The first significant waypoint of the 2023 NFL offseason will be crossed at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, when the league’s teams can begin assigning franchise or transition tags, giving each club the opportunity to restrict the departure of a pending free agent.

In a nutshell, the ‘exclusive’ franchise tag is the most lucrative of the one-year tenders, averaging the top current salaries at a given position and preventing a player from negotiating with other clubs. The ‘non-exclusive’ franchise and transition tag tenders have incrementally diluted values, based on positions, but allow players to negotiate elsewhere while giving their current organization the chance to match outside offers. A team signing a franchised player would lose two first-round picks as compensation if his current employer declines to match. No draft compensation switches hands if a transition tag offer goes unmatched. Players tagged in consecutive years are due a 20% raise if it represents a more valuable tender.

NFL franchise tag values

These are the 2023 tag amounts, by position, for the non-exclusive franchise tag, the most commonly used:

► QB: $32.4 million

► RB: $10.1 million

► WR: $19.7 million

► TE: $11.3 million

► OL: $18.2 million

► DE: $19.7 million

► DT: $18.9 million

► LB: $20.9 million

► CB: $18.1 million

► S: $14.5 million

► K/P: $5.4 million

The window to use tags closes March 7. As such, here’s a bit of advice for all 32 teams, listed alphabetically, as they weigh their decisions over the next two weeks (salary-cap projections courtesy of OverTheCap):

Arizona Cardinals

None: Be nice to keep a youngster like DE Zach Allen, but he also may no longer be a scheme fit nor worth what it costs to tag a defensive end given he’s not much of a pass rusher.

Atlanta Falcons

RT Kaleb McGary: Tagging a right tackle is a dicier proposition given the tender basically grants left tackle money. But the Falcons have to strongly consider it in McGary’s case since they have the funds (approximately $57 million), and the 28-year-old former first-rounder is coming off a breakout season when he was graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 right tackle.

Baltimore Ravens

QB Lamar Jackson: They can’t let him go for nothing, right? And they need to bring him back … right? Yet even the tag comes with significant considerations, as the exclusive quarterback version is expected to be significantly more (approximately $45 million) than the standard $32.4 million. Regardless, a tag is the way to go – and the exclusive one is the better option as it show more of a commitment to Jackson and doesn’t put the Ravens in a position of matching a potentially untenable offer … while still giving Baltimore additional time to craft an extension or the alternative of doing a trade if that eventually becomes the most feasible course of action.

Buffalo Bills

LB Tremaine Edmunds: The two-time Pro Bowler won’t turn 25 until May and has been at the center of a defense ranking first or second in points allowed in three of the past four seasons. Still, not exactly simple for a team currently projected to be nearly $17 million over budget.

Carolina Panthers

None: Get used to seeing this – but no one worthy … and no money available anyway.

Chicago Bears

None: They’ve got nearly $100 million to dole out in free agency … and need not waste a dime tagging one of their own after posting the league’s worst record (3-14) in 2022.

Cincinnati Bengals

None: S Jessie Bates III, 26 at the end of February, is a solid player … but not worth paying $15.5 million after he was previously franchised in 2022.

Cleveland Browns

None: They’re $13 million overspent and only own one of the draft’s top 95 picks as they continue paying off the trade for QB Deshaun Watson. This is a team that needs to stretch its budget … once it has one.

Dallas Cowboys

RB Tony Pollard: Despite the broken leg he suffered in the playoffs, the 25-year-old Pro Bowler was probably this team’s most critical – and certainly most explosive – offensive player in 2022. Tagging a back is eminently reasonable, but the capped-out Cowboys will surely have to redo RB Ezekiel Elliott’s deal and/or potentially release longtime LT Tyron Smith.

Detroit Lions

RB Jamaal Williams: A guy who rushed for a team-high 1,066 yards and league-high 17 TDs completely outperformed his two-year, $6 million pact. A tag might seem excessive for a player coming off a career year, yet Williams seems like a glue guy for a crew on the rise despite the fleeting nature of his position.

Denver Broncos

None: Coming off a 5-12 campaign, new head coach Sean Payton should probably start looking for his own guys rather than wasting time trying to keep the ones who failed in 2022.

Green Bay Packers

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway, especially if they wind up having to give QB Aaron Rodgers his $58.3 million bonus.

Houston Texans

None: They’ve got more than $37 million to spend. Their 11 collective wins over the past three seasons are as good an indication as any of why none need be spent on their free agents.

Indianapolis Colts

None: GM Chris Ballard likes to reinvest in his roster … to the degree that’s worked in recent years. But it’s time to rely on the draft and, possibly, outside free agents if Indy is going to re-emerge as a legit factor in the AFC South.

Jacksonville Jaguars

TE Evan Engram: A team that’s nearly $23 million over the cap may not have the luxury of a tag. But if the Jags start moving money around, Engram would be a logical choice coming off a strong second half of the 2022 season – including 12 catches for 124 yards and a TD in postseason. A tight end tag is also much cheaper than doing one for RT Jawaan Taylor … though it is worth noting there will be abundant TE options in the draft.

Kansas City Chiefs

LT Orlando Brown Jr.: Close to a no-brainer, and Brown told USA TODAY Sports after the Super Bowl that he expects to be back and protecting QB Patrick Mahomes’ blind side in 2023. A franchise tag would ensure Brown would make $20 million in 2023 given he was franchised last year.

Las Vegas Raiders

RB Josh Jacobs: Easy to say they goofed by declining his fifth-year option last year given Jacobs erupted to win the rushing title (1,653 yards) in 2022 while also leading the NFL with 2,053 yards from scrimmage and being voted All-Pro for the first time. However franchising Jacobs won’t cost much more than his declined $8 million option for 2023.

Los Angeles Chargers

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway.

Los Angeles Rams

K Matt Gay: One of the league’s more reliable specialists, he also plays a position with by far the least expensive tag.

Miami Dolphins

None: They have to reduce their payroll by $16 million at a time when they only own five draft picks after owner Stephen Ross’ tampering violations led to forfeiture of the Fins’ first-rounder. That means those precious free agent bucks will have to go a long way toward fleshing out the depth chart.

Minnesota Vikings

DL Dalvin Tomlinson: More than $23 million in the red, the NFC North champs can’t afford Tomlinson at the moment. Conversely, a 31st-ranked defense can hardly afford to lose one of its few reliable players.

New England Patriots

None: A team about to have $33 million in spending power is better off looking externally than within to fortify a roster in need of repairs, especially on offense.

New Orleans Saints

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway.

New York Giants

RB Saquon Barkley or QB Daniel Jones: No team has a more intriguing dilemma. And, yes, this is a copout answer, but the G-Men want both players back – so this basically becomes a matter of strategy or simply whether GM Joe Schoen can re-sign one of his offensive stalwarts before March 7 so he can tag the other. On the plus side, Schoen has $47 million at his disposal. Barkley is the better and more-established player, so on one level, it makes sense to secure him with the tag. Yet given the running back salary structure maxes out at $16 million annually – and Barkley wouldn’t necessarily command that much – logic might dictate getting him locked up immediately for the long term and using the tag on Jones. Not only did the quarterback just change agents, he’s only had one stellar NFL season – which is why the Giants declined his fifth-year option last offseason. Nothing wrong with making Jones prove it one more time. And if neither player signs an extension before the tag window closes? It’s hard to believe an insane bidding war would develop for Jones, but given the position he plays – and Barkley’s injury history – the Giants might be compelled to tag their quarterback and hope Barkley re-ups.

New York Jets

None: Bigger fish to fry or a team seeking a veteran quarterback to lead an otherwise playoff-caliber roster to the promised land. The NYJ will need cap space not only for their next QB1 but also if GM Joe Douglas is going to get an extension done for All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams.

Philadelphia Eagles

DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: The NFC champs have a laundry list of free agents, including CB James Bradberry, DT Fletcher Cox, LB T.J. Edwards, DE Brandon Graham, DT Javon Hargrave, C Jason Kelce, RB Miles Sanders and G Isaac Seumalo. But several are well past 30 and most play positions at the high end of the tag’s salary scale. Gardner-Johnson, whom the Eagles list as a safety, wouldn’t cost as much though it’s worth noting (and he might) that he plays slot corner regularly. Only 25, he tied for the league lead with six INTs in 2022 despite missing five games and knows how to get under the skin of opponents.

Pittsburgh Steelers

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway.

San Francisco 49ers

K Robbie Gould: Sure, it’s optimal to keep RT Mike McGlinchey, but no reason to mess around with losing one of the more consistent kickers in league history given the reasonable  cost.

Seattle Seahawks

QB Geno Smith: Be nice to get the league’s 2022 Comeback Player of the Year and first-time Pro Bowler locked in sooner rather than later. But the tag would at least create extra time to get an extension done if Smith and Seattle can’t reach common ground by March 7. And if the Seahawks, who hold the fifth pick of the draft, fall in love with a younger passer? Tags can always be rescinded, too.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway – absolutely none, actually, the Bucs a league-worst $55 million in the cap hole.

Tennessee Titans

None: No one worthy … and no money available anyway.

Washington Commanders

DT Daron Payne: It would be a blow for a third-ranked defense to let go of a young interior pass rusher (Payne is 25) who registered a career-best and team-leading 11½ sacks in 2022.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was not only the American League MVP last season, he was the fantasy one as well after hitting a league-record 62 home runs — 16 more than NL leader Kyle Schwarber. Even if he falls back a bit, Judge should still put up monster numbers … if he stays healthy.

In the National League, good health is also essential for Ronald Acuña Jr., who flirted with a 40-homer, 40-steal season in 2019, but had a torn ACL limit his playing time the past two years. Acuña’s teammate Michael Harris will look to build on his impressive rookie season (.297, 19 HR, 20 SB in 114 games), while Arizona’s top prospect — Corbin Carroll — could potentially do something similar. As a whole, there seem to be more speed sources than power ones in the NL.

Elsewhere in the American League, Julio Rodriguez and Kyle Tucker are rare five-category players who should go in the top six overall. Luis Robert also has that potential if he can play a full season. Among the more interesting sleeper candidates: Eloy Jimenez, Taylor Ward and Riley Greene. The AL seems to offer more overall power than speed in the outfield.

FANTASY RANKINGS:  Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET:  Fantasy baseball position-by-position rankings

Outfield rankings

Aaron Judge, Yankees    AL1Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves    NL1Julio Rodriguez, Mariners    AL2Juan Soto, Padres    NL2Yordan Alvarez, Astros    AL3Kyle Tucker, Astros    AL4Mookie Betts, Dodgers    NL3Mike Trout, Angels    AL5Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres    NL4Michael Harris II, Braves    NL5Luis Robert, White Sox    AL6Randy Arozarena, Rays    AL7Adolis Garcia, Rangers    AL8Cedric Mullins, Orioles    AL9Kyle Schwarber, Phillies    NL6Teoscar Hernandez, Mariners    AL10Daulton Varsho, Diamondbacks    NL7George Springer, Blue Jays    AL11Starling Marte, Mets    NL8Eloy Jimenez, White Sox    AL12Byron Buxton, Twins    AL13Bryan Reynolds, Pirates    NL9Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks    NL10Tyler O’Neill, Cardinals    NL11MJ Melendez, Royals    AL14Jeff McNeil, Mets    NL12Nick Castellanos, Phillies    NL13Anthony Santander, Orioles    AL15Jake McCarthy, Diamondbacks    NL14Taylor Ward, Angels    AL16Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees    AL17Seiya Suzuki, Cubs    NL15Brandon Nimmo, Mets    NL16Ian Happ, Cubs    NL17Steven Kwan, Guardians    AL18Kris Bryant, Rockies    NL18Alex Verdugo, Red Sox    AL19Andrew Vaughn, White Sox    AL20Harrison Bader, Yankees    AL21Cody Bellinger, Cubs    NL19Christian Yelich, Brewers    NL20Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays    AL22Hunter Renfroe, Angels    AL23Lourdes Gurriel, Diamondbacks    NL21Mitch Haniger, Giants    NL22Riley Greene, Tigers    AL24Ramon Laureano, A’s    AL25Oscar Gonzalez, Guardians    AL26Andrew Benintendi, White Sox    AL27Austin Hays, Orioles    AL28Wil Myers, Reds    NL23Manuel Margot, Rays    AL29Masataka Yoshida, Red Sox    AL30Brandon Marsh, Phillies    NL24Joey Meneses, Nationals    NL25Jesse Winker, Brewers    NL26Trent Grisham, Padres    NL27Dylan Carlson, Cardinals    NL28Michael Conforto, Giants    NL29Esteury Ruiz, A’s    AL31Max Kepler, Twins    AL32Michael Brantley, Astros    AL33Joc Pederson, Giants    NL30Joey Gallo, Twins    AL34Mark Canha, Mets    NL31Randal Grichuk, Rockies    NL32Adam Duvall, Red Sox    AL35Oscar Colas, White Sox    AL36Enrique Hernandez, Red Sox    AL37Seth Brown, A’s    AL38Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals    NL33Gavin Lux, Dodgers    NL34Leody Taveras, Rangers    AL39Trey Mancini, Cubs    NL35Edward Olivares, Royals    AL40Charlie Blackmon, Rockies    NL36Andrew McCutchen, Pirates    NL37Lane Thomas, Nationals    NL38Austin Meadows, Tigers    AL41Tommy Pham, Mets    NL39Brendan Donovan, Cardinals    NL40Chris Taylor, Dodgers    NL41Chas McCormick, Astros    AL42Bryan De La Cruz, Marlins    NL42Tony Kemp, A’s    AL43Jurickson Profar, free agentJake Fraley, Reds    NL43A.J. Pollock, Mariners    AL44Tyrone Taylor, Brewers    NL44Mike Yastrzemski, Giants    NL45Avisail Garcia, Marlins    NL46T.J. Friedl, Reds    NL47Nolan Jones, Rockies    NL48Marcell Ozuna, Braves    NL49Akil Baddoo, Tigers    AL45Alex Kirilloff, Twins    AL46Oswaldo Cabrera, Yankees    AL47Jorge Soler, Marlins    NL50Bubba Thompson, Rangers    AL48Juan Yepez, Cardinals    NL51

Novak Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, has asked the United States for entry into the country so he can play in tournaments in Florida and California.

The top-ranked Serbian tennis star wants to play in Masters 1000 events, such as the Indian Wells tournament in California, set to start March 6, and the Miami Open, which begins March 20. 

The Transportation Security Administration requires foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated against the disease. That mandate will be in place through at least mid-April, according to TSA.

“Everything is currently in the process,” Djokovic said Wednesday in Belgrade. “I have a big desire to be there.

“I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly, and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia before the 2022 tournament, but was allowed to play this year, winning the title by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. 

When the travel update is lifted, Djokovic would be allowed to play in the U.S. Open, starting in late August. 

The NBA All-Star Game is a wrap and the final quarter of the regular season is set to tip off Thursday but some things never change.

Reigniting a debate about the Old-School versus New School, former Atlanta Hawks legend and Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins took ESPN analyst JJ Redick to task over comments about Larry Bird’s three-point shooting when compared to contemporary players like Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Bird is widely considered to be one of the best all-around shooters in NBA history, a point Redick did not dispute, but challenged Bird’s merits beyond the arc on the issue of volume.

Here’s everything you need to know about the debate.

How did the debate start?

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During a Feb. 15 episode of ‘First Take,’ Redick and Chris Russo were comparing Bird’s numbers to Curry’s.

‘It’s just math,’ Redick said. ‘It’s attempts, it’s makes and it’s percentage. And there’s no way you could ever argue Larry Bird is a top three-point shooter of all-time. You can’t make that argument. He’s one of the best shooters ever.

‘There’s plenty of people that have shot more, made more and — guess what — made more at a higher percentage than Larry Bird from three. I’m not saying Larry Bird is not one of the greatest shooters ever. He’s not one of the greatest three-point shooters ever. You cannot make that argument.’

When Russo raised an argument that play in the 1980s had more ‘physicality,’ Redick responded: ‘Can we get off this physicality thing? Come on, man.’

How did Dominique Wilkins respond?

In an appearance Tuesday on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Wilkins didn’t hold back when asked about Redick’s comments.

“First of all, Redick don’t know what the hell he’s talking about,’ Wilkins said. ‘I’m like, what basketball was you watching? To say something as idiotic as that is ridiculous. The physicality that was a part of the league. Hey, look, when you you can put your hand on a guy’s hip and make him go a certain way, and you can put your elbow in his chest a guy to slow him up  — there’s not that many guys that can deal with that type of pressure. For JJ Redick, who played this game, I’m very disappointed that he said something so stupid.

‘This is the thing I hate the most: we had our time, it was a great time. It’s their time now. But don’t crap on us to prove your point,’ Wilkins continued. ‘It doesn’t make sense and it’s not valid. … I just don’t like the disrespect. To say that about Larry Bird — less physicality — is (Redick) stupid? It’s just a stupid comment to make. It’s got nothing to do with Steph Curry or Larry, it’s the content. He should know better than that.’

What were Larry Bird’s stats from three-point range when compared to contemporary players?

For his career, Bird averaged 0.7 three-point baskets per game, on an average of 1.9 attempts per game and shot 37.6% beyond the arc. Bird’s career high in three-point conversions is 1.3 per game (in 1987-88 and 1990-91) and his career high in attempts is 3.3 (in 1990-91).

The interesting thing to note is that Bird’s career fell during a liminal stage in the NBA, as the three-point shot became more prominent. For example, Bird actually led the NBA in three-point makes in the 1986-87 season with 90 and he ranked fifth in attempts with 225. By the 1990-91 season, Bird ranked 14th in the NBA with 77 threes, but that season’s leader, Vernon Maxwell, made 172 such shots; the league leader in three-point attempts that season, Michael Adams, attempted 564 three pointers.

By comparison, Curry’s career high in three-point shots (402) and attempts (886) came in 2015-16. The 402 conversions are the current NBA single-season record.

The 2023 MLS season is right around the corner and some of soccer’s top talents have been waiting patiently to compete on the pitch.

Which player will take home the league’s top individual award and hoist the Landon Donovan MVP Award when the season ends? Will a former winner, such as Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar or Carlos Vela, win again? Or will someone like Austin FC’s Sebastian Driussi win it for the first time?

Here are a few of the most intriguing players who could be this year’s MLS MVP, complete with betting odds for each candidate.

Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC

The German midfielder — and reigning MVP — is Tipico Sportsbook’s favorite to take home the honors at +500, a testament to Mukhtar’s scoring ability and impact on a playoff-contending team.

Mukhtar had 34 goal contributions (23 goals, 11 assists), a mark that was good for fifth-most in a single MLS season. The 27-year-old accounted for 65.4% of Nashville’s goals last season, according to MLS’ official website.

And while Muktar may have his sights set on an MLS Cup title in 2023, he may end up back in the MVP conversation if he keeps up his production.

Sebastian Driussi, Austin FC

Driussi is fresh off signing a new contract extension and is looking to improve on his 22-goal output from 2022.

The Argentine midfielder was a finalist for the MVP award last season and is one of the favorites to return to consideration in 2023. And after rumors that Driussi may depart MLS for the English Premier League, the 27-year-old is committed to Austin FC, a Western Conference finalist last season, through at least 2025.

Can Driussi take his game to the next level and claim the MVP this season?

Carlos Vela, Los Angeles FC

The LAFC captain and 2019 MVP, on the heels of a 2022 MLS Cup win, is hungry for more hardware and should put other players on notice when it comes to MVP contention.

He told the MLS’ official website he wants ‘maybe one more, two more’ championships before he retires. Could that desire fuel enough production for Vela to win the league’s most prestigious individual award for a second time?

We expect LAFC to stay in contention for the MLS Cup. Should we expect the same for Vela and the MVP?

Daniel Gazdag, Philadelphia Union

From the defending MLS Cup champions to the runner-ups, Gazdag is looking to make a mark both individually and from a team standpoint in 2023.

Gazdag finished just one goal behind Mukhtar last season and inked a fresh deal in the offseason to remain in Philadelphia.

The 26-year-old, who has also been productive playing internationally for Hungary, is regarded as one of the league’s top two-way players and could take the Union to a new level in 2023.

Josef Martinez, Inter Miami CF

It’s a brand new start for Martinez, who after six seasons with Atlanta United joined Inter Miami on a new contract.

Of course, it’ll take a lot of work for Martinez to close the gap. But with a new team and renewed motivation, Martinez might just mess around and a win MVP in 2023.

2023 MLS MVP odds, betting favorites

Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC +500

Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati +550

Brandon Vazquez, FC Cincinnati +550

Sebastian Driussi, Austin FC +600

Carles Gil, New England Revolution +750

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, LA Galaxy +750

Daniel Gazdag, Philadelphia Union +900

Carlos Vela, Los Angeles FC +1200

Talles Magno, New York City FC +1200

Diego Fagundez, Austin FC +1500

Romell Quioto, CF Montréal +1500

Brenner Da Silva, FC Cincinnati +1500

Thiago Almada, Atlanta United +1500

Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC +1500

Diego Rubio, Colorado Rapids +2000

Jeremy Ebobisse, San Jose Earthquakes +2000

Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas +2000

Julian Carranza, Philadelphia Union  +2000

Lucas Zelarayan, Columbus Crew +3000

Emanuel Reynoso, Minnesota United +3000

Cucho Hernandez, Columbus Crew +3000

Josef Martinez, Inter Miami CF +4000

Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC +4000

Lewis Morgan, New York Red Bulls +5000

Kei Kamara, CF Montréal +6000

Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC +6000

Alan Velasco, FC Dallas +7000

Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire +8000

Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy +10000

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Former college coach Willie Taggart is on his way to the NFL sidelines.

The Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday hired the longtime college coach as their running backs coach. Tee Martin was also named the team’s quarterbacks coach, moving over from his role coaching wide receivers.

Taggart is a former head coach at Florida State, Oregon, Western Kentucky, South Florida and Florida Atlantic. He was relieved of his duties at Florida Atlantic last November. He compiled a 71-80 overall record in 13 years as a college head coach.

The 46-year-old has previous ties with the Harbaugh family. He was the running backs coach for three seasons at Stanford (2007-09) under Jim Harbaugh, Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s brother. Taggart was also the starting quarterback for Harbaugh’s father, Jack Harbaugh, at Western Kentucky from 1994-98.

‘We are excited to welcome Willie to the Ravens as our running backs coach,’ John hHarbaugh said in a statement. ‘Willie has been a highly successful and respected college assistant and head coach. He has a proven track record for developing players as a position coach, as an offensive coordinator and as a head coach. A leader and a highly effective motivator, Willie’s reputation for building strong relationships with his players and fellow coaches will serve our offense well moving forward.’

Taggart joins a Baltimore franchise that’s finished in the top five in rushing in each of the past five seasons. Although, the Ravens have massive questions to address concerning their running game. Dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens haven’t been able to agree on a long-term deal. If the two sides aren’t able to reach a contract extension, the Ravens are expected to put the franchise tag on the 2019 NFL MVP. Additionally, Ravens top running back J.K. Dobbins is entering the final year of his contract.

The Ravens running backs coach job is Taggart’s first NFL coaching position.

Martin takes over the quarterbacks coach role after coaching the team’s receivers for the last two years. A former standout quarterback at Tennessee, Martin coached as an assistant in the college ranks for 15 years before making the jump to the NFL with the Ravens.

‘I am excited for Tee to take on the responsibility of being our quarterbacks coach,’ Harbaugh said. ‘Tee has coached every aspect of the passing game and has played and coached the quarterback position at the highest levels. A dynamic and dedicated coach, he is a high-character individual who is uniquely qualified to build upon the foundation and success of our quarterbacks.’

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.

All eyes will be on the Masters in April. It will be the first time this season that LIV Golf Series golfers will tee up alongside PGA Tour golfers.  

LIV golfers recently got clearance to enter the Masters. August National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley extended invitations to 17 LIV golfers.  

‘We will invite those eligible under our current criteria to compete in the 2023 Masters Tournament,’ Ridley said in a statement, via The Palm Beach Post. ‘Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it. Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April.’

Here is everything to know about LIV golfers joining the 2023 Masters:

Tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour

LIV Golf is financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and poached several golfers in recent years. Top golfers, such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, defected from the PGA Tour to join the upstart league.

The division has impacted many PGA Tour tournaments. However, the majors have decided to welcome LIV golfers. The Masters is the latest to follow suit after LIV golfers competed in the 2022 U.S. Open and British Open last year.

When is the 2023 Masters?

The 2023 Masters begins April 6 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Scottie Scheffler won the 2022 tournament with three stroke victory over Rory McIlroy.

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Which LIV golfers received invitation to the Masters?

The Masters invited 17 LIV golfers to the annual tournament. The group includes former Masters winners Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson among others. Here is the complete list of LIV golfers invited:

Abraham AncerBryson DeChambeauSergio GarciaTalor GoochDustin JohnsonBrooks KoepkaJason KokrakPhil MickelsonKevin NaJoaquin NiemannLouis OosthuizenThomas PietersPatrick ReedCharl SchwartzelCameron SmithHarold VarnerBubba Watson

LIV golfers who have won the Masters

There are six LIV golfers that have won the Masters in their careers. Dustin Johnson is the last winner among the LIV Golf contingent. Johnson won in 2020 after setting a tournament record at 20 strokes under par.

Other winners include Patrick Reed (2018), Sergio Garcia (2017) and Charl Schawartzel (2011). Meanwhile, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson have won the Masters multiple times. Watson is a two-time winner (2012, 2014) and Mickelson has won three times (2004, 2006, 2010) in his career.

Will LIV Golf have access to the Masters Champions Dinner?

According to the Palm Beach Post, LIV golfers that previously won the Masters will have a spot at the Champions Dinner. The special celebration, which began in 1952, occurs the Tuesday night before the opening round and the defending champion will choose the menu.

Former Arkansas star and NFL standout Peyton Hillis took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to post his first public comments following a multiweek hospital stay in the wake of a swimming incident and said he expects to make a ‘100% recovery.’

‘I just wanted to come on here and thank everyone for all the prayers and love ya’ll have given me. It’s really made all the difference,’ Hillis wrote. 

Hillis thanked his family, the staff at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida  – he was released from the hospital in mid-January – and ‘everyone who helped save my life.’ He noted he’d been largely silent ‘because I’d like to keep my family out of the public eye because it was a very traumatic time for us.’ 

Hillis’ hospital stay came after he reportedly rescued members of his family from the ocean off the coast of Pensacola. He required a ventilator, which he was taken off on Jan. 12. 

‘I left the hospital with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery. I’m a very lucky and blessed man,’ Hillis wrote. 

The 37-year-old spent seven seasons in the NFL after he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL draft. He rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Cleveland Browns in 2010, a performance that landed him on the cover of ‘Madden NFL 12.’ 

Carlos Beltrán is back with the New York Mets. It’s a full-circle moment that even he didn’t think was possible after his previous stint.

‘No chance,’ Beltrán told reporters when discussing the mere possibility of his Mets return. ‘That’s how the world goes around.’

Beltrán, 45, was named the Mets manager in 2019. However, he never officially managed a game after being the only player cited in Major League Baseball’s investigation into the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal during the 2017 season.

The Mets fired him after three months on the job. Now, Beltrán will serve as a special assistant to Mets general manager Billy Eppler.

‘The job is going to allow me to be around prospects and the guys on the big-league level,’ Beltrán said. ‘My job is to help anywhere that I can.’

Beltrán will work with a talented roster that includes shortstop and fellow Puerto Rico native Francisco Lindor. Lindor told MLB.com that having Beltrán in the clubhouse is a “huge asset” for the organization.

‘He’s someone that the game needs,’ Lindor said.

Beltrán brings a wealth of experience. He spent six-plus seasons of his 20-year playing career with the organization and made nine total All-Star appearances. He batted .280 and hit 149 homers during his Mets tenure. Beltrán also won three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers with the organization.

The Mets finished 101-61 last season.  

‘When this opportunity came, it was a no-brainer for me to say yes, to be back, to be around,’ Beltrán said. ‘This organization is part of who I am.’

Beltrán admitted he needed to reflect on his initial manager stint with the Mets. He is motivated to be a resource in his new role.

Still, he didn’t rule out a possible chance to earn a managerial job in the future.

‘At this point, I’m thinking about what I have to do for the organization, and what are the things that Billy wants me to do for him and for the team?’ Beltrán said. ‘You can never say no when you love the game, and you love being around guys and you can impact players and make players’ careers better. At this point, I’m OK where I am. But later on, I don’t know.’

The Mets open their spring training slate against the Astros on Feb. 25. Their 2023 season begins on March 30 with a road series against the Miami Marlins.