Raiders’ Final Offer to Christian Elliss: Details of the Negotiation Revealed

Raiders’ Linebacker Shake-Up: Patriots Snatch Christian Elliss Away from Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Raiders have been actively reshaping their linebacker corps following the departures of key players Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane in free agency. Determined to bolster their defense, the Raiders successfully secured veteran Elandon Roberts. However, their efforts to add another key piece to their linebacker room hit a roadblock when they pursued New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss.

As a restricted free agent, Elliss had the option for his current team to match any outside offers. The Raiders made a compelling bid in an attempt to lure him away from New England, but the Patriots swiftly countered, exercising their right to match the offer on Monday. With that move, Elliss is officially staying in New England, leaving Las Vegas empty-handed in its pursuit of additional defensive reinforcements.

This development puts the Raiders in a tough position as they continue their defensive rebuild. Losing both Deablo and Spillane left a significant hole in the middle of their defense, and while Roberts brings experience and toughness, the team still lacks depth at the position. Elliss, known for his versatility and playmaking ability, would have been an excellent addition to their revamped defense under head coach Antonio Pierce.

Now, the Raiders must regroup and explore other available options in free agency or turn their attention toward the upcoming NFL Draft. With several talented linebackers available in this year’s draft class, Las Vegas could use their draft capital to secure a promising young player who can develop into a long-term solution. Additionally, the trade market remains an avenue the Raiders could explore if they seek a more immediate impact player.

Missing out on Elliss is undoubtedly a setback, but the Raiders still have time to make moves that will solidify their defense for the upcoming season. The question now is: Will they target another veteran free agent, make an aggressive draft selection, or consider a trade to fill the gap? One thing is clear—Las Vegas isn’t done making moves, and their next steps will be crucial in determining the strength of their defense heading into the new season.

Rising Star Cam Smith Secures Spot on Houston Astros’ Opening Day Roster!

Cam Smith’s Meteoric Rise: From College Star to Astros’ Opening Day Roster

The Houston Astros have made it official—top prospect Cam Smith will be on their Opening Day roster. This announcement marks an incredible leap for the 22-year-old, who is set to make his Major League debut less than a year after playing his last college game.

Smith, who was acquired in the Astros’ blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, has swiftly proven himself to be a rising star. Despite limited experience in the minor leagues—just 32 games and only 20 plate appearances above Double-A—his exceptional talent and impressive performance during spring training convinced Houston’s front office that he was ready for the big stage.

Originally selected by the Cubs as the 14th overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, Smith was regarded as one of the most promising young outfielders in the nation during his time at Florida State. His ability to make consistent contact, display elite athleticism, and showcase a strong defensive presence in the outfield made him an exciting addition to Houston’s future plans. However, few expected his rise to be this rapid.

Now, Smith is poised to be Houston’s starting right fielder when the Astros open their season against the New York Mets on Thursday at Daikin Park. While stepping into a lineup that has consistently been one of the most dominant in the American League, Smith will have the opportunity to prove that he belongs among baseball’s best.

With a combination of raw talent, natural instincts, and the ability to rise to the occasion, Smith could quickly become a key player for the Astros in 2025 and beyond. His journey from college standout to Opening Day starter is nothing short of remarkable, and all eyes will be on him as he takes the field for his long-awaited Major League debut.

Panthers Eyeing Star OLB Mykel Williams as Potential Defensive Addition?

Panthers Target Elite Edge Rusher Mykel Williams as Defensive Reinforcement in 2025 Draft?

With the No. 8 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers are in prime position to bolster their roster, and all signs indicate that they are shifting their focus toward defense. After a challenging 2024 season that saw them ranked dead last in both total and scoring defense, Carolina has already made strategic moves in free agency, securing safety Tre’von Moehrig along with defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown. But the work is far from done.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers have shown “real interest” in Georgia’s standout pass rusher, Mykel Williams. Widely regarded as one of the most promising edge rushers in this draft class, Williams possesses the raw power, athleticism, and versatility needed to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. While he isn’t expected to be the first pass rusher off the board—Abdul Carter is projected to go earlier—Williams could still be one of the top defensive prospects available when the Panthers are on the clock.

The Panthers’ growing interest in Williams makes perfect sense given their current defensive needs. With a second-year quarterback in Bryce Young showing significant flashes of potential last season, Carolina’s offensive unit is starting to find its rhythm. However, if they hope to compete at a higher level, addressing their pass rush remains a top priority. Williams, with his explosive first step and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, would be a valuable addition to a defense that struggled to apply pressure last season.

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda also reports that Williams is firmly on Carolina’s radar as a legitimate option at No. 8. While the Panthers could consider other defensive prospects depending on how the draft unfolds, Williams’ name continues to surface as a potential game-changing selection. If Carolina pulls the trigger, they could land a dynamic edge rusher capable of transforming their front seven and giving their struggling defense the boost it desperately needs.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Panthers’ decision. Will they secure Williams and add a dominant pass-rushing presence to their defensive lineup? Or will they pivot toward another position of need? Either way, Carolina’s aggressive approach to rebuilding their defense suggests they won’t hesitate to make a bold move on draft night.

​Sad But We Aim Higher: Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Season Concludes with 69-59 Loss to Texas Tech

Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Falls to Texas Tech, Closing the Season with a Hard-Fought Battle

The Virginia Tech Hokies saw their season come to an end with a 69-59 loss to Texas Tech in the second round of the WBIT. Despite their determination, the Hokies struggled offensively, with scoring woes from their first-round matchup against North Carolina A&T carrying over into this game. Texas Tech’s relentless defensive pressure proved to be a major obstacle, making it difficult for Virginia Tech to find any rhythm on the court.

From the opening tip, the game had an almost chaotic, physical intensity—at times resembling a wrestling match more than a basketball showdown. The Hokies fought hard but couldn’t fully adjust to Texas Tech’s aggressive defensive schemes. Every pass and shot seemed contested, and Virginia Tech struggled to create clean offensive opportunities.

A Tough Start Sets the Tone

Even before the game began, something felt slightly off. The pregame atmosphere had an air of unease, as if the team sensed the battle ahead would be more difficult than anticipated. Star player Matilda Ekh, wearing a protective facemask due to an injury suffered in the first-round game against NC A&T, seemed noticeably uncomfortable. The mask, meant to protect her broken nose, appeared to throw off her usual game-day confidence.

Meanwhile, Carleigh Wenzel struggled to find her shot in warm-ups, visibly frustrated as she misfired more than usual. While the Hokies typically bring an electric energy to pregame drills, this time there was a noticeable absence of that spark. It wasn’t chaos or disorganization, but the team lacked the energetic charge needed to take on a fierce Texas Tech squad.

Looking Ahead to a Promising Future

Though the season ended on a disappointing note, Virginia Tech fans have plenty of reasons for optimism. With standout newcomers like Rose Micheaux and Matilda Ekh expected to lead the charge next season under the guidance of Coach Megan Duffy, the Hokies’ future remains bright. The foundation is in place for the team to come back stronger, learn from these challenges, and make an even bigger impact next season.

While the loss stings, the Hokies showed resilience throughout the season, proving that this team is on the rise. With new talent on the way and a season of experience under their belt, Virginia Tech women’s basketball is poised for a promising 2025 campaign. GO HOKIES!

NFL Analyst Claims Sam Darnold Made a Costly Mistake Signing with the ‘Wrong Team’

Did Sam Darnold Make a Huge Mistake? NFL Analyst Questions His Move to the ‘Wrong Team’

This offseason, several big-name players found new homes, but few moves have sparked as much debate as Sam Darnold’s decision to leave the Minnesota Vikings for the Seattle Seahawks. Fresh off a career-defining season that saw him earn his first Pro Bowl selection, Darnold inked a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle. While the payday is undeniable, some analysts are questioning whether he signed with the right team.

Darnold was coming off a remarkable year in Minnesota, where he helped lead the team to a 14-win season under the guidance of the reigning NFL Coach of the Year. He thrived in an offense featuring one of the league’s best receivers, Justin Jefferson, and an offensive line that ranked a respectable 18th, per Pro Football Focus. With the Vikings further bolstering their protection by adding Ryan Kelly and Will Fries this offseason, many believed Darnold was in the perfect system to continue his upward trajectory.

However, his decision to join Seattle presents significant challenges. The Seahawks’ offensive line ranked as the second-worst in the league last season, offering little reassurance that Darnold will receive the same level of protection he had in Minnesota. Additionally, Seattle made some questionable roster moves, parting ways with star wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. While they did acquire Cooper Kupp to help fill the void, losing two of the league’s most dynamic playmakers raises concerns about Darnold’s supporting cast.

With these factors in play, many around the league are wondering if Darnold’s decision was more about chasing a payday than finding the best fit for his future. Only time will tell if the move pays off, but at least one NFL analyst believes he may have made a costly mistake by signing with the “wrong team.”

Virginia Tech Basketball Hit with Roster Shake-Up as Three Players Enter Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech Basketball Faces Major Roster Shake-Up as Three Players Enter Transfer Portal

The college basketball offseason is officially underway, and for Virginia Tech, it’s already bringing big changes. While the NCAA transfer portal won’t officially open until March 24, players are wasting no time declaring their intentions to seek new opportunities. The Hokies are now facing a significant roster shake-up, with three players announcing their decisions to transfer ahead of next season.

For teams that missed out on both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT, the focus now shifts to offseason recruiting—both in terms of scouting new talent and convincing key players to stay. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, they’ll be losing some familiar faces as head coach Mike Young prepares for another critical offseason of roster rebuilding.

The Three Departing Players

Rodney Brown (Sophomore, Guard)
Brown will be on his third team in three seasons, having spent just one year in Blacksburg. The 6-foot-6 California native played in 18 games, averaging 15.2 minutes per contest while contributing four points per game on 37.5% shooting. With limited impact on the floor, Brown’s decision to transfer isn’t entirely surprising, and he could look for a landing spot closer to home.

Jaydon Young (Sophomore, Guard)
Young was a key piece of Virginia Tech’s rotation, appearing in all 32 games and ranking third on the team in scoring with 8.1 points per game. Despite some strong performances late in the season, his inconsistency remained a concern. Shooting just 34.7% from the floor and 29.6% from beyond the arc, Young struggled with efficiency. His performance in the ACC Tournament loss to Cal—where he shot a brutal 5-of-19 from the floor and 0-of-11 from three—likely left a lasting impression on the coaching staff. While he showed flashes of potential, Virginia Tech’s staff may be looking for a more consistent scoring threat moving forward.

Patrick Wessler (Redshirt Sophomore, Center)
The 7-footer provided depth in the frontcourt and was a regular part of the rotation throughout the latter half of the season. He appeared in 31 games, averaging four points and three rebounds in just over 10 minutes per contest. While Wessler showed promise around the basket, his decision to transfer leaves the Hokies with another hole to fill in their frontcourt.

With these three departures, Virginia Tech now faces a pivotal offseason. Expect Mike Young and his staff to be active in the transfer portal as they look to reload and strengthen the roster for next season.

Virginia Tech Basketball: Key Areas the Hokies Must Strengthen in the Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech Basketball: Critical Areas Hokies Must Rebuild Through the Transfer Portal

After a tumultuous season, Virginia Tech basketball is facing a critical offseason filled with major roster decisions. With multiple players already announcing their departures to the transfer portal, head coach Mike Young has a massive challenge ahead as he looks to reshape the team for the upcoming season.

The Hokies’ 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal, leaving them with glaring gaps to fill. While every offseason comes with its fair share of turnover, this year’s portal exodus could leave Virginia Tech in a tough spot. Four players have already made their intentions clear, and more could follow, forcing Young and his staff to act quickly in the portal to restock their roster with impact players.

Last season, Virginia Tech experienced a similar situation, losing six players to the portal. In response, Young and his staff brought in five key additions, including Tobi Lawal and Jaden Schutt, who provided much-needed depth and energy. However, with Rodney Brown Jr. now also on his way out, joining three other teammates in search of new opportunities, the Hokies once again find themselves in need of fresh talent to remain competitive in the ACC.

The biggest priority for Virginia Tech in the transfer portal will be securing reinforcements in the frontcourt. Losing key interior players could prove costly, especially in a conference as physically demanding as the ACC. Finding a dominant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, will be crucial. Additionally, improving perimeter shooting and defensive versatility will be on the Hokies’ must-do list, as they aim to build a more balanced and resilient squad.

With several high-profile names already in the portal, Virginia Tech must be aggressive in its pursuit of talent. Mike Young has shown he can adapt to roster challenges, but this offseason presents one of his biggest tests yet. If the Hokies hope to turn things around next season, securing the right mix of transfers will be essential to rebuilding their roster and regaining momentum.

Virginia Tech Football: Key Takeaways and Quotes from Friday’s Practice

Virginia Tech Football: Fresh Faces, Big Changes, and Key Takeaways from Friday’s Practice

As the Hokies gear up for the upcoming season, Friday’s practice gave fans and analysts a first look at a program in transition. Following a frustrating 6-7 finish to the 2024-25 season, which ended in a lackluster 24-10 bowl loss to Minnesota, Virginia Tech has undergone a significant overhaul in both its coaching staff and roster.

Head coach Brent Pry and his staff wasted no time addressing the weaknesses that plagued the team last season. A major shake-up saw the arrival of new coordinators—defensive play-caller Sam Siefkes and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery—who are expected to bring fresh energy and strategic adjustments to both sides of the ball. The Hokies also saw a wave of departures, with 22 players entering the transfer portal. However, the team quickly countered those losses by bringing in 19 promising newcomers, hoping to fill key gaps and elevate the squad to a new level.

Friday’s practice provided a glimpse into the team’s evolving dynamics. Inside linebackers coach Xavier Adibi, offensive lineman Johnny Garret, and linebacker Jaden Keller addressed the media following the morning session, offering insight into how the team is adjusting to the changes. Adibi emphasized the importance of defensive cohesion under Siefkes’ new system, noting that the linebackers are already responding well to his coaching style. Meanwhile, Garret spoke about the offensive line’s progress under Montgomery, highlighting a more aggressive and fast-paced approach aimed at bolstering Tech’s run game and pass protection.

Keller, who is expected to take on a leadership role this season, shared his thoughts on the team’s chemistry, particularly with so many new faces in the locker room. He stressed that despite the high turnover, the Hokies are focused on building a resilient and disciplined squad that can compete at a higher level in 2025.

With the season still months away, Virginia Tech’s spring practices will be crucial in setting the tone for what’s to come. While there are still plenty of questions left to answer, one thing is clear: the Hokies are determined to turn the page on last year’s struggles and reestablish themselves as a force in college football. Fans will be watching closely as the team continues to evolve, hoping that these changes will lead to a resurgence in the upcoming campaign.

Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies Targeting Elite Georgia State Transfer

Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies Pursuing Top-Tier Georgia State Transfer to Bolster Roster

Virginia Tech basketball is heading into a pivotal offseason, and head coach Mike Young has his work cut out for him. With four players already entering the transfer portal, the Hokies must reload and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. As the portal fills with talent, Virginia Tech is reportedly eyeing one of the most intriguing prospects available—Georgia State forward Zarique Nutter.

The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for teams looking to rebuild or reinforce their lineups, and Virginia Tech is no exception. After a season of ups and downs, the Hokies are in need of impact players who can make an immediate difference. Nutter, a dynamic forward with size, athleticism, and scoring ability, fits the mold of what the Hokies need to regain competitiveness in the ACC.

According to reports, Nutter is drawing significant interest from multiple high-profile programs, including Miami, Texas, UCLA, USC, and Virginia Tech. His versatility makes him a hot commodity, and if the Hokies can secure his commitment, it would be a major step toward reshaping their roster for next season.

Coach Mike Young knows that adding talent through the portal is essential, especially after losing multiple players. Virginia Tech’s struggles last season highlighted key areas that need improvement—depth, defense, and offensive efficiency. Bringing in an experienced and proven player like Nutter could provide a much-needed boost in those areas.

As the offseason unfolds, Virginia Tech will continue to be active in the portal, looking for the right pieces to complement their returning players. With competition for top transfers heating up, the Hokies will need to move quickly and make a strong case to land elite talent like Nutter.

The coming weeks will be critical for Virginia Tech’s roster transformation, and fans should keep an eye on the transfer portal as the Hokies look to make strategic moves. Landing a player of Nutter’s caliber could be the first of several key additions that help Virginia Tech bounce back stronger next season.

Virginia Tech Basketball: Hokies Eyeing Elite Georgia State Transfer

Virginia Tech Basketball Sets Sights on High-Impact Georgia State Transfer

As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, another frenzy is brewing—the transfer portal madness. With the official portal window set to open on Monday, players are already announcing their intentions to transfer, sparking a wave of interest from programs looking to strengthen their rosters. Among the names generating significant buzz is Georgia State forward Zarique Nutter, and Virginia Tech is reportedly in the mix to land the talented transfer.

According to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, Nutter has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in the transfer portal. His standout performances at Georgia State have drawn attention from numerous high-profile programs, and Virginia Tech has emerged as a school with keen interest in securing his commitment.

In a recent social media update, Tipton highlighted a growing list of powerhouse programs pursuing Nutter. Among the schools expressing interest are Miami, St. John’s, Texas, Georgia, UCLA, TCU, Washington State, Ole Miss, Richmond, USC, and Virginia Tech. This level of attention speaks volumes about Nutter’s potential impact at the next level.

For the Hokies, adding a player of Nutter’s caliber could be a major boost heading into the next season. Virginia Tech is looking to build a competitive roster that can make waves in the ACC, and Nutter’s skill set aligns perfectly with their needs. As a dynamic forward with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level, he would bring versatility and toughness to the Hokies’ lineup.

While Virginia Tech has yet to secure a commitment, the program’s interest in Nutter signals its intent to be aggressive in the transfer market. The competition for his signature will be fierce, with several prominent programs vying for his services. However, if the Hokies can successfully recruit him to Blacksburg, it could be a game-changing addition for the team.

With the transfer portal just heating up, Virginia Tech fans should keep an eye on this developing story. The Hokies have a golden opportunity to strengthen their roster, and landing a player like Zarique Nutter could be a significant step toward building a contender for the upcoming season.