Jun 12, 2026, 4:32 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they reinstated right-hander Hurston Waldrep (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Waldrep isn't ready to rejoin the major-league roster after rehabbing from elbow surgery in the offseason. The 24-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings in his third minor-league rehab start with Double-A Columbus. Waldrep should be an option for the Braves' starting rotation sooner rather than later in 2026 after he went 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings pitched across 10 appearances (nine starts) last year before being shut down with his elbow injury. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should be considering whether to stash Waldrep right now as a potential difference-maker in the second half of the season. Right now, he's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Atlanta Braves

Jun 12, 2026, 4:12 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that they placed outfielder Adolis Garcia (lat) on the 60-day injured list with a torn right lat, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Garcia tore his lat trying to throw George Springer out at home plate on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, and now he'll miss extended time. At the very least, Garcia will be out for two months while on the 60-day IL, and if he undergoes surgery, it wouldn't be surprising if we don't see him again in 2026. Gabriel Rincones and the newly acquired Derek Hill will report to Philly's big-league roster with Garcia injured. In addition to his injury, the 33-year-old Garcia has been a major disappointment in 2026 in his first year with the Phillies, hitting just .195 (45-for-231) with seven home runs, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 67 games across 259 plate appearances. In most single-year leagues, the two-time All-Star can be dropped to the waiver wire.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki

Jun 12, 2026, 4:06 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) is 90% healed from his hamstring injury, manager Terry Francona told Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati. Francona plans to meet with everyone on Sunday to make a decision on how to proceed. The Reds have yet to decide if De La Cruz will need a minor-league rehab start before being reinstated from the 10-day injured list. The 24-year-old Dominican could be back with the Reds' major-league roster early next week if the coaching staff doesn't feel like he needs to go on a rehab assignment. Before injuring his hamstring, the two-time All-Star was slashing .280/.346/.509 with an .855 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 232 at-bats in 2026. With De La Cruz sidelined for all of June to this point, the Reds have moved second baseman Matt McLain over to the 6. There is no way that De La Cruz, a switch-hitting, five-contributor, should be available on the waiver wire in any leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford

Jun 12, 2026, 3:50 PM ET

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (lat, shoulder) clarified on Friday that his comments earlier this week were about his shoulder taking longer than expected, not his lat, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. Crochet's lat is asymptomatic. However, because of his shoulder, he doesn't think he'll be back before the All-Star break in mid-July. A low-grade lat strain that Crochet suffered in early June definitely didn't help his cause, but it's the left shoulder that is keeping the talented southpaw from returning to close out the first half of his second season in Boston. The 26-year-old deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats while he recovers, as he's one of the best left-handers in the game when he's at full health. Crochet finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year with the BoSox, but he's currently 3-3 with a 6.30 ERA (4.30 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks in his six starts in 2026. He led the league in innings (205 1/3) and strikeouts (255) last year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr

Jun 12, 2026, 3:35 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they reinstated catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb) from the 60-day injured list and designated catcher Tyler Heineman for assignment in a corresponding move. Kirk should be back behind the dish to catch right-hander Trey Yesavage on Friday night at the Rogers Centre in the series opener against the division-rival New York Yankees and left-hander Ryan Weathers. The 27-year-old Mexican native only played in five games to begin the 2026 season before fracturing his thumb, going 3-for-20 with a homer and two RBI in his 22 plate appearances. The two-time All-Star doesn't have a ton of pop behind the plate, but he did produce a career-high 15 home runs while driving in 76 in 130 regular-season games in 2025. Fantasy managers looking for an upgrade at the position could take a chance on Kirk, who is rostered in just 25% of Yahoo leagues. Kirk will be Toronto's primary catcher now that he has recovered from his thumb fracture. He went 3-for-18 at the plate with a homer during six minor-league rehab games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Toronto Blue Jays

Jun 12, 2026, 3:30 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) on the 10-day injured list on Friday with left-wrist inflammation and recalled infielder/outfielder Davis Schneider from the minors in a corresponding move, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Varsho has battled wrist inflammation for roughly a week. The Blue Jays initially thought he'd avoid the IL. It has been a disappointing year offensively for the 29-year-old Varsho, who will head to the shelf with a .256/.331/.408 slash line, .738 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, five stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in 64 games across 236 plate appearances. With Varsho on the sidelines for a bit longer, expect Toronto to mix and match in center field with Myles Straw and Nathan Lukes. Lukes is the more attractive option in deeper fantasy leagues for a short-term playing-time boost North of the border. Lukes, 31, is currently hitting .311 (33-for-106), but with only one homer, 12 RBI, and 13 runs scored for the Jays.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson

Jun 12, 2026, 3:24 PM ET

The San Diego Padres announced on Friday that they reinstated infielder Xander Bogaerts from the paternity list and designated outfielder Bryce Johnson for assignment in a corresponding move. Bogaerts was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday and missed the final two games of the series at Petco Park against the Cincinnati Reds. The 33-year-old veteran shortstop should return to San Diego's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Baltimore against the Orioles and right-hander Shane Baz. Bogaerts will return to a .231/.303/.356 slash line, .658 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, 27 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his 225 at-bats this year. Although he has three hits in his last two games, Bogaerts went hitless in his previous five games to start the month of June. The three-time All-Star is in just the 33rd percentile in hard-hit rate and the 47th percentile in xwOBA on the year. He has really struggled in the last two weeks, batting .152 (5-for-33) with a homer, double, three RBI, five runs, four walks, and nine strikeouts in 10 games played.--Keith Hernandez
Source: San Diego Padres

Jun 12, 2026, 2:59 PM ET

Since the calendar flipped from May to June, Kansas City Royals outfielder/first baseman Jac Caglianone has been on an absolute tear at the plate. Across 36 plate appearances this month, the 23-year-old is hitting .533/.611/.900 with three home runs, eight RBI, eight runs scored, and two stolen bases. Swing-and-miss remains a concern in Caglianone's profile, as he's struck out in 29% of his plate appearances on the season. However, his underlying contact quality metrics are strong enough that it may not matter. Caglianone owns a 15.6% barrel rate and a 57.4% hard-hit rate and is now hitting .279 with eight home runs, 19 RBI, 26 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 231 plate appearances in 2026. The lefty-swinger has also held his own against same-handed pitching, recording a .295/.328/.492 slash line across 64 plate appearances against southpaws. In any league where he remains available, Caglianone profiles as a must-add outfielder ahead of what could be a superstar breakout.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 12, 2026, 2:50 PM ET

Kentucky transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey is set to be the starter in his first season in Lexington. Minchey comes in from Notre Dame, where he only appeared in 10 games over three seasons. He has limited experience as the Irish's backup quarterback, but has talent and has gained invaluable experience learning from the likes of Sam Hartman, Riley Leonard, and CJ Carr. Will Stein handpicked Minchey as his guy for year one at Kentucky, and has been coaching him up all spring. Behind Stein's offensive mind, Minchey is in a good system for his further development. The Wildcats have struggled mightily on offense the past few seasons, and the combination of Minchey and Stein should help provide a bit of stability to what has been an unwatchable unit.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 12, 2026, 2:47 PM ET

Colorado Rockies pitching prospect Sean Sullivan is set to make his MLB debut on Friday night as his team's starter against the Athletics, per Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette. The 23-year-old has largely struggled with Triple-A Albuquerque so far this season, recording a 5-3 record with a 5.60 ERA, 1.55 ERA, and 50 strikeouts across 54 2/3 innings (11 starts). However, he's been victimized by an abnormally high 14.7% HR/fly ball rate while pitching in the extremely hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Sullivan was much more productive across 97 1/3 innings (18 starts) with Double-A Hartford in 2025, logging a 3.14 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 24.2% strikeout rate. Sullivan will pitch in a hitter-friendly environment in Colorado, which lowers his fantasy appeal. Still, the young left-hander could be worth adding off the waiver wire in deeper league formats.--Will Brady
Source: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry

Jun 12, 2026, 2:46 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin has "never had a bigger chance to start" going into the 2026 season after the Colts traded veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs are set to slide into the Colts' top two receiver spots in 2026, leaving Dulin to compete with veterans Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Laquon Treadwell, as well as rookie seventh-rounder Deion Burks, for the third WR spot. Boyd suggests that Dulin could have the upper hand because he's entering his fourth year in head coach Shane Steichen's offense. The 29-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Malone College has already been impressing during offseason practices. In his six seasons in the NFL (all with the Colts, Dulin has just 40 receptions on 70 targets for 623 yards and four touchdowns in 82 games played (seven starts). The best thing going for Dulin is his versatility, as he's been a key special teams asset and has also played defensive back. Duliin will be a deep fantasy sleeper going into the 2026 campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd

Jun 12, 2026, 2:43 PM ET

Once touted as the next star quarterback at Ole Miss, Austin Simmons now finds himself at a different SEC school after losing the starting job to Trinidad Chambliss in 2025. While he doesn't have a ton of experience after sitting behind Jaxson Dart in 2024 and Chambliss for the majority of last season, Simmons has natural talent. His career-defining moment to date remains his clutch drive against Georgia in 2024 while filling in for an injured Dart. Simmons has thrown for 1,026 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in his career, and will look to continue the connection with former Ole Miss teammate Cayden Lee at Missouri.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 12, 2026, 2:39 PM ET

Junior wide receiver Tre Richardson broke out at Vanderbilt last season, recording 46 receptions for 806 yards and seven touchdowns. Richardson had transferred in from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he started his college football journey as a freshman. He now finds himself on a Louisville team that is desperate for weapons after losing their top three receivers in Chris Bell, Caullin Lacy, and Dacari Collins. Richardson's elite speed helped prompt his breakout last season, and should set him up as the Cardinals' top target in 2026.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 12, 2026, 2:37 PM ET

Los Angeles Angels second baseman Christian Moore has yet to appear in a big-league game in 2026. However, the 23-year-old has impressed across 226 plate appearances with Triple-A Salt Lake, hitting .309/.451/.514 with five home runs, 39 RBI, 48 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Moore struggled across 184 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .198 with a 33.7% strikeout rate. He's made major improvements to his plate approach this season in the minors, lowering his strikeout rate to 22.1% while logging an elite 20.4% walk rate. The Angels have gotten capable production from second baseman Oswald Peraza so far this season, but Peraza's ability to play multiple spots on the infield could open a spot in Los Angeles for Moore. Given his five-category potential, Moore could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of a potential promotion.--Will Brady
Source: milb.com

Jun 12, 2026, 2:35 PM ET

Oregon's room of weapons is stacked, but true freshman tight end Kendre' Harrison is still in line to potentially make an impact right out of the gate. With Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL, Jamari Johnson is expected to step up into a more prominent role. However, Johnson still recorded 510 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025. That leaves room for a player like Harrison, a five-star recruit, to step up and make some noise. Harrison was the 15th-ranked player in the 2026 class and was also ranked as a basketball prospect. The dual-sport athlete physically stood out this spring for the Ducks and could be an instant red-zone threat for what should be another prolific Oregon offense.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

The Houston Texans are still easing wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) in during offseason workouts, but KPRC2 Sports' Aaron Wilson says that Dell's outlook is "becoming more positive," and he plans to increase his practice activity at training camp this summer. Dell has been running and cutting without any setbacks, although he isn't as dynamic as he was before he dislocated his knee and tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL two years ago. There is still a long way to go for the former University of Houston star, but he has already made significant progress. "Looking for him to be Tank," WRs coach and passing-game coordinator Ben McDaniels said. "He's been working really hard to get back to what he knows he is and can be. It's been a long process, and he's still at it." The 26-year-old broke his leg in his rookie season and was also shot in the leg that same offseason, so he has endured no shortage of adversity. The Texans are taking a patient, big-picture approach with the speedster, but they do plan on him being an asset in 2026. At least early on, Dell will probably be facing an uphill battle for consistent targets in a WR corps that already features WR1 Nico Collins and emerging second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC Sports - Aaron Wilson

Jun 12, 2026, 2:26 PM ET

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. Baldwin has been on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain since May 19, but he appears to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. The 25-year-old got off to an excellent start to the 2026 season before the injury, hitting .303/.389/.543 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, 39 runs scored, and one stolen base across 216 plate appearances. Baldwin's underlying metrics support his emergence, as he logged elite barrel (18.6%) and hard-hit (53.8%) rates. Atlanta also showed a willingness to use Baldwin as its designated hitter on days when he needed a break from being behind the plate, which keeps his bat in the lineup every day and allows him to maximize plate appearances for fantasy managers. Upon his return, Baldwin profiles as a must-start fantasy catcher across all league formats.--Will Brady
Source: Milb Central

Jun 12, 2026, 2:20 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday has emerged as a key piece of his team's lineup in 2026, hitting .270/.363/.568 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 171 plate appearances. The lefty-swinger has absolutely mashed right-handed pitching this season, logging a 1.019 OPS in 124 plate appearances against righties. He's been less effective against southpaws, but his .703 OPS against left-handers has been good enough for him to move from a platoon to an everyday role in recent weeks. Bleday's 12.8% barrel rate and 47% hard-hit rate are both the best marks of his career, and he has the additional benefit of playing his home games in Cincinnati's hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Bleday profiles as a must-add outfielder across all fantasy formats ahead of a potential breakout season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 12, 2026, 2:15 PM ET

The NFL closed its review of the matter involving free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs and his former chef, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The league said there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a personal-conduct policy violation. Diggs was found not guilty a month ago on charges that he assaulted his private chef during a dispute. The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowler had his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2025 and led the New England Patriots in receiving as they marched to the Super Bowl. Despite his solid year in New England, the Pats released Diggs in the offseason for salary cap reasons, and he remains on the open market. With no potential suspension hanging over his head for the 2026 season, interest in Diggs on the free-agent market should increase as the start of training camps around the league approaches in late July. The Patriots are unlikely to re-sign him, leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens as the most likely landing spots for the 11-year veteran. In dynasty leagues, Diggs isn't a bad buy-low candidate for managers in win-now mode.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Jun 12, 2026, 2:11 PM ET

San Francisco Giants right-hander Ryan Walker has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday ahead of the team's weekend set against the Chicago Cubs. Walker opened 2026 as the Giants' primary closer but was sent down in early May after recording a 6.46 ERA and 1.89 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and three blown saves across his first 15 1/3 innings of the season. The 30-year-old performed much better in Triple-A, logging a 1.93 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with seven strikeouts and one save across 8 1/3 innings (nine games). Upon his return, Walker may be the favorite to eventually reclaim the closer role in San Francisco. The Giants have used a committee approach in the ninth inning since demoting Walker, with right-hander Caleb Kilian currently leading the team with four saves. Despite his recent struggles, Walker has logged 30 saves for the Giants since the start of the 2024 season and could be worth targeting on the waiver wire now that he's back in San Francisco.--Will Brady
Source: San Francisco Giants

Jun 12, 2026, 2:05 PM ET

Brent Key is getting ahead of the game on the recruiting trail. As of Thursday, the sons of SEC coaches Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart both now hold Georgia Tech offers. Knox Kiffin (class of 2028) holds a few power conference offers, and has now added the Yellow Jackets to the mix. Andrew Smart (class of 2030) is just entering his freshman year and has not announced any offers publicly. Key very well may be the first coach to extend an offer to his rival coach's son. As for Kiffin, he currently holds offers from SMU, Washington, California, and Missouri. He has stated that he does not want to play for his father at the college level, making him an intriguing name in the 2028 class.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: Rivals

Jun 12, 2026, 2:05 PM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange said this week that he's being asked to line up in "a lot more positions," but despite the added responsibilities, he feels that his second year in head coach Liam Coen's offense is "a lot less chaotic," per Garry Smits of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal after catching 91 passes on 122 targets for 986 yards and six touchdowns in 43 games (26 starts) for the Jags over his first three years in the NFL. The former second-rounder (61st overall) out of Penn State in 2023 is the team's clear No. 1 pass-catching tight end going into the 2026 season, even though Jacksonville added rookies Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in the NFL draft in April. Strange had career highs across the board in catches (46), targets (60), receiving yards (540), and touchdowns (three) in his 12 regular-season starts a year ago, and even though the offense is expected to feature plenty of two-TE sets this year, his production should improve because of his versatility. In a contract year, Strange could be an excellent value pick in fantasy as a TE2 with upside in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jacksonville Florida Times-Union - Garry Smits

Jun 12, 2026, 1:57 PM ET

Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith was granted a temporary injunction against the NCAA through Pickens County Court, giving him a fifth year of college football eligibility. Smith's initial waiver to the NCAA was denied, leading him to go through the judicial process to gain an extra year of eligibility. Smith spent two years at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Southeast Missouri State in 2024, where he stood out. He recorded 24 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown in his debut season at Clemson in 2025. He is now set to play the 2026 season on a temporary injunction.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: On3

Jun 12, 2026, 1:56 PM ET

New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely, who followed head coach John Harbaugh over from the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, was quarterback Jaxson Dart's "favorite target in open practices this spring," according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. The athletic tight end was dangerous on crossing routes, and his needle is pointing firmly up in fantasy football as the 2026 season nears. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2022 out of Coastal Carolina never had more than 477 yards in his four seasons in Baltimore, but he should be a featured piece of the Giants' offense after he saw a career-low 36 targets in 2025. Duggan writes that the G-Men gave Likely a three-year, $40 million contract based on the projection that he "will thrive" after spending the last four years in Mark Andrews' shadow. We should expect the Giants to "manufacture touches for Likely on screens." RotoBaller has likely ranked as the No. 12 fantasy TE right now, and if receiver Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the season, Likely's role will be even bigger early on.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan

Jun 12, 2026, 1:47 PM ET

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on 92.3 The Fan that "everything is on the table" with regards to quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) this year. "Honestly, the public discourse doesn't really have a factor in terms of how we think about putting together the team or Todd in terms of putting together the best lineup...that really doesn't play a factor into it," Berry said when asked how past comments about the Watson trade play into the future. Watson, who missed all of last season with a twice-torn Achilles tendon, is competing with second-year QB Shedeur Sanders for the starting job in new head coach Todd Monken's offense. Last spring, owner Jimmy Haslam said that the trade for Watson was "a big swing and a miss." The Browns have acknowledged that the trade for the 30-year-old was a disaster after they signed him to a five-year, $230 million deal in March of 2022. Watson has played in just 19 games for the team since he joined them in 2022, but all of that is history now, and Berry isn't ruling anything out, including a potential new deal for the QB as he heads into his final year under contract with the organization. For fantasy purposes, Watson will be a low-end QB2 target in superflex leagues if he wins the job over Sanders. He hasn't played a full season since 2020 with the Houston Texans, and he's completed 61% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his 19 games with Cleveland.--Keith Hernandez
Source: 92.3 The Fan

Jun 12, 2026, 1:39 PM ET

The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that if the Kansas City Chiefs handed out an MVP award for their organized team activities this offseason, the recipient would have been wide receiver Xavier Worthy. And Worthy did it all while wearing a no-contact jersey while in the final stages of his recovery from a torn labrum that he suffered in 2025. "Xavier really had a nice camp," head coach Andy Reid said. The 5-foot-11, 165-pounder and former first-rounder in 2024 added strength in the offseason as part of the process while rehabbing from surgery in January to fix the torn labrum in his shoulder. Newell thinks there are plenty of reasons for optimism around Worthy in 2026 after he caught just 42 passes for 532 yards and one touchdown in 13 games a year ago. The 23-year-old tore his labrum on the first drive of Week 1, and he wasn't the same weapon afterward. Reid admitted in March that the coaches changed Worthy's role late in the year to shield him from further injury. His shoulder is close to 100% and is improving daily. RotoBaller currently has Worthy ranked as the No. 45 WR for 2026, but if Rashee Rice (knee) faces another suspension, his draft stock will receive a huge boost.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell

Jun 12, 2026, 1:27 PM ET

Interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje will try to capture an undisputed title when he takes on former featherweight and current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Saturday. Gaethje was last seen in action in January at UFC 324, where he defeated Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision. Prior to that, Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Gaethje as a massive underdog with a salary of $8,100.--Alen Kurbasic
Source: UFC

Jun 12, 2026, 1:26 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Thursday that there is "absolutely no question" he wants veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield around long term, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Mayfield said just last week that he and the team are "not anywhere close to what we were thinking" as he seeks a new deal going into the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal. The 31-year-old wants a new deal done before the start of training camp at the end of July. If a deal isn't reached by then, Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, plan to shut down negotiations and focus on the 2026 season. If no deal is struck during or after the season, Mayfield would become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Mayfield led Tampa to back-to-back NFC South titles in 2023 and 2024 immediately after Tom Brady retired. The team has gone 27-24 with Mayfield as their starter, and he was a Pro Bowler in both 2023 and 2024 while throwing for over 4,000 yards in both seasons. He took a step back last year, though, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 picks in 17 starts. Mayfield's fantasy stock is down entering his ninth NFL season due to durability concerns and the fact that he lost his top wideout, future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, in free agency. RotoBaller currently has Mayfield ranked as the No. 20 QB for the 2026 campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine

Jun 12, 2026, 1:21 PM ET

Former featherweight and current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is scheduled for his first title defense against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Saturday. Topuria was last seen in action in June at UFC 317, where he became the new lightweight champion by defeating Charles Oliveira via first-round knockout. He is undefeated with an MMA record of 17-0. DraftKings sees Topuria as a massive favorite with a salary of $14,400.--Alen Kurbasic
Source: UFC

Jun 12, 2026, 1:18 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell plans to have quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy compete for the starting job in training camp, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis reports that O'Connell said he "doesn't plan to take the competition until the end of training camp." Over the five practices open to the media in recent weeks, neither Murray nor McCarthy "performed drastically better than the other." Both players split reps evenly. O'Connell suggested both QBs will play in the preseason, but he cautioned against reading too much into circumstances and reps. Murray's "arm talent surfaced early," and McCarthy's "experience in the offense showed itself" in seven-on-seven situations. O'Connell acknowledged the hurdle that Murray faces in "absorbing the most complex scheme of his career in a confined period of time." None of Minnesota's players have hinted at a favorite, but Murray feels like the favorite before the start of training camp, especially when considering McCarthy's injuries and inconsistency as the Vikings' starter a year ago. Right now, Murray is the more attractive low-end QB2 target in best-ball drafts with upside for plenty more because of his scrambling ability if he ends up being named the starter.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis