When Andrew Luck decided Stanford needed to change its head football coach at an unusual time in late March, he turned to a familiar face.
Jackson Merrill and Padres agree to 9-year, $135 million contract for 2026-34
SAN DIEGO — All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract covering 2026-34.
Merrill’s deal includes a $30 million team option for 2035 that would convert to a player option if he has a top five finish in MVP voting at any point during the contract.
Merrill, who turns 22 on April 19, made his major league debut last season and became an All-Star, hitting .292 with 24 homers, 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting to Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes.
He has an $809,500 salary while in the major leagues this year after earning the $740,000 minimum last year and gaining $1,191,534 from the pre-arbitration bonus pool.
Merrill would have been eligible for arbitration after the 2026 season and for free agency after the 2029 World Series.
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:
1. Micah Parsons' contract negotiation
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.
2. Impact of Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' brand
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.
3. Browns' ownership honesty
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.
4. Jets Ownership criticism
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.
5. Tush Push rule delayed
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.
6. Regular Season overtime rule change
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.
7. NFL expansion on Christmas Day
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.
Jackson Merrill and Padres agree to $135 million, 9-year contract for 2026-34
SAN DIEGO (AP) — All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres agreed Wednesday to a $135 million, nine-year contract covering 2026-34.
Merrill’s deal includes a $30 million team option for 2035 that would convert to a player option if he has a top five finish in MVP voting at any point during the contract.
Merrill, who turns 22 on April 19, made his major league debut last season and became an All-Star, hitting .292 with 24 homers, 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting to Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes.
He has an $809,500 salary while in the major leagues this year after earning the $740,000 minimum last year and gaining $1,191,534 from the pre-arbitration bonus pool.
Merrill would have been eligible for arbitration after the 2026 season and for free agency after the 2029 World Series.
Diamondbacks at Yankees Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, trends and stats for April 2
Its Wednesday, April 2 and the Diamondbacks (3-2) are in the Bronx to take on the Yankees (3-1) in Game 2 of this three-game series.
Zac Gallen is slated to take the mound for Arizona against Carlos Rodón for New York
Last night, Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth inning as the Diamondbacks rallied for a 7-5 win over the Yankees. In his debut for Arizona, Corbin Burnes gave up four runs (two earned) in 4.1 innings. Anthony Volpe homered again for the Yankees. The Shortstop has three hits this season...all are home runs.
Lets dive into today's matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Diamondbacks at Yankees
- Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Time: 7:05PM EST
- Site: Yankee Stadium
- City: New York, NY
- Network/Streaming: Dbacks.TV, YES
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Diamondbacks at the Yankees
The latest odds as of Wednesday:
- Moneyline: Arizona Diamondbacks (+113), New York Yankees (-133)
- Spread: Yankees -1.5
- Total: 8.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Diamondbacks at Yankees
- Wednesday’s pitching matchup for April 2, 2025: Zac Gallen vs. Carlos Rodón
- Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (0-1, 9.00 ERA)
Last outing: 3/27 vs. Cubs - 4 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BB, 4 Ks - Yankees: Carlos Rodón, (1-0, 1.69 ERA)
Last outing: 3/27 vs. Brewers - 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BB, 7 Ks
- Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (0-1, 9.00 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Diamondbacks at Yankees
- The Yankees went 21-15 (.583) last season with Carlos Rodon as the starting pitcher
- The Under has cashed in 6 of the Yankees' last 7 home games with Carlos Rodon as the starter
- Arizona has covered the spread in 3 of their 5 games this season
- Jasson Dominguez hit his first home run of the season las tnight
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Yankees
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Diamondbacks and the Yankees:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Yankees on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Yankees -1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
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- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Penguins' Jarry Becomes Fastest Goalie To 20 Shutouts
On Mar. 30, 2025, Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry became the third goalie in franchise history to record 20 shutouts, blanking the Ottawa Senators 1-0.
He joins a list along with two of the greatest to strap on the pads in Pittsburgh, Marc-Andre Fleury and Tom Barrasso. Fleury is on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame, while Barrasso earned his ring in 2023.
For the longest time, Barrasso was the only Penguins' netminder to record 20 shutouts, achieving his first on Dec. 28, 1990, and 22nd on Nov. 26, 1999. Overall, he recorded 22 shutouts in 460 games.
March Penguins Prospects Update: GoaltendersThere are some exciting developments down on the farm for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
During his 12 seasons in Pittsburgh, including two Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992, Barrasso recorded seven shutouts in 1997-98, only the second time he'd post more than five (1984-85).
Three seasons after Barrasso left the Penguins in 2000, the franchise drafted Fleury with the top pick in the 2003 Draft. He owns the team record with 44 shutouts, which may not be broken for quite some time.
At 21, Fleury collected his first shutout on Oct. 30, 2003, just his sixth NHL game. Eight seasons later, on Oct. 25, 2011, he'd earn his 20th shutout in game No. 375 before tying Barrasso's mark on Feb. 21, 2012.
When Jarry shut out the Senators on Mar. 30, he earned his 20th career shutout in his 288th game, surpassing Fleury's mark for fewest games to 20 shutouts by 87 games.
Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesThe Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and on pace to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks of the regular season.
Despite the rough season, with numerous demotions to the AHL, Jarry is just in year two of a five-year deal he signed on July 1, 2023. In 288 games, his record is 149-96-30 with a 2.75 GAA and .910 SV%.
When he collects win No. 150, he'll be the third goalie behind Barrasso (226) and Fleury (375) to reach the milestone.
NBA futures betting 2025: Odds, expert picks, predictions including JB Bickerstaff for COY
We're nearing the end of the regular season and a few NBA awards are heating up like Coach of the Year as Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson and Detroit's JB Bickerstaff. Let's take a look at the best bet between the two with less than a dozen games remaining.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.
Coach of the Year: JB Bickerstaff (+210)
Kenny Atkinson's main argument for the Coach of the Year award was boasting the NBA's best record when the Thunder or Celtics were expected to, but now that Oklahoma City owns the league's best record, what is Atkinson's argument? Best in the East? 60-plus wins? I am not sure that will be enough compared to Bickerstaff's argument.
The Pistons were expected to make the play-in by some experts, but the majority of the public expected Detroit to be out of the playoffs and tanking at this point. To Bickerstaff and his players' credit, Detroit is the No. 5 seed at 42-33 (2.0 games back from No. 4) and continues to win with its best player, Cade Cunningham sidelined over the last four games (3-1 record and beat the Cavs).
Since January 1st, the Pistons rank second in defensive efficiency behind the Thunder (Cavs are 14th), eighth in offensive rating (Cavs are second), the third-best defensive rebounding percentage (Cavs are 10th), top six in blocks and steals per game, third in opponent points in the paint, and are tied for the fifth-most wins (28-15 record). Granted, the Cavaliers are 31-11 since the new year, Detroit continues to impress and hang with the best of the best with grit and great defense.
Cleveland had a win total of 47.5 entering the season, ranking tied for the 10th-highest, while Detroit's was 22.5, tied for the second-lowest with Washington (16-59) and Portland (33-43), only ahead of Brooklyn (21.5, 25-51) The Pistons are going to double their expected win total this season, while the rest of those teams are planning trips to Cancun.
At +180 to +210, I think the value on Bickerstaff for COY was still disappearing, so I say get involved now.
Pick: JB Bickerstaff to win Coach of the Year (2u)
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
'Lucky To Be In The Lineup': Islanders' Roy Slams Duclair Amid Career-Low Production
New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy didn’t mince his words when he discussed Anthony Duclair’s game in their 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
“He was god awful,” Roy told reporters after the game. “He’s lucky to be in the lineup. Sorry if I lose it on him right now, but that’s how I feel.”
Duclair had 12:15 of ice time against Tampa Bay, about three minutes less than his season average. He had the third-lowest ice time among Islanders skaters in that contest.
Roy thought the 29-year-old had a bad game, and “that’s why I didn’t play him a lot.”
“He’s not skating, not competing, not moving his feet, he’s not playing up to what we expect from him,” he said, adding he thinks it’s an “effort thing.”
Less ice time has been the theme of Duclair’s last three games. In their outing against the Lightning on Saturday, he played 11:05, a season low.
However, the Isles took on the Carolina Hurricanes the next day, and he played even less, clocking 10:10 in a 6-4 loss.
Duclair’s recent ice time comes during some of the lowest offensive production of his 11-year NHL career.
In 44 games this season, Duclair has seven goals and four assists for 11 points. His 0.25 points per game is a career low, as is his minus-15 plus/minus rating.
In comparison, Duclair put up 24 goals and 42 points in 73 appearances last season playing for Tampa Bay and the San Jose Sharks. That earned him a four-year deal worth $3.5 million per season with the Islanders, the longest contract with the biggest cap hit of his career.
What Direction Should The New York Islanders Take?Despite flirting with a Stanley Cup playoff spot, the New York Islanders look more like pretenders right now.
The Point-Claire, Que., native hasn’t had a point in his last six games. He also hasn’t recorded an even-strength point in 17 games and has just three points in his last 25.
With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Islanders are five points back of the Montreal Canadiens, who control the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
Joel Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say
Joel Embiid to undergo arthroscopic surgery on knee, Sixers say originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Joel Embiid has decided on his next step.
The Sixers released the following statement Wednesday on their star center, who was ruled out for the season on Feb. 28 because of persistent left knee problems:
“Following consultations with medical experts, it has been determined that Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to address his left knee. Further updates will be provided following the procedure.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Embiid “will be re-evaluated in six weeks and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Embiid had been considering treatment options. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse recently said that the team’s vice president of athlete care, Simon Rice, was also a key part of those conversations with doctors.
Embiid publicly indicated multiple times this season that non-surgical approaches were not working and his knee continued to bother him. He ultimately played in just 19 games for the injury-riddled Sixers, who have fallen far out of playoff contention.
“I wish I could play every game,” Embiid said on Feb. 4. “My goal is to be available and play every game. Whatever God decides, from that point on, I can’t control it. I can only control what I can do every single day, what I should focus on, what keeps me on the floor. And whatever happens, happens.
“I don’t really worry about how many games I’m going to play, how much I’m going to be available. The goal is to be available every single night and if God wants it to happen, good. If he doesn’t, back to the drawing board.”
The Sixers went 8-11 in his appearances and Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. For the most part, he did not come close to reaching the MVP contender level he’d grown accustomed to over the prior four seasons.
“The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now and it sucks,” Embiid said on Feb. 20. “But I believe I probably need to fix the problem and I’ll be back at that level. But it’s hard to have the trust when you’re not yourself.
“I’m not as dominant as I was a couple months ago, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t have a lot of impact on the game. … But my dominant self, I’ll get there. It’s just tough because you know you can do so much more. There’s no excuses; it’s just the way it is. Just got to keep finding ways to figure it out and get better.”
Last February, Embiid underwent surgery on his left lateral meniscus. He returned for the end of the regular season and the playoffs, then played in the Paris Olympics and earned a gold medal with Team USA.
He missed the beginning of the 2024-25 regular season. The Sixers started horrendously and never truly recovered. They’ve used an NBA-record 52 different starting lineups and are 23-53 overall.
Along with Embiid, Paul George (adductor and left knee injuries), Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery) and Eric Gordon (right wrist surgery) have been ruled out for the remainder of the year. Tyrese Maxey hasn’t played since March 3 because of a right finger sprain.
Kerr half-jokingly reveals Steph's secret to 52-point Warriors game
Kerr half-jokingly reveals Steph's secret to 52-point Warriors game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Steph Curry appeared rejuvenated on the floor Tuesday night as he erupted for 52 points and 12 3-pointers in the Warriors’ 134-125 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
But what sparked the star point guard’s scoring onslaught? Golden State coach Steve Kerr revealed after the game that it was Curry’s other favorite sport — along with a week off due to injury — that might have had him feeling refreshed before the pivotal Western Conference matchup.
“I think it helped,” Kerr told reporters of Curry’s recent break. “And I think two rounds of golf on this road trip helped. Yeah — I’m only half joking, you know. But yeah, the week off was helpful for him. I think he looks recharged, rejuvenated.”
Curry was relegated to the sidelines for the Warriors’ losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat on March 22 and 25, respectively, after suffering a pelvic contusion in Golden State’s 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors. The 37-year-old has worn protective tailbone padding since his return on March 28 against the New Orleans Pelicans, and it certainly didn’t hinder him in Tuesday’s win.
Some time on the golf course appears to have served Curry well, too, as the 2023 American Century Championship victor got some swings in when he rejoined the Warriors on their road trip last week.
In Tuesday’s game, Curry again came close to breaking former Warriors teammate Klay Thompson’s single-game 3-point record. And even though he didn’t eclipse his fellow Splash Bro’s mark of 14, his coach still was impressed.
“The guy is 37 years old,” Kerr said. “It’s incredible. Fifty-two points, with people draped all over him, all game long. The conditioning, the skill, the audacity, the belief. It’s just incredible to watch Steph at work. I can’t believe he’s still doing this at this age, but he’s put the work in, and he’s still got it.”
Another night, another Curry performance for the ages. But it’s clear Kerr wanted to credit Curry’s work — and relaxation — on the golf course in addition to his effort on the court.
Why Draymond was disappointed with Jackson Jr. in Warriors' win
Why Draymond was disappointed with Jackson Jr. in Warriors' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green never will shy away from offering his NBA mentees advice. Even after he helps hand them a brutal loss.
The veteran forward spoke to reporters after the Warriors’ 134-125 win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday at FedExForum and shared why he was “disappointed” in Memphis center Jaren Jackson Jr., who fouled out after colliding with Golden State forward Jimmy Butler with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Draymond waving at Jaren Jackson after he fouled out 😅 pic.twitter.com/b2huLwt6Vj
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 2, 2025
“I’m disappointed in Jaren,” Green said. “I’ve got a lot of love for him, that’s my Spartan dog. He’s too good to still be getting in foul trouble. A couple of them fouls he picked up, he can stay away from those. It’s time for him to take that next step in that department, because it was huge for us for him to get out of the game. And I’m happy he did, but I am a Jaren fan. I’m always rooting for him.
“To see him still getting some of those fouls he’s picking up, he can’t do that. His team needs him out there … Jaren’s got to figure that out, he’s gotten too much better offensively and too hard to stop to be taking himself out of the game on the defensive side of the ball. That was disappointing, from the big brother in me. That was a little disappointing.”
Jackson Jr. himself seems to agree.
Jaren Jackson Jr., who's avoided foul trouble most of the season, has been in major foul trouble in two of the last three games, including fouling out tonight:
"You just can't do it, I'm too important. I have to be out there. That's on me, I definitely let everybody down." pic.twitter.com/kRD9NOWc5B
— Matt Infield (@Matt_Infield) April 2, 2025
“You just can’t do it, I’m too important,” Jackson Jr. said postgame. “I have to be out there, and that’s on me. I definitely let everybody down in terms of that and I’ll own that.
Green and Jackson Jr. developed a friendship after the Warriors forward took the young big man under his wing when he was selected by the Grizzlies with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
And even through the Warriors benefited from Jackson Jr.’s absence in the final minutes of Tuesday’s game, Green wishes the former Defensive Player of the Year had stayed out of foul trouble.
Buffalo Sabres Send First-Round Pick Back To AHL
The Buffalo Sabres have announced that forward Isak Rosen has been loaned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
Rosen, 22, was just recalled by the Sabres on March 25. Now, one week later, the 2021 first-round pick is heading right back to Rochester.
Rosen has appeared in six games this season with the Sabres, where he has one assist, three hits, and a minus-2 rating. He recorded his first career NHL point during his latest three-game call-up on March 27 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rosen will now look to build on his strong season with Rochester after being demoted to Rochester again. The forward prospect has shown good promise this season with Rochester, setting new AHL career highs with 27 goals and 54 points in 55 games.
In 188 games over three seasons with the Amerks, Rosen has 61 goals, 80 assists, 141 points, and a plus-9 rating.
Recent Sabres News
Ex-Sabres Star Jack Eichel Rewarded For Incredible Month
Ex-Sabres Defender Expected To Be Done For The Season
Buffalo Sabres Send Defenseman Back To AHL
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Sabres' Isak Rosen Records First NHL Point With Great Assist
Report: NBA looking into Morant's finger gun motions at Warriors bench
Report: NBA looking into Morant's finger gun motions at Warriors bench originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Ja Morant might be in trouble with the NBA … again.
The league is “looking into” the Memphis Grizzlies star point guard’s use of finger gun motions toward the Golden State Warriors‘ bench in the final seconds of Tuesday’s matchup between the rivals, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported Wednesday, citing sources.
The NBA is looking into Memphis' Ja Morant using finger gun motions toward the Golden State Warriors bench last night, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2025
Ja Morant appeared to make a gun gesture at the Warriors' bench late in the game 🤨 pic.twitter.com/fTvFA0wpit
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 2, 2025
Things got chippy with 20 seconds remaining and the Warriors up by five as double-technical fouls were assessed to both Morant and Warriors guard Buddy Hield, who also appeared to make a gun gesture toward Morant. Several other Warriors players stepped in and notified the officials of Morant’s gesture.
Charania added that the NBA also will look into Hield’s actions, and league officials will talk to involved parties as soon as Wednesday.
Morant was suspended twice for flashing a gun on Instagram live videos in 2023, with the first being an eight-game suspension for having a gun at a Denver nightclub. The second video happened over the summer, when he flashed what appeared to be a gun in a car and had to serve a 25-game suspension.
Despite all the extracurriculars, Steph Curry willed his team to a needed 134-125 victory over the Grizzlies to leapfrog them in the Western Conference standings.
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.
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
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?
Red Sox, Campbell agree to eight-year extension after five MLB games
Red Sox, Campbell agree to eight-year extension after five MLB games originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to sign one of their top young players, Kristian Campbell, to a long-term contract extension.
The team announced Wednesday that Campbell’s deal spans eight years with club options for 2033 and 2034. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the extension is worth $60 million and could reach as high as $100 million.
Kristian Campbell's deal with the Red Sox includes club options for 2033 at $19 million and 2034 at $21 million, per source. That would take the full guarantee of the contract to $100 million over 10 years. If both options are exercised, Campbell would reach free agency at 32.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2025
This is a great move by the Red Sox, who have locked up a potential star to a very team-friendly contract well into the next decade. If Campbell doesn’t reach his potential, this is a contract the Red Sox can easily stomach. But if Campbell does reach his potential, this contract should be one of the best in baseball.
Campbell entered the 2025 season as the No. 7 prospect in the sport, per MLB.com’s rankings. He opened the year as the Red Sox’s starting second baseman, and he has been one of their best players through five games.
Campbell is batting .375 (6-for-16) with one home run, two RBI, four runs scored, four walks and five strikeouts so far this season.
This contract for Campbell comes a few days after the Red Sox signed starting pitcher Garrett Crochet to a six-year, $170 million extension that begins in 2026.
The Red Sox resume their series against the Orioles in Baltimore on Wednesday night.