Football – Winnipeg Free Press

Michigan State defensive back Devynn Cromwell (27) during an NCAA football game against Indiana on Oct. 18, 2025 in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)

MSU defensive back Cromwell looking forward to auditioning for pro football scouts

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Updated: 6:32 PM CDT

Devynn Cromwell's speed and athleticism will be on full display for the next week.

The six-foot 200-pound defensive back was scheduled to participate in Michigan State's pro day Thursday and will head to Edmonton for the CFL's national combine March 27-29.

It's a condensed schedule but the Toronto native is embracing the opportunity to audition before pro scouts on both sides of the border.

"I want to show scouts my athleticism, that's a big part," Cromwell said. "Showcasing my speed, explosiveness and agility.

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Packers coach Matt LaFleur finalizes his staff moves for 2026

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Packers coach Matt LaFleur finalizes his staff moves for 2026

The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 5:55 PM CDT

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have finalized their coaching staff while announcing the hires of new position coaches Bobby Babich, Daniel Bullocks, Noah Pauley and Sam Siefkes.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur announced the moves Thursday.

Babich is Green Bay’s new secondary coach/passing game coordinator after spending nine seasons on Buffalo’s staff, including the last two as defensive coordinator. Bullocks, the new cornerbacks coach, had been a San Francisco 49ers assistant from 2017-25.

Pauley, who will coach Green Bay’s receivers, spent the last 13 seasons in the college ranks. He coached Iowa State’s receivers the last three seasons. Siefkes, a former Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach who spent last year as Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator, will coach Green Bay’s linebackers.

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Updated: 5:55 PM CDT

FILE - Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Canadian DL Akheem Mesidor projected 15th overall in NFL mock draft

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian DL Akheem Mesidor projected 15th overall in NFL mock draft

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: 7:04 PM CDT

Canadian Akheem Mesidor is moving up in Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock NFL draft projection.

Jeremiah still sees Ottawa's Mesidor as a solid first-round prospect, projecting the Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 15 overall.

Jeremiah had Mesidor, 24, going 17th overall to the Detroit Lions in his first mock draft. In his second, he slotted Mesidor to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 20.

The NFL draft gets underway April 23 with the first round, followed by rounds two and three April 24 and the final four rounds April 25.

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Updated: 7:04 PM CDT

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is sacked by Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor during the second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Stamps, Ticats, Riders named finalists for inaugural Goveia football operations award

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Stamps, Ticats, Riders named finalists for inaugural Goveia football operations award

The Canadian Press 2 minute read 12:40 PM CDT

TORONTO - The Calgary Stampeders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders were named finalists for the inaugural Ted Goveia football operations award, the CFL said Thursday.

The winner will be recognized as part of the league's coach of the year celebration on March 25 in Edmonton.

The award recognizes a team's football operations department for outstanding achievement in scouting, player identification, roster building and leadership.

It is voted on by the football operations departments of the nine CFL clubs, the league said.

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12:40 PM CDT

The Tiger-Cats honour late general manager Ted Goveia during a CFL game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Hamilton, Ont., on Sept. 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Vikings bring back veteran Carson Wentz for more quarterback depth behind Murray and McCarthy

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Vikings bring back veteran Carson Wentz for more quarterback depth behind Murray and McCarthy

The Associated Press 2 minute read 9:28 AM CDT

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Carson Wentz on Thursday, bringing back the 11th-year veteran for more depth after a problematic season at the vital position.

Wentz started five games in 2025 after J.J. McCarthy was sidelined by a sprained ankle, passing for 1,216 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He then needed surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that he'd been painfully playing through.

The Vikings already signed Kyler Murray to challenge McCarthy, so if Wentz makes the team this season he would likely only be an emergency option and more valuable as a mentor for his younger teammates. The Vikings also have Max Brosmer on the roster, after he started two games last year as an undrafted rookie.

Wentz was the starter for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles after they made him the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, making the Pro Bowl in 2017 before injuries began to stack up and steer him off the franchise quarterback track. Wentz extended his NFL record last year by making the Vikings the sixth different team in six seasons he started at least one game for.

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9:28 AM CDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Oct. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

Colts sign linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Colts sign linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:10 PM CDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts signed two more free agents Wednesday, reuniting linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and adding Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to the team's receiving group.

Terms of the deals were not immediately available.

The Colts have been busy in the secondary free agent market, signing eight free agents since Monday while also re-signing free agent tight end Mo Alie-Cox.

Davis-Gaither has played in 88 games over six seasons and could compete for a starting job in a linebacking group that has been thinned by the trade of Zaire Franklin and the loss of Segun Olubi in free agency.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:10 PM CDT

FILE - Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither looks on before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nov. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow, File)

NFL will consider a rule change allowing draft pick trades up to 5 years in the future

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

NFL will consider a rule change allowing draft pick trades up to 5 years in the future

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:25 PM CDT

The Cleveland Browns are proposing a rule change that would allow NFL teams to trade draft picks five years into the future instead of three.

The league announced on Wednesday that only two teams submitted proposals that will be considered by owners at the league meetings later this month with the other coming from the Pittsburgh Steelers about contacting players during the free agent negotiating period.

NFL executive Troy Vincent said last month at the scouting combine that no team had submitted a proposal to ban the tush push after Green Bay's proposed rule change was narrowly defeated last year. There were no other on-field rule changes proposed by teams this year, although the competition committee will announce next week its proposed rule changes.

Any changes need to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams.

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Yesterday at 6:25 PM CDT

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From Alabama to Denver, Waddle and Surtain reunite with training camp battles looming

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

From Alabama to Denver, Waddle and Surtain reunite with training camp battles looming

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 5:04 PM CDT

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Jaylen Waddle and Pat Surtain II are gearing up for some fierce training camp competitions now that the former Alabama stars have been reunited in Denver.

“He was one of the first calls that I made,” Waddle said on a conference call Wednesday after his trade to the Broncos from the Miami Dolphins was finalized. "We talked about this earlier in our careers, we wanted to get together and play with each other.

"Just seeing it happen, it’s special.”

Waddle and Surtain were both part of the Crimson Tide's 2018 recruiting class and played three seasons together in Tuscaloosa, winning a national championship in 2020 before leaving for the NFL. Waddle was drafted sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft, three spots ahead of where the Broncos selected Surtain, who has lived up to his promise as one of the league's premier cornerbacks.

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Yesterday at 5:04 PM CDT

FILE - Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Bears bring back linebacker Jack Sanborn for second stint with 1-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Bears bring back linebacker Jack Sanborn for second stint with 1-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:01 PM CDT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears brought back Jack Sanborn for a second stint on Wednesday, signing the Chicago-area linebacker to a one-year contract.

Sanborn, who's from Lake Zurich, Ill., entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin with the Bears in 2022. He started 19 of the 48 games he played in over three seasons in Chicago.

Sanborn signed last March with Dallas and reunited with former Bears coach Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys' defensive coordinator last season. He was limited to five starts and six games because of a concussion and groin injury. Sanborn has 183 tackles plus 15 total special teams tackles in his career.

The Bears also signed former Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans defensive lineman James Lynch to a one-year deal. He has 98 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks over five seasons.

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Yesterday at 5:01 PM CDT

FILE - Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Thursday, October 5, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)

Struggling Titans had much more than money to lure free agents to Tennessee

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Struggling Titans had much more than money to lure free agents to Tennessee

Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:43 PM CDT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For a franchise mired in four straight losing seasons, the Tennessee Titans had a lot of selling points to go along with a ton of salary cap money to spend in free agency.

New coach Robert Saleh and new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll combined to lure at least nine players whom they've coached previously. Then there's two big attractions on the roster already in All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and quarterback Cam Ward.

“Jeffery Simmons is a dog,” cornerback Cor’Dale Flott said Wednesday as the Titans introduced a handful of their top free agent signees.

Linebacker Jermaine Johnson, acquired by the Titans in a trade with the Jets in February, said Simmons can "ruin the offense’s day single-handedly." Johnson also likes what Ward brings in leading the Tennessee offense.

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Yesterday at 3:43 PM CDT

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh speaks during the NFL football team's new uniform event Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Eagles acquire veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton from Panthers, AP source says

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Eagles acquire veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton from Panthers, AP source says

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:34 PM CDT

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is heading to the Philadelphia Eagles to provide depth behind Jalen Hurts, a person with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced, said the Carolina Panthers will receive a seventh-round pick in 2027.

Dalton joins Hurts and backup Tanner McKee, who could become available for a trade.

The 38-year-old Dalton made three Pro Bowls during his first nine seasons in Cincinnati. He’s also played for Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans and spent the past three seasons with the Panthers.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:34 PM CDT

FILE - Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton. looks to throw a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby says on podcast he was angry and confused after Ravens canceled trade

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby says on podcast he was angry and confused after Ravens canceled trade

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby said on his podcast that he was angry and confused by the Ravens’ decision to cancel the trade that would have sent him to Baltimore.

“No one will ever admit what the real truth is. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. I am where I’m supposed to be,” Crosby said on Tuesday’s episode of “The Rush.” “I’m here. I’m meant to be a Raider. I’m in this … for life until that changes, which I don’t foresee, but you never know.”

The relationship between Crosby and the Raiders soured late last season when the team shut him down against his wishes with two games to play because of a knee injury. That led to the decision last week to trade him to Baltimore for two first-round picks.

Crosby posted an emotional goodbye video to Raiders fans after spending the past seven seasons with the franchise.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Dec. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker, File)

Vikings agree to terms with veteran punter Johnny Hekker, a 4-time All-Pro

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Vikings agree to terms with veteran punter Johnny Hekker, a 4-time All-Pro

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms Tuesday on a contract with four-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, who will begin his 15th season in the NFL.

The 36-year-old Hekker spent last season with the Tennessee Titans. He played three years with the Carolina Panthers after spending his first 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He started with the Rams franchise in St. Louis in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State.

Hekker will be in line to replace Ryan Wright, who signed with the New Orleans Saints. Hekker previously played for Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and special teams coordinator Matt Daniels with the Rams. He has never missed a game in his NFL career.

Hekker set what was then a league record in 2016 with a net average of 46 yards per attempt. His net average with the Titans in 2025 was 40.3, the third-lowest of his career, but his gross average matched a career high at 46.8 yards.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - Tennessee Titans punter Johnny Hekker (3) walks with his helmet off in an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, on Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow, File)

Raiders sign offensive lineman Spencer Burford, adding depth at guard

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Raiders sign offensive lineman Spencer Burford, adding depth at guard

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free agent Spencer Burford on Tuesday, giving the team another option to start on the interior of the offensive line.

Burford spent his first four seasons in the NFL with San Francisco, including in 2023 when new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak was an assistant on the 49ers.

The 25-year-old Burford started 38 games in the regular season and five more in the playoffs for San Francisco, playing mostly at right guard and left guard. Burford has limited experience at tackle but could be in the mix to compete for a starting guard spot in Las Vegas with Jordan Meredith.

The Raiders bolstered their offensive line early in free agency when they signed center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million contract that was the richest ever given to a center.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Spencer Burford (74) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger,File)

Packers will add Bob Harlan’s name on Lambeau Field facade next season

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Packers will add Bob Harlan’s name on Lambeau Field facade next season

The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers plan to honor former president/CEO Bob Harlan by adding his name on the northeast facade of Lambeau Field during the upcoming season.

Ed Policy, the Packers’ current president/CEO, made the announcement Tuesday. Harlan died on March 5 at the age of 89.

Harlan joined the Packers in 1971 and was elected president and CEO of the NFL’s only publicly owned franchise in 1989. He served in that role until his retirement in January 2008.

“Bob was integral in remaking Lambeau into an iconic and revered stadium, and it is fitting that his name will be forever recognized as one of the most important leaders in Packers history,” Policy said in a statement. “Bob relentlessly dedicated himself to our organization and we are grateful for all he did.”

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan waves to the crowd at the renovated Lambeau Field on Sept. 6, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)

JC Tretter has been elected the new executive director for the NFL Players Association

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

JC Tretter has been elected the new executive director for the NFL Players Association

Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

JC Tretter is the new executive director for the NFL Players Association.

The 35-year-old former center for the Packers and Browns was elected by the union’s board of player representatives on Tuesday.

Tretter previously served as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024.

“There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be,” Tretter said in a statement. “That’s where I am today. I’m grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me, and I’m going to reward that trust with my fullest commitment to these players and chart a new course for our union. My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA.

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Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026

March 19, 2026

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