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QB Tiers - Where Is Jets' Justin Fields?
QB Tiers - Where Is Jets' Justin Fields? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Quarterback rankings, for the most part, are subjective, but when looking at New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, he can be tough to get a proper read on. Advertisement Four years in the NFL, and now on his third different team, and nothing more than glimpses of his talent, have surrounded the former first-rounder. Now with the Jets, in what is looking like his last chance to prove he is a viable starter in the league, Justin has a clear runway to give 2025 his best shot yet. For CBS Sports in putting all quarterbacks into tiers, Fields, to no one's surprise, lands in Tier 6 - Holdovers and Placeholders. "Fields can pass the eye test with flying colors; he looks the part with his athleticism, which once helped him clear 1,100 rushing yards (!) as the Bears' starter," CBS Sports writes. "Still, he's now on his third team in five seasons, and neither of his previous clubs could figure out how to prioritize ball protection while maximizing his gifts." Justin Fields And The JetsBy Tony Fisher The Jets played it well with Fields. A two-year, $40 million deal that has escapability after 2025 if things go south. If Justin plays well, they have their starting quarterback for 2026 under contract for just $20 million. Advertisement Tick and tick. But if we are being serious, the Jets would like to see Fields take the step many have been waiting for since he was drafted. The physical gifts are clear to see, but can Fields "play" quarterback to a high-enough level when he can be the driver for Tanner Engstrand's offense? Yes, Fields is a placeholder right now, but if things go his way in 2025, he won't be a placeholder any longer - he'll be the bona fide starter. Related: Jets Rookie Gets Rave Review From Rival Coach Related: Jets' Draft Pick Named To Preseason All-Rookie Team This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Indiana Fever Make Caitlin Clark Announcement in Game Against Valkyries
Indiana Fever Make Caitlin Clark Announcement in Game Against Valkyries originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is one of the WNBA's best distributors, setting the single-game record for assists during her rookie season and earning some praise from her team after dropping a dime in their clash against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday. Advertisement The team shared praise for Clark's tight quarters pass to a driving Natasha Howard during the third quarter of Thursday's game. Howard took Clark's pass and finished strong, scoring and drawing a foul to extend Indiana's lead to 10 points. The Fever shared a replay of the pass in a post on X, announcing that Clark had the State Farm Assist of the Game. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has already filled her season with milestones, becoming the first player in league history to record 100+ points, 30+ assists and 30+ rebounds through her first five games of the season. She also became the first WNBA player to record back-to-back games of 20+ points and 10+ assists. Clark helped pick up the slack on Thursday in the absence of Fever coach Stephanie White, who missed the game due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Austin Kelly took over against the Valkyries, saying the team was ready to rally together. Advertisement "It's going to be the same. I think we are an extension of each other," Kelly said Thursday via Kendra Andrews of ESPN. "The message is still the same that we talk about in the locker room: playing for each other, getting it done on the defensive end and then having that help fuel us on the offensive end. But the vibes are good." Related: WNBA Sends Strong Message to Caitlin Clark After Making History in Final Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Bills Must Figure Out Running Back Contract Concerns
Bills Must Figure Out Running Back Contract Concerns originally appeared on Athlon Sports. James Cook's contract feud remains a significant issue for the Buffalo Bills. The league leader in rushing touchdowns last season has consistently pushed to be paid over $15 million annually. Buffalo doesn't have the necessary cap space to give him that kind of contract. Advertisement Or, better said, Buffalo doesn't want to make that sort of room. While Cook did arrive for mandatory minicamp last week, he is not guaranteed to attend training camp. That is why Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox believes that re-signing Cook must be Buffalo's top priority for the rest of the offseason. "The Buffalo Bills were only a few plays away from reaching the Super Bowl in January, so much of the offseason has been about maintaining continuity. Ascending running back James Cook should be considered a long-term piece of the puzzle," Knox wrote. "Cook is extension-eligible and has been vocal about his desire for a new deal, although that didn't keep him away from mandatory minicamp." Advertisement Besides MVP quarterback Josh Allen, Cook remains Buffalo's top weapon on offense. Without a clear answer for the team's No. 1 receiver, having a quality, skilled player who can make big plays is essential in any offense. That is what makes Cook such an essential part of Buffalo's offense. That's why he believes the Bills owe him an extension matching him being a top running back in the game, even if it means paying him along the same lines as a Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley. Time will tell if Buffalo can find a way to make a deal happen … but the feud - if not solved - threatens to be a lingering issue. Related: Veteran Bills Receiver Predicted to Be Cut Related: Bills' 2025 'To-Do List' Revealed This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Buccaneers Searching For New ‘Killer' Mindset Under Todd Bowles
Buccaneers Searching For New 'Killer' Mindset Under Todd Bowles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Maybe … Things have gotten stale with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently. After winning the Super Bowl in 2020, the Buccaneers have reached the playoffs every year since. Advertisement Their record as a Super Bowl contender, though, is far different in recent years. Head coach Todd Bowles has certainly not been bad since taking over the top job in 2022. His 27-24 record and 1-3 mark in the postseason are nowhere near bad. The issue is that the Buccaneers have too much talent to be the kind of middling team they are known for now. It's why Bowles spoke about changing the organization's mindset this year. "We've got to play not even better football at the end, but we've got to have killer instinct," Bowles said during the offseason. "We've got to try to blow people out and try to win the division instead of it going down to the last week." Advertisement It's pretty simple for Tampa Bay. They have too much talent to go 9-8 or 10-7 every year. They have a unique home-field advantage but haven't been able to use it against the top teams in recent years because they stumble around the regular season. If they want to be considered true title contenders, they need to figure out a way to dominate their upcoming schedule. The current NFL landscape means home-field advantage matters more than ever, especially in the NFC. If the Buccaneers want to win another Super Bowl, they'll need to figure out how to earn that advantage this year. Related: Buccaneers Legend Offers Biggest Impact Draft Pick Related: Buccaneers' Receivers Room Ranks Tops in NFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood
UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood originally appeared on Athlon Sports. UFC 316 co-headliner Kayla Harrison (18-1) didn't realize what she was missing before becoming a mother. Advertisement Harrison appeared to have things figured out in terms of her career and her life. Having won Olympic gold twice, capturing PFL gold, and having a routine lifestyle, Harrison was fairly content with how things were going. When Harrison entered motherhood, her perspective completely changed. During an exclusive interview with Athlon Sports, Harrison discussed the lessons she continues to learn about being a mother. "Well, I mean, they never stop," Harrison said. "You learn a new one every day. It's the most rewarding, challenging, frustrating, exciting, crazy, roller coaster thing, unpredictable thing I've ever done, but it is the biggest blessing of my life. My kids actually recently went on a little trip with my mom to the other side of Florida. So, I had the house to myself for probably the first time ever. Advertisement "It was so shocking to me. I adopted my children, so before I had kids, I would wake up, I would eat, I would go train, I would come home, maybe read a book, lay out, take the dogs for a walk, go train again. Maybe have friends over for poker night or Taco Tuesday, but that was it. That was all I did. "On a Monday, I did that, and on a Wednesday, I was a mom. I couldn't believe how empty my life was and sort of just self-centered. My children have changed my life, and they've made me a better person, and they have given me a fullness and a purpose that I didn't even know I was missing until they showed." From Olympic Gold to UFC Gold? Kayla Harrison represents the United States during the Olympics.(via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports) Harrison will challenge Julianna Pena (12-5) for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on Saturday. It'll be Harrison's first opportunity at UFC gold. Advertisement The judo specialist explained the difference between how she felt going into her first chance at earning an Olympic gold medal and how she's feeling ahead of UFC 316. "I think the biggest difference is me," Harrison said. "My mentality, the wisdom, maybe, of having the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage so many times in my life. When I won my first gold medal, I was kind of young and dumb and a little bit clueless. "Now, I have just a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I'm so grateful for that because it's prepared me perfectly for what I'm about to achieve." Tuning Out Own Hype Kayla Harrison is interviewed after scoring a victory inside the UFC Octagon.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison has long been viewed as a top athlete in MMA who is the favorite in virtually all of her bouts. She believes her competitive spirit won't allow her to fall into any outside noise. Advertisement "For sure," Harrison said about avoiding outside hype thanks to her competitive edge. "I think that, at the end of the day, I am grateful for the fans, and I love them dearly. I always say I don't have fans; I just have friends I haven't met yet, but I don't do this for them. "I do it because I feel like God has given me a gift, and it is my duty and my responsibility to give my very best. It's easy to block out the noise when you know that's not why you do it. I don't do this for applause or for money or for fame." Julianna Pena's Steroid Accusations Julianna Pena speaks to a reporter during a UFC pre-fight press conference.(via Zuffa LLC) Pena has never been shy to hold her tongue ahead of her fights. The reigning 135-pound champion has accused the challenger of steroid use. Harrison takes the trash talk in stride. Advertisement "I'm not sure," Harrison said when asked why Pena made the accusation. "I think that, to me, it speaks of fear and it screams of insecurity. Kind of like a built-in excuse, but it's also a compliment to me. If you think that I'm unnatural, thank you. I work really damn hard to be this way. "I've been drug tested since I was 12 years old. That's when I ranked on the national roster for judo. So, I can guarantee you I've probably been tested 10 times more than every UFC fighter because it's been 20-plus years of getting tested. I've never tested positive; I've never taken any substances." If you strip away the pre-fight banter, Harrison admits that she thinks Pena has the qualities of a worthy fighter inside the Octagon. Still, she thinks her skills outmatch Pena's significantly. "I think everybody's tough until you beat them," Harrison said. "You got to go out there and you got to implement your game plan and instill your will. I think her best attribute as a fighter is that she's got heart and she is a fighter. She's not going to quit, but we've seen her lose. We've seen her holes, and I'm better everywhere." Amanda Nunes Biding Her Time? Amanda Nunes holding the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship and the featherweight gold.(via Zuffa LLC) A big story that looms over Harrison's title shot against Pena involves Amanda Nunes. "The Lioness" has teased a return to the Octagon several times. Harrison is unsure if Nunes is waiting for UFC 316 to conclude, but she wouldn't blame her if that is the case. Advertisement "I don't know," Harrison said. "Maybe, I haven't given it a ton of thought. Probably, I would if I were her." Other Women's Bantamweight Fighters Norma Dumont lifts her opponent up for a takedown during their UFC fight.(via Zuffa LLC) In terms of women's bantamweights on the current UFC roster or even those who are waiting for their chance outside of the promotion, Harrison welcomes the best talent that the 135-pound division has to offer. "I think that there's a lot of up-and-coming fighters," Harrison said. "There is going to probably be a changing of the guard some day. There's always going to be the next hungry, young killer who's ready for their moment and ready for their opportunity. My job is to welcome them with open arms to the big leagues." Merab Dvalishvili Repeats at UFC 316? UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley meet face-to-face before UFC 316.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison will share the same card that will be headlined by a UFC Bantamweight Championship rematch. Titleholder Merab Dvalishvili will collide with Sean O'Malley a second time. Harrison has an idea of how the second encounter will play out. Advertisement "I think that Merab is a machine, and I think that he's going to go out there and get the job done," Harrison said. "He's a tough fighter to beat." Kayla Harrison Enters G.O.A.T. Conversation? Kayla Harrison being introduced by Bruce Buffer before her UFC fight begins.(via Zuffa LLC) As far as her own fight is concerned, Harrison is shooting for the stars. She believes the headlines will be singing her praises following UFC 316. "I think they're just going to say, 'Kayla Harrison, greatest fighter of all time.'" Related: Rising UFC Star Shares Surprising Take on Islam Makhachev's Move to Welterweight This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
