Xavi had a meeting with Barca’s president, Joan Laporta, on Wednesday, and they agreed to continue the current project. The news was officially announced during a press conference on Thursday.

“Today, I have the satisfaction of informing you that Xavi will continue as the coach of Barça,” said Laporta.

“I’m a huge Barça fan. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board of directors. The complicity and support of the players has also been key,” added Xavi.

Xavi initially announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season in January after a disappointing 5-3 loss to Villarreal in La Liga. At the time, Xavi said he felt that the club needed a new voice while also adding that the pressure that comes with coaching Barca has started to wear him off.

Since then, Barcelona embarked on an impressive run that saw them go undefeated in 13 games in all competitions. The streak ended with a 4-1 loss in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain. Barca followed that up with a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Xavi was hired as Barca’s head coach in the summer of 2021. He guided the club to the La Liga title and Supercopa trophy in 2022–23, after which he signed an extension that runs through the 2024-25 season with an option for one additional year.

The post Xavi Changes His Mind About Leaving Barcelona, Will Stay Until End of His Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Holiday was in the final year of his contract and had a player option for 2024-25 that was worth $37.3 million. He is currently averaging 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting a career-high 43.1% from behind the arc.

By signing Holiday on a new deal early on, the Celtics got a discount and avoided getting into a bidding war to keep him in the summer. The player, on the other hand, took less money than he would likely command on the open market in exchange for long-term security.

Holiday joined the Celtics in an offseason blockbuster trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent just several days after being involved in a trade that sent superstar Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. He has made a big impact in Boston, especially on the defensive end, and is part of the reason why the Celtics have the best record in the NBA this season.

Holiday, who was a first-round pick in 2019, previously also played with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans. He has two All-Star nods and five-time NBA All-Defensive selections while winning the NBA title with the Bucks in 2021.

The post Celtics Sign Guard Jrue Holiday to 4-Year, $135 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Fowler points out that nothing has been finalized but that both sides are open to the possibility.

The move would be beneficial for both sides. The Cowboys are currently lacking a lead running back after letting last year’s starter Tony Pollard walk in free agency. Elliott, on the other hand, is looking to land a job that would give him an opportunity to play meaningful snaps while Dallas is also the place where he played his best football.

Elliott was drafted by the Cowboys as the fourth overall pick in 2016 and spent the first seven years of his pro career with the franchise. During that time, he made the Pro Bowl three times while leading the league in rushing twice. However, a combination of bloated contract and declining productivity prompted the Cowboys to release him after the 2022 campaign.

After spending months on the open market last offseason, Elliott reached a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. In a backup role with the Pats, Elliott rushed for 642 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 51 receptions for 313 receiving yards and two scores.

The post Cowboys and RB Ezekiel Elliott Have Mutual Interest in a Reunion appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Jets made it clear to the rest of the league that Wilson is available for trade. Reportedly, they received several offers in recent weeks but none of them were to their liking. It appears that interested teams are waiting to see whether Wilson will become a free agent, something that team owner Woody Johnson said wasn’t an option during a recent chat with reporters.

“If we don’t trade him, we’re going to keep him,” Johnson said on Monday.

Johnson went on to acknowledge the challenging situation that Wilson found himself in 2023 after star QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury and said he still believes the BYU product could end up resurrecting his career, but most likely somewhere else.

“From his standpoint, it’s probably better if he changes faces and he gets to a new [team]. He can wipe the slate clean in that way. I think that would probably be better for him, “he added.

The Jets already prepared themselves for Wilson’s departure, bringing in veteran Tyrod Taylor as a backup on a two-year, $12 million deal.

The post Jets Will Keep QB Zach Wilson If They Don’t Find a Trade Partner appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Browns acquired Jeudy in a trade with the Denver Broncos earlier this month, giving up 2024 fifth-round and sixth-round picks. At the time, he was about to enter the fifth year of his rookie deal, which came with a salary of around $13 million.

The Browns didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but according to ESPN, Jeudy’s extension is worth $58 million and comes with $41 million in guaranteed money.

“When we acquired Jerry via trade this spring, it was with the vision that he would become a core member of our offense in 2024 and beyond,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement announcing the extension. “He is a scheme-versatile receiver with high-level ability to separate against man coverage and a diverse number of ways to produce on the perimeter or in the slot.”

During his four years with the Broncos, who drafted him in the first round of 2020, Jerry Jeudy showed flashes of talent but arguably never got to fulfill his full potential in Denver. He has 211 catches, 3,053 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a pro. 

The post Browns Sign WR Jerry Jeudy to a 3-Year, $58 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Donald shared the news on his social media, posting a statement and a short video recapping his time in the NFL.

“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually,” Donald said in the statement while adding that he is “excited about the off the field possibilities.”

The news about Donald’s retirement doesn’t come as a surprise, even though he is only 32. He already contemplated retirement after helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. At the time, he was talked out of retirement with an improved contract that saw him become the first non-quarterback to earn more than $30 million annually.

This time, however, it appears that Donald has firmly made up his mind and is saying goodbye to football for good despite coming off a productive 2023 season that saw him make 53 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and three pass deflections en route to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

Aaron Donald entered the league as the Rams’ 14th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. In the following decade, he established himself as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He made the First-team All-Pro eight times, which is second-most by a player in his first 10 seasons in the history of the NFL.

Donald retires with 111.0 sacks in 154 games as a pro, which puts him at the top of the Rams’ all-time list. Over the course of his career, he also made 543 tackles, 260 QB hits, and 24 forced fumbles.

The post Rams’ Aaron Donald, 3-Time NFL DPOY, Announced His Retirement appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, Wilson agreed to a one-year deal for a veteran’s minimum. He will earn an additional $36.6 million from the Denver Broncos, who will officially release him when the new league year starts.

After two underwhelming seasons with the Broncos, Wilson was informed last that the franchise was moving on from him. Considering that Wilson was just about to enter the five-year, $242.6 million extension he signed with the franchise in 2022, Denver was left with $85 million in dead cap.

Despite not being officially released, Wilson was granted permission from the Broncos to discuss terms with interested teams. He reportedly had several suitors, with the teams being intrigued by the opportunity to bring a future Hall of Famer on a cheap deal. Eventually, Wilson decided to go to Pittsburgh, likely believing the Steelers give him the best shot for starting and playing in the Super Bowl.

Throughout the offseason, the Steelers publicly stated their support for signal-caller Kenny Pickett, their first-round pick in 2022. However, it makes sense for the franchise to get a veteran option like Wilson, considering Pickett was largely inconsistent in his two years with the franchise and is the only QB they have under contract after Mason Rudolph became a free agent and Mitch Trubisky got released.

The post Ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson Agrees to a 1-Year Deal With the Steelers appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Seahawks moved on from head coach Pete Carroll and brought in ex-Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as his replacement. It appears that team president John Schneider and the rest of the front office are now set on reshaping the team’s roster as well.

Jamal Adams joined the Seahawks in 2020 in a trade that saw Seattle give up two first-round picks to the New York Jets. Adams had a stellar first season with the franchise, setting the sacks record for defensive back with 9.5 sacks. In the following three years, he struggled with injuries and missed 27 games combined, while his productivity took a significant dip when he was on the field.

By moving on from Adams, the Seahawks will save $7.3 million in cap space, although they will take on a $19.6 million dead money hit. 

The Seahawks acquired Quandre Diggs in a trade with the Detroit Lions in 2019. This trade worked a lot better for Seattle, as Diggs made three straight Pro Bowls between 2020 and 2022 while also remaining productive last season when he had a career-high 95 tackles.

Still, Diggs will have to find a new team because the Seahawks will save $11 million in cap with his release.

The post Seahawks Release Pro Bowl Safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

When he makes his debut for the franchise against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, Gray will become the first Cardinals pitcher to debut as a starter on the Opening Day since 2008 and Kyle Lohse.

“It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest with you, and I don’t take that lightly at all,” said Gray via MLB. “I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a few times in my career, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. I appreciate the opportunity and what that shows.”

Gray joined the Cardinals after a standout 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. He made 32 starts, finishing the campaign with an 8-8 record, 2.79 ERA, and 183 strikeouts. Gray received his third All-Star nod while finishing second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

Sonny Gray made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Oakland Athletics and later played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Twins. He has a career record of 98–85 as a starter with a 3.47 ERA and 1,521 strikeouts.

The post Cardinals Name Newcomer Sonny Gray Their Opening Day Starter appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Pirates said that the extension ties Keller with the franchise throughout the 2028 MLB season but didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

Reportedly, Keller’s deal is worth $77 million and kicks in this year, making it a five-year extension. His annual salary will exponentially rise throughout the deal until it reaches $20 million in 2028.

The news about his new contract comes just a few days after Keller was named the Opening Day starter for the Pirates. This will be the second year in a row that he’s the first Pirates pitcher on the mound at the start of the new season.

“This is a great day for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement released by the team. “The intangibles that Mitch brings, in terms of head, heart, commitment, attitude, and leadership, really make a huge impact not only on who we are now as a team but who we will be as we move forward. Having known Mitch for nearly 10 years, to watch him grow as a player and person has been a privilege.”

Mitch Keller was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of high school. He made his debut in the majors in 2019 and has since started 100 games and posted a 25-38 record with a 4.71 ERA and 521 strikeouts. Keller had his best campaign in MLB in 2023, having a 13-9 record and earning an All-Star nod. 

The post Pirates Sign RHP Mitch Keller to New 5-Year, $77 Million Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Xavi had a meeting with Barca’s president, Joan Laporta, on Wednesday, and they agreed to continue the current project. The news was officially announced during a press conference on Thursday.

“Today, I have the satisfaction of informing you that Xavi will continue as the coach of Barça,” said Laporta.

“I’m a huge Barça fan. I have a high level of trust with the president and the board of directors. The complicity and support of the players has also been key,” added Xavi.

Xavi initially announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season in January after a disappointing 5-3 loss to Villarreal in La Liga. At the time, Xavi said he felt that the club needed a new voice while also adding that the pressure that comes with coaching Barca has started to wear him off.

Since then, Barcelona embarked on an impressive run that saw them go undefeated in 13 games in all competitions. The streak ended with a 4-1 loss in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain. Barca followed that up with a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Xavi was hired as Barca’s head coach in the summer of 2021. He guided the club to the La Liga title and Supercopa trophy in 2022–23, after which he signed an extension that runs through the 2024-25 season with an option for one additional year.

The post Xavi Changes His Mind About Leaving Barcelona, Will Stay Until End of His Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Holiday was in the final year of his contract and had a player option for 2024-25 that was worth $37.3 million. He is currently averaging 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting a career-high 43.1% from behind the arc.

By signing Holiday on a new deal early on, the Celtics got a discount and avoided getting into a bidding war to keep him in the summer. The player, on the other hand, took less money than he would likely command on the open market in exchange for long-term security.

Holiday joined the Celtics in an offseason blockbuster trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent just several days after being involved in a trade that sent superstar Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. He has made a big impact in Boston, especially on the defensive end, and is part of the reason why the Celtics have the best record in the NBA this season.

Holiday, who was a first-round pick in 2019, previously also played with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans. He has two All-Star nods and five-time NBA All-Defensive selections while winning the NBA title with the Bucks in 2021.

The post Celtics Sign Guard Jrue Holiday to 4-Year, $135 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Fowler points out that nothing has been finalized but that both sides are open to the possibility.

The move would be beneficial for both sides. The Cowboys are currently lacking a lead running back after letting last year’s starter Tony Pollard walk in free agency. Elliott, on the other hand, is looking to land a job that would give him an opportunity to play meaningful snaps while Dallas is also the place where he played his best football.

Elliott was drafted by the Cowboys as the fourth overall pick in 2016 and spent the first seven years of his pro career with the franchise. During that time, he made the Pro Bowl three times while leading the league in rushing twice. However, a combination of bloated contract and declining productivity prompted the Cowboys to release him after the 2022 campaign.

After spending months on the open market last offseason, Elliott reached a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. In a backup role with the Pats, Elliott rushed for 642 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 51 receptions for 313 receiving yards and two scores.

The post Cowboys and RB Ezekiel Elliott Have Mutual Interest in a Reunion appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Jets made it clear to the rest of the league that Wilson is available for trade. Reportedly, they received several offers in recent weeks but none of them were to their liking. It appears that interested teams are waiting to see whether Wilson will become a free agent, something that team owner Woody Johnson said wasn’t an option during a recent chat with reporters.

“If we don’t trade him, we’re going to keep him,” Johnson said on Monday.

Johnson went on to acknowledge the challenging situation that Wilson found himself in 2023 after star QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury and said he still believes the BYU product could end up resurrecting his career, but most likely somewhere else.

“From his standpoint, it’s probably better if he changes faces and he gets to a new [team]. He can wipe the slate clean in that way. I think that would probably be better for him, “he added.

The Jets already prepared themselves for Wilson’s departure, bringing in veteran Tyrod Taylor as a backup on a two-year, $12 million deal.

The post Jets Will Keep QB Zach Wilson If They Don’t Find a Trade Partner appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Browns acquired Jeudy in a trade with the Denver Broncos earlier this month, giving up 2024 fifth-round and sixth-round picks. At the time, he was about to enter the fifth year of his rookie deal, which came with a salary of around $13 million.

The Browns didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but according to ESPN, Jeudy’s extension is worth $58 million and comes with $41 million in guaranteed money.

“When we acquired Jerry via trade this spring, it was with the vision that he would become a core member of our offense in 2024 and beyond,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement announcing the extension. “He is a scheme-versatile receiver with high-level ability to separate against man coverage and a diverse number of ways to produce on the perimeter or in the slot.”

During his four years with the Broncos, who drafted him in the first round of 2020, Jerry Jeudy showed flashes of talent but arguably never got to fulfill his full potential in Denver. He has 211 catches, 3,053 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a pro. 

The post Browns Sign WR Jerry Jeudy to a 3-Year, $58 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Donald shared the news on his social media, posting a statement and a short video recapping his time in the NFL.

“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually,” Donald said in the statement while adding that he is “excited about the off the field possibilities.”

The news about Donald’s retirement doesn’t come as a surprise, even though he is only 32. He already contemplated retirement after helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. At the time, he was talked out of retirement with an improved contract that saw him become the first non-quarterback to earn more than $30 million annually.

This time, however, it appears that Donald has firmly made up his mind and is saying goodbye to football for good despite coming off a productive 2023 season that saw him make 53 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and three pass deflections en route to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

Aaron Donald entered the league as the Rams’ 14th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. In the following decade, he established himself as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He made the First-team All-Pro eight times, which is second-most by a player in his first 10 seasons in the history of the NFL.

Donald retires with 111.0 sacks in 154 games as a pro, which puts him at the top of the Rams’ all-time list. Over the course of his career, he also made 543 tackles, 260 QB hits, and 24 forced fumbles.

The post Rams’ Aaron Donald, 3-Time NFL DPOY, Announced His Retirement appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, Wilson agreed to a one-year deal for a veteran’s minimum. He will earn an additional $36.6 million from the Denver Broncos, who will officially release him when the new league year starts.

After two underwhelming seasons with the Broncos, Wilson was informed last that the franchise was moving on from him. Considering that Wilson was just about to enter the five-year, $242.6 million extension he signed with the franchise in 2022, Denver was left with $85 million in dead cap.

Despite not being officially released, Wilson was granted permission from the Broncos to discuss terms with interested teams. He reportedly had several suitors, with the teams being intrigued by the opportunity to bring a future Hall of Famer on a cheap deal. Eventually, Wilson decided to go to Pittsburgh, likely believing the Steelers give him the best shot for starting and playing in the Super Bowl.

Throughout the offseason, the Steelers publicly stated their support for signal-caller Kenny Pickett, their first-round pick in 2022. However, it makes sense for the franchise to get a veteran option like Wilson, considering Pickett was largely inconsistent in his two years with the franchise and is the only QB they have under contract after Mason Rudolph became a free agent and Mitch Trubisky got released.

The post Ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson Agrees to a 1-Year Deal With the Steelers appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

After missing the playoffs last season, the Seahawks moved on from head coach Pete Carroll and brought in ex-Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as his replacement. It appears that team president John Schneider and the rest of the front office are now set on reshaping the team’s roster as well.

Jamal Adams joined the Seahawks in 2020 in a trade that saw Seattle give up two first-round picks to the New York Jets. Adams had a stellar first season with the franchise, setting the sacks record for defensive back with 9.5 sacks. In the following three years, he struggled with injuries and missed 27 games combined, while his productivity took a significant dip when he was on the field.

By moving on from Adams, the Seahawks will save $7.3 million in cap space, although they will take on a $19.6 million dead money hit. 

The Seahawks acquired Quandre Diggs in a trade with the Detroit Lions in 2019. This trade worked a lot better for Seattle, as Diggs made three straight Pro Bowls between 2020 and 2022 while also remaining productive last season when he had a career-high 95 tackles.

Still, Diggs will have to find a new team because the Seahawks will save $11 million in cap with his release.

The post Seahawks Release Pro Bowl Safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

When he makes his debut for the franchise against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, Gray will become the first Cardinals pitcher to debut as a starter on the Opening Day since 2008 and Kyle Lohse.

“It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest with you, and I don’t take that lightly at all,” said Gray via MLB. “I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a few times in my career, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. I appreciate the opportunity and what that shows.”

Gray joined the Cardinals after a standout 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. He made 32 starts, finishing the campaign with an 8-8 record, 2.79 ERA, and 183 strikeouts. Gray received his third All-Star nod while finishing second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

Sonny Gray made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Oakland Athletics and later played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Twins. He has a career record of 98–85 as a starter with a 3.47 ERA and 1,521 strikeouts.

The post Cardinals Name Newcomer Sonny Gray Their Opening Day Starter appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Pirates said that the extension ties Keller with the franchise throughout the 2028 MLB season but didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

Reportedly, Keller’s deal is worth $77 million and kicks in this year, making it a five-year extension. His annual salary will exponentially rise throughout the deal until it reaches $20 million in 2028.

The news about his new contract comes just a few days after Keller was named the Opening Day starter for the Pirates. This will be the second year in a row that he’s the first Pirates pitcher on the mound at the start of the new season.

“This is a great day for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement released by the team. “The intangibles that Mitch brings, in terms of head, heart, commitment, attitude, and leadership, really make a huge impact not only on who we are now as a team but who we will be as we move forward. Having known Mitch for nearly 10 years, to watch him grow as a player and person has been a privilege.”

Mitch Keller was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of high school. He made his debut in the majors in 2019 and has since started 100 games and posted a 25-38 record with a 4.71 ERA and 521 strikeouts. Keller had his best campaign in MLB in 2023, having a 13-9 record and earning an All-Star nod. 

The post Pirates Sign RHP Mitch Keller to New 5-Year, $77 Million Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.