The Texans’ defense ranked among the league’s best during the regular season in yards allowed, points allowed, and takeaways.
Players credit their success to a close-knit, ‘college-esque’ camaraderie and the ‘swarm culture’ instilled by head coach DeMeco Ryans.

PITTSBURGH – Will Anderson Jr. had a dream. 

“I said ‘Look, I’m not Martin Luther King,’” Anderson said about his interaction with teammate Sheldon Rankins before the Houston Texans departed for Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in the wild-card round. “But, ‘I had a dream that you had a scoop. But I don’t know what’s going to happen.’ The dream went blank after that.”

Lost to Anderson’s REM cycle was something that played out perfectly for the Texans. In the fourth quarter of their eventual 30-6 thrashing of the Steelers, Anderson Jr. and Rankins combined to sack Aaron Rodgers, who lost the ball (Anderson received credit for the forced fumble). Rankins picked up the pigskin and scampered 33 yards for a touchdown that took a 10-6 game to a 17-6 difference with 11:23 remaining. Houston’s defense wasn’t done scoring – Calen Bullock iced the game, and potentially Rodgers’ career, by picking off a pass and returning it 50 yards for the game’s final score. 

The Texans’ defense, led by head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke, has been dominant for an entire season. The Seattle Seahawks are the lone Super Bowl contender with a claim as legitimate as the Texans’ for best defense in the league. Houston finished the regular season first in yards allowed per game (277.2) and then surrendered 175 net yards to the Steelers. They allowed the second-fewest points per game (17.4, while the Seahawks were 17.2). The Texans were third in total takeaways (29) and finished tied for seventh in sacks. No team allowed fewer first downs per game than them (16.2). 

“The biggest thing that we were talking about – like, OK what we did in the regular season, it ain’t going to matter when we get into the playoffs” Anderson said. 

He wanted his teammates to keep the same energy while raising the bar and got just that. According to Next Gen Stats, he and Danielle Hunter combined for 15 pressures. The Texans, as a team, generated a 45.9% pressure rate (17 total times). Rodgers had been pressured a league-low 21.5% of his dropbacks during the regular season. The minus-33.4 expected points added (EPA) is the lowest mark by any playoff defense in the last decade. They haven’t allowed a positive EPA-per-dropback since a Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I thought everybody was dialed in,” Anderson, the former Alabama standout, said. “You talking about popping it off, big plays, taking the ball – doing whatever it takes to win the game.” 

With a divisional-round matchup on the road against the New England Patriots on deck, the Texans’ defense has designs on something more than recognition.

“We’re here for it all,” Rankins said. “I won’t sugarcoat or dance around that topic. We’re here for the whole thing. This is just a stepping stone for where we want to go.” 

Texans’ defense being the best ‘for each other’

A 10-year veteran, Rankins would like to think he’s been a part of defenses in which he’s been able to trust the other 10 guys on the field as he has done with the 2025 Texans. But this group takes the cake, he said.

“I also think we have a special, close group,” he said. “I think I’ve been a part of some special groups, but the closeness hasn’t always been to this level. It almost, to a degree – especially with how many younger playmakers we have, it almost has a college-esque feel.” 

The inside jokes and light-hearded ribbing. That not only breeds camaraderie in the locker room, Rankins said, but spills over onto the field. 

“How we play for each other,” he said, “not just with each other.”   

Coaches can use that to their advantage. Because guys know one another so well, communication is easier. 

“Instead of a guy having to shout something, it can be a look, it can be a hand signal, a wink here, a wink there, or just even if it’s getting a guy’s attention, a guy can know exactly what that means and go out there and execute it fast,” Rankins explained. “I think that camaraderie, that togetherness that we have throughout the building, throughout the locker room, definitely spills over. It allows us to just go out there and play for each other, but play fast while doing it.” 

Houston safety Jalen Pitre said having guys who think of themselves as offensive players has made the Texans’ other unit lethal. 

“These are offensive players that play defense,” he said. 

Pitre said they’ll let those outside the locker room determine whether they are the best unit in the NFL. 

“I never really think about that,” he said. “I know we have a talented group. But I never really think about ‘Who is the best?’ and all that stuff. Like, we just show up ready to execute and let the numbers speak for themselves.”

“We take pride in that,” said Rankins, who gave the offense props for controlling the clock and converting third downs to stay on the field against Pittsburgh. 

Any defense would sign up for that type of performance from the other side of the ball, Rankins said. 

“That allows us to really pin our ears back and put pressure on teams,” he said. “Because if our offense is doing that, the pressure is on their offense to match it.”  

Ryans tells his team they can shut any offense down. The confidence flows from the coaching staff to the players, who keep a chip on their shoulder every time they show up for work. 

“That’s our mindset: we’re the best defense,” Bullock said. “So we got to show it and work throughout the week to prove that we’re a great defense. So when we go out there, we got that confidence, nothing can hold us back.” 

Texans surge from 0-3 to earn opponents’ respect

Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter knew the unit had the potential to dominate based on offseason workouts. 

“Seeing guys doing what they’re doing now,” he said. “Seeing the d-line go hunt. Seeing the (linebackers) do what they do. Communicate, lead, seeing the back end play sticky, play physical, play fast. We knew we had something special.” 

A lot of people counted out the Texans after their 0-3 start, Bullock said. 

“We set a goal. We knew we had the guys,” he said. “We worked every single day to be the best defense.

“We just kept our head down, and we kept pushing.”

When they were 0-3, and Andreson saw how the team kept responding, “everybody rallying together, that’s when I knew what our foundation was.” He tipped his hat to Ryans and “what he’s instilled.” The coach wanted a ‘swarm culture. “

“That’s what’s been built here,” Anderson said.  

It’s something Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noticed. 

“They’re not only talented,” Vrabel said Wednesday, “but they have a play demeanor that I can appreciate.”

What does that mean? Houston chases the football, Vrabel said. Having two demons on the edge in Anderson and Hunter – both of whom also are effective against the run – also helps.  

“If they get blocked,” Vrabel said, “they don’t stay blocked long.” 

“All the hype is deserving from what I’ve seen,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to stay ahead of the chains. We’ve got a tough task. We’ll have our hands full.”

Patriots center Garrett Bradbury said he sees the San Francisco 49ers and Robert Saleh’s influence on Ryans’ scheme. Houston will dare New England to run the ball. So the Patriots must do so efficiently. That’s a challenge every offensive lineman wants, Bradbury said. 

“I think what you see is who they are,” Bradbury told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s what DeMeco prides that team on. They’re a really good defense.

“They want to rush the passer every single play, and they’re gonna rush the passer on the way to stopping the run.” 

“It’ll be a great matchup,” Bradbury added. “I’m excited for the game.”

With the conclusion of the world juniors and the NHL season beyond its halfway point, the 2026 draft is quickly entering the forefront of discussions across the hockey world. 

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced this week the draft will be hosted at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center in June, becoming the first arena to host the event in its decentralized format since it was introduced at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles last year.

The NHL’s Central Scouting department also released its mid-term rankings, headlined by Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff, sparking debate among scouts and prospect enthusiasts. Player evaluation for this class is becoming more intriguing with each passing day.

Considering the current NHL standings and the organizational needs of the teams positioned to select in the lottery, let’s look at one of many ways the top 16 picks in the draft could fall next summer.

(Draft order determined by standings, sorted by points percentage, before games on Jan. 15, 2026)

NHL mock draft: Top 16 picks

1. Vancouver Canucks: Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

Stenberg took his game to new heights in the biggest moments of the world juniors. He was just as dangerous as a distributor as he was a finisher, and his ability to break down defenses and make high-end plays under pressure made him one of the tournament’s best players. He scored a game-winning goal in his return to Frolunda, and his historic scoring pace in the Swedish League will make him a top-three pick this summer.

2. Winnipeg Jets: Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

McKenna’s showing at the world juniors was cause for debate. He finished second in tournament scoring while being a catalyst on the best power play at the event. His play off the puck and his overall compete level still left a lot to be desired, however. He has the tools to be a generational offensive talent, but his spot as the No. 1 pick in this draft is no longer a lock. Winnipeg needs another top-end winger anyway.

3. Calgary Flames: North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

With Rasmus Andersson trade rumors intensifying, the Flames could land a long-term replacement in Verhoeff as a right-shot defenseman who can log big minutes and play in all on-ice situations. There wasn’t a ton of opportunity for him at the world juniors to showcase his skills with Team Canada, but a big second half at North Dakota should reinforce his status as the top blueliner in this class.

4. St. Louis Blues: Boston University (NCAA) center Tynan Lawrence

Lawrence suited up for his first three games of college hockey after leaving the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks to join Boston University. He centered the team’s top line alongside two top prospects in the NCAA, Cole Eiserman and Ryder Ritchie. While there’s clearly going to be an adjustment period, his motor, defensive contributions and ability to elevate teammates will translate well and should make for an intriguing push to become the top pick in this draft.

5. New York Rangers: Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

Smits’ draft stock skyrocketed after his showing at the world juniors. He averaged the second-most ice time in the tournament at 23:40, was responsible for handling every tough matchup Latvia faced, and was the driving force of the team’s offense. The 18-year-old was named to Latvia’s Olympic team, and with another impressive showing, he could be the first defender off the board this summer.

6. Chicago Blackhawks: Windsor (OHL) left wing Ethan Belchetz

At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Belchetz has the frame of an enforcer with the vision and IQ of a playmaker, making him a one-of-a-kind prospect in this class. His biggest concern this season has been his skating and overall pace, but he still feels like a solid top-six forward with a set of tools that teams don’t typically let slide beyond the top five. The Blackhawks could eventually play him with Connor Bedard or Frank Nazar.

7. Anaheim Ducks: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) defenseman Chase Reid

Reid is a talented athlete who processes offense at a very high level while defending with purpose. There are few players with his tools in this class. There were times when his aggressiveness in driving play at the world juniors worked against him, but he never let mistakes discourage him. His willingness to be a difference-maker with each shift is admirable, and he could help an aging right side of the Ducks’ defense.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Djurgarden (Sweden) center Viggo Bjorck

Despite being Sweden’s youngest player at the world juniors, Bjorck was right there with Stenberg as one of the most effective forwards of the tournament. He stood out on the power play and penalty kill, was an aggressive forechecker who won more battles than he lost despite being 5-foot-9 and displayed his crafty playmaking ability with a pace of play that few could match. He proved he has a skill set that can’t be overlooked.

9. Nashville Predators: Tappara (Finland) center Oliver Suvanto

Suvanto feels like a center the Predators wouldn’t pass on at this point in the draft, regardless of where his talents rank among the top forwards in this class. His skating issues were the biggest factor preventing him from creating offense at the world juniors, but there’s still a ton to like about what he could bring to the NHL level with his defensive details, proficiency as a net-front presence and tenacious forechecking.

10. Utah Mammoth: Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

Villeneuve would bring an element of offense to the Mammoth’s defensive core that the team doesn’t have. He’s earned comparisons to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson with his dynamic skating ability, offensive deception and willingness to drive play from the back end. He projects as a high-end power-play quarterback at the NHL level and could put up strong production in a high-octane offensive system like Utah’s.

11. New Jersey Devils: Vancouver (WHL) defenseman Ryan Lin

The Devils could go in a few directions with this selection, considering their issues with preventing and generating offense this season. That said, Lin’s defensive maturity makes it hard to believe he’ll be on the board beyond this point in the draft. As trade rumors involving Dougie Hamilton continue to circulate, there could be some runway for Lin to develop and show off his offensive capabilities in this Devils’ system as well.

12. Ottawa Senators: Forfeited draft pick

The Ottawa Senators must forfeit this year’s draft pick after failing to disclose Evgenii Dadonov’s limited no-trade clause when they moved him to Vegas in 2021, leading to an invalidated trade between the Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks in 2022. They had to forfeit one first-round pick in either 2024, 2025 or 2026, and they already drafted Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. If they trade for another first-rounder, they could use a winger.

13. Los Angeles Kings: Prince Albert (WHL) defenseman Daxon Rudolph

It’s no secret that the Kings’ defensive core is aging aside from Brandt Clarke and Mikey Anderson, so taking Rudolph here makes sense. Rudolph has been on an offensive tear as of late, going on a 13-game point streak in which he put up 11 goals and 24 points with the Prince Albert Raiders. That layer of offense could easily make him a top-10 pick on top of what he provides with his smooth skating, size and defensive ability.

14. San Jose Sharks: Peterborough (OHL) left wing Adam Novotny

Novotny had a much better world juniors with Czechia than his three assists would indicate. He led the tournament in total shots and showed some playmaking flashes despite primarily making an impact in his forechecking and penalty-killing. The Sharks already have high-end offensive skill within their system and could use a player of Novotny’s defensive stature to round out what is already one of the top prospect pools in the NHL.

15. Chicago Blackhawks (via Florida): Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels

Much like Verhoeff, Carels was sheltered in his role with Team Canada, but he’s proven to be trusted in all on-ice situations at the WHL level. He’s great at defending on the rush and can problem-solve effectively when facing oncoming pressure. Offensively, he doesn’t shy away from jumping in the rush and creates chances for himself and others in a way that’s projectable in the NHL.

16. Seattle Kraken: Vancouver Giants (WHL) right wing Mathis Preston

Preston was recently traded to the Vancouver Giants and has fit seamlessly, putting up three points in his first two games. He provides a combination of speed, skill and compete that could have him be a top-six forward in the NHL. With some older players on the wing in Seattle, Preston could fit well within the Kraken’s organizational timeline and would be a great selection in this range.

Indiana, LSU, and Texas Tech are highlighted for having some of the best transfer classes this cycle.
New coaches, like Eric Morris at Oklahoma State, often use the portal to bring in a large number of new players.
Key player acquisitions include quarterbacks Josh Hoover to Indiana and Brendan Sorsby to Texas Tech.

Smart teams approach the transfer portal with specific needs and goals, identifying plug-and-play additions who can lift a program from eight wins to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff — as was the case with Texas Tech this season.

Or, in the case of Indiana, from the cellar of the Big Ten nearly to the top of the Football Bowl Subdivision.

But there are also cases where new coaches need to use the big-tent approach of grabbing as many new players as they can to rapidly rebuild a roster. The best example of that in this year’s cycle is Oklahoma State and new coach Eric Morris.

∎ Transfers by conference: SEC | Big Ten | ACC | Big 12

The portal is closing Friday night but the fun isn’t quite over yet, as players who entered before the deadline can still sign with a new program and be eligible this season.

While there will be more additions in the coming weeks, here are the best transfer classes to date, starting with the Hoosiers, LSU and Red Raiders:

Indiana

Best transfers: QB Josh Hoover, WR Nick Marsh, OG Joe Brunner

The unbeaten Hoosiers found their next starting quarterback in Hoover (TCU). They found a new top-level receiver in Marsh (Michigan State) and a productive Power Four back in Turbo Richard (Boston College). They’ll rebuild up front behind Brunner (Wisconsin), maybe the best offensive lineman on the market. And to top things off, Indiana added immediate help on the defensive line and an all-conference defensive back in A.J. Harris (Penn State).

LSU

Best transfers: QB Sam Leavitt, S Ty Benefield, WR Jayce Brown

Leavitt (Arizona State) is one of three transfer quarterbacks in this class, along with Husan Longstreet (Southern California) and Landen Clark (Elon). Lane Kiffin also added maybe the portal’s most impactful defensive back in Benefield (Boise State) while rebuilding the Tigers’ receiver corps with Brown (Kansas State), Eugene Wilson (Florida), Winston Watkins (Ole Miss) and Tre’ Brown III (Old Dominion).

Texas Tech

Best transfers: QB Brendan Sorsby, DT Mateen Ibirogba, LB Austin Romaine

One of the top overall players in the portal, Sorsby (Cincinnati) brings Big 12 experience and an NFL-ready skill set to the starting job. Tech added another experienced Big 12 contributor in Romaine (Kansas State), a starter since midway through his freshman year. Ibirogba (Wake Forest) was an all-conference pick in the ACC and one of six linemen set to join the roster, including edge Adam Trick (Maryland) and defensive tackle Bryce Butler (Washington).

Virginia Tech

Best transfers: EDGE Javion Hilson, WR Que’Sean Brown, EDGE Kamauryn Morgan

James Franklin pulled over several players from Penn State, including tight end Luke Reynolds and quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer. The Hokies were especially productive in adding edge rushers, with Morgan (Baylor) and Hilson (Missouri) joined by a run of ex-Nittany Lions in Cortez Harris, Mylachi Williams and Daniel Jennings.

Texas

Best transfers: WR Cam Coleman, DT Ian Geffrard, RB Hollywood Smothers

This is a smaller transfer class headlined by the type of players who can lift the Longhorns back into the playoff. That includes high-profile newcomers who can support Arch Manning’s development in Coleman (Auburn) and Smothers (North Carolina State). Defensively, Texas added two huge pieces to the front seven in Geffrard (Arkansas) and former All-ACC linebacker Rasheem Biles (Pittsburgh).

Ole Miss

Best transfers: OT Carius Curne, WR Darrell Gill Jr., CB Jay Crawford

Along with Curne (LSU) and Gill (Syracuse), the Rebels’ offense adds quarterback Deuce Knight (Auburn) as the potential new starter. While young, Curne has the frame and athleticism to develop into one of the best in the SEC. Crawford (Auburn) is a proven starter on the outside with room for growth. Running back Kewan Lacy doesn’t count in this group, but retaining him for another year might’ve been the biggest off-field win of the newly minted Pete Golding era.

Penn State

Best transfers: QB Rocco Becht, S Marcus Neal Jr., WR Chase Sowell

Penn State’s 36-player class includes a bunch of big pieces from last year’s offense under Matt Campbell at Iowa State, including Becht, Sowell, running back Carson Hansen, tight end Ben Brahmer and interior lineman Trevor Buhr. Likewise with the defense: Neal, fellow safeties Jeremiah Cooper and Jamison Patton, tackle Ikenna Ezeogu and linebackers Caleb Bacon and Kooper Ebel will help ease the transition to a new staff and make the Nittany Lions a Big Ten contender.

Louisville

Best transfers: S Koen Entringer, TE Brody Foley, WR Tre Richardson

Louisville and coach Jeff Brohm continue to do excellent work in the portal. Entringer (Iowa) is a huge get for a defense that really needs his experience and proven production; he considered the NFL draft before joining the Cardinals. The offense added quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State) and one of the cycle’s strongest collections of pass-catchers, including Foley (Tulsa), Richardson (Vanderbilt) and Lawayne McCoy (Florida State).

Kentucky

Best transfers: QB Kenny Minchey, OT Lance Heard, S Jordan Castell

Kentucky and new coach Will Stein have made some noise. Minchey (Notre Dame) was briefly committed to Nebraska before being flipped to the Wildcats. Castell (Florida) is a veteran SEC starter who can help with the development of a young but talented transfer haul at linebacker. Where the Wildcats have excelled is in overhauling the offensive line with Heard (Tennessee) and guards Tegra Tshabola (Ohio State) and Coleton Price (Baylor). Stein also remade the backfield by bringing in CJ Baxter (Texas) and Jovantae Barnes (Oklahoma).

Oklahoma State

Best transfers: QB Drew Mestemaker, LB Isaiah Chisom, RB Caleb Hawkins

Like Campbell at Penn State, Morris brought in a huge chunk of his key players from North Texas, led by Mestemaker, Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt Young. These pieces will lead to a huge improvement from this season’s putrid offense. The defense will feature an influx of Power Four transfers such as Chisom (UCLA), Louisville lineman Jerry Lawson, linebacker Tate Romney (Arizona State) and cornerback Trudell Berry (Vanderbilt).

At least SEC country can celebrate one title this offseason. The Nielsen ratings are in for the 2025 college football season and Birmingham, Alabama ranked No. 1.

Six other SEC markets made the top 10, though Ohio State’s rabid fan base helped the Buckeyes land spots No. 2 (Columbus) and No. 3 (Dayton).

Here’s a look at this year’s top 10 markets, which didn’t feature too many surprises. However, Indianapolis is notably absent despite Indiana’s historic season and a heavy Notre Dame contingent in the market. Guess it just means more down south.

Top TV markets for 2025 college football season

List via Nielsen, numbers from July 31-Dec. 17.

Birmingham (Alabama/Auburn)
Columbus (Ohio State)
Dayton (Ohio State)
Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville (Clemson)
Tulsa (Oklahoma/Oklahoma State)
Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)
Atlanta (Georgia/Georgia Tech)
Knoxville (Tennessee)
New Orleans (LSU)
Jacksonville (Florida/Georgia)

More than two months into Major League Baseball’s free agency period, plenty of elite talent remains ‒ though the overall depth available has been significantly hollowed out.

A run on relievers ‒ often the last class of players to come off the board ‒ finally gave way to elite sluggers finding homes, with Kyle Tucker’s stunning deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers leaving infielder Bo Bichette the best player available.

Who’s left on the free agency market? USA TODAY Sports ranks the top remaining free agents and breaks down who’s already signed:

Ages on April 1, 2026:

1. Bo Bichette (28, SS, Blue Jays)

Bichette’s sterling World Series performance on, essentially, one leg spoke to both his grit and significant skill set. Posted a .311/.357/.483 line before getting hurt. And if he’s better suited to second base in the future, consider that he’s hitting the market two years earlier than Marcus Semien, and that worked out OK for Texas.

2. Framber Valdez (32, LHP, Astros)

Not sure if he’ll sniff the Max Fried rent district for lefty starters but it never hurts when you’re literally one of two on the market. Valdez is consistently right around 200 innings, has a championship pedigree and suppresses the home run ball. Not an ideal conclusion to his Houston era, but it’s also easy enough to hand him the ball and set your alarm clock for September.

3. Cody Bellinger (30, OF/1B, Yankees)

Bellinger topped the 150-game mark for the first time since 2019 and had an excellent season his one year in the Bronx – producing 5.1 WAR, hitting 29 homers and playing typically sound defense. Given his health history, there will be some risk wagering on a hale Bellinger for the next five-plus years – but his overall skill set will be difficult to ignore.

4. Zac Gallen (30, RHP, Diamondbacks)

He led the NL in WHIP (0.91) and the majors in fewest hits per nine innings (5.9) in 2022, but regressed to 1.26 and 8.3/8.1 the past two seasons. He was much better once the trade deadline passed, posting a 3.32 ERA in his last 11 starts.

5. Lucas Giolito (31, RHP, Red Sox)

Giolito finally turned the page on a pair of injury-ravaged seasons to make 26 starts and post a 3.41 ERA, enough to comfortably decline his $19 million player option. Giolito completed at least six innings in 15 of his 26 starts, though he missed a playoff outing with elbow soreness.

6. Eugenio Suárez (34, 3B, Mariners)

Forty-nine home runs at age 34: What kind of a price do you put on that? Suarez, a free agent for the first time in his career, is about to find out. Suitors know what they’re getting: Punishing power, a ton of strikeouts, suboptimal defense at third but off the charts on the clubhouse affability index.

7. Chris Bassitt (37, RHP, Blue Jays)

A little high for the reliable righty? Well, consider that there are so few Chris Bassitts out there and this one just completed a three-year, $63 million deal with numbing consistency: 32 starts a year, a 3.89 ERA, nearly six innings per start. He topped that off with a selfless stint in the playoff bullpen, where he gave up one earned run in seven appearances.

8. Max Scherzer (41, RHP, Blue Jays)

He indicated after World Series Game 7 that he hadn’t thrown his final pitch, and he posted often enough in 2025 that the standard one year, $15.5 million deal should still be waiting for him.

9. Justin Verlander (43, RHP, Giants)

Those videos of Verlander and Scherzer playing bridge in the nursing home are gonna be wild 40 or so years from now. For now, though, they’ve got innings in their arms and for Verlander’s sake, hopefully he can find a home that’s both pitcher-friendly but also not totally lacking in run support: His 3.85 ERA resulted in a 4-11 record as he sits on 266 wins.

10. J.T. Realmuto (35, C, Phillies)

What’s the going rate for a highly skilled glue guy these days? Realmuto has been integral to the Phillies’ success in recent years, but he’s now a decade into a career as a big league catcher. His OPS and adjusted OPS sagged to career-worst marks of .700 and 91 last season, even as he caught a major-league high 132 games. Seems likely player and team will find a price agreeable to both.

11. Luis Arráez (28, INF/DH, Padres)

Let the Arráez Rorshach tests begin. Do you see a singles hitter with a league average OPS? Or a magician with elite bat-to-ball skills? A three-time batting champion with three teams? Or a guy who can never justify his lack of slug despite all those one-baggers. Be interesting to see what the market thinks.

12. Nick Martinez (35, RHP, Reds)

More invaluable than his peripherals indicate, Martinez took the ball 82 times over two years in Cincy, including 42 starts, and amassed 6.3 WAR and a steady 3.83 ERA.

13. Jose Quintana (37, LHP, Brewers)

Can we at least spare this man the indignity of nosing around for a job in March?

14. Paul Goldschmidt (38, 1B, Yankees)

Until further notice, he remains a decent right-handed platoon option at first, the Yankees eminently pleased at the 1.2 WAR and clubhouse gravitas he provided.

15. Harrison Bader (31, OF, Phillies)

The man simply seems to get better and more valuable with age. He received $6.25 million from Minnesota last winter, and after a July trade to Philadelphia was perhaps their most valuable player down the stretch.

16. Rhys Hoskins (33, 1B/DH, Brewers)

A bumpy couple of years in Milwaukee, where injuries and the emergence of Andrew Vaughn cut Hoskins out of the fun this past season. He struck out more than once per game as a Brewer but did salvage league-average OPS thanks to his power.

17. Zack Littell (30, RHP, Reds)

Littell completed the transition from swingman to full-fledged starter the past two seasons and this year reached 186 ⅔ innings with Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. Just 130 strikeouts might give suitors pause to believe he can repeat it, but Littell has proven himself as a reliable innings-eater.

18. Seranthony Dominguez (31, RHP, Blue Jays)

Durable and relatively dependable, Dominguez cut his home runs per nine in half this year (1.5 to .7) and landed a high-leverage spot in a playoff bullpen after a trade to Toronto.

19. Tomoyuki Sugano (36, RHP, Orioles)

A tale of three seasons for Sugano, who started strongly, faded badly and then made a mini-comeback to land almost exactly on the definition of ‘quality start’: A 10-10 record and 4.64 ERA. Probably did enough to land another job stateside in 2026.

20. Michael Conforto (33, OF, Dodgers)

Will that beautiful left-handed swing again prove irresistible to a suitor? The Dodgers gambled $17 million that they could turn him into a weapon and he batted .199 and did not make the playoff rosters.

21. Marcell Ozuna (35, DH, Braves)

Last call for the full-time DH? The Braves couldn’t get rid of Ozuna at the trade deadline and now he’ll take his 21 homers to the market. Hit 40 and 39 homers in 2023-24, finishing fourth in NL MVP voting in ’24.

22. Isiah Kiner-Falefa (31, INF, Blue Jays)

Simple though his role may be, there’s simply not many IKFs out there, tasked with catching the ball, running the bases well and possessing the ability to fill in anywhere on the infield.

23. Austin Hays (30, OF, Reds)

Cincy was a solid fit for Hays, who smacked 15 homers in 380 at-bats. Still adept in a right-handed platoon role.

24. Patrick Corbin (36, LHP, Rangers)

Can still eat innings – 155 of ‘em in 2025 – and now with a little less pain, as he shaved his ERA from 5.62 his final year in Washington to 4.40 in Texas.

25. David Robertson (40, RHP, Phillies)

Used to be only Roger Clemens could get away with chilling out for a few months and then hopping aboard a playoff train. Robertson did so to some success in Philly; will he be up for the long haul next spring?

26. Tommy Kahnle (36, RHP, Tigers)

Leaving New York – where he’d posted a 2.38 ERA his past two seasons – was tricky for Kahnle, whose 4.43 ERA was his worst since 2018.

27. Daniel Coulombe (36, LHP, Rangers)

Was better before he got caught up in the Twins fire sale (1.16 ERA in Minnesota, 5.25 in 15 appearances in Texas) but on balance remains one of the most reliable and versatile lefty relief options available.

28. Jakob Junis (33, RHP, Guardians)

All he does is get outs, though the itinerant swingman did see some WHIP inflation (1.230) this past season.

29. Walker Buehler (31, RHP, Phillies)

The arm is too good to give up on, even if the Red Sox had little choice but to do so after posting a 5.45 ERA and 5.89 FIP in 22 starts there. He fared a little better in a two-start look-see with Philadelphia, but he’ll clearly be in a short-term incentive-laden situation in 2025.

30. Jon Gray (34, RHP, Rangers)

His 2025 was a wash, as a fractured wrist in spring training and shoulder neuritis limited him to six appearances.

31. Tyler Anderson (36, LHP, Angels)

Seemed like a quick three years in Anaheim, mercifully, where Anderson posted a good year, not-so-good and a so-so season. He’s coming off the last of those, the biggest bugaboo a career worst 1.8 homers per nine.

32. Miles Mikolas (37, RHP, Cardinals)

A bit of will-he or won’t-he involved with Mikolas, who may retire, though he’s never one to leave any innings on the table. Last year, he ate up 156 ⅓ of them, with a 4.84 ERA.

33. Victor Caratini (32, C, Astros)

A fairly deluxe backup catcher, with a league-average OPS, 12 homers and well-regarded behind the plate.

34. Miguel Andujar (30, INF, Reds)

A nifty revival for the 2018 Rookie of the Year runner-up, as he posted an .822 OPS with the A’s and Reds and positioned himself as a versatile righty platoon bat going forward.

35. Justin Wilson (38, LHP, Red Sox)

About as close to a LOOGY as one can get in this three-batter minimum era, as Wilson tossed 48 1/3 innings in 61 appearances, holding lefties to a .212 average.

36. Mitch Garver (35, C/DH, Mariners)

The bat continues to fade, but Garver did catch 43 games backing up the Big Dumper in Seattle.

37. Scott Barlow (33, RHP, Reds)

A throw-till-you-blow guy and well, Barlow hasn’t blown yet, his 75 appearances always a value to a team needing innings.

38. Martin Perez (34, LHP, White Sox)

Declined the player portion of his mutual option after a flexor strain limited him to 10 starts in 2025.

39. Starling Marte (37, OF, Mets)

His four years of meritorious, if injury-plagued, service in Flushing are over. But Marte should still retain some value as an extra outfielder.

40. Andrew McCutchen (39, OF, Pirates)

He’s not so sure about that open invitation to return to Pittsburgh, but has indicated he’ll run it back one more time, somewhere, in 2026.

41. Brent Suter (36, LHP, Reds)

If only for the post-clinch dance moves. For real, though, Suter never pitched more than 3 ⅔ innings last season but appeared in 1 through 9 at some point. Anytime, anywhere.

Free agent signings, with pre-winter rankings:

1. Kyle Tucker (29, OF, Cubs)

SIGNED: Four years, $240 million with Dodgers, Jan. 15.

3. Alex Bregman (31, 3B, Red Sox)

SIGNED: Five years, $175 million with Cubs, Jan. 10.

5. Pete Alonso (31, 1B/DH, Mets)

SIGNED: Five years, $155 million with Orioles, Dec. 10.

7. Kyle Schwarber (33, DH, Phillies)

SIGNED: Five years, $150 million with Phillies, Dec. 9.

8. Dylan Cease (30, RHP, Padres)

SIGNED: Seven years, $210 million with Blue Jays, Nov. 26.

10. Edwin Diaz (32, RHP, Mets)

SIGNED: Three years, $69 million with Dodgers, Dec. 9.

11. Ranger Suárez (30, LHP, Phillies)

SIGNED: Five years, $130 million with Red Sox, Jan. 14.

12. Josh Naylor (28, 1B, Mariners)

SIGNED: Five years, $92.5 million with Mariners, Nov. 16.

13. Shota Imanaga (30, LHP, Cubs)

SIGNED: Accepted $22.025 million qualifying offer from Cubs, Nov. 18.

15. Trent Grisham (29, OF, Yankees)

SIGNED: Accepted $22.025 million qualifying offer from Yankees, Nov. 18.

18. Merrill Kelly (37, RHP, Rangers)

SIGNED: Two years, $40 million, with Diamondbacks.

19. Ha-Seong Kim (30, SS, Braves)

SIGNED: One year, $20 million with Braves, Dec. 15.

20. Robert Suarez (34, RHP, Padres)

SIGNED: Three years, $45 million with Braves, Dec. 11.

24. Michael King (30, RHP, Padres)

SIGNED: Three years, $75 million with Padres, Dec. 18.

25. Gleyber Torres (29, INF, Tigers)

SIGNED: Accepted $22.025 million qualifying offer from Tigers, Nov. 18.

26. Raisel Iglesias (35, RHP, Braves)

SIGNED: One year, $16 million with Atlanta, Nov. 19.

32. Mike Yastrzemski (35, OF, Royals)

SIGNED: Two years, $23 million with Atlanta, Dec. 10.

33. Devin Williams (31, RHP, Yankees)

SIGNED: Three years, $51 million with Mets, Dec. 1.

34. Emilio Pagán (34, RHP, Reds)

SIGNED: Two years, $20 million with Reds, Dec. 3.

35. Tyler Mahle (31, RHP, Rangers)

SIGNED: One year, $10 million with Giants, Dec. 31.

38. Tyler Rogers (34, RHP, Mets)

SIGNED: Three years, $37 million with Blue Jays, Dec. 12.

39. Jorge Polanco (32, INF, Mariners)

SIGNED: Two years, $40 million with Mets, Dec. 13.

40. Ryan O’Hearn (32, 1B/OF, Padres)

SIGNED: Two years, $29 million with Pirates, Dec. 23.

42. Kyle Finnegan (34, RHP, Tigers)

SIGNED: Two years, $19 million with Tigers, Dec. 9.

45. Brad Keller (30, RHP, Cubs)

SIGNED: Two years, $22 million with Phillies, Dec. 17.

47. Steven Matz (34, LHP, Red Sox)

SIGNED: Two years, $15 million with Rays, Dec. 8.

48. Ryan Helsley (31, RHP, Mets)

SIGNED: Two years, $28 million with Orioles, Nov. 30.

49. Drew Pomeranz (37, LHP, Cubs)

SIGNED: One year, $4 million with Angels, Dec. 16.

50. Michael Lorenzen (34, RHP, Royals)

SIGNED: One year, $8 million with Rockies, Jan. 7.

52. Danny Jansen (30, C, Brewers)

SIGNED: Two years, $14.5 million with Rangers, Dec. 13.

53. Phil Maton (33, RHP, Rangers)

SIGNED: Two years, $14.5 million with Cubs, Nov. 25.

54. Josh Bell (33, 1B/DH, Nationals)

SIGNED: One year, $7 million with Twins, Dec. 15.

56. Caleb Thielbar (39, LHP, Cubs)

SIGNED: One year, $4.5 million with Cubs, Dec. 16.

58. Shawn Armstrong (35, RHP, Rangers)

SIGNED: One year, $5.5 million with Guardians, Dec. 18.

60. Luke Weaver (32, RHP, Yankees)

SIGNED: Two years, $22 million with Mets, Dec. 17.

67. Mike Soroka (28, RHP, Cubs)

SIGNED: One year, $7.5 million with Diamondbacks, Dec. 8.

69. Sean Newcomb (32, LHP, Athletics)

SIGNED: One year, $4.5 million with White Sox, Dec. 23.

Take a breath, Seattle Seahawks fans. Your QB1 is okay.

Sam Darnold appeared on the Seahawks’ injury report Thursday as a limited participant due to an oblique injury. This was unexpected; Darnold was off the report on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The team listed him as questionable to play in Saturday’s divisional playoff game against NFC West foe San Francisco.

He later confirmed that he would indeed be suiting up against the 49ers.

‘Kind of just felt a little something on that oblique, just didn’t want to push it,’ Darnold said today. ‘Wasn’t the day to push it so that was it. So I just came inside, got some rehab and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.’

Thursday was the final practice for the Seahawks due to the short week. They’ll be at home for Saturday’s game against the visiting No. 6 seed 49ers.

Seattle took care of business on the road against San Francisco the last time these two teams faced off. The Seahawks’ defense held the 49ers’ offense in check for a 13-3 win in Week 18.

Darnold was a steady 20 for 26 passing for 198 yards in that one. He fumbled once but it did not end in a turnover for the Seahawks.

This is the fourth time Darnold is playing his former team, but the first time in the postseason. Darnold spent the 2023 season with the 49ers on their way to an NFC title before signing with Minnesota in 2024. The Vikings and 49ers faced off in Week 2 of the 2024 season with Darnold and Minnesota earning a 23-17 win.

Saturday marks Darnold’s first playoff game since the Vikings’ 27-9 loss in the wild-card round of the 2024 playoffs. He struggled in that game and completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a fumble lost.

The Rams defense sacked him nine times in that game. He and the Seahawks will be hoping for a better result this time in the postseason.

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

Kyle Tucker, the top slugger and most coveted player on this year’s free agent market, startled the baseball industry with a destination that’s become all too familiar to those finishing out of the money for a player’s services: The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tucker spurned the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets and instead agreed to terms Jan. 15 with the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million contract, a person familiar with the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, has not been finalized. Tucker’s contract will include opt-outs after the second and third years.

Tucker, who turns 29 in January, was undeniably the top free agent this winter after first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays. And after the Blue Jays reached Game 7 of the World Series and signaled their intention to remain aggressive, they appeared to be the frontrunner for Tucker’s services.

Instead, the Dodgers – who just more than two months ago vanquished the Blue Jays in an unforgettable World Series Game 7 – prevailed again.

While it took two months of free agency for Tucker to find a home, he had no shortage of options as the bidding process wound down. The Mets offered him a reported $50 million annual salary, but on a shorter-term deal, a parameter the Dodgers apparently preferred as well; despite a half-billion dollar roster, the Dodgers were in need of outfield punch and lurked in the running.

And now they will land him on an average annual salary that trails only new teammate Shohei Ohtani’s heavily-deferred 10-year, $700 million deal.

Tucker becomes the eighth Dodger with a nine-figure contract, and with the off-season not yet finished, pushes their estimated 2026 payroll commitment to $334 million – and their competitive balance tax payroll will far exceed $400 million.

Tucker, a four-time All-Star, has reached the playoffs in every season since 2019, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a wild-card berth in 2025 after a stint with the Houston Astros that included a 2022 World Series title.

He’s been one of the game’s most consistent offensive producers in that span.

Tucker has accumulated 25.3 Wins Above Replacement since 2021 and posted a 145 adjusted OPS in that span. He’s posted a .277/.365/.514 slash line and averaged 27 home runs per season.

Selected with the fifth overall pick by the Astros in 2015, Tucker, a four-time All-Star was one of the last remaining connections to that rebuild and prosperity when Houston traded him to the Cubs over the winter.

In his one year in Chicago, he anchored a lineup that vaulted from 12th in the major leagues in runs scored to fifth, with players like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner enjoying significant upticks in production.

While many factors contributed to those players’ improvements, it’s also hard to deny the downstream effect of Tucker’s presence. Though they were lauded for the return haul in their trade with the Cubs, the Astros nonetheless saw their streak of consecutive playoff appearances end at eight without Tucker.

“I think it kind of speaks for itself, right? We all know what he brings to this team,” Swanson told USA TODAY Sports in June when asked about Chicago retaining Tucker. “He’s an aircraft carrier of a guy in the lineup.

“He’s so good. How could you not want that?

The Dodgers agreed.

And now he’ll be the linchpin of a lineup laden with former MVPs, future Hall of Famers and nine-figure contracts. The Dodgers will blitz opposing pitchers with Ohtani ($700 million deal) in the leadoff spot, Mookie Betts ($365 million pact) hitting second, likely followed by Tucker and then Freddie Freeman ($162 million).

Heck, if they want to keep the left-right-left cadence, All-Star catcher Will Smith (a paltry $140 million man) can slide between Tucker and Freeman. Either way, the game’s greatest team just got a lot better – and left a hole in the lineups of those who came up short.

The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three-team trade that sends relief pitcher Brock Burke to the Cincinnati Reds, and infielder Gavin Lux and reliever Chris Clark to Tampa, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Thursday night.

Lowe, a five-year veteran and 2016 draft pick by the Rays, is coming off a tough two-year stretch in which he has posted a combined slash line of .230/.292/.378 with 0.8 bWAR in 214 games. He missed 56 games in 2024 with a right oblique injury as his OPS dipped to .693 from a career-high .835 the year before. In 2025, Lowe strained his oblique again on Opening Day and didn’t return until May 15. He was never able to get into a rhythm from then on, finishing the season with a .649 OPS.

Despite the back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, Lowe remained a respected clubhouse presence among his Rays teammates. He fills a need for the Angels, who have been shorthanded in the outfield for quite some time. In 2025, the Halos’ outfield depth was a consistent issue and saw them shuffle through prospects such as Kyren Paris, Matthew Lugo and Bryce Teodosio. It’s worth noting that Lowe remains under club control for the next three years.

The Angels are betting on Lowe getting back to the level he was at in 2023, when he hit 20 home runs, finished top five in the American League in stolen bases (32) and posted career-high numbers across the board. That seems to be a philosophy Angels GM Perry Minasian has taken this offseason as he’s taken fliers on Kirby Yates, Grayson Rodriguez, Alek Manoah, Vaughn Grissom and Jordan Romano, all of whom are in need of a bounce-back year.

But even after freeing up a chunk of payroll with the deferment of third baseman Anthony Rendon’s contract last month, the Halos have yet to make a major move. It remains to be seen if they will this offseason.

“Offseasons are long, right?” Minasian told reporters. “If you look at what we did last year, I signed Kenley Jansen and Yoán Moncada with a couple days left right before Spring Training. So, there’s still a lot of good players out there.

‘We’re still looking for ways to improve the team.’