Raiders Land $70M All-Pro Safety in Bold Free Agency Move

The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly eyeing a major defensive upgrade, and it could come in the form of a seasoned, high-impact veteran. After a disappointing 4-13 season plagued by defensive lapses, the Raiders are aggressively rebuilding their roster—and now, all eyes are on former Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons.

NFL analyst Ian Valentino from The 33rd Team has pegged the Raiders as the best possible landing spot for Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time Second-Team All-Pro. Simmons, who has earned $70 million over his career, most recently started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. He allowed just 22 receptions on 37 targets for 229 yards and three touchdowns—solid numbers that make him an instant upgrade over the Raiders’ current depth at safety, which includes Lonnie Johnson, Isaiah Pola-Mao, and Chris Smith.

Despite being 31, Simmons’ veteran instincts and playmaking ability remain sharp. His experience and football IQ could be exactly what the Raiders’ secondary needs to complement their improving front seven, led by star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. As Valentino points out, Simmons wouldn’t need to cover nearly as much ground behind a more formidable pass rush, giving him the chance to thrive in a less demanding role.

The Raiders have already taken steps to revamp their defense this offseason, inking safety Jeremy Chinn to a two-year, $16.2 million deal and re-signing defensive end Malcolm Koonce for one year at $11 million. But bringing in Simmons could take this rebuild to another level.

Las Vegas’ pass defense ranked middle-of-the-pack in 2024—15th in passing yards allowed (216.1 per game) and a concerning tie for 26th in passing touchdowns allowed (29). Simmons’ presence could help shore up a unit that too often gave up big plays through the air.

Perhaps the best part? Simmons could come at a bargain. According to Spotrac, his projected market value is a modest $5.8 million annually—a steal for a player with his résumé and leadership pedigree.

If the Raiders pull the trigger, Simmons could be a low-risk, high-reward signing that not only upgrades the secondary but helps shift the defensive culture. With training camp approaching, this is one move fans should be watching very closely.

Virginia Tech Bolsters Roster with Key UNLV Wing in Impact Transfer Move

Virginia Tech men’s basketball is quietly building something solid through the transfer portal, and Mike Young is piecing together a revamped roster with veteran experience and versatile talent. The latest addition to the mix? UNLV graduate transfer Jailen Bedford, a 6-foot-4 wing who brings toughness, experience, and scoring potential to Blacksburg.

Bedford is the fourth portal pickup for the Hokies in recent weeks, joining a flurry of offseason activity aimed at retooling the squad after several player departures. Earlier this month, Virginia Tech secured commitments from West Virginia transfer Amani Hansberry and Delaware’s Izaiah Pasha. Then, over the weekend, the Hokies added some international flair with the commitment of German forward Antonio Dorn, known for his presence in the paint. Now, with Bedford coming aboard, the perimeter is getting a boost.

Last season at UNLV, Bedford started eight games and averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game—solid production for a player who spent much of the season coming off the bench. While his shooting percentage sat at 38%, his ability to drive to the rim, rebound effectively, and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for a program looking to elevate.

Bedford’s journey has taken him from the JUCO level to Oral Roberts, and most recently UNLV. That path has shaped him into a well-rounded, battle-tested player—exactly the kind of presence the Hokies need as they look to push deeper into ACC contention next season. With several younger players on the roster, Bedford’s veteran leadership and competitive edge should add fuel to Virginia Tech’s locker room dynamic.

Head coach Mike Young now has a promising mix of returners and newcomers to work with. Players like Jaden Schutt, Tyler Johnson, and Ben Hammond are back in the fold, joined by freshmen Christian Gurdak and Sincere Jones. The team also awaits word on whether Tobi Lawal, currently testing NBA Draft waters, will return. If so, he’d bring even more firepower.

As it stands, Young still has four open scholarship spots, and it’s clear he’s not done making moves. But with the addition of Bedford, the Hokies take another confident step toward fielding a competitive, battle-hardened squad for the upcoming season.

Panthers Pull Off Shocking Secondary Move—Nobody Saw This Coming!

Panthers Add Potential Secondary Sleeper in Unexpected Waiver Surprise

Just when it seemed like the Carolina Panthers were done tinkering with their defensive backfield, new GM Dan Morgan pulled a quiet but intriguing move that has the potential to pay off big—if it clicks.

While the Panthers walked away from the 2025 NFL Draft without selecting a cornerback, they did bolster the position by scooping up several undrafted free agents. Still, with uncertainty looming around depth and experience, Morgan wasn’t done searching for solutions. And now, he may have found a hidden gem.

According to The Athletic’s Joe Person, the Panthers have claimed cornerback M.J. Devonshire off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders—a move that caught many by surprise. Devonshire, a 2023 seventh-round pick, never quite secured a permanent spot in Las Vegas, despite moments of promise. The Raiders recently released him after finalizing their post-draft roster, opening the door for Carolina to pounce.

It’s a low-risk, high-reward gamble.

Devonshire brings with him a track record of playmaking from his college days at Pittsburgh. Over his final two seasons, he racked up seven interceptions, returning three of them for touchdowns—a level of ball-hawking ability the Panthers’ secondary sorely lacked in 2024. That kind of instinct and explosiveness is exactly what Carolina hopes to unlock.

The Panthers’ current depth chart features Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. as starters, with Chau Smith-Wade likely handling slot duties. Beyond them? A lot of question marks. Akayleb Evans, Shemar Bartholomew, and a batch of rookies will be competing for backup roles. Devonshire enters a wide-open battle—and his odds may be better than they appear.

Las Vegas may not have been the right fit, but Devonshire now has a fresh start. And with Carolina’s roster built on competition, there’s room for him to prove he belongs. If he can shine in OTAs and training camp, he could stick—and maybe even carve out a rotational role.

This isn’t just a flyer. It’s a chance for both the player and the franchise to find unexpected value. Dan Morgan’s quiet claim may not have made headlines—but by season’s end, it could turn out to be one of his savviest offseason moves yet.

Virginia Tech’s 2024 Recruiting Disaster Just Got Exposed on the Biggest Stage — The NFL Draft!

Virginia Tech’s Wasted Opportunity: How the NFL Draft Exposed a Major 2024 Letdown

Just one year ago, optimism buzzed through Blacksburg. With strong roster retention and impactful transfer portal additions, Virginia Tech football looked poised to take a big step forward in Brent Pry’s third year at the helm. Some even dared to mention the Hokies as dark horses for the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. But fast-forward to spring 2025, and the NFL Draft just underscored what fans already feared—the 2024 season was a catastrophic missed opportunity.

It all began with a gut-wrenching Week 1 overtime loss to Vanderbilt, a game Tech was favored to win. That opening stumble quickly derailed the momentum. From there, the season turned into a frustrating grind marked by inconsistency, questionable calls—like the controversial overturned touchdown in the Miami loss—and an overall sense that the team was never quite clicking.

Despite finishing the regular season 6-6, bowl eligibility wasn’t secured until a Thanksgiving weekend win over in-state rival Virginia. But the team limped into the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, with key players opting out for the NFL Draft or hitting the transfer portal. A flat loss to Minnesota capped off a 6-7 campaign that felt like a step backward instead of progress.

Now, the 2025 NFL Draft has brought Virginia Tech’s squandered season back into sharp focus. Five former Hokies—Bhayshul Tuten, Jaylin Lane, Aeneas Peebles, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and Dorian Strong—were all selected, albeit on Day 3. That number placed Tech among an elite group of programs with five or more draftees, further highlighting the gap between talent on paper and the results on the field.

Was a playoff run too ambitious? Maybe. But an 8- or 9-win season—possibly even 10—was absolutely within reach given the schedule and roster. This team had the pieces. It had the experience. What it lacked was execution, consistency, and perhaps leadership at critical moments.

Brent Pry still has support in Blacksburg, and his passion for the program is unquestioned. But after a 2024 season that should have been a breakout, the Hokies are instead left asking “what if?” The NFL Draft proved that the talent was real—it just wasn’t maximized. And in a sport where windows to win are fleeting, that’s a bitter pill to swallow.

NFL SUPER PLAYER’S Son Montigo Earns Tryout with Vikings at Rookie Minicamp

Another Moss is set to don the purple and gold—at least for a weekend. Montigo Moss, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and legendary Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, has earned a tryout opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings during their rookie minicamp, beginning May 9.

The wide receiver from the University of Maine will join a mix of drafted players, undrafted signees, and fellow tryout hopefuls as he aims to carve out his own path in the NFL. While the surname “Moss” carries instant weight in Minnesota, Montigo is determined to make a name for himself based on his own talent and tenacity.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 220 pounds, Moss was the top receiver for the Maine Black Bears during his collegiate career. In his final season, he posted a career-best 61 catches for 722 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing reliable hands and strong route-running in the FCS ranks. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Moss shares an alma mater—Fork Union Military Academy—with current Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw, another promising connection in the organization.

While Montigo’s invitation to rookie camp is not a contract, it’s a valuable audition. He’ll be evaluated alongside other tryout invitees, including cornerback Tommi Hill (Nebraska), defensive end Brody Grebe (Montana State), long snapper Austin Riggs (Rutgers), and more. A strong showing could lead to a training camp invitation or even a roster spot down the line.

The Vikings, who recently added five new draftees, including Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and Maryland wideout Tai Felton, also signed 19 undrafted free agents. With this much fresh talent, competition will be fierce—but so is the opportunity for a player like Moss to stand out.

Though comparisons to his father are inevitable, Montigo isn’t trying to replicate Randy’s legacy—he’s trying to build his own. With the same franchise where his father made history, the younger Moss now steps onto the same turf, hoping to turn his weekend tryout into the first chapter of an NFL career. For Vikings fans, it’s a familiar name with a new story waiting to be written.

Blue Blood Giant Joins Virginia Tech in Fierce Battle for Coveted Wing Recruit

Recruiting Battle Heats Up: Virginia Tech Faces Blue Blood Showdown for Elite Wing Braydon Hawthorne

It’s been a whirlwind offseason for Virginia Tech men’s basketball, and head coach Mike Young is right in the thick of the action. From reshuffling his coaching staff to navigating the chaotic waters of the transfer portal, change has become the new normal in Blacksburg. But amidst the player movement and coaching hires, one recruitment has emerged as a high-stakes tug-of-war—four-star wing Braydon Hawthorne.

Once committed to West Virginia, Hawthorne reopened his recruitment after head coach Darren DeVries departed for Indiana. Since then, his stock has only risen. The 6-foot-8 athletic wing with a two-way game visited Virginia Tech recently, and the Hokies quickly became one of the top contenders to land him. A key reason? The hiring of Chester Frazier as associate head coach—a respected recruiter whose influence could swing the balance in Virginia Tech’s favor.

But now, the Hokies face a new challenge—and it’s massive.

This weekend, Duke University will host Hawthorne on an official visit, with head coach Jon Scheyer looking to bring the West Virginia native into the Blue Devils’ legendary program. Duke’s entry into the recruitment race instantly raises the stakes, transforming what was once a hopeful pursuit into a full-blown battle against one of college basketball’s blue blood powerhouses.

And Duke isn’t alone. Kentucky, now under the leadership of Mark Pope, is also firmly in the mix after recently hosting Hawthorne on campus. When two of the sport’s most iconic programs are vying for a player, it’s a testament to that player’s elite potential—and Hawthorne checks every box. With size, athleticism, and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, he’s exactly the kind of player who can transform a recruiting class.

So far, Virginia Tech’s 2025 class includes promising talents Sin’Cere Jones and Christian Gurdak, along with several portal additions. But landing Hawthorne would be a statement—proof that the Hokies can hang with the giants when it comes to attracting top-tier talent.

The competition is fierce, and the stakes are sky-high. For Virginia Tech, this isn’t just about adding another recruit—it’s about proving they can win battles against the blue bloods. And with Chester Frazier in the mix, the Hokies aren’t backing down.

Mets Shake Up Roster: Call Up Right-Handed Pitcher, Make Move on Sean Manaea

Mets Shake Up Pitching Staff Ahead of Diamondbacks Series: Ureña Out, Right-Hander Called Up

As the grind of the MLB season rolls on, the New York Mets are making strategic roster moves to stay sharp—and competitive—during a crucial stretch of games. With a three-game showdown against the surging Arizona Diamondbacks on the horizon, the Mets are reworking their pitching rotation to keep things fresh, focused, and firing on all cylinders.

The most notable shakeup? Jose Ureña has been designated for assignment, just a day after a rocky outing on the mound. Although the Mets cruised to a blowout win over the Washington Nationals, Ureña’s performance was far from convincing. In just three innings of work, he surrendered five earned runs, leaving the coaching staff little choice but to pull the plug.

Think of Ureña’s stint like a car that overheats on the highway: it gets you to the next exit, but you’re not relying on it for the full journey. His inconsistent results finally caught up to him, and the Mets are opting for a more reliable arm to round out their staff.

By DFA’ing Ureña, the Mets cleared a valuable spot on the 40-man roster, opening the door for reinforcements—and the team wasted no time filling it. On Tuesday, they announced the call-up of a right-handed pitcher, signaling that the club is prioritizing depth and flexibility as the season intensifies.

The move also indirectly impacts veteran lefty Sean Manaea, who has seen some ups and downs in his own outings. With the bullpen being stretched and every inning counting, Manaea’s role could shift depending on how the new call-up performs. Whether it means more pressure, less wiggle room, or even a change in usage, it’s clear the Mets are keeping every option on the table.

This isn’t just a minor roster adjustment—it’s a clear message from the front office: every game matters, and underperforming arms won’t be carried for long. As the team fights to gain traction in the highly competitive National League, roster agility could be the edge that separates contenders from pretenders.

With fresh arms and a no-nonsense attitude, the Mets are gearing up for battle—starting with the Diamondbacks. And the message is loud and clear: step up, or step aside.

Trade Battle Heats Up: Phillies and Diamondbacks in Fierce Pursuit of All-Star Ace

Trade Winds Swirl as Phillies and Diamondbacks Target All-Star Closer Ryan Helsley

With the 2025 MLB season heating up and October ambitions growing stronger, both the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks are setting their sights on one mission: shoring up their shaky bullpens with an elite arm. And at the top of their wishlist? St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, a two-time All-Star and one of the most sought-after relievers on the trade market.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, both Philadelphia and Arizona have already expressed serious interest in Helsley, even with the trade deadline still months away. And for good reason — their bullpens are struggling, and Helsley could be the missing piece that transforms their postseason dreams into reality.

For the Phillies, bullpen meltdowns have become a recurring nightmare. Per FanGraphs, Philadelphia’s relievers rank dead last in opponent batting average (.277), 29th in ERA (5.46), and 28th in WHIP (1.55). The late innings have been nothing short of disastrous, with pitchers like Jordan Romano (13.58 ERA), Carlos Hernandez (7.20 ERA), Jose Ruiz (5.79 ERA), and Joe Ross (5.02 ERA) all contributing to the collapse.

Enter Ryan Helsley — a dominant right-hander who not only led MLB in saves last season but also took home the National League Reliever of the Year award. Armed with a 100+ mph fastball and proven postseason poise, Helsley owns a 3.60 ERA, .222 opponent batting average, and six saves already this season. With under two years of team control remaining, he offers both immediate impact and short-term stability.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are facing a bullpen crisis of their own. With A.J. Puk sidelined indefinitely due to an elbow injury, Arizona’s depth has been seriously compromised. Helsley would be an ideal replacement — a battle-tested closer capable of locking down high-leverage innings as the D-backs push toward another playoff run.

Of course, landing a pitcher of Helsley’s caliber won’t come cheap. The Cardinals, still weighing their direction this season, would command a premium prospect package in return. But with the stakes rising and postseason races tightening, both the Phillies and Diamondbacks may soon find themselves in a bidding war to lock down one of the most valuable arms available.

The clock may not be striking midnight on the trade deadline just yet — but the race for Ryan Helsley is already in full swing.

$280 Million Meltdown: Padres Fans Torch Star Player in Social Media Uproar

The tension in San Diego reached a boiling point this weekend, and Padres fans made it clear: they’ve had enough. After back-to-back frustrating losses to the Tampa Bay Rays — including a 1-0 heartbreaker Friday and a 4-1 stumble Saturday — the spotlight turned white-hot on one man: Xander Bogaerts, the $280 million shortstop once hailed as a franchise savior.

Instead of cheers, Bogaerts faced a digital firestorm. Social media platform X lit up Saturday night as fans vented months of pent-up frustration, casting blame for the team’s underwhelming performance squarely on the veteran infielder. What started as disappointment quickly spiraled into hostility. Bogaerts became one of the top trending topics — but not for the right reasons.

Many fans were ruthless. One user declared, “Guys, Xander Bogaerts is going to be worse than Eric Hosmer’s situation. Way way worse.” Another didn’t mince words: “I don’t usually say this about guys, but you probably have to eat the money and release Xander Bogaerts at this point. It is that bad. He will cost you 2-3 games a week.”

The outrage isn’t coming out of nowhere. The Padres, with one of MLB’s priciest and most talent-loaded rosters, have floundered in 2024. Their offense, in particular, has been a letdown — and Bogaerts, brought in to anchor the lineup and bring championship pedigree, has become the face of those unmet expectations. Despite his leadership and candid postgame comments urging accountability, fans weren’t buying it. The mood has shifted from frustration to fury.

This isn’t just about one player—it’s about a team desperate for answers. Injuries, slumps, and inconsistent play have derailed a season that was supposed to mark San Diego’s arrival as a powerhouse. Instead, they’re stuck searching for momentum, and fans are demanding action.

Bogaerts’ willingness to speak honestly may be admirable in the clubhouse, but online, it’s only added fuel to the fire. For now, he remains a symbol of the Padres’ larger struggles—proof that big contracts don’t always bring big results.

Unless something changes soon, the noise around Bogaerts is only going to grow louder—and patience among Padres faithful is running out.

Virginia Tech Loads Up on Defensive Firepower in Bold Roster Moves

Virginia Tech Supercharges Defense with Key Transfer Portal Haul Ahead of 2025 Season

Virginia Tech football is wasting no time fortifying its defense for the 2025 season — and it’s not just a tweak, it’s a full-on transformation.

With a new era underway, headlined by recently hired defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes — who replaces Chris Marve after a December coaching shakeup — the Hokies are in rebuild mode on the defensive side of the ball. Following significant departures from their 2024 defensive roster, both to the NFL and the transfer portal, Virginia Tech is aggressively reshaping its lineup with experienced reinforcements.

Despite some promising progress in spring practices, head coach Brent Pry made it clear that gaps remained. This past weekend, the Hokies took a major step toward plugging those holes, reeling in two pivotal transfer commitments.

First up is Caleb Brown, a standout cornerback from Hawai’i. Known for his coverage skills and playmaking ability, the Alabama native racked up 24 tackles and seven pass breakups in 2024. Brown brings both talent and experience to a secondary that’s been searching for a reliable presence.

But perhaps even more vital is the addition of Elhadj Fall, a powerful defensive tackle from Georgia Southern. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 290 pounds, Fall is a disruptive force up front. He earned All-Sun Belt honorable mention honors in 2024 after tallying 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks over 432 snaps. With two years of eligibility remaining, Fall is expected to immediately bolster the Hokies’ defensive line depth.

He joins an increasingly deep unit that also includes recent tackle transfers Kody Huisman (North Dakota State), Arias Nash (Mercer), and Jahzari Priester (Hampton). This reinforcement effort follows major defensive losses to the NFL, including edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Philadelphia Eagles) and Aeneas Peebles (Baltimore Ravens).

Fortunately for Pry and Siefkes, the Hokies still have talent in the pipeline. Kemari Copeland and Kelvin Gilliam, the latter a December transfer from Oklahoma, are poised to make an impact as Virginia Tech looks to build a dominant, battle-ready defense.

With a flurry of smart, strategic additions, the Hokies are clearly serious about turning their defense into a force to be reckoned with in 2025.