Latest news with #MVP-level
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cowboys Star Highlights Offseason Addition in Recent Social Media Post
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Heading into the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys are a team that will be looking to get back on track in the NFC. Based on recent social media activity, one key member of the roster seems to be getting along with the team's major offseason addition. After Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending injury, the Cowboys' championship aspirations quickly withered away in 2024. Ahead of the star QB's return, the front office made some upgrades to the cast of weapons around him. Along with adding backfield depth in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, Dallas made a big splash by trading for wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens had his off-field issues with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his talent is undeniable. He is a big and athletic wideout capable of ripping off a big play at any moment. Now with a change of scenery and an MVP-level QB, Pickens has a chance to get his career back on track and be a key piece on a contending team. CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Photo byAlso read: Cowboys Wideout Viewed as 'Major Player' in NFC East Race With the addition of Pickens, the Cowboys have arguably one of the top wide receiver duos in the league. Along with their talent levels, they appear to be building a good bond as well. Over the weekend, Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb posted a series of photos on his Instagram. Most featured his life outside of football, but he did peel back the curtain on his offseason training. Among the pictures was one of him and Pickens after getting in some work together. Since being drafted 17th overall in 2020, Lamb has emerged as a key piece of the Cowboys' offense. Even with Prescott going down midway through the year, he managed to rack up his fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2024. Also read: Dallas Cowboys Named Potential Suitor For Ex-Steelers Standout With their new-look offense, the Cowboys have a chance to become a dark horse contender in the NFC. Their offense has long been based around the passing game, and this is sure to continue with the high-level duo of Lamb and Pickens. Though his production might dip with another dynamic receiver entering the fold, the former should remain as one of the league's top talents at his position. In a few short weeks, the Cowboys wideouts will have more time to mesh on and off the field during training camp. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
NBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC News
Lakers, Rockets headline NBA teams worth watching as free agency kicks off
With the NBA Draft in the rearview mirror, the league's free agency period will officially begin Monday night. Teams and players are allowed to negotiate deals beginning on June 30, and then those contracts can be officially signed on July 6. Though the current NBA is not quite dominated by salary cap space compared to previous years, there is typically still a flurry of movement during the first week of July. With that in mind, here are five teams to keep an eye on as the free agency period begins. Houston Rockets The Rockets already made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason, trading for Kevin Durant on the same day as Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Expect Houston to still be a player in free agency despite the Durant move. Thanks in large part to point guard Fred VanVleet signing a team-friendly two-year, roughly $50 million contract, the Rockets will have access to the $14.1 million mid-level exception this summer. With most contenders limited in their ability to sign players because of their books, Houston should have a leg up on teams looking to sign veterans who want to make a championship push — such as 3-and-D specialist Dorian Finney-Smith. And beyond their signing ability, the Rockets still have plenty of picks and players to throw in a potential trade just in case another superstar hits the market. Denver Nuggets Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer said after the draft the team would be focused on free agency more than trades as the negotiating window approaches. As a team approaching the salary cap's dreaded second apron, Denver doesn't have a lot of money to throw at potential signees. Still, this summer is a critical one for a team that remade its front office after the playoffs. The Nuggets — with an already-thin roster that was also shorthanded — took the champion Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the playoffs, a sign Denver is not too far away from being a real title threat. With arguably the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić playing at an MVP-level, expect the Nuggets to aggressively look for upgrades to a roster that's not far off from the league's best. Los Angeles Lakers After trading for Luka Doncic midseason, the Lakers had a mismatched roster that promptly lost in the first round of the playoffs. Now, Los Angeles will have a proper offseason to orbit the team around Doncic as opposed to the aging (and yet, seemingly ageless) LeBron James. But will James want to stick around for the Doncic era? 'LeBron wants to compete for a championship,' James's agent Rich Paul told ESPN over the weekend. 'He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.' Whether Paul is hinting as possible discontent or simply putting pressure on Los Angeles's front office, the Lakers may be feeling a little extra heat this offseason. They especially need help on the frontline, where the newly-released center Deandre Ayton could be of service. Detroit Pistons The Pistons sent a little bit of a warning shot to the NBA with their first-round performance against the New York Knicks, pushing a veteran-laden team in a tough-fought series. Detroit (along with Brooklyn) is one of the precious few teams with actual cap space this offseason. Could the Pistons try to make a bold play for someone like Myles Turner, who could be coaxed away from the Indiana Pacers after the injury to Tyrese Haliburton? Detroit's space also gives them more options on the trade market, and the ability to take in more salary then it sends out in a potential move. With Eastern Conference teams smelling blood after a rash of injuries to stars, the Pistons could very well try to make a splash in the contender pool. Minnesota Timberwolves After losing in back-to-back Western Conference Finals series, the Timberwolves approach yet another pivotal summer. Last offseason, the team traded Karl-Anthony Towns in a move that was widely considered a cost-cutting measure. So far this summer, the Wolves have re-signed big man Naz Reid and forward Julius Randle, though guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is more likely to depart. Is bringing back the core enough for Minnesota to take the next step? Remember: This team was heavily involved in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, indicating the front office is not against making a bold move. With players who will be coveted on the trade market, and an increasingly expensive roster that needs to compete, the Timberwolves are definitely still in position to make a splash.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh
Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh shocks fans with home run derby debut and surprising role for dad Todd Raleigh (Image via Getty) Some exciting news just broke for Seattle Mariners fans and baseball lovers everywhere. Cal Raleigh, nicknamed 'The Big Dumper,' shared big news on social media: he will take part in his first-ever Home Run Derby. With an MVP-level season already underway and his powerful swing making headlines, this announcement adds serious buzz leading into the 2025 All‑Star Weekend in Atlanta. Cal Raleigh's Derby debut family ties and big momentum Cal Raleigh, the 28-year-old catcher for the Seattle Mariners, confirmed on Friday that he will compete in the Home Run Derby on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta, home to the Atlanta Braves. This season he leads all of MLB with 32 home runs, making him the only player over 30 home runs before the break. Notably, he's the first catcher and first switch-hitter to ever reach this mark. — mlb (@mlb) But what makes this even more personal is that Cal's father, Todd Raleigh, a former college coach, will pitch to him during the event. Cal also hopes his younger brother, Todd Jr., will be on the field to catch him. Cal said, 'It'll be extra special for my family… it'll be easy for them to get to'. Todd Sr. added, 'As a dad, it doesn't get any better than that… it's kind of like one of those Hallmark moments'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Doctor: If You Eat Eggs Every Day, This Is What Happens WellnessGuide Learn more Undo Cal Raleigh's career year and Derby odds This season is already historic for Cal Raleigh. Through 79 games, he is slashing .275/.383/.659 with 69 RBIs, 58 runs, and an MLB-leading home run total. On June 20, he set a record by hitting two home runs in a single game against the Chicago Cubs, making him the catcher with the most homers before the All‑Star break in over 50 years. DraftKings odds now show Raleigh as a top contender to win the Derby, just behind Aaron Judge. He will go up against stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., who announced his own Derby entry this week. Also Read: Seattle Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh Becomes Fastest To Match Ichiro's Home Run Total Mariners fans remember legends like Ken Griffey Jr. winning the Derby three times. Cal now has the chance to be the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win it . With his family beside him and a historic season behind him, this could be a defining moment. The Home Run Derby is set for July 14, and all eyes will be on 'The Big Dumper.' Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Super Bowl starting QB says what Kyler Murray needs to be great
Former NFL starting QB Rex Grossman wants to Kyler Murray on team with a great defense. Many fans have mixed feelings about Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. He has shown in stretches of his career that he can be an MVP-level quarterback, but that hasn't shown up since 2021. He is sometimes great and then sometimes quite average. Many believe that this year could be his last in Arizona if he isn't great. Former NFL quarterback Rex Grossman, who took the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl once, doesn't believe that. "The Cardinals have a great quarterback; it's not like they should be looking for someone else," he told Kyle Odegard in an exclusive interview. 'But the way he can move is unlike any player I've ever seen," he said. "He's like a Madden create-a-player when you only have so many attributes. You give away the height for the quickness and speed. I love watching him play." Then Grossman added something that fans probably don't want to hear, but it is true. "I think he would be awesome on a great team," he said. "I'd like to see him have an unbelievable defense, to not have to put it all on his shoulders.' But great quarterbacks elevate their teams, right? Ask Joe Burrow about that. Burrow led the NFL in passing yards and touchdown passes. He only threw nine interceptions despite throwing more passes than anyone in the league. Guess what? He won one more game than Murray last year. "There is not one quarterback in the history of the NFL that can say, 'Hey, just throw any team out there and I will be great,'" Grossman added. "It's not the way it works. It starts with the great personnel, great coaching and locker room atmosphere. When you're on a great team, everyone can sense it, and that has momentum in itself." Arizona's defense was unable to get off the field and unable to create turnovers. That led to Murray having to force things late in games. Look at Murray's best year in 2021. He was playing at an MVP level, and when the Cardinals started 9-1, the defense was dominant. The defense put the offense in good spots and Murray was dynamic. Perhaps Murray is not as special as Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen to be able to will his team to double-digit wins. Then again, the Chiefs and Bills have had much better defenses. This is why it should be fun to watch Murray this year. The Cardinals loaded up on the defensive side of the ball, remaking their defensive front seven. If this year's defense can be an above-average unit, watch Murray play like one of the league's best once again. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Newsweek
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cowboys Coach Utters Vote of Confidence in Former Pro Bowler
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After being drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft, Jake Ferguson has developed into a productive piece in the Dallas Cowboys offense. Following a lackluster showing last season, one key member of the organization feels he'll be able to turn a new leaf in 2025. In his second season, Ferguson showed the potential of being one of the more productive tight ends in the NFL. He secured his first Pro Bowl selection after racking up 761 yards and five touchdowns. Coming off his best years in the pros, Ferguson's production took a noticeable step back. He'd miss some time due to injury and failed to find the endzone across 14 starts. Despite how things played out for him, Ferguson isn't letting it weigh him down heading into his fourth year with the Cowboys. Also read: Rival Coach Weighs In On Cowboys' Major Offseason Addition Following mandatory minicamp, Ferguson touched on his mindset heading into this season. He admitted to dealing with multiple ailments last year but is confident he'll be able to get back on track. New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer looks on during at a press conference along side CEO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones and team owner Jerry Jones. New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer looks on during at a press conference along side CEO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones and team owner Jerry Jones."I definitely wasn't satisfied with how I played all last year," Ferguson recently said, via "My knee hurt, for sure. The concussion was weird. But I've said this before, if I'm on the field, I should be able to give it my all. I don't think I've ever played a full season and not scored a touchdown. That was something that I came into this offseason really working on. Just trying to really dial in on those things." Ferguson isn't the only person who is confident he'll return to form for the Cowboys this season. When asked about the young tight end, head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised his mindset and work ethic. "He definitely dealt with some stuff that was hard for him," Schottenheimer said. "Jake's always motivated. Jake is one of those tone setters who just plays the right way. But the look in his eyes and the way his body looks, in terms of physique, and the way he's moving has been noticeably different in a good way." Also read: Cowboys Star Dak Prescott has Clear Goal Heading Into 2025 NFL Season Ferguson should be bracing for a slight dip in targets following the addition of George Pickens. However, he could still be a key piece in the offense. Ferguson benefited greatly from Dak Prescott's MVP-level campaign in 2023. With the star QB returning from an injury-ridden season of his own, the two should be able to re-establish their strong connection on the field. With Pickens and CeeDee Lamb garnering all the attention from opposing defenses, it should create opportunities for Ferguson to be impactful. If he's able to bounce back, he could emerge as an X-factor for the Cowboys' offense. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
