Vikings Spark Trade Buzz Over Former Commanders QB in Shocking New Rumor

Although rookie J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the future of the Minnesota Vikings, the team isn’t ruling out adding more experience to its quarterback room. According to recent reports, the Vikings could be eyeing Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback — and former Washington Commanders starter — Sam Howell as a potential trade target.

Howell, who was once viewed as a promising starter in Washington, was traded to Seattle last offseason. Now, just a year later, the Seahawks appear open to flipping him again after reshuffling their QB depth chart. With Drew Lock returning to Seattle and Geno Smith still on the roster, Howell is seemingly the odd man out.

On April 18, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Brady Henderson reported that the Seahawks have been fielding calls for Howell. “Seattle is open to trading Sam Howell and has received inquiries from teams interested in acquiring their backup quarterback,” they wrote, noting the Seahawks now have four QBs on their depth chart, including Howell and rookie Jaren Hall.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert also chimed in, posting on April 19 that the situation is “worth keeping an eye on” from a Vikings perspective — a sign that Minnesota could be one of those teams reaching out.

Originally drafted 144th overall in 2022, Howell has shown flashes of promise, completing 62.6% of his passes for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in his NFL career. While his numbers haven’t been perfect, his age (24) and starting experience make him an intriguing option as a developmental backup or insurance policy.

A potential trade scenario floated by insiders would send Howell to the Vikings in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a low-risk move that could give Minnesota a seasoned alternative behind McCarthy while preserving their already limited 2025 draft capital — the Vikings currently own just four picks in next year’s draft.

With Sam Darnold signed as a high-paid bridge quarterback, the Vikings may still be looking to strike the right balance of youth and experience. Acquiring Howell would give them a low-cost, high-upside player who could push for a backup role or potentially surprise if given another chance to start.

Stay tuned — this could be a smart chess move in Minnesota’s long-term quarterback plan.

NFL Draft Shake-Up: Chad Reuter Predicts Packers Trade Up in Round One

As mock draft season hits its peak, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter is turning heads with a bold prediction for the Green Bay Packers. In his latest full seven-round mock draft, Reuter envisions the Packers making a rare move: trading up in the first round to secure a dynamic wide receiver—Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.

It’s no secret that the Packers are doing their homework on top receiver prospects. General Manager Brian Gutekunst personally attended Tetairoa McMillan’s private workout, and the team even used a top-30 visit on him. But in Reuter’s mock, McMillan is snatched up by the Seahawks at No. 18, and Texas standout Matthew Golden goes next to the Cowboys at No. 19. With Green Bay originally sitting at No. 25, Reuter sees them making a calculated leap to No. 19 to grab Egbuka—possibly the next-best wideout available.

This kind of move would be unprecedented for the Packers in recent years. They haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002, although they did trade up in the second round to get Christian Watson in 2022. But Reuter’s mock has Green Bay pulling off a strategic two-for-two trade, swapping their third-round pick for a fifth-rounder to climb up just four spots in the first round—without losing a selection overall.

So why Egbuka?

He’s considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this year’s draft class. Known for his crisp route-running, reliable hands, and willingness to block in the run game, Egbuka fits the Packers’ mold of versatility and physicality. While he may not project as a future WR1, he has one of the highest floors among wideouts, making him a low-risk, high-upside investment.

For a Packers offense that’s seeking a reliable complement to Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, Egbuka could be an instant contributor in Matt LaFleur’s system. His polished skill set and mature game would make him a plug-and-play option, and fans in Green Bay would no doubt celebrate the team finally making a splash at receiver in Round 1—even if it comes via a surprising trade-up.

Reuter’s mock may not predict the safe or expected—but if history tells us anything, the Packers often thrive when they zig while everyone else zags.

Virginia Tech Football Set to Host Under-the-Radar Defensive Line Transfer

Virginia Tech Targets Key Defensive Upgrade with Underrated Transfer Visitor

With the spring transfer portal heating up, Virginia Tech football is staying active both in terms of departures and potential new additions. Head coach Brent Pry and his staff have already seen a flurry of roster movement in the early days of portal season, with players entering and scheduling visits across both sides of the ball.

This spring, Virginia Tech is facing more significant turnover than it experienced at the same point last year, leaving Pry and his staff with several key holes to fill. Injuries at quarterback have added to the uncertainty, with starter Kyron Drones recovering from a medical procedure and backup Pop Watson sidelined due to a tissue issue. Compounding the situation, redshirt freshman quarterback Davi Belfort entered the portal earlier this week, thinning out the QB room even further.

On defense, Thursday brought twin blows to the Hokies’ depth chart as linebacker Jayden McDonald and defensive lineman Jorden McDonald both entered the transfer portal. The latter’s departure, in particular, opens up a critical need along the defensive front — a need the Hokies are wasting no time trying to fill.

Enter a potential solution: an underrated defensive line transfer is scheduled to visit Blacksburg on Friday. While the player’s name has not been publicly confirmed, the visit signals Virginia Tech’s urgency in reinforcing its defensive trenches, especially following the unexpected roster shakeups.

Given Pry’s defensive pedigree and the Hokies’ strong tradition of developing talent in the trenches, this visit could be mutually beneficial. The recruit would have a chance to earn valuable playing time in a Power Five program, while Virginia Tech could gain a hungry, under-the-radar contributor capable of plugging a key gap in the defensive rotation.

With spring practices winding down and roster finalization looming, every visit counts. If all goes well, the Hokies could be on the verge of landing an impactful addition who might not have made headlines entering the portal — but could turn heads in Lane Stadium come fall.

Keep an eye on this one: Virginia Tech’s next difference-maker on defense might already be walking campus.

Indiana Fever Secure Future by Picking Up Option on Star Forward Aliyah Boston

Indiana Fever Lock In Rising Star Aliyah Boston With Fourth-Year Option

The Indiana Fever are doubling down on their franchise cornerstone, officially exercising the fourth-year rookie scale option on standout forward Aliyah Boston, the team announced Friday.

Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, has quickly become the heart of the Fever’s rebuilding efforts — and for good reason. In just two seasons, she has emerged as one of the league’s most dominant and reliable frontcourt players. Averaging 14.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, Boston’s impact has extended far beyond the stat sheet.

Her rookie campaign was nothing short of historic. Boston was unanimously crowned the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year and etched her name into the record books as the first rookie in league history to lead in field goal percentage, hitting an eye-popping 57.8% of her shots. That same year, she also earned her first All-Star nod — an honor she followed up with another All-Star selection in her sophomore season.

Boston’s blend of skill, efficiency, and leadership has not only helped elevate the Fever’s competitive edge but has also established her as a foundational figure in the franchise’s long-term plans. Securing her through the 2026 season is a strategic move for a team that is steadily climbing out of its rebuilding phase and eyeing playoff contention.

With Boston leading the charge and the Fever continuing to build around young talent and savvy veterans, the future in Indianapolis is starting to look a lot brighter. The decision to pick up her option underscores the franchise’s confidence in her ability to be the anchor for years to come.

The Fever’s front office isn’t just making a contractual move — they’re making a statement. Aliyah Boston is here to stay, and Indiana is all in on the rising superstar who’s already redefining what it means to be a dominant two-way force in the WNBA.

Deion Sanders Blasts Virginia for Alleged Tampering with Colorado Player

Deion Sanders Calls Out Virginia Football for Alleged Tampering with Colorado Player

College football’s transfer portal has rapidly evolved into a wild west-style free agency system, where players can jump ship, and big money often talks louder than loyalty. It’s no longer a secret that behind-the-scenes maneuvering — or outright tampering — is becoming a major subplot in the offseason drama.

And now, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is putting that issue front and center, pointing fingers directly at Virginia and its head coach, Tony Elliott.

In a bold and unfiltered video statement, Sanders openly accused the Cavaliers of attempting to poach one of Colorado’s top defensive players by luring him into the transfer portal — without any official move or clearance. Sanders didn’t mince words, slamming what he views as shady recruitment tactics. “Tampering is real,” he emphasized, clearly frustrated by what he considers a violation of trust and ethics in the game.

While Sanders didn’t name the player in question, his tone and message were unmistakably clear: Virginia crossed a line. The implication? Someone from Elliott’s program allegedly reached out to the player before he ever entered the portal, which would be a serious breach of NCAA rules. One telling detail that raised eyebrows was the player’s portal entry with a “no contact tag” — a move that typically signals prior communications may have already occurred.

Whether anything official will come of the accusations remains to be seen, but Sanders’ public takedown has certainly turned up the heat. Fans and insiders alike are now waiting to hear if Tony Elliott responds — though, as Sanders predicted, a “no comment” seems the likeliest reply.

This episode further highlights how murky the transfer landscape has become. As NIL money continues to reshape the college sports ecosystem, accusations like these may only grow more common — and more public.

For now, all eyes are on Virginia. But one thing’s for sure: Coach Prime isn’t afraid to shine a spotlight on what he sees as foul play in the ever-shifting game of modern college football.

Trade Talk Breakdown: Raiders Swap Rising WR for Star Cornerback in Bold Proposal

Could the Las Vegas Raiders make a blockbuster move that transforms their defense at the expense of a rising offensive weapon? That’s the question swirling around a bold trade proposal that sends star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins to Sin City — and it would come at a steep price.

The Raiders have long relied on their defense to remain competitive, even as the offense has struggled for consistency. With new head coach Pete Carroll now at the helm, defensive stability remains a priority. That’s why Carroll retained defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who has provided continuity through the chaos of coaching turnover in recent years. But Las Vegas’ secondary is suddenly in disarray.

This offseason, new general manager John Spytek allowed several key defensive pieces to walk in free agency, most notably starting cornerback Nate Hobbs. He then doubled down by waiving Jack Jones, another starter, creating a glaring void at cornerback just weeks before the NFL Draft.

Enter Jalen Ramsey. The three-time First-Team All-Pro is reportedly on the trade block as the Dolphins look to reshape their roster and finances. For the Raiders, Ramsey would be an instant game-changer — a veteran presence with elite coverage skills and playoff experience.

But acquiring him won’t be cheap.

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently floated a trade idea: Las Vegas sends promising wide receiver Tre Tucker and a mid-round pick to Miami in exchange for Ramsey. Tucker, known for his blazing speed and game-breaking potential, has been a rising talent over the past two seasons. With new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looking to supercharge the offense, Tucker was expected to play a significant role in 2025. Trading him now would be a tough pill to swallow — especially for a team trying to give second-year QB Aidan O’Connell every tool possible.

Still, Ramsey’s impact on a rebuilding secondary could be monumental. The Raiders desperately need a cornerstone defensive back, and Ramsey’s availability presents a rare opportunity. While the trade proposal would force Las Vegas to part with future firepower, the upside on defense could tilt the balance in their favor.

Is the reward worth the risk? That’s the question Raiders fans and the front office must weigh — and soon.

Live Coverage: Virginia Tech Softball Battles Pittsburgh in Game One Showdown

In a clash that had all the makings of a postseason classic, the Pittsburgh Panthers pulled off a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win in the ninth inning against the red-hot No. 11 Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday night. The loss snapped the Hokies’ incredible 17-game win streak — the longest active run in NCAA Division I softball — and gave Pitt its first ACC series opener win of the season.

Virginia Tech (36-6, 14-2 ACC) entered the series riding high after sweeping Notre Dame and celebrating pitcher Emma Lemley’s selection to the inaugural AUSL draft. The Hokies had been dominant in nearly every aspect, leading the ACC in all major pitching categories except ERA and opponent batting average, where they still held second place. They also led the nation in shutouts, blanking opponents in 18 of their 41 games prior to Thursday.

But despite their statistical dominance, Virginia Tech found itself in a back-and-forth slugfest with the underdog Panthers (15-26, 5-14 ACC), who refused to go quietly.

The Hokies started strong, plating a run in the second inning and adding two more in the third to go up 3-0. However, Pittsburgh responded in stunning fashion with a four-run bottom of the third, turning the game on its head and taking a 4-3 lead.

The fourth inning saw Pitt add two more runs, widening the gap to 6-3. But Virginia Tech wasn’t done yet. They clawed back with two runs in the fifth and tied the game at 6-6 in the sixth, showcasing the resilience that had defined their season so far.

Both teams battled through a scoreless seventh and eighth inning, with Pittsburgh threatening in the eighth by putting runners on second and third. However, the Hokies escaped the jam.

The ninth inning proved decisive. With two outs on the board, the Panthers came through in the clutch, walking it off in front of a stunned Virginia Tech bench.

While the Hokies still lead the ACC and remain a formidable postseason contender, this loss serves as a wake-up call. Pittsburgh, despite its sub-.500 record, proved it can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best.

The two teams will meet again Saturday in a doubleheader to wrap up the series, with Virginia Tech looking to bounce back and reassert its dominance.

Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton Has Firm Draft Strategy for Running Back Position

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has made it clear—he knows exactly what he’s looking for when it comes to selecting a running back. With the Broncos holding the 20th overall pick, speculation is heating up around their intentions, especially considering the glaring need in the backfield.

Payton recently spoke with The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, offering a rare glimpse into his mindset. Drawing on his 15-year tenure as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Payton referenced his experience drafting running backs like Reggie Bush (2006) and Mark Ingram (2011) in the first round. His takeaway? A first-round pick at that position must align with a well-defined, tactical vision.

“It depends upon your vision,” Payton said. “If you have a real clear vision on how you want to use him, that’s a factor.” This statement suggests the Broncos won’t draft a running back just to fill a depth chart—they’ll only make that move if they see a perfect scheme fit.

That vision may very well center around Omarion Hampton of North Carolina, one of the top-rated running backs in this year’s class. According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, Hampton could be a game-changer in Denver. “If the Broncos get running back Omarion Hampton at No. 20, I’m going to write irresponsibly optimistic things about their 2025 season,” Solak remarked, citing the team’s returning offensive line and emerging weapons like Marvin Mims Jr.

Since Phillip Lindsay’s breakout 1,000-yard season in 2019, Denver has struggled to find a consistent rushing threat. Despite investing in various backfield options, no player has been able to fill that void. With quarterback Bo Nix entering his sophomore season and the offense retaining key personnel, a dynamic, three-down back could be the missing piece.

Still, Payton’s history offers some caution. While he did win a Super Bowl with Reggie Bush on the roster, Bush was plagued by injuries and failed to become a consistent force in New Orleans. Mark Ingram, while more durable, didn’t hit his stride until later in his career. These experiences may make Payton more selective this time around.

Ultimately, Payton’s confidence and clarity could signal that the Broncos are poised to make a high-impact pick—if the right player is there. Whether it’s Hampton or another explosive prospect, Denver fans can expect a thoughtful, strategic move when draft night arrives.

Virginia Tech Basketball: Patriot League Standout Transfer Draws Hokies’ Attention

The Virginia Tech Hokies are keeping close tabs on one of the most intriguing names in the NCAA transfer portal—Lafayette’s standout freshman Alex Chaikin. After a breakout season in the Patriot League, the 6-foot-5 guard has garnered interest from a slew of Division I programs, with Virginia Tech emerging as a serious contender for his services.

Chaikin’s list of suitors reads like a who’s who of college basketball: Tennessee, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, VCU, Florida Atlantic, and others have all reached out. However, Virginia Tech holds a unique advantage that no other school can offer—proximity to home. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Chaikin would be just a few hours from family and friends if he were to don the maroon and orange in Blacksburg.

In his lone season with Lafayette, Chaikin delivered an eye-popping performance that turned heads nationwide. He averaged nearly 14 points per game while posting some of the most efficient shooting splits in the country: 49.8% from the field and an astonishing 47.9% from three-point range, ranking second nationally in three-point percentage. He tallied six 20-point performances during the season, proving his consistency and ability to light it up from deep.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, is undergoing a significant roster and leadership transition. The Hokies have already lost nine players this offseason, signaling a full-scale rebuild. To counter the departures, Tech has been busy behind the scenes—hiring Nelson Hernandez as general manager and bringing in two high-impact transfers, Amani Hansberry and Izaiah Pasha. They’ve also added Chester Frazier, formerly of West Virginia, to the coaching staff, reinforcing the team’s commitment to reshaping the program.

The big question is how Chaikin would fit into this evolving lineup. Could he step in as a starting shooting guard, potentially filling the void left by Jaden Schutt? Or will he serve as a key piece off the bench, offering elite shooting and spacing?

While the Hokies might not boast the same tournament pedigree as some of the other programs courting Chaikin, the appeal of playing close to home and being part of a program on the rise could be enough to sway his decision. For now, all eyes are on the rising sharpshooter as Virginia Tech looks to add yet another piece to its rebuilding puzzle.

Panthers’ Free Agency Defensive Upgrades Open Doors for Strategic Moves in Upcoming NFL Draft

After finishing the 2024 season with the NFL’s worst defense, the Carolina Panthers entered the offseason with a clear mission: overhaul the defense. And that’s exactly what general manager Dan Morgan did — in emphatic fashion.

Morgan wasted no time in free agency, spending nearly $250 million to reinforce a faltering defense. The Panthers added defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, linebackers Pat Jones II and Christian Rozeboom, and safety Tre’Von Moehrig. Additionally, they retained key contributors Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson in the secondary. These bold moves not only upgrade the team’s defensive core but also grant Morgan increased flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Holding the No. 8 overall pick, the Panthers are now free to pivot from solely defensive needs and consider premium offensive weapons. Wide receivers like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Texas’ Matthew Golden could be in play, as well as top tight end prospect Colston Loveland from Michigan — addressing a position Carolina has long struggled to fill.

Still, defense may remain the focus. Carolina allowed a staggering 31.4 points and 179.8 rushing yards per game last season. They also ranked near the bottom of the league with just 32 sacks. That makes Georgia’s edge rusher Jalon Walker a compelling option, offering immediate help to the pass rush. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) and cornerback Jahdae Barron (Texas) are also names to watch on the Panthers’ draft board.

Morgan, overseeing his second draft, emphasized the need to dominate the trenches. The team previously invested in guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and re-signed center Austin Corbett to solidify the offensive line. Now, Morgan hopes to mirror that success on the defensive line. “You have to win the line of scrimmage,” he stated. “We’re building this defense to be tougher, more physical — and it starts up front.”

With multiple picks on Day 2 and three fifth-round selections, Carolina is well-positioned to maneuver up the draft board. A few smart trades could give them more bites at the apple in the second and third rounds.

While quarterback and running back are off the table — with Bryce Young showing signs of growth and veteran Andy Dalton re-signed — the team’s draft strategy will likely focus on edge rushers, cornerbacks, linebackers, and potentially a game-changing pass catcher. With a fortified defense and a young offense in development, the Panthers are quietly building a foundation for long-term success.