Devon Witherspoon's contract extension with the Seahawks has not closed the gap between the Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The Patriots do not appear willing to go to the benchmark four-year, $132 million deal established by Witherspoon, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
"The Patriots haven't gone there," Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. "They weren't there before, and they don't appear to be going there right now."
Witherspoon and Gonzalez share the same agency, the Win Sports Group, so it's unlikely the Patriots will sign Gonzalez to an extension without matching the deal the Seahawks corner received.
The season begins Sept. 9 with the Patriots and Gonzalez opposite the Seahawks and Witherspoon.
Gonzalez is scheduled to make a base salary of $2.259 million this season.
The 17th overall pick in 2023, he made second-team All-Pro in 2024 and the Pro Bowl in 2025. He has totaled 145 tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a sack in three seasons.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Malachi Toney #10 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to a game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Miami Hurricanes aren’t short on star power entering the 2026 college football season.
Toney exploded onto the national scene as a freshman, helping Miami reach the national championship game while establishing himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football.
Now, the expectations are significantly different.
Toney isn’t a breakout candidate anymore.
He’s one of the players ESPN expects to be among the best in the sport.
Toney is arguably the best football player in the country and has a huge sophomore year ahead of him with championship expectations.
No. 18 — Ahmad Moten
Miami’s defensive front gets represented by Ahmad Moten at No. 18.
Moten enters the season as one of the most highly regarded interior defensive linemen in the country and could be one of the biggest reasons Miami’s defense remains among the nation’s best.
Excited to watch this player this season. Disruptive interior defender that plays with explosive power and violent hands. High effort, upfield penetrator that can cause constant chaos. pic.twitter.com/WvBEkzu5Ym
He returned to Coral Gables after flirting with the idea of declaring for the NFL Draft. Moten was a beast and made his presence known nationally during the CFP run.
He recorded 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four QB hurries last season.
I expect another huge year and his draft projection to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
No. 23 — Darian Mensah
Perhaps the most intriguing ranking is Darian Mensah at No. 23.
Mensah has yet to take a snap for Miami, but ESPN clearly believes his production at Duke wasn’t a fluke.
And you can make an argument that he should be higher, especially with the quarterbacks that are ranked ahead of him.
After throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025, Mensah enters his first season in Coral Gables with Heisman Trophy and national championship expectations.
With defenses forced to account for Mensah and Toney through the air, Fletcher could have plenty of opportunities to improve on those numbers.
In my opinion, Fletcher should be ranked better.
No. 63 — Damon Wilson II
The final Hurricane on the list is Damon Wilson II at No. 63.
Wilson is coming off a nine-sack season at Missouri and gives Miami another legitimate pass-rushing threat on a defensive line that has massive expectations.
His presence could be particularly important after Miami lost Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL.
He is already on the radar for a lot of NFL scouts, and he has a great opportunity on a big stage to prove his worth.
The Snubs
For all five players who made the list, there are a few names that Miami fans can reasonably argue deserved consideration.
Cooper Barkate is the biggest one, especially with the production he had last year at his former school.
The Duke transfer caught 72 passes for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns last season and was Mensah’s top target. ESPN previously ranked Barkate No. 38 on its list of the top newcomers entering 2026, making his absence from the overall Top 100 somewhat surprising.
Bryce Fitzgerald deserved to be on this list, as I don’t see how he is not one of the top 100 players in college football right now. After recording six interceptions as a true freshman, he was the young stud on the defensive side of the ball that proved his worth early.
The shocking one was DL Justin Scott. He has been on NFL scouts’ radar for this upcoming season and has been projected to be a 2027 first-round pick on multiple mock drafts early into the season. His opportunities were limited last season due to the abundance of talent on that defensive line, but he still had flashes of greatness.
He recorded 13 QB hurries in just the last seven games of the season and is primed to be one of the best defensive linemen in the country alongside Moten this season.
Then there’s Omar Thornton, who enters the season with an opportunity to become a major piece of Miami’s secondary and has been the camp darling for the Canes. Another camp star and has been raved about by coaches and teammates thus far.
None of those omissions are necessarily egregious, but worth mentioning as some of the best players in the country.
Atwell, 26, spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rams after being selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 5-9, 165-pound wide-out served as a situational speed threat for Los Angeles and generated 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns across 64 games (27 starts) with the franchise.
Atwell signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Dolphins in 2026 free agency after his most recent deal with the Rams expired. Now, he will return to Los Angeles to provide Sean McVay experienced depth at the receiver position.
Here's everything to know about the Atwell trade and how he fits with the Rams.
Tutu Atwell trade details
Rams get:
WR Tutu Atwell
Dolphins get:
RB Jarquez Hunter
The Rams brought Atwell back in a rare, player-for-player trade, as Los Angeles sent Hunter to Miami to consummate the deal.
The Rams selected Hunter in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Auburn product appeared in five games during his rookie campaign but played exclusively on special teams, logging 22 snaps. The 23-year-old was given extensive run during the 2026 preseason, generating 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, and will compete with Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright for playing time behind Dolphins starter De'Von Achane.
Rams WR depth chart
Meanwhile, Atwell will provide an extra layer of depth behind Los Angeles' top two wide-outs, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Below is a look at the current projected pecking order within the Rams' receiver room, according to the team's unofficial depth chart.
Atwell ranked sixth on the Rams in offensive snaps played last season behind Nacua, Adams, Whittington, Mumpfield and Smith. However, it's worth noting he missed seven regular-season games due to injury and likely would have out-snapped Smith if healthy.
Nonetheless, Atwell will find himself competing for the top backup job in Los Angeles' receiving corps. Mumpfield, Smith and Daniels, a sixth-round rookie, will serve as the 26-year-old's main competition for a roster spot and playing time.
Tutu Atwell contract details
Atwell is on a modest, one-year deal worth just a bit more than the veteran minimum. Below are the full details of his contract, per Spotrac.com.
Term: 1 year
Total value: $1.4 million
Average annual value (AAV): $1.4 million
Guaranteed money: $1.2 million
The cost of Atwell's 2026 deal is far cheaper than the one-year, $10 million contract the Rams gave him for the 2025 NFL season.
Tutu Atwell stats
Atwell is coming off a 2025 season during which he made only six catches while logging 192 yards and a touchdown.
For his career, Atwell has made 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 14.6 yards per reception. He also has totaled 72 yards and a touchdown on 16 career carries, though he hasn't logged a rushing attempt since 2024.
Atwell also returned kicks and punts as a rookie in 2021. He averaged 17.4 yards per kick return and 5.4 yards on punt returns.
Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston (31) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Buffalo Bills close out their 2026 NFL preseason schedule with a home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Joe Brady has said some starters will play this evening, but that quarterback Josh Allen will not be among that group. Despite anyone’s insistence that Allen and the offense need as many reps as reasonably possible, the best news is that Allen won’t be put in harm’s way on the field this evening.
Instead, look for quarterback Shane Buechele taking all the offensive snaps tonight. Despite a game that’s meaningless in the box score, it’s a very important game for a lot of guys on the field of play. Who plays when and for how long tends to go a long way towards their path to a roster spot. At least that was true in prior seasons under former head coach Sean McDermott.
All of Bills Mafia wants tonight’s game to come and go as quickly as possible, and with little necessary drama attached. That said, there are a lot of intriguing story lines to watch for, perhaps none bigger in this game than that of second-year cornerback Maxwell Hairston. With a defensive scheme change, are Hairston’s days as a starter numbered, or can he succeed as needed in man-cover looks and hold back rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun? Tonight could tell us a lot about Hairston’s immediate future whether he doesn’t play, or plays and plays a lot of snaps.
There’s a battle at running back behind James Cook III, Ty Johnson, and Ray Davis. Obviously each of that trio has a lock on starting snaps, however a pair of young running backs in Frank Gore Jr. and Ian Wheeler will do their best to earn significant consideration for the regular season and beyond. Is this Gore’s year despite the noise that Wheeler’s tracks have made?
The top of the wide receiver depth chart seems fairly settled, but there are a lot of options to consider behind starting wideouts DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer. Keep your eyes on rookies Skyler Bell, Ja’Mori Maclin, and Max Tomczak, plus veteran receivers Mecole Hardman Jr., Trent Sherfield, Stephen Gosnell, Dante Pettis, and Quentin Skinner — especially when and where each player takes snaps against the Steelers.
On defense, focus on how defensive tackle Greg Gaines is deployed, and what his contributions bring to Buffalo’s trenches. Plus, is the battle at linebacker settled? Will the Bills march on with Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams as the team’s starting inside ‘backers, or will Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen, Keonta Jenkins, Jimmy Ciarlo, Theron Gaines, or even Otis Reese IV give new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard pause before naming starters inside?
There are a lot of guys battling for a spot at outside linebacker/edge rusher behind Greg Rousseau, Bradley Chubb, and Michael Hoecht. Will rookie EDGE players in TJ Parker and Cade Denhoff make a move up the chart this evening, or will it be Javon Solomon? What about veteran defenders like Mike Danna and Andre Jones Jr.?
With that, here’s your open thread for all of tonight’s action during Bills vs. Steelers. Remember, we only have one game thread for each matchup this season so you can sit tight in this space all game long. As always, be kind to one another — and in all things… Go Bills!
Most Week 3 preseason games don't have any juice, but there's an in-stadium rivalry on the line when the New York Giants play the New York Jets at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night.
The Giants have shown more interest in playing starters and potential contributors on both sides of the ball, which is why I'm taking them as a 60-cent favorite at Kalshi in my Giants vs. Jets predictions.
Let's take a closer look at my free NFL picks for Friday, Aug. 28.
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TOP PICK
Who will win Giants vs Jets: New York Giants
Kalshi probability: 60%
While both the New York Jets and New York Giants are still going to give reps to players who may play important roles for their teams this season, its the Giants who are turning more to their starters on Friday.
Giants coach John Harbaugh has said that he's considering giving starting quarterback Jaxson Dart at least one series to avoid a long layoff for one of his key offensive players ahead of the regular season. He's also said that the starting defense will get some reps to work on communication.
Comparatively, the Jets will be working on determining backups and keeping many of their ailing offensive starters out to try to get them ready for Week 1. The Giants have a significant edge, and I like them at up to 65 cents.
TOP PICK Giants vs Jets Over/Under pick: Over 36.5
Kalshi probability: 51%
The Giants will have a fair amount of offensive talent on the field Friday, whether Dart ultimately plays or not. That includes veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who looks likely to snag a roster spot for New York.
On the other side, the Jets are likely to give significant time to rookie Cade Klubnik, who has already shown the ability to move the offense, going 10-for-14 for 75 yards so far in the preseason. Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe also have significant NFL experience at quarterback, and Geno Smith might even get limited playing time.
With both teams rotating in defenders fighting for roster spots, the relatively notable names on offense will have the better of the play on Friday night. I'm backing the Over up to 37.5 points.
On a partly cloudy night with temperatures cooling from a daytime high of 83 degrees, the weather should have minimal impact on this game.
How to watch Giants vs Jets
Location
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Date
Friday, Aug.28, 2026
Kickoff
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Giants vs Jets latest injuries
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The San Jose Sharks have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and they added quite a bit of talent to it this summer. Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a look at their top 20 prospects and how they project to impact the organization in the long-run.
Note: Due to the lack of consistency for what constitutes a prospect, for this list we're excluding anyone who is no longer considered a rookie by the NHL. As a result, players like Igor Chernyshov will not be included.
Kicking off the countdown is a bit of a polarizing player, Alexander Karmanov isn't expected to be an impact player at the NHL level, if he ever plays an NHL game at all. With that being said, if he's able to overcome the odds and develop perfectly, he could become one of the most unique players in league history.
Karmanov was the Sharks' 201st overall selection this past summer, and realistically there were a few players who could've overtaken him on this list, but I opted to include him simply due to the intrigue of his development. As a 7-foot-1 defenseman, if he plays a single NHL game, he'll make history as the tallest player in league history.
With that being said, it's going to take a lot of effort and coaching to even give Karmanov a slight chance to make it to the show, to put it simply. His skating leaves quite a bit to be desired:
On top of that, the NHL is faster than ever and Karmanov's game certainly isn't defined by blazing speed. If he's able to become even a below-average skater though, his size and reach could make him an interesting prospect to watch as he reaches the ECHL and potentially the American Hockey League.
With that being said, Karmanov's size gives him a major advantage if he happens to be in the right place at the right time. His reach significantly limits options for opposing players and makes it very difficult to get around him.
"Even without speed, all he has to do is get in the way of an incoming rusher, or lean on them as he's skating back to his zone, to erase them from the play," Lauren Kelly wrote in a scouting report for Elite Prospects. "He angles well with his stick, checking and poking at puck carriers or disrupting passing lanes."
It's very difficult to really see where Karmanov's ceiling is at this stage, as he's such a unique prospect. More than likely, he'll top-out as an AHL or ECHL level defenseman, but if he's able to somehow make it to the NHL, he could be a very effective stay-at-home defenseman, assuming his skating allows him to keep up with the opposition. Regardless, we'll see where he ends up, but it'll likely be quite a while before we even see him in the conversation for a role at any professional level.
The charges – one for battery and the other for criminal damage to property – were filed via a complaint from Brown County District Attorney David L. Lasee on Thursday, Aug. 27. Both charges stem from Jacobs' arrest in Brown County, Wisconsin, on May 26 after an incident occurred on May 23.
"On May 23, 2026, at approximately 8:37 a.m., the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance complaint involving Josh Jacobs," Hobart-Lawrence Police Chief Michael Renkas said in a statement on May 26.
Jacobs faced five counts after his initial arrest: battery (domestic abuse), criminal damage to property (domestic abuse), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse), strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. The Packers' veteran running back denied the initial allegations in a statement from his attorneys – David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence Duchac – following his arrest in May.
"Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public," the statement, via NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, read. "We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course."
Months after his arrest, Jacobs now faces the two misdemeanor charges after the formal complaint: one for battery, one for criminal damage to property. An initial appearance in court for Jacobs is set for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m.
It is unclear whether Jacobs will face discipline from the NFL or the Packers.
"We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs," a Packers spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports in May. "As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment."
Jacobs is due to enter his third season with Green Bay in 2026 after joining the Packers on a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024. In two seasons with the Packers, the 28-year-old has tallied 2,258 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns across 3 games.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 22: Kedon Slovis #12 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw the ball during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals will play the Green Bay Packers Friday night at Lambeau Field in the first “LaFleur Bowl.” It could be coined the “Melton Bowl,” as Max Melton is a cornerback for the Cardinals while his brother Bo Melton is a Packers receiver.
Newly minted head coach Mike LaFleur of the Cardinals will face off against his older brother Matt, head coach of the Packers. The two have faced off twice when Mike was the OC of the Los Angeles Rams, but this will mark the first time the siblings have squared off while each was an NFL head coach.
Traditionally, NFL teams do not play any starters in the final preseason game. The coaching staff already knows what they have with their starting players, and the big question marks are involved within the bottom third of the roster.
“The Turk” arrives on Sunday, August 30, as NFL teams must announce their 53-man rosters. Currently, teams can have as many as 90 guys in camp. The difficult aspect for the coaches is to find out which players to retain. No coach wants to cut a guy who becomes a valued member of another franchise at some point. Think Kurt Warner.
With this in mind, how many starters on offense, defense, and special teams will be playing?
The Arizona version of LaFleur answered that question and stated that none of the starters will play. That includes rookie RB Jeremiyah Love, who is still nursing an ankle injury.
As far as the quarterback room, only Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis will play. Rookie Carson Beck hasn’t thrown a pass in any recent practice as he is healing from a rib injury he suffered in the Hall of Fame Game and has been sidelined ever since. Because Jacoby Brissett is the starting QB, he will not even suit up.
Mike LaFleur confirmed that most of the starters will not play, but might be a couple exceptions of a player or two starting Sept 13 playing Friday in Green Bay #AZCardinals
Although we stated that none of the other starters will play, well, that just might be incorrect. It is possible to see DE Josh Sweat out there for a couple of series. He hasn’t been practicing and has zero snaps in the three other exhibition games. Perhaps the coaching staff will want him to dust off the rust a bit. Then again, they could just sit him and let the Week 1 outing become his dust-off.
LaFleur did touch a bit on Sweat despite him getting in only one workout:
“It was great to have him out there. When you get some of those pieces out there, you can feel it with the other guys, too. They were happy to see him again. He’s according to plan. It’s right on schedule in terms of when he was going to get out there. He’ll be out there again today doing some individual drills, and we’ll just kind of take it one practice at a time.”
This match will be strictly for jobs. The game will feature backup players, rookies, and roster bubble candidates fighting for final spots on both sides of the ball before roster cuts. That includes backup punter Jack Browning, who played for the Orlando Storm of the UFL this past spring.
How to catch the game
Watch
@ 7:00 p.m. (Eastern), 4:00 p.m. (Mountain)
Arizona Family / KPHO Ch. 3
ABC/NBC affiliates in the Packers broadcast regions: WKOW
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 28: Rigoberto Sanchez #8 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they have re-signed longtime punter Rigoberto Sanchez to a contract extension that will currently make him one of the top five highest paid punters in the NFL:
Two-year extension for #Colts P Rigoberto Sanchez that makes him a top-5 paid punter at age 32. https://t.co/LH5DjvMr6U
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, it’s confirmed to be a 2-year contract extension, which will keep the otherwise pending free agent punter, in Indianapolis through the 2028 campaign.
Originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted rookie in 2017 out of Hawaii, the 9-year veteran has become one the league’s better punters, if not arguably among the best players at his position.
While Sanchez may not have quite the booming leg of some of elite punting peers, he makes up for it with his elite accuracy and ball placement off his leg, as 50% of his punts were pinned with the 20-yard line last season (which was a career high). His punting skill-set plays really well with half his games inside a roof under Lucas Oil Stadium, where he can play the home turf to his punting advantage.
Last season, he had 44 punts for the Colts, averaging 48.8 yards per punt (*8th most in the NFL in 2025), as well as handled a few kickoffs (9) in relief for Indianapolis’ special teams units. Per PFF, he was their 9th best graded punter with a +76.7 overall grade.
Even though Sanchez surprisingly hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet, it’s good to see that the Colts will be keeping one of their longstanding special teams standouts in Indianapolis for at least three more seasons.
The Lions gave Jahmyr Gibbs a new contract this month that made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Packers outside linebacker Micah Parsons thinks that was a wise investment.
"He's the fastest person I've ever seen on the field," Parsons said of Gibbs as part of the NFL's Top 100 Players feature.
Parsons has seen Gibbs on the field three times: Twice last year when the Packers faced the Lions, and once in 2023, when Parsons and the Cowboys faced Gibbs as a rookie. Gibbs hasn't had big numbers in any of those games, which Parsons attributes to the whole defense being focused on him.
"You need 11 people running to the ball every play," Parsons said. "If you don't rally tackle, there's no way you're beating the Lions with him at running back."
The Packers and Lions play in Week 7 and Week 18 this season. Parsons says he and his teammates will have their hands full.
"You're watching the tape like, 'We've got this dude again this week?'" Parsons said. "He's for real."
The Steelers head to Orchard Park tonight to close out their preseason slate against the Bills (7:00 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
Even with starter workloads up in the air, Buffalo is laying -2.5 on home turf. Our Steelers vs. Bill prediction and NFL picks are backing Joe Brady's squad to cover the short spread and cap off a perfect 3-0 preseason run on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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Who will win Steelers vs Bills: Bills -2.5
The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 and have outscored opponents 60-21 in Joe Brady's first preseason at the helm.
Though Brady did say, "There will be some guys who are starters that are going to be playing in the game," backing Buffalo to cover against the Pittsburgh Steelers is all about the backup. Ninth-year vet Kyle Allen has been efficient behind center for the Bills, putting up a spectacular 96.2% adjusted completion percentage and committing zero turnover-worthy plays.
Allen has had support from his backfield, too, with running backs Ray Davis, Ian Wheeler, and Frank Gore Jr. combining to rush for 231 yards and three scores this preseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's young and inexperienced backups on offense could struggle to keep up.
Drew Allar and Will Howard both struggled in a loss last week and will likely see the bulk of the snaps again. Allar was sacked three times and had an adjusted completion percentage of just 56.5%, while Howard had two turnover-worthy plays.
The loss took Mike McCarthy's preseason record since 2020 to 5-10.
TOP PICK Steelers vs Bills Over/Under pick: Over 35.5
In Brady's three preseasons as the Bills' offensive coordinator/head coach, Buffalo's average final game total has been 41. Only once in those eight games has the game total hit a number below 35.5, and with the way Allen and Buffalo's running back room has played this preseason, the high-scoring should continue.
Those receivers could put in work in the second half against a Steelers third- and fourth-string secondary full of undrafted rookies who were torched by the New York Jets late in Week 2.
Pittsburgh's offensive depth is less proven, but if Allar or Howard can settle in, the Steelers' pass catching depth could shine. Rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen have made splashy plays while veterans Robert Tonyan and Ben Skowronek have been consistent threats.
Buffalo has allowed 22.3 PPG across its last three preseasons.
There's a chance weather has an impact in Buffalo on Thursday night, with the forecast calling for rain earlier in the day and the potential for thunderstorms around 8 p.m. ET. In wet conditions (and a delay due to thunderstorms) last week, the Bills still managed to win 31-7.
How to watch Steelers vs Bills
Location
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
Date
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Kickoff
7 p.m. ET
TV
NFL Network
Steelers vs Bills latest injuries
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In a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, on Thursday, Aug. 27, Hellebuyck said, "Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
"I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope that a resolution can be reached soon."
The Jets put out a statement in response to Hellebuyck's trade request.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.”
What Connor Hellebuyck trade request means
Hellebuyck's confirmation means a game-changing goalie is on the market. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who won the award for outstanding goalie back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. He was voted the Hart Trophy winner in 2025.
He also was named the best goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics and was particularly strong in the championship game, making 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against Canada that gave the USA its first gold medal since 1980. He wasn't as strong in the regular season as the Jets missed the playoffs one season after having the league's best record.
The goalie is entering the third year of a seven-year deal that averages $8.5 million a year.
The Jets signed Stuart Skinner to a two-year deal in the offseason and he would be the No. 1 goalie in Winnipeg unless the team lands a goaltender in a trade.
Cheveldayoff said at the draft that he had been listening to offers on Hellebuyck but didn't answers questions about whether the goalie had asked for a trade.
“What I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” he said in June.
U.S. Olympians' trade requests
If moved, Hellebuyck would join Brady Tkachuk as a traded player from the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. The former Ottawa Senators captain has joined brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, another U.S. Olympian, also has requested a trade.
The Colts have signed one of their special teams players to a contract extension.
Indianapolis announced that punter Rigoberto Sanchez has signed a new deal on Thursday.
According to multiple reporters, Sanchez's extension is for two years. He was previously set to enter the last year of his contract.
Sanchez, 31, is about to start his 10th season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Hawaii. Having replaced Pat McAfee, he’s been the Colts punter ever since, with the exception of a few games in 2020 that he missed while dealing with a cancerous tumor. And he missed the 2022 season with a torn Achilles.
Last season, Sanchez averaged 48.8 yards on his 44 punts with a 44.7-yard net average. 50 percent of his punts were downed inside the 20.
Sanchez and the Colts will play their preseason finale on Saturday afternoon against the Lions.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 22: Baltimore Ravens tight end Josh Cuevas (85) warms up before the NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings on August 22nd, 2026, at U.S. Bank in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Baltimore’s second preseason game didn’t produce much offense on the scoreboard, but it gave us a better look at several young players who had smaller roles during the opener. Against Minnesota, Josh Cuevas showed why his athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing developmental tight end, offensive tackle Diego Pounds continued to strengthen his case for a roster spot with an impressive performance in the run game, and seventh-round guard Evan Beernsten finally received his first extended opportunity of the preseason.
Cuevas’ 36 snaps against Minnesota gave Baltimore an opportunity to use him in several different roles. That allowed the fifth-round pick to show the athleticism and versatility that made him an intriguing addition to the tight end room.
The most noticeable part of his performance was what he offered as a receiver. Cuevas flashed his straight-line speed on an underneath drag route, turning a short completion into a 23-yard gain once he got into space. That ability to create yards after the catch is an important part of his evaluation. Baltimore can manufacture opportunities for him underneath and allow his athleticism to take over once the ball is in his hands.
Cuevas also showed good awareness against zone coverage, understanding when to settle into open space rather than continuing to run himself into coverage. He also showed the ability to elevate and attack the football vertically, while making a difficult contested catch in traffic.
Josh Cuevas lead the Ravens receivers with 46 yards on 3 catches
Did a nice job finding soft spots in zone, flashed athletically climbing the ladder for a ball and moving in space. Also noticed his effort as a blocker. pic.twitter.com/V0pZgJS3AB
His effort as a blocker was another encouraging part of the performance. Cuevas isn’t going to consistently overwhelm defenders with raw power, but the willingness is there. He competed through contact and continued working to stay attached to defenders.
That matters for a player whose athleticism naturally makes him more appealing as a receiving tight end. The more functional he becomes as a blocker, the less predictable Baltimore becomes when he is on the field.
Postgame takeaway: Cuevas’ Week 2 performance provided a good look at his receiving profile. He found openings against zone coverage, picked up yards after the catch, and competed at the catch point. The effort he showed as a blocker was equally important. Cuevas doesn’t need to become a dominant in-line blocker, but becoming reliable enough in that area would give Baltimore considerably more freedom in how it deploys him.
Pounds’ pass protection stood out during Baltimore’s preseason opener, but against Minnesota, it was his work in the run game that became the most impressive part of his performance.
Pounds looked particularly natural working within Baltimore’s zone concepts. He showed the ability to run the train tracks, stay square while moving laterally and reach his landmarks without sacrificing control. His movement skills allowed him to get into position before contact, and once engaged, he showed enough power to displace defenders and create movement out of his gap.
Diego pounds performed well for a second week in a row
He allowed no pressure on 10 pass blocking snaps
Last week his pass blocking stood out, but to me this week his run blocking was seriously good. Looks like such a natural athlete in space and being able to work… pic.twitter.com/zOvwAMleHr
The effort after initial contact continued to stand out as well. On one rep, Pounds stayed attached to his defender and drove him roughly 15 yards downfield. Plays like that don’t necessarily tell us much about his technical development, but they do show the temperament Baltimore wants from its offensive linemen. Pounds consistently looks to finish rather than simply completing his assignment and moving on.
The grading reflected how effective he was. Pounds received a 92.9 PFF run-blocking grade, including a 95.7 grade on zone runs. More importantly, the film supported why those numbers were so high. His movement skills and comfort blocking in space make him a natural fit for what Baltimore is asking its offensive line to do.
Postgame takeaway: Pounds continues to strengthen his case for a spot on Baltimore’s 53-man roster. Allowing zero pressures was another positive step in pass protection, but his comfort operating in space in the run game was the story of Week 2. Given the Ravens’ lack of established offensive tackle depth, Pounds is putting together the type of preseason that could make him difficult to leave off the roster.
G Evan Beernsten (Round 7, No. 253 overall)
8 snaps | 77.6 offensive grade, third-highest on team
After not getting much of an opportunity during the preseason opener, Baltimore finally gave Beernsten his first real look against Minnesota. Eight snaps obviously isn’t enough to make any definitive conclusions, but there were still a few traits that immediately translated from his college tape.
The first was his hand quickness. Beernsten fired his hands immediately after the snap and consistently looked to initiate contact rather than waiting for defenders to attack him. His punch timing was solid, and he showed an understanding of how to establish his hands early in the rep.
That initial contact is important for Beernsten because he isn’t going to win consistently through overwhelming length or raw physical tools. His game has to be built around technique, timing and positioning.
Rookie Guard Evan Beernsten finally got his feet wet vs the Vikings
Impressed by his hand usage, one thing I noted on his report was his quick and active hands. Did a nice job timing his punches.
We saw some of that against Minnesota. Beernsten was quick out of his stance, established contact early and generally looked comfortable during his limited workload. He ultimately finished with Baltimore’s third-highest offensive PFF grade, an encouraging result considering these were his first meaningful preseason snaps.
The difficult part of his evaluation is opportunity. Baltimore has already given several other young offensive linemen significantly larger workloads this preseason, leaving Beernsten with very little time to separate himself before roster decisions are made. Eight snaps can give the coaching staff something to build on, but it isn’t enough on its own to dramatically change the roster picture.
Postgame takeaway: Beernsten made the most of a very limited opportunity. His quick hands, punch timing and urgency off the snap were all encouraging, and finishing with Baltimore’s third-highest offensive PFF grade gave him a positive starting point. His biggest problem isn’t necessarily his performance—it’s the lack of remaining opportunities. Unless Beernsten produces an exceptional final preseason game, his path to the 53-man roster remains difficult. At this point, he may be playing more to establish himself as a developmental player Baltimore wants to keep around than to outright win a roster spot.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore’s offense didn’t generate many points against Minnesota, but Week 2 still provided useful information about several rookies fighting to establish roles.
Cuevas’ performance was encouraging because we saw more of the athleticism that gives him developmental upside as a receiving tight end. His 23-yard catch showed what he can provide after the catch, while his work against zone coverage and effort as a blocker demonstrated that his game isn’t entirely dependent on athletic traits.
Pounds continues to be one of the more interesting offensive developments of the preseason. After his pass protection stood out in Week 1, he showed how naturally his movement skills translate to Baltimore’s zone-running concepts against Minnesota. The 92.9 run-blocking grade and 95.7 zone grade were impressive, but the more important takeaway was how comfortable he looked reaching landmarks, creating displacement and finishing blocks downfield.
Beernsten finally got his opportunity, even if it was only eight snaps. His quick hands and timing showed up immediately, and he performed well enough to earn one of Baltimore’s highest offensive grades. The challenge now is turning a promising eight-snap sample into something significant enough to alter a difficult roster outlook.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will wrap up their preseason slate Thursday, Aug. 27 with a visit to the Buffalo Bills and their brand new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
The matchup will be a final showcase for young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard before Aaron Rodgers takes command of the offensive huddle for the regular season. Both are looking to leave lasting positive impressions after excellent outings in the opener against Green Bay Packers, then comparative duds last week against the New York Jets.
Howard threw a pair of interceptions as the starter last time out. The mistakes short-circuited drives that had reached deep into New York territory. Allar, meanwhile, battled receiver drops, penalties and his own indecision en route to a scoreless second half for the offense.
Also of note will be the possible NFL debut of 2026 first-round NFL draft pick Max Iheanachor. The offensive tackle returned to practice this week after missing about half of training camp and all of the preseason to this point because of an arm/shoulder injury.
He'll look to give a boost to an offensive line that has struggled both with pass protection and run blocking through two games. While it's unlikely he can win a starting job after missing the amount of time that he has, eyes will be on starters Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook to see whether they give him any openings.
USA TODAY will provide live updates on all the action that you can follow along with below.
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Steelers' negotiations with Joey Porter Jr. at 'impasse'
05:23 PM ET, August 27 2026
As the Steelers prepare to face the Bills on the field, they're running out of time to reach a deal with one of their most important players off of it.
Coach Mike McCarthy said this week that the team is at an "impasse" with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has been a starter for each of the past three years and is entering the final season of his rookie deal.
Porter has not been practicing with the team during training camp or the preseason. The team has blamed an injury in the past, but McCarthy's comments this week by hold-in negotiation tactics as well. You can read more about what McCarthy had to say regarding the situation here.
In the hours before facing the Bills, the Steelers have freed up a $18 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contract of receiver DK Metcalf, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
The deal could potentially help as negotiations on an extension with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. continue. The Steelers acquired Metcalf in a trade with Seattle last offseason and signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract.
Neither he nor expected No. 2 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has played yet this preseason, as both have dealt with nagging injuries.
After facing opponents' top quarterbacks the past two weeks, the Steelers are not expected to see Buffalo's Josh Allen line up across from them in this one. Coach Joe Brady ruled him out earlier in the week. Nevertheless, the Bills get an edge from sports books as the home team for this exhibition.
