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☆ The Many Ways Men’s Sweet 16 Players Are Being Paid
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( David A. Fahrenthold | Billy Witz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

$500 signed basketball Branded vodka and coffee “Buzzer beater” quesadillaThe Many Ways Men’s Sweet 16 Players Are Being PaidThis year’s N.C.A.A. basketball tournament is being played amid a revolutionary change in college sports: The best players are now openly recruited, retained and rewarded with cash. — under pressure from the Justice Department and state legislatures — allowed players to be paid for the use of their “name, image and likeness.” The idea was to let players endorse shoes or sports drinks. (The average men’s basketball player with a collective contract at a top school is paid $63,450, according to Opendorse, a company that processes payments to players from collectives. Every team in the men’s Sweet Sixteen has been touched by this change, which has brought windfalls to players but instability to the college game.

Persons: —, ” —, windfalls Organizations: Justice Department

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Catcher Will Smith and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $140 million, 10-year contract Wednesday, raising the team's spending to nearly $1.4 billion for five key players since December. He opened the last week by going 5 for 10 with two RBIs as the Dodgers split a two-game series against San Diego at Seoul, South Korea. The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star last year, when he hit .261 with 19 homers and 76 RBIs. Smith has a .263 average with 91 homers and 308 RBIs in six seasons with the Dodgers. Los Angeles has committed $1,365,687,500 to two-way star Shohei Ohtani ($700 million for 10 years), right-handers Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($325 million for 12 years) and Tyler Glasnow ($136,562,500 for five years), outfielder Teoscar Hernández ($23.5 million for one year) and Smith.

Persons: Will Smith, Smith's, Smith, Shohei, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernández Organizations: ANGELES, Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, San Diego Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Los Angeles

The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a deal to acquire cornerback L'Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs for a pair of draft picks, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday night. Kansas City was unable to come to terms on a long-term deal, leading to this trade. Under terms of the deal, Tennessee would send its third-round pick in the 2025 draft and also flip seventh-round selections with the Chiefs in the draft next month. The 27-year-old Sneed has developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the league since being drafted in the fourth round in 2020. The Titans signed Cincinnati cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal for $36 million with $23 million guaranteed to help kick off free agency.

Persons: L'Jarius Sneed, Sneed, Davante Adams, Chidobe Awuzie, Dennard Wilson, Caleb Farley, Trevor Lawrence, Anthony Richardson, Josh Dubow, ___ Organizations: Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Associated Press, Chiefs, Kansas City, Pro Football, Buffalo, Raiders, Titans, Cincinnati, Tennessee, AFC, C.J, AP Pro Football Locations: Kansas, Tennessee, C.J . Stroud, Houston, Jacksonville, Indianapolis

☆ Nick Saban: Former football coach laments the current landscape of college sports
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Kevin Dotson | Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Invited to speak at a roundtable discussion with a handful of US Senators on Capitol Hill Tuesday, former football coach Nick Saban spoke about how the current landscape of college athletics contributed to his decision to retire from the University of Alabama after the 2023 season. “All the things that I believed in for all these years, 50 years of coaching, no longer exist in college athletics,” Saban said at the roundtable, a video of which was posted online by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX). “I’m for student athletes being able to share in some of this revenue. Second, committ to work with their peer institutions in this subdivision to create rules that may differ from the rules in place for the rest of Division I. At the conclusion of the roundtable, Saban again expressed his worry for the future of college sports.

Persons: CNN —, Nick Saban, ” Saban, Sen, Ted Cruz, ” “, “, I’m, Saban, ”, “ I’m, couldn’t, Charlie Baker, Baker, IX, committ, it’s Organizations: CNN, Senators, Capitol, University of Alabama, Alabama, LSU, NCAA Division, NCAA Locations: Ted Cruz (, Division

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to contracts with former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and former New York Jets defensive end Bryce Huff, two people familiar with the deals told The Associated Press on Monday. The Giants used the tag last season and eventually worked out a one-year, $10.1 million contract before the start of training camp. A franchise tag this year would have cost the team $12.2 million if Barkley accepted the offer. The 25-year old Huff spent the last four seasons with the New York Jets. Huff thanked the Jets and their fans in a social media post but did not acknowledge his deal with the Eagles.

Persons: Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, Barkley, Huff, can’t, Josh Sweat, Rob Maaddi, ___ Organizations: PHILADELPHIA, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, New York Jets, Associated Press, Wednesday, Giants, Penn State, Jets, Eagles, ___ AP Pro Football Locations: Philadelphia, Tampa , Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement, which includes $50 million guaranteed, had not been finalized. The Tampa Bay Times reported Mayfield will receive $30 million in 2024 and $30 million in 2025, with $20 million guaranteed in the second year of the deal. Mayfield agreed to terms two days after Tampa Bay finalized a two-year, $52 million contract with star receiver Mike Evans, who also passed up an opportunity to test his worth in free agency. The Bucs are also interested in extending the contract of left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who's due to earn a fifth-year option salary of $18.2 million next season.

Persons: — Baker Mayfield, Mayfield, Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, Mike Evans, Evans, Mayfield’s, Liam Coen, Dave Canales, Coen, Jason Licht, Antoine Winfield, who's, Lavonte David, Chase McLaughlin, Tristan Wirfs, Rob Maaddi, ___ Organizations: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Associated Press, Tampa Bay Times, Bucs, NFC, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, Tampa Bay's, Philadelphia, Detroit, Tampa, Panthers, Rams, AP Pro Football Locations: TAMPA, Fla, Mayfield, Tampa

☆ Michael ‘Venom’ Page: Explosive knockouts, unique fighting style and a love for dancing - meet the UFC’s newest debutant
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Twelve years on, the fighter from London will make his UFC debut against Kevin Holland on March 9 at UFC 299. “But the fighting style, I’d say that comes from, it’s part of my personality. I love to dance, love to smile, just loud, a bit more like outgoing.”Page is hoping a UFC welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards could happen in the future. While some of his family members gave up competitive fighting as the years went by, Page stuck with it. And I don’t think it’s happened before, two UK fighters fighting for a UFC title,” said Page.

Persons: Michael Page, Anderson Silva, Kevin Holland, ”, it’s, ” Page, There’s, Leon Edwards, Chris Unger, Lau, Page, London Shootfighters, Shootfighters, “, ’, Logan Storley, Zac Goodwin, Dwayne ‘, ’ Johnson, Evangelista Santos, Michael ‘ Venom, Williams Paul, –, he’s, he’ll, Holland, what’s, Briton Leon Edwards, Michael ‘ Venom ’, Vera Organizations: CNN, YouTube, UFC, CNN Sport, London, Press Association, WWE, ‘, Holland, TNT Sports, Turner Sports, Warner Bros, Discovery, Warner Bros . Locations: London, Caribbean, Miami

The Washington Commanders are signing veteran tight end Zach Ertz, two people with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal had not been announced. One person familiar with the signing said the contract for next season is worth up to $5 million. A Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia, Ertz returns to the NFC East as the first big addition for new Commanders general manager Adam Peters. Ertz has played in 159 NFL regular-season and playoff games since making his debut in 2013 after being a second-round pick of the Eagles.

Persons: Zach Ertz, Kliff Kingsbury, Ertz, Adam Peters, Logan Thomas, Charles Leno, Nick Gates, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Rob Maaddi, ___ Organizations: Washington, Associated Press, Cardinals, Philadelphia, NFC, Eagles, Pro Football Locations: Arizona, Washington

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was suspended by the NFL on Friday for the first two games of next season for violating the performance-enhancing drugs policy of the league and NFL Players Association. ESPN also reported the Raiders are expected to release Garoppolo next month before an $11.25 million roster bonus kicks in. Garoppolo's days in Las Vegas appeared over at midseason when then-interim coach Antonio Pierce replaced him with rookie Aidan O'Connell for the rest of the season. Pierce became the Raiders' full-time coach last month, and the Raiders also hired Tom Telesco as their general manager. The Raiders signed Garoppolo last offseason to a three-year, $72.75 million contract when coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler were in charge.

Persons: HENDERSON, Jimmy Garoppolo, Garoppolo, Antonio Pierce, Aidan O'Connell, Pierce, Tom Telesco, Josh McDaniels, Dave Ziegler, O'Connell, ” Garoppolo, I’ve, you’ve, You’ve, hasn’t, ” O’Connell, “, ” Organizations: Las Vegas Raiders, NFL, NFL Players Association, ESPN, Raiders, The Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl, NFC Locations: Nev, Garoppolo's, Las Vegas

Don Gullett, a standout major league pitcher who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died on Wednesday. The Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees and Baseball Hall of Fame all paid tribute to Gullett in social media posts. Gullett went 109-50 with a 3.11 ERA in nine seasons with the Reds and Yankees. He then signed with New York in free agency, and the Yankees won it all in ‘77 and ’78. “Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and minor league instructor," Reds owner Bob Castellini said in a team post on X.

Persons: Don Gullett, Gullett, “ Don Gullett, Johnny Bench, “ Don, Bob Castellini, ” Organizations: Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Baseball Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds, Yankees, Hall of Fame, ”, Cincinnati, Big, New Locations: Lynn , Kentucky, New York

(AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid is giving the rest of his staff about a week off after their Super Bowl victory parade through downtown Kansas City on Wednesday, then he expects everyone to be back in the building to begin working on next season. These are a crucial couple of months for Kansas City if it wants to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles. “The coaches will take a little bit of time,” Reid said, “but then we've got the combine coming up. We're in the swing of things after that, once you get to the combine.”Yet before the combine, free agency or the draft comes the parade, one last celebration of another championship season. And during a meeting with his team Tuesday, Reid gave a parting message about the impending party.

Persons: Andy Reid, Reid, “, ” Reid, “ That's, Brett Veach's, Veach, Chris Jones, L'Jarius Sneed, Donovan Smith, Mike Edwards, Nick Allegretti, Willie Gay Jr, Drue Tranquill, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Danna, Michael Pittman Jr, Tee Higgins, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley, Gabe Davis, we've, We've, ” Organizations: KANSAS CITY, — Chiefs, Super Bowl, Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Super, NFL, Kansas City Locations: KANSAS, Mo, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Orlando , Florida, Detroit

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Super Bowl represents a natural ending point to the season, one for which every team in the NFL strives. “Listen,” Reid acknowledged this week, “every team is going to be a little bit different. The two biggest decisions staring at the Chiefs involve what to do with Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed. Jones, the All-Pro defensive tackle, has been a part of each of their Super Bowl runs, and the Chiefs would love to keep him around the next few years. The Chiefs probably would have the cash available for Jones if they didn't also want to sign Sneed to a long-term deal.

Persons: HENDERSON, ”, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, ” Reid, “, Chris Jones, L'Jarius Sneed, Jones, Sneed, ’, Brett Veach, Chris, Donovan Smith, Willie Gay Jr, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Tommy Townsend, ” Veach, Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Justin Reid, Charles Omenihu, ” Mahomes, Reid, Clark Hunt, hasn't, ” Hunt, haven’t, ” Kelce, Taylor Swift, I've, I'm Organizations: NFL, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Chiefs, Super Bowl, Hollywood Locations: Nev, Las Vegas

“This is the pinnacle,” Williams said about playing the Kansas City Chiefs for a championship on Sunday. The way these last four years went for me, I’m super grateful.”Williams career has been revitalized since he arrived in San Francisco in 2020, after sitting out the previous season in Washington. But he’s a guy I’m not shy doing that about because he’ll be there and he should be there first ballot. Williams said the offensive line fined him when he first got the extra locker but everyone knows he's worthy of it. Williams knows he’s far closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but he’s not quite ready to hang it up and retire.

Persons: HENDERSON, — Trent Williams, ” Williams, “, I’m, Williams, ”, John Lynch, he’ll, I’ve, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner, he’s, “ I’m Organizations: Fame, Pro, San Francisco 49ers, Super, Kansas City Chiefs, Niners, Kansas City, of Fame, Pro Football Locations: Nev, Washington, San Francisco, “

José Altuve and the Houston Astros agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract that covers 2025-29. Altuve has a $26 million salary for 2024 in the final season of a $163.5 million, seven-year deal. The eight-time All-Star second baseman would have been eligible for free agency after this year’s World Series. Altuve will have salaries of $30 million annually from 2025-27 and $10 million apiece in 2028 and ’29. Altuve became the first second baseman guaranteed to top $300 million in career earnings.

Persons: José Altuve, Altuve, Daniel Bard, ___ Organizations: Houston Astros, Houston, Altuve, Major League Baseball, Associated Press, Venezuela, Astros

Irrelevant” as the final pick of the 2022 draft to MVP finalist and starting quarterback in the Super Bowl in a span of less than 22 months. But the Niners spent the early parts of the day of that draft adding depth to the trenches and secondary. Beathard — in free agency — and San Francisco made the move that All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams has equated to winning the Powerball lottery. He was healthy enough to start a throwing program in late May, resumed practice early in training camp and delivered one of the most prolific seasons ever by a San Francisco quarterback. But some critics have tried to downgrade him by calling him a “system quarterback” or “game manager” being carried by his talented teammates and creative coach.

Persons: Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy, marveled, Purdy, It's, ” Purdy, Trey Lance, Steve Slowik, Brian Griese, Klay Kubiak, Kyle Shanahan, —, Beathard, San Francisco, Trent Williams, Lance, Nate Sudfeld, Shanahan, Jed York, Sudfeld, Jimmy Garoppolo, Tom Brady, “ They’ve, I’ve, they’ve, We’ve, ”, ” Shanahan, Brock, Francisco's, Steve Spagnuolo, “, He’s Organizations: LAS VEGAS, San Francisco 49ers, NFC, Super, 49ers, Niners, Iowa State, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Green Bay, Detroit, Packers, Lions, ” Chiefs Locations: Francisco, San, Purdy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Now, Witt will be doing those things in Kansas City for the foreseeable future. We want you in Kansas City forever.’ So it was special to see all that support and all of that love." The Royals’ previous record contract was a four-year, $82 million deal given to All-Star catcher Salvador Perez. Those deals will not only help Kansas City compete in a wide open AL Central but were important to Witt's negotiation.

Persons: John Sherman, David Glass, Bobby Witt, Sherman, Witt, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, ” Sherman, “ It's, ”, ” Witt, Patrick Mahomes, “, Salvador Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Brandon Frazier, J.J, Picollo, Bobby, ” Picollo, John Organizations: KANSAS CITY, — Royals, Royals, Kauffman, Kansas City, ” Royals Locations: KANSAS, Mo, Arizona, Kansas City, “, Kansas, Jackson County , Missouri

(AP) — The Kansas City Royals and star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. agreed Monday to an 11-year contract worth about $291 million guaranteed, two people familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press on Monday. The Royals planned a Tuesday news conference to discuss the longest and richest contract in club history. The 23-year-old Witt became the first Royals player to enter the 30-30 club last year, when he hit 30 homers and stole 49 bases. “Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city, and our team.”___

Persons: Bobby Witt Jr, Witt, Fernando Tatis Jr, ” Witt, Alex Rodriguez, Bobby, ”, J.J, Picollo, ’, John Sherman, I’m Organizations: KANSAS CITY, The Kansas City Royals, Associated Press, Major League Baseball, Padres, Royals, American League, “, ” Royals, ’ ” Royals Locations: KANSAS, Mo, The, Kansas City, “, Jackson County , Missouri

“It’s a very difficult time in college basketball, because it’s free agency. “So, I think the NCAA enforcement staff just should be disbanded. That’s why I say — so I‘m not knocking the enforcement staff — they’re going to get taken to court every time they try to make a rule. The final ruling from the NCAA’s outside enforcement arm on the FBI case came down in November 2022 and exonerated Pitino. You’ve got to really innovate, get creative and understand these rules right now — or lack of rules.”___AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Persons: Rick Pitino, “, John's, It’s, …, Pitino, stoking, ” Pitino, can’t, — they’re, You’ve, ” Organizations: Hall of Fame, NCAA, University of Tennessee, UConn, Madison, Garden, Huskies, Kentucky, Louisville, FBI, Iona Locations: Tennessee, Virginia, Louisville

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It has taken two full years to accurately evaluate one of the most important deals that the Kansas City Chiefs have ever made, when they traded game-breaking wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for a package of draft picks. Turns out the deal made by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach played out well beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Photos You Should See View All 45 ImagesThat influx of talent helped Kansas City become the league's No. That includes standout center Creed Humphrey and right tackle Trey Smith, who along with left guard Joe Thuney, have given Kansas City one of the best interior offensive lines in the league.

Persons: Hill, Patrick Mahomes, Brett Veach, Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner, Justin Reid, Drue Tranquill, Mike Edwards, Charles Omenihu, Mahomes, ”, Tranquill, Charles, Mike, Andy, Reid, Donovan Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Joe Thuney, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Veach, Skyy Moore, Rice, “ We're, Patrick, ” Veach, “, Chris Jones, Edwards, Omenihu —, —, McDuffie, L'Jarius, Josh Williams, Jaylen Watson, Conner, Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend, Townsend, ___ Organizations: KANSAS CITY, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Chiefs, Dolphins, Kansas City, Pro, Bills, Ravens, AFC West, Chargers, NFL, Miami, SPECIAL, AFC Locations: KANSAS, Mo, Kansas City, Mahomes, Kansas

When they acquired All-Star right-hander Corbin Burnes on Thursday night, the Orioles sent a message to their own fans — not to mention the rest of baseball — by making it clear they weren't resting on their laurels after such a successful 2023. Corbin Burnes is exactly what we needed,” Elias said Friday. And the trade for Burnes is an example of what they can acquire with path No. Baltimore sent a pair of 25-year-olds — infielder Joey Ortiz and left-hander DL Hall — to the Brewers for Burnes. Once they did that, I think we have the firepower in our farm system to make these trades.”___

Persons: Mike Elias, Corbin Burnes, —, Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, ” Elias, “, ” Burnes, Cy Young, “ I've, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Joey Ortiz, Ortiz, Holliday, Henderson, Burnes, we'll, Rodriguez, Bradish Organizations: Baltimore Orioles, AL, Orioles, NL Central, American League, Baltimore, Brewers, Burnes, Triple, Milwaukee, ” Locations: Baltimore, Milwaukee

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Liberty are bringing their core group back and trying to add another piece with prized free agent Nneka Ogwumike while Seattle signed Skylar Diggins-Smith as WNBA free agency tipped off Thursday. The Liberty, who made it to the WNBA Finals last season before losing to the Las Vegas Aces, met with Ogwumike, according to a person familiar with the situation. Sabally, who was a restricted free agent, averaged career highs in points (18.6), rebounds (8.1) and assists (4.4) last season. They also signed free agent Megan Gustafson. Williams had a stellar season with Chicago last year, averaging 10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and a career-best 6.3 assists.

Persons: Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Smith, Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Betnijah Laney, Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Jones, Diggins, Jewell Loyd, “, ” Diggins, Jewell, Noelle Quinn, Satou Sabally, Kalani Brown, Sabally, Brown, Kiah Stokes, Sydney Colson, Megan Gustafson, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Williams, ___ Organizations: New York Liberty, Seattle, Liberty, WNBA, Las Vegas Aces, Associated Press, Nets, Los Angeles Sparks, ESPN, Phoenix Mercury, Notre Dame, Seattle Storm, Dallas, Wings, Aces, Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Locations: York

The Washington Commanders have an agreement with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to hire him as coach, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. Quinn, 53, spent the past three seasons running the defense for the NFC East-rival Cowboys after five-plus seasons coaching the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn coached the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 before being fired after an 0-5 start in 2020. He became Washington’s choice after Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, considered a top candidate, told teams Tuesday he was staying with Detroit and the Seahawks hired Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Macdonald going to Seattle made Quinn the front-runner, and he got the job over the likes of Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Baltimore assistant Anthony Weaver.

Persons: Dan Quinn, Quinn, Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald, Peters, Eric Bieniemy, that's, Rivera, Jack Del Rio, handpick, Johnson, Macdonald, Aaron Glenn, Anthony Weaver, Pete Carroll, William & Mary, hasn’t, Quarterback —, Washington —, Sam Howell, Carolina’s Drake Maye, ___ Organizations: Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Associated Press, NFC, Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Falcons, Lions, Seahawks, Baltimore, NFL, Dallas, NFC East, Atlanta, The Falcons, New England Patriots, William &, Virginia Military Institute, Hofstra, San, New York Jets, Florida Locations: Detroit, Washington, Seattle, Baltimore, New Jersey, San Francisco

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Free-agent reliever Wandy Peralta and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a $16.5 million, four-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday. The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical exam and hadn’t been finalized. The 32-year-old left-hander spent the last three seasons with the New York Yankees. While they still have big holes elsewhere heading into spring training, the budget-minded Padres at least have a well-stocked bullpen. The Padres have only two outfielders on their active roster and need to firm up their rotation behind Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Michael King.

Persons: Wandy Peralta, hadn’t, Woo, Suk, Yuki Matsui, Robert Suarez, Josh Hader, flopping, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Michael King, King, Juan Soto, Trent Grisham, ___ Organizations: DIEGO, San Diego Padres, Associated Press, New York Yankees, Padres, Houston, Yankees Locations: South Korea, Japan, Diego, New York

"But we move on.”The Ravens head into the offseason lamenting an opportunity that got away. Baltimore didn't seem outclassed in its 17-10 loss to Kansas City, but the Ravens were way too mistake-prone after falling behind early. This season was the first time the city hosted the AFC championship game since 1971. The Ravens have a star quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a star linebacker in Roquan Smith and a star in Hamilton who just finished his second season. “They can say he’s the best quarterback ever one week, and then the next week, say whatever they want to say.

Persons: OWINGS MILLS, Kyle Hamilton, ”, Baltimore didn't, doesn't, hadn't, Kevin Zeitler, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, “, Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen, Justin Madubuike, Jackson, Clowney, Odell Beckham Jr, Nelson Agholor, Gus Edwards, Dobbins, Achilles, he'd, Hamilton, ” Hamilton, Lamar, Justin Tucker, Kansas City's Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Patrick, ” Tucker, Travis, I’m, it’s Organizations: AFC, Ravens, Baltimore, NFL, Kansas, Chiefs, Kansas City, Cincinnati, AIR Ravens Locations: Md, ”, Baltimore, Kansas City, Buffalo , Cleveland, Houston, Miami, Hamilton, J.K

But perhaps there's a lesson to be learned from Detroit's approach — and from the other three teams remaining in the NFL playoffs. The Lions, Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs have all reached this point after making significant investments at positions that aren't always prioritized around the league. He's the highest-paid running back in the league based on average annual value, according to overthecap.com. “The middle of our defense especially are great players,” Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. The Lions took Jack Campbell — a middle linebacker.

Persons: Dan Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, “ I’m, Brad Holmes, it’s, ” Campbell, Gibbs, aren't, that's, Christian McCaffrey, McCaffrey, He's, ”, Kyle Shanahan, Jadeveon, Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, Mike Macdonald, “, Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, Clyde Edwards, Joe Thuney, Jack Campbell —, He’s, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Macdonald, Josh Dubow, Larry Lage, ___ Organizations: Detroit Lions, Lions, NFL, The Lions, Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, Detroit, San, ” 49ers, Baltimore, ” Ravens, Bowler, Kansas City, Chiefs ’, San Francisco, AP Pro Football, AP Locations: San Francisco, Kansas, Detroit, Smith

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