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💰 Greetings to all, especially …
KYLE HAMILTON AND THE BALTIMORE RAVENS
The title of highest-paid safety in NFL history now belongs to someone new, and it’s difficult to imagine a more fitting recipient. Kyle Hamilton has finalized a four-year extension valued at $100.4 million with the Ravens, which features a record-breaking $82 million in guaranteed money for a safety. The previous record stood at $45 million guaranteed.
- At 24 years old, Hamilton earned first-team All-Pro recognition in 2023 and second-team All-Pro honors the year before, along with Pro Bowl selections in both seasons.
- Hamilton’s versatility is a key asset — he plays safety, cornerback, linebacker, and even rushes the passer — making Baltimore’s defense exceptionally formidable. He stands alone as the only defensive back to record at least five interceptions and five sacks combined over the last two seasons.
- In the previous season, he conceded a mere eight yards per completion when targeted as the primary defender, placing him sixth among all defensive backs.
Having attended several days of Ravens training camp, and considering the return of Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins, coupled with the arrivals of Jaire Alexander, Malaki Starks, and Chidobe Awuzie, it can be argued that Baltimore possesses the league’s premier secondary.
😃 Commendable mentions
😬 Less commendable mentions
🏈 NFL news compilation: Micah Parsons to seek another medical opinion for back issue, Rashee Rice faces six-game suspension
Imagn Images
The proximity of the NFL season is evident when news breaks rapidly, as it did this past Wednesday.
Let’s begin with the almost-daily Micah Parsons update, which presents a concerning development for the Cowboys and their fanbase: The exceptional edge defender is seeking a second medical opinion regarding his back, occurring one day after Brian Schottenheimer indicated Parsons had been cleared for practice and eight days before Dallas commences its season against the Eagles. This scenario is less than optimal. Here’s former NFL agent Joel Corry’s latest analysis of the situation.
Also on Wednesday, the NFL announced a six-game suspension for Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice.
- The suspension is related to Rice’s involvement in a collision involving multiple vehicles, resulting in injuries to several individuals in March 2024. He subsequently left the scene. Rice entered a guilty plea to two third-degree felony charges — collision causing serious bodily harm and racing on a highway leading to bodily injury — and received a sentence of 30 days in jail.
- A disciplinary hearing for Rice had been planned for Sept. 30. Instead, he will be absent for the initial six games of the season and will be eligible to return in Week 7 against the Raiders.
- The NFL initially suggested a suspension spanning double-digit games, but the NFLPA and Rice’s representatives contested this proposal.
Rice, aged 25, displayed promising potential early last season, recording 24 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns in three games before sustaining an ACL tear in Week 4. Here’s an examination of the repercussions of his suspension on the Chiefs, and here’s insight into how it should influence your Fantasy drafts.
In more uplifting news, the Vikings are bringing back Adam Thielen, acquiring the seasoned player from the Panthers through a trade involving multiple pick exchanges. Despite Minnesota incurring a substantial cost for a 35-year-old receiver on an expiring contract, they received favorable evaluations in Jeff Kerr’s trade assessments.
Here are the Fantasy implications, and here’s Jared Dubin’s perspective on why a well-structured strategy is in place for Bryce Young.
Here are some more prominent storylines:
We are also monitoring NFL waiver claims and practice squad assignments. Noteworthy moves include:
- The Patriots have claimed Tommy DeVito.
- The Browns have added Malachi Corley and Bailey Zappe to their practice squad.
- The Bills are reconnecting with Jordan Poyer, placing him on their practice squad
- Hendon Hooker is joining the Panthers‘ practice squad.
🏈 College Football QB Rankings, including a preseason 2026 NFL mock draft
CBS Sports graphic
Quarterbacks are central to the game, and with Week 1 of college football commencing tonight, David Cobb has released the initial College Football QB Rankings for the season.
This isn’t just a regular set of rankings. David has extended it to encompass the top 50 quarterbacks in FBS. Here are the top five:
- “Cade Klubnik, Clemson — He has comprehensive understanding of the offensive scheme and Clemson’s most talented receiving group in recent years at his disposal.”
- “Garrett Nussmeier, LSU — Nussmeier holds the distinction of being college football’s returning leader in passing yardage, having exceeded 4,000 yards in 2024.”
- “Drew Allar, Penn State — Allar has successfully transitioned from a developing prospect to a confirmed standout player.”
- “Arch Manning, Texas — The brief glimpses we’ve observed suggest Manning is prepared to uphold the family’s established reputation.”
- “Julian Sayin, Ohio State — With receiving targets such as Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate available, Sayin’s progression from a redshirt apprentice to a starting role should be seamless.”
I find the consecutive placement of Manning and Sayin ahead of the matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State this weekend particularly compelling.
I also appreciate the presence of numerous powerhouses with quarterbacks positioned lower on this list than typically expected. Alabama’s Ty Simpson barely makes the top 20, and locating Georgia’s Gunner Stockton and Notre Dame‘s CJ Carr requires considerable scrolling.
Intriguingly, the No. 26 quarterback in David’s rankings is designated as No. 1 in Mike Renner’s preseason 2026 NFL mock draft.
- “Browns — QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana: The Browns are almost certain to prioritize a quarterback if they secure the No. 1 overall pick, and considering Arch Manning’s anticipated return to school, Fernando Mendoza appears to be the most suitable choice for coach Kevin Stefanski‘s offensive system (assuming the two-time NFL Coach of the Year remains in his position). He possesses a strong NFL-caliber arm, coupled with rapid decision-making abilities and precise accuracy in tight spaces. He is poised to excel on a larger stage this year at Indiana, following his contributions to Cal over the past two seasons.”
Additionally, quarterbacks occupy the No. 2, No. 3, No. 10, and No. 13 spots, with only two of them featuring in David’s top five.
⛳ The rationale behind Keegan Bradley’s decision not to select himself for the Ryder Cup should serve as motivation for Team USA
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Two years prior, Keegan Bradley experienced disappointment when he was not selected as a captain’s pick for Team USA in the Ryder Cup. This time, given the opportunity to become the first playing captain for the USA since Arnold Palmer in 1963, Bradley opted not to select himself, and instead chose …
- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Ben Griffin
- Cameron Young
- Patrick Cantlay
- Sam Burns
Bradley’s decision was influenced by the recent performance of other golfers. Griffin secured two PGA Tour victories this year, while Young also claimed one and has been in excellent form recently. Cantlay, Young, Burns, Thomas, and Griffin all achieved top 10 finishes at last week’s Tour Championship, with Cantlay (T2) and Young (T4) finishing in the top five. Morikawa has experienced an uncharacteristically challenging season but possesses considerable Ryder Cup experience.
Thomas expressed admiration for Bradley’s decision, and Patrick McDonald suggests that Bradley made the altruistic choice by prioritizing the team’s success over his own participation.
- McDonald: “Bradley demonstrated sufficient performance to warrant inclusion on the 2023 team, and he also performed well enough to merit consideration for the 2025 team, again finishing 11th in the standings with two wins this season. The sole dissenting voice discouraging him from playing originated from his own internal thoughts. It represents a selfless act rarely observed in sports, particularly in individualized sports like golf. … Bradley believes that the Americans’ best chance of victory lies in his guidance of the team without actively playing. This conviction and faith in their talent should serve to inspire the 12 players he will lead into competition.”
📺 Upcoming viewing schedule for Thursday
🎾 US Open, 11 a.m. on ESPN
⚾ Diamondbacks against Brewers or Rockies against Astros, 2:10 p.m. on MLB Network
🏈 No. 25 Boise State against USF, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN
⚾ Braves against Phillies, 6:45 p.m. on MLB Network
🏀 Mystics against Liberty, 7 p.m. on Prime Video
⚾ Marlins against Mets, 7:10 p.m. on MLB Network
🏈 East Carolina against NC State, 7 p.m. on ACC Network
🏈 Nebraska versus Cincinnati, 9 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Sky against Mercury, 10 p.m. on Prime Video
