Author: MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

Salary cap space

All information shown is current as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 26.

Current space: $4.1 million

This includes the estimated salary cap impacts of all known signings and releases. More information about our cap space calculation is available below the tables.

Please note: All NFL teams must remain below the salary cap between the beginning of the new league year in mid-March and the end of each season. If our estimate of the team’s cap space is a negative number, it’s because contracts for some reported roster moves have not been officially submitted to the league office, or there is a difference between publicly available salary information and the official figures.

Most recent transactions

Older transactions are at the bottom of the page.

• Current roster number: 90 (with one exempt player)
• Acquired via trade (8/24) guard Joshua Ezeudu (roster to 90)
• Waived (8/24) tackle Kellen Diesch (roster to 89)
• Reverted to Reserve/Injured (8/25) wide receiver Jeff Caldwell (roster unchanged)
• Signed (8/24) defensive end Niles King (roster to 90)
• Waived/Injured (8/24) wide receiver Jeff Caldwell (roster to 89)
• Reverted to Reserve/Injured tackle Matt Waletzko (roster unchanged)
• Signed (8/20) tackle Kellen Diesch (roster to 90)
• Waived/Injured (8/20) tackle Matt Waletzko (roster to 89)
• Signed (8/19) linebacker Cam Jones (roster to 90)
• Waived (8/19) defensive end Anthony Dunn (roster to 89)
• Signed (8/13) defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (roster to 90)
• Waived (8/13) cornerback Bryce Phillips (roster to 89)
• Signed (8/3) wide receiver Jeff Weimer (roster to 90)
• Signed (8/1) defensive end Ethan Hurkett (roster to 89)
• Placed on Reserve/Injured (7/28) defensive end Ethan Downs, tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (roster to 88)
• Placed on Active/Physically-Unable-to-Perform (7/25) tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (roster unchanged)

Roster by position

Please note: The number of players listed in each position group may include players who are under contract, but are not counted on the active roster because of a roster exemption. Those players are indicated in the second table. The Total shown here is the number of players counted on the active roster; adding up the numbers for each position group may give a different result.

Roster by category

Cap space calculation

Salary data shown in the table is from Spotrac.com, which estimates the team’s salary cap space to be $4.1 million.

This cap figure is based on a total team salary cap of $294.4 million, plus $336,000 in 2025 rollover and $9.8 million in dead cap from previously released players.

But Spotrac’s figure does not include the salary cap impacts of the following recently-signed free agent or otherwise missing contracts. The amounts shown in parentheses are estimated cap space decreases for each contract. These could change when actual figures are available.

• None at this time

With these adjustments (if any) included, the team’s cap space should be $4.1 million.

Remember: salary cap figures are estimates based on publicly available contract information, which can be misunderstood, rounded or inaccurately reported. Only the NFL, the involved teams and players know the precise figures. Therefore, any salary cap calculation must be taken with a grain of salt.

Older transactions

• Signed (6/17) tight end Mason Pline (roster to 90)
• Traded (6/15) tackle Wanya Morris (roster to 89)
• Signed (6/9) cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (roster to 90)
• Waived (6/9) safety Marlen Sewell (roster to 89)
• Rookie contract signed (6/9) cornerback Mansoor Delane (roster unchanged)
• Rookie contract signed (6/9) defensive tackle Peter Woods (roster unchanged)
• Rookie contract signed (5/21) defensive end R Mason Thomas (roster unchanged)
• Rookie contract signed (5/20) cornerback Jadon Canady (roster unchanged)
• Rookie contract signed (5/5) running back Emmett Johnson(roster unchanged)
• Signed (5/4) tackle Kahlil Benson, wide receiver Xavier Lyd, safety Marlen Sewell (roster to 90)
• Waived (5/4) quarterback Jake Haener, defensive end Ethan Hurkett, defensive tackle Zacch Pickens (roster to 87)
• Signed (5/1) defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr., linebacker Wesley Bissainthe , defensive tackle Cole Brevard, wide receiver Jeff Caldwell, wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, defensive end Anthony Dunn, wide reciever Omari Evans, tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, defensive end Ethan Hurkett, defensive tackle Amari McNeill, safety Xavier Nwankpa, center Pete Nygra, running back Jadyn Ott, defensive tackle Damon Payne, cornerback D’Arco Perkins-McAllister, cornerback Bryce Phillips, safety DeShon Singleton, running back E.J. Smith, guard Josh Thompson, cornerback Zelmar Vedder (roster to 90)
• Rookie contract signed (5/1) wide receiver Cyrus Allen and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (roster unchanged)
• Waived (5/1) linebacker Brandon George (roster to 70)
• Roster exemption granted (4/29) offensive lineman Chukuebukua Godrick (roster to 71)
• Wavied (4/29) running back ShunDerrick Powell (roster to 72)
• Drafted at 7/249 (4/25) quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (roster to 73)
• Drafted at 5/178 (4/25) wide receiver Cyrus Allen (roster to 72)
• Drafted at 5/161 (4/25) running back Emmett Johnson (roster to 71)
• Drafted at 4/109 (4/25) cornerback Jadon Canady (roster to 70)
• Drafted at 2/40 (4/24) defensive end R Mason Thomas (roster to 69)
• Drafted at 1/29 (4/23) defensive tackle Peter Woods (roster to 68)
• Drafted at 1/6 (4/23) cornerback Mansoor Delane (roster to 67)
• Signed Exclusive Rights tender (4/20) punter Matt Araiza (roster unchanged)
• Signed (4/2) cornerback Kaiir Elam (roster to 66)
• Re-signed (3/23) tight end Travis Kelce
• Re-signed (3/20) linebacker Jack Cochrane
• Acquired via trade (3/16) quarterback Justin Fields
• Re-signed (3/14) offensive lineman Mike Caliendo
• Signed (3/12) running back Emari Demercado and safety Alohi Gilman
• RFA Contract tender (3/11) punter Matt Araiza
• Re-signed (3/10) wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, wide receiver Nikko Remigio and linebacker Cole Christiansen
• Signed (3/9) running back Kenneth Walker III, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga and safety Alohi Gilman
• Re-signed (3/7) long snapper James Winchester
• Traded (3/4) cornerback Trent McDuffie
• Released (3/2) offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor
• Released (2/23) defensive end Michael Danna
• Signed to a Reserve/Future deal (2/2) quarterback Jake Haener
• Signed to Reserve/Future deal (1/27) wide receiver Jason Brownlee
• Signed to Reserve/Future contract (1/12) tight end Tre Watson
• Changed to ERFA (1/12) punter Matt Araiza, wide receiver Nikko Remigio and cornerback Eric Scott Jr.
• Changed to RFA (1/12) guard Mike Caliendo
• Changed to UFA (1/12) wide receiver Marquise Brown, safety Deon Bush, linebacker Leo Chenal linebacker Cole Christiansen, linebacker Jack Cochrane, safety Bryan Cook, safety Mike Edwards running back Kareem Hunt, running back Keaontay Ingram, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson, tight end Travis Kelce, quarterback Gardner Minshew, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, defensive end Charles Omenihu running back Isiah Pacheco, defensive tackle Mike Pennel, running back Dameon Pierce, defensive end Janarius Robinson, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, tight end Robert Tonyan Jr., cornerback Jaylen Watson, cornerback Joshua Williams and long snapper James Winchester
• Practice squad contracts expired (1/12) guard Matt Broeker, wide receiver Jason Brownlee, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, defensive end Malik Herring, running back Carson Steele, defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, tight end Tre Watson (PS roster to zero)
• Released from practice squad (1/10) defensive back Tanner McCalister (PS roster to 7)
• Signed to Reserve/Futurecontracts (1/6) wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, running back ShunDerrick Powell
• Signed to Reserve/Futurecontracts (1/5) linebacker Kam Arnold, defensive tackle Marcus Harris, wide receiver Jimmy Holiday, tackle Matt Waletzko
• Waived (1/5) quarterback Shane Buechele (roster to 52)

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Kansas City Chiefs fans. You can see all of the recent survey results here.

And be sure to check out FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

Which sophomore stands above all this season?

Chiefs fans voted in this poll, thinking about which of these Day 3 picks from the 2025 NFL Draft class will have the biggest impact on the team this season. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, who is slated to be a sub-package player for Kansas City’s defense, was the top choice.

Wide receiver Jalen Royals has come on strong this preseason, but he is still projected to be buried on the depth chart in the receiver rotation. Running back Brashard Smith may need to win the starting return job in order to make a significant impact.

Click here to see other recent survey results.

The Miami Dolphins host the Atlanta Falcons this evening for their final preseason game before the 2026-2027 NFL season officially kicks off between September 9th and 14th. Former Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returns to South Florida tonight, expected to start for the Falcons as he continues his bid for the permanent starting role in Atlanta. This game also serves as the final opportunity for Dolphins players on the roster bubble to prove their value to the coaching staff and secure a spot on this year’s team’s final 53-man roster.

Please use this live thread to discuss tonight’s game, the latest NFL news from the past week, and all things Miami Dolphins. As a reminder, please follow our standard site rules, and note that sharing or requesting illegal game streams is strictly prohibited and may result in a suspension from The Phinsider or the wider SBN platform. Enjoy the game!

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) NFC South @ Miami Dolphins (0-2) AFC East

• When: Friday, August 28th, 7:00 PM EST
• Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• TV: National coverage: CBS in Miami, Dothan; NBC in West Palm Beach, Augusta, Albany; FOX in Fort Myers, Atlanta, Birmingham; ABC in Orlando, Columbus; MeTV in Macon
• Streaming: NFL+ (NFL+ offers live out-of-market preseason game streams); MiamiDolphins.com / Miami Dolphins App (in market)
• NFL Network Game Replay: Sunday, August 30th, 6:00 AM EST; Monday, August 31st, 12:00 PM EST
• Broadcasters: Steve Goldstein (play-by-play), Kim Bokamper (color analyst), Mike Cugno (sideline); (Bob Papa, Carl Banks, Phil Simms, Howard Cross – Giants broadcast)
• Local Radio: iHeartRadio Network – WINZ 940-AM/WBGG 105.9 FM Miami/Ft. Lauderdale; iHeartRadio WTZU 94.9 FM Mami/Ft. Lauderdale (Spanish broadcast); WFSX 92.5 FM/105.9 FM Ft. Myers; WUUB 106.3 FM West Palm Beach; WEFL 760 AM West Palm Beach (Spanish broadcast); WAVK 97.7 FM Key West; WCZR 101.7 FM/WAVW 92.7 FM Port St. Lucie; WRSO 810AM Orlando
• Dolphins Radio Broadcast Team: Miami/South Florida Market: Jimmy Cefalo (play-by-play), Joe Rose (color analyst)
• Dolphins Spanish Radio: WTZU-HD2 94.9 FM
• Dolphins Spanish Broadcasters: Roly Martin (play-by-play), Eduardo Martell (color analyst)
• FanDuel sportsbook betting odds: Spread: Falcons -3.5; Point total: 36.5; Moneyline: Falcons -178 | Dolphins +150
• Referees: Referee: Land Clark; Umpire: Mark Pellis (will work as referee in second half); Down Judge: Dale Keller; Line Judge: Stephen Ray; Field Judge: Jabir Walker; Side Judge: Dave Hawkshaw; Back Judge: Brad Freeman; Replay Official: Gavin Anderson; Replay Assistant: Mark Evans
• Game time weather: 85°F, Showers early, then partly cloudy
• Atlanta Falcons SBNation Site: The Falcoholic
• The Falcoholic X site: @thefalcoholic

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Each week we ask questions of the most plugged-in Seattle Seahawks fans and fans across the country.

The preseason serves as an opportunity to make an impact and cement a roster spot but unfortunately, it’s a double edged sword — and Seattle Seahawks second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe learned that. After disappointing performances against the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans, opinions are mixed on whether his time with Seattle has reached its end.

In an extremely tight poll, fans still believe Milroe has the support of the organization and see him making the 53-man roster with 54% of votes trending in that direction. However, 31% view the former third-round pick getting waived and 15% think the Seahawks will opt to trade him. 

Although he’s shown little promise since being drafted, Seattle doesn’t particularly stand to benefit from moving on after just one season. It’s worth remembering Milroe is in the second of his four-year, $6.2 million rookie contract so his release wouldn’t do much to ease the cap situation. 

From a performance standpoint, it seems risky to enter the season with just two quarterbacks (Sam Darnold and Drew Lock) on the roster. If the Seahawks opted to do so and cut Milroe, it would likely occur for one of two reasons; to add depth at a position of need or reward a training camp/preseason standout. Luckily for the young quarterback, wideout Montorie Foster Jr. is the lone candidate who’s unexpectedly performed at a level where the team would be foolish to cut him.

You could make an argument for newly signed cornerback Trevon Diggs who’s appeared to be reliable in his time with the team so far, but it’d be much more realistic envisioning Seattle moving him to the practice squad — unless he hits the field looking like his 2021 self in the Seahawks’ final preseason game.

Based on his previous performances, the hope should be Milroe makes the team once again and continues to take steps in his development, but doesn’t have to enter a game this season. That way, his fit within the organization becomes much clearer heading into the third year of his rookie contract and if he still isn’t showing signs of improvement, it’ll be far easier to cut ties.

As for those who believe it’s in Seattle’s best interest to move on from the second-year quarterback, there’s certainly reason to back it up.

Coming out of Alabama, he was viewed as a boom-or-bust candidate, largely in part to his eye-popping speed and rushing ability, but inability to be a consistent decision maker and accurate passer. Despite limited playing time, the former third-round pick hasn’t done much to ease those concerns. Through two preseason games, he’s netted a measly 88 passing yards to go alongside no touchdowns and two interceptions while also taking five sacks — one of which came on a costly fourth down against the Tennessee Titans last week.

With teams required to release their 53-man rosters on August 30, time is running out for Milroe to prove his worth and his last chance will come in Friday’s preseason finale against the Chiefs. Head coach Mike Macdonald named him the starting quarterback and unlike their first two games, he’ll remain under center the entire night.

The reality is, Milroe has factors working in his favor to make the 53-man roster, but his spot is far from safe. Friday’s game will certainly provide Macdonald and general manager John Schneider a clearer vision of how and more importantly, if he plays a role in the team’s future.

Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

Remember when the Brewers were swept by the San Diego Padres, and it felt like everyone on the team was injured and the season was falling apart? Well, it’s been over two weeks since that moment, and the Brewers enter today’s three-game series with the Rangers having won four straight series with the offense humming.

The Rangers enter tonight coming off a disaster of a series against the Chicago White Sox. After an 11-2 opening series victory with Kumar Rocker striking out eight batters in 5.2 innings, their pitching staff followed up by allowing 21 runs over the final two games. With a day off yesterday, they’ll turn to left-hander Cody Bradford to try and stifle this hot Brewers offense.

Bradford is in his third season with the Rangers, and in his first since 2024. So far this season, he has made four starts, pitching solid enough to provide stability for a pitching rotation that has been riddled with injuries. Tonight, he takes the mound with a 3.05 ERA in 20.2 innings, having allowed just two runs over his last two starts. The lone downside of his pitching is the number of hits he has given up, as in his previous start he’s allowed at least seven hits. Successfully hitting with runners in scoring position will be the key to success for the Brewers tonight.

Making his second straight start at home and looking to continue his streak of three runs or less in a start is Logan Henderson. Last week, in a game that gave them the series victory against the Atlanta Braves, Henderson threw six beautiful innings of one-run ball, allowing just five hits and two walks, while striking out four batters.

The Crew looks to continue their offensive surge at the plate, as they plated eight runs each in the final two games of the series. Pat Murphy will continue to stack his top four power hitters at the top of the lineup tonight, as Brice Turang leads things off. Jackson Chourio will try to add on to his two-home-run night, as over the last month he has six of them, enough to make him second on the team in long balls. Of course, Jake Bauers and William Contereas will follow, with Christian Yelich batting fifth. Yelich, quietly, has been heating up over his last seven games, as he has driven in six, belted one home run, and has walked three times, enough to give him a .348 batting average. Can the former MVP keep this stretch up into October?

All in all, the Brewers will be looking to extend their division lead to the largest of the season at eight games tonight, as with a Cubs loss against the Reds earlier today, that brings their lead to 7.5 games. First pitch is slated for 6:40 p.m., and you’ll be able to find the game on Brewers.TV and WTMJ 620.

The Miami Dolphins don’t kick off their regular season until Sunday, September 13th against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Unfortunately, for fans of the franchise, your next opportunity to see Miami’s starters in action will be in that contest, as Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network has confirmed that the Dolphins plan to rest Malik Willis, De’Von Achane and many other starters against the Atlanta Falcons in tonight’s preseason finale.

Willis and Miami’s starting offense only played one drive in the preseason — and on that drive, De’Von Achane scored a short rushing touchdown against the Washington Commanders. They sat most of their veteran starters the following week against the New York Giants. According to Wolfe, the plan remains the same tonight.

In addition to Willis sitting, another quarterback will not be seen on the playing surface at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night — backup quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers is dealing with a pesky groin injury, and as such, will be unavailable in Miami’s final preseason contest. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Ewers could possibly be on the hot seat in regards to a roster spot, so him not being able to put anything else on tape may end up hurting the second-year player in the long run when it comes to a roster spot with the Dolphins. Cam Miller will get the start at quarterback for Miami — and he’ll be matched up against former Dolphins starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who will be trying to impress against the team who drafted him #5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

We will continue to keep you updated on all things Miami Dolphins as the organization gears up for the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Manager Dan Wilson told reporters Friday afternoon that the Seattle Mariners are moving RHP Bryce Miller to the bullpen. Wilson referred to the decision as a “not a permanent thing” per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, with Seattle viewing Miller as a starter long-term, but it seems likely to stick for the final month of the 2026 campaign. The move comes after weeks of struggles for Miller, following a promising first month back from injury to start 2026. The move will allow Seattle to maintain a traditional five-man starting rotation, with LHP Kade Anderson slotting into the cycle. Miller was available out of the bullpen for Wednesday’s series finale against the Phillies, and it appears the change is for the long term (or at least for the rest of this season in all likelihood).

The move is perhaps the final stage of a season-long saga for Seattle. After months of piggy backs, six-man stacks, and heart attacks, Seattle dealt veteran RHP Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline. Back in late June and early July, Seattle was considering a “super pen” to incorporate wunderkinds Anderson and RHP Ryan Sloan in a big league roster overflowing with starting pitching but needing bullpen help and a boost ofsomething, anything.

Two months later, and Anderson is up and starting, just weeks after President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto stated there was no shot they’d call up Anderson just for bullpen work at this point. Other than his managed workload in the minors, which cannot be wholly dismissed, Anderson’s excellence is meritorious of a rotation spot. But once again the numbers are cumbersome. Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, and George Kirby have all had blips this season, but by peripherals and track record continue to merit starting roles. Emerson Hancock has been fortunate at times, but has only had three poor starts all season (as well as the abbreviated outing at Tampa Bay when he took a line drive off the hand back in July).

That’s left Miller on the precipice, where the Texan has spent much of his career. A reliever for much of his college career between JUCO Blinn College and Texas A&M, the label has dogged him for years. Nearly every scouting report you can find on the lean, 6’2 righty makes note of the riskiness for a pitcher without a massive frame and reliant on a brilliant fastball to stick in a rotation. And yet, that’s what he’s done until now.

Resistance to a bullpen move is understandable for any starter. It’s a demotion by any measure, it pays worse in arbitration and in eventual salary negotiations, and your influence on the game becomes more uncertain. But for Miller, whose strong debut in 2023 preceded a stellar 2024, elbow bone chips played into a dismal and disrupted season in 2025. While he managed to gut through three playoff starts, including two high-wire acts against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS, Miller missed time to start 2026. He’s continued to refine and expand his arsenal beyond a typical bullpen arm, but the tendency to be particularly susceptible to hitters the third time through the order has made him a liability for the M’s.

Though this move is a demotion for Miller, it is also a potentially stellar fit for his skillset, and provides the M’s the chance at the type of player they’ve been desperately missing all season. Miller’s capacity to go multiple innings and bridge a gap to the high-leverage arms is theoretically exactly what the M’s have lacked without Matt Brash, Cooper Criswell, Carlos Vargas, and others for much of the year. Miller’s capacity is closer to Brash than any other arm in the M’s pen, an exciting possibility for a club that has ground to make up to defend their AL West Division title.

A preseason finale is often the time where roster hopefuls dominate the snap counts and a team’s personnel crew get insight on who to keep and who to cut when NFL teams go from 90-man rosters to the 53-man version for the regular season.

For rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, though, the exhibition slate against the San Francisco 49ers was an opportune time to view his roster as a whole. The first-team offensive line played more than one offensive series, as did assumed starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.

On the opposite side of the ball, the lone missing starter was edge rusher Maxx Crosby, but Rob Leonard’s defense played with a sense of urgency and performed much better than what’s been displayed in the two prior preseason tilts.

Eventually, second- and third-string units joined the fray, but Kubiak getting more work with the first-team units is ample for a neophyte head coach. He along with his coaching staff and general manager John Spytek and his player personnel staff will have their work cut out for them over the weekend as NFL teams must meet the Sunday, 3 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) deadline to drastically reduce the roster from 90 to 53.

There’s a particular rookie from the Raiders’ 2026 NFL Draft class that’s emphatically made it known they not only will make the roster but also be a regular contributor on offense: Running back Mike Washington Jr. The 6-foot-2 and 228-pound fourth-round pick (122nd overall) from Arkansas showcased the power, speed, and vision throughout the preseason slate as he had eight carries for 49 yards (6.1 yards per carry average) against the 49ers.

Like former Raiders quarterback and current broadcast analyst Rich Gannon astutely pointed out during the preseason finale, Washington will need to showcase the ability to be a trusted pass protector on obvious passing downs and prove he’s an ample route runner and pass catcher out of the backfield (more on this in an upcoming piece later this weekend).

Combining blocking and receiving will make Washington a versatile option to operate in Kubiak’s offense, especially with starting tailback Ashton Jeanty potentially missing games due to an ankle injury to start the regular season. In total, Washington got 23 totes for 168 yards (7.3 yards per carry average) in preseason action and it’ll be intriguing to see the rookie’s production on his touches in the regular season. In fact, Kubiak indicated Friday that Washington will see the field a lot this season even when Jeanty is fully healthy. It will be interesting to see what kind of carry split the two young tailback share this season.

While the offense failed to get into the end zone, seeing Kubiak’s offense being ran efficiently by Cousins portends to good things when games count in the win-loss record.

Still, Kubiak’s beckoning for a wide receiver to step up and make it known they can be a trusted and productive pass catcher remains very much up in the air. There were standout moments from individuals throughout preseason and it appears Tre Tucker is slated to be WR1, but the hierarchy is still in flux. Free agent addition Jalen Nailor made highlight one-handed catch five-yard catch to dazzle but then had a bullet from No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza clang off both his hands for an interception.

Gannon nailed it on the broadcast. The Raiders need a wide receiver to consistently beat man coverage and get separation. That hasn’t happened quite enough. And when it has happened, the throws aren’t snared in.

Let’s hit the Quick Slants as we prepare for regular season action coming September 13 with a home opener against the Miami Dolphins Week 1:

—Veteran Matt Gay took all the kickoffs and field goal attempts in the preseason finale going 4-for-5 with his miss being a wide left attempt from 54 yards out. His counterpart (and former Raider) Eddie Pineiro was a perfect 6-for-6 for the 49ers. The Raiders’ kicking competition wasn’t really one, was it? Undrafted rookie free agent Kansei Matsuzawa didn’t even get a single attempt. Welp, crow takes like chicken.

—Las Vegas does have the top spot in waiver claims and it’ll be interesting to see how Spytek operates come the flurry of roster moves all 32 teams will make to meet the Sunday deadline of getting down to 53. But it doesn’t end there. Come meeting the mandated 53-man roster comes waiver claims and then building out the 16-man practice squad. Matsuzawa could be an exemption 17th member of that squad based on the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

—All four of the Raiders quarterbacks — Cousins, Mendoza, Aidan O’Connell, and undrafted free agent Jacob Clark — each notched a throw against the 49ers. Clark two passes were the first in the preseason slate and it’s likely Las Vegas carries maybe only three or even two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

—Dylan Laube is playing with more confidence on offense, which is a great sign for Las Vegas. The 2024 sixth-round pick rarely saw any offensive snaps the past two season — largely due to his penchant of showcasing butter fingers — has earned carries and receptions including a nifty 12-yard catch-and-run where he slithered between two 49ers defenders for a first down.

—Veteran Patrick Johnson and undrafted free agent Cian Slone present difficult decisions for the Raiders come cut down day. Johnson showed bite as a pass rusher with two sacks in preseason play to go along with run stopping ability and special teams work. Ditto for Slone who showed relentlessness off the edge, too.

—How serious the injury third-round pick Keyron Crawford sustained against the 49ers may dictate both Johnson’s and Slone’s roster chances. Crawford, the 67th overall pick, had a sack in the preseason finale but was injured as he rushed the passer, was brought to the medical tent, and then carted off the field.

—Punter AJ Cole III has been his normally booming self as he sent a trio of boots into orbit for 170 yards (56.7 yards per boot average) with a long of 63 yards. He had one touchback and one punt downed inside the 20-yard line and one of the league’s elite punters is on his A-game already.

Cale Makar is now the highest-paid player in NHL history.

The Colorado Avalanche signed their star defenseman to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension Friday, giving Makar a league-record $20.4 million annual average value and keeping him in Colorado through the 2034-35 season. The deal more than doubles his previous $9 million AAV and makes him the first player in NHL history to surpass $20 million per season.

It is a remarkable jump for a league that has seen its salary records climb quickly this summer.

On July 29, Macklin Celebrini signed a five-year, $94 million extension with the San Jose Sharks. The deal carried an $18.8 million AAV, making the 20-year-old the highest-paid player in the NHL at the time. Celebrini had surpassed Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV, which had been established just weeks earlier.

Now, less than a month later, Makar has moved the benchmark another $1.6 million higher.

The contract also represents a massive jump for the defenseman market.

Earlier this summer, Bowen Byram signed an eight-year, $100 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, establishing a new record for a defenseman with a $12.5 million AAV. Makar's annual salary is 63.2% higher, pushing the position into an entirely different financial range.

The 27-year-old was entering the final season of the six-year, $54 million contract he signed with Colorado in July 2021. That deal carried a $9 million AAV, meaning Makar's new salary represents a 126.7% increase.

The size of the contract is significant, but Makar's résumé gives the Avalanche plenty of reason to make the investment.

Since entering the NHL in 2019, Makar has won the Calder Trophy, two Norris Trophies, a Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy. He has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team four times and the Second All-Star Team twice, with his four First-Team selections the most in Avalanche/Nordiques history. Only 13 defensemen in NHL history have been selected to at least four First All-Star Teams.

Makar has also produced at a rate rarely seen from a defenseman. He has recorded 507 points in 470 regular-season games, making him one of only three defensemen in NHL history to average at least a point per game over his career. Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey are the other two.

His playoff production has been just as impressive. Makar has 90 points in 90 Stanley Cup Playoff games, including 26 goals. Those 26 postseason goals are the most among active NHL defensemen and tied for 13th all time at the position.

During Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup run, Makar recorded 29 points in 20 games and became the third-youngest defenseman in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. He won the Norris Trophy that same season, joining Bobby Orr and Nicklas Lidstrom as the only players to win both awards in the same season.

Makar, Orr and Brian Leetch remain the only players in NHL history to win the Calder, Norris and Conn Smythe during their careers.

Makar has continued to add to that résumé. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded 20 goals and 79 points in 75 games, leading Colorado's defensemen in goals, assists and points. His 79 points ranked third among NHL defensemen, while his 20 goals ranked sixth.

He finished second in Norris Trophy voting and became just the second player in NHL history to be a finalist for the award in six of his first seven full seasons, joining Orr. Makar also reached 500 career points during the season, doing so in his 467th game. Only Orr, Paul Coffey and Denis Potvin reached the milestone faster among defensemen.

The season before, Makar scored 30 goals and finished with 92 points in 80 games. He won his second Norris Trophy and became the first defenseman since Mike Green in 2008-09 to score 30 goals in a season.

He has now scored at least 20 goals four times and has posted two 90-point seasons, something only six defensemen in NHL history have accomplished.

For Colorado, the decision to make this kind of commitment was about more than Makar's production. The Avalanche knew they were approaching a significant point with their franchise defenseman, who had one year remaining on his contract and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026-27 season.

Rather than allow that situation to linger, Colorado got its cornerstone player under contract for the next eight years.

"We are beyond thrilled to get this deal done and have Cale in an Avalanche sweater for the next decade," Avalanche President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Joe Sakic said.

Sakic called Makar a "generational defenseman" and pointed to both his accomplishments and his importance to the Avalanche organization and the Colorado community.

Makar expressed a similar desire to remain in Colorado.

"I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community," Makar said.

He also described Colorado as a "second home."

The extension gives Colorado long-term certainty around one of the most important players in the franchise's history. It also removes the possibility of Makar reaching unrestricted free agency after the 2026-27 season, when he would have been one of the most coveted players on the market.

The Avalanche also avoid another situation like the one that unfolded with Mikko Rantanen, when a franchise cornerstone eventually left Colorado after contract negotiations failed to produce a long-term agreement.

This time, Colorado got its deal done well before Makar reached the open market, ensuring that one of the league's premier players will remain at the center of the franchise for the better part of the next decade.

The result is a contract that fundamentally changes the ceiling of the NHL's salary market. Makar's $20.4 million AAV is not only the largest number in the league, but a reflection of the value Colorado places on a defenseman who has already established himself as one of the best players of his generation.

For the Avalanche, it means keeping their franchise defenseman through 2034-35. For Makar, it is the largest financial commitment ever made to an NHL player. And for the league, the bar at the top has moved considerably higher.

The Minnesota Wild may not have been involved in Cale Makar's contract negotiations with the Colorado Avalanche, but the result could have major ramifications in Minnesota.

Makar and the Avalanche have agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, carrying an average annual value of $20.4 million.

For the Wild, that number immediately matters for one reason: Quinn Hughes.

Hughes is entering the final season of the six-year, $47.1 million contract he originally signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021. His $7.85 million cap hit has become one of the biggest bargains in hockey, but that bargain is quickly approaching its expiration date.

Minnesota acquired Hughes from Vancouver in December knowing exactly what was at stake. The Wild surrendered a massive package to acquire one of the NHL's premier defensemen without any guarantee that he would remain in Minnesota beyond the 2026-27 season.

Now, Makar may have established the benchmark for what keeping Hughes could cost.

Makar and Hughes have separated themselves as two of the defining defensemen of their generation. While their styles and individual accomplishments differ, there are few players who make more sense as contract comparables.

That means Hughes' representatives now have a massive number to point toward in negotiations with Wild president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin.

If Makar is worth $20.4 million annually, how far behind should Hughes be? That's the question Minnesota may now have to answer.

Hughes' impact since joining the Wild certainly strengthens his case. He recorded 53 points in 48 regular-season games after arriving in Minnesota and added 15 points in 11 playoff games. His ability to move the puck and generate offense from the blue line transformed the Wild and helped Minnesota advance beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2015.

The Wild have made no secret about wanting to keep him.

Guerin called signing Hughes the organization's "priority No. 1" following the season, while owner Craig Leipold has publicly expressed confidence that the two sides will eventually reach an agreement.

Hughes has also said he would be open to staying in Minnesota.

The more complicated question may be the structure of the contract.

'I Love The City And The Fans': Quinn Hughes Already Feels At Home In MinnesotaFrom blockbuster trades to standing ovations, the star defenseman reflects on embracing the State of Hockey's culture and why he’s ready to build a future in Minnesota.

Minnesota would understandably prefer to secure Hughes for as long as possible, but Hughes could have an incentive to sign a shorter extension. A shorter deal would allow him to maintain flexibility while potentially returning to the market while still in his prime.

Not only that, but it would allign him with his brother Jack Hughes.

Regardless of the term, Makar's extension gives Hughes' camp an important new piece of leverage.

Minnesota already committed $17 million annually to Kirill Kaprizov on his eight-year extension. If Hughes lands somewhere near Makar's new $20.4 million benchmark, the Wild could eventually have well over $35 million of their salary cap committed annually to two players.

That's an enormous investment.

It's also the price of employing superstar talent in an NHL where the salary cap — and contracts for the league's best players — continue to climb.

The Wild didn't give up Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick to rent Hughes for a season and a half. They acquired him with the belief that he could become one of the foundational pieces of a Stanley Cup contender.

Makar's new contract doesn't change Minnesota's desire to make that happen. It may have just made the price considerably clearer.

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The Dallas Cowboys are two weeks away from the 2026 regular season. After a disastrous 2025 season, the saying “this feels different” has been thrown around a lot this offseason. The final step to things working out differently for the Cowboys is building the best 53-man roster they can.

Today we will take a swing at predicting what the Cowboys final 53-man roster will look like in just a few days.

QB (2)

Dak Prescott, Joe Milton

Heading into Oxnard, there was a loud conversation about Sam Howell beating out Joe Milton for the QB2 job. Milton has silenced any of those questions by running away with the quarterback competition. Milton was never a cut candidate, but if he had his struggles this offseason, the Cowboys were almost forced to carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. With Milton showing great signs of development, the Cowboys should feel comfortable carrying just two, and hoping to get Sam Howell back on the practice squad.

RB (4)

Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke

Similar to the quarterback position, the running back starter was never in question heading into the season. After a dominant 2025 season from Javonte Williams, the only question in the running back room was who will blossom as the team’s RB2, and that is exactly what Malik Davis did this offseason. Davis may never be a workhorse back, but he does a lot of things well and is a perfect depth piece behind Williams.

Jaydon Blue has had an up-and-down offseason, but he has shown more consistency and reliability so far. Blue’s change of pace ability is needed on the roster and his usage out of the backfield as a receiver should be put on display more in 2026.

WR (6)

CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown

The only major question surrounding the wide receiver position heading into the offseason was who would win the WR5 job. Luckily for the Cowboys they had two players do so, meaning they will now keep six (hopefully). Both Jonathan Mingo and Camden Brown had excellent offseasons, leaving the Cowboys with a difficult roster decision.

With George Pickens future in Dallas still in question past 2026, keeping a young receiver like Brown on the roster would be a smart move. As of today, I’m 50/50 on if they will go with five or six receivers, but Brown has shown up every time he’s been called upon, and it’s hard to justify cutting someone after they performed the way he did all offseason.

TE (3)

Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker

Heading into the offseason, Michael Trigg pushing for a roster spot was a possibility, but after a toe injury kept him out of preseason game two, he sure feels like more of a practice squad candidate to develop for 2027. The tight end position is pretty straight forward with Trigg’s injury, and despite Luke Schoonmaker’s struggles since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, his blocking ability should keep him around another season.

OL (9)

Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, TJ Bass, Nick Leverett

The starting five for the Cowboys offensive line was never in doubt, but same cannot be said about the Cowboys offensive line depth. Both Bass and Leverett have had nice offseasons for the team, but the depth offensive tackles have struggled mightily. If the Cowboys have an opportunity to add a veteran by trade or signing, the team could look to move on from Thomas, but with 31 other teams hunting offensive line depth it’s tough to imagine the Cowboys upgrading their tackle depth behind Guyton and Steele.

DL (5)

Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton, Jonathan Bullard

One of the tougher cuts in this prediction was leaving Tommy Dunn off the roster. Dunn has shown up in more ways than one this offseason, and if all things were equal he’d be on the roster over Jonathan Bullard. With Williams, Clark, and Ogbonnia penciled in as the starting three on the defensive line, the Cowboys defensive line is slated to have a big year under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Rookie LT Overton has flashed throughout camp and in preseason to garner playing time as a rotational depth piece with some surprising upside.

EDGE (6)

Rashaan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Von Miller, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Marist Liufau

The decision between Sam Williams and Marist Liufau was the only one to weigh in the Cowboys edge room. Despite Williams playing better over the course of training camp and preseason, Liufau’s special teams ability and ability to play linebacker if needed in a pinch got him the nod.

LB (5)

DeMarvion Overshown, Jaishawn Barham, Dee Winters, Shemar James, Curtis Robinson

If the Cowboys don’t want to risk losing Tommy Dunn, they could look to go thin at linebacker to bolster their defensive line depth, but given how bad things went at linebacker last year, keeping someone with starting experience in Curtis Robinson may win out. Robinson is also known for his special teams ability, and that means a lot when deciding on the final few roster spots on a 53.

CB (5)

DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., Cobie Durant, Devin Moore, Ameer Speed

The Cowboys cornerback room looks much improved ahead of the 2026 season. With DaRon Bland back healthy, Shavon Revel having an awesome offseason, and the addition of Cobie Durant, the Cowboys have better starters and depth in their secondary than they had at any point in the 2025 season.

While Caleb Downs is expected to play a ton of slot corner this year, Durant’s versatility and play-making ability will prove to be a huge addition to the room. Also, don’t sleep on Ameer Speed who has really impressed in training camp and preseason. Devin Moore will make the roster, despite missing time with an injury and struggling in his first NFL offseason, but the tools are to intriguing to give up on this early.

S (5)

Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell

Similar to the defensive line, this is the first time in a long time we should feel really good about the Cowboys safety room. Downs will play a ton at the nickel-corner spot, but we will also see him play some traditional safety from time to time. Jalen Thompson’s versatility and IQ was much needed on the backend of the defense, along with P.J. Locke.

Specialist (3)

Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg

This is one of the most stable areas of the roster. Aubrey is one of the best kickers in the league, while Anger and Sieg have held down the punting unit without issue.