On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Move over Patrick Mahomes. There’s a new benchmark for Baltimore Ravens rookies to try to take down—and he takes his chicken wings mild (probably). That’s right, Josh Allen has become public enemy No. 1 for the Ravens and their fans, and it’s not hard to see why.
Allen is 1-3 against the Ravens in his career. He’s completed 58 passes on 119 attempts (a 48.7% completion rate), thrown just two touchdown passes, and averaged only 153.3 passing yards per game. Against Baltimore, he’s looked like anything but elite. But when it matters most, Allen has delivered. He’s 2-0 in the playoffs against the Ravens, and that clean record is turning into a problem.
That big brother/little brother dynamic clearly isn’t sitting well with Ravens rookie Malaki Starks. The newest addition to Baltimore’s secondary isn’t waiting around for his welcome party—he’s already got Josh Allen circled.
Malaki Starks is coming for Josh Allen
With the 27th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens landed Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a top-10 talent who somehow slipped right into Eric DeCosta’s lap. Starks arrives with the athletic profile, instincts, and tape of a future All-Pro, and he wasted no time putting his target on the map. Asked which quarterback he’s most looking forward to intercepting, Starks didn’t hesitate:
"I wanna get Josh Allen."
No fluff. No dancing around it. Just a direct shot at the quarterback who has ended Baltimore’s season twice. That’s the kind of energy that plays well in Baltimore. Because when push comes to shove it's Ravens over everything.
It also speaks volumes about who Starks is and what he’s stepping into. He’s expected to make an immediate impact in a secondary that already features Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, and Marlon Humphrey—and Allen is the measuring stick.
Allen has weaseled his way into conversations that should really be about Lamar Jackson, and that’s what makes this comment hit harder. Mahomes has the rings. Allen and Lamar don’t. But only one of them gets unfairly nitpicked for being too electric, running too much, not being “accurate enough,” blah blah blah. The truth? Lamar beat Allen in every major statistical category last season—and because voters couldn’t stomach him doing it again, they gave Allen the MVP.
For a team still haunted by January heartbreaks, Starks adds exactly what’s been missing: a playmaker who thrives in the chaos. He can close space in a flash, diagnose routes before the snap, and make quarterbacks regret testing him. He’s the type of defender who changes the way offenses call games.
And he’s already thinking about Buffalo. So maybe... just maybe he'll play a big part in finally getting over this playoff hump.
More Balti
More must-reads:
- Insider shares promising update on Jets QB Justin Fields' toe injury
- NFL Draft intel: NFC team covets these skills of Texas QB Arch Manning
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Steelers Get Major Jauan Jennings News
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for another wide receiver before the regular season begins, though it appears one of their potential trade targets isn't available at the moment. On Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan both expressed that Jauan Jennings has not formally asked for a trade and will participate in the team's first practice of training camp on Wednesday. "I won't speak for Jauan, but had a good visit with him," Lynch said, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "[We] anticipate him being out there. You guys know our feelings on JJ. He embodies what we think a Niner is all about, plays the right way and we love him ... All that stuff, we're not going to get into the contract talks and all that. That takes care of itself, but we love him and he's here." Early last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jennings was looking for a new deal and would ask for a trade if he didn't receive one before camp began. That didn't turn out to be the case, however, as the 28-year-old reported on Monday and is ready to suit up in Santa Clara, Ca. alongside his 49ers teammates despite not yet signing an extension. Jennings in entering the final year of a two-year contract worth $11.890 million that he agreed to last offseason as a restricted free agent. He's guaranteed $3.275 million in salary this season and will carry a cap hit of $4.258 million, according to Over the Cap. A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings is coming off a career year for the 49ers in which he posted 975 yards and six touchdowns on 77 catches. The possibility remains of an official trade request from Jennings if negotiations with San Francisco don't progress, but he'll hold off from doing so for the time being. The Steelers satisfied their need for another skill position player by acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins on June 30, but there's still room for an additional receiver on the roster.
Canucks continue talks with Jack Roslovic, his ask poses problems
A team that has gone through several changes already this summer, the Vancouver Canucks remain active, currently engaged in discussions with unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic. According to reports from Rick Dhaliwal and Cam Robinson, the organization has spoken to Roslovic on several occasions and are still interested in potentially signing him to a free agency deal. Roslovic posted 39 points in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2024-25. He is reportedly seeking a two- or three-year deal worth just over $3 million annually. Roslovic could be a solid middle-six contributor for an NHL team, but there is some concern over whether he’s a needle mover. He could be a solution for Canucks, who need a true third-line center, but some wonder if he’s the best place to be using the little cap flexibility Vancouver has. A Roslovic signing would take up much of the $3.2 million available to add to the roster. Can the Canucks work the math out on Roslovic? At this stage of free agency, it’s about finding value in overlooked talent. Roslovic likely won’t be a dynamic top producer, but he has value. The question is if Vancouver can make the math work. He could provide reliable depth scoring, but is that where the money should go? Some believe the Canucks would be better served by taking a bigger swing. On his own, Roslovic likely doesn’t move the Canucks into contender status.
Bucks executive opens up on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard sparked even more Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors on social media. There were already reports that Antetokounmpo was considering his options and potentially forcing his way out of Milwaukee, and the Lillard move did little to alleviate the situation. Nevertheless, the weeks have gone by, and Antetokounmpo is still a Buck. More importantly, the team believes that's not going to change any time soon. "We have no indication that anything is really changing as far as our relationship with the player we think is the best in the world," a Bucks front office executive told Spotrac's Keith Smith. "We rebuilt on the fly, in a really challenging situation, but we think we did it as well as it could be done." Antetokounmpo trade rumors have cooled off around the league, and while anything can happen in the NBA, that doesn't seem likely at this point. "Do I think the star guys like Giannis (Antetokounmpo) or LeBron (James) are going to go anywhere? Nope. Is it possible? Sure is," said a Western Conference executive. Giannis chose to stay in Milwaukee with one of the most lucrative contract extensions in NBA history. He was overly critical of the team's effort last season, and another early playoff exit may have driven him to the edge. Even so, he's talked about how he wants to win "the right way," as opposed to chasing rings. That said, with head coach Doc Rivers' long list of questionable postseason performances and a championship window that could be closing right before their eyes, Giannis trade rumors will flood social media again if the Bucks get off to a slow start during the 2026-26 campaign.
Potential landing spots for Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen
As training camps begin around the NFL, the grand picture of positional rooms is starting to take shape. But not every team is finished making moves. In particular, one veteran is inching closer to transforming the wide receiver room for one lucky franchise. Veteran wideout Keenan Allen is still on the market as we head into the final month of the offseason and is ready to make his presence felt. The long-time Charger has reportedly been "waiting for training camps to open to assess the landscape better and get a clearer picture of each team's wide receiver situation." NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Allen "has drawn interest from multiple teams in recent weeks." Months after his departure from the Chicago Bears, the free agent may finally be finding a new home. The 12-year NFL veteran has accumulated over 10,000 yards in his career, along with 59 touchdowns. In his lone season with the Bears in 2024, Allen tallied 744 yards and seven TDs. Even at 33 years old, the nimble receiver is capable of big plays. Allen has repeatedly dominated from the slot and racked up yardage operating in the middle of the field. He is as savvy as they come and a true mastermind in the NFL. There are numerous potential fits for Allen around the NFL. Namely, a reunion with either his most recent team, the Bears, or his long-time home in Los Angeles is not out of the picture. Chicago Bears The Bears are banking on breakouts from the 2024 first-round receiver Rome Odunze and 2025 second-round pick Luther Burden III to fill out their receiver room. If the Bears deem either of the two not ready, Allen could return. Los Angeles Chargers Similarly, the Chargers are relying on 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston and rookie Tre Harris to carry a significant portion of the load in Los Angeles. Like the Bears, if these youngsters aren't ready, Allen could come in and serve as a stopgap. New England Patriots Outside potential reunions, a selection of wide receiver-needy franchises remain as strong options. First, the Patriots have long sought help at receiver in recent years. Despite bringing Stefon Diggs this offseason, Allen could be added to help assist second-year quarterback Drake Maye in 2025. Pittsburgh Steelers Another potential destination resides in Pittsburgh. As the Steelers have loaded up on veteran talent as they push for a better season in 2025, Allen could start right away and push for a deep playoff run in the AFC. San Francisco 49ers Lastly, a name to watch for Allen's talents in the 49ers. The Niners have placed both Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall on the PUP list. Meanwhile, standout receiver Jauan Jennings has been holding out for a new contract. Things could get ugly in San Francisco in an instant; if they do, Allen would be the best possible option for them to bolster the unit.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
