The NFL trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 4, and plenty of teams have glaring needs.
Pulling together a deal for a marquee contributor, however, could be difficult given that this looks like a sellers’ market.
Contenders like the Patriots and Eagles could stand to add some top-tier talent, if any becomes available.

Let’s make a deal. Maybe.

NFL teams are down to their final week of the year to make a trade before this season’s deadline expires at 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 4.

This year is probably a prime example of why the league should consider pushing the cutoff at least one more week, which would coincide with the start of the season’s second half. Because in a model designed to foster parity, the 2025 campaign has certainly delivered – 17 teams currently at .500 or better (including a whopping 10 above .700) with another four within a game of being level. Three other teams (Baltimore, Cincinnati, Washington) are all dealing with injuries but have certainly shown they have sufficient ability already in-house to make a run.

What does all of that mean? It should be a sellers’ market for the seven or so clubs that appear fully out of it, while everyone else has to determine how aggressive they want to be … if they should be at all.

Week 8 didn’t really manage to separate any more chaff from the wheat, but perhaps Week 9 will. Barring that, here are the needs all 32 teams, which are listed alphabetically, should consider as the deadline draws ever closer (salary cap figures courtesy of OverTheCap):

Arizona Cardinals

Where they are: Losers of five in a row, they’re just trying to get back onto the periphery of the playoff chase.

What do they need to do? Get more from alleged stars like QB Kyler Murray and WR Marvin Harrison Jr. But until the Cards start enjoying better production from their core players, little reason searching for quick fixes from the outside. And if GM Monti Ossenfort is compelled to sell, he might try to export veteran linemen like Calais Campbell (maybe back to Baltimore or on to Buffalo?) and Kelvin Beachum into situations where they might get a chance to compete for the rings that have eluded both.

Atlanta Falcons

Where they are: If it’s not quite free fall − yet − but a crash and burn could be coming, the Dirty Birds already closer to the bottom of the NFC South than the top. Not only are the spiraling Falcons losing games they should win, they’re poorly positioned to participate in this year’s market.

What do they need to do? Maybe pray to the football gods. Sunday’s embarrassing loss to Miami not only sent a broadside into ATL’s playoff hopes, it did the opposite of creating any demand around exorbitantly expensive QB2 Kirk Cousins – not that there was ever going to be much barring another club suffering a quarterbacking catastrophe. OLB Arnold Ebiketie has been rumored as a player Atlanta might move, though hard to figure why any other teams would want a former second-rounder who could never establish himself as anything more than a role player here. Starting to seem like the Falcons could be making more noise around Black Monday than on Election Day.

Baltimore Ravens

Where they are: Do Ravens rise from ashes? In this case, just maybe. Sunday’s win allowed the two-time-defending AFC North champs to pick up a game on the rest of a fairly uninspiring division. And with QB Lamar Jackson set to finally return from his hamstring injury Thursday night in Miami, this hyper-talented club could finally be ready to take flight.

What do they need to do? Go for it. Barring a season-ending injury to Jackson, it would be silly to trade TE Mark Andrews. Conversely, if the Ravens, who already acquired S Alohi Gilman earlier this month, want to harness their massive potential, they need to remain aggressive. Going after someone like the Jets’ Quinnen Williams pushes the bounds of deadline realism – especially since Jackson and Pro Bowl C Tyler Linderbaum need new contracts in 2026 – but Baltimore’s weakened front seven could use help given Pro Bowl DL Nnamdi Madubuike isn’t coming back this season.

Buffalo Bills

Where they are: In an unexpected dogfight to win their sixth straight AFC East title … and, they hope, more beyond that.

What do they need to do? They have all of $2.5 million in the salary cap slush fund, which severely limits their capacity to take on a veteran contract without having to restructure some of their own. Yet with the league’s second-worst run defense losing DT Ed Oliver indefinitely to biceps surgery, it’s pretty obvious where the priority should be if GM Brandon Beane is able to execute anything (and they’re fine at wide receiver for you remaining naysayers).

Carolina Panthers

Where they are: Inconsistent yet still relevant, which nevertheless feels like progress in Charlotte.

What do they need to do? While their defense has been markedly better than last year’s historically bad unit, it feels like it could use more help – especially the front seven. The offensive line was full of backups by the end of Sunday’s loss to Buffalo. Still, this doesn’t feel like the time that GM Dan Morgan should start making bold maneuvers – only ones that potentially assuage short-term gaps at very low cost.

Chicago Bears

Where they are: In the thick of the NFC playoff race, quite capable of qualifying for postseason for the first time since 2020.

What do they need to do? Maybe leave well enough alone? After retooling their offensive line recently, the running game has taken off and is nicely complementing an opportunistic defense − one that just added DB C. J. Gardner-Johnson, a guy known to make an impact (one way or another) off the street. As rookie HC Ben Johnson continues to exert his influence and philosophy on his charges, probably no need to make more drastic changes midstream as the Bears continue to find out who they are and who they want to be.

Cincinnati Bengals

Where they are: At the precipice. Credit the Bengals for recognizing backup QB Jake Browning wasn’t going to sustain them during injured Joe Burrow’s absence and obtaining graybeard Joe Flacco from Cleveland to fill in. Cincinnati’s mistake was not asking for the Browns defense, too. It’s only one game, but Sunday’s 39-38 loss to the previously winless Jets could actually be the death knell for the Stripes, who are about to encounter far better opponents.

What do they need to do? Lose to the Bears on Sunday, and it’s time to aggressively shop DE Trey Hendrickson, who has very little reason to re-sign with this team in March. Though he’s battling a hip injury at the moment, the 2024 league sack champion could realistically fetch a Day 2 draft pick, particularly for a savvy contender playing a longer game – say the Eagles or Patriots. There’s also little reason at this point to not seek takers for CB Cam Taylor-Britt, who’s also unsigned beyond this year.

Cleveland Browns

Where they are: Keeping it a buck, they’re self-scouting ahead of what could be another seismic draft in 2026 after the Browns appeared to hit it out of the park this year − even if a talented crop of rookie position players have managed to help this group to just two wins so far.

What do they need to do? Yeah, it’s too bad DE Myles Garrett’s talent is languishing here, but no one forced him – after he requested a trade earlier this year – to sign a four-year, $160 million extension, one that will carry cap implications tying him to the franchise for years to come. To a lesser extent, the same is true of WR Jerry Jeudy. But the Browns do have nice pieces that should be available, namely veterans like TE David Njoku and RB Jerome Ford. It would also be interesting if aging interior O-linemen like Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and/or Ethan Pocic would be willing to move on given they’re all north of 30 and on expiring deals.

Dallas Cowboys

Where they are: Nearly break even, baby, at 3-4-1 – certainly not a juncture that will prevent owner Jerry Jones from fueling speculation he could sign off on one of his patented deals – whether or not it’s a good one or even one that dips into his Micah Parsons windfall.

What do they need to do? This Parsons-less defense is dreadful, especially up the middle at every level. Jones has the cap wherewithal (an NFC-high $31 million) and draft assets to go small- or big-game hunting, it just remains to be seen whether or not he actually will or should – especially given he has a few injured players, namely LB DeMarvion Overshown and rookie CB Shavon Revel Jr., who could return soon. Regardless, a pass rusher on the order of Hendrickson or Jaelan Phillips could have a profound effect here – if Jones really decides it’s worth anteing up for this year’s team.

Denver Broncos

Where they are: Atop a hyper-competitive AFC West, though the Chiefs and Chargers are only a game back.

What do they need to do? Coach Sean Payton’s track record doesn’t suggest he’ll do major tinkering to a team on a roll – aside from demanding more consistency from second-year QB Bo Nix. However Payton should know after next Sunday if they need some kind of Band-Aid for however long reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II is out.

Detroit Lions

Where they are: Since a rough opening day, they’ve generally looked like Dan Campbell’s Lions, new coordinators or not, and are currently a half-game off the Packers’ NFC North pace.

What do they need to do? A year after essentially being undone by defensive injuries, they’re dealing with another flurry of them. Practically, with more than $25 million at his disposal, GM Brad Holmes should strongly consider getting more depth for his secondary. Fancifully? Sure would be nice to get another edge rusher to take advantage of the double teams DE Aidan Hutchinson draws.

Green Bay Packers

Where they are: Riding a three-game heater that’s pushed them atop the NFC heap. Thank you, Parsons and Jordan Love … and Jerry Jones.

What do they need to do? Hold their water. The Pack’s collective health is improving, and they should get WRs Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks back to rejoin recently returned Christian Watson. The offensive line has been beaten up along the way this season, so it wouldn’t hurt to add depth there … not that the league tends to have extra serviceable blockers just lying around.

Houston Texans

Where they are: The reigning AFC South champs are mired in third place, yet are only a game-and-a-half out of the AFC’s final wild-card spot entering Week 9. Defensively, they’re locked in with what’s currently the league’s top-ranked unit. Offensively, they’ve begun to figure things out over the past month.

What do they need to do? Probably let injured WR Nico Collins (concussion) get back onto the field and basically stay the course. Even a middling running game has come alive in recent weeks, so suggesting GM Nick Caserio should make a move for the sake of it seems silly.

Indianapolis Colts

Where they are: At 7-1, they own the league’s best record, though five of those victories have come against teams with two or fewer wins.

What do they need to do? If it ain’t broke, particularly given GM Chris Ballard’s general reluctance to pounce on outside players … and the meager $3+ million in his cap bank? But you can imagine that he’s talked to DC Lou Anarumo given some of his former players in Cincinnati (Hendrickson, Taylor-Britt, LB Logan Wilson) might be of use for a vastly improved, though still 24th-ranked defense … albeit one that’s allowing the sixth-fewest points per game.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Where they are: It’s been up and down, but a 4-3 record still represents a solid start under rookie HC Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone, the latter still tinkering with the roster – including a recent trade for Browns CB Greg Newsome II in an ongoing bid to find players who better fit their new schemes.

What do they need to do? While the defense could probably use more TLC, notably the secondary, a team that already spent next year’s first-rounder on CB/WR Travis Hunter probably doesn’t want to spend too much more draft capital at this point – especially if Hunter continues growing into his multiple roles.

Kansas City Chiefs

Where they are: After winning five of six, they’re pretty much in their customary spot for the past decade-plus – right in the thick of the title mix.

What do they need to do? Despite the return of WR Rashee Rice, they’re actually still not at full strength, the knee injury to RB Isiah Pacheco the latest obstacle. And while it’s unwise to ever count out the possibility of HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach pulling off a stunner, hard to envision a scenario where K.C. lands a Breece Hall or certainly a pricey star like Hendrickson.

Las Vegas Raiders

Where they are: Still looking (way) up at the rest of the AFC West.

What do they need to do? After signing WR Tyler Lockett this week – as coach Pete Carroll continues collecting over-the-hill Seahawks – it’s definitely high time to grant WR Jakobi Meyers’ trade request to leave, unless the Silver and Black just want to wait for the compensatory pick he’ll probably generate – eventually – whenever he signs with another team next year. And while it makes a ton of sense logically to field offers for DE Maxx Crosby, the emotional bonds between him and the organization remain … for now.

Los Angeles Chargers

Where they are: Like the Chiefs, one game back of the Broncos in the AFC West, though currently projected as a wild-card entry.

What do they need to do? Get closer to full strength, an issue that historically seems to plague this team like few others. However LT Joe Alt is back, and RB Omarion Hampton will be eligible to return from injured reserve as early as next week. It should also be noted that only the Bills have less cap space than the Chargers’ $2.9 million – though that would be sufficient to target an experienced backup quarterback, something the Bolts currently don’t have, such as the Giants’ Russell Wilson or even (gasp!) the Raiders’ Kenny Pickett.

Los Angeles Rams

Where they are: Kicking over every rock even as they sit tied with Seattle for first place in the NFC West.

What do they need to do? Probably not much, though you can bet GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay won’t rest on their laurels. Monday’s trade with Tennessee for CB Roger McCreary smacked more of long-term contingency planning than any sort of desperation. Any subsequent moves would surely be of a similar ilk.

Miami Dolphins

Where they are: Seemingly on the verge of (belatedly?) blowing it all up, even if coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier make it to the end of the season.

What do they need to do? Assess any offers (obviously), though given QB Tua Tagovailoa is effectively tied to the team through next season, eating a ton of money to offload his prime target, WR Jaylen Waddle, would surely require quite a hefty bounty. The obvious move is to dangle LB Jaelan Phillips, a talented player on an expiring contract. Fellow pass rushers Bradley Chubb (contract) and Matt Judon (age) seem more problematic to move.

Minnesota Vikings

Where they are: In a weird spot. While obviously talented, the Vikes are currently in the NFC North cellar, and QB2 Carson Wentz’s shoulder injury now compels them to go back to starter J.J. McCarthy, though that was always the plan whenever his high ankle sprain healed.

What do they need to do? This organization was very intentional about heavily resourcing the roster around McCarthy in order to give him the best chance to succeed – despite the second guessing that’s grown louder regarding the decisions not to re-sign 2024 QBs Sam Darnold and/or Daniel Jones. While there’s probably little point in taking a big swing now, maybe GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should call Cleveland about veteran OT Cam Robinson, who helped the Vikes while coming over at midseason last year. A decimated O-line has probably been this team’s biggest issue aside from the instability behind center.

New England Patriots

Where they are: On track for their first AFC East crown since Tom Brady last served as their quarterback in 2019, and maybe even a No. 1 playoff seed. And with, by far, the most available cap space (approximately $54 million), the Pats easily have the financial bandwidth to make a significant move, or even multiple ones.

What do they need to do? Strongly maintaining an aggressive tack, similar to their free agency strategy earlier this year, given QB Drake Maye still can’t even broach a new contract until 2027. If Hendrickson is in play, the Pats need to strike – especially given they’re in position to immediately offer him a deserved extension Cincinnati never granted. Offensive line help/depth should also be something of a priority, especially given how rookie LT Will Campbell struggled mightily to safeguard Maye on Sunday. And after agreeing to trade DE Keion White and S Kyle Dugger on Tuesday – neither were starters – New England now has even more ammo if and when it moves into acquisition mode.

New Orleans Saints

Where they are: Going nowhere fast, currently in position to pick first overall in the 2026 draft – where they could take their first Round 1 passer since Archie Manning … in 1971. The Saints are also poised to shake up the league to a degree if they choose to begin a roster overhaul now.

What do they need to do? GM Mickey Loomis should at least be doing all he can to create interest around WR Chris Olave, who seems like he could be just about the most prominent player on the move given his talent and ability to be a long-term building block elsewhere – if Loomis thinks he’s more valuable as a commodity than as a cornerstone who will soon require an extension paying north of $30 million annually. CB Alontae Taylor, who’s also nearing the end of his rookie contract, is in a similar category. Barring that, deep-strike WR Rashid Shaheed, who seems to go 50 yards any time he gets his hands on the ball, should be available at a far more palatable asking price. On the wizened veteran front, LB Demario Davis would be easier to move contractually than RB Alvin Kamara, though the latter seemingly has no interest in leaving the Big Easy anyway.

New York Giants

Where they are: In last place and leaking oil as budding offensive stars like WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo are waylaid by season-ending injuries.

What do they need to do? The Giants should certainly consider any and all offers for players like WR Wan’Dale Robinson or certainly one of their backup quarterbacks (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston). But they also must be careful not to undermine themselves to the degree any potential depletion begins stunting the development of QB Jaxson Dart. Fourth-year OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux apparently isn’t going anywhere.

New York Jets

Where they are: They had an electrifying first win Sunday, but they’re obviously not in contention. However they’re off in Week 9, which gives GM Darren Mougey a nice interlude to focus on potential negotiations without necessarily having to pull the trigger on anything before he’s ready.

What do they need to do? Decide who they are and want to be – and whether that means players like RB Breece Hall, OLB Jermaine Johnson, slot CB Michael Carter II or even Pro Bowl DT Quinnen Williams − hard as it is to imagine he’d get moved − are long-term building blocks here. Or not. The market for Hall, who’s coming off a spectacular game at Cincinnati but isn’t signed beyond this season, might never be better – though he could be franchised on the less cost-prohibitive running back tag next year. The same may not necessarily be true for Johnson, who’s only a year out from an Achilles tear and not yet back to his 2023 Pro Bowl form. Carter could be tougher to deal given his base salary approaches $10 million each of the next two seasons, while a player of Williams’ caliber would require an outlandishly hefty return.

Rookie coach Aaron Glenn is preaching the same things his former boss, Dan Campbell, did in Detroit – running the ball, grit and relentless effort. But even he didn’t get the Lions off the ground until Year 2, and Campbell had an answer at quarterback, something the Jets apparently don’t. Mougey should accept kicking tees for any inquiries made about WR Allen Lazard or Williams’ brother, LB Quincy Williams.

Philadelphia Eagles

Where they are: The drama kinda reminds you of the ill-fated 2023 squad. The talent certainly reminds you of the 2022 and ’24 teams that reached the Super Bowl, last year’s championship edition certainly among the five best teams of this century.

What do they need to do? Doesn’t seem like they’ll be moving enigmatic WR A.J. Brown – and it certainly would be hard to replace a player who was so intrinsic to the success of Philly’s recent Super Bowl squads, especially on the fly. EVP/GM Howie Roseman has seemingly been in the pass rush market for months, and it stands to reason that the return of DE Brandon Graham, 37, will only go so far. Roseman is certainly known for his ability to pull off a Hendrickson-level transaction on the sly – and at reasonable cost. Yet he could also use another DB or maybe target an interior O-lineman like one of the Browns’ vets or even, say, Titans G Kevin Zeitler. Maybe the talented Eagles can stand pat and be fine. But kinda feels like they might need to make a tweak or two, if even on the order of Roseman’s deft September trade for Jags RB Tank Bigsby.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Where they are: Treading water, though the sharks (meaning Ravens) could be circling soon.

What do they need to do? A horrid pass defense was further crippled by the injury to S DeShon Elliott, though GM Omar Khan pried Dugger loose on Tuesday. A plodding offense that lacks much explosiveness beyond WR DK Metcalf might have found something in second-year WR Roman Wilson and just signed deep strike veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who played with QB Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Given a relative dearth of cap space, it would make sense if Khan sticks to street free agents rather than pricier trade targets moving forward.

San Francisco 49ers

Where they are: Also trying to tread water despite the seemingly mortal blows suffered by the defense.

What do they need to do? Apparently aggressively patchwork things as best they can, GM John Lynch importing White from New England on Tuesday rather than remaining complacent – though he knows better than anyone that there’s no replacing injured stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. But expect Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan to assess further opportunities – though, at the end of the day, the offense will have to kick it up a notch or two and carry a team that will likely have to simply try and get by on D.

Seattle Seahawks

Where they are: Kicking over every rock even as they sit tied with the Rams for first place in the NFC West.

What do they need to do? Like Snead, his counterpart in LA, expect GM John Schneider to be selectively proactive. Another weapon for this defense would help. So, too, seemingly would another interior blocker. But the ‘Hawks are in a good place, though they could be ready to move on from CB Riq Woolen, an exceptional athlete who seems like he’d help another secondary more given he appears to be square peg in this one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Where they are: In their customary NFC South perch, albeit licking their many wounds.

What do they need to do? While GM Jason Licht has more than $16 million at the ready, his team may now have enough flexibility to wait for its own healthy reinforcements on offense – meaning at running back, wideout and the O-line. Crazy to think the Bucs are suddenly thin at receiver, but it appeasr as if their young guys can get them by until (and assuming) Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and/or Jalen McMillan can convalesce. Another defender who can generate pressure with DL Calijah Kancey out until 2026 would help, but every defensive coordinator would like that kind of assistance.

Tennessee Titans

Where they are: Squarely in position to potentially pick first overall in successive drafts.

What do they need to do? Play their youngsters and figure out who’s part of the long-term vision – which apparently includes Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons. But Lockett has already been released, while McCreary was just traded. TE Chig Okonkwo and OLBs Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones could be the next ones on the move.

Washington Commanders

Where they are: Unable to replicate (so far) last season’s magic carpet ride, a rash of injuries leading to their uneven 3-5 record. But QB Jayden Daniels is apparently on the way back from his latest setback, a hamstring injury, and GM Adam Peters has more than $26 million in cap space.

What do they need to do? There’s no silver bullet fix-all here, and last year’s aggressive move for CB Marshon Lattimore has yet to prove worth the Round 3-plus draft investment. Still, a player like Hall could boost a running-back-by-committee situation – which would further take the load off hobbled Daniels – and/or Meyers could fortify a receiving corps that lacks proven depth behind battered starters Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.

The Toronto Blue Jays remain hopeful that ailing DH George Springer will be able to play tonight in Game 5 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Springer, who left Game 3 early two nights ago with pain in his side, did not play in Game 4 as the Jays evened the series at two games apiece.

An MRI on Springer’s right side after Game 3 was negative and Jays manager John Schneider characterized Springer’s status as ‘hour-to-hour’ before leaving him off the Game 4 lineup card. Bo Bichette took over the DH slot for Toronto, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa getting the start at second base.

The Jays could certainly use Springer’s bat in the lineup as they face Dodger ace Blake Snell in Game 5. He was the team’s best overall hitter during the regular season, posting a .309/.399/.560 slash line in 586 plate appearances and a team-leading 4.8 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

He also has one of the best postseason résumés in baseball history, with 23 home runs and an .877 OPS in 81 career playoff games.

Springer has four home runs this postseason, including a three-run blast that pushed the Blue Jays past the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. He was also named the World Series MVP in 2017 in leading the Houston Astros past the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway, which means trades, signings and other moves are taking place.

Already this season, last year’s rookie of the year, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, received a lucrative eight-year extension. The Los Angeles Kings traded for a goalie and the Vegas Golden Knights brought another one into their organization.

In the latest news, the Utah Mammoth’s Logan Cooley and Dallas Stars’ Thomas Harley received eight-year extensions.

Follow this tracker for the latest moves from the 2025-26 NHL season.

Oct. 29: Mammoth’s Logan Cooley gets 8-year extension

Cooley, 21, will average $10 million in the extension, making him the team’s highest-paid player next season. He has a base salary of $950,000 in the final year of his entry-level contract. The third-year forward has a team-best eight goals for the Central Division-leading Mammoth. He scored 65 points last season. The Mammoth, in their second year in Salt Lake City, have Cooley, Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, Jack McBain, Mikhail Sergachev, Sean Durzi, Karel Vejmelka and others locked in long term. Nick Schmaltz, who will be a coveted unrestricted free agent, will be another priority to re-sign. He’s tied for second in league scoring.

Oct. 28: Stars’ Thomas Harley gets 8-year extension

Harley, 24, will average $10.587 million in the deal, which kicks in next season. That puts him behind only Mikko Rantanen ($12 million). The extension, which will make Harley the NHL’s fourth highest paid defenseman next season, is a recognition of his rapid ascension. He had a career-best 50 points last season and joined Canada’s victorious 4 Nations Face-Off team as an injury replacement. He is off to another strong start this season with eight points in 10 games.

Harley is signed through 2034. Fellow defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are signed through 2029 and 2030, respectively.

Oct. 25: Canucks acquire Lukas Reichel from Blackhawks

The Blackhawks get back a fourth-round 2027 pick. The Canucks had been dealing with injuries, particularly to Filip Chytil. Reichel, named to Germany’s Olympic team, had four points in five games with Chicago this season.

Oct. 16: Carter Hart joins Golden Knights roster

Goalie Carter Hart, one of five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, is joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization. He won’t be able to play in the NHL until Dec. 1. Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were found not guilty by a judge on July 24. Justice Maria Carroccia ruled she didn’t find the accuser’s testimony about what allegedly happened in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018 to be ‘credible or reliable.’ Hart hasn’t played since going on leave in January 2024 to address the charges.

Also: The Sharks claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the Capitals.

Oct. 15: Kings bring back Pheonix Copley in trade

Pheonix Copley is returning to the Kings organization in a trade with the Lightning, who had claimed the goalie earlier on waivers. The Kings made the move with Darcy Kuemper day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The Lightning get future considerations in the deal.

Oct. 15: Blackhawks’ Nick Foligno goes on leave

The team and their captain announced that Nick Foligno will take a brief leave of absence as his daughter ‘undergoes follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease.’ Milana, 12, had her first heart procedure when she was three weeks old, per NHL.com.

Oct. 13: Canadiens’ Lane Hutson gets 8-year extension

Montreal’s Lane Hutson is the latest young NHL defenseman to cash in with a major contract extension.

The Canadiens announced that Hutson, 21, will average $8.85 million in the eight-year deal. The $70.8 million contract will start next season and run through 2033-34.

Hutson won rookie of the year in 2024-25 after recording six goals and 60 assists. He tied the all-time NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman (Larry Murphy in 1980-81), and his 66 points set a record for a Canadiens rookie defenseman.

Devils defenseman Luke Hughes reset the market with a seven-year, $63 million contract on Oct. 1. Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe matched his $9 million cap hit in an eight-year extension the following day.

Giannis Antetokounmpo caught the ball just inside the halfcourt line at Fiserv Forum, and then took seven steps to just one dribble before scoring a basket over New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns.

Nobody noticed what the Milwaukee Bucks superstar had pulled off live during the national NBC broadcast on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as the Bucks played host to the Knicks in an early-season NBA matchup. But a slow-motion replay revealed a sequence that would quickly inspire the latest social media debate about whether the best basketball league in the world actually calls traveling anymore.

‘We could have played til we were 50, if we get that runway,’ Reggie Miller said to fellow NBC analyst and former NBA player Jamal Crawford as they laughed and counted the steps on air.

But Antetokounmpo did not get called for traveling and NBC’s Mike Tirico explained on the broadcast to an incredulous Miller the non-call might have been the correct call given the way the NBA’s ‘gather rule’ is written. It became the highlight shared around the internet on a night when the Bucks secured a 121-111 win behind 37 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists from Antetokounmpo against the team that had trade talks about him this past offseason.

Here’s a breakdown of the gather rule, how it applies to Antetokounmpo’s travel/non-travel against the Knicks and some of the best reactions to Antetokounmpo’s one-dribble foray to the basket:

What is the NBA’s gather rule?

The actual act of ‘the gather,’ is defined in two ways by the NBA in Section II of its official rules. For a player who receives the ball via a pass or gains possession of a loose ball, the gather is defined as ‘the point where the player gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or the player cradles the ball against his body.’

For a player who is in control of the ball while dribbling, the gather is defined as the point where a player does any one of the following:

Puts two hands on the ball, or otherwise permits the ball to come to rest, while he is in control of it.
Puts a hand under the ball and brings it to a pause;
Otherwise gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or the player cradles the ball against his body.

In Antetokounmpo’s case, latter definition of ‘the gather’ applies because it occurred while he was in control of the ball and dribbling, even if just one time. Furthermore, Section XIII of the NBA rules state ‘a player who gathers the ball while progressing may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball.’

How NBA gather rule applies to Giannis Antetokounmpo play

Though Antetokounmpo took five steps after his lone dribble on the play, the non-travel argument would be that his ‘gather’ didn’t technically start until he put his left hand on the ball. He only took two steps after that.

‘The counting starts when he can’t dribble anymore, so that ball is laying on his hand, he can put it down one more time,’ Tirico said on the broadcast to an unconvinced Miller. ‘Alright look, Reg, don’t look at me. I don’t write the rules. I just read them to you, pal. I didn’t say that that wasn’t (traveling). I’m just saying that’s what it is.’

Best Giannis Antetokounmpo reactions

Miller was among those to make light of the situation, and crack jokes playing off the ambiguity of the rule. ‘There’s going to be some kid in Oshkosh, Wisconsin now going to their local gym yelling, I’m doing the gather,’ Miller said.

Here are some more of the compelling reactions around social media after the highlight of Antetokounmpo’s non-travel went viral:

Crosby appeared to suffer an injury to his head and/or neck area while trying to make a tackle in the third quarter of the Bobcats’ matchup against James Madison. Crosby ran into a teammate’s backside and fell to the turf, where he lay motionless for several moments.

Trainers ran to the field to look at Crosby, with both teams kneeling in front of a silent crowd at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. Crosby was eventually placed on a stretcher to be taken off the field. He gave a thumbs up as he exited the field.

Crosby was taken to Seton Medical Center for further evaluation, according to the ESPN2 broadcast. Following the Texas State 52-20 loss to James Madison, Bobcats coach GJ Kinne did not have any immediate updates.

‘I know the team is really worried about him,’ Kinne said. ‘Prayed for him afterward in the locker room, just praying that he’s OK.’

Here’s the latest on Crosby’s injury:

Bobby Crosby injury updates

A representative from Texas State told USA TODAY Sports that Crosby was released from the hospital early on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Crosby began his collegiate career at the junior college level at Cisco College (Cisco, Texas) before transferring to Texas State in 2023. He played a reserve role the last two seasons for the Bobcats but took on a larger role this season.

He has 39 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and two pass deflections this season for Texas State across eight games.

We’re nearly ready to use that college football ‘D’ word again. This time, for Ohio State. Dynasty.
Ryan Day recruits, and he develops. He also pumps out great quarterbacks.
Buckeyes blessed with enviable resources, and Ryan Day delivers ROI.

Dust off the ‘D’ word. Give it a shine.

We’re nearly ready to use it again. The beast Ryan Day’s building at Ohio State bears all the markers of a dynasty.

Yep, I said it.

The pundits telling you dynasties are dead in this new age of parity must have forgotten Ohio State, or they simply don’t want to acknowledge what the No. 1 Buckeyes have cooking.

Down in Texas, coach Steve Sarkisian insisted the undefeated teams of yore were the last of their kind.

Speak for yourself, Sark, because Day knows what he’s doing with his five-star quarterback, the one who’s not named Manning. Oh, and that Ohio State defense? It’s what Texas’ was supposed to be.

Dynasties are like thunderstorms. They don’t tend to sneak up on you, so long as you keep an eye out. You can see them rolling in from the horizon.

If you don’t detect the thunderclap building in Ohio, it’s because you wish to ignore it. The Buckeyes are winners of 11 straight, dating to last season. They’re a threat to become college football’s first 16-0 team.

What’s Ohio State’s cumulative scoring margin during this win streak?

Buckeyes 400, opponents 116.

That’s lightning and thunder, a show of force that points to college football’s next dynasty rolling in.

Ohio State has dynasty ingredients with Ryan Day

Here’s what you need to build a dynasty in this era:

1. Money. Ohio State’s got plenty. Investment doesn’t guarantee a championship, but it gives you a chance. No pauper will hoist the big prize in the pay-to-play era. Ohio State’s got the backing to sign premier recruiting classes while also cherry-picking transfers.

2. Recruiting. Championships are won with five-star Jimmies and four-star Joes. NIL didn’t make Day a great recruiter. He’d already established his chops in that arena. He’s never signed a class that ranked outside the top five nationally.

3. Quarterback development. Day really shines here. Urban Meyer brought Day, a former NFL quarterbacks coach, onto his staff for his expertise coaching the game’s most important position. He’s shepherded one superb quarterback after another, from Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud to Will Howard to now Julian Sayin, who’s completing 80% of his passes as a first-year starter. If you have a quarterback, you have a chance. Day’s always got one.

4. Developing recruits into pros. It’s not enough to sign talented recruits. A coach and his staff must get players to perform to their recruiting billing. Day’s doing fine in this area. Fourteen Buckeyes were selected in this past NFL draft. More first-rounders are on the way.

5. Making good staff hires. Recruiting became Nick Saban’s super skill during his dynasty. He also was a maestro of motivation. Another ace up Saban’s sleeve? He went on a tremendous run of hiring good coordinators. Now, check out Day. He had a great pairing last year with Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles. Lost ’em both. Replaced them by promoting Brian Hartline and hiring Matt Patricia. The Buckeyes haven’t skipped a beat. No coach can build a dynasty if success hinges on the retention of a particular coordinator. If he loses a good one, hire a better one.

Ryan Day delivers return on investment

Two persistent criticisms follow Day, even as his .885 career winning percentage trumps that of Knute Rockne.

No. 1: He can’t beat Michigan. Fair criticism. He’s 1-4 against Michigan, including an inexplicable loss last year. Saban won six national titles during a 12-year stretch from 2009-20. He also went 8-4 during the Iron Bowl in that same span.

No. 2: He benefits from a resource and talent advantage. Yeah, so what? Ohio State’s the revenue king, but it’s not as if it rules in a land of the destitute. Oregon’s got Nike money. Michigan’s got Oracle money. Curt Cignetti’s galvanized Indiana’s huge alumni base, and he’s gotten into Mark Cuban’s wallet.

James Franklin and Brian Kelly went splat despite coaching well-heeled programs. Sarkisian is doing less with more with his 2025 Longhorns. So, I’d call Day’s ability to deliver return on investment a feature, not a bug.

Saban achieved his dynasty by assembling unmatchable talent. Then, Kirby Smart replicated that move. They weren’t winning national titles with a team of three-star Dandy Dans. You build dynasties by signing and developing guys who’ll play on Sundays. Day does that.

The Buckeyes’ robust roster payroll creates the avenue for an advantage. It does not guarantee the type of dominance Ohio State’s achieved lately. Check out Texas using its war chest to build a team that needed overtime to survive Kentucky and Mississippi State.

The luster of this weekend’s Penn State-Ohio State matchup is gone, because only one coach delivered ROI, while the other got swallowed whole by the expectations.

The only silver lining for Penn State fans? They won’t have to watch Franklin wilt against Day for the seventh consecutive season.

“They really have a nothing-to-lose mentality,” Day said of facing four-loss Penn State. “We have to be at high alert.”

When speeding toward a dynasty, it sure helps if you can resist rat poison and navigate past trap games.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.