Artificial flavoring. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial plants. Artificial intelligence (AI).

Technology has taken artificial to the forefront, making it so even a square peg can fit into a round hole, bridging the gap in all situations. Don’t know what song to listen to? The algorithm will figure it out. Don’t know how to find your destination? The self-driving car can handle that. Don’t understand what you just read? AI can summarize it.

Society soaks up everything artificial because it’s more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge.

No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it’s important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism.

Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league’s best and who will be the worst?

While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini’s artificial thoughts by having it predict every team’s record. Here are the results.

2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: 12-5
• New England Patriots: 9-8
• Miami Dolphins: 8-9
• New York Jets: 7-10

Gemini isn’t forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen’s crew should keep rolling without much resistance.

Google’s artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It’s a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well.

Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn’t sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season.

Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it’s a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn’t that artificial after all.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: 11-6
• Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8
• Cleveland Browns: 5-12

The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh’s team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season.

Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum.

The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin’s ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record.

In the AFC North basement, it’s the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland’s defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don’t expect a miracle in The Land.

AFC South

• Houston Texans: 11-6
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-8
• Indianapolis Colts: 7-10
• Tennessee Titans: 4-13

It’s been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn’t figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat.

Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It’s a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat.

Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn’t particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it.

The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it’s unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus.

AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs: 12-5
• Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7
• Denver Broncos: 9-8
• Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11

The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs’ spot until it’s not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent.

Jim Harbaugh’s first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right.

Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must’ve forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season.

Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn’t buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They’ve stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won’t make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition.

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
• Dallas Cowboys: 10-7
• New York Giants: 8-9
• Washington Commanders: 6-11

We’ve yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won’t happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it’s a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn’t going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004.

The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling.

Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don’t profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future.

No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous – an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical.

NFC North

• Green Bay Packers: 11-6
• Detroit Lions: 10-7
• Chicago Bears: 9-8
• Minnesota Vikings: 7-10

The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot.

Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot.

As if losing the coordinators wasn’t bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall.

The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would’ve been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don’t grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn’t a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy’s season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: 10-7
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8
• Carolina Panthers: 7-10
• New Orleans Saints: 4-13

Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta’s woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise.

The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it’s Josh Grizzard’s turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini’s primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025.

Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025.

Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won’t be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it’s often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team’s new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn’t defined by wins and losses.

NFC West

• San Francisco 49ers: 12-5
• Los Angeles Rams: 10-7
• Arizona Cardinals: 8-9
• Seattle Seahawks: 7-10

After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors.

The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn’t a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January.

Gemini didn’t specify how the Cardinals’ season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona’s defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt.

Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald’s vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.

EA Sports is soon set to release Madden 26, the latest edition of its popular NFL video game franchise. As fans and gamers alike look forward to its release, one question will be on their collective minds.

Who will be the top-rated players in the game?

Madden only gives a handful of NFL players the top mark in its game every year. The franchise announced in advance of its release that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley would be a part of the exclusive ’99 Club’ after logging the NFL’s ninth-ever 2,000-yard rushing season.

What exactly is Madden’s 99 Club? Here’s what to know about the honor and how many times the 99 rating has been doled out by the game’s developers and ratings adjusters.

What is the 99 Club in Madden?

The 99 Club is a nickname given to the NFL players who achieve the highest possible rating in EA Sports’ ‘Madden’ video game franchise. The honor is an exclusive one, as Madden developers chose only a handful of players to get the game’s top rating – which has been capped at 99 since the release of Madden 2002 – each year.

Since Madden 2002, no more than seven players have qualified for The 99 Club in a single season. There have been at least three players each year to earn an initial 99 rating in the game over that same period.

Madden 99 Club full list, history of 99 ratings

Madden has issued 129 total 99 overall ratings since the release of Madden 99. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Morten Andersen, K, Falcons
• Tony Brackens, DE, Jaguars
• Ben Coates, TE, Patriots
• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Randall McDaniel, G, Vikings
• Ken Norton Jr., MLB, 49ers
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Willie Roaf, OT, Saints
• Mark Schlereth, G, Broncos
• Jason Sehorn, CB, Giants
• Bruce Smith, DE, Bills
• Neil Smith, DE, Broncos
• Reggie White, DE, Packers

Madden 2000

• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Matt Turk, P, Redskins

Madden NFL 2002

• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers

Madden NFL 2003

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers
• Michael Strahan, DE, Giants

Madden NFL 2004

• Derrick Brooks, OLB, Buccaneers
• Brian Dawkins, FS, Eagles
• Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 2005

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Mike Vanderjagt, K, Colts

Madden NFL 06

• David Akers, K, Eagles
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Randy Moss, WR, Raiders
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 07

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Walter Jones, OT, Seahawks
• Shane Lechler, P, Raiders
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Lorenzo Neal, FB, Chargers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 08

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
• Brian Urlacher, MLB, Bears

Madden NFL 09

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Peyton Manning QB Colts
• Randy Moss WR Patriots
• Bob Sanders, SS, Colts
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers

Madden NFL 10

• Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
• Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
• Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redskins
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 11

• Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
• Drew Brees, QB, Saints
• Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Patrick Willis, MLB, 49ers

Madden NFL 12

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets

Madden NFL 13

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25 (a.k.a. Madden NFL 14)

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 15

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 16

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 17

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 18

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Aaron Donald, DE. Rams
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos

Madden NFL 19

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Madden NFL 20

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
• Khalil Mack, OLB, Bears
• Bobby Wagner, MLB, Seahawks

Madden NFL 21

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers
• Michael Thomas, WR, Saints

Madden NFL 22

• Davante Adams, WR, Packers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Jalen Ramsey, CB, Rams

Madden NFL 23

• Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
• Aaron Donald, DL, Rams
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 24

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Zack Martin, G, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 26

• Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
• Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
• Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
• Josh Allen, QB, Bills
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Since 1999, only one game has had no players with a rating of 99 or better. That was in 2001, when no player exceeded a rating of 96.

Most 99 ratings in Madden history

Aaron Donald has the most 99 overall ratings in Madden history with seven. The eight-time All-Pro earned a 99 in every edition of the game from Madden 18 to Madden 24, which was the last one in which he appeared before his retirement.

A total of 29 players have had multiple 99 ratings since the 1999 edition of the game. Below is a full list of those players:

• Aaron Donald: 7
• Peyton Manning: 6
• Ray Lewis: 5
• Tom Brady: 4
• Calvin Johnson: 4
• Patrick Mahomes: 4
• Jonathan Ogden: 4
• J.J. Watt: 4
• Champ Bailey: 3
• Antonio Gates: 3
• Travis Kelce: 3
• Von Miller: 3
• Ed Reed: 3
• Darrelle Revis: 3
• Davante Adams: 2
• Larry Allen: 2
• Dermontti Dawson: 2
• Marshall Faulk: 2
• Rob Gronkowski: 2
• Luke Kuechly: 2
• Christian McCaffrey: 2
• Randy Moss: 2
• Troy Polamalu: 2
• Aaron Rodgers: 2
• Warren Sapp: 2
• Richard Sherman: 2
• LaDanian Tomlinson: 2
• Adam Vinatieri: 2
• Trent Williams: 2

Has Madden ever issued a 100 rating?

Yes, it has. In both Madden 99 and Madden 2000, the top-rated players in the game had a rating of 100. A total of seven players earned the coveted eight 100s handed out during the game’s early years. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Tony Boselli, OT, Jaguars
• Mark Chmura, TE, Packers
• Jerry Rice, WR, 49ers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys
• Shannon Sharpe, TE, Broncos

Madden 2000

• Mike Alstott, FB, Buccaneers
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys

Deion Sanders is the lone player to receive multiple 100 overall ratings.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter is perhaps best known for his ability to break NFL – and, as of recently, some golf – news. But he’s also an outspoken advocate for Type 1 diabetes.

As training camp ramps up across the NFL, Schefter joined USA TODAY Sports for a one-on-one interview where he discussed the latest news out of camps and the importance of screening for Type 1 diabetes.

Schefter’s wife, Sharri, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and he said seeing her experience managing the disease led to a partnership with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to raise more awareness around screening for it.

‘It’s so important to take that first step and make a plan,’ Schefter said. ‘Make that plan today. Advocate for yourself, for your family, and talk to your doctor about screening.’

Adam Schefter discusses training camp contract disputes

Through less than a week of training camp practices, there has been no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.

Some of the biggest ongoing stories involve contract disputes between some star players and their respective teams. Schefter mentioned the talks between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders as well as edge rusher Micah Parsons’ negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys as two storylines he’s keeping an eye on.

But perhaps the most notable disputes have been those occurring in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have struggled to finalize deals with two of their defenders. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the state of Ohio rather than showing up to camp, and incoming rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart was one of the last remaining unsigned draftees in the entire 2025 class until he agreed to terms Friday.

The reason for each dispute is different, but the result has been the same: neither player has been practicing at training camp.

‘Most every contract dispute is resolved eventually,’ Schefter said. ‘It’s very rare that a full year goes by and a player doesn’t play. Now, when they get resolved and how they get resolved are entirely different questions.

‘All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida. The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn’t gotten that.’

Meanwhile, Stewart was holding out because he wanted the language in his rookie deal to reflect that of the previous rookie contracts the Bengals have given out.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway reported that the Bengals wanted the option to void future guarantees for their first-round pick. Stewart contested that it would be unfair to accept a deal like that after other recent Cincinnati first-rounders’ rookie contracts did not include that language.

Said Schefter: ‘To me, that doesn’t make sense for either side to prolong this and make him sit any longer. Figure out the language, get in the room, get it done. Somebody’s got to give up something to get that young man in camp and to begin to get him the reps that he needs.’

On Friday, USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon confirmed Schefter’s report that Stewart and Cincinnati had finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart agreed to accept the new language in his contract in exchange for an additional $550,000 in signing bonus money he’ll receive upon signing the deal.

Even with Stewart’s negotiations in the rearview mirror for the Bengals, their issues figuring out an extension for Hendrickson still loom large.

Schefter couldn’t say which contract dispute may get resolved first between Hendrickson’s issues with the Bengals or Parsons and McLaurin with Dallas and Washington, respectively. Things could change in a day, he said, so it’s very hard to predict.

Adam Schefter on the Browns’ quarterback battle

Evaluating rookie quarterback performances and their first-year outlooks is an annual training camp and preseason tradition.

This year features an extra bit of intrigue with Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders’ son – fighting for the starting job in Cleveland. He has his work cut out for him in a crowded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, are also battling for the Week 1 starting job.

‘Could Shedeur Sanders win (the starting job)? Yes. Is that the most likely scenario? No,’ Schefter said. ‘I think it’s more likely that Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be the opening day starter.’

That came with the caveat that either of those players would have to ‘play winning football…to keep that job.’ Should Flacco or Pickett falter, the leash on either quarterback likely won’t be long with Sanders (and Gabriel) waiting in the wings.

The odds may be long, but Sanders still does have a chance to win the starting job in the preseason. Schefter pointed to Cowboys starter Dak Prescott and Giants (former Seahawks) starter Russell Wilson as examples of late-drafted rookie quarterbacks who stole the show in training camp.

‘If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is going to find a way to win the opening day starting quarterback job of the Cleveland Browns, you’re going to have to see that particular quarterback light it up in the preseason. Like you’re going to have to watch them and say, ‘I don’t know how they’re going to keep this guy off the field.’ That’s what it’s going to take,’ Schefter said.

‘Is one of them going to do that? We’ll see. Probably not, but not out of the question.’

Who are other rookie quarterbacks to watch?

Outside of the Browns’ rookie quarterback situation, two other first-year quarterbacks are looking to make their mark in 2025: Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough and Giants first-rounder Jaxson Dart.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced Dart will start the year backing up the aforementioned Wilson, but Schefter thinks Shough’s got a good chance to start Week 1.

‘Their (the Saints’) other quarterbacks are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler,’ he said. ‘Neither one of those is proven or established. So Tyler Shough clearly is going to have an opportunity to win that starting quarterback job. That is well within his reach.’

As for Dart, Schefter said there’s a high expectation that he’ll get an opportunity to play at some point during the 2025 season. The bigger question is when, exactly, that might happen.

Schefter said, ‘I think you could look at the schedule and you just never know. If the Giants defense is as good as they think it can be, and they can find a way to surprise and keep things competitive, maybe Russell Wilson’s leash is extended. If it’s not, and they’re struggling and they’re 0-3, 0-4, then maybe it’s shortened. I think a lot will be dependent upon their win-loss production early in the year.

‘I think that they feel really happy and confident and comfortable on the quarterback that they got in Jaxson Dart. But obviously Russell’s going to get the first opportunity and we’ll see what he winds up doing with it.’

Another big question for the Giants and Dart is whether Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen earned themselves more job security by drafting the rookie first-rounder.

John Mara, one of the co-owners of the G-Men, said after the 2024 season that he’d ‘just about run out of patience’ with the coach and GM, yet they still got the runway to stick around and draft a young gunslinger.

Schefter said it’s still too early to predict whether the decision to draft Dart has truly saved either person’s job just yet.

‘If (the Giants) come out, they’re flat, another disappointment, fans are angry, planes are flying more banners – ‘Fire Daboll,’ ‘Fire Schoen’ – then yeah, then the (owners are) going to be forced to make a move,’ he said.

Schefter discusses Travis Hunter, J.J. McCarthy expectations

As the 2025 season approaches, two players with the most uncertain expectations are Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter and Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

For Hunter, the biggest question is how Jacksonville – led by offensive-minded rookie head coach Liam Coen – will deploy the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Colorado product played both wide receiver and cornerback in college, but will he be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball in a similar way in the pros?

According to Schefter, the Jaguars likely will allow Hunter to play both offense and defense, but they’re prioritizing Hunter’s contributions as a receiver first.

‘They told me around the draft that they want to onboard him as a wide receiver, so it certainly sounds like he’s going to start out as a wide receiver,’ he said. ‘They’ll mix in defensive back, but maybe then they start shifting the scale and he’s more defensive back than wide receiver. It’s a lot for him to pick up and get adjusted to, but yeah, I think he’s definitely gonna have a role as a wide receiver.’

And as for McCarthy, he hopes to enter the 2025 season healthy after a knee injury during last year’s preseason robbed him of making his regular-season debut as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold stepped up and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season, nearly clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the process.

Minnesota’s decision to then let Darnold walk in free agency – therefore sticking with McCarthy instead – seems to say a lot about how highly the Vikings think of their 2024 first-round pick. However, last year’s results may also mean elevated expectations for the young quarterback in his first real season.

Those expectations get boosted higher when considering the rest of the talent in a stacked draft class for quarterbacks last year. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix were all fellow first-round quarterbacks last year who showed flashes of excellent potential in their 2024 rookie seasons.

Schefter said he expects McCarthy will ‘fit right into that group’ of young quarterbacks who have proven they can play.

The ESPN insider pointed out that McCarthy is in a great situation in Minnesota – he’s surrounded by offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson and coached by quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell.

Schefter also said that McCarthy’s father, whom he spoke to earlier this week, is ‘over the moon about how things are going’ in Minneapolis.

‘Clearly there are a lot of people that feel really good about the way J.J. McCarthy looks and the potential he has for the future and what’s ahead for him this season,’ Schefter said. ‘So, I think the arrow’s pointed up.’

Finishing school: All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman wants to sprint through the tape of this year, proving he can sustain an .839 OPS at a position young players often wear down in the second half.

Avoiding ignominy: After a 9-50 start buried them in a historic hole, the Rockies have improved to the point they are right on the cut line to break the Chicago White Sox’s one-year-old modern record of 121 losses, a “chase” that should come down to the last week of the season.

And of utmost importance, taking steps to ensure it doesn’t get any worse in 2026.

“These next two months, obviously it doesn’t look like we’re making the postseason this year, but we gotta act like it,” center fielder Mickey Moniak tells USA TODAY Sports. “Act like we’re making that run just to grow as a team and get better.

“And make sure next year, we’re in a spot where we can compete and have something like this year not happen again.”

For now, this year remains to be fully defined. At 27-78, the Rockies’ .257 winning percentage puts them just ahead of the White Sox’s .253 mark, although that’s a little deceiving. Chicago was 27-82 before the trade deadline, then proceeded to lose 24 of 28 games after its roster was strip-mined, digging a hole that not even a respectable September could overcome.

The Rockies’ long, hard goodbyes have only begun: Third baseman Ryan McMahon, their best all-around player, was dealt to the New York Yankees on July 25, and more players could be on their way out before the July 31 deadline.

Uncomfortably numb

On the field, the Rockies will have to plug holes, shift roles and find production from new faces. Off it, the psychic drag of bidding their best farewell is yet another hurdle.

“It feels like it happens so often, you almost grow numb to it,” says reliever Jake Bird, who debuted in 2022. “Mac’s an awesome guy. It was great having him around. A great player, especially on the defensive end. It’s just the nature of the business. It’s almost next man up.

“It sucks, but it’s part of the business. A new day and you gotta go out and compete.”

Says Moniak, whose .865 OPS likely means he’s found a permanent home in Colorado: “Mac’s been a Rockie his whole life. I’ve been here for a few months, just this year, and you instantly get the feel how much he he meant to this organization and the guys in this clubhouse.

“He was probably the leader of this team. Losing a guy like that, we’re going to miss him. But also at the end of the day, the organization made a decision they felt was best for it.

“I’m very excited for Mac to have the opportunity to go play in New York and try to hunt down a postseason this year and a World Series.”

Interim manager Warren Schaefer echoes that, noting his charges’ happiness for McMahon’s opportunities – he hit a game-tying two-run double at Yankee Stadium on Sunday – while lamenting his departure.

“I think they’ve processed it well. I think they understand,” says Schaefer, who’s posted a 20-44 record after Bud Black got off to a 7-33 start, resulting in the firing of Colorado’s all-time winningest manager. “At the same time, there’s a part of every guy in that clubhouse – especially the ones who have been with him for a long time – there’s a bit of sadness that he’s gone.

“I think that’s natural with a friend. But it’s not like he’s gone forever.”

The four days to come before the 6 p.m. ET deadline will be curious. Colorado has a bevy of veteran starters, yet none of them – Antonio Senzatela (6.68 ERA), left-hander Kyle Freeland (5.24) and German Marquez (5.67, on injured list with biceps injury) – have consistently distinguished themselves.

Bullpen arms are always in demand, yet Bird and current closer Seth Halvorsen have multiple years of club control remaining, with peripheral stats that may not compel contenders to pay a premium for those future years.

It’s a similar situation with a handful of veteran position players, whose acquisitions wouldn’t necessarily make anyone’s list of “MLB Trade Deadline Winners,” but would nonetheless leave holes on an inexperienced team grasping for any sense of consistency.

‘We’ve gotta learn how to win’

It’s already a lineup filled with folks like DH Yanquiel Fernandez, who debuted on July 2, and first baseman Warming Bernabel, who was recalled after the McMahon trade and homered in his second career game.

The progress comes in the likely keepers the club has identified. Moniak, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Phillies, has, at 27, perhaps finally found a groove with his third team in four seasons.

While he lacks the All-Star berth McMahon once earned, he and other Rockies have seen some things in their career arcs that have value to the less experienced.

“Baseball’s kind of a revolving door of wisdom,” says Moniak. “All of us in here consider us family. Obviously, guys who have more time and been through more experiences can kind fo share that knowledge with the younger guys and pass on stuff that older guys pass on to them.”

For Goodman, it’s a matter of building on a season that, other than a soft May, has resulted in monthly OPSes of .829, 1.108 and .814. He’s caught 65 games and served as DH for 28 others, with an eye toward preserving his offensive vitality.

“I want to keep building off that. I want to play a full season, not just that first half,” says Goodman, a fourth-round pick in 2021 from the University Memphis who has stuck in his third season with Colorado. “Since the second half started, as a team we’ve started playing better. There’s a lot of confidence in the locker room.

“We’ve got a really young team. We gotta learn to play the game the right way and learn how to win some ballgames.”

Preferably, one more than 41, the better to avoid the wrong sort of history. It is what will pass as drama for outside observers as the schedule drains away

Within the Rockies’ realm, the growth chart is far more difficult to measure, particularly if the team becomes even less recognizable after the deadline. How best to measure an ethos when the record is so grim?

“Continuing to play baseball the right way. Stringing two months together of mostly playing nine-inning games, full games,” says Schaeffer. “Playing aggressive baseball. The goal when I’m evaluating on a day-to-day basis is the style of play. The intent of what we’re doing at the plate.

“Just seeing progress in all facets on a daily basis.”

And hopefully, never having to do this again.

COOPERSTOWN, NY. — The day was filled with passionate speeches, inspirational messages, and ended Sunday with a comedy show by the least suspecting Hall of Famer, with most of the audience unaware he even spoke English.

Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese Hall of Famer in baseball history, brought down the house with one of the most humorous speeches since the late Bob Uecker.

Suzuki, who has had a full-time interpreter since he arrived in the United States in 2001, delivered his entire speech in English, cracking jokes with a perfect delivery, entertaining the crowd of 30,000 at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He was one of five players inducted in the 76^th induction ceremony, joined by CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner and the late Dick Allen and Dave Parker.

“People often measure me by my records,’’ Suzuki said. “3,000 hits, 10 Gold Gloves, 10 seasons of 200 hits. Not bad, huh?

But the truth is that without baseball, you would say, ‘This guy is such a dumbass.”

Suzuki’s comedy act was just beginning, reciting baseball stats, his 3,089 hits, his record 262-hit season, and saying how his career was recognized by the Baseball Writers Association of America, but it still wasn’t good enough for the one anonymous writer who didn’t vote for him, preventing him from joining Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous Hall of Famers in history.

He paused, listened to the laughter from the crowd, and then with a perfect delivery said, “Oh, by the way, and that offer for that writer to have dinner at my house has now … expired.’’

He thanked the Seattle Mariners and Hall of Fame GM Pat Gillick for believing in him and signing him in 2001, thanked the New York Yankees for his 2 ½ years with them, and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for his valuable leadership. And then thanked the Miami Marlins for extending his career for three more years, but with a twist:

“Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015,’’ Suzuki said, pausing again, “I had never heard of your team.’’

Suzuki’s teammates all knew that he spoke perfect English, and had a delightful sense of humor, but now the baseball world became clued into his secret.

“I played with him for three years, so I knew he could do that,’’ Sabathia said. “I was just excited for people to get to know his personality and how funny he is.’’

In the press conference after the ceremony, Suzuki said there was never any thought to delivering his speech in Japanese, saying it was important to him to provide humor to the fans and baseball officials in attendance in Cooperstown, while also making sure everyone understood the importance of respecting the game.

“I always said that being a Hall of Famer wasn’t a goal,’’ Suzuki said, “but to make people laugh here was a goal of mine.’’

The only time Suzuki spoke Japanese during his entire speech was thanking Hideo Nomo for giving him the courage to play Major League Baseball.

“Because of Hideo’s courage,’’ Suzuki said, my eyes opened to the idea of challenging myself by going somewhere I never imagined.”

Nomo was the first Japanese player in 30 years to play in MLB in 1995, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was an inspiration to Suzuki, who wrote an essay when he was in the sixth grade that he wanted to be a professional baseball player.

“I think you can imagine, there was much doubt when I tried to become the first position player from Japan in MLB,” he said. “But it was more than just that. There was criticism and negativity. Someone even said to me, ‘Don’t embarrass the nation.’

“I encourage young players to dream, and dream big, but to also understand the difference between your dream and the goal. In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important to achieve it.’’

CC Sabathia hopes to see more Blacks in baseball

Sabathia stressed throughout his speech and afterwards in a press conference, that he wants to do everything in his power to make sure he’s not the last Black pitcher inducted into the Hall of Fame. He wants to be a role model in hopes of increasing the Black population of baseball, declining to just 6% on opening-day rosters this season.

“When I first started watching baseball, and Dave Parker was crushing homers,’’ Sabathia said, “the number of black players in the major leagues was at its highest, about 18%. Me and my friends played the game because we saw all of those guys on TV. There was always somebody who looked like me in a baseball unfiorm.

“Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but the baseball culture has not always great for Black people. I hope we’re starting to turn that around. …

“I’m sitting here and thinking about it now, “Who’s next? Who’s the next Black starting pitcher to win 20 games? Will there be another? I don’t want to be the final Black pitcher standing here giving a Hall of Fame speech. I think it’s on me and the next generation to find that next kid.’’

Sabathia’s speech also was effusive in praise for the women in his life, from his mother, Margie, to his aunts and grandmother, Ethel Rufus, raising him in Vallejo, California. He wouldn’t be on stage this day, he said, if not for the love and support of his wife, Amber.

His mother used to put on catcher’s equipment to help him work on his pitching mechanics, and even talking about pitch selection in the garage. And he spent plenty of nights at his grandmother’s house where he would pick grapefruits from her tree and throw them at a folding chair used as a strikezone in the back yard. When he wanted to work at Marine World as a teenager, his grandmother wouldn’t let him, telling him he needed to focus on baseball.

“You’d be lucky to have even one of those women in your life,’’ Sabathia said, “and I had them all. A village of women who raised me, guided me, made me laugh, fed me, protected me, and a few times, literally save me, starting with my mom.’’

Billy Wagner’s wait finally ends

Wagner, who had to wait until the 10^th and final year of eligibility to enter the Hall of Fame while Suzuki and Sabathia made it on the first ballot, thanked dozens of teammates from Jeff Bagwell to Russ Springer to his pitching coaches to bullpen catchers to managers to writers. Wagner, 5-foot-10, is the second pitcher to be inducted under six feet tall.

“I wasn’t the biggest, I wasn’t left-handed [until twice breaking his right arm], I wasn’t supposed to be here,” Wagner said. “Perseverance isn’t just a trait. It’s a path to greatness.

“Being up here today, I feel like my baseball life has come full circle.”

Dave Parker: Poet

Parker, who died last month after battling Parkinson’s since 2012, was able to let his son, David Parker II, present just what he wanted to say in his Hall of Fame speech, and wrote a poem before he passed.

Here I am, 39.

About damn time.

I know I had to wait a little,

but that’s what you do with fine aged wine.

I’m a Pirate for life.

Wouldn’t have it no other way.

That was my family,

even though I didn’t go on Parade Day.

I love y’all, the Bucs on my heart

because those two championships I got,

y’all played in the first part.

I’m in the Hall now,

you can’t take that away.

That statue better look good —

you know I got a pretty face.

Top-tier athlete,

fashion icon,

sex symbol.

No reason to list the rest of my credentials.

I’m him, period.

The Cobra.

Known for my rocket arm,

and I will run any catcher over.

To my friends, families: I love y’all.

Thanks for staying by my side.

I told y’all Cooperstown would be my last ride.’’

Dick Allen presented by his widow

Allen’s widow, Willa Allen, spoke for the Allen family, letting people know that her husband was a kind and passionate man, and was much more than just a Hall of Fame ballplayer. She told the story about the time a 16-year-old fan asked for his autograph at Dodger Stadium. They talked for two hours, and Allen wound up helping him throughout his life. He was in attendance Sunday at the age of 70.

‘It’s not about where you come from, but where you’re determined to go,’’ Allen said. “It’s about principle, passion and determination.’’

When the ceremony ended, the players retreated to the Otesaga Hotel where they had a dinner for Hall of Fame players only. No family members. No friends. Just the players and commissioner Rob Manfred.

But, before they got together and sat down, Suzuki had a request to his new Hall of Fame teammates.

“I hope I can hold the values of the Hall of Fame,’’ Suzuki said. “But please, I am 51 years old now. So easy on the hazing.’’

Follow Bob Nightengale on X @Bnightengale.

In the span of a few days, the New York Yankees lost 3 ½ games in the standings and the reigning MVP to the injured list.

So how was your week?

Probably a little better than the Bronx Bombers, who got schooled again by the Toronto Blue Jays and nearly swept at home by the Philadelphia Phillies, while along the way losing Triple Crown threat Aaron Judge for at least 10 days with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

And they remain mired at ninth in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings as the Blue Jays ascend to a season-high No. 2.

If this keeps up, a wild card berth might be the only thing the Yankees have left to play for – the Blue Jays are the hottest team in the AL and essentially added another game to their 5 ½-game East lead by winning the season series from the Yankees. And while the Yankees are optimistic Judge may miss the minimum 10 days or not much beyond that, he’ll be parked at DH for at least the short term, further constraining the team’s options.

With third baseman Ryan McMahon already in tow, it’s quite fuzzy how much more the July 31 trade deadline can help – after all, it can’t get the Yankees’ MVP back any sooner.

A look at our updated rankings:

1. Chicago Cubs (+1)

• Went 5-1 against White Sox – and what if that schedule quirk was the difference in NL Central?

2. Toronto Blue Jays (+2)

• Another unsettling development for rivals: Max Scherzer strikes out 11, throws 96 pitches.

3. Milwaukee Brewers (-1)

• Huge week in MKE as Jacob Misiorowski starts opener of series vs. Cubs.

4. Detroit Tigers (-3)

• Cold streak really not the worst development: Still have a huge division lead and they learn what to shore up before trade deadline.

5. New York Mets (+3)

• Reel off seven in a row to ease past Phillies.

6. Philadelphia Phillies (+1)

• Would be an interesting destination for Eugenio Suárez.

7. Los Angeles Dodgers (-2)

• The Blakes Are Back, and not a moment too soon for beleagured pitching staff.

8. Houston Astros (-)

• Getting swept at home by the A’s is, um, not a good sign.

9. New York Yankees (-)

• You wonder what they really think of prospect Spencer Jones. We may find out this week.

10. San Diego Padres (-)

• If you enjoy good performance art, it’s trade deadline week and AJ Preller is still the GM.

11. Boston Red Sox (-)

• Aroldis Chapman exiting with back spasms a real deadline week stressor.

12. Texas Rangers (+5)

• They’ve run down the Mariners and are primed to be trade deadline aggressors.

13. Seattle Mariners (-1)

• Top priority is making sure Ichiro’s speech isn’t the biggest second-half highlight.

14. Cincinnati Reds (+1)

• Vroom, vroom! Reds are season-high six over .500 as Speedway Classic looms.

15. San Francisco Giants (-1)

• Rotation injuries may hasten the debut of noted pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

• Will it be four years in a row the Cardinals trade a player to eventual World Series champion?

17. Tampa Bay Rays (-4)

• Have lost six of nine since break, enough ammo to convince front office to blow it up a bit.

18. Cleveland Guardians (+2)

• A sweep of the Rockies just before the deadline would push them north of .500.

19. Kansas City Royals (+3)

• Signing Seth Lugo to a contract extension takes some of the sting out of disappointing season.

20. Miami Marlins (+3)

• Remarkable surge fueled by starting pitching, as Eury Perez might win NL honor for July.

21. Arizona Diamondbacks (-3)

• Zac Gallen perhaps the most intriguing figure this trade deadline.

22. Los Angeles Angels (-3)

• Mike Trout notches RBI No. 1,000 and his 400th homer could come this week.

23. Minnesota Twins (-2)

• Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax probably not available for suitors, as they’re years from free agency.

24. Baltimore Orioles (-)

• Crazy timing for oft-injured Tyler O’Neill to run off three homers in three games.

25. Athletics (+1)

• The distance on Nick Kurtz’s historic four home runs might have been enough to travel from Houston back to Yolo County.

26. Atlanta Braves (-1)

• Just stunningly bad, given their annual expectations.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)

• They win two Paul Skenes starts in one week.

28. Washington Nationals (-1)

• Gather ’round for a tradition unlike any other: The Annual Josh Bell Trade.

29. Chicago White Sox (-)

• Who knew Adrian Houser would become one of AL’s most dominant pitchers the past two months?

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

• Ryan McMahon may be their lone impact player to get traded.

One of Muhammad Ali’s former wives, in attendance at Claressa Shields’ victory over Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26, addressed a possible showdown between Shields and Laila Ali.

‘I think Laila needs to stay in the kitchen,’ Khalilah Camacho-Ali told Seconds Out after Shields beat Daniels by unanimous decision at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Camacho-Ali, the boxer’s second wife, repeated her kitchen comment during Shields’ post-fight press conference and also blurted out, “You the champ. You the champ.’’

Smiling, Shields responded, “Thank you. I am trying to whoop Laila Ali’s ass.’

Laila Ali is the daughter of the legendary boxer’s third wife, Veronica.

Shields has said her team put $15 million in escrow for Laila Ali — provided she agrees to fight Shields — in what is part of a simmering feud.

During an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Camacho-Ali expounded on her comments about Laila Ali.

‘Yeah, she’s a good cook,’ Camacho-Ali deadpanned. ‘I mean, she got all kind of spices in her name.’

Lailah Ali, 47, was 24-0 with 21 knockouts before she retired from boxing in 2007. But Camacho-Ali implied Laila Ali is more talented in the kitchen than she is in the boxing ring.

‘As a fighter, she’s not as good as Claressa,’ Camacho-Ali said. ‘She doesn’t have that bulldog attitude.’

Shields, 30, improved to 17-0 with three knockouts after her victory over Daniels. Camacho-Ali said she attended Shields’ last two fights, both in Detroit, because she already was in the city for other engagements.

Laila Ali indicated she wanted $15 million to $20 million to fight Shields. But Camacho-Ali said she doesn’t think it’d be worth it, speculating that a loss in the boxing ring could undermine Laila Ali’s success in business and reputation. She is married to retired NFL receiver Curtis Conway and has two teenage children.

‘I think she’s a great young woman with a beautiful family,’ Camacho-Ali said. ‘I think she needs to leave (boxing) alone. She’s too old for that and she’s not that good.’

The Dallas Cowboys have a propensity to take an inordinate amount of time to extend star players.

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb agreed to terms on an extension in late August of last year. Quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t get his lucrative-deal finalized until the day of the Cowboys’ Week 1 season opener.  

Jerry Jones is following a similar script with pass rusher Micah Parsons.

The expectation is the Cowboys and Parsons will finalize a record extension before the start of the regular season, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

However, the typical waiting game Jones likes to play is only costing the Cowboys owner more money.

Yesterday’s price isn’t today’s price.

The market for edge rushers has increased this offseason after the Cleveland Browns re-signed Myles Garrett to a four-year extension that averages $40 million per year and the Pittsburgh Steelers inked T.J. Watt to a three-year, $123 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Parsons’ next deal is believed to exceeded them both.

Jones and the Cowboys could’ve saved millions of dollars if they re-signed Parsons last offseason, or even before Garrett or Watt got their contracts finished.

“I will never understand it,’ Parsons said in an interview with WWE wrestler Mark Calaway, better known as The Undertaker. ‘We wanted to do the contract last year – then you go out there and perform again. You would think, ‘All right, we’ll get it done early, we know some guys are about to get re-paid.’ There’s Myles [Garrett], Maxx [Crosby] is going, so you would think, ‘Hey, let’s get ahead of that.’

‘You can’t want us to take less (now) because you’re the one that decided to wait.’

Several members of Parsons’ 2021 draft class inked what at time were record deals. The Cincinnati Bengals made Ja’Marr Chase the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, and the Los Angeles Chargers gave left tackle Rashawn Slater the richest contract in NFL history for an offensive lineman by average annual salary. Slater, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 draft, was selected one spot after Parsons in the 2021 draft.

Rams’ Jared Verse tested the legendary Aaron Donald: ‘Never doing that again’

Dallas even managed to get an extension complete for tight end Jake Ferguson on Sunday. Perhaps the contract negotiation saga(s) for Cowboys star players are strategic. The longer Parsons’ contract ordeal continues, the longer the situation stays in the news. Forbes named the Cowboys the world’s richest franchise, worth an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024. Much of the Cowboys’ value is because of the franchise’s unparalleled ability to stay relevant and in the media.

Parsons’ ongoing contract situation is one of the main (if not the top) stories in the league right now.

Jones is accustomed to high-profile contract situations. They tend to drag on longer than necessary. But it seems to be part of Jones’ playbook to keep “America’s Team” in the news.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.