but the Lakers think Thiero will improve on that over time.
The Lakers and other NBA scouts compare the 220-pound Thiero to Knicks forward OG Anunoby, a three-and-D player that L.A.’s scouts thought might be drafted in the first round.
Adou Thiero speaks on the phone after being acquired by the Lakers at the NBA draft on Thursday.
(Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images)
Though the Lakers are in need of a center, they also need athleticism at the wing to play alongside Luka Doncic, and Thiero helps address that need.
One scout said Thiero is athletic and will “catch lob passes” from Doncic.
“It feels good. A dream come true,” Thiero said. “Just happy to be here. Playing for the Lakers, too, that’s a blessing for sure.”
When asked about the Lakers’ roster, Thiero said: “LeBron! It’s going to be fun learning from everybody. But you got Bron, you got Luka, AR (Austin Reaves). It’s a lot of people on that team. I’m just ready to get with the guys and work.”
And the Lakers were happy to go from No. 55 to No. 36 and not give up future assets to draft Thiero. The Lakers didn’t have a first-round pick in Wednesday night’s draft.
People around the league said the Lakers had their eye on Ryan Kalkbrenner out of Creighton, but the 7-foot-1 center didn’t last on the board long, going to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 34.
Reaves declines offer
Austin Reaves declined the team’s maximum offer of four years for $89 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.
Reaves, 27, still has two years left on his deal, for $13.9 million next season and $14.9 million in the 2026-27 season, and he holds a player option for the last year of his deal.
He was third on the Lakers in scoring last season, averaging career-highs in scoring (20.2), assists (5.8), rebounds (4.5) and minutes per game (34.9). He shot 46% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range.
Lakers add Dixon
The Lakers signed former Villanova forward Eric Dixon to a two-way contract, according to people with knowledge of the deal not authorized to speak publicly.
The 6-8 Dixon averaged 23.3 points per game last season for the Wildcats.
Clippers move up to get Kobe Sanders
Nevada’s Kobe Sanders shoots a free throw during a game against Colorado State in December.
(Andrew Wevers / Getty Images)
The Knicks drafted guard Kobe Sanders out of Nevada at No. 50 and traded him to the Clippers for Mohamed Diawara, the No. 51 pick.
Sanders, 23, is a 6-9 wing player who averaged 15.8 points per game last season.
The Clippers chose Penn State center Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the 30th and final pick in the first round on Wednesday.
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Former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard said his dog, Sunday, died last week after being hit by a car.
“I’m devastated because you were the dog that never left my side, the dog that stuck to my hip at all times, and the one time you wander off without me being there someone takes you away from me,” Howard wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “Who could be so heartless to do this to such an innocent girl with no remorse.”
Howard also implored his followers to reach out to him if they had any information “regarding a Belgian Malinois that was hit by a car” on June 18 in Suwanee, Georgia.
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports)
Howard wrote that after Sunday was hit, the car “kept going.”
“From the moment I got you, Sunday, you were more than just my dog… You were my peace. My protector. A reminder of everything beautiful and calm just like those early Sunday mornings,” Howard wrote in his post.
“You hugged like no other. Barked at nothing like it meant everything. And every time I called your name, you came running full speed like your only mission was to love me… You were joy. You were warmth. You were my girl. And your life was cut short too soon. You helped me Smile through all the Storms I’ve been through but what do now that my Sunday Sunshine is gone…
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Amway Center. (Kim Klement/USA Today Sports)
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“I’ve been trying to hold this in… I really have but it’s killing me inside to get answers! I need answers and I won’t stop searching until I find out what happen to my beautiful Sunday. Rest in love, Sunday. You’ll always be my baby. I’ll carry your heart with mine forever.”
The Suwanee Police Department did not immediately respond to an email from Fox News Digital.
Howard shared several photos and videos of Sunday, including one of both of them on an outdoor basketball court.
When Howard was a starter in the league through the 2017-2018 season, he averaged 17.4 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. He led the NBA in rebounds per game five times in six seasons from 2007 to 2013.
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard during the second half against the Miami Heat at Amway Center. (Kim Klement/USA Today Sports)
He was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and was named the Defensive Player of the Year three times.
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