Official: Konstantinos Koulierakis completes Wolfsburg exit to RomaWolfsburg confirmed on Saturday evening that Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined AS Roma, with the transfer reportedly worth around 15 million. The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Italian club that will keep him in the capital until 2031.Koulierakis leaves the Volkswagen Arena after making 59 Bundesliga appearances for Die Wlfe. Primarily deployed at the heart of the defence, the Greek international also contributed four league goals last season, underlining his threat at the opposite end of the pitch.The move represents the next step in his career as he looks to continue his development in Serie A.Koulierakis also becomes Wolfsburgs fourth major sale of the summer transfer window, following the departures of Patrick Wimmer, Lovro Majer and Jakub Kamiski, with the quartet generating significant funds for the club.

Daron Payne isnt the longest-tenured Commanders player. Punter Tress Way holds that title. The defensive tackles has been around the block a few times now, entering his ninth season in Washington. The Alabama product has seen some things during that time. He has been to the playoffs twice, including 2024s deep postseason run. Results, however, have largely been unpleasant. Payne has experienced just one winning season (in 2024) since being selected No. 13 overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Payne has worked with four defensive coordinators and five defensive play callers heading into this season, when Daronte Jones now taking control.As someone who has been to the puppet show and seen the strings, we can trust Payne when he says something feels different in the best possible way. Thats how hes describing Jones new defensive system. When were in defensive meetings, I just listen to the way he explains it, Payne said in a press conference after Saturdays practice. Hes like a mad scientist, the way he explains how to disguise and the things for the DBs, but its cool to see. Its much harder than what the D-line got to do. I can say that.The defensive line wont remain static. That intrigues Payne, the ability to move around some, find advantageous matchups and showcase some versatility. I just feel like Im just being more versatile. I get to play outside, I get to play inside, Payne said. Its not like I just stay in one spot. I can play all along the line.Look, Payne isnt rushing off the edge. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound lineman can work all three defensive line spots, though, from various techniques. Paynes able to do that because the Commanders have some big dudes up front. The defensive line contains six guys above 300 pounds and four above 315, including three presumptively involved in the regular-season rotation. We got [DT Javon] Kinlaw, [DT Tim] Settle, [DT JerZhan] Newton, a bunch of just big, strong guys that are not just big and strong, but they can also move, too, Payne said. So, its just fun being able to play with guys and we dont have to just be stuck in one position. We can all just move, move along.Having such heft means Payne isnt stuck in the middle and could uncork some of the pass-rush ability that has shown up at various points in his career (though not lately). Run defense and block absorption is going to be important in the Commanders base three-man front. Paynes in the last year of his deal, certainly hunting for an elusive third big NFL contract. He was at his best during his last contract year, so theres hope hell be highly motivated and productive. If this is in fact Paynes final season in Washington his 2026 production and his open market value will likely define that a strong finish is wanted. Man, its a blessing to be in one place for so long in the NFL, Payne said. Guys dont really stay in one place a long time, so this is a blessing to be here. I just want to be here to help get to where we want to go.

On Monday, July 27, Bucs defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade from the franchise that drafted him, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Vea is heading into the final year of a four-year, $71 million extension that he signed in January of 2022. The request comes on the heels of other notable defensive lineman extensions over the last year from the likes of Devonte Wyatt of the Green Bay Packers and Quinnen Williams of the Dallas Cowboys.So if a trade is to occur, who makes sense? Every analyst has thrown out their ideas and the latest of Steve Palazzolo of Check the MicPalazzolo explains his choices, starting in the AFC East. "Starting with Buffalo Bills. They've been needing that 340-pound big body nose tackle for a while.Show up that run defense. Great fit for a new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonard. How about the Chicago Bears?Their run defense was awful last year. They need impact defensive linemen, and they didn't do enough this offseason. And then the wild card, rumors that Vita Vea wouldn't mind going to the Las Vegas Raiders, even though they're rebuilding, first contract quarterback, they have money to spend.John Spytek, Tom Brady connection..."It seems a lot of change is coming to the Bucs over the last couple of months. They lost veterans and leaders, Lavonte David to retirement and Mike Evans to free agency. Now, they have Baker Mayfield upset with contract talks and Vea requesting a trade? Quite the situation for the team to handle in just the first week of training camp. This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Analyst lays out 3 teams that make sense for a Vita Vea trade

Shams Charania: Free agent Gary Payton II has agreed on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. Payton returns to the Warriors for his seventh year in the Bay Area -- and his 11th NBA season.x.comx.comMore on Gary Payton II: Recent HoopsHype Rumors Draymond said that you can play off of Steph better than he can. What do you think of that? Gary Payton II: I dont know about that. They had a decade and some change with each other. I just try to get as much info and intel as I can from both of them to make it easier for the both of them. So I definitely took some things from Draymond with Steph. And I definitely took some things from Steph for Draymond. So to just play off of those guys, they make it very easy on the court on both ends. So as much as I can feed and grab intel from them, it makes my life easier. 4/15/2026 Responsible Gaming Youre one of the very few that can call Steph by that name. How did you get that pass? Gary Payton II: Its just a bond, I guess you could say. It was kind of shaky in the beginning. But I guess he allowed me to continue to call him that. He never told me not to, so I can do it. 4/15/2026 Responsible Gaming What was Stephs demeanor like as he was trying to get back on the court again? Gary Payton II: It was normal Wardell demeanor. Once his body was right, everything else would follow. He was just getting his rhythm. 4/15/2026 Responsible GamingAnthony Slater: Gary Payton II on the impact of Steph Curry's return: "I get layups. Wide open layups." Warriors have a 118.0 offensive rating with Curry on the floor this season, 110.2 with him off the floor. 4/4/2026 Twitter @anthonyVslaterAnthony Slater: Kristaps Porzingis will sit tomorrow night vs the Spurs. Hasnt been cleared for both sides of back-to-backs yet. DeAnthony Melton out with a thumb strain. Gui Santos and Gary Payton II questionable. Warriors face Cavaliers on Thursday. 3/31/2026 x.comAnthony Slater: Kristaps Porzingis is out tonight in Atlanta with lower back tightness. Jonathan Kuminga is off the injury report and cleared to face the Warriors. Questionable: Draymond Green, DeAnthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Quinten Post. 3/21/2026 x.comWe started the conversation about what it would mean for you to be able to play in Seattle so well end it here. If the team does come back what would it mean to you personally? It was like a dream come true all over again. To be able to see them, to be able to go there and we have an opportunity to sit down and watch a game. Hopefully they can do it here in a few years so I can possibly go back and put on a Seattle SuperSonics jersey. But other than that, its for the basketball culture. Even if I do play for them or not, it will be good for the city of Seattle and good for the NBA. 3/6/2026 New York TimesSo as speculation swirls about NBA expansion and bringing the Sonics back to Seattle, Payton IIs answer about bringing a team back to his second home was immediate. Request a trade to Seattle, Payton II recently told The Athletic. Probably. He (probably) isnt kidding. The love for Seattle and the Sonics is still in his heart. Respectfully. I love it here so much. But if we do (have a Seattle team) when Im still here, I definitely want to go back and play there, he added. 3/6/2026 New York TimesWill Richard scored 21 points, Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II added 19 apiece and the Golden State Warriors routed the Memphis Grizzlies 133-112 on Wednesday night in a game between two teams depleted by injuries. Gui Santos added 17 points as eight of the nine Golden State players who saw action reached double figures. The ninth player, Malevy Leons, had nine points. 2/25/2026 Yahoo! SportsAnthony Slater: Draymond Green and Gary Payton II are both questionable tomorrow night vs Bucks with ankle sprains. 1/6/2026 x.comThis article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Gary Payton II, Warriors agree to one-year deal

After announcing his departure from the Saints, the versatile weapon could reunite with his former head coach Sean Payton in Denver

Pearsall has been dealing with the issue since last season

One day after rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder left training camp with a leg injury, the Detroit Lions have signed his potential replacement.The Lions agreed to a one-year contract with former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White on Saturday, Aug. 1.The Schultz Report first reported the signing.White, 28, made a career-high 174 tackles with the Las Vegas Raiders last season after stints with the Houston TexansPhiladelphia Eagles. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played for five seasons (2019-23) after being drafted No. 5 overall in 2019 out of LSU.White was a second-team All-Pro selection with the Bucs in 2020.The Lions return Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes as starters, but are looking for a third linebacker to replace Alex Anzalone (Bucs).They drafted Rolder in the fourth round of Michigan this spring. Rolder battled injuries early in his college career but was one of the Wolverines best defensive players last fall, making a team-high 73 tackles while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.Rolder had played middle linebacker primarily with the Lions second-team defense before his injury.He and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (neck) walked off the field with trainers midway through Fridays practice.The Lions had their first off day of camp Saturday, and return to practice Sunday.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions sign former All-Pro LB Devin White with Jimmy Rolder hurt

One day after rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder left training camp with a leg injury, the Detroit Lions have signed his potential replacement.The Lions agreed to a one-year contract with former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White on Saturday, Aug. 1.The Schultz Report first reported the signing.White, 28, made a career-high 174 tackles with the Las Vegas Raiders last season after stints with the Houston TexansPhiladelphia Eagles. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played for five seasons (2019-23) after being drafted No. 5 overall in 2019 out of LSU.White was a second-team All-Pro selection with the Bucs in 2020.The Lions return Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes as starters, but are looking for a third linebacker to replace Alex Anzalone (Bucs).They drafted Rolder in the fourth round of Michigan this spring. Rolder battled injuries early in his college career but was one of the Wolverines best defensive players last fall, making a team-high 73 tackles while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.Rolder had played middle linebacker primarily with the Lions second-team defense before his injury.He and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (neck) walked off the field with trainers midway through Fridays practice.The Lions had their first off day of camp Saturday, and return to practice Sunday.This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions sign former All-Pro LB Devin White with Jimmy Rolder hurt

Chelsea Are Set To Make An Improved Offer For This Bournemouth Star: Should Alonso Go For Him?In a recent report, journalist Mark Brus stated that Chelsea are set to make an improved offer for Bournemouth star Alex Scott. It has been mentioned that the Blues are prepared to make an offer of around 70m to sign the English talent this off-season.Scotts Impressive Form In English FootballScott enjoyed a good run of form for Bournemouth in the previous campaign as he was responsible for putting in a series of impressive performances for them at the centre of the park. The 22-year-old scored four goals and grabbed one assist in 39 matches for the Cherries last season across all competitions.The English talent is currently one of the most talented central midfielders in Premier League football. Thus, it is no wonder that the Blues are eyeing a move to acquire his services in this transfer window.His current deal at Bournemouth will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for Chelsea to sign him on the cheap later this year.BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND MARCH 20: Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth reacts during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Go For Scott?Scott loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side in the middle of the park. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is a good distributor as well from midfield.The English sensation can even contribute by scoring and creating the odd goal for his team. Scott mainly operates as a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as an attacking midfielder or a right-sided wide player if told to do so. He has some experience in the Premier League and wont take much time to adjust to life at the West London club.We can expect Scott to improve the quality of Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonsos first XI. He is good enough to challenge for a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.At 22, Scott has got a bright future ahead of him as long as he continues to improve with each year. He will also help the Blues challenge across all fronts in the future. Hence, Alonso would be wise to go for a player with his skill set before the end of this summer transfer window.

Could Hill be on his way to the mountains?Taysom Hill, fantasy football favorite and former New Orleans Saints everyman, announced he wouldn't be returning to the "Big Easy" earlier in the week, leaving the soon-to-be 36-year-old without an NFL home for the first time since 2017.Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, though, may leave the key under the mat for Hill. Hill developed a reputation of being a Swiss army knife player under Payton's coaching between 2017 and 2021, becoming a versatile weapon in Payton's scheme (and a league-winner in some fantasy football circles).Payton said on Aug. 1 that he'd consider bringing Hill in if the circumstances are right, adding that he'll likely see Hill at Drew Brees' Hall of Fame enshrinement this coming week."I think we would definitely look closely at, where's he (Hill) at," Payton told NFL Network's Steve Wyche and Cynthia Frelund. "And there's a lot that goes into that. We know he's healthy. The injury that he had wasn't just an ACL, it was like a complete knee reconstruction, and so the info is our doctor who knows right where he's at."Payton said he has run into Hill several times this offseason and believes the Broncos won't be the only team that "kicks the tires" to see how Hill continues to recover years after a 2024 knee injury cut his season short.He added that doctors believe the second year after the surgery Hill had typically results in the knee being stronger.Hill's reputation as a weapon on offense manifested itself under Payton, especially during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, during which he accounted for a combined 22 rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns from multiple positions, including as spot-starter quarterback.The Broncos, who are angling to at least return to the AFC championship game after a loss this past season to the New England Patriots, could add another wrinkle to their offense with Hill in tow, if they go that route.With Bo Nix firmly entrenched as the team's starter, Denver could support their young passer with a player of Hill's offensive versatility.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean Payton doesn't close door on Taysom Hill-Broncos union