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7 takeaways from the NFL owners meetings

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The NFL owners meeting wrapped up Tuesday. Here are seven takeaways, as discussed by Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast:

The Dallas Cowboys are handling negotiations directly with Micah Parsons rather than his agent. This approach is typical for them, but it frustrates agents who prefer traditional negotiations. Jerry Jones is reportedly offering Parsons the largest non-quarterback deal in NFL history.

The hosts discussed how Jerry Jones has built the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise globally. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys brand remains incredibly strong because of Jones' business acumen and strategic deals.

Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, candidly admitted to making a mistake with the Deshaun Watson contract, calling it a "big swing and a miss." This public acknowledgment might help the team move forward and focus on rebuilding.

Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets, dismissed the NFL Players Association report cards, calling them "totally bogus." This response contrasts with other owners who have used the feedback to improve their organizations, reflecting poorly on the Jets' adaptability.

The vote on the controversial "tush push" play was pushed back to May. The play is criticized by some for its potential danger and fairness issues, yet no evidence supports it being more dangerous than other plays.

The NFL adopted the playoff overtime format for the regular season — each team will get a chance to touch the ball, regardless of if a team scores a touchdown on the opening possession — but with a compressed 10-minute period. This change could lead to more ties and raises questions about the fairness of possessions.

The NFL announced a triple-header for Christmas Day, intensifying competition with the NBA for viewership. The move marks a significant shift as the NFL aims to dominate holiday sports broadcasting.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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NFL Draft: Who should the Panthers consider at No. 8? How about a fantasy football-friendly tight end?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The Carolina Panthers are embarking on a journey to elevate their offensive game, and there's a particular gem in this year's draft that could help them achieve just that: Penn State tight end prospect, Tyler Warren. As highlighted in a recent discussion between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast, Warren seems to be an ideal fit for the Panthers. So, why should the Panthers consider Warren with the eighth overall pick? Let's delve into the compelling reasons discussed on the show.

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First and foremost, Warren offers a versatility that is simply hard to overlook. Operating as a dynamic piece in any offensive formation, Warren's ability to move around — from tight end to even quarterback roles — can open up a myriad of strategic possibilities. The Panthers, who already have solid yet upgradeable wide receiver and tight end rooms, could greatly benefit from Warren's flexibility, allowing them to switch things up and keep defenses guessing.

Moreover, Warren's proficiency in multiple roles could be particularly crucial for quarterback Bryce Young. The podcast highlighted how Young improved in the latter half of the past season once he became more confident in the downfield options available to him. With Warren's capacity to create plays up the seams and even engage in screens and runs, Young would have a consistent and reliable target to help maintain and escalate his impressive midseason surge.

Considering the makeup of the Panthers' current roster — a blend of experience in players like Adam Thielen and untapped potential in younger talents such as Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker — adding a player of Warren's caliber could bridge gaps and enhance the overall effectiveness of their passing game.

Additionally, with renowned blocking ability mixed with his offensive prowess, Warren aligns perfectly with Carolina’s ambition to bolster its run game. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, ready to shoulder the rushing responsibilities, would benefit from having a tight end who can work with the offensive line.

While it might seem bold to consider Warren at the eighth overall pick, he fits the mold of a player who can make a difference immediately. As the Panthers try to not only improve their offense but transform the unit heading into next season, Warren stands as a compelling prospect who aligns with their goals effectively.

For fantasy purposes, we've seen rookie tight ends pay immediate dividends for managers the past two seasons. Sam LaPorta was the overall TE1 as a rookie in 2023 and Brock Bowers accomplished the same feat en route to rewriting the record book last season. Could Warren be the next tight end to make a splash as a rookie in both fantasy and reality?

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NFL Draft: RB prospect Omarion Hampton, Broncos would be a match made in fantasy football heaven

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Based on the insightful conversation between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, there are compelling reasons why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting North Carolina Tar Heels running back prospect, Omarion Hampton.

Firstly, both Harmon and Pizzuta agree that the Denver Broncos boast arguably one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Not only were they ranked first in both pass block win rate and run block win rate last year, but they also have demonstrated a solid foundation that sets the stage for significant offensive improvements. The Broncos' offensive line can create ample opportunities for a talented running back like Hampton to excel and elevate the ground game.

The Broncos' running game is a key area that stands to benefit significantly from a dynamic presence like Hampton. With Hampton's strength in breaking tackles and generating yards after contact, he possesses the explosive potential that the Broncos currently lack. Pizzuta emphasizes that Hampton only averaged 1.5 yards before contact per rush last year but still ranked sixth in yards after contact per rush, showcasing his ability to turn poor conditions into positive plays.

With Sean Payton as the head coach, the Broncos have an offensive mind that can effectively utilize a powerful and explosive runner. By adding Hampton, the Broncos can maximize his capabilities and fully leverage the offensive line’s strengths. This potential addition would not only give Denver an edge in the run game but also add another layer of depth and versatility to their offensive playbook.

Furthermore, the complementary role that Hampton can play alongside the existing offensive talent — led by Bo Nix coming off a successful rookie season — provides a seamless fit for the Broncos. Having a back who can make a defender miss five yards past the line of scrimmage rather than at it means more big plays and a consistent offensive threat.

Hampton's skills and the Broncos' already strong offensive line provide a formula for him to succeed if he lands there — and for fantasy football managers to have another intriguing back with opportunity and upside to consider come draft season.

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NFL Draft cornerback rankings: What is Travis Hunter's ideal role?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

What is Travis Hunter's ideal role in the NFL — cornerback or receiver?

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald discussed that exact question on the latest edition of the "Football 301" podcast, where they also ranked the cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

"As a cornerback, man, this is about as good as it gets ... He's No. 1 cornerback in this class," McDonald said. "And I think that any team that drafts him to play cornerback, you're getting someone who can be like a CB1, one of the best players in the league right off the bat."

They both emphasize his exceptional feel for the corner position, his elite athletic gifts and his special, rare ball skills. Tice describes Hunter as having an almost instinctual ability to bait quarterbacks and make plays in zone coverage, while McDonald praises his willingness to be a playmaker.

They both agree that Hunter's physical traits, including his speed, length, and ball skills, make him an incredibly valuable prospect. Though Hunter's physical frame might benefit from a bit more bulk for the NFL's tackling demands, his competitive nature and versatility shine through. 

They imagine his ideal role in the NFL as primarily focusing on cornerback responsibilities, while also having the potential to contribute as a receiver in a more limited, specialized role. 

Here is how they rank the cornerbacks in the upcoming draft:

Why: They praise Hunter for his incredible athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability. His ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver at a high level is unique.

Why: Johnson's combination of size, instincts, and ball skills make him a top prospect. Although 2024 wasn't as strong due to injuries, his 2023 tape showed shutdown capabilities.

Why: Despite being from a smaller school and having an ACL injury, Revel's physical attributes and performance stood out as a top-level cornerback.

Why: Known for his versatility, Barron’s speed and physical ability make him a strong slot corner candidate despite not being an overwhelming presence outside.

Why: Hairston’s speed and athleticism defined him as a high-potential prospect, although concerns remain about his versatility. 

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Lionel Messi gets feisty, Joe Pompliano breaks down the numbers behind MLS & who will replace Leon in CWC?

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to another busy and entertaining MLS weekend. Christian and Alexis then welcome on Yahoo Finance contributor, Joe Pompliano, who breaks down the finances behind the growth of MLS since the arrival of Lionel Messi. Later, Christian and Alexis react to news around the world in another edition of Rápido Reactions including Josh Sargent’s run at Norwich, Kylan Mbappe’s non-free kick goal & who the last Club World Cup participant will be.

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After 'awful' start, what should the Dodgers do about Roki Sasaki?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz delved into the recent struggles of Roki Sasaki, the talented pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

On Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, Sasaki had a tough outing in which he managed to secure only five outs before he was pulled from the game. The hosts noted his visible frustration and possible tears in the dugout.

"[Sasaki] was awful. Worse than he looked in Japan," Mintz said. "The fastball command was abysmal. He was missing arm-side with the heater, particularly to lefties. Just couldn't figure it out. And he was clearly frazzled throughout the entire outing."

For Mintz, it boils down to one thing: "He's not ready for this right now."

The podcast discussion revolved around the Dodgers' strategy in developing Sasaki, given the high expectations for him after his move from Japan. Mintz and Shusterman debated the pros and cons of keeping him in the major leagues versus sending him to Triple-A to work on his command in a less pressurized environment. 

As Mintz put it, "The Dodgers can afford for Roki to figure this out at the big-league level. That is part of what they pitched to him. They're so talented, so deep that he can go out there and throw up stinkers and work on stuff and effectively use a big-league game as a minor-league development experience. And they can still win.

"But is that what's best for his development right now? I'm not sure."

While the Dodgers' deep and talented roster affords them the flexibility to let Sasaki to develop at the highest level, there's a valid argument to give him an opportunity to refine his skills and build confidence in Oklahoma City, away from the bright lights of L.A., which could, in turn, be more beneficial for his long-term development.

What's more, as Shusterman pointed out, the Dodgers have so many other options that their rotation is not reliant on Sasaki at this point in time.

"They did not need to fast-track Roki in this way," he said. "They didn't. Not only because they can obviously win without him, but literally they have so many other pitchers that are more than good enough to fill in his spot."

While Mintz made the argument that the only way Sasaki is going to learn to pitch in the big leagues is to continue pitching in the big leagues, Shusterman disagreed. 

"I don't know if just continuing to roll that out in the big leagues is actively helping," he said. "And I think that there is a version where five starts in Oklahoma City, in front of fewer people, against worse hitters, where he can actually work on things, will put him in a position to come back and be more prepared to succeed. But either way, he does not look like a pitcher that is being put in a position to succeed. That is the simplest way to put it."

After pitching first in the Tokyo Series and then on opening weekend at home, Sasaki could certainly use an easy outing, but his next scheduled start is against the Phillies. Pitching in a notoriously tough environment such as Philly will no doubt add an additional challenge that will further test Sasaki's resilience and adaptability.

"You could say, 'Why are you babying this guy?'" Shusterman pondered. "But he's a baby! He's not making $300 million. He's making the minimum, and he's 23. ... And yes, he is one of the most talented players to ever come from Japan, but if you don't think he's a finished product, if you clearly know that he has stuff to work on, why are we pretending like he's already your No. 2 starter? That's what I don't get that."

Keep an eye on Sasaki, as his journey will continue to be one to watch — not only because of his immense talent but also to see how the Dodgers manage his development moving forward.

To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Yankees' 'torpedo' bats: A baseball revolution or an early season quirk?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The New York Yankees captivated baseball fans over the weekend by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers with an astounding display of power, setting a single-game franchise record with nine home runs on Saturday and tying the MLB record with 15 in their first three games. But the buzz wasn’t solely about the team’s historic blast count. As highlighted by Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman in the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," attention quickly zoomed in on the unusually shaped bats that some Yankees players wielded — dubbed "torpedo bats."

These bats boast a distinct design with a bulbous, wider barrel reminiscent of a bowling pin, spurring many fans into debate about their legality and potential benefits. As Mintz explained, “These bats appear larger but within regulation. They redistribute weight and adjust the sweet spot, possibly aiding in better contact.”

The narrative quickly went viral, with some attributing the Yankees’ explosive performance to these torpedo bats. However, Shusterman was quick to point out the context: "Are these bats really magic, or were the Brewers’ pitchers just really bad?”

Aaron Judge, it should be noted, didn't use a torpedo bat, while teammates including Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt did. "I think my track record speaks for itself," Judge said after his own incredible, four-homer weekend at the plate.

Also, it wasn't just Yankees using these bats over the weekend. As the hosts pointed out, Francisco Lindor of the Mets, Ryan Jeffers of the Twins and Junior Caminero of the Rays all used the bats this weekend.

As Mintz said, "Even though the Yankees were getting all the hype, it does appear that this is more than just a Bronx situation."

Shusterman further speculated on whether these bats might represent a small shift away from pitching dominance in MLB. Pitchers have enjoyed a technological and tactical edge over hitters in recent years, leading to increased strikeouts and fewer balls in play. Could these uniquely designed bats help restore balance? Maybe, but both hosts advised caution.

“If a bat just helps players hit the ball more often and effectively, that’s a good thing for baseball,” Shusterman said. Yet, he added, “These aren’t turning every ball into a home run. It’s not the bat. It’s bigger than that.”

The Yankees might have ignited this latest trend, but Mintz suggested that other teams will likely experiment with such designs, if they aren't doing so already.

"It does sound like around the league this is something that other teams have already been experimenting with. But it seems like the Yankees were the first team to break through and give it a try, in terms of the players that are at the major-league level and willing to give it a shot," he said. “If the Yankees can get players to buy in to these changes, other teams won’t be far behind."

As the league moves forward, fans and analysts will be keenly watching whether these torpedo bats become a standard tool for MLB hitters or remain a quirky sidebar from the Yankees’ early season success.

To listen to the full episode and more, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.