On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
More must-reads:
- Brock Lesnar makes shocking return at WWE SummerSlam
- Troubling update emerges about Joel Embiid’s health
- The 'NFL mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Justin Fields Called 'Biggest Loser' In Jets Training Camp
The New York Jets opted to cut Aaron Rodgers and sign Justin Fields to replace him during the offseason. This kind of commitment to Fields should bolster his confidence, but it could also place a lot of pressure on his shoulders. To this point, Fields has looked solid in training camp, aside from a scary toe injury that was quickly resolved in July. Justin Fried of the Jet Press recently reported that Fields' training camp may have reached a new low over the weekend as the young signal caller struggled. "Justin Fields put together his best practice of the summer to this point on Friday, completing his first 12 passes en route to an excellent all-around performance. The same can't be said about his showing on Saturday, however," Fried wrote. "Fields finished the day an abysmal 2-of-10 in the air, including a drop from rookie tight end Mason Taylor. "Some of his incompletions were catchable balls, but the Jets' passing game struggles on Saturday can largely be blamed on No. 7. Fields did flash his running ability with a 25-yard rushing score on the first play of red-zone drills, but the Jets would like to see more consistency in the air from the starting quarterback. Saturday's scrimmage was far from his best showing of the summer." Fields is a runner first at the NFL level, but his arm is nothing to scoff at. For most of training camp, his arm talent has been better than advertised, but during Saturday's scrimmage, it just wasn't there. A 2 for 10 performance is unacceptable for a $40 million quarterback who was signed to take over the team. The running game should open up the passing game for the Jets, which is going to need to be the case if Fields is going to struggle like this. However, it's just one day of camp. It's nothing to be too concerned about. Just because Fields lost this specific practice doesn't mean he's heading in the wrong direction as a whole.
The cold, hard truth is that the Washington Commanders have all of the leverage in the Terry McLaurin contract standoff
The saga between the Washington Commanders and All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has taken many twists and turns, and it's slowly gotten worse as the summer drags on. McLaurin has been the only side of the negotiations to make any type of move to push leverage and get a deal done sooner rather than later. He's done everything possible from publicly speaking out against the team, sitting out of training camp, returning to camp, and then recently made his biggest power move by requesting a trade. Even after playing every card in his hand this offseason to get leverage on the team, the Commanders still have the upper hand on McLaurin, and absolutely nothing can change that. Why McLaurin won't be traded There have been reports that teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers have called to check in on trading for McLaurin, and that shouldn't be a surprise. The thing is, though, he will not be traded, and there are a lot of factors that prohibit it from happening. McLaurin is likely worth a second-round pick, in my opinion, but the fact that he allegedly wants a contract extension that averages to about $33 million per year hurts that trade value. No team in the NFL would trade a second round pick while giving a soon to be 30 yeard old WR a new contract worth that much. The Commanders very likely wouldn't receive a trade package worth accepting for their best weapon on offense and get the immediate payoff this season. McLaurin very likely doesn't want to even be traded in the first place. Neither side actually wants McLaurin out of Washington. The likely outcomes for McLaurin and the Commanders There are only two possible outcomes for McLaurin this season: he's either going to be extended, or he's going to have to play the final year of his contract out. The Commanders really could play hardball with McLaurin if he refuses to come down from his number and let him play his final year of his contract out, and they know he wouldn't sit out games and lose even more money. They could either franchise tag McLaurin after the season or let him leave in free agency, so they can recoup a high-value compensation pick for losing the All-Pro. McLaurin's market would likely change drastically unless he has another career-best season, as he would be approaching 31 years old going into free agency. Both outcomes severely hurt what McLaurin is looking for: more money and long-term stability. No matter what McLaurin does, the Commanders hold the keys to decide his fate in Washington. The two can meet in the middle on a number that makes sense, or this could drag into next season, where we do this all again.
Tottenham Hotspur star announces unexpected departure
In a summer already marked by high drama in the soccer world, Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-min Son has delivered a stunning announcement: he will leave the club this summer after more than a decade of service. The 33-year-old forward confirmed his decision during an emotional press conference ahead of Tottenham’s preseason friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul. This match may now serve as his farewell appearance for the club. Spurs head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Son will start and captain the side in Sunday’s game. "I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision," said Son. "It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision. "I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change — 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man. "I want to say thank you to all the Spurs fans for giving me so much love. I hope the goodbye is also good timing and this is the right time to make that decision. I hope everyone can accept that and respect that." Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 and has since made 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals, sitting fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list. His final competitive outing is likely to remain the Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, offering a storybook ending to a glittering career in north London. The South Korean revealed he made the decision some time ago, informing only a few teammates before speaking with Frank ahead of preseason. Son is reportedly exploring a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with Los Angeles FC emerging as a leading contender. Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs also persists. He now becomes the latest high-profile departure at Spurs following Harry Kane’s 2023 transfer to Bayern Munich, as the club enters a new era under Frank, who joined from Brentford earlier this summer.
Bengals have 'most surprising development' surface at training camp
The Cincinnati Bengals are seeing a big push at training camp from a unit they desperately need better play from in the upcoming season. Led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals' offense generally receives the bulk of the headlines. However, the defense appears to have made significant improvements from last season. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Cincinnati's defense has been the "most surprising development" at training camp this summer. "It’s also the most surprising development in camp," Dehner wrote of the defense. "Not specifically that there’s competitiveness, but how much the defense is winning. Their communication and the speed they are playing with has been cited on repeat. It’s built a real momentum for that side of the ball, overflowing with young players desperately in need of something to offset the ugliness of last season. Players have spoken about the energy from these wins on the field rolling over to the meetings and locker room. One player pointed out the music is bumping and excitement is high when they walk in the door first thing in the morning — perhaps another reward of the switch to morning practices. It’s made all these young defenders excited to show up at work each, hitting the field with a real edge. Last year, Burrow and the offense had to be "near perfect" to win games, as the defense was a liability on the field. The Bengals gave up the eighth-most points (434) in the league last year, which averaged to 25.5 points per game. The defense surrendered 30+ points in critical losses to the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens (both contests), Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The defense cost the Bengals an appearance in the postseason. It's a good sign in August that, sans its best player, defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson, the unit has an edge to it before the regular season.
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.
