Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau not leaving LIV: ‘I haven’t given up’  Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau chips onto the 18th green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images   Bryson DeChambeau addressed speculation that he could be leaving LIV Golf after this season by pledging, “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”  DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf, in an interview published on Wednesday, that he is still working on “a potential contract” as he plays out the final season of his original LIV Golf deal.  The circuit is facing questions about its future as rumors circulate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be preparing to end its immense financial support of the league. However, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said last week that the league would not fold. O’Neil later added that LIV Golf is financed through the 2026 season.  DeChambeau had spent part of his time while competing at the Masters Tournament earlier this month to discuss a possible return to the PGA Tour, according to a report by The Athletic.  In his interview published on Wednesday, DeChambeau said he is committed to LIV Golf as long as the league continues next year.  “We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”  Adversity comes with the territory, DeChambeau said, as in any new venture.  “There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” he said. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”  DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles.   When LIV Golf began in 2022, DeChambeau reportedly signed a 5 million contract for 4 1/2 years. According to The Daily Telegraph, he had been seeking as much as 0 million on a new contract to remain with the league.  DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but reportedly declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.  Also declining the option to return were Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith were the only three LIV stars who were offered a path to return amid new parameters that were restricted to players who had departed for at least two years and had won a major tournament or a Players Championship title between 2022 and 2025.  DeChambeau, as captain of the Crushers GC team, turned the focus beyond his own situation and fellow stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Spain’s Rahm to younger golfers committed to the league.  “And, you know, another reason why I’m doing this is not just for myself and the team aspect that I really believe in on the Crushers side,” he said. “It’s for Michael La Sasso. It’s for Caleb Surratt. It’s for Josele Ballester. It’s for David Puig.  “Jon, Phil, DJ, myself and the guys that have been here from the start, we’re OK. It’s now our responsibility to take care of these kids that believe in us. That’s why I’m really doing it. There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general.”  The league’s fourth season has eight tournaments remaining — five in the United States — after last week’s event in Mexico.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #leaving #LIV #havent

Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau not leaving LIV: ‘I haven’t given up’
Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau not leaving LIV: ‘I haven’t given up’  Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau chips onto the 18th green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images   Bryson DeChambeau addressed speculation that he could be leaving LIV Golf after this season by pledging, “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”  DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf, in an interview published on Wednesday, that he is still working on “a potential contract” as he plays out the final season of his original LIV Golf deal.  The circuit is facing questions about its future as rumors circulate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be preparing to end its immense financial support of the league. However, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said last week that the league would not fold. O’Neil later added that LIV Golf is financed through the 2026 season.  DeChambeau had spent part of his time while competing at the Masters Tournament earlier this month to discuss a possible return to the PGA Tour, according to a report by The Athletic.  In his interview published on Wednesday, DeChambeau said he is committed to LIV Golf as long as the league continues next year.  “We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”  Adversity comes with the territory, DeChambeau said, as in any new venture.  “There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” he said. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”  DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles.   When LIV Golf began in 2022, DeChambeau reportedly signed a 5 million contract for 4 1/2 years. According to The Daily Telegraph, he had been seeking as much as 0 million on a new contract to remain with the league.  DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but reportedly declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.  Also declining the option to return were Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith were the only three LIV stars who were offered a path to return amid new parameters that were restricted to players who had departed for at least two years and had won a major tournament or a Players Championship title between 2022 and 2025.  DeChambeau, as captain of the Crushers GC team, turned the focus beyond his own situation and fellow stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Spain’s Rahm to younger golfers committed to the league.  “And, you know, another reason why I’m doing this is not just for myself and the team aspect that I really believe in on the Crushers side,” he said. “It’s for Michael La Sasso. It’s for Caleb Surratt. It’s for Josele Ballester. It’s for David Puig.  “Jon, Phil, DJ, myself and the guys that have been here from the start, we’re OK. It’s now our responsibility to take care of these kids that believe in us. That’s why I’m really doing it. There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general.”  The league’s fourth season has eight tournaments remaining — five in the United States — after last week’s event in Mexico.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #leaving #LIV #haventApr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau chips onto the 18th green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images

Bryson DeChambeau addressed speculation that he could be leaving LIV Golf after this season by pledging, “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”

DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf, in an interview published on Wednesday, that he is still working on “a potential contract” as he plays out the final season of his original LIV Golf deal.

The circuit is facing questions about its future as rumors circulate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be preparing to end its immense financial support of the league. However, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said last week that the league would not fold. O’Neil later added that LIV Golf is financed through the 2026 season.

DeChambeau had spent part of his time while competing at the Masters Tournament earlier this month to discuss a possible return to the PGA Tour, according to a report by The Athletic.

In his interview published on Wednesday, DeChambeau said he is committed to LIV Golf as long as the league continues next year.

“We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”

Adversity comes with the territory, DeChambeau said, as in any new venture.

“There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” he said. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”


DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles.

When LIV Golf began in 2022, DeChambeau reportedly signed a $125 million contract for 4 1/2 years. According to The Daily Telegraph, he had been seeking as much as $500 million on a new contract to remain with the league.

DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but reportedly declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.

Also declining the option to return were Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith were the only three LIV stars who were offered a path to return amid new parameters that were restricted to players who had departed for at least two years and had won a major tournament or a Players Championship title between 2022 and 2025.

DeChambeau, as captain of the Crushers GC team, turned the focus beyond his own situation and fellow stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Spain’s Rahm to younger golfers committed to the league.

“And, you know, another reason why I’m doing this is not just for myself and the team aspect that I really believe in on the Crushers side,” he said. “It’s for Michael La Sasso. It’s for Caleb Surratt. It’s for Josele Ballester. It’s for David Puig.

“Jon, Phil, DJ, myself and the guys that have been here from the start, we’re OK. It’s now our responsibility to take care of these kids that believe in us. That’s why I’m really doing it. There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general.”

The league’s fourth season has eight tournaments remaining — five in the United States — after last week’s event in Mexico.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #leaving #LIV #havent

Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau chips onto the 18th green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images

Bryson DeChambeau addressed speculation that he could be leaving LIV Golf after this season by pledging, “As long as LIV is here, I would figure out a way for it to make sense.”

DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf, in an interview published on Wednesday, that he is still working on “a potential contract” as he plays out the final season of his original LIV Golf deal.

The circuit is facing questions about its future as rumors circulate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund may be preparing to end its immense financial support of the league. However, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said last week that the league would not fold. O’Neil later added that LIV Golf is financed through the 2026 season.

DeChambeau had spent part of his time while competing at the Masters Tournament earlier this month to discuss a possible return to the PGA Tour, according to a report by The Athletic.

In his interview published on Wednesday, DeChambeau said he is committed to LIV Golf as long as the league continues next year.

“We’re still working on a potential contract,” he said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”

Adversity comes with the territory, DeChambeau said, as in any new venture.

“There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” he said. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”

DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles.

When LIV Golf began in 2022, DeChambeau reportedly signed a $125 million contract for 4 1/2 years. According to The Daily Telegraph, he had been seeking as much as $500 million on a new contract to remain with the league.

DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but reportedly declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.

Also declining the option to return were Jon Rahm and Cam Smith. DeChambeau, Rahm and Smith were the only three LIV stars who were offered a path to return amid new parameters that were restricted to players who had departed for at least two years and had won a major tournament or a Players Championship title between 2022 and 2025.

DeChambeau, as captain of the Crushers GC team, turned the focus beyond his own situation and fellow stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Spain’s Rahm to younger golfers committed to the league.

“And, you know, another reason why I’m doing this is not just for myself and the team aspect that I really believe in on the Crushers side,” he said. “It’s for Michael La Sasso. It’s for Caleb Surratt. It’s for Josele Ballester. It’s for David Puig.

“Jon, Phil, DJ, myself and the guys that have been here from the start, we’re OK. It’s now our responsibility to take care of these kids that believe in us. That’s why I’m really doing it. There’s so much value to squeeze out of this whole thing for golf in general.”

The league’s fourth season has eight tournaments remaining — five in the United States — after last week’s event in Mexico.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Raiders back at No. 1, Jets comb best of Buckeyes <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28785911.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28785911.jpg" alt="Syndication: Beaver County Times" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">The logo of the 2026 NFL Draft is showcased at the big screen inside the theater Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Time is shorter and the wait is longer when the 2026 NFL Draft takes the stage in Pittsburgh on Thursday night. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The vagabond event marks a return to the home of the Steelers for the first time since 1948. Across three days, seven rounds and 257 total picks at Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium, which opened in 2001 as Heinz Field, players anxiously await to hear their name and, when chosen, embark on their NFL careers.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Barring a trade, the home fans will be waiting awhile for the Steelers to be on the clock at pick No. 21. But not as long as years past. A change will be implemented to reduce the time between each first-round selection from 10 minutes to eight minutes. The NFL reduced the time from 15 minutes to 10 in 2008.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Speaking of trades, there has already been significant wheeling and dealing of draft picks. General managers are also planning to be nimble on the clock Thursday in the first round. 49ers GM John Lynch anticipates “there’ll be a lot of trade movement this year.” Chiefs GM Brett Veach, drafting in the top 10 for the first time, echoed the sentiment. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“There’ll probably be a lot of trades,” Veach said.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Nobody expects the Raiders to trade out of the top spot, where they appear determined to select Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. It’s the first time the Raiders enter the draft with the No. 1 spot since selecting LSU’s JaMarcus Russell in 2007. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>After months of waiting, at least three in-person meetings and additional conversations with Mendoza, Raiders general manager John Spytek still expects a little alone time with the telephone in the draft room Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“Unless you’re super convinced that you’re making the pick, you kind of just sit there and wait for a little bit and see if your phone will ring,” Spytek said. “Sometimes, you can get really good trade offers that maybe you didn’t expect and other times your phone doesn’t ring, so then you just pick.”</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Veach comes armed with two first-round picks courtesy of a trade with the Rams, who acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie for the No. 29 pick in the first round. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Jets, Browns, Cowboys, Giants and Dolphins also own multiple picks in the top 32.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Trades have been a prevailing storyline for the Jets, who follow the Raiders on the clock at No. 2 and possess No. 16 overall courtesy of their trade of cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts last year. New York has a second pick in Round 2 as well — No. 44 from the Dallas Cowboys, part of the deal for Quinnen Williams last year — and a total of five in the top 103 in this draft. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>It’s enough of a stockpile that the Jets could move down or stay put and draft any number of blue-chip options — four of them products of Ohio State. Linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Carnell Tate are premier players at their position in this draft class. Any of them could be fits for the Jets, whose list of positional needs runs deep. </p> </section> <section id="section-13"> <p>But the top-ranked pass rusher in the draft is David Bailey out of Texas Tech. Bailey and head coach Aaron Glenn downplayed the Jets canceling his “top 30 visit” to team headquarters. Bailey said Wednesday in Pittsburgh he has spent a lot of time with the Jets’ brass and recently caught up again on FaceTime. As far as Bailey is concerned, he’s very much an option for the Jets with the No. 2 pick Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“It’s been good, man. I’ve had great interaction with them,” Bailey said. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals have a new head coach and no set plan at quarterback. While the Jets reacquired Geno Smith, the Cardinals haven’t tipped their hand. Consensus opinion of the 2026 draft class implies the answer might not be in this draft.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is not a consensus first-round prospect but demand outweighs supply at the NFL’s most vital position, which could push the one-year Crimson Tide starter up draft boards. </p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>With that in mind, Arizona has room on the roster for most of the brigade of Buckeyes, Bailey or could be a candidate to trade down.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>The Titans are looking for a sidekick for 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and might be antsy with the Cardinals on the clock. Tennessee has been closely connected to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who said Wednesday he’s open to any outcome that could transpire in Pittsburgh on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“You draft me, I’m not doing too much of nothing other than football,” Love said of his mindset and what he shared with interested NFL teams the past several months. “I want to be a Hall of Famer, I want to be a Pro Bowler my very first year. I want to win offensive rookie of the year. I tell them all these goals that I have.”</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Alabama (2021) and Miami (2004) hold the record for most first-round picks produced by one program in a draft. If projections for four Buckeyes to be selected in the top 12 picks hold up, Ohio State nose tackle Kayden McDonald, who accepted an invitation to attend the draft in Pittsburgh, could be the fifth. </p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Multiple teams join the Colts (Gardner) by starting Thursday on the sideline without a first-round pick. </p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>The Denver Broncos traded the No. 29 pick to the Dolphins in the Jaylen Waddle deal last month. Cincinnati sent the No. 10 pick to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence last week and the Falcons and Jaguars parted with 2026 first-rounders during the 2025 draft. </p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>The Packers acquired Micah Parsons from the Cowboys in the August deal that cost Green Bay its 2006 first-rounder (20th overall). </p> </section><br/><section id="section-24"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Raiders #Jets #comb #Buckeyes

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Deadspin | Top draft needs for all 32 teams  Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images   Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft.   With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins.  Arizona Cardinals  Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West.  Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE  Atlanta Falcons  Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help.  Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB  Baltimore Ravens  Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge.   Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB  Buffalo Bills  Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo.   Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB  Carolina Panthers  Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers.  Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR  Chicago Bears  Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways.   Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB  Cincinnati Bengals  Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense.  Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB  Cleveland Browns  Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list.   Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE  Dallas Cowboys  If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right?  Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB  Denver Broncos  No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime.  Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL  Detroit Lions  Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense.  Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB  Green Bay Packers  Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone.  Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB  Houston Texans  Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements.   Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge  Indianapolis Colts  One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft.  Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S  Jacksonville Jaguars  There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen.  Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB  Kansas City Chiefs  Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie.  Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL   Los Angeles Chargers  For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet.  Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB  Los Angeles Rams  Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future?  Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge  Las Vegas Raiders  No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings.  Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR  Miami Dolphins  Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans.   Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge  Minnesota Vikings  The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September.  Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE  New England Patriots  Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks.  Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT  New Orleans Saints  Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back.  Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL  New York Giants  John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities.  Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB  New York Jets  How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought.  Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR  Philadelphia Eagles  Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him.  Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE  Pittsburgh Steelers  Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers.    Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB  Seattle Seahawks  Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks.  Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL  San Francisco 49ers  Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable.   Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S  Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense.   Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB  Tennessee Titans  We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away.  Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE  Washington Commanders  Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks.  Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Top #draft #teamsSeattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft.

With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins.

Arizona Cardinals

Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West.

Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE

Atlanta Falcons

Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help.

Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB

Baltimore Ravens

Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge.

Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB

Buffalo Bills

Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo.

Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB

Carolina Panthers

Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers.

Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR

Chicago Bears

Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways.

Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB

Cincinnati Bengals

Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense.

Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB

Cleveland Browns

Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list.

Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE

Dallas Cowboys

If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right?

Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB

Denver Broncos

No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime.

Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL

Detroit Lions

Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense.

Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB

Green Bay Packers

Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone.

Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB

Houston Texans

Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements.

Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge

Indianapolis Colts

One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft.

Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S

Jacksonville Jaguars

There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen.

Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB

Kansas City Chiefs

Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie.


Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL

Los Angeles Chargers

For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet.

Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future?

Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge

Las Vegas Raiders

No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings.

Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR

Miami Dolphins

Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans.

Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge

Minnesota Vikings

The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September.

Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE

New England Patriots

Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks.

Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT

New Orleans Saints

Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back.

Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL

New York Giants

John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities.

Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB

New York Jets

How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought.

Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR

Philadelphia Eagles

Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him.

Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE

Pittsburgh Steelers

Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers.

Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB

Seattle Seahawks

Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks.

Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL

San Francisco 49ers

Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable.

Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense.

Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB

Tennessee Titans

We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away.

Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE

Washington Commanders

Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks.

Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Top #draft #teams">Deadspin | Top draft needs for all 32 teams  Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images   Wily general managers attempt to sell their plan to select the “best player available” prior to every draft. But front-office personnel of teams drafting at the top are not fortunate enough to ignore roster needs if they’d like to stick around for next year’s draft.   With free agency all but in the books and a few straggling items still up for bidding on the trade market, here’s how we view the primary roster needs for all 32 teams before the 2026 NFL Draft begins.  Arizona Cardinals  Farewell to No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, which means the Cardinals can start at QB1 and work their way down if they want to rebound in the NFC West.  Position needs: QB, OT, WR, LB, EDGE  Atlanta Falcons  Without knowing the ultimate direction of the offense, we can say Kevin Stefanski and his QB1 to be named later would benefit from a polished offensive line and skill-position help.  Position needs: WR, OT, CB, LB  Baltimore Ravens  Not securing three-time Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum might haunt the Ravens if they can’t find suitable starters at center and guard in the draft. Signing Trey Hendrickson can beef up the pass rush, but more premium talent is coveted on the edge.   Position needs: IOL, OLB, DL, WR, CB  Buffalo Bills  Slings and arrows at Keon Coleman were not the ideal motivation for a draft-and-develop philosophy. Spending big at QB and RB tightens margin for error in Buffalo.   Position needs: WR, S, EDGE, LB, CB  Carolina Panthers  Restocking the secondary and maybe even a third wide receiver in three years selected in the top 32 would be wins for the Panthers.  Position needs: CB, S, TE, OT, WR  Chicago Bears  Division and playoff push aside, the Bears didn’t sport a shutdown defense most of the year and survived on scraps and takeaways.   Position needs: Edge, DL, C, CB  Cincinnati Bengals  Swapped the No. 10 pick for DT Dexter Lawrence. With a fortunate break they could still score a pass rusher in a draft with an abundance of options, even if no perfect fit for this defense.  Position needs: Edge, CB, OL, TE, LB  Cleveland Browns  Your vantage point on the latest reset in Cleveland might add or subtract a position on this list.   Position needs: OL, WR, QB, CB, LB, EDGE  Dallas Cowboys  If only the Cowboys could find a versatile pass rusher like Micah Parsons, right?  Position needs: Edge, DL, LB, S, CB  Denver Broncos  No first-round pick, no problem for the Broncos. They’ve unearthed mid-round gems each year under the current regime.  Position needs: TE, LB, EDGE, DL  Detroit Lions  Pairing a speed demon with Aidan Hutchinson is the next-level move for Detroit’s defense.  Position needs: Edge, OL, LB, CB  Green Bay Packers  Protect Jordan Love first, and that might require a premium pick. Then make sure he has ample receiving options at a position where injuries have been a hurdle. And fetch a pass rusher with Micah Parsons coming back from injury and Rashan Gary gone.  Position needs: OT, WR, Edge, DL, CB  Houston Texans  Another 12-win season and a pretty productive offseason to date funnels the Texans into a draft where the focus is on offensive line and defensive line reinforcements.   Position needs: OL, DL, LB, DB, Edge  Indianapolis Colts  One of the sharpest offenses in the NFL the first half of last season crumbled down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard argues Sauce Gardner, acquired for Indy’s first-round pick at the trade deadline, is the Colts’ 2026 first-rounder. His job might depend on mining more gems in the middle of the draft.  Position needs: OT, WR, EDGE, LB, S  Jacksonville Jaguars  There is always a chance the leadership of the Jaguars makes a dramatic play on draft night. If an elite defender is falling Thursday, don’t be surprised to see the Jacksonville draft room pop up on your screen.  Position needs: DT, S, Edge, LB, CB  Kansas City Chiefs  Good news: Two first-round picks (9, 29). Bad news: We count six positions where the starter is uncertain or replacement level and more with contextual question marks. The secondary makeover is incomplete with a legitimate No. 1 corner to replace Trent McDuffie.  Position needs: CB, Edge, OL, WR, DL   Los Angeles Chargers  For all the Chargers have invested in the offensive line — draft capital and real dollars — it’s not there yet.  Position needs: OL, WR, Edge, DL, DB  Los Angeles Rams  Matthew Stafford is closer to AARP than his physical prime, which begs the question: How long can the Rams get away with not having a QB of the future?  Position needs: LB, QB, DL, S, Edge  Las Vegas Raiders  No team drafts first overall without countless roster concerns to help put them at the bottom of the NFL standings.  Position needs: QB, OT, DT, WR  Miami Dolphins  Can’t list everything on the shopping list in South Beach. Jeff Hafley and Jon Eric-Sullivan are in charge, have two first-round picks and more needs than Michael has Jordans.   Position needs: WR, CB, S, TE, Edge  Minnesota Vikings  The QB competition in the Twin Cities takes all the headlines, although attention and some assembly is going to be required for this defense to be up to snuff by September.  Position needs: LB, S, RB, DL, TE  New England Patriots  Watching the Super Bowl, there were a few takeaways postgame well before anyone thought, “the Patriots will be back.” Maybe Mike Vrabel can just add magic and Drake Maye will resume plowing the MVP track. Or maybe New England excelled at covering up fatal flaws which were exposed by the Seahawks.  Position needs: OT, LB, Edge, WR, DT  New Orleans Saints  Retooling on defense is a work in progress and if the Saints want Tyler Shough to take another step in his pro development, weapons are not in great supply at wide receiver or running back.  Position needs: Edge, CB, DL, WR, OL  New York Giants  John Harbaugh should see a lot to like with two top-10 picks. O-line and d-line are the likely highest priorities.  Position needs: DT, LB, IOL, WR, CB  New York Jets  How are we feeling about running it back with Geno Smith, Jets fans? That’s what we thought.  Position needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR  Philadelphia Eagles  Philly always invests in the line, and if there’s a playmaker at safety that makes sense, this could be the year to jump the queue to go get him.  Position needs: Edge, S, WR, OL, TE  Pittsburgh Steelers  Make it six consecutive years an NFL team waits as Aaron Rodgers contemplates whether to return. But he’s 42, so even if we get Vintage Aaron one more season, a Plan B is a must for the Steelers.    Position needs: QB, OL, WR, TE, LB  Seattle Seahawks  Zero doubt GM John Schneider has called every team in the league offering to drop out of the first round to add to the team’s current haul of four total picks.  Position needs: CB, EDGE, WR, OL  San Francisco 49ers  Left tackle Trent Williams maintains dog status when he’s healthy. The offense, not just the line, isn’t the same when he’s unavailable.   Position needs: OL, WR, TE, S  Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Head coach Todd Bowles prefers a more dominant front seven to spearhead the defense.   Position needs: Edge, CB, WR, LB  Tennessee Titans  We aren’t going to list running back because Tony Pollard was better-than-average last season. We would understand the rationale of selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love early, but if the Titans get a crack at a blue-chip pass rusher they can’t look away.  Position needs: Edge, WR, LB, OL, TE  Washington Commanders  Erasing last season is one thing, forgetting the why behind Washington’s decline would be another. Jayden Daniels rarely had enough playmakers on the field and even a spendy offseason on defense this spring hasn’t plugged all of the problematic leaks.  Position needs: WR, Edge, OL, DB, RB  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Top #draft #teams

Deadspin | Saint Mary’s star F Paulius Murauskas follows coach to Arizona State   Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images   Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett.  Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season.  Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils.   “I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.”   Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes.  “Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.”  The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #StateMar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett.

Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season.

Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils.


“I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.”

Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes.

“Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.”

The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #State">Deadspin | Saint Mary’s star F Paulius Murauskas follows coach to Arizona State   Mar 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Saint Mary’s (CA) Gaels forward Paulius Murauskas (23) dribbles the ball during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images   Former Saint Mary’s star forward Paulius Murauskas said Wednesday that he’s transferring to Arizona State to once again play for coach Randy Bennett.  Murauskas blossomed in two seasons under Bennett and was one of the best players in the West Coast Conference this past season when he averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 games (32 starts). The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season.  Bennett departed Saint Mary’s after the season to take over the Sun Devils.   “I followed my heart and chose the place where I trust the people and feel valued not just as a player, but as a person,” Murauskas said in an Instagram post. “I want to finish my college journey with the people who made the last two years so amazing and helped me become who I am now as a person and a player.”   Murauskas averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in 68 games (67 starts) in his two seasons at Moraga, Calif. The lone time he didn’t start came in last month’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas A&M when he was battling an illness and came in off the bench and played 23 minutes.  “Money is important, but the people in your life matter more,” Murauskas said. “Let’s finish where everything started.”  The 6-foot-8 Murauskas, from Lithuania, began his college career at Arizona and saw limited action during the 2023-24 season before moving on to Saint Mary’s.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Saint #Marys #star #Paulius #Murauskas #coach #Arizona #State

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