Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has revealed Lionel Messi is earning around $70 million to $80 million a year.

According to the MLS Players’ Association, Messi makes $20.45 million in guaranteed compensation per year, making him the highest-paid player in MLS.

But the Argentine superstar earns far more when including his ownership share in Inter Miami, which is included in his contract.

‘The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because players are expensive,’ Mas told Bloomberg. ‘I pay Messi – worth every penny – but it’s $70 million to $80 million a year. Across everything.”

Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami last year that runs through 2028.

The 38-year-old also has separate deals with both Fanatics and Apple that see him compensated for league merchandise sales as well as streaming subscriptions.

Inter Miami is currently worth $1.45 billion according to Sportico, making it the most valuable MLS team.

Messi led the Herons to a MLS Cup title in 2025, also winning his second-straight MLS MVP award.

Inter Miami will open a new stadium next month located in Miami proper: Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park.

The New York Jets are adding a key piece to their defense ahead of 2026 NFL free agency.

The Jets have acquired veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

New York will sign Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $40 million contract extension upon completing the trade.

Fitzpatrick is an eight-year veteran who started 14 games for the Dolphins last season. The 29-year-old racked up 82 tackles, one interception, six pass defenses and his first-ever sack while grading as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best safety among 91 qualifiers.

The Jets had a big need at safety during the offseason, as two of the team’s top three safeties in snaps played from 2025, Andre Cisco and Tony Adams, are set to be free agents. Fitzpatrick – a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro first teamer – will replace and upgrade the duo while serving as a counterpart for fellow Alabama product Malachi Moore, who racked up 101 tackles as a rookie.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins will save just under $5.9 million in cap space by trading Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has now been traded three times during his NFL career. The Dolphins first sent him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 for a package including a 2020 first-round draft pick before Pittsburgh sent him back to Miami as part of the package to land Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith during the 2025 NFL offseason.

The NFL record for times traded during a career is four, a feat shared by Brandin Cooks and Eric Dickerson.

Minkah Fitzpatrick trade details

Jets get:

S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Dolphins get:

2026 seventh-round pick

Minkah Fitzpatrick contract details

Fitzpatrick was entering the final season of a four-year, $73.6 million contract in 2026 before signing a three-year extension with the Jets. Below is a look at the reported new-money value of his deal:

Term: 3 years
Total contract value: $40 million
Average annual value (AAV): $13.33 million

Fitzpatrick’s $13.33 million AAV will rank 13th among NFL safeties ahead of 2026 NFL free agency, per OverTheCap.com.

The Jets will also be on the hook for Fitzpatrick’s $15.6 million base salary in 2026, so he will be tied to the team through his age-33 season in 2029.

Minkah Fitzpatrick stats

Below is a look at Fitzpatrick’s career stats across eight seasons with the Dolphins and Steelers:

Games: 120
Tackles: 690
TFL: 12
Sacks: 1
Interceptions: 21
Pass defenses: 60
Forced fumbles: 4

(This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)

Reggie Theus, a former NBA All-Star, serves as both the athletic director and men’s basketball coach for Bethune-Cookman University.
Under Theus’s leadership, the Wildcats won the SWAC regular-season title and are seeking their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Theus has spearheaded a major turnaround for the program, including facility upgrades and securing significant donations.

In 2021 when Bethune-Cookman University called him, Reggie Theus was semi-retired. The former NBA All-Star and NBA coach was living in Southern California, golfing three to four days a week and doing the occasional basketball broadcast while volunteering as a Division II coach at Cal State LA.

It was a good life. He was content, he thought. Then, opportunity knocked.

Bethune-Cookman, a historically Black private university in Daytona Beach, Florida, wanted Theus to come aboard as athletic director even though he had no experience in the role. Theus was intrigued but countered the offer with a condition – if he took the AD job, he’d hire himself as men’s basketball coach, an unprecedented move. The school agreed.

In Theus’ fifth season at the helm, B-CU is on the brink of history. The Wildcats won the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season title and are the top seed in this week’s conference tournament, where they are hoping to clinch the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

If they do, Bethune-Cookman is primed to become one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories following a gargantuan turnaround that took place on a small palm tree-dotted campus an hour’s drive from Disney World – and under the leadership of Theus, the only person in Division I college sports to hold the dual titles of athletic director and men’s basketball coach.

“It would be a phenomenal thing for the university and for the players, for their careers and their lives,” Theus said. “I always tell the guys, when you dig your ditches, when you go through the battles, when you’re tested, you can look back and say, ‘This is where we came from. This is where we earned it.’”

Why Reggie Theus took the Bethune-Cookman job

Bethune-Cookman is one of 40 eligible Division I men’s basketball teams that has never made it to March Madness. The Wildcats, who have competed in Division I since 1980, are the only SWAC team on the list.

Theus has been to the NCAA Tournament once as a player on UNLV’s 1977 Final Four team and twice as a coach, with New Mexico State in 2007 and as an assistant with Louisville’s Final Four squad in 2005. But most of his Bethune-Cookman players, many of whom previously played at other schools, have never competed on the sport’s biggest stage.

Theus, the former ninth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft who played 13 seasons in the NBA, enjoyed a brief acting career as the star of the sitcom “Hang Time” after his playing career. Theus followed up coaching stints at Louisville and New Mexico State by jumping back to the pros. He was head coach of the Sacramento Kings and worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers’ D-League affiliate before returning to coach college hoops at Cal State Northridge from 2013 to 2018.

He never envisioned himself here, manning two high-pressure positions at an HBCU with no NCAA Tournament history to speak of. But Theus had already successfully completed one rebuilding project at New Mexico State, turning the Aggies from a six-win team into an NCAA Tournament squad in the span of two years. So the idea of an even larger challenge at B-CU was equally as appealing as it was daunting.

“It was a little bit scary and that got me excited,” Theus said. “I felt like this was something I’ve always asked for was an opportunity to do more. I never knew, what does that look like? I wanted to coach but everybody asks themselves that question at some point in their lives, ‘Is that all there is, or is there more?’”

He had his work cut out for him. Bethune-Cookman was in a state of transition with an interim president and athletics facilities in dire need of upgrades. On Theus’ first visit to campus, university officials didn’t even show him the basketball gym because they thought it would dissuade him from taking the job. Now, Theus boasts that Moore Gymnasium is the best environment in the SWAC because of the energy Wildcat fans bring to games.

Theus started at Bethune-Cookman in July 2021, just after the school moved from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to the SWAC. Prior to his arrival, the men’s basketball team hadn’t made the postseason since the 2010-11 NIT.

In Theus’ first season, 2021-22, the Wildcats won just nine games. The next season, they won 12. The following two seasons, their record was 17-17 and 15-15. This season, B-CU’s record in the regular season was 17-14 (14-4 in conference play).

Theus said he strives to combat annual roster turnover by being consistent with his coaching style and messaging. He is direct but in a way that lets players know he cares. He hammers home the importance of watching film and preaches about character and humility. He routinely schedules games against high-major opponents to expose and address the Wildcats’ weaknesses.

“He’s very hands-on and he’s not going to let things slide,” said Wildcats graduate forward Ariel Bland. “If he sees one little thing that he needs to tweak on the offense or defensive end, he’ll say it. It’s really cool to see how much knowledge he has of the game.”

The approach paid dividends this season, when the Wildcats led the SWAC in field goal percentage, field goal percentage defense, rebounding margin and blocked shots.

The team’s nonconference schedule was a gauntlet of ranked opponents from power conferences; B-CU played road games at No. 1 Arizona, No. 25 Indiana and No. 20 Auburn, taking the Tigers to overtime in a five-point loss.

“It was a really cool experience,” Bland said. “The environment is probably the biggest thing, just because it’s probably like 14,000, 15,000 people rooting for them. So we don’t really have a lot of people rooting for us, but I feel like it also brought us closer because we knew we only had ourselves in the gym and so we just got to go out and compete.”

How Bethune-Cookman basketball became a SWAC favorite

Like most mid-major schools, B-CU’s roster is a patchwork of transfers and journeymen that reflects the increasingly nomadic nature of college basketball. The Wildcats started the 2025-26 season with 10 newcomers and four players who were on the roster last season.

Senior wing Jakobi Heady played the 2023-24 season at B-CU and, wanting a taste of playing in a bigger conference, transferred to Central Michigan last season, where he averaged 15 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Heady returned to the Wildcats this fall, a decision he said was motivated by his close relationship with Theus and his desire to win a ring.

“I thought, coming back, we’ll have a great chance of winning it all,” Heady said. “Some days I feel like I shouldn’t have left, but sometimes God has different things for you. So coming back has been a blessing and nothing short of that.”

Theus made team bonding activities a priority early in the season. The Wildcats went paintballing together and even had a group session with a therapist. But Theus knew that time to jell would be the biggest factor in creating chemistry on the court. He’s seen his team grow into one that moves the ball and moves without the ball, an identity predicated on unselfish play.

“The hardest thing about the portal and NIL is that it’s very hard to build a culture,” Theus said. “We’re all getting to know each other very quickly and things happen fast. Probably more than any time in my career I’ve had to have a lot of conversations with my players about life and how we’re going to build this and make it work. … We’re just now starting to play the way that I envision us to be able to play.”

Jakobi Heady is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 18.1 points per game. His younger brother, wing Quentin Heady, is one of five players averaging double-figure scoring. Senior point guard Seneca Willoughby pilots the offense in his third season at B-CU.

Starting forward Daniel Rouzan dominates the paint alongside Bland, who is the team’s best shot blocker even though he comes off the bench. Backup guard Arterio Morris, a former McDonald’s All-American who started his college career at Texas, is so valuable that Theus likes to say his team has six starters.

B-CU’s playing style takes cues from Theus’ time playing for UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian and NBA coaches Mike Fratello and Hubie Brown, as well as coaching under Rick Pitino. The Wildcats utilize their big men in an inside-out offense and push the ball up the court but can play either slow or fast. They take advantage of their athleticism to switch defensive assignments and occasionally break out an aggressive press to suffocate the opposition.

“Everyone’s bought into their roles,” Bland said. “Everyone wants to win and that’s what has been our No. 1 goal. So it’s not, everyone is trying to go ahead and get their 20 (points), get their stats up. With winning and playing the right way, you see people starring in their roles.”

All the while, Theus balances his coaching duties with his athletic director responsibilities. Over the last several years he spearheaded renovations of B-CU’s baseball, softball and football facilities and upgraded locker rooms for the volleyball team and both basketball teams. Theus secured millions in donations for the athletic department, including a six-figure gift from Charles Barkley.

This January, B-CU president Dr. Albert Mosley promoted Theus to the role of Vice President of Athletics on a three-year deal, a testament that this unorthodox arrangement is working.

“He handles it well. Hat off to coach, man,” Heady said. “He’s a pro and that’s also another reason why I came back, because he teaches you how to be a pro on and off the court, and he teaches me specifically to be intent on everything I do. That’s on the court, off the court or on scoring, trying to get my teammates involved. He’s just amazing.”

Will the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats make the NCAA Tournament?

The Wildcats aren’t shy about making it clear that their goal is the NCAA Tournament. They talked about it in their first team meeting last summer. Theus wants to make sure players don’t lose sight of that objective in the pursuit of personal goals.

“You have to be hungry and humble,” he tells them, a phrase that’s become a team mantra. “Do your job.”

Only two current Bethune-Cookman players have been to the NCAA Tournament. Morris was part of Texas’ Elite Eight run in 2023. Bland’s UC Santa Barbara made the tournament in 2023 also, but he was redshirting that season and did not play.

As the wins piled up this season and B-CU’s chances of earning an NCAA Tournament spot crystalized, there was palpable excitement on campus. Jakobi Heady noticed crowds getting bigger at home games, a sign that people outside the program were buying into the team’s goal.

“We definitely do talk about it a lot and it’s a dream for all of us, from the coaches all the way down to the trainers,” Heady said. “It ain’t just the people that’s on the men’s basketball team. It’s the whole school. It’s the whole community that wants to see us get there, and our families, so it’d be a blessing for everybody.”

Heady said the team doesn’t feel pressure to live up to predictions like being picked to win the SWAC in the conference’s preseason poll, which he described as being crowned a “paper champion.”

Even though the Wildcats are the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and could secure an automatic NCAA Tournament bid if they win, they aren’t looking that far ahead just yet.

“It’s in the back of our minds, but we know that it’s not going to be handed to us in any way,” Bland said. “We got to put our heads down and work and if we get it, we get it. But that mentality (is) that we got to show up every day. The most important game is the next game.”

A match between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro descended into chaos on Sunday, as a late clash between two players sparked a brawl that ended with 23 total red cards shown.

With just seconds remaining in the game, Atlético goalkeeper Éverson saved a shot and saw Cruzeiro midfielder Christian collide with him as he was chasing the rebound.

Éverson took exception to Christian’s efforts, immediately knocking the midfielder over and putting his knees into his face while he was on the ground.

That action sparked a violent confrontation between players on the two Brazilian sides, with both benches emptying and punches and kicks flying.

Footage online showed Atlético forward Hulk punching an opponent in the back of the head, and then getting kicked in the chest.

In the end, military police and stadium security were needed to put down the massive brawl.

Cruzeiro ended up winning 1-0 in the Campeonato Mineiro final, seeing the Belo Horizonte side become champion of the state of Minas Gerais.

Cruzeiro also ended up with one more red card than its opponent, seeing 12 players sent off, while Atletico earned 11 red cards.

After the game, Hulk apologized for his role in the brawl but also blamed the referee for the incident.

‘I don’t recall participating in any act of violence during a football match,’ he added. ‘I will never tire of apologizing. We try to calm things down, but when your blood is hot, you see a teammate being attacked, and you automatically react. But it could have been avoided.’

HOUSTON — They stomped their feet, danced in the aisles, screamed, sang, partied, and proudly waved their green, white and red Mexican flags Sunday night in every single section of Daikin Park.

When the crowd of 36,380 finished singing a rendition of “El Rey’’ at the end of the game, they headed to the parking lots, climbed into their cars, and horns could be heard blaring for more than an hour after the game.

And this was for a simple ho-hum game against an outmatched Brazilian team, winding up in a 16-0 rout, called after six innings with the mercy rule being implemented after Julian Ornelas’ two-run home run, the third-largest blowout in World Baseball Classic history.

So imagine what the raucous atmosphere will be like Monday night (8 p.m. ET on FOX) when Mexico takes on powerful Team USA in their critical World Baseball Classic matchup at Daikin Park in Houston, with a little trash-talking already being exchanged between the two rivals.

“It’s going to be insanely loud,’’ Mexico first baseman Rowdy Tellez says. “It’s going to be sold out, standing room only, and everyone going crazy. The Mexican fans and the U.S. fans are high-energy, and they’ve both been anticipating this game. It’s going to be awesome.

“Really, this is what everyone’s been waiting for since the last time we played them.’’

The teams last met back in 2023, when Mexico stomped USA, 11-5, en route to reaching the semifinals, and was three outs away from eliminating Japan in the semifinals. They were the team that would have faced the USA in the championship game, with the Shoehi Ohtani-Mike Trout matchup never existing.

And, as everyone in Mexico will tell you, they were convinced that if they had gotten past Japan, they would have beaten the USA in the championship game, just as they have the last three times they’ve played.

Now, they’ve got their chance again, knowing that a victory will put them in the driver’s seat for a spot in the quarterfinals, with the opportunity to become the first sports team from Mexico to win an international championship.

“If that happens, you’re going to see a party in Mexico like you’ve never seen,’’ says Vinny Castilla, Mexico bench coach and former All-Star third baseman, born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. “It would be the greatest sports moment in the history of Mexico. It would be unbelievable. I don’t even have the words to even imagine what it would be like.’’

Well, Mexico manager Benji Gil certainly can, and already is envisioning the country-wide celebration.

“That’s going to be awesome to be the first team to win the championship in Mexico,’’ Gil tells USA TODAY Sports. “I can see myself at the ballpark hoisting the trophy, and just watching all of our players and coaches and staff celebrating with their families, and red and green confetti coming down.

“Yeah, it’s going to be special.’’

Teams Mexico knows the road to the title goes through the United States, at least in this Pool B, and with a victory Monday it could virtually write its ticket to the quarterfinals, leaving Mexico three victories away from winning the WBC championship.

“It’s going to be unbelievable,’’ Castilla said. “I don’t know the words to describe how happy we would be to win it all, man. I mean, especially with all of the names the other teams have like USA, Dominican and Venezuela.

“We have a great team, we know we can do this.’’

While Team Mexico certainly respects Team USA, there is absolutely no fear. When Gil announced that 37-year-old Manny Barreda, who pitched last season for the Wei Chuan Dragons of Taiwan, would be their starter against Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, Gil was immediately reminded about USA manager Mark DeRosa’s comments a day earlier.

“Honestly, I think we have the best 30 players in the world in that clubhouse,’’ DeRosa said Saturday night, “and they’re coming together as a team. I don’t really think it’s going to matter who [Mexico] starts.’’

Gil’s reaction?

‘Do you want me to get into a pickle here?’ Gil said. “But, yeah, he’s right. It doesn’t matter who is the opener for us. And I can say the same thing about them. It doesn’t matter. It’s an American pitcher against a Mexican pitcher. One is going to play against the other.

“Does he have the 30 best players in the world. I think the Dominican Republic has something to say about that. I think Japan has something to say about that, too. I don’t know if they have the best 30 players out there, but the Dominican Republic should have the right. Japan should have the right to say something. Venezuela should have the right to say something as well.

“I don’t know if they’re the best in the world. We just want to be the best players of that day.’’

Gil took a breath, and kept going.

“They are a super team,’’ he said. “They have a roster full of stars. They got All-Stars, MVP candidates, Cy Youngs, Golden Gloves, Silver [Sluggers]. But it’s not about rewards, it’s about a game. And we’re going to go out there and give it our best.’’

Mexico knows they will have the home-field advantage, even though they technically are the visiting team. Houston has the third-largest Hispanic population in the country, with more than 600,000 residents born in Mexico, and nearly 12 million Hispanics and Latinos residing in Texas.

The place will be jammed, it will be loud, and the Mexico fans will definitely be ready to celebrate long into the night with a victory over their bitter rivals.

“It’s a big ticket,’’ Gil said. “It’s not just a baseball game, it’s one of the most anticipated baseball events of the year. … We have such fans, countrymen who saved money, probably two or three weeks worth of salary, to travel and come here. I appreciate all of them.’’

It wouldn’t be this way, of course, if Team Mexico was a pushover, but they’re for real, and they’re a serious threat to USA’s title hopes.

“Credit to the ugly duckling, which is Mexico,’’ Gil said, “that maybe never should have been their rival, but we’ve done it by doing our job on the field.’’

Indeed, Mexico-USA has blossomed into a rivalry since Mexico has given the Americans fits. Mexico hasn’t lost to the United States in the WBC since 2006, losing the first game 2-0, and winning the three games since, outscoring USA, 18-8.

“We love representing Mexico,’’ Tellez. “We’re Mexican. We’re proud of where we’re from, so for us to come here and be able to wear Mexico in the front means everything for us. And with every win, we just bring more and more pride to the country. We know that soccer is the No. 1 sport, but we want to be neck-and-neck.

“But if we win this WBC, we’ll go down as the greatest Mexican sports team in the history of the country.’

While this is easily the most talented team that USA has fielded, it’s also Mexico’s best team, too, even with only one major league starting pitcher in Taijuan Walker, who pitched 3 1/3 hitless innings Sunday. Their newcomers include Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, catcher Alejandro Kirk, shortstop Joey Ortiz and infielder Nick Gonzales. They also have perhaps the most talented bullpen at the back end with All-Star closer Andres Munoz, Robert Garcia, Javier Assad and Robert Garcia.

“We still think about how close we were last time, and it motivates us, because we proved what we can do,’’ Team Mexico GM Rodrigo Lopez, who spent 11 years as a big-league reliever. ‘Now, it’s taking the next step. We have the opportunity to make history in our country.

“We can be the first sports team in Mexico to win a championship.’’

And Mexico can take that massive first step with a victory against USA, showing the world they can beat anyone, and everyone.

“We’re excited to play another great team,’’ Gil said, “and we know they’re great. But we’re just going to try to be just a tiny bit better.

“Even if we win by half a run, we’ll take it.’’

Follow Bob Nightengale on Bluesky and X @Bnightengale.

Who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft? AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer?

A lot of the draft experts were split heading into the college basketball season and they still aren’t quite certain with the NCAA Tournament right around the corner. The same apparently goes for AI.

After USA TODAY Sports initially queried Microsoft Copilot for its version of a 2026 NBA mock draft for the first round based on information and analysis currently available on the internet last month, we followed up now that March Madness is almost here. There were some variations, most notably at the top of the draft, and it’s perhaps a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding Peterson’s availability at Kansas this college basketball season.

The decision between Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer is likely to define this year’s class, and could depend on which team is picking No. 1. That, of course, remains somewhat nebulous due to the varying odds offered by the NBA draft lottery system and the number of teams tanking this season in order to best position themselves in what’s considered a deep draft class. For the purposes of this mock draft, team selections are based on NBA regular-season records as of March 9, 2026 and account for relevant trades, pick swaps and stipulations.

Here’s Microsoft Copilot’s 2026 NBA mock draft, version 2.0, as curated by USA TODAY Sports:

2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round

USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players who could be eligible this year.

Microsoft Copilot assigned the draft order based on current NBA records (as of games played before Monday, March 9), with the worst record getting the No. 1 pick and the best record getting the No. 30 pick. It used current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as team needs, prospect analysis and potential pick swaps/protections, to determine the first-round selections for each team in this exercise.

You can compare its picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here. Here’s a 2026 NBA first-round mock draft, according to Microsoft Copilot AI, as of March 9.

1. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa, BYU

2. Indiana Pacers: Darryn Peterson, Kansas

3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer, Duke

4. Washington Wizards: Caleb Wilson, UNC

5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings, Houston

6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Keaton Wagler, Illinois

7. Dallas Mavericks: Koa Peat, Arizona

8. Memphis Grizzlies: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

9. Chicago Bulls: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara, Michigan

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

13. Charlotte Hornets: Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor

14. Golden State Warriors: Thomas Haugh, Florida

15. Atlanta Hawks: Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Nate Ament, Tennessee

17. Miami Heat: Braylon Mullins, UConn

18. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt

19. Toronto Raptors: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston

20. Phoenix Suns: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

21. Los Angeles Lakers: Karter Knox, Arkansas

22. Denver Nuggets: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State

23. Cleveland Cavaliers: Braydon Burries, Arizona

24. Houston Rockets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

25. Minnesota Timberwolves: Labaron Philon, Alabama

26. New York Knicks: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas

27. Boston Celtics: Hannes Steinbach, Washington

28. Detroit Pistons: Henri Veesaar, UNC

29. San Antonio Spurs: Cameron Carr, Baylor

30. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon

The United States men’s national team striker competition is heating up as the March international window nears.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks spoiled for choice right now, with all of his top options finding the net on a regular basis with their clubs.

While Pochettino will be pleased with his forward pool, there was a major negative during the weekend in the form of a significant injury to a key part of the USMNT’s defense.

Before we get to the good news, this week’s Five has to lead on Sergiño Dest’s untimely injury.

Sergiño Dest goes down

Sergiño Dest went down with a nasty-looking hamstring injury on Saturday, which appears to have put his World Cup place at risk.

The PSV right back took a fall chasing an AZ player, going down in serious pain while clutching his hamstring. Dest had to be helped from the field, unable to put any weight on his left leg.

How bad is the injury? PSV wouldn’t put a timeframe on Dest’s return, but the defender has already outlined a goal to return before the end of the season.

‘I will do everything within my power to be fully fit again towards the end of the season, and I’m confident that will happen,’ Dest said.

PSV’s season ends May 17, just a week before the USMNT’s World Cup roster is announced. Any setback would appear likely to spell the end of Dest’s World Cup hopes.

Ricardo Pepi picks up where he left off

There was a small silver lining from PSV’s game against AZ, as Ricardo Pepi scored an 86th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory for the Dutch champion.

Pepi had scored in five consecutive league matches when he suffered a broken arm Jan. 10, which PSV said would keep him out for two months.

But the striker returned ahead of schedule last month, scoring a brilliant long-range goal against Heerenveen just minutes after coming off the bench.

Pepi now has two goals in three matches since his return. All told, that’s seven goals in eight for Pepi, who looks ready for a step up to a bigger league after this season.

The striker is set to conclude his PSV spell with three Eredivisie titles in three seasons. PSV currently has a 19-point lead atop the table as it strolls to a three-peat.

Folarin Balogun can’t stop scoring

Folarin Balogun has been trying, mostly without success, to rediscover the form he showed during his breakout campaign at Reims in 2022-23.

Balogun scored 22 times while on loan that season, earning a €40 million move to Monaco from Arsenal.

The USMNT striker has shown flashes in his two-and-a-half-year spell with Les Monégasques, but the past month has seen Balogun look back to his menacing best.

After a goal and an assist in Friday’s 3-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain, the 24-year-old has five goals in his past five games – including three in two matches against PSG.

Balogun has appeared to be the favorite to start for the USMNT at the World Cup for a while now, and his form at Monaco is only solidifying his spot.

Haji Wright turns it around

After a three-month goal drought, Haji Wright is back to the prolific form he displayed at the beginning of the season.

The Coventry striker made it three straight matches with a goal on Saturday, finding the net in a 2-0 win over Bristol City. Wright snapped his barren run on Jan. 17. Since then, he’s netted eight in 10 games.

The 27-year-old now has 16 goals this season, just one off the top of the Championship leaderboard.

Coventry has a five-point lead atop the Championship and, perhaps more importantly, a nine-point lead over third-place Millwall in the race for automatic promotion. If things stay on track, Wright may be playing in a World Cup and the Premier League in the coming months.

Hard work pays off for Benjamin Cremaschi

It’s been a trying campaign at Parma for Benjamin Cremaschi, but the young American had a moment to remember on Sunday.

Cremaschi made his first Serie A start, playing the full match for Parma in a 0-0 draw at Fiorentina. The 21-year-old played as a right wingback in Parma’s 3-5-2 setup, putting in a strong two-way shift while going the full 90 minutes.

‘Cremaschi is a perfect example of hard work paying off,’ Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta said after the game. ‘He’s versatile and can play multiple roles, originally a mezzala (inside winger).

‘Today he had an excellent match, both offensively and defensively. He earned this opportunity through training, the right attitude, and giving his all, physically, mentally, and emotionally.’

Cremaschi has barely featured for Parma since joining on loan from Inter Miami in the fall. His future may still be away from both Parma and Inter Miami, but the Florida native now has something to build on.

Happy new year. Almost.

The ball doesn’t drop on the 2026 NFL league year – officially – until 4 p.m. ET on March 11. But pending free agents will begin charging their glasses at noon on March 9, when they can begin negotiating contracts with outside teams. (Those same players can re-sign with their current employers at any time, and those who have already been released from their present deals can sign wherever they please immediately.) Clubs can also continue putting the framework in place for trades, like Friday night’s blockbuster involving Maxx Crosby’s move from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens, though no transactions on that front can become official until the league year starts.

Got it?

With that in mind, here is the latest iteration of USA TODAY Sports’ list of top 100 NFL free agents in 2026 – it will be updated accordingly as players begin striking it rich − in what is, honestly, something of an uninspiring group overall (^denotes a franchise tag; *denotes a player whose contract was terminated, making him eligible to sign immediately; **denotes a player who’s been informed of his pending release):

1. WR George Pickens^

The Dallas Cowboys have already franchised him, Pickens now due a guaranteed $27.3 million for the 2026 season – assuming he signs the tag at some point. Yet he could also still be traded or even potentially sign an offer sheet from another team – which the Cowboys would have the right to match or receive two first-round picks as compensation if they chose not to. But don’t bet on such a bold scenario materializing.

“Very clearly, the Cowboys want George Pickens to be a part of our future,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told a select group of reporters, including USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell, at the scouting combine.   

Regardless, Jones has a big decision ahead on Pickens, just as he did last year with former Dallas DE Micah Parsons. Pickens is coming off a career year (93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 TDs, all personal bests) just turned 25 … and may be absent from the team’s offseason program as along as he’s without a long-term extension. Obviously a good fit in Dallas’ offense last season, Pickens isn’t for everyone. But his 2025 effort strongly suggested his production and potential are quickly coming into alignment.

2. C Tyler Linderbaum

Full transparency, he was ranked third in this list’s original version – but his age and ability may render him the richest man to emerge from this year’s free agency cycle. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta revealed at the combine that the team had made Linderbaum “a market-setting offer.” (Creed Humphrey’s four-year, $72 million pact with the Kansas City Chiefs is currently the financial benchmark among centers.) However, DeCosta wasn’t willing to franchise his 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler because the lofty tag is based on all O-line deals, which would mean paying a center left tackle money. DeCosta is also trying to address QB Lamar Jackson’s contract − he currently carries a cap charge of $74.5 million in 2026 and ’27 – while taking on Crosby’s deal, limiting the team’s financial flexibility to some degree. Now, an immediate (and likely frenzied) bidding war will doubtless commence around Linderbaum.

Best fits: Ravens, Giants, Titans, Commanders

3. OLB/DE Jaelan Phillips

It’s hard to come by untethered edge defenders theoretically entering their prime. But Phillips, 26, could be one of the belles of the FA ball after being acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles at last year’s trade deadline. He finished the season with five sacks and 63 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats. More importantly, he appeared in 17 regular-season games for the first time since 2022 after injuries ruined his following two seasons. Strong against the pass and run, the 6-foot-5, 266-pounder should find a very robust market.

Best fits: Patriots, Eagles, Ravens

4. DE/OLB Trey Hendrickson

After registering 35 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons, including a league-leading 17½ in the latter campaign, the 31-year-old was limited to seven games by injuries last year − that in the wake of a contentious offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. Regardless, his services should be in high demand now that he’s going free.

Best fits: Patriots, Colts, Cowboys

5. QB Daniel Jones^

Jones was tagged March 3 − but with a transition tag, not the franchise variety, meaning he is exposed if another team swoops in with an offer the Indianapolis Colts aren’t willing to match (or get compensated for). A torn Achilles last December cut short what had been his best season statistically (238.5 passing yards per game, 100.2 QB rating) to that point. The QB trend du jour that may be forming in the NFL could be finding a reclamation project who won’t necessarily eat up a massive chunk of the salary cap − and Jones, 28, can thank Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield for their ongoing heroics. Hard to believe Indy will allow Jones to gauge his worth with the rest of the league, though … especially when his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings, could suddenly become very interested if he’s not secured soon.

Best fits: Colts, Vikings

6. OLB/DE Odafe Oweh

He has 17½ sacks and 98 pressures as a part-time starter over the past two seasons, which were split between the Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers. Heady numbers for a 27-year-old who should be ready for a bigger role … and certainly a larger paycheck.

Best fits: Titans, Chargers, Patriots

7. QB Malik Willis

He could be this year’s version of Justin Fields − a quarterback with intriguing skills but limited experience who can nevertheless capitalize financially given the high demand but low supply at his incomparably critical position. Willis, 26, has far fewer NFL reps than Fields but really impressed while filling in as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons, completing nearly 80% of his passes while throwing six TDs and zero INTs. In addition to a gaudy 134.6 passer rating, Willis can also move like a tank. Keep an eye on the Miami Dolphins, who just plucked their new GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and coach (Jeff Hafley) from the Pack, as a potential buyer. The Cardinals, too, given new coach Mike LaFleur is the brother of Green Bay HC Matt LaFleur. Willis is another passer who didn’t pan out after he was drafted yet could be a relative bargain now if his limited sample size proves reflective of his long-term prospects.

Best fits: Dolphins, Cardinals

8. WR Alec Pierce

Similar to Rashid Shaheed, he could be an elite No. 2 receiver in the right system. Unlike Shaheed, he doesn’t bring any special teams value. However Pierce, 25, has led the league in yards per reception each of the past two seasons (21.8 ypc over the duration) and is coming off a breakout year with 47 grabs for 1,003 yards. Pierce should get paid nicely, especially if a prospective employer views him as more of a deep threat.

Best fits: Colts, Broncos, Titans

9. OT Rasheed Walker

He’s been a solid, if unspectacular, starter for the Packers since 2023. But serviceable, 26-year-old left tackles don’t grow on trees and tend to get paid outrageously well − maybe especially so in a year when there aren’t any blue-chip incomers in the draft.

Best fits: Browns, Bears

10. WR/KR Rashid Shaheed

The big-play ability he flashed for years with the New Orleans Saints translated beautifully − and crucially − when the Seattle Seahawks obtained him last November. Shaheed, 27, seemed like the final piece for the ‘Hawks’ championship puzzle and delivered huge catches and returns in pivotal games down the stretch and in the postseason. However it should be captivating to see what Shaheed can fetch given he’s never been a No. 1 receiver nor averaged 600 receiving yards during his four-year career. Still, his return ability − at a time when the kickoff is becoming an increasingly important component of the game − could really drive up his price tag.

Best fits: Seahawks, Raiders, Broncos

11. TE Kyle Pitts^

The No. 4 overall pick in 2021 − the highest-drafted tight end ever − Pitts, 25, never seemed to fully reach his potential with the Atlanta Falcons, which isn’t completely an indictment of him. But he was a second-team All-Pro in 2025 and did just put together his best season since he was a rookie, catching a career-high 88 passes and five TDs. Pitts could really take off in an offense that truly leverages his estimable abilities … and maybe even has the foresight to feature him in the red zone. He stands to make $15 million under the tag in 2026, though it remains to be seen if new coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense will sustain Pitts’ production.

12. RB Breece Hall^

Though the New York Jets seemingly purged much of their talent at last year’s trade deadline, they hung on to their 24-year-old back. And why not? Hall has averaged 1,260 yards from scrimmage and nearly seven TDs during his four seasons − and for a pop-gun offense. Explosive and an excellent receiver, Hall is the best runner on the market and may yet be a cornerstone for the NYJ as they lay the groundwork to welcome their next franchise QB … eventually. Hall’s 2026 tag is worth $14.3 million.

13. QB Kyler Murray**

He offered a digital goodbye on X amid reports on March 3 that the Arizona Cardinals will be officially releasing the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft. An Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, Murray’s talent has never been in question. But his durability and work ethic have been at issue during his career, and his play plateaued even though former coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense was supposed to optimize Murray’s abilities. Murray will be 29 when Week 1 rolls around and maybe he becomes the league’s latest successful franchise QB turnaround project if he lands in the right spot. If he doesn’t? His days as a starter could be numbered.

Best fits: Vikings, Jets, Falcons

14. S Coby Bryant

After struggling as a corner earlier in his Seattle career, he’s flourished as a safety the past two seasons − and the 26-year-old should get a nice bump given the league’s other teams always look to raid the most recent Super Bowl champions.

Best fits: Seahawks, Chargers, Ravens

15. LB Devin Lloyd

A first-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he blossomed into a Pro Bowler last season as the team blossomed around him. If the Jags don’t pony up to keep their 27-year-old defensive quarterback, someone will.

Best fits: Panthers, Commanders, Jets

16. CB Jaylen Watson

He’s big (6-2, 197), young (27), still experienced (29 starts) and playoff tested. Watson is coming off his best season but is probably a luxury for the capped-out Chiefs.

Best fits: Chiefs, Jets, Seahawks

17. S Bryan Cook

He’s emerged as a key component of Steve Spagnuolo’s K.C. D in recent years. A steady, reliable player, Cook, 26, should be a stabilizing presence if not one who’s going to make a ton of splash plays.

Best fits: Chiefs, Raiders, Titans

18. RB Kenneth Walker III

The 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP will get a hefty raise in Seattle or elsewhere. But Walker is not the second coming of Saquon Barkley, isn’t as good an every-down player as Hall and has spent most of his career in a platoon. The guess here is that Walker won’t come close to resetting the compensation scale at a position that generally doesn’t command top dollar.

Best fits: Seahawks, Steelers, Chiefs

19. WR Jauan Jennings

A 6-3, 212-pounder, the 28-year-old caught 132 balls (15 for TDs) over the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings’ roots as a quarterback also make him quite a threat on trick plays. He’s also the proverbial dog that some locker rooms covet … and others won’t.

Best fits: Commanders, Raiders, 49ers

20. WR Mike Evans

He’ll be 33 by Week 1 and is coming off the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-5 and 231 pounds don’t fade like speed does, and a healthy Evans (he wasn’t in 2025) should be a dangerous offensive weapon, red-zone monster and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it’s for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or someone else.

Best fits: Buccaneers, Patriots, Seahawks, Bills

21. CB Nahshon Wright

Though he’s already 27, he’s hardly a finished product. He’s also a 6-4, 199-pound corner who led the NFL with eight takeaways (5 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries) after becoming a surprise starter (and surprise first-time Pro Bowler) for the Chicago Bears. The upside and production spike are going to make Wright rich.

Best fits: Bears, Seahawks, Cowboys

22. WR Romeo Doubs

He’s 25 with good size (6-2, 204) and has averaged roughly 50 receptions and 600 yards during four years with the Pack, who have widely dispersed their target share in the post-Davante Adams era. Doubs could be far more impactful as a 1A or second option elsewhere.

Best fits: Cardinals, Jets, Titans

23. QB Aaron Rodgers

Last season was his best since 2021, his most recent MVP effort. Hard to imagine the 42-year-old legend playing anywhere besides the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just hired Mike McCarthy, formerly Rodgers’ coach in Green Bay. Again, monitor the Vikings as a possible dark horse.

Best fits: Steelers, Vikings

24. QB Kirk Cousins**

Given the structure of his reworked deal, the Falcons will let him go on March 11. More than a year removed from Achilles surgery, Cousins, 37, looked more like himself last season – after replacing injured Michael Penix Jr. – than he did in 2024. He could be a valued for stopgap for several teams.

Best fits: Browns, Vikings, Jets, Falcons

25. OLB/DE Boye Mafe

Despite being a rotational player in Seattle, he was still credited with 41 pressures even while playing fewer than half the defensive snaps. Only 27, he’s another who could get a Lombardi raise from an outside suitor.

Best fits: Titans, Cowboys, Raiders

26. DE/OLB Joey Bosa

He’ll be 31 this season and has a checkered injury history. But Bosa’s 2025 campaign with the Buffalo Bills was his best since 2021. He had five sacks and 43 pressures in 15 games and led the league with five forced fumbles. He’d be wise to find a home where his snaps can be maximized but limited.

Best fits: 49ers, Bills, Titans

27. WR Wan’dale Robinson

He may be 5-8 and 185 pounds, but the 25-year-old was targeted 140 times each of the past two years with the New York Giants − and posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Robinson isn’t a No. 1 receiver, either − doesn’t mean he won’t heavily impact his next offense.

Best fits: Jets, Giants, Titans

28. CB Jamel Dean

He was All-Pro-caliber in his seventh season, allowing just 22 completions in 14 games. And Dean is only 29.

29. G David Edwards

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Bills probably can’t afford to keep? Then Edwards might be your guy.

30. CB Riq Woolen

He’s a 6-4, 210-pound athletic freak who will be 27 in May. He also lost the starting job he’d held for 3½ years midway through the 2025 season – though that’s at least partially due to Seattle’s embarrassing riches of talent, and Woolen remained a significant contributor. He’ll be a starter elsewhere soon … and a well-compensated one.

31. RB Travis Etienne

He rebounded from a miserable 2024 to rack up 1,399 yards from scrimmage and a career-best 13 TDs for the AFC South champion Jags. Etienne, 27, may not be an every-down back, but he’s a highly capable receiver who should always be on the field during high-leverage situations.

32. DL Dre’Mont Jones

Physically imposing at 6-3 and 281 pounds, he can be a valuable end for teams that favor 3-4 fronts. Traded to the Ravens midway through last season, the 29-year-old had his best year – actually appearing in 18 games (no bye due to the trade) and finished with seven sacks and 55 pressures, both the best of his seven-year career.

33. CB Cor’Dale Flott

He’ll be 25 at the beginning of next season and has shown steady improvement over the past two years with the Giants – allowing just two TD passes while starting 24 of 28 games over that span.

34. QB Tua Tagovailoa**

At his best, an accurate, affable, Pro Bowl-caliber passer … but also one with a troubling concussion history along with limited arm strength and mobility, all while coming off a poor season when he started 14 games. Quite a conundrum, albeit one who won’t cost his next team more than the veteran minimum.

35. LB Bobby Wagner

He doesn’t play a premium position, and he’s 35 – not that you’d know it. A great leader and great guy who should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he’s done, championship-aspiring teams should be lining up to sign him.

36. TE Travis Kelce

He doesn’t play a premium position, and he’s 36 – not that you’d know it, especially after playing better in 2025 than he did the previous year. Hard to imagine Kelce plays anywhere but Kansas City, assuming he plays at all and can find a financial middle ground with the team after making more than $17 million last season.

37. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

An immensely talented player who was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2021, he can excel pretty much anywhere on the line … provided he can play. Vera-Tucker has played more than seven games twice in his career and missed all of last season with a triceps injury.

38. OLB/DE Bradley Chubb**

After missing the entire 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL, the 29-year-old had 8½ sacks and 54 pressures for Miami in 2025. The two-time Pro Bowler should be even better in 2026.

39. S Jaylinn Hawkins

He really hit his groove with the New England Patriots in 2025, his sixth year but third team, picking off four passes – doubling his career total entering the season. Other teams tend to love 28-year-olds who just played in the Super Bowl.

40. DL John Franklin-Myers

A 29-year-old who’s done a lot of the dirty work during his career, he collected a career-best 7½ sacks for the Denver Broncos in 2025. Franklin-Myers, who’s mostly played in three-man fronts, has averaged 43.2 pressures since 2020.

41. TE Isaiah Likely

He’s 25 and extraordinarily talented. But 2025 was also his least productive season, partially derailed by a foot injury early in the year. But it was notable the Ravens chose to extend TE Mark Andrews, who’s five years older than Likely, in December.

42. G Zion Johnson

A first-rounder in 2022, he was decidedly average for the Chargers. But a lot of teams would take decidedly average if it’s available for 1,000-plus snaps per season, as Johnson has been. Still only 26, we’ve moved him up this list given the premium on blocking – and while other players like Cincinnati G Dalton Risner and Buffalo C Connor McGovern re-signed early.

43. RB Tyler Allgeier

He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 … the year before Bijan Robinson arrived in Atlanta. Yet Allgeier, 25, still averaged nearly 750 yards from scrimmage and five TDs over the next three seasons in a valuable secondary role to Robinson.

44. LB Devin Bush Jr.

A first-round pick of the Steelers in 2019, the 27-year-old has come into his own the past two years in Cleveland, his third NFL team.

45. WR Stefon Diggs**

He was a big reason the Patriots reached the Super Bowl, finishing with 85 catches and more than 1,000 yards the season after he suffered a torn ACL. However Diggs will turn 33 next season, and his pending legal issues will give any team some level of pause.

46. S Jalen Thompson

Only 27, he’s quietly been Budda Baker’s backline partner in crime for seven years in Arizona.

47. OT Braxton Jones

A series of injuries starting late in the 2024 season waylaid him, but he was a reliable left tackle for the Bears for the three years up to that point. Jones turns 27 next month and should have a lot of good football left in him.

48. DL Calais Campbell

Even at 39, he continues to be a phenomenal player and leader – one who remarkably hasn’t missed a game since 2022.

49. G Teven Jenkins

A second-round pick in 2021, he’s more than solid inside but can also shift out to tackle in a pinch.

50. CB Cobie Durant

The 28-year-old has allowed a 54% completion rate on passes thrown in his direction the past two years as a full-time starter for the Rams.

51. C Cade Mays

After taking over the pivot in Carolina last year, the 26-year-old could find himself enriched as the Linderbaum consolation prize somewhere.

52. LB Nakobe Dean

He’s little more than a year removed from suffering a torn patellar tendon in the 2024 playoffs and it impacted his ’25 campaign. The Eagles could get a bargain if they can get the 25-year-old, who played 10 games last season, back for at least one more year.

53. RB Rico Dowdle

He has 2,701 yards from scrimmage while splitting the last two years between Dallas and Carolina. A tough runner who’s only 27, his production really tailed off in the second half of last season after an explosive October.

54. S Kevin Byard

A three-time All-Pro, he led the league with seven INTs in 2025, and his 36 picks are the second most among active players. Byard will be 33 in August but still clearly has gas left in the tank.

55. LB Leo Chenal

He’s started 44 games during his four-year career with the Chiefs, but 2025 was the first time he was on the field for more than half the snaps – and barely then (53.2%). Only 25, Chenal is an exceptional athlete who could shine given the opportunity to play more for another team – though he probably needs to factor more as a pass rusher.

56. CB Alontae Taylor

He’s not a shutdown guy. He is 27, largely lives in the slot and is extremely durable − all traits that will make him valuable.

57. DE Kwity Paye

Reliable if unspectacular, the 27-year-old has started 74 games since being a first-round pick of the Colts in 2021. Paye has 30½ career sacks, at least 40 pressures in each of the past three seasons and defends the run well enough.

58. OT Jermaine Eluemunor

A fifth-rounder in 2017, he’s been better than average during his career and has become an especially good pass blocker in recent years – starting 62 games since 2022.

59. S Jaquan Brisker

Not a lot of flash, but a 26-year-old who started in Chicago for four years can stabilize the back end of a defense.

60. DE-OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad

He’s nearly 31 but picked the right time to have a career season – registering 11 sacks and 59 pressures for the Detroit Lions in 2025, by far personal bests. TBD how much his outlier season and age will allow Muhammad to cash in.

61. G Isaac Seumalo

A decade into his career, Rodgers sung his praises last season. Seumalo, 32, won’t get Linderbaum-level money … but he likely won’t be waiting long for a new deal, either.

62. WR Deebo Samuel

He’s a big name. He’s also 30, isn’t a polished receiver and has averaged fewer than 900 yards from scrimmage over the past four years in what’s largely a play-making role. He has handled kickoffs the past two years, a factor that boosts his value.

63. RB Rachaad White

He had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage for the Bucs in 2023 but was overtaken on the depth chart by Bucky Irving in 2024. But White, 27, who’s also averaged more than 50 receptions during his four-year career, should find a significant role elsewhere.

64. TE Dallas Goedert

He’s 31 but also coming off one of his best seasons, his 11 TDs and 60 catches in 2025 both career highs. Blocking isn’t the longtime Eagle’s forte … the “Tush Push” notwithstanding.

65. NT Khyiris Tonga

Tough to find 6-2, 335-pounders who eat space and stress pockets. Tonga, 29, did it well for New England in 2025, playing a career-high 322 snaps.

66. S Alohi Gilman

Traded for Oweh last October, Gilman did a nice job in Baltimore – his ability to line up just about anywhere making him a nice complement to Kyle Hamilton.

67. DL Logan Hall

A 6-6, 283-pounder who was a second-round pick of the Bucs in 2022, he can eat up a lot of snaps and should be able to do so in even or odd fronts.

68. WR Jalen Nailor

His numbers would probably be much more impressive had he not been stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Still, Nailor, 26, had 47 first downs and 10 TDs over the past two seasons and has averaged 15.4 yards per catch during his four-year career.

69. TE Chig Okonkwo

An oversized receiver at 6-3 and 238 pounds, maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise he doesn’t block much. But Okonkwo, 26, had his best season in 2025 with 56 receptions for 560 yards.

70. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney

Something of a mercenary at age 33, the No. 1 pick of the 2014 draft had 8½ sacks and 38 pressures for the Cowboys last season despite playing about half of his typical snap count. He can also still set a nice edge.

71. RB J.K. Dobbins

Durability has always been the issue, and a foot injury limited him to 10 games in Denver last season. Yet Dobbins, 27, was averaging a career-best 77.2 rushing yards per game before going down.

72. DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He’s 28, versatile and knows how to get underneath an opponent’s skin … though that’s also sometimes true of his own teams, too.

73. LT Taylor Decker**

He’ll be 33 at the start of the 2026 season but good luck finding a better stopgap guy to man the blind side.

74. G Kevin Zeitler

He’ll be 36 next month. Otherwise? Still plug and play – at a very high level.

75. CB Josh Jobe

He doesn’t have Woolen’s physical gifts, but Jobe emerged as a consistent starter on Seattle’s defense – yet probably won’t command nearly as much as dough as his (in all likelihood) soon-to-be former teammate.

76. OLB/DE K’Lavon Chaisson

He finally showed why he was a first-round pick six years ago, providing 7½ sacks and 52 pressures – both career highs – during his first season with the Patriots. The 6-3, 255-pounder has to be in the right system but should have plenty of time to flourish in an ideal environment given he’s only 26.

77. OLB Arden Key

A slightly older, slightly slighter version of Chaisson, Key does own 27½ sacks and more than 200 pressures since 2021.

78. CB Rasul Douglas

He bounced back nicely after a rough 2024 campaign in Buffalo. A big (6-2, 209) corner with 21 career picks shouldn’t be unemployed for long, even at 30.

79. RB Kenneth Gainwell

He was the Steelers’ MVP last season, when he had a career-high 187 touches and career-best 1,023 yards from scrimmage – along with a personal best eight TDs. Soon to be 27, Gainwell could be a perfect addition for an offense that favors a running back by committee approach.

80. TE David Njoku

He’s still a physical marvel at 29, good for around 50 grabs, 600 yards and a handful of TDs annually. And unlike a lot of tight ends nowadays, he’s also effective in-line as a blocker.

81. TE Cade Otton

He averaged 59 catches and nearly 600 yards over the past two seasons in Tampa. Decent blocker.

82. DT DJ Reader

Even at 31, the 6-3, 330-pounder can still crush a pocket – especially if his snaps are used judiciously.

83. TE Jonnu Smith*

He had a career year for Miami in 2024, but his numbers plummeted in Pittsburgh’s tight end-heavy offense in 2025. But Smith is only 30 and should find a soft landing somewhere.

84. WR Brandon Aiyuk**

He was a 1,300-yard receiver in 2023. He tore up his knee in 2024. He didn’t play in 2025 and basically ghosted the 49ers, leading the team to void $27 million of Aiyuk’s guaranteed money. His talent and behavior will make for quite the cost-benefit analysis for potentially interested teams.

85. OLB/DE Arnold Ebiketie

He’s 27 and has shown the ability to get to the quarterback (130 total pressures) during his four-year career. But he hasn’t proven he can be any more than rotational defender with only 12 starts to his credit.

86. WR Keenan Allen

He’ll be 34 in April but still moves the sticks, 49 of his 81 catches for the Chargers going for first downs last season.

87. OT Braden Smith

He’s started 105 games in eight seasons for the Colts but has missed 16 over the past three seasons and has battled a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

88. CB Eric Stokes

A first-rounder of the Packers in 2021, he played for the Raiders last year and had his best season since he was a rookie.

89. LB Kaden Elliss

A tackling machine in Atlanta, where the 30-year-old averaged more than 125 stops over the past three seasons, Elliss is also a very effective blitzer.

90. LB Tremaine Edmunds*

He’s 27 and the two-time Pro Bowler has never had fewer than 100 tackles during his eight-year career.

91. LB Alex Singleton

He’s 32 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past six years and can quarterback a defense.

92. LB Alex Anzalone

He’s 31 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past four years and can quarterback a defense.

93. TE Charlie Kolar

He’s only got 41 catches in four seasons but is a hellacious blocker − and thus a potential asset at a time when more teams seem to be going to more tight end-heavy looks.

94. DE/OLB Cameron Jordan

His 10½ sacks in 2025 were his most in four years. Hard to imagine the 36-year-old playing a 16th season anywhere but New Orleans, but he seems to have more to give.

95. WR Marquise Brown

He’s only caught more than 70 passes once during his seven-year career, but his speed remains a force multiplier.

96. OLB Von Miller

He’s about to turn 37, yet he’s transitioned into a highly effective situational pass rush specialist – the former Super Bowl MVP racking up 15 sacks and 67 pressures over the last two years, that despite starting just three games.

97. LB Demario Davis

Now 37, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but New Orleans’.

98. LB Lavonte David

Now 36, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but Tampa Bay’s.

99. QB Geno Smith**

After a late-career surge in Seattle, last season, he resembled the player who struggled so mightily early in his career, serving up a league-most 17 interceptions for the Raiders in 2025. Now 35, Smith might be a better bridge option than another fading passer like Russell Wilson, but his most recent film isn’t likely to earn him another lengthy QB1 shot.

100. WR Tyreek Hill*