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NFL’s best remaining free agents at every position after the 2026 Draft We’re about to embark on a second, smaller wave of NFL free agency — the post-draft signings. This is the time teams look to fill holes they weren’t able to patch during the draft, predominantly grabbing aging veterans to round out the roster entering training camp. Notably, any signings moving forward will not count against the 2027 NFL Draft comp pick formula.These won’t be mammoth, multi-year deals, but rather one-year agreements and incentive-laden contracts. Let’s dive into the players who are available right now at every position, ranking the best five players who could fill those final gaps in 2026.Aaron RodgersTyrod TaylorRussell WilsonJimmy GaroppoloCooper RushIf your team still needs a quarterback, then God help you, because the guys left all stink. Aaron Rodgers is having another diva offseason where he hems and haws over retirement, or returning to the Steelers — so he’s not really on this list. Everyone else is washed at this point.Joe MixonNajee HarrisNick ChubbKareem HuntAntonio GibsonBoth Mixon and Harris missed all of 2025 with season-ending injuries, so they’re total dice rolls at this point — but still have the potential to be good if they are healthy. The other three in the top five can only give a few carries a game at this point in their careers, but they can’t handle a starting load.Stefon DiggsDeebo SamuelJauan JenningsTyreek HillKeenan AllenStefon Diggs has outstanding legal issues, which probably takes him off almost every team’s list. Tyreek Hill is the most eye-catching name, but he’s lost a step and doesn’t appear dominant anymore. The best bet might be Deebo Samuel, which at this point in his career is saying something.David NjokuZach ErtzJonnu SmithDarren WallerJohn FitzPatrickThe best bet at TE is to already have a plan, because the remaining available players is a sorry list.Taylor DeckerYosh NimanJack ConklinJonah WilliamsCam RobinsonTaylor Decker would be a legitimate upgrade for several teams. He was a low-tier left tackle in 2025 who was released by the Lions when they couldn’t agree to contract terms. Still, he’s a proven player with something left in the tank. Yosh Niman is an intriguing rotational tackle who played for the Panthers last season and looked good in limited time.Joel BitonioKevin ZeitlerBrady ChristensenDylan ParhamAlex CappaThe first three guys offer something here, but really outside of Bitonio and Zeitler you’re getting rotational players who can’t be relied on as starters.Ethan PocicJames DanielsGraham GlasgowAndre JamesSam MustipherEthan Pocic has some value, but the rest of the available centers are very poor.Joey BosaCameron JordanYetur Gross-MatosKyle Van NoyLeonard FloydJoey Bosa and Cameron Jordan still have ability as fringe starters, but likely more effective as rotational pass rushers. Everyone else available might as well be a coin toss whether they have anything left in the tank or not.Interior Defensive LinemenDavid OnyemataDaQuan JonesDJ ReaderCalais CampbellShelby HarrisOut of the interior linemen Onyemata and Jones would be talent upgrades for several teams. The rest of the position grouping are depth talents or veteran mentors.Bobby WagnerChris BoardGermaine PrattShaq ThompsonMatt MilanoBobby Wagner is an ageless wonder who remains a tackling machine, while Chris Board also represents starting value.Rasul DouglasTre’Davious WhiteAdoree JacksonTrevon DiggsMarshon LattimoreThere simply aren’t enough good corners in the NFL right now, and this list shows how deep the position has been plundered. Good luck if you still need a starter, because the cupboards are bare.Xavier WoodsChuck ClarkTerrell EdmundsJordan PoyerMike EdwardsNobody here is a starter. Backup or rotational guys only at this point.Graham GanoMatt PraterDaniel CarlsonThere are only three free agent kickers who were with other teams in 2025. These are your guys.Thomas MoresteadMatt HaackJamie GillanThere are also only three free agents at punter who were with teams last season. These are those guys. #NFLs #remaining #free #agents #position #Draft

NFL’s best remaining free agents at every position after the 2026 Draft

We’re about to embark on a second, smaller wave of NFL free agency — the post-draft signings. This is the time teams look to fill holes they weren’t able to patch during the draft, predominantly grabbing aging veterans to round out the roster entering training camp. Notably, any signings moving forward will not count against the 2027 NFL Draft comp pick formula.

These won’t be mammoth, multi-year deals, but rather one-year agreements and incentive-laden contracts. Let’s dive into the players who are available right now at every position, ranking the best five players who could fill those final gaps in 2026.

  1. Aaron Rodgers
  2. Tyrod Taylor
  3. Russell Wilson
  4. Jimmy Garoppolo
  5. Cooper Rush

If your team still needs a quarterback, then God help you, because the guys left all stink. Aaron Rodgers is having another diva offseason where he hems and haws over retirement, or returning to the Steelers — so he’s not really on this list. Everyone else is washed at this point.

  1. Joe Mixon
  2. Najee Harris
  3. Nick Chubb
  4. Kareem Hunt
  5. Antonio Gibson

Both Mixon and Harris missed all of 2025 with season-ending injuries, so they’re total dice rolls at this point — but still have the potential to be good if they are healthy. The other three in the top five can only give a few carries a game at this point in their careers, but they can’t handle a starting load.

  1. Stefon Diggs
  2. Deebo Samuel
  3. Jauan Jennings
  4. Tyreek Hill
  5. Keenan Allen

Stefon Diggs has outstanding legal issues, which probably takes him off almost every team’s list. Tyreek Hill is the most eye-catching name, but he’s lost a step and doesn’t appear dominant anymore. The best bet might be Deebo Samuel, which at this point in his career is saying something.

  1. David Njoku
  2. Zach Ertz
  3. Jonnu Smith
  4. Darren Waller
  5. John FitzPatrick

The best bet at TE is to already have a plan, because the remaining available players is a sorry list.

  1. Taylor Decker
  2. Yosh Niman
  3. Jack Conklin
  4. Jonah Williams
  5. Cam Robinson

Taylor Decker would be a legitimate upgrade for several teams. He was a low-tier left tackle in 2025 who was released by the Lions when they couldn’t agree to contract terms. Still, he’s a proven player with something left in the tank. Yosh Niman is an intriguing rotational tackle who played for the Panthers last season and looked good in limited time.

  1. Joel Bitonio
  2. Kevin Zeitler
  3. Brady Christensen
  4. Dylan Parham
  5. Alex Cappa

The first three guys offer something here, but really outside of Bitonio and Zeitler you’re getting rotational players who can’t be relied on as starters.

  1. Ethan Pocic
  2. James Daniels
  3. Graham Glasgow
  4. Andre James
  5. Sam Mustipher

Ethan Pocic has some value, but the rest of the available centers are very poor.

  1. Joey Bosa
  2. Cameron Jordan
  3. Yetur Gross-Matos
  4. Kyle Van Noy
  5. Leonard Floyd

Joey Bosa and Cameron Jordan still have ability as fringe starters, but likely more effective as rotational pass rushers. Everyone else available might as well be a coin toss whether they have anything left in the tank or not.

Interior Defensive Linemen

  1. David Onyemata
  2. DaQuan Jones
  3. DJ Reader
  4. Calais Campbell
  5. Shelby Harris

Out of the interior linemen Onyemata and Jones would be talent upgrades for several teams. The rest of the position grouping are depth talents or veteran mentors.

  1. Bobby Wagner
  2. Chris Board
  3. Germaine Pratt
  4. Shaq Thompson
  5. Matt Milano

Bobby Wagner is an ageless wonder who remains a tackling machine, while Chris Board also represents starting value.

  1. Rasul Douglas
  2. Tre’Davious White
  3. Adoree Jackson
  4. Trevon Diggs
  5. Marshon Lattimore

There simply aren’t enough good corners in the NFL right now, and this list shows how deep the position has been plundered. Good luck if you still need a starter, because the cupboards are bare.

  1. Xavier Woods
  2. Chuck Clark
  3. Terrell Edmunds
  4. Jordan Poyer
  5. Mike Edwards

Nobody here is a starter. Backup or rotational guys only at this point.

  1. Graham Gano
  2. Matt Prater
  3. Daniel Carlson

There are only three free agent kickers who were with other teams in 2025. These are your guys.

  1. Thomas Morestead
  2. Matt Haack
  3. Jamie Gillan

There are also only three free agents at punter who were with teams last season. These are those guys.

#NFLs #remaining #free #agents #position #Draft

Sports news

We’re about to embark on a second, smaller wave of NFL free agency — the post-draft signings. This is the time teams look to fill holes they weren’t able to patch during the draft, predominantly grabbing aging veterans to round out the roster entering training camp. Notably, any signings moving forward will not count against the 2027 NFL Draft comp pick formula.

These won’t be mammoth, multi-year deals, but rather one-year agreements and incentive-laden contracts. Let’s dive into the players who are available right now at every position, ranking the best five players who could fill those final gaps in 2026.

  1. Aaron Rodgers
  2. Tyrod Taylor
  3. Russell Wilson
  4. Jimmy Garoppolo
  5. Cooper Rush

If your team still needs a quarterback, then God help you, because the guys left all stink. Aaron Rodgers is having another diva offseason where he hems and haws over retirement, or returning to the Steelers — so he’s not really on this list. Everyone else is washed at this point.

  1. Joe Mixon
  2. Najee Harris
  3. Nick Chubb
  4. Kareem Hunt
  5. Antonio Gibson

Both Mixon and Harris missed all of 2025 with season-ending injuries, so they’re total dice rolls at this point — but still have the potential to be good if they are healthy. The other three in the top five can only give a few carries a game at this point in their careers, but they can’t handle a starting load.

  1. Stefon Diggs
  2. Deebo Samuel
  3. Jauan Jennings
  4. Tyreek Hill
  5. Keenan Allen

Stefon Diggs has outstanding legal issues, which probably takes him off almost every team’s list. Tyreek Hill is the most eye-catching name, but he’s lost a step and doesn’t appear dominant anymore. The best bet might be Deebo Samuel, which at this point in his career is saying something.

  1. David Njoku
  2. Zach Ertz
  3. Jonnu Smith
  4. Darren Waller
  5. John FitzPatrick

The best bet at TE is to already have a plan, because the remaining available players is a sorry list.

  1. Taylor Decker
  2. Yosh Niman
  3. Jack Conklin
  4. Jonah Williams
  5. Cam Robinson

Taylor Decker would be a legitimate upgrade for several teams. He was a low-tier left tackle in 2025 who was released by the Lions when they couldn’t agree to contract terms. Still, he’s a proven player with something left in the tank. Yosh Niman is an intriguing rotational tackle who played for the Panthers last season and looked good in limited time.

  1. Joel Bitonio
  2. Kevin Zeitler
  3. Brady Christensen
  4. Dylan Parham
  5. Alex Cappa

The first three guys offer something here, but really outside of Bitonio and Zeitler you’re getting rotational players who can’t be relied on as starters.

  1. Ethan Pocic
  2. James Daniels
  3. Graham Glasgow
  4. Andre James
  5. Sam Mustipher

Ethan Pocic has some value, but the rest of the available centers are very poor.

  1. Joey Bosa
  2. Cameron Jordan
  3. Yetur Gross-Matos
  4. Kyle Van Noy
  5. Leonard Floyd

Joey Bosa and Cameron Jordan still have ability as fringe starters, but likely more effective as rotational pass rushers. Everyone else available might as well be a coin toss whether they have anything left in the tank or not.

Interior Defensive Linemen

  1. David Onyemata
  2. DaQuan Jones
  3. DJ Reader
  4. Calais Campbell
  5. Shelby Harris

Out of the interior linemen Onyemata and Jones would be talent upgrades for several teams. The rest of the position grouping are depth talents or veteran mentors.

  1. Bobby Wagner
  2. Chris Board
  3. Germaine Pratt
  4. Shaq Thompson
  5. Matt Milano

Bobby Wagner is an ageless wonder who remains a tackling machine, while Chris Board also represents starting value.

  1. Rasul Douglas
  2. Tre’Davious White
  3. Adoree Jackson
  4. Trevon Diggs
  5. Marshon Lattimore

There simply aren’t enough good corners in the NFL right now, and this list shows how deep the position has been plundered. Good luck if you still need a starter, because the cupboards are bare.

  1. Xavier Woods
  2. Chuck Clark
  3. Terrell Edmunds
  4. Jordan Poyer
  5. Mike Edwards

Nobody here is a starter. Backup or rotational guys only at this point.

  1. Graham Gano
  2. Matt Prater
  3. Daniel Carlson

There are only three free agent kickers who were with other teams in 2025. These are your guys.

  1. Thomas Morestead
  2. Matt Haack
  3. Jamie Gillan

There are also only three free agents at punter who were with teams last season. These are those guys.

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#NFLs #remaining #free #agents #position #Draft

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Deadspin | Rockets start strong, don’t let up to beat Lakers, stay alive in series <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-900/28821027.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28821027.jpg" alt="NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson (1) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Amen Thompson scored a game-high 23 points, Tari Eason added 20 added 19 and the Houston Rockets averted elimination with a 115-96 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>All five starters scored in double figures for the Rockets, who played without Kevin Durant (ankle) for the third time in the series. Reed Sheppard chipped in 17 points on 4-for-7 3-point shooting while Alperen Sengun (19 points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) rounded out the balanced offensive attack. Eason and Smith grabbed eight rebounds apiece.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rockets made headway by forcing 24 turnovers that they converted into 30 points. Houston scored 23 fast-break points and limited the Lakers to 5-for-22 3-point shooting (22.7%).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>After dominating Game 3 and co-authoring the Lakers’ overtime victory, LeBron James (10 points, nine assists) and Marcus Smart (nine, five) shot a combined 5 of 17 from the floor. Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds but was ejected with 5:41 remaining in the third quarter after elbowing Sengun in the neck and incurring a flagrant-2 foul.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>The Lakers will carry a 3-1 series lead back to Los Angeles for Game 5 on Wednesday.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Houston seized an 18-17 lead on a Sengun dunk at the 3:19 mark of the first quarter and didn’t look back. The Lakers shot 41.2% (7 of 17) in the first period, missed both of their 3-pointers and conceded eight points off eight turnovers. Sengun played the entire first period for the Rockets.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Rockets used a 16-4 run bridging the opening two periods to help extend to a 38-28 lead via a Sengun three-point play at the 6:35 mark of the second. When the Lakers sliced that deficit to three points, Josh Okogie keyed a 10-2 rally with a 3-pointer. Thompson added a pull-up jumper and a three-point play before Sheppard capped the run with a layup.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Lakers shot 58.8% in the second quarter (10 of 17) but committed six turnovers in the frame. Houston pulled away in the third, opening the second half with a 12-4 burst before Eason drilled a corner 3 and Sengun completed another three-point play that pushed the lead to 76-55.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Rockets led by as many as 28 points.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Rockets #start #strong #dont #beat #Lakers #stay #alive #series

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KBFC 2-1 FCG Highlights, ISL 2025-26: Fallou bags winner as Kerala Blasters beats FC Goa Kerala Blasters will be the happier of the two sides heading into the break, as it has managed to sustain FC Goa’s threat for most of the half.With a five-man backline while defending, KBFC has stopped the opposition from finding any spaces in behind with a through ball or a cross.Goa, however, should have taken the lead in the closing stage of the half, but Dejan Drazic uncharacteristically sent the ball off target with only the goalkeeper to beat.At the other end, Vibin got KBFC’s best chance of the half, but a good save from Bob stopped the home side from taking the lead. #KBFC #FCG #Highlights #ISL #Fallou #bags #winner #Kerala #Blasters #beats #Goa

Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday. Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter. Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday. “Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.” Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run. “This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.” Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA. He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts. He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs. He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers. Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span. Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season. “Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.” Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old. “I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #divisionMay 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday.

Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games.

Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter.

Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday.

“Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.”

Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run.

“This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.”

Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA.


He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts.

He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs.

He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers.

Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span.

Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season.

“Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.”

Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old.

“I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division">Deadspin | Guardians look to keep Tigers down, stay atop division May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images The first-place Cleveland Guardians can extend their American League Central Division lead when they visit Detroit to face the slumping Tigers for the first of a four-game series Monday. Cleveland has won five of its last six games, including a 10-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Tigers have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) will start the opener of the four-game series for Detroit. The veteran left-hander delivered a solid performance in his previous outing after serving a five-game league suspension for beaning a Boston batter. Valdez limited the New York Mets to two runs and five hits while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings last Wednesday. “Framber was dominating both sides of the plate,” utility man Zach McKinstry said. “It’s fun to play behind him when he’s dominating like that.” Valdez was working with a one-run lead before issuing a two-out walk to the Mets’ No. 9 hitter, Luis Torrens, who eventually scored the tying run. “This start mattered to him, just getting him back into the season,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He worked hard to get into the game and I thought he threw the ball extremely well. The two-out walk will haunt him and it’ll haunt us a little bit. But we asked a ton out of him (Wednesday) and he delivered.” Valdez has been a Guardians killer during his career. He’s won all five of his appearances (four starts) against them, posting a 2.30 ERA. He will be opposed by right-hander Slade Cecconi (2-4, 5.60). It’s been a rocky beginning to the season for Cecconi, who has allowed four or more earned runs in five of his nine starts. He has shown signs of improvement in his last two starts. Cecconi limited the Kansas City Royals to two runs in 5 1/3 innings, then tossed four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He posted seven strikeouts but required 89 pitches to record 12 outs. He’s 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against the Tigers. Valdez will try to cool down Angel Martinez. The Guardians outfielder has been on a power surge, homering in four of his last five games. He’ll carry a six-game hitting streak into the contest. He’s scored eight runs and knocked in eight during that span. Martinez has nine homers this season, compared to 11 in 139 games last season. “Honestly, I’m trying to not get too high,” Martinez said. “(Whether) you’re having a good day, you have a good week, good month, I try not to get too high. This game can humble you really quick. I’m just enjoying the moment, and what happened today, it doesn’t matter tomorrow.” Manager Stephen Vogt believes Martinez’s improvement is a natural progression for the talented 24-year-old. “I think every young hitter continues to grow and understand, ‘If I can shrink the strike zone, and I can bring that pitcher into the strike zone, I’ve got a lot better chance to hit it hard,'” Vogt said. “We’ve seen Angel struggle with chase at times. But when he does keep that pitcher in the zone, man, is he dynamic and hits the ball hard.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Tigers #stay #atop #division

The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.

These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.

The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.

It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.

An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

The big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.

Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.

From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.

The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.

This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.

Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule">4 NFL teams who got royally screwed over by the schedule The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.No. 2: Los Angeles ChargersThe big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.No. 3: San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season. #NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule

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