Thibaut Courtois becomes owner of French club — and more

The Belgian goalkeeper invested through his company NXTPLAY, joining a group of co-owners that includes Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen. The Brazilian fund Outfield retains majority control.

Currently fifth in Ligue 2, Le Mans is targeting promotion to the top flight, with the top two teams securing automatic spots and the next three battling for a playoff place.

Four sides in The Hundred with links to the IPL are not expected to sign players from Pakistan in next month's auction.

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Pro Football Talk

Jayden Daniels: I love Philly fans, closest thing to playing in a college environment

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has played two games in Philadelphia in his NFL career, losing both. He thinks there’s no tougher place in the NFL to play.

Daniels said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that the fans in Philadelphia deserve credit for the passion they bring, which only makes it harder on opposing quarterbacks.

“I love Eagles fans. I love Eagles fans,” Daniels said. “They just embody what Philly brings. To be able to go out there and play against them, it’s kind of just that thing. Their environment is kind of like the closest thing you can get to a college environment.”

Asked if the fans in Philadelphia give him more fuel, Daniels answered, “For sure.”

“If you go out there, you can beat Philly in Philly, that’s a different type, but their fans bring it,” Daniels said. “Especially as we’re rivals with them in the NFC East. I love playing against them.”

Winning in Philadelphia is high on Daniels’ list of goals for 2026.

ESPN

John Keim: What to expect from Commanders’ offense in 2026

More under center

In two seasons under Kingsbury, Washington ran the fewest amount of plays from under center in the NFL. In fact, the Commanders’ 193 snaps were 157 fewer than the next lowest, Cincinnati — and it was 919 less than the No. 1 team, Detroit.

Quinn wanted a different philosophy moving forward — more run emphasis; more ability to create explosive plays; less pressure on quarterback Jayden Daniels to save the day each game.

That led to Kingsbury’s exit and the quick promotion of Blough. Both Quinn and Blough pointed out that the teams that advanced far in the postseason all played more from under center. A year ago, under Kingsbury, Washington reached the NFC Championship Game doing the opposite. That season, Kingsbury’s offense finished fifth in points and efficiency, fourth in offensive EPA (expected points added), third in rushing and 10th in time of possession.

Washington also ranked just 22nd in yards per pass attempt on play-action in 2024. Though the team fared much better last year overall (ranking ninth in yards per attempt), when the score differential was within a touchdown, they ranked 22nd in that category.

The organization says the goal for the offense in 2026 is to create more explosive plays.

Less no-huddle

Blough has learned…that it’s better to huddle. Washington ran more plays of no-huddle offense than anyone in the NFL the past two seasons — 1,279 such plays, or 83 more plays than the next three teams combined.

That said, the Commanders did not always move at a fast pace with this look. They snapped the ball within 25 seconds of the previous play 10.4% of the time over the past two years. They did run 429 plays within 35 seconds, most in the NFL; 33% of the time they were in no-huddle.

“It’s hard to ignore how much stress and no huddle — the tempo element — puts on a defense,” Blough said, acknowledging its utility.

“If we look up next year and we’re at 20%, I’d be OK with that,” Blough ended.

Commanders.com

Logan Paulsen’s Top offensive lineman prospects in 2026 draft

The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

8. Caleb Lomu, Utah

One thing: “I like him a lot. I think he’s got great foot speed. I think he understands leverages and pass protection. There are some times where I wonder about his total place strength. He gets a little bit high, gets a little bit disinterested, but I really like the overall athlete. And I think he’s better put together. I don’t wanna say the play strength was a concern, but he’s well put together. It’s not like a glaring issue. So, I think he’s a very, very solid prospect.”

7. Blake Miller, Clemson

One thing: “He’s a former high school wrestler. He’s got 35-inch arms. He is a nasty, nasty human being. Like he loves to finish. He can run. I think he’s got good feet. He’s a little bit duck footed. So it looks a little bit awkward. But he’s quick to the angle. He is quick to the landmark. I think in pass protection, that’s where I get a little bit worried about him. Because he’s got long arms, you can see the length. But he tends to kind of like headbutt and kind of try to bear hug you as opposed to like keeping you using his length. But in terms of football character, at least based on the film, he’s the big, nasty, man.”

6. Monroe Freeling, Georgia

One thing: “I actually think is a pretty gosh darn good mover for being 6-7. He does a great job in pass protection. He uses his length. He gets his hands out there; he stuns guys. He’s pretty good in combinations. There are times where he gets to the second level and he does not bend super well. He’s hitting guys with the bottom of his face mask as opposed to his face or the crown of his helmet. And at the next level, that could be problematic. But the thing that I always told myself is if you see the ability to pass protect at a high level, you gotta value that guy.”

A to Z Sports

Commanders have three cut candidates who could free up more salary cap space before free agency spending spree

Quan Martin, Safety

This one might surprise some people, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they moved on from Quan Martin. Head coach Dan Quinn benched Martin after he gave up the long touchdown to Dallas Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin on Christmas Day, and that’s with the secondary as bad as it was. Martin showed some flashes in 2024, but 2025 was as bad as it gets.

The Commanders will have plenty of opportunities to upgrade with a loaded safety draft class and a deep group of free agents as well. Moving on from Martin saves the Commanders $3.6 million in 2026, and carries a dead cap hit of just $638,695. The Commanders can’t afford to have a liability in the secondary anymore.

Riggo’s Rag

Commanders’ relationship with Bobby Wagner has seemingly run its course

Daronte Jones’ defense promises to be aggressive, violent, explosive, and ruthless under his leadership. His personnel needs an injection of youth and dynamism for this hire to work, which could leave future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner on the outside looking in.

Wagner’s been a fantastic presence in Washington over the last two years, but this seems like a good time for both parties to go their separate ways. Greg Auman of FOX Sports agrees, projecting the former Utah State standout to keep playing with a return to the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.

“[Bobby] Wagner is also years past people saying it’s amazing he was still playing. He had 162 tackles for Washington in 2025, with 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, missing Pro Bowl honors (he’s made it 10 times already). A new coordinator for the Commanders could mean Wagner is signing elsewhere, a future Hall of Famer still making plays on a consistent basis. Could he return to the Seahawks or Rams and try to chase a second ring on the way out?”Greg Auman

The newly crowned NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year still managed to achieve 162 tackles last season at 35 years old. Wagner was a force in between the tackles and on blitzes. But given the scheme Jones plans to install, his lack of athleticism and inconsistent coverage make a departure from Washington more likely than another deal.

7 Players who could reunite with Adam Peters on the Commanders in 2026

Spencer Burford

If veteran left guard Chris Paul returns to the Washington Commanders on a new deal, all five of their starting offensive linemen will be back. That is a massive boost for continuity purposes, and it gives new coordinator David Blough one less thing to worry about during his critical transition to the play-calling role.

That said, their backup options are lacking. Andrew Wylie, George Fant, Trent Scott, and Lucas Niang are all free agents and might not return. Nick Allegretti may be a salary-cap cut candidate, so general manager Adam Peters must start devising a list of reinforcements with proven experience.

Peters knows Spencer Burford well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. He was solid enough when tasked with starting duties last season. And at 25, there is enough scope to improve in the coming years.

Much will depend on the money involved and whether Burford, who plays on the interior but also has experience at tackle in college, is willing to accept a depth-chart role. But this looks like a realistic option if the Niners don’t keep him around.

Charles Omenihu

Charles Omenihu is an interesting free agent going under the radar. He spent the best part of two years working with Peters on the San Francisco 49ers, and he’s been a steady rotational piece for the Kansas City Chiefs over the last three years. He’s never attained more than seven sacks in any season, but his 34 pressures from 55 percent of defensive snaps in 2025 showcase his ability to get opposing quarterbacks off their spot.

It’s easy to forget that Omenihu only recently turned 28, so this could be a cost-effective option to enhance the pass-rushing rotation if the Chiefs don’t re-sign him.

Curtis Robinson

Robinson was acquired when Peters held an influential position in the San Francisco 49ers’ front office. He was used sparingly until this season, but an injury to Fred Warner gave him the opportunity he was looking for. If the Commanders are looking for a dependable performer with some much-needed momentum on his side, this could be a viable option for Washington’s depth chart.

Ben Bartch

Adam Peters was in the San Francisco 49ers’ front office when they signed Ben Bartch in 2023. He’s been a backup almost ever since, but the flashes he displayed in limited involvement last season leave reasons for encouragement.

Bartch is best suited for the left guard position. The Commanders started Chris Paul there last season. He seizedhis final chance to carve out a role for himself. This couldn’t have come at a better time, and the player should get paid handsomely on a new deal in free agency.

Whether that’s in Washington or elsewhere remains to be seen. Peters should make him an offer, and even if he re-signs, Bartch could be a useful backup option. Especially considering Super Bowl winner Nick Allegretti as a potential salary-cap cut candidate.

Samson Ebukam

Not every signing is going to be a megabucks deal or high-end draft pick. The Commanders need to make the minor moves count, which will enhance depth and allow the team to cope much better with injuries when they inevitably arise. There are some concerns, but Samson Ebukam has a connection to Peters and some useful athleticism to consider.

Ebukam looked like a productive prime was in the offing after securing 9.5 sacks with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. Unfortunately, the pass-rusher missed the following year with a torn Achilles, denting his momentum drastically.

The Eastern Washington product returned to health and performed quite well in 2025, recording two sacks and 23 pressures on 43 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps. Ebukam should be stronger next season, but he’d be a relatively cheap addition to the rotation with lofty upside attached.

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Blogging the Boys

A long list of key departures has contributed to the Cowboys rapid defensive descent

The departure of Dan Quinn to Washington has been the greatest smoking gun as to why things have abruptly changed, but coaching only tells half the story. While Quinn’s aggressive nature and infectious energy turned around a broken unit, the sheer drain of talent has left the roster looking like a K-Mart department store. Some teams occasionally lose a superstar player, some suffer bad luck with a career-changing injury, or others just lose a few key contributors that turned out to be more costly than expected. In the case of the Cowboys defense, they’ve endured all of that, and to a great extent. And to make matters worse, the team’s response in filling those voids has consisted of underperforming draft picks, disappointing trades, and their go-to low-cost free agent signings.

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Articles

ESPN

Paul Allen’s estate begins process of selling Super Bowl champ Seahawks

Jody Allen has controlled the Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers as the estate’s chair in the wake of her brother’s death. Paul Allen’s will dictated that both teams were to eventually be sold, with all estate proceeds going to philanthropy.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell referred to that directive when asked during Super Bowl week about a potential Seahawks sale. He denied a Wall Street Journal report that the organization was fined $5 million due to its ownership structure not being in compliance with league rules. That fine was being held in abeyance, a source told ESPN’s Seth Wickersham.

It’s the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team has been put on the market shortly after playing in the championship game.

The Athletic (paywall)

Ian Rapoport’s future with NFL Network under ESPN: ‘No idea if it is going to happen’

In April, ESPN and the NFL Network will be under the same Disney umbrella — Rapoport and Schefter will be teammates. How long that lasts is still to be determined, as Rapoport’s contract is up in May.

While Schefter and Rapoport engage in an almost daily post-off to be first on X, there is more to their jobs. The analogy that probably best describes how NFL Network is expected to live in an ESPN universe is the SEC Network. ESPN’s most popular subject will continue to be the NFL, but if you want non-stop coverage of the league, NFL Network will be available. Ultimately, between the two networks, there is going to be no shortage of on-air hits for the top insiders.

What ESPN executives are going to do about the expanded NFL reporting staff is still to be determined.

“Just so we are clear, I don’t know what is coming,” Rapoport said. “No one has told me, ‘It’s going to be like this. It’s going to be like that.’ There are a lot of things I don’t know. A lot of people don’t know, but I’m excited because ESPN is very good at what it does. From my understanding, it is going to be more football, more coverage, investing in NFL Network and making it as best as it could possibly be.

“If it is anything like ESPN and SEC Network, that would be great. SEC Network is awesome. ESPN’s coverage of college football is enhanced by it. If that is sort of the way it is, then I think that would be, that would be great. I don’t know what I’ll end up doing.”

Discussion topics

NFL.com

NFL free agency: Eight players who could be misvalued in 2026

Players who could be underpriced

Kenneth Gainwell – Pittsburgh Steelers · RB

Gainwell is coming off a career-best 537 rushing yards with five TDs, while splitting duties with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh. His 47.4% success rate on rush attempts ranked sixth-best among all RBs (min. 100 carries). Gainwell proved his prowess as a receiving back in his first year with the Steelers, generating 486 yards — fifth-most among backs, behind only Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and De’Von Achane — with three scores on 73 catches. That dual-threat ability is extremely valuable. However, Gainwell could be overlooked on the open market. The reality that clubs don’t generally want to spend on the RB position and the deep pool of backs ticketed for free agency mean Gainwell could get lost in the shuffle.

Nakobe Dean – Philadelphia Eagles · LB

The former third-round pick owns the type of athleticism and playmaking that could get him paid this offseason. In four seasons in Philly, the off-ball linebacker proved he could get after the quarterback (7.5 sacks) and patrol the middle of the field. However, an extensive injury history could curtail his payday. The defender hasn’t played a full slate since 2017, missing 21 missed regular-season games over the past three seasons alone, and was out for most of Philly’s Super Bowl run in 2024. Teams generally shy away from spending big on players with long-term durability questions, which could put Dean on a short-term prove-it path.

Leo Chenal – Kansas City Chiefs · LB

The 25-year-old has never been in a full-time contributor in Kansas City’s defense, playing fewer than 550 snaps in each of his four seasons with the Chiefs. But in his rotational role, he flashed playmaking ability, plugged holes against the run, generated seven sacks and held his own in coverage (when asked). The former third-round pick is primed to find more responsibility in a new defense. Unfortunately, off-ball linebackers without every-down experience typically don’t have burgeoning markets. If he lands a full-time role, the return on investment, however, could be significant for his new club.

Arnold Ebiketie – Atlanta Falcons · Edge

The success of rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. last season buried Ebiketie down the depth chart in Year 4. But Pearce’s recent arrest on five felony charges casts serious doubt on Pearce’s future, and it might be prudent for the Falcons to retain Ebiketie. Although the former second-round pick has generated just 16.5 career sacks over four campaigns, he possesses explosiveness off the edge that could thrive under new leadership in Atlanta or in new surroundings. Despite seeing a career-low 370 snaps in 2025, his 16.4% pressure rate was the best of his career, per Next Gen Stats. In a league always in need of pass-rush help, Ebiketie could be a steal on a short-term prove-it deal.

aBit o’Twitter

Kansas Jayhawks News

ESPN has an entire article written about Darryn Peterson’s cramping last night

247 gives you Lance Leipold and Andy Kotelnicki’s thoughts on the new transfer QB they brought in

Through the Phog says KU’s trip up the Big 12 standings just got easier

Links!

The judge in Sherrone Moore’s case believes police may have made a critical error

What the K-State basketball players have to say about Jerome Tang and his firing

This AP story discusses how college basketball coaches are getting bold about criticizing their teams

Jon Scheyer is feuding with the DA who oversees Chapel Hill

ICE descended upon Lawrence this week, and arrested at least five people

The FCC Chairman is lying and claiming that Stephen Colbert is lying about the FCC

Question of the Day

Ok, this is a weird one. Blame Shabs for suggesting it. Tony Clark recently resigned from his position as MLBPA president after an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who also worked for the same organization. The question? Which is worse, wife’s sister, or brother’s wife?