Month: June 2025

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) warms up for a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Teams reportedly expect Steelers to listen to T.J. Watt offers after Ramsey deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Is Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt available to trade suitors?

That’s the question multiple teams in the NFL are asking Monday, according to ESPN, after Pittsburgh pulled off a trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Watt, 30, has 108 career sacks as he enters the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract he signed in 2021. That contract averages $28 million per year, far less than the going rate for premium pass rushers.

Division rival Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns reset the market in March with a $123.5 million guarantee on a contract he signed following a trade demand. His annual average salary of $40 million is the highest in the NFL for non-quarterbacks.

When Watt skipped mandatory minicamp this month and voluntary offseason team activities in the spring, he did not indicate whether he wants to hit the top of the market or surpass Garrett’s compensation package.

The Steelers are not expected to shop Watt.

But ESPN reported teams are more likely to check in with Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan following the acquisition of Ramsey because the Steelers picked up $19.6 million of his $26.6 million salary for 2025.

Watt is a four-time All-Pro and has spent his eight-year career with the Steelers since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017.

He has six seasons with at least 11.5 sacks — his total last season — and has forced 33 fumbles in his career. That’s the most in the NFL over the last eight years, eight more than the Los Angeles Chargers’ Khalil Mack. Garrett shares third with 20.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats running back Lincoln Pare (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the North Texas Mean Green during the third quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

With Texas State on board, Pac-12 ready for 2026 rebirth

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Texas State is officially a member of the Pac-12, which will relaunch in 2026.

The conference now has nine member teams after it was left with just two — Washington State and Oregon State — when the other schools abandoned the league in 2024 in a massive realignment.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the new Pac-12,” commissioner Teresa Gould said in a statement. “It is a new day in college sports and the most opportune time to launch a new league that is positioned to succeed in today’s landscape with student-athletes in mind.”

Texas State joins Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State as members of the rebuilt league.

The Pac-12 needed eight football-playing schools to regain its status as a conference. Gonzaga, a basketball power, does not have a football program.

The move became official after the board of regents at Texas State gave the OK to a $5 million buyout payment to the Sun Belt Conference, and the Pac-12 board of directors unanimously voted to approve the school’s application. The Bobcats will play in the Sun Belt in the 2025-26 season.

“Joining the Pac-12 is more than an athletic move — it is a declaration of our rising national profile, our commitment to excellence, and our readiness to compete and collaborate with some of the most respected institutions in the country,” Texas State president Kelly Damphousse said.

The Pac-12 also has started to rebuild its media partnerships. Last week, it announced a five-year agreement with CBS to air select conference football and basketball games, with more partners still expected to come on board.

–Field Level Media

Oct 18, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Report: Sexual assault civil case dropped against BYU QB

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The woman who made sexual assault allegations against BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff dropped her civil lawsuit.

Judge Coral Sanchez of the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake County, Utah, approved a joint motion for a dismissal of the case on Monday.

The suit filed in May by a woman identified as Jane Doe A.G. had alleged that Retzlaff bit, raped and strangled her at his Provo apartment in November 2023.

A lawyer for Retzlaff addressed the allegations Friday, calling them “ridiculous” and “bizarre” in a court filing that described the incident as consensual sex.

Retzlaff’s admission of consensual sex still violates BYU’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex.

The Salt Lake Tribune and ESPN reported Sunday that Retzlaff is facing a seven-game suspension by the school. According to ESPN, he has already begun to inform teammates and coaches about his intention to transfer.

Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars’ No. 1 quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his starting role this fall.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Gonzaga (DC) forward Carter Meadows (21) against Chaminade (MO) during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Michigan lands Carter Meadows, No. 5 edge rusher in ’26

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Michigan picked up another commitment from a prized recruit to boost its Class of 2026 haul with a pledge from edge rusher Carter Meadows.

Meadows is ranked 34th overall by 247 Sports in the Class of 2026 and was weighing offers from Ohio State, Penn State and South Carolina in addition to the Wolverines.

The 6-6, 225-pound pass rusher is one of six players with four-star rankings in the Class of 2026 to commit to Michigan since June 20. Rivals ranks Meadows as a five-star recruit and included North Carolina and Miami among his potential destinations before his commitment.

Meadows is ranked fifth among edge rushers in next year’s class by 247 Sports.

He was also on the radar of college basketball programs and plays in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League on the summer AAU circuit.

The Washington, D.C., native is the highest-rated overall prospect in the class to commit to Michigan.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) reacts as he takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Reports: Steelers, Dolphins swap Jalen Ramsey, Minkah Fitzpatrick

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins, multiple news outlets reported Monday.

Ramsey confirmed the development on X, posting: “Break my own news! #HereWeGo @steelers.”

The Steelers also will receive tight end Jonnu Smith, ESPN reported. Pittsburgh is sending All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and an unspecified late-round draft pick to Miami to complete the blockbuster trade, per ESPN.

Ramsey, 30, did not attend Miami’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month while the team attempted to secure a trade partner. The Steelers and Los Angeles Rams were considered the most likely destinations.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said prior to the 2025 NFL Draft that Ramsey didn’t request a trade, but they came to the joint realization that a potential move made sense following several conversations about his contract.

Ramsey signed a three-year contract extension in September 2024 and started all 17 games for Miami, posting two interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 60 tackles last season.

ESPN reported that the Steelers are giving Ramsey a $1.5 million raise in 2025 as part of the agreement, bumping his compensation to $26.6 million.

Ramsey went to Miami in March 2023 in a trade with the Rams for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long. Ramsey missed the first seven games that season with a knee injury, but he still made the Pro Bowl for the seventh time.

Ramsey has tallied 24 interceptions, 108 passes defensed and 534 tackles in 135 career games (134 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-19), Rams (2019-22) and Dolphins. The Jaguars drafted him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Ramsey joins a loaded Steelers secondary that includes incumbent starter Joey Porter Jr. and offseason signee Darius Slay Jr.

Fitzpatrick, 28, is a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection who launched his career in Miami as a first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Fitzpatrick recorded 96 tackles and one interception in 17 starts last season. He has 20 picks, 54 passes defensed and 608 tackles in 106 career games (101 starts) with the Dolphins (2018-19) and Steelers. Miami traded him to Pittsburgh in September 2019.

He signed a four-year, $73.6 million deal with the Steelers in June 2022 and is set to earn $15.5 million in 2025 and $17.6 million in 2026.

Smith, 29, was selected in the third round of the 2017 draft by the Tennessee Titans and spent his first four seasons there, followed by two seasons with the New England Patriots and one each with the Atlanta Falcons and Dolphins.

In 17 games (six starts) last season, he caught 88 passes for 884 yards with eight touchdowns. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl. In 124 career games (84 starts), he has 307 receptions for 3,307 yards and 28 scores.

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Reports: BYU QB Jake Retzlaff to enter transfer portal amid allegations

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BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff plans to enter the transfer portal amid the controversy swirling around the signal-caller this offseason, the Salt Lake Tribune and ESPN reported Sunday.

Per the reports, Retzlaff is facing a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code stemming from a sexual assault lawsuit that was filed in May. According to ESPN, he has already begun to inform teammates and coaches about his intention to leave.

Retzlaff, 22, was sued by a woman, identified as Jane Doe A.G. in Salt Lake County, Utah, alleging that he bit, raped and strangled her at his apartment in Provo in November 2023.

A lawyer for Retzlaff addressed the allegations Friday, calling them “ridiculous” and “bizarre” in a court filing that described the incident as consensual sex.

“Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled (the woman), which are ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue,” the filing with the Third Judicial District Court read in part.

His admission of consensual sex still violates BYU’s honor code, which prohibits premarital sex.

Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars’ No. 1 quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his starting role this fall.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State and Texas are among the finalists for Georgia prep linebacker Xavier Griffin.

5-star LB Xavier Griffin set to announce college choice on Sunday

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Xavier Griffin, ranked by the 247Sports composite as the No. 2 linebacker in the Class of 2026, is scheduled to announce his college commitment on Sunday afternoon.

A 6-foot-3, 200-pound player, Griffin has four finalists: Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and Texas. He plays at Gainesville (Ga.) High School.

The composite also lists the five-star as the No. 27 overall prospect in the nation. He has made official visits at all four schools since May 30.

According to 247Sports, Griffin has made 97 tackles and 21 sacks and added three forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

Tyler Atkinson, the nation’s No. 1 prospect at linebacker, has yet to commit. From Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga., he has taken official visits to Clemson, Georgia, Oregon and Texas.

–Field Level Media

Oct 18, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Attorney for BYU QB Jake Retzlaff denies rape allegations

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An attorney representing BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff denied the sexual assault allegations against his client, calling the claims made in a lawsuit last month “ridiculous and bizarre.”

A woman, identified as Jane Doe A.G., sued Retzlaff in May in Salt Lake County, Utah, alleging that he bit, raped and strangled her at his apartment in Provo in November 2023.

In his legal response filed on Friday with the Third Judicial District Court, Retzlaff’s lawyer said the pair engaged in consensual sex.

“Mr. Retzlaff specifically and categorically denies each and every and all allegations that he bit, raped or strangled [the woman], which are ridiculous and bizarre allegations, all of which are false and untrue,” the attorney wrote in his legal filing with the Third Judicial District Court.

The response characterizes the lawsuit as an extortion attempt and claims that Retzlaff and his accuser exchanged lighthearted text messages through February 2024.

BYU released a statement after the lawsuit was filed.

“BYU became aware today that a civil lawsuit involving Jake Retzlaff had been filed this morning. The university takes any allegation very seriously, following all processes and guidelines mandated by Title IX. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment.”

Retzlaff, a California native who began his career playing for Riverside (Calif.) City College, transferred to BYU prior to the 2023 season. After starting the final four games in 2023, he won a training-camp battle to become the Cougars’ regular quarterback in 2024. He led them to an 11-2 record and an Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

He finished the campaign with 2,947 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt senior had been expected to reprise his role this fall.

Friday’s court filing and its claim of consensual sex could impact Retzlaff’s eligibility at BYU. The school is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has an honor code that prohibits premarital sex.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) flexes before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Report: 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir arrested in L.A.

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday night on a charge of obstruction of justice, police said.

Lenoir, 25, was released from jail early Friday morning and is scheduled to appear in court next month, according to multiple reports.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers approached a group that included Lenoir and observed a gun inside a parked vehicle.

When police asked for the keys, another man tossed them to Lenoir. Lenoir then threw the keys to a third man who tried to hide them, according to records and statements obtained by NBC Bay Area.

The 49ers have not released a statement on the matter.

Lenoir signed a five-year, $92 million extension last November with the 49ers, who drafted the Los Angeles native in the fifth round in 2021.

Lenoir has recorded six interceptions, 26 passes defensed and 265 tackles in 62 games (47 starts) through his first four seasons with San Francisco.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) celebrates after recovering a fumble from the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Report: No NFL supplemental draft again this year

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The NFL will not hold a supplemental draft this summer, The Athletic reported on Friday.

The last supplemental draft was in 2023, when neither of the two players available was selected.

The most recent supplemental draft pick came in 2019 when the Arizona Cardinals took Washington State safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round.

Typically scheduled in mid-July, the draft is for players whose eligibility issues kept them out of the regular draft.

A total of 46 players have been selected in supplemental drafts since its inception in 1977, including Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter in 1987.

–Field Level Media