After running backs were viewed as a dispensable for years, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor all proved that the position could still be viewed as valuable last week. All three star running backs each signed extensions that will net them over $20 million per year. Gibbs signed the largest extension of the group, agreeing to a three-year, $67.5 million pact with the Detroit Lions that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. That agreement came days after Robinson set the mark for the highest-paid running back in NFL history, inking a three-year, $66.75 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Jonathan Taylor, meanwhile, signed a two-year, $44 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts to make him the third highest-paid player in the history of the position. Those contracts also came just a few months after the Arizona Cardinals used the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Jeremiah Love. That selection marked the first time a running back was taken in the top five of the NFL Draft in eight years. So, with all of these major running back investments being made, are we seeing the position go through a renaissance? We asked people around the league what they thought about the extensions, and what could be next at running back. Eric D. Williams: Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs appeared to strike a breakthrough for running backs this past week when they each signed extensions over $22 million per year just three years after being taken early in the first round of the 2023 draft. Saquon Barkley had been the only running back making over $20 million annually, with an average annual salary of $20.6 million. While the rise in running back salaries could be seen as a good sign, it also points to Robinson and Gibbs role as overall playmakers who are also effective pass catchers, and it pales in comparison to the top receiver salaries in the league, according to a source I spoke with who negotiates player contracts. "In spite of the Robinson and Gibbs deals, front offices still view the running back position as a value opportunity from a cap and contract management standpoint," the league source told me. "Not a slight to Zay Flowers or any other $30 million wide receivers not named JMarr Chase or Justin Jefferson, but Robinson and Gibbs are $30 million [and maybe $40 million] per year players, if we were solely valuing them on their impact on the game. "When considering Jaxon Smith-Njigbas $42.15 APY (average per year) at the top of the WR market against Gibbs' $22.5 million at the top of the running back market, Smith-Njigba makes 87% more than Gibbs. Yet Smith-Njigba is not 87% more impactful than Gibbs, so we still have a long way to go before one can say the RB market is increasingly being valued more." Since joining the league in 2023, Robinson is tops in scrimmage yards at 5,648 while Gibbs is third in scrimmage yards at 5,029. Smith-Njigba is 20th in scrimmage yards over that same period with 3,613, but signed a four-year, $168.6 million extension in March that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time. While NFL general managers theoretically can piece together a running back room that, in the aggregate, can get close to matching the production of players like Robinson and Gibbs, its fair to question whether that approach can bring elite production to the position. "The notion is that because you can find serviceable running backs on Day 3 of the draft and in college free agency that its an easily replaceable position," the contract negotiator told me. "Theres truth to that, but in my opinion, the same can be said at wide receiver, yet theres an 87% delta between the top of the running back market and the top of the WR market." Ralph Vacchiano: The flurry of recent lucrative contract extensions for running backs was somewhat unexpected, given how NFL teams had begun to undervalue the position in recent years. But it may not be a full-market correction, because a lot of NFL teams still view it as a big risk to invest in any but the best NFL running backs for more than a couple of years. "It really is player-dependent, and maybe a bit team-dependent, too," an NFL executive told me. "Its not a great use of money for a team that isnt ready to win. If its what puts you over the top, then sure, a running back could make a big difference. But if youre building a team, other positions have way more value." And even for those teams ready to win, their willingness to invest has its limits. None of the recent extensions were for more than four years, and they were all structured in a way that the teams can get out of them after a couple of years without being stuck with a large cap down the road. "None of these deals are really long-term or cap-killing, which is the key," the executive told me. "Its still a dangerous position. You cant lock up too much in a spot where players can break down or wear down fast." And because of the high attrition rate, there is no trickle-down effect. The top running backs may be getting richer, but theyre not carrying lesser backs along for the financial ride. "At the top, sure, teams see the value of Bijan and Saquon and Taylor. Maybe there are 10 to 15 guys that can draw those contracts," an NFL agent told me. "But overall, I still think teams are wary about paying at that position. They see too many players get hurt, or have only two-to-three good seasons before going off a cliff. Theyd rather put money in positions that last longer. "Thats why even those big deals are short. They want to make sure that two or three years down the road they can get out of them without a big bill." Henry McKenna: Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are unanimously considered the NFLs RB1 and RB2. Thats why the two players got more or less the same contract. And thats why those contracts were unlike anything wed seen before at the position. "I think its a little cyclical," one AFC executive told me this week. For the longest time, the thought process around the NFL was that running backs dont matter not from a financial standpoint. But Saquon Barkley upended that rule for general managers. And since the Eagles won the Super Bowl with Barkley, weve seen the running back market strengthen, whether its through deals for Gibbs and Robinson or through Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love going in the top six picks in their respective drafts, which made them top-10 earners at their positions (at the time of their selection). "The running back market is very interesting," an NFC executive told me. "It was one of the few markets that didnt grow with the cap. Bijan and Gibbs are two unicorns, but its going to affect the entire running back market significantly. Im sure James Cook is not happy. As teams continue to borrow from the future, these top contracts are outpacing the cap pretty significantly. Something interesting to watch as we move forward through this agreement." Cook and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a four-year, $46 million contract last August. There are two major differences in what they got guaranteed. First, its about what the teams guaranteed at signing. Cook got $28.8 million guaranteed and Gibbs got $51.4 million guaranteed. The second difference is what theyll get paid in salary starting in 2029. Thats the year when Gibbs is set to earn $22.3 million and Cook is set to earn $10.4 million. (Their salaries to that point are comparable.) So did Cook get ripped off? Or is he simply a different player than Gibbs and Robinson? Cook's rushing production was better than both running backs in 2025, but he isnt quite as much of a contributor in the passing game. And then theres the matter of Cooks offensive line, widely considered the NFLs best last season. Its fair to wonder whether Gibbs or Robinson might have put up 2,000 rushing yards behind that line in 2026. "I mean those guys who got deals done this week are special players that are more than running backs," an AFC executive texted me. "They are weapons. So Im ok with using space on that but not on a more traditional 2-down runner." If you can make plays in the passing game, youre worth big money. If not, it might be a harder sell.

Tommy John, the namesake of a ligament-replacement surgery that paved a path to recovery for injured baseball players, has died. He was 83.TMZ.com cited a statement released by John's agent, Mike Maguire, saying the pitcher passed away at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., surrounded by his wife, Cheryl, and family. John had been in hospice care in Bradenton, Fla.The New York Yankees released a statement on Sunday following the news of John's passing."The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Tommy John, who was a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans," the statement read. "While his incredible longevity and post-surgery achievements changed the fortunes and trajectory of countless athletes around the world, it also overshadowed his excellence as a pitcher, which included consecutive 20-win seasons with the Yankees."We pause to remember the totality of his legacy his competitiveness and skill, his penchant for conversation, his kind and gracious nature, and his stature as an athletic and medical pioneer. The Yankees extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, including wife, Cheryl, daughter, Tamara, and sons Tommy III and Travis. We also keep his son Taylor in our hearts."Per MLB.com, John had recently undergone treatment related to a recurrence of bladder cancer.On Aug. 8, John sent an emotional farewell letter, released by the Yankees."I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me through my 26-year career," John said in his letter. "Thanks for Dr. (Frank) Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today."Thank you to all the fans who supported me and my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you."The last 14 of John's 26 seasons came after undergoing the first elbow surgery where the ulnar collateral ligament was replaced by another tendon from the body.John was 124-106 with a 2.97 ERA over 355 appearances (318 starts) during his first 12 major league seasons. He returned from his experimental elbow surgery in 1976 to go 164-125 with a 3.66 ERA in 405 appearances (382 starts) over the remainder of his career.John pitched for six clubs, including the Yankees (1979-82, 1986-89), the Chicago White Sox (1965-71) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (1972-74, 1976-78). He missed the 1975 season after the surgery by Jobe, who was the Dodgers' team doctor.John was a four-time All-Star, who also served as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins and Yankees after his career ended, but is not a member of baseball's Hall of Fame.This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tommy John, whose pioneering surgery changed baseball, dies

Mike Conley might not be the best option to play heavy minutes at this stage of his career, but the veteran floor general will not need to be leaned on by the Boston Celtics unless the team has other problems to deal with considering their guard depth. And for Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, that is exactly the sort of role they have in mind for the former Minnesota Timberwolves point guard."People talk about veteran leadership and they talk about how important vets are, and my argument to that would be good vets are really important," said Stevens in a recent episode of the team's "Celtics All-Access" video series. "Guys that really have a great understanding of where they are in their career, how they impact winning, and the appropriate amount of expectations from the individual standpoint.""And I think that that's what you get with Mike," continued the Celtics president. "Every time he plays, has a big impact on winning.""And so I think the balance of being able to play at a high level, not needing to play every minute of every game is an incredibly valuable thing," said Stevens. "And it's usually reserved for guys that have a good perspective on life, and Mike does he certainly has that."Conley, for his part, is already making the sort of little changes he'll need to adapt to playing for Boston. "I've never wore a big number before," said Conley, "so, I'm going to get used to it."What can we say? A lot of the smaller numbers are already in the rafters.Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Brad Stevens believes Mike Conley can do a lot for Boston Celtics with a little

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) Scotland hired Sbastien Pocognoli as its new coach on Sunday to replace Steve Clarke, who stepped down from the role after the team was eliminated from the World Cup without advancing from its group.Pocognoli, a former Belgium international, was fired by Monaco on June 1 after a seventh-place finish in the French league and missing out on Champions League qualification.The 39-year-old Pocognoli signed a two-year deal that takes him through to the European Championship in 2028 that Scotland is co-hosting.He was described by the Scottish FA as "one of Europes brightest emerging coaching talents, with his big success being leading Union Saint-Gilloise to its first Belgian league title in 90 years in 2025.When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity," said Pocognoli, who underlined how impressed he was by the passion of Scotlands supporters that was on show during the country's first World Cup appearance in 28 years.SFA chief football officer Craig Mulholland said Pocognoli will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters.Pocognoli's first matches in charge will be in the Nations League at the end of September, against Slovenia and Switzerland.___See APs full soccer coverage here

The Brooklyn Nets are in the slow part of the offseason now that the 2026 NBA Draft, summer circuit play, and free-agency are in the rearview mirror at this point. Brooklyn is still in the early stages of the rebuild and they have already added forward Julius Randle to the mix, but there is still one area of the team that has to be addressed at some point next year."Egor Demin is the likeliest of Brooklyn's 2025 selections to make good on his potential. He proved he could stripe it from deep and make the right connective passes last season, and his Summer League performance showed he'd added new dimensions as an attacker and inside-the-arc finisher," Grant Hughes wrote for Bleacher Report on the Nets. It seems that Demin is looked at favorably by most around the league, but the same can't be said about the rest of the class."To put it charitably, the jury is still out on the rest of Brooklyn's first-rounders. Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf are all in line for pivotal second seasons," Hughes continued. "You don't make final determinations on sophomores, especially when their developmental paths are complicated by so much positional overlap."Over the course of this summer, the Nets have been able to see what Powell, Saraf, and Wolf look like against NBA competition heading into their second year in the Association. Traore was unable to play in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League due to a scope on his right knee, but Powell, Saraf, and Wolf were able to see plenty of reps. However, the trend continues that most around the league are not fond of what they've seen thus far."But Brooklyn needs to see something promising from at least one of these guys to validate its controversial approach of making (and keeping) five first-round selections in the 2025 draft," Hughes wrote. The Nets have drafted eight players over the past two seasons and with Tyler Bilodeau on a Two-Way deal, Brooklyn has to find playing time for seven of their youngest players. Next season will be interesting to watch given the massive investment the franchise made in the 2025 class.This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: What needs to be seen from Nets' 2025 NBA Draft class next season?

Grealish made a fast start during a spell on loan last season with Everton [Getty Images]Jack Grealish made a somewhat unexpected return to the Manchester City team on Sunday - so what could his future hold?Grealish's career with the club seemed finished when he spent last season on loan at Everton, but they did not make the move permanent.The 30-year-old, who did not feature for City in pre-season, came on at half-time in their 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal in Cardiff."Overall, Jack was good," said new boss Enzo Maresca afterwards."The ones that are still here, they are going to work every day, and if they deserve it they are going to get minutes."The transfer window is open and we will see what happens."Grealish had been left out of the squad for the team's tour to Asia earlier this summer, but he said he was recovering from an injury.Could Grealish now grasp a City lifeline - or will he be on the move?Arsenal cruise to Community Shield win against disappointing Man CityOdegaard's importance, Anderson and Foden struggle - how the players ratedHow did Grealish do?Grealish replaced Jeremy Doku at the break, with City 2-0 down, and played 45 minutes on the left wing.It was his first appearance for the club since a late substitute appearance against Bournemouth in May 2025, and his 158th game for City overall.He put in a couple of crosses as well as completing 21 of his 24 passes."Looking at him out there now, he's in good nick," said BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Pat Nevin."He has looked good since he's come on."He's not going beyond players, but he's trying to create space and he's actually put a couple of very good crosses in."What has gone wrong for Grealish?Jack Grealish had a spectacular start to his loan spell at Everton - but he was injured halfway through the campaign [Getty Images]Manchester City paid 100m to sign Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.He played regularly in his first two seasons - and helped City win the Treble in 2022-23, including playing in the Champions League final win over Inter Milan.But in the following season he made just 10 starts in the Premier League, with Jeremy Doku taking his place in the team.Grealish hinted at off-field problems, while City's then boss Pep Guardiola said: "He is the same player, he has the same manager and the way we play has not changed."It's just the way he has performed. That's the difference."In 2024-25 he fell out of favour even more and started just seven league games. He was then left out of their Club World Cup squad.The most recent of his 39 England caps came in October 2024.Many felt Guardiola's style of play had taken the magic out of the maverick's game.A loan spell followed at Everton last season and it started in fantastic fashion under David Moyes.Grealish won his first Premier League player of the month award in August, after four assists in his opening three league games."It's a big privilege to be given that accolade and I'm pleased for him because everybody knows he's back again," Moyes said."He's come back with the right mindset to produce and he has produced for us. He's made a big difference. It's just the start for Jack."But Grealish did not keep up that form and an unfortunate foot injury in January ended his season prematurely.What next for Grealish?Grealish has the chance of a fresh start under a new manager at City in Maresca.The Italian did say after Sunday's game that Grealish will get games if he stays and impresses.But it still feels more than likely he will end up leaving."Is Grealish going to be the player to change City and make a difference this season?" asked ex-Scotland winger Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live."I don't think many people think that's going to happen for Jack at Manchester City, but it's a chance to say to any suitors at all that he's available, he's fit and he does look good."He's done enough for me to think he'll do a job for somebody."Grealish could yet return to Everton. The Toffees opted not to make the deal permanent for City's rumoured valuation of 50m this summer.But with one year left on his supposed 300,000-a-week deal, and with Grealish likely to be a substitute at best, City are surely going to be open to lower or loan offers.BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould said: "Grealish is still someone the Toffees would want to sign again, most likely on another loan, but he will need to have recovered from the foot surgery he underwent in January."Grealish has made no secret he loved playing for the Toffees and his social media bio still has Everton as his club so if all parties can agree a deal then I would expect him to be back."Could he even go back to his boyhood club Aston Villa, who are in the Champions League this season?BBC Radio WM presenter Daz Hale said: "There is a real romance of the return of the prodigal son. You always felt it was written at some point he would come back."He is still a wonderful talent and adds real personality to a football team. He carries the ball really well, and we have lost Morgan Rogers."It is a Champions League season again for Villa, they need to have strength in depth with a deeper talent pool. I think he would be an asset to Villa. You cannot have too many good players."Whether it is this year or next year, I just think it is written in the stars that he will come back."Or could an overseas move for Grealish hold some appeal? Several media outlets claim that Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are looking at him.The window is open for another fortnight. Grealish must be peering through and wondering what path his career is about to follow.For now, he remains City's player, with just that lingering possibility he could still revive his career at the Etihad.Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Man City - what do you want to know?

Star second baseman Brice Turang has been one of the most important players to a contending Milwaukee Brewers team this season. The club is 76-48, first place in the National League Central and in possession of the NLs No. 1 seed.The 26-year-old Turang has only gotten better over the course of his four MLB seasons. As a full-time rookie in 2023, he did not quite look like the top prospect he was. In 2024, he improved offensively and defensively. In 2025, he was even better with the bat and now in 2026 he has hit well and played great defense.The Brewers are currently on a West Coast trip, playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of a four-game set and going for the series win Sunday. Before that, they were swept at the hands of the San Diego Padres.MORE: Luis Robert Jr. gets update on his Mets future ahead of Nationals series finaleTurangs season and injuryJul 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)In 115 games, Turang is slashing .268/.360/.450 (.810 OPS) with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs. He is also 16-for-21 on stolen base attempts.Defensively, the second baseman is having his best season yet. In 1,011 innings, he has posted 11 outs above average and 11 fielding run value. Those marks rank third among second basemen, and he is the best hitter of the group around him.Turang has been dealing with a knee injury lately however. It has been officially labeled as left knee discomfort. The last game he played was Wednesday at San Diego, where he went 1-for-5 with a walk and RBI.Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported Sunday that Turang has been continuing to improve health-wise and will get treatment Sunday and Monday. He could be back in the lineup as soon as Tuesday versus the Seattle Mariners.Impact of Turangs absenceDuring the 26-year-olds injury absence, the Brewers have been using David Hamilton and Jonathan Ornelas at second base. The latter was called up on Saturday, going 0-for-3. He will start at second and bat ninth for Sundays game.Hamilton fared better on Thursday and Friday, going 2-for-6 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored. He pinch-hit for third baseman Andrew Vaughn on Saturday, striking out.Milwaukee is hopeful that Turang can return for that upcoming series at home against the Mariners. His presence has been missed in the lineup the past few days.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

The Dolphins brought quarterback Mark Gronowski back to the roster on Sunday and an injury to another player at the position likely contributed to the decision. Per multiple reports, Quinn Ewers is dealing with a groin injury. Ewers is expected to be out for at least a week because of the injury. Ewers is currently the backup to Malik Willis in Miami. He was 1-of-8 for 27 yards and an interception against Washington in the Dolphins' first preseason game. Cam Miller followed Ewers into that contest and will likely be the second quarterback up when they face the Giants on August 22. He was 3-of-11 for 39 yards and two interceptions against the Commanders.

Bishop Gorman always enters high school football season as the team to beat in Nevada. The Gaels are also usually a perennial contender on the national stage. They want to reach the top of the mountain this fall and theyve concocted quite the out-of-state schedule early in the year.The first big test is next Friday, Aug. 21, as St. John Bosco (Calif.) travels to Las Vegas to take on Gorman at Fertitta Field. Both teams are inside the top 10 of the national Rivals Composite Rankings. More than 25 ranked prospects will be in action for what, on paper, looks like one of the games of the entire HSFB season. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage Itll be the season-opener for Bosco. Gorman, however, got its feet wet this weekend. The Gaels smoked Somerset Academy Losee 41-0 in a weather-shortened game on Friday night to improve to 1-0 on the year. The game was called at halftime due to inclement weather.Junior three-star quarterback Ace Amina got the start for Gorman and threw for a touchdown, but he and senior three-star QB Chance Thomas who rushed for a score both saw plenty of action, alternating possessions. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Gorman head coach Brett Browner has not committed to naming a starter ahead of next week and both Amina and Thomas, a Kansas commit who transferred in from Anaheim Western (Calif.), could share snaps once again.As mentioned by Rivals Andy Villamarzo in his Winners and Losers column this weekend, not being able to play an entire four quarters isnt ideal for a Gorman team thats going to have its hands full over the next month. Myriad big games await.The Gaels need any kind of on-field work they can get to live up to the shot at competing for the Overtime Nationals second title as they posted back in the summer that the nationally recognized championship was something they will be competing for, Villamarzo wrote.After the home clash vs. Bosco, the Gaels will hit the road and take on Columbus (Fla.), Lone Peak (Utah) and Mater Dei (Calif.) before returning to in-state action. Its a tough stretch thatll heavily challenge the Nevada powerhouse.All eyes will be on the Gaels next Friday night. The Massey Ratings predict a 35-21 victory for the visiting Braves. Villamarzo revealed his prediction for the top-10 clash in the Sin City this weekend that can be seen here.How to Follow National High School FootballFor national high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with theRivals National High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals National High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.

Manchester City has accepted FC Barcelona's transfer offer for captain and star midfielder Rodri.Getty ImagesManchester City has accepted FC Barcelonas third transfer offer for captain and star midfielder Rodri according to Fabrizio Roman. Rodri is expected to travel to Barcelona in the coming days to complete a medical then sign on the dotted line ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy match.The development caps off a whirlwind transfer saga, which began on Thursday morning last week.Thats when reports spread of talks breaking down between City and Real Madrid, as per a potential switch to the Bernabeu for the Spain skipper. Bara then gained traction in the hunt for the 30-year-old voted the Best Player at the World Cup, when leading Spain to its second victory in the FIFA flagship tournament.A phone call from the Catalans head coach Hansi Flick played a big part in convincing Rodri of the sporting project at the Spotify Camp Nou. He then swiftly gave his OK, to what will be one of the clubs biggest transfers of the 21st century in terms of stature.On Spanish radio, Rodris agent confirmed that his client preferred a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid, who had made the former Ballon dOr holder a reasonable personal offer.Bara and City then began negotiations after Rodri agreed personal terms. Baras initial bid of $52 million (45 million) was knocked back, and RAC1 later claimed that a 50 million deal had been agreed.Many sources in Catalonia and England said that wasnt true, which it has proven not be be. After two knocked back bids, though, one of Baras biggest transfers of the 21st century finally appears to be happening. Rodri will take FC Barcelonas midfield to a new dimensionThough it is an area of the pitch where Bara is traditionally stacked and never short of talent, the midfield now takes a massive step up in quality with Rodri pulling the strings.The increased control Rodri will bring helps Bara take a step forward in the Champions League. Its a competition hes already won at City in 2023, though his new club is yet to bring it home in 11 years after semifinals and quarterfinals exits in two attempts under Flick.Rodri will also allow FC Barcelona to press higher in attack. Furthermore, Flicks famous defensive high line is given added protection as young prospects such as Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal receive the perfect mentor.This article was originally published on Forbes.com