Aaron Rodgers has laid out his NFL timeline, aiming for several more seasons on the gridiron.
In a recent appearance on the “Look Into It with Eddie Bravo” podcast, the Jets quarterback opened up about his rehabilitation process and expressed his ambition to continue playing for as long as four additional years. He shared, “I’m hopeful I can play two or three or four more years. But you need to have some good fortune there, too.”
Rodgers’s debut season with the Jets was marred by an Achilles tear, suffered merely four plays into Week 1’s matchup against the Bills. Despite undergoing surgery and making strides in his recovery, his comeback aspirations were dashed when the Jets officially exited playoff contention in late November.
Aaron Rodgers (Credits: AP)
While reflecting on his future on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers expressed a desire to extend his tenure with the Jets beyond 2024, emphasizing his rejuvenated passion for the game. He stated, “I feel like I can play more years and I can be effective in my 40s… I want to be a starter at 40, I want to be a starter at 41.”
Rodgers’s determination to push his career into his fourth decade showcases his enduring commitment to the sport and his belief in his ability to contribute at the highest level for years to come.
Miles Bridges showcased his prowess with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandon Miller contributed 23 points as the Charlotte Hornets dealt another setback to the Brooklyn Nets’ playoff aspirations, securing a 110-99 victory on Saturday night.
Nick Richards notched 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Vasa Micic added 12 points and 10 assists for the Hornets (16-48), who halted a six-game losing streak. “We came out with real good energy tonight,” remarked Richards.
Cam Thomas, returning from a six-game absence due to an ankle injury, made an impactful comeback, scoring 31 points in just 30 minutes, albeit under a minutes restriction. However, despite Thomas’ efforts, the Nets (25-39) found themselves trailing by 4 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th and final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference after suffering their third loss in four games.
“We have to take care of our business and win these last games and hopefully things will turn around and go in our favor,” Thomas expressed. “But we have to stick to it and keep playing.”
Thomas emphasized the need for improvement in Brooklyn’s man-to-man defense, pinpointing instances where Hornets players, particularly Micic and Miller, exploited defensive lapses to score easy baskets. “It’s effort, man, that’s all of it,” stressed Thomas. “
Vasilije Micic (Credits: NBA)
… Giving up straight-line drives is hard, and it puts a lot of pressure on our defense because then they can just spread it out and make wide-open 3s, and catch-and-shoot 3s. We have to take pride in just keeping someone in front of us.”
Although Thomas provided a spark for the Nets in the first quarter with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, Charlotte rallied back to seize a 63-52 halftime lead fueled by Bridges and Miller. The Hornets capitalized on defensive breakdowns from Brooklyn in the second half, extending their lead to 12 points.
This victory marked a redemption for the Hornets, who, unlike the previous night against Washington, held firm in the face of a fourth-quarter challenge from the Nets, securing the win with crucial baskets from Miller and Bridges.
“That’s what I said to the guys: ‘We’re in the same place,’” reflected Hornets coach Steve Clifford. “Against Washington, we kind of lost our way in the fourth quarter at both ends. Our offense and defense was awful. Tonight, we weren’t great offensively, but our defense was great.”
While Thomas made a notable return for the Nets, Day’Ron Sharpe also returned after a two-game absence due to a wrist injury. However, Cam Johnson remained sidelined with an ankle sprain, while Charlotte had to navigate the game without six injured players.
The speediest athlete in Scouting Combine history expresses his desire to emulate Tyreek Hill’s success in Kansas City.
Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who shattered Combine records with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, revealed to USA Today his aspiration to fill Hill’s shoes in the Chiefs’ offense now that Hill has moved on to Miami.
“In an ideal scenario, I’d love to join the Chiefs,” Worthy stated. “The way Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs utilize their players, particularly Tyreek Hill, aligns perfectly with my skill set.”
While Hill may hold the title of the fastest player in the NFL, he never participated in the Combine due to off-field issues during college. Worthy, confident in his speed, acknowledges that he won’t be the fastest sprinter overall.
Tyreek Hill
When asked about challenging Usain Bolt’s 4.22-second 40-yard dash record set at the NFL Experience event, Worthy humbly concedes, recognizing Bolt’s superior athleticism.
“I have immense respect for Bolt,” Worthy remarked. “His record was achieved under different circumstances. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to him.”
Although he may not surpass Bolt’s speed, Worthy’s exceptional pace could prove formidable against NFL defenders, potentially elevating the Chiefs’ offensive game.
D’Angelo Russell orchestrated a stunning comeback for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring a season-high 44 points, with 21 coming in the fourth quarter, to secure a 123-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Russell’s go-ahead jumper with 5.9 seconds remaining sealed the Lakers’ win, despite LeBron James’ absence due to a sore left ankle.
Spencer Dinwiddie’s critical block on Damian Lillard’s last-second attempt preserved the victory for the Lakers. James missed his ninth game of the season due to his lingering ankle injury, but Russell’s heroics compensated for his absence.
Russell, with a spectacular performance, tied his career-high with nine 3-pointers and dished out nine assists. His offensive prowess, particularly in crunch time, propelled the Lakers to their fifth win in nine games without James.
“D-Lo just stepped up and won us the game, and obviously with Spence with the defense on that last possession,” said Lakers’ guard Austin Reaves. “Just seeing D-Lo take over the game, I constantly kept telling him in timeouts, ‘Take us home.'”
D’Angelo Russell
Reflecting on his standout performance, Russell credited his resilience amidst career challenges and trade rumors, stating, “Public humiliation has done nothing but mold me into the killer that you all see today. I never lack confidence. I never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double effort of 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists wasn’t enough for the Bucks, who suffered their second consecutive loss. Despite a strong performance, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers lamented the missed opportunity but emphasized the team’s focus on improvement.
The Bucks took a late lead, but Russell’s clutch plays turned the tide in favor of the Lakers. Anthony Davis contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds despite playing with a left shoulder injury.
The Lakers’ victory came amidst James’ ongoing ankle concerns, while Khris Middleton’s return from injury for the Bucks remains imminent.
The Baltimore Ravens wasted no time securing their defensive powerhouse, Justin Madubuike, as they inked a four-year contract extension with him on Friday, following the recent franchise tag designation.
“Justin is one of the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL and a cornerstone on our defense,” stated general manager Eric DeCosta. “We are thrilled for Justin and his family, and equally happy for our fan base. This is a great way to start the new league year!”
With the new league year set to kick off next Wednesday, the Ravens acted swiftly to ensure Madubuike’s continuity within the team. Having initially placed the franchise tag on him, DeCosta expressed the team’s intention to negotiate a long-term deal, and they succeeded promptly.
Last season, a similar strategy was employed with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who eventually signed a long-term contract after being tagged.
Justin Madubuike
The quick resolution mirrors the recent trend, as seen with Chicago’s Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who also agreed to a four-year deal after receiving the franchise tag.
Madubuike’s stellar performance last season, boasting 13 sacks, paved the way for his lucrative extension. Drafted in the third round in 2020, he rapidly ascended to a regular starting role, with his sack tally increasing each year.
In 2023, he earned second-team All-Pro honors, capping off a standout season that saw him tie an NFL record with at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games.
As the Ravens gear up for the offseason, retaining Madubuike marks a crucial step amidst a landscape of impending free agents, including notable names like linebacker Patrick Queen, edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy, and running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
The Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, have reached an agreement with star player Chris Jones on the framework of a five-year contract. The deal includes an impressive $95 million guaranteed, ensuring the All-Pro defensive tackle remains with the team and is kept off the upcoming free-agent market.
This information was disclosed by a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press late Saturday.
The source, who requested anonymity as the contract details were still being finalized, revealed that the guaranteed money is expected to be distributed over the first three years, with the remaining two years not guaranteed.
At 30 years old in July, Jones now stands among the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history. His contract falls just shy of the $34 million average annual salary earned by San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa. This deal surpasses the $31.6 million average of Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, who had long set the financial benchmark for defensive players.
In a tweet, Jones’ agents, Michael and Jason Katz, extended their congratulations to their client, hailing him as “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.”
Jones himself took to Twitter moments later, expressing his enthusiasm for the future with the Chiefs: “KC….5 more years of greatness! 3x” Jones had made clear his desire to pursue a three-peat immediately after the Chiefs clinched their second consecutive Super Bowl victory last month in Las Vegas.
Chris Jones (Credits: AP)
However, securing the agreement to stay in Kansas City had proven challenging over the past two offseasons.
Negotiations between Jones and the Chiefs were so strained entering the final year of his previous contract that he chose to skip the entire offseason program, including mandatory minicamp and training camp, as well as Week 1 of the regular season. It wasn’t until later in the season that Jones returned to the field under an incentive-laden one-year deal.
Responding to this opportunity, Jones started every subsequent game, including a significant regular-season finale against the Chargers, where he secured the sack needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season, triggering a $1.25 million bonus.
Throughout the postseason, Jones continued to make impactful contributions. He played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ road victories over Buffalo and Baltimore, propelling the team back to the Super Bowl. In the championship game, Kansas City overcame an early deficit to secure victory in overtime, with Patrick Mahomes connecting with Mecole Hardman for the winning touchdown.
The Chiefs have demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the core of their formidable defense for the upcoming season. Earlier in the week, they utilized the franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed and secured linebacker Drue Tranquill to a multi-year deal, ensuring key components remain in place as they pursue further success.
The Philadelphia Eagles have reached an agreement with veteran Brandon Graham on a one-year contract, the club announced on Saturday. This deal signifies Graham’s return for a franchise-record 15th season as a defensive end with the team.
Graham boasts an impressive record of 73 sacks across a record-setting 195 career games with the Eagles, including three sacks in the previous season. At 35 years old, he remains a highly regarded figure both in the locker room and within the Philadelphia community.
Brandon Graham
Graham’s contributions have been pivotal to the Eagles, notably his crucial strip sack of Tom Brady late in Super Bowl LII, securing the franchise’s sole Super Bowl victory with a 41-33 triumph over the Patriots on February 4, 2018.
Originally drafted by Philadelphia as the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Michigan, Graham has established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Despite missing most of the 2022 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, he rebounded strongly, achieving a career-high of 11 sacks upon his return.
Deandre Ayton made a triumphant return from a right-hand sprain, showcasing a season-high performance with 30 points and 19 rebounds to propel the Portland Trail Blazers to a 128-118 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Dalano Banton contributed 25 points, while Anfernee Simons added 23, ending a three-game losing streak for the Blazers (18-45). The team, playing the second game of a back-to-back after a loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday, displayed resilience and determination on the court.
On the Raptors’ side, Immanuel Quickley led the charge with 29 points, supported by Gary Trent Jr.’s 23. Despite their efforts, Toronto (23-41) managed just one win in their last five games, following a defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
The game remained tightly contested, with Quickley’s layup narrowing the margin to 111-109 in regulation before Matisse Thybulle’s crucial layup for Portland. Chris Boucher’s free throws for Toronto tied the game with 23.1 seconds left, forcing the game into overtime after a series of intense exchanges.
Trent Jr.
In the extra period, Ayton’s dunk set the tone for Portland, while Simons’ three-pointer extended the lead to 120-113, sealing the victory as Toronto struggled to keep pace.
Both Ayton and rookie Scoot Henderson returned to action after extended absences. Ayton, sidelined for five games due to the hand sprain, and Henderson, out for eight games with an adductor injury, made significant contributions to Portland’s success. Despite Henderson being on a minutes restriction, he managed to score nine points within his first four minutes on the court.
However, Portland faced challenges with Jerami Grant, Jabari Walker, and Malcolm Brogdon sidelined due to injuries, along with Shaedon Sharpe recovering from core surgery.
Despite Toronto’s efforts to stage a comeback, Portland dominated early, establishing a 22-8 lead after Simons’ three-pointer in the opening quarter and extending it to 38-18 in the second quarter. The Blazers maintained control, heading into halftime with a comfortable 63-46 lead, with Ayton leading the charge with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Michael Malone had expressed concerns about a potential letdown from his superstar center Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets when they faced the short-handed Utah Jazz. However, those worries proved unfounded as Jokic played through a bruised right arm, and Jamal Murray’s stellar performance guided the Nuggets to a convincing 142-121 victory on Saturday night.
Jokic contributed 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, while Michael Porter Jr. chipped in 19 points for Denver, narrowing the gap to just half a game behind Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City, who were inactive on Saturday night.
The Nuggets, fresh off a significant victory against Boston, dominated from the outset, building a commanding 39-point lead in the first half. Despite a third-quarter rally from Utah, cutting the deficit to 14 points, the Jazz could not fully close the gap.
Reflecting on the game, Malone expressed mixed emotions, stating, “That was embarrassing,” while also acknowledging his team’s strong start, “I was proud of our approach to start the game… Unfortunately, coming out of the half, we did not do anything remotely close to what we did in the first half to get that lead.”
Jordan Clarkson
Denver’s impressive performance included exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, making 14 of 20 long-range shots before halftime and finishing 19 of 32 overall, with Murray leading the charge with six 3-pointers.
Despite Malone’s concerns about potential complacency, Murray emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards, stating, “We have not cared who we’re playing; we’ve cared about playing up to our standards.”
The Nuggets’ resilience was evident as they weathered Utah’s third-quarter surge and ultimately secured their eighth win in nine games since the All-Star break. Murray highlighted their consistency throughout the game, emphasizing their ability to overcome challenges and maintain focus.
Denver’s dominant performance against Utah showcased their determination and ability to perform at a high level, reinforcing their status as contenders in the Western Conference.
Jonathan Kuminga aggressively attacked the rim, attempting to rally the Golden State Warriors back into contention. However, despite his efforts, they struggled to secure crucial defensive stops against a determined San Antonio Spurs team led by Keldon Johnson, who delivered a stellar performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds, propelling the Spurs to a 126-113 victory on Saturday night.
Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham also made significant contributions, each scoring 20 points, while Julian Champagnie added 17 points and seven rebounds for San Antonio, which had endured a challenging stretch with seven losses in nine games.
Reflecting on the importance of their energy level, Sochan emphasized the significance of bringing intensity from the start, especially in the face of a formidable opponent like the Warriors and the electric atmosphere in San Francisco.
Despite Klay Thompson’s impressive 27-point performance off the bench for Golden State, they struggled to overcome the absence of Stephen Curry and Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama due to right ankle injuries.
Kuminga’s determined effort in the fourth quarter, where he scored 11 of his 26 points, showcased his ability to attack the basket effectively. However, the Warriors ultimately fell short, missing Curry’s scoring prowess, particularly in crucial moments.
Mason Moody
San Antonio consistently responded to Golden State’s late pushes, with Champagnie and Johnson delivering key baskets to maintain control over the game. The Spurs’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by Champagnie’s five 3-pointers and Johnson’s four, proved crucial as they shot 17 for 33 from long range.
The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, with coach Steve Kerr acknowledging their inability to establish momentum. Chris Paul, starting in place of Curry, contributed 10 points and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome San Antonio’s dominant performance.
Despite the disappointing loss, there was positive news for the Warriors, as Curry’s MRI revealed no structural damage to his ankle. With Curry’s injury not considered serious, there is optimism for his return after re-evaluation on Tuesday.
In a notable moment, retired tennis star Roger Federer was spotted courtside alongside Warriors owner Joe Lacob, following Federer’s announcement of the Laver Cup tennis event coming to Chase Center in September 2025.
The absence of both Curry and Thompson from the starting lineup marked a significant occurrence for the Warriors, with this being the first game without either player starting since January 20, 2023, according to Elias.
Luka Dončić made history by securing his sixth consecutive 30-point triple-double as the Dallas Mavericks surged ahead in the second half to defeat the Detroit Pistons 142-124 on Saturday night.
Doncic’s stellar performance included 39 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, surpassing Russell Westbrook’s record of five consecutive 30-point triple-doubles. Additionally, he extended his record with a fifth straight 35-point triple-double.
Luka Doncic (Credits: NBA)
Contributing to the Mavericks’ victory, Kyrie Irving chipped in 21 points, aiding Dallas in securing their second consecutive win following a three-game losing streak.
On the Pistons’ side, Cade Cunningham showcased an impressive performance with 33 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Simone Fontecchio also delivered, achieving a career-high 27 points.
Mac Jones may have taken his final snap with the Patriots. The young quarterback, who was highly sought after as a first-round pick in 2021 to lead the team into the post-Tom Brady era, hasn’t seen the success initially envisioned.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, teams have expressed interest in acquiring Jones as the Patriots embark on their first season under head coach Jerod Mayo.
Despite making a Pro Bowl appearance in 2021 and being a runner-up for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, Jones finds himself potentially on the trade block as he enters the last year of his rookie deal.
NFL.com reported that New England seems receptive to trade discussions involving Jones. This development follows recent remarks by Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who indicated that the team is exploring all options for the upcoming season.
Jones faced struggles during the Patriots’ challenging 2023 campaign, where he was benched on four occasions and managed a 2-9 record as a starter.
Mac Jones
He recorded 10 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions while completing just 64.9 percent of his passes, marking a career-low completion rate.
With the Patriots holding the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, they also have quarterbacked Bailey Zappe on their roster. Zappe, a fourth-round selection in the 2022 Draft, is currently under contract until 2025 and will become a restricted free agent thereafter, per Spotrac.
In 2023, Zappe made six starts and appeared in 10 games, tallying six touchdown passes and nine interceptions with 1,272 passing yards. The Patriots won two out of the six games started by Zappe, culminating in a 4-13 record for the turbulent season that concluded with a loss to the Jets, marking the end of Belichick’s tenure with the team.
