What a weekend at The Oaks Waterfront Hotel on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is like, from the rooms and restaurant to the waterfront amenities and nearby towns.
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The start of training camp has prompted a flurry of big extensions. But the most impactful moves, the ones most likely to affect the bottom line this season, were made months ago. Given some time to examine free agency, here are my five riskiest deals and five best bets of the offseason. Best Bets Contract terms: 1 year, $1.3 million (zero guaranteed) The Vikings were able to secure the services of a former No. 1 overall pick with an Offensive Rookie of the Year award (2019) and a pair of Pro Bowl berths on his résumé for the veteran’s minimum. Although the end of Murray’s tenure in Arizona raises some concerns about his game and leadership skills, the veteran is the most talented quarterback that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has worked with in Minnesota, potentially leading to the most dynamic and explosive offense yet during KOC’s tenure. With Murray still in his prime and fueled by the skeptics dismissing his return to prominence as a QB1, the diminutive playmaker can rewrite the narrative surrounding his name with a bounce-back performance in 2026. Contract terms: 1 year, $12 million ($12 million guaranteed) The rangy cornerback joins a defensive backfield loaded with All-Pro-caliber playmakers in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Woolen adds a dimension to the unit with his size, length and speed, making him nearly impossible to throw over on the perimeter. As defensive coordinator Vic Fangio tweaks his scheme to accommodate the newcomer’s talents as a sticky man-to-man defender, the Eagles’ man-match scheme will frustrate passers and playmakers unable to find room in the passing game. Moreover, the marriage between Woolen and a scheme that is perfectly suited to his talents will make his contract look like the best bargain on the market when we review the offseason transactions at season’s end. Contract terms: 2 years, $20 million ($13.5 million guaranteed) After watching C.J. Stroud struggle behind a makeshift offensive line that could not keep defenders out of the backfield, the Texans invested heavily in the trenches with free-agent signees and draft picks coming on board throughout the offseason. Smith’s signing did not garner major headlines, but the former division rival will provide much-needed protection on Stroud’s frontside, while blowing holes open for David Montgomery and Co. at the line of scrimmage. If the veteran can avoid the injury bug that sidetracked him in 2023 and 2024, Smith’s arrival on a bargain-basement deal could help stabilize an offense that for the past two years has kept the Texans, with their star-studded defense, from being serious Super Bowl contenders. Contract terms: 3 years, $43.05 million ($28.7 million guaranteed) Ignore the chatter from the running back haters who have diminished the value of RB1s around the league, and look at how Walker’s arrival will make it easier for Patrick Mahomes to reclaim his crown as the NFL’s undisputed QB1. The lack of an efficient and explosive running game allowed defenses to sit in various two-high shells to take away the deep ball and force the two-time MVP into a “dink-and-dunk” game that featured few big plays. With Walker flashing “take over the game” potential as a lead runner during the Seahawks’ title run, defensive coordinators must pay closer attention to the Chiefs’ running game or run the risk of Andy Reid controlling the action with a creative ground attack that punishes opponents for aligning in “light boxes” with smaller defenders all over the field. Although the reigning Super Bowl MVP’s hefty price tag created a stir in the marketplace, Walker’s impact in Kansas City could actually help restore the value of running backs in the minds of team builders across the league. Contract terms: 3 years, $30 million ($20 million guaranteed) The Chargers needed to improve the frontline to maximize Justin Herbert’s potential as a pocket playmaker. After watching the superstar QB take a beating throughout 2025, the club acquired an underrated pivot to fill a hole created by Bradley Bozeman’s surprise retirement. Although Biadasz is not a blue-chip talent, he adds some physicality, toughness and competitiveness to an offensive line that was bullied at times last season. Moreover, he gives Herbert an experienced “trench warrior” with the identification and communication skills to handle the protections and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Given how the Chargers desperately needed help at the point of attack, adding Biadasz should help them remain a viable contender this season. Riskiest Deals Contract terms: 3 years, $67.5 million ($45 million guaranteed) Despite the familiarity between general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, head coach Jeff Hafley and Willis from their time together in Green Bay, the Dolphins might have drastically overpaid a fifth-year signal-caller with only six pro starts to his name. The spectacular flashes with the Packers have given off some franchise quarterback vibes, but recreating that magic in South Florida could be a challenge for a team in the midst of a rebuild. With Willis also struggling during his initial stint as a QB1 with the Tennessee Titans, the hefty contract and lofty expectations could doom this marriage before it starts. While no one expects the marquee free agent to play like Dan Marino in Miami, the Hall of Fame inductee’s performance and production have set the standard for a city and franchise that demands a lot from its starting QB. Contract terms: 4 years, $114 million ($84 million guaranteed) It is rare for a WR2 to seamlessly transition to the WR1 role. Pierce is attempting to defy the odds after inking a lucrative extension to be the No. 1 option in the Colts’ passing game. Although the fifth-year pro has averaged 20-plus yards per catch in each of the past two seasons, the speedster must put up monster numbers against defenses that will be focused on limiting his impact with “traveling” corners and loaded zones. Considering the daunting challenge Pierce faces as an unproven go-to receiver, all while taking on the opponent’s top corner and creative tactics, the Colts might experience some buyer’s remorse if their primary pass-catcher fails to dominate on the perimeter in his new role. Contract terms: 3 years, $42 million ($25 million guaranteed) The Panthers signed the big-play specialist to a multiyear deal after watching him record five interceptions, one fumble recovery, seven pass breakups, 10 quarterback hits and 81 tackles in 2025 with the Jaguars. Lloyd’s spectacular final season in Jacksonville overshadowed a topsy-turvy tenure that resulted in the former first-rounder being benched multiple times and the team declining his fifth-year option before his breakout season. While a new scheme and coaching staff found a way to unlock his talents, the fifth-year pro must make a similar transition in Carolina while playing up to lofty expectations and a big contract. With Lloyd earning Pro Bowl honors in 2025 as a part-time player — he typically came off the field on third downs with the Jaguars — the Panthers are hoping that more playing time will result in more splash plays. They’ll need them to justify this deal. Contract terms: 4 years, $96 million ($68 million guaranteed) The Commanders’ need for a consistent pass rush prompted general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to gamble on a “boom-or-bust” sack artist with 30.5 career sacks over five seasons. Although he has amassed 22.5 sacks since 2023, Oweh entered the league as a developmental player with a limited toolbox, leading to some pass rushing droughts that impacted his stat line, particularly his final five games in Baltimore, where he failed to register a sack. With former Chargers DC Jesse Minter finding various ways to create sack chances for Oweh through clever scheming during a partial season in Los Angeles, the Commanders’ marquee free agent will need defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to tap into his exotic pressures to help the sixth-year pro take advantage of winnable matchups on the edges. Contract terms: 3 years, $58 million ($42 million guaranteed) The Titans’ porous pass defense desperately needed a top-notch cover corner to improve under the direction of new head coach/defensive playcaller Robert Saleh. Taylor was a hot commodity on the free-agent market after enjoying a banner year as the New Orleans Saints’ slot corner; the fifth-year pro is expected to handle the CB1 role in Tennessee, aligning primarily on the outside to neutralize opposing No. 1 receivers. Although the Titans will utilize him occasionally at nickel, the 6-foot-1, 199-pound Taylor will have a chance to show the football world that he can go toe-to-toe with the premier playmakers in the game. Considering the talented pass-catchers within the division alone (see: the Texans’ Nico Collins, the Colts’ Alec Pierce and the Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington), the upgrade in competition will quickly reveal if Taylor is the man for the job as a newly minted $20 million corner.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
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Americans are looking to squeeze in one last vacation before summer ends, with many saying they still haven’t taken a trip this season, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of CheapCaribbean…
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MADISON, Wisconsin — Progressives believe they are on the cusp of another major victory against the establishment in the Wisconsin governor primary Tuesday — one that could pave the way for the movement in 2028 and beyond.
But so far, many national progressive leaders want nothing to do with the race.
A win by front-runner and democratic socialist Francesca Hong over Gov. Tony Evers’ handpicked successor David Crowley would be a major shockwave, setting up a key opportunity for the progressive movement to show its brand of politics can succeed in one of the most cutthroat battleground states. Some progressive organizers also argue that a Hong win serves as a test run of sorts for potential 2028 presidential contenders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
But the stars of the left like Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have not endorsed Hong despite having hit the trail for other prominent candidates, including Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. And a few have privately raised questions about the sharpness of Hong’s messaging and electability, as she navigates a series of controversies over her old social media posts advocating for canceling Thanksgiving and defunding the police — comments she now calls “bad takes” that she says she has learned from.
And other leaders say they aren’t familiar with who she is, underscoring the work Hong has ahead of her if she wins Tuesday.
“I don’t know her,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said in a brief hallway interview.
Sanders has said he would not endorse Hong and declined to comment when asked by POLITICO about the race last Friday on Capitol Hill. Two people close to the senator, granted anonymity to discuss the private conversations, said that even as Hong has invoked Sanders’ name and political ideology on the campaign trail, he doesn’t know her personally. Sanders has acknowledged he’s met Hong before, but indicated that’s the extent of their relationship.
Those two people added that Hong is less vetted and not as sharp on some of her messaging than other candidates — presenting more of a risk for Sanders, who has already been burned by endorsing Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Ocasio-Cortez also declined to endorse Hong. “My focus has been in winning back the Congress, winning back the House, and positioning ourselves to have the best chance possible to win the Senate,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a recent interview on ABC’s “This Week.”
Both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, along with their advisers, say they’re more focused on control of Congress, and rarely endorse in state-level contests. But their lack of involvement, or even public encouragement of Hong’s campaign, could foretell just how immense a task Hong faces as she tries to convince moderate Democrats, independents and even people within her own progressive movement that she’s electable in November against Donald Trump-backed Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
General elections in the battleground state have been determined by extremely narrow margins in recent years. Trump won the battleground state in 2024 by just shy of 30,000 votes. Joe Biden won it by fewer than 21,000 votes in 2020.
Some Democratic officials in Wisconsin privately note Republicans have a big opportunity to hammer Hong on democratic socialism, which had a net negative rating among all registered voters in a July Marquette Law School poll.
But in spite of the hesitation from some top leaders of the left, a number of progressive groups are on board with her campaign.
“If Francesca Hong is elected the governor of Wisconsin, people are going to see somebody working very, very rigorously as the governor, like [Zohran] Mamdani is as the mayor of New York, to pursue a set of policies that people are rapidly going to recognize are in their best interests,” said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America. “They’re going to embrace [Hong] as much as they have Mamdani, whose popularity right now is off the charts.”
On whether she can dispel electability criticisms that moderate Democrats often lob at progressives, Minsky said: “The proof will be in the pudding in November.”
A few federal-level progressive lawmakers have traveled to Wisconsin to campaign with Hong, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). Hong has also channeled progressive star power in other ways: leftist influencer Hasan Piker rallied with her in Milwaukee earlier this month. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has also endorsed Hong.
Republicans in Wisconsin and at the national level are also already planning coordinated attacks against Hong for signing a questionnaire from the Madison-area Democratic Socialists of America stipulating candidates uphold the DSA platform and “view themselves as socialist organizers first, and legislators second,” as well as attacking her for her deputy campaign manager, a sex worker advocate named Renee Faust, having an OnlyFans account.
The Hong campaign pushed back on those attacks. “Renee Faust is a licensed mental health clinician who has spent her career providing care to trafficking survivors. She has helped build the largest grassroots campaign in Wisconsin history. The right-wing politicians attacking her are the same ones who want government dictating women’s health care decisions,” a Hong spokesperson said.
Hong’s allies privately attribute the lack of national endorsements from leading progressives to Sanders’ decision to stay out of the state-level race, arguing that others have taken a cue from him. However, the Vermont senator did endorse Troy Jackson for governor of Maine before Graham Platner dropped out.
Interviews with voters on the ground in Wisconsin show Hong has been able to tap into voters’ frustrations with party leaders and lean into local policies around cost of living to rally a strong enough base heading into Tuesday’s primary: She’s led Crowley by double digits in recent polls, though he’s been making gains.
If she can make it through the primary and general election against a Donald Trump-backed Republican, then she will force the Democratic establishment, and leading national progressives, to take notice.
“I feel like we’re at a point in our policies where Democrats are very happy to just kind of stay focused on being centrist,” Paige Gerber, a 33-year-old Hong supporter, said in an interview after running into Crowley at an ice cream shop campaign stop in Sheboygan. “And that’s where we’re losing in so many spaces, especially as we get more and more destitute in the economy. People are hurting, and people are really looking for … policies that are really for the people.”
Wisconsin Democratic officials are already planning a unity tour across the state with the governor and lieutenant governor nominees immediately following Tuesday’s primary, to try to turn the page from intense Democratic infighting between Hong’s allies and establishment Democrats in the state during the primary, according to three people with direct knowledge of the matter. State party chair Devin Remiker will join nominees on the tour.
Evers in an interview last Friday did not commit to endorsing or campaigning for Hong, should she win. But Democrats involved expect both he and Crowley would join the unity tour at some point ahead of November.
Still, many senior Democrats in the state believe Hong will need the help to convince enough voters in the purple state to turn out for her in November. They’re deeply concerned Hong isn’t running the kind of disciplined campaign that can defeat Tiffany.
“Socialism scares the shit out of the persuadable voters we routinely need to win here,” said one longtime Democratic campaign operative in the state, granted anonymity to speak candidly. “And the unforced errors will be deadly if she doesn’t sharpen some of her answers … for her past tweets and positions.”
A Democratic staffer who is supporting Hong said she “needs to be more on message about what actually matters,” adding: “ I don’t think she has to moderate her policies … she is just going to have to be more precise.”
Wisconsin’s lone Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who hasn’t endorsed in the race, said in an interview last Friday she “decided not to put my thumb on the scale,” though she does plan to back whoever wins.
When asked about Hong’s electability as a democratic socialist in a general election, Baldwin pivoted to an attack on Republicans.
“I’m preparing to bring up Trump’s record on the same things,” she said. “Look, this is a referendum this fall about whether we’re going to elect MAGA people or whether we’re going to stand up for health care, stand up for SNAP benefits. Those are the issues before the state.”
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OXNARD, Calif — New Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant knows what a winning culture looks like. Durant, who spent the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, nearly helped his old team play in their third Super Bowl over the course of a decade this past year. Now, the fifth-year pro is being tasked with helping turn around a Cowboys’ defense that was statistically the worst in football last season — and he’s already making an impact in trying to turn things around. During an intense, fully padded practice on Sunday, Durant and other Cowboys defensive players celebrated every pass deflection and forced turnover by rushing the field before aggressively trash-talking in the faces of Dallas stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. “Every day we come out here, we want to compete at a high level and do your one-eleventh,” Durant told me. “And it’s on display every day we come out here. High energy, everybody doing their part and bringing what we do in the classroom and make it come to life on the field.” While Durant has brought an energy to the Cowboys’ defense so far in training camp, he’s not the key person who joined Dallas this offseason to revitalize that unit. Defensive whiz and new coordinator Christian Parker has been the heart of the reenergized unit. Parker was hired by the Cowboys to run their defense after serving as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach over the last couple of seasons, working under Vic Fangio in Philadelphia and Denver. And what has helped Parker form such a quick connection with his unit (which features eight new starters) is his age. The 34-year-old has brought a culture shift, wearing a pair of Jordan 11s, navy blue sweats and a cut-off hoodie with white sleeves while calling plays on a radio along the sideline during practice. “That’s dead,” Parker screamed, high-fiving coaches and players nearby as his defense stuffed a red-zone run. Durant said not only is Parker detailed, but his youthful energy is infectious. “He’s a real players’ coach who’s willing to listen and see what our thoughts are,” Durant, who is only five years younger than Parker, told me. “And also helping us as defensive vets and as a unit. It’s good to have a coach pour into you and allow you to just be you when you’re on the grass.” “He’s very direct. He knows what he wants out of his guys, and he does a really good job of teaching and communicating,” edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku added about Parker, who is also the youngest defensive coordinator in Cowboys history. “But he’s a cool guy at the same time. He’s very chill, very relatable. He’s got some swag to him.” And as the Cowboys’ defense has been fired up and ready to fight back at the offense, Lamb has taken notice. “It’s fire, man,” Lamb said. “I embrace it. I love it. It’s good to see your defense come out with that type of energy, that type of fire, that type of aggression early on. And for our offense, they leave us no choice to either bow down or fight back and to get back on top. “And I know one thing about us: We won’t bow down to anybody.” However, Parker had some bumps in his early days at training camp. Parker said he’s not a fan of the flood of access available to fans and media at training camp practices, which includes live streams and videos from 11-on-11 team drills posted on social media by folks in attendance. Parker noted that he picked up things as a coach for other teams watching those same videos. But owner Jerry Jones isn’t changing his training camp policy — the more eyeballs on his team, the better, and Parker is learning to adjust to the constant attention on “America’s Team.” But as for on-field matters, one of the key chess pieces for Parker’s defense is first-round pick Caleb Downs, who provides the versatility Pro Bowl defensive back Cooper DeJean offered for the Eagles. The Ohio State product is working at safety and slot cornerback, showing up in pass coverage over the two days I watched practice, including breaking up two passes intended for Lamb. A physical presence who provides leadership and playmaking ability, Downs is expected to thrive in Parker’s scheme. “He’s a guy who’s not afraid to fail and is not going to make the same mistake [twice],” Durant told me. “And that’s what you want in this league. When you come in, and you see all these big names, with some guys that could mess with your confidence. With him, it doesn’t faze him.” And while Parker might not like the amount of access outsiders have at Cowboys camp, the team’s practices have been all about football this year, which is a big change from last year. Gone are the constant headlines generated by the contentious Micah Parsons contract negotiations and eventual trade to the Green Bay Packers. That’s allowed Brian Schottenheimer to take an old-school approach to practice as he enters his second season as head coach. On Saturday, Schottenheimer lit into coaches and players for what he deemed a lackadaisical approach to the start of practice. “I just felt like the energy was a little bit off,” Schottenheimer said. “I felt like we broke stretch in bag (drills) and went to circuit drills, and the coaches weren’t as organized as I thought they should be. And so, I’m always going to point out what I feel. And I think they got the message and ended up putting together a hell of a practice.” Schottenheimer also has players run gassers at the end of practice for extra conditioning. “It’s probably painful because you just did a whole practice,” receiver George Pickens said about the end-of-practice conditioning. “But definitely conditioning is another component of the game that can definitely give you an edge over guys.” Obviously, the Cowboys hope that those conditioning drills will be part of what gets them over the hump as they seek their first Super Bowl title in over three decades. Prescott has made it clear in the opening weeks of training camp that he and the team have the Lombardi Trophy in their sights, going as far as to say he’s “manifesting” it to happen. Parker, Schottenheimer and Prescott will get a good test of where those dreams stand during a joint practice against the Rams at Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills headquarters on Tuesday. Last year, the Cowboys were overwhelmed by the Rams’ bevy of playmakers, with Davante Adams, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams going up and down the field for scores in a foreshadowing of what was to come in 2025. Durant is hoping for a different result against his former team this year. “I’m overly excited,” Durant told me. “I went up against that offense for four years. It’s a high-powered offense. You got Matthew Stafford, the running backs in the backfield and the wide receiver core — it’s a sight to see when you’re in practice going up against it. “But now I’m here with the Dallas Cowboys, running a new defense with new guys on this defense. And now you’ll actually get to see what the guy next to you is really about, going against another offense.” And Schottenheimer is highly anticipating Tuesday’s practice, too. “I want to see these guys play,” Schottenheimer said. “I want to see the same passion and play style that they do against our guys. I want to see them do it against them. But it’s a building block, another ramp-up.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports