Football – Winnipeg Free Press

Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira in a social media post: “Playoff football is supposed to be earned. If anything, grow the league by adding more teams… not the number of automatic spots.”

No disguising motive in CFL playoff change

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

The CFL’s reasoning for changing its playoff format starting in 2027 boils down to one thing: money.

They’re not the first league in recent memory to squeeze more out of its post-season in search of higher revenue.

The NCAA is expected to expand its cash cow, March Madness, to 76 teams next season — a move many purists oppose. That comes a few years after it tripled the size of the College Football Playoff from four teams to 12.

At the pro level, the National Football League (2020) and Major League Baseball (2022) each added two wildcard spots, lowering the bar for entry. The National Basketball Association took a different approach, introducing a play-in tournament in 2020 involving the No. 7 through 10 seeds to decide the final playoff spots.

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Texans sign Pro Bowl LB Azeez Al-Shaair to 3-year extension that’ll keep him in Houston through 2029

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Texans sign Pro Bowl LB Azeez Al-Shaair to 3-year extension that’ll keep him in Houston through 2029

Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

HOUSTON (AP) — Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will remain with the Houston Texans through the 2029 season after signing a three-year extension this week.

The Texans didn’t release terms of the deal when they announced it Friday, but it is reportedly worth $54 million.

“Truthfully, I just wanted to be authentically myself and I always felt like if I got the opportunity to be at a place and show everybody who I was, then things would go well for the team and myself,” he said. “I’m grateful for that.”

His deal comes on the heels of defensive end Will Anderson signing a three-year, $150 million contract extension with the Texans that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history

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Friday, May. 1, 2026

Houston Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair talks about his contract extension during a press conference at the NFL football team's facility, Friday, May 1, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)

Steelers WR DK Metcalf will not face charges for an in-game altercation with a Detroit Lions fan

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Steelers WR DK Metcalf will not face charges for an in-game altercation with a Detroit Lions fan

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

DETROIT (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face any charges stemming from an incident with a Detroit Lions fan during a game last December.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that it will not pursue a criminal complaint against Metcalf following an investigation into the incident between Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy.

CBS cameras caught Metcalf and Kennedy, a Lions fan wearing a blue wig and a blue and black shirt that aligned with Detroit’s colors, having an exchange along the rail in the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory on Dec. 21.

Kennedy leaned over the railing during the exchange, and the blue wig fell forward to cover his face. The interaction ended with Metcalf reaching toward Kelly’s head with his right arm, though he didn’t appear to make much, if any, contact.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio, File)

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Picton announces his CFL retirement

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Picton announces his CFL retirement

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

REGINA - Mitch Picton is calling it a career.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver announced his retirement Friday. The 30-year-old Regina native played nine seasons with the CFL club.

Picton will go out as a champion, having helped the Riders down Montreal 25-17 in the 2025 Grey Cup game at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium.

Saskatchewan selected Picton in the fifth round, No. 37 overall, out of Regina in the 2017 CFL draft. He appeared in 94 career regular-season games, registering 96 catches for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Mitch Picton interacts with fans before a spring training scrimmage in Saskatoon, Sask., on Saturday, May 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Haslam breaks ground on Browns’ $2.6B domed stadium set to open in 2029

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Haslam breaks ground on Browns’ $2.6B domed stadium set to open in 2029

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his family marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new domed stadium scheduled to open for the 2029 season.

There are still a couple of questions to be answered though even as construction commences on the 67,500-capacity facility, which will be next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Cleveland.

The $600 million that the state of Ohio has committed to the $2.6 billion project is on hold due to a class-action lawsuit, which argues that the provision the state budget that took $1 billion from the state's Unclaimed Funds Account to help fund sports facilities in Ohio, violate constitutional prohibitions against taking people’s private property for government use.

Governor Mike DeWine did not know if the litigation would be settled by the time he leaves office in January after two terms.

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Friday, May. 1, 2026

Jimmy Haslam, left, one of the principal owners of the Cleveland Browns, talks with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , right, before groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Browns stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Star Bisons’ receiver Udoh headed to Alouettes camp

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Star Bisons’ receiver Udoh headed to Alouettes camp

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

Dan Washnuk could see the potential in Nathan Udoh the first time he spotted him walking the hallways at Miles Macdonell Collegiate.

There was just one problem for the high school football coach: Udoh preferred futbol — and he was darn good at it.

The defensive midfielder for Bonivital Soccer Club even had a scholarship offer from the University of Alberta.

“I had been trying to get him to play football for at least a year. Most times when you have that high-level athlete you’re trying to recruit, and they tell you no because they’re playing at a provincial or national level in another sport, I’m usually pretty good about moving on and understanding,” said Washnuk.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

Broncos QB Bo Nix expected to be ready for training camp after right ankle cleanup, AP source says

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Broncos QB Bo Nix expected to be ready for training camp after right ankle cleanup, AP source says

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Bo Nix is still expected to be ready for training camp and the regular season following a cleanup procedure on his right ankle during a scheduled post-operative visit with his surgeon, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team isn't releasing details of Nix's cleanup performed by Dr. Norman Waldrop III, who operated on Nix after Denver's quarterback broke a bone in his right ankle on Jan. 18 during the AFC playoffs.

The Broncos will probably be conservative with Nix following the follow-up surgery, which was either going to take place this spring or after next season.

Nix has been working out at the team's suburban Denver headquarters but backup Jarrett Stidham and No. 3 QB Sam Ehlinger will in all likelihood share snaps ahead of training camp in late July when Nix is expected to return to action.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

FILE - Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL divisional playoff football game on Jan. 17, 2026 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young, File)

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Backup quarterback P.J. Walker tells Stampeders he’s retiring from football

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Backup quarterback P.J. Walker tells Stampeders he’s retiring from football

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

CALGARY - Quarterback P.J. Walker has informed the Calgary Stampeders he's retiring from football, the CFL club announced Thursday.

Walker signed with Calgary in October 2024 and spent his time with the club on the practice roster. The 31-year-old American served as the Stampeders backup quarterback last season behind starter Vernon Adams Jr., making one start in the 13 games he suited up for.

Walker also spent time with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts (2017-19), Carolina Panthers (2020-22), Chicago Bears (2023), Cleveland Browns (2023) and Seattle Seahawks (2024) as well as the XFL's Houston Roughnecks (2019) before coming to Canada.

The Stampeders also released Canadian linebacker Nicky Farinaccio. American defensive backs Brady Breeze and Lance Robinson both retired.

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Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026

Calgary Stampeders quarterback P.J. Walker (2) looks for a pass while taking on the Ottawa Redblacks during first half CFL football action in Ottawa on Thursday, July 31, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Blue Bombers spend to select tight end

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers spend to select tight end

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Kyle Walters was going to do whatever it took to get his guy.

It was a hefty price to pay, and the type of move the Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager doesn’t make, but he made an exception in Tuesday night’s CFL Draft to land tight end Dante Daniels.

The Bombers traded pick No. 13 and their second-round pick in 2027 to the Ottawa Redblacks to bump up three spots to select the six-foot-six, 271-pounder out of North Carolina State.

“It’s very rare. I don’t recall us ever jumping up,” said Walters in a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Chris Seward / The Associated Press files
North Carolina State tight end Dante Daniels hauls in a touchdown pass against North Carolina in 2024. The Bombers expect to use him as receiver who will help out their run game.

Oliveira not a fan of new playoff format

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Oliveira not a fan of new playoff format

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Brady Oliveira is not a fan of the CFL’s expanded playoff format that will come into effect in 2027.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira
Ruth Bonneville / Free Press SPORTS - BOMBERS / Oliveira Brady Oliveira, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back, is excited after signing a three-year contract extension through the 2028 Canadian Football League season at the media conference Tuesday. See Tyler’s story Dec 16th, 2025

George Pickens signs $27.3 million franchise tag with Cowboys, opening door for offseason work

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

George Pickens signs $27.3 million franchise tag with Cowboys, opening door for offseason work

The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens signed his $27.3 million franchise tag Wednesday, making it almost certain the Pro Bowler will show up for mandatory offseason work while the club remains adamant it has no plans to trade CeeDee Lamb's sidekick.

Pickens informed the Cowboys just hours before the start of the NFL draft last week that he intended to sign the one-year tender, which sparked trade speculation because executive vice president Stephen Jones had said a day earlier Dallas had no plans to negotiate a long-term contract with Pickens this offseason.

The 25-year-old, acquired last year in a trade with Pittsburgh, had career highs in catches (93), yards receiving (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) for one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. Dallas had one of the worst defenses in the league and finished 7-9-1, missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Pickens thrived alongside Lamb, who is going into the second year of a $136 million, four-year contract that currently ranks him third among NFL receivers with an average annual value of $34 million.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

FILE - Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) runs a route during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron, File)

Eva Havaris appointed as chief operating officer of Football Canada

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Eva Havaris appointed as chief operating officer of Football Canada

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

OTTAWA - Football Canada appointed Eva Havaris as its chief executive officer Wednesday.

Havaris will assume her new role June 8.

She joins amateur football's national governing body with over 20 years of experience as a sport executive. That includes time spent as the CEO of Equestrian Canada and Taekwondo Canada as well as senior vice-president of Tennis Canada.

Havaris also served in a founding executive role with the Canadian Premier League.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Eva Havaris is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Eva Havaris (Mandatory Credit)

CFL teams load up on punters, kickers in league’s 2026 global draft

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

CFL teams load up on punters, kickers in league’s 2026 global draft

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

TORONTO - He went first overall in the CFL's global draft Wednesday, but the Ottawa Redblacks will have to wait for South African punter Aidan Laros.

That's because the six-foot-two, 218-pound Laros signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the NFL draft Saturday. Laros posted a 44.5-yard punting average at Kentucky last season.

"We knew that going in," said Ryan Dinwiddie, Ottawa's head coach/GM. "We feel like we've got some good punters right now, so we wanted to draft a future guy so we could always have someone in the pipeline."

Veteran Richie Leone handled punting duties for Ottawa in 2025, averaging 45.1 yards over 98 attempts. But the 34-year-old American is reportedly pondering retirement.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

Kentucky kicker Aidan Laros (48) punts the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Broncos’ 2-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons retires after 32 interceptions in his 9-year career

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Broncos’ 2-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons retires after 32 interceptions in his 9-year career

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

DENVER (AP) — Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons has retired following a nine-year career, including eight seasons with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos announced Simmons' retirement on Wednesday and noted the news came exactly 10 years after the team selected the safety in the third round from Boston College in 2016.

Though Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in his final season in 2024, when he had two interceptions, he enjoyed most of his success with Denver. Each of his two Pro Bowl seasons came with the Broncos. He also was a four-time second-team All-Pro for Denver.

“Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team,” Simmons said in the Broncos' announcement on social media. “It was my heart, my home and my story.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

FILE - Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) runs during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

Panthers sign fifth-year option on QB Bryce Young’s contract, keeping him in Carolina through 2027

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Panthers sign fifth-year option on QB Bryce Young’s contract, keeping him in Carolina through 2027

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers signed the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young’s rookie contract on Wednesday, keeping the 2023 No. 1 pick with the team through the 2027 season.

General manager Dan Morgan first mentioned on SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Sports Radio” that he was planning to sign the contract and later confirmed to the The Associated Press that he had signed the deal.

Under the terms of the fifth-year option, Young would make $29.5 million for the 2027 season. However, Morgan repeatedly has said the team is pleased with Young's progress and the goal would be to sign the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama to a long-term deal, although the team still has plenty of time to get that done.

Young is set to cost $12 million under the Panthers' salary cap this coming season.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

FILE - Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on before an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, Jan. 10, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Big Ten takes the top spot for first-rounders, while SEC sets record for total players drafted

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Big Ten takes the top spot for first-rounders, while SEC sets record for total players drafted

Josh Dubow, The Associated Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

The SEC's reign as the king of the first round of the NFL draft was toppled by the Big Ten.

But the conference that coined the mantra “It Just Means More” for its dominance of college football in the 2010s remained in the top spot for the entire draft after the SEC set a record for the number of players picked over the three days.

Thanks to recent national champions Indiana and Ohio State, the Big Ten led the way with 10 first-round picks, marking the first time the SEC didn't have the most players taken in round one since 2015. The SEC had only seven — down from a record 15 last year — and the lowest total for the conference since that 2015 season when the ACC and Pac-12 led the way with nine first-rounders each and the SEC had seven.

The first player drafted from an SEC school came when LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane went sixth overall to Kansas City, marking the first draft without a top five SEC player since 2018 when Roquan Smith was the first taken at No. 8 overall by the Bears.

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Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

May 3, 2026

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