Here are five things we learned from the first week of Ohio State’s spring practice: Jim Knowles could diversify the defense For as much as Knowles has had a reputation for being a mad scientist, devising imaginative schemes, he simplified the defense last year. It was partly a response to the explosive plays that crippled the Buckeyes in losses late …

The Bears have shifted stadium plans again, now saying that they want to stay in the city of Chicago, rather than move to the suburbs. The new plan is for a stadium that would get taxpayer funding and public ownership, but that the Bears would contribute $2 billion toward. “The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to …

Penn State football officially begins its 2024 revamping process this week under a new set of on-field leaders. Spring practice kicks off Tuesday, which means a month of workouts leading to the annual Blue-White Game in Beaver Stadium on April 13. How can coach James Franklin and his three new coordinators help the Nittany Lions raise their starry ability on …

The Giants re-signed long snapper Casey Kreiter on Sunday, Ryan Dunleavy of The New York Post reports. Kreiter has spent the past four seasons as the Giants’ long snapper, having replaced Zak DeOssie. DeOssie retired following the 2019 season after 13 years holding down the position. Kreiter, 33, remains for a fifth season, working under a new special teams coordinator, …

The Eagles are set for wholesale changes after finishing the 2023 season 1-6 after a 10-1 start. The dominos are starting to fall as All-Pro center Jason Kelce and star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox have announced their retirements. Brandon Graham, who turns 36 in April, is returning for one more final season, his 15th, and he’s one of the few guys on the roster deserving of …

With the trade deadline behind us, we’ve rounded the corner to the final part of the season: the rush to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As things stand on Monday, the Eastern Conference playoff bracket includes four teams from the Atlantic Division and four from the Metropolitan. The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes look pretty secure in their postseason slots; …

Ryan S. Clark Close Ryan S. Clark NHL reporterRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN. Kristen Shilton Close Kristen Shilton ESPN NHL reporterKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.Mar 11, 2024, 07:00 AM ET The 2024 NHL trade deadline was Friday at 3 p.m., and the finish included a shocking deal: Tomas Hertl, the San Jose …

Purdy ties the knot with college sweetheart Jenna in Iowa ceremony originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area Brock Purdy went from Mr. Irrelevant to starting NFL quarterback with the 49ers to … a married man! Purdy married his college sweetheart and longtime girlfriend Jenna Brandt on Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. While Purdy led his team to Super Bowl …

UCF coach Gus Malzahn made it clear that last season’s 6-7 record — its first in the Big 12 — was unacceptable. He took decisive action in the offseason, making staff changes, reshaping the strength and conditioning program and returning to play-calling duties. The team’s new recruits and transfers, along with the best recruiting class in school history, should provide …

Four weeks after winning his third Super Bowl, Chiefs defensive tackle Chiefs Jones has gotten his third contract. And it’s a big one. Jones becomes the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league, with a new five-year, $158.75 million deal. The average of $31.75 million surpasses the $31.67 million average from the three-year, $95 million contract signed by Rams defensive tackle …

The Ravens are heading into an uncertain offseason with an MVP quarterback, a shrinking Super Bowl window, and five of the top free agents in the NFL. Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have started the journey of retooling a roster that is in flux and set to see significant changes at offensive tackle, running back, wide …

The Dolphins are bringing back offensive lineman Robert Jones, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Jones was scheduled to become a restricted free agent, but instead of tendering him, the Dolphins signed him to a one-year deal. He is a candidate to start at right guard if Robert Hunt leaves in free agency. Jones, 25, appeared in eight games with five …

TAUNTON— Another high school football season has come and gone in the Greater Taunton area. Taunton (6-5, 2-3 Hockomock Kelley-Rex) was the area’s top team despite graduating 25 seniors from the season prior, going on a three-game win streak and making the Division 1 Round of 16 where they fell to No. 8 BC High. Bridgewater-Raynham (4-7, 2-1 Southeast Conference) …

Spring break is over. Spring football is here for Georgia football. The Bulldogs hit the field Tuesday afternoon for the first of 15 practices including the G-Day game on April 13. Georgia headed into the offseason with a 63-3 stomping of Florida State in the Orange Bowl, but the Bulldogs missed out on the playoff after back-to-back national championships. Judging …

Kevin Byard signing sends clear message about Bears’ plans ahead of Caleb Williams decision originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles filled a key hole Sunday by signing veteran safety Kevin Byard to a two-year contract just one day before the NFL’s legal tampering window opens on Monday at 11 a.m. C.T. Byard is a 30-year-old, …