Sports

NFL Pass Rushers Cash In: Watt, Garrett, Crosby Lead Mega Deals as Training Camp Opens

Published

11 months ago

July 25, 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – NFL training camps are now underway across the country, and every team is locked in on the same mission: win the Super Bowl. But as players report, one key position group has stolen the spotlight—pass rushers. From blockbuster contracts to public holdouts, defensive linemen are once again proving why they are the most valuable assets behind quarterbacks.

Elite Pass Rushers Cash In Big

The modern NFL has placed a premium on pass rushers who can disrupt quarterbacks and generate sacks. That importance is reflected in the skyrocketing contracts signed by some of the league’s top edge defenders this offseason.

T.J. Watt missed all of OTAs and minicamp while seeking a new deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The organization ultimately made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history with a 3-year, $123 million extension, including $108 million guaranteed.
Myles Garrett, the former Defensive Player of the Year, requested a trade earlier this offseason. The Cleveland Browns responded by locking him in with a 4-year, $160 million deal, which includes $123.5 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause.
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders signed a 3-year, $106.5 million extension, with $91 million guaranteed.
George Karlaftis of the Kansas City Chiefs reached a 4-year, $93 million extension, with $62 million guaranteed just last Sunday.

These deals highlight a trend: if you’re an elite pass rusher, teams are willing to pay top dollar to keep you.

High-Stakes Holdouts and Contract Drama

While some stars are getting paid, others are still waiting. The Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons—a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro—have yet to agree on an extension. Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is projected to command $40+ million annually.

Team owner Jerry Jones has taken a slow approach, stating during the NFL Annual League Meeting:

“I don’t view it as urgent at all… a lot of the time, the earlier you get something done, the more mistakes you make.”

Parsons responded calmly:

“As long as I’m here and under contract, I’m going to perform at the highest level. But if this is the end, this is the end.”

The comments drew criticism from NFL legends like J.J. Watt, who tweeted:

“Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you.”
Parsons retweeted Watt’s message, signaling his agreement.

Elsewhere, Odafe Oweh of the Baltimore Ravens is entering the final year of his contract after a breakout 2024 season with 10 sacks. While he’s interested in an extension, no deal has materialized. He’s still reporting to camp and added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason, boosting his weight from 245 to 265 lbs.

Bengals’ Pass Rusher Crisis: Hendrickson and Stewart Hold Out

The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with two major holdouts that threaten to derail their defense once again in 2025.

Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 (and had 17.5 in 2023), is refusing to report to training camp until he receives a new contract. He called the team’s guaranteed money offer “atrociously low.”
Bengals President Mike Brown said, “We will get it done at some point… I think we are in a good spot,” but no deal has been finalized.
Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, remains unsigned. He’s training independently at Texas A&M and has openly challenged critics, saying:

“I’m 100 percent right… you all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games.”

Brown dismissed Stewart’s stance as “foolishness,” adding frustration over stalled negotiations. Stewart, considered raw as a prospect, had only 4.5 sacks in his college career, including 1.5 last season, making his absence from camp even more problematic.

These holdouts come as the Bengals aim to fix a defense that contributed to them missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

What’s Next?

Parsons Extension Watch: If Dallas doesn’t move quickly, it risks creating a long-term rift with its best defensive player.
Bengals at a Crossroads: Hendrickson’s veteran status gives him leverage, but Shemar Stewart’s development will suffer the longer his holdout continues.
Oweh’s Momentum: After bulking up and producing a breakout year, his 2025 season could be his ticket to a major payday.
Market Reset Looming: If Parsons’ deal sets a new financial benchmark, the ripple effects will be felt across the NFL among younger pass rushers nearing contract years.

Marcus Richardson, a sports reporter for Florida National News, contributed to this report. He can be reached at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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South Florida News

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

FNN SPORTS

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.

The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE

While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.

Sports

Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player

Published

6 days ago

June 12, 2026

Willie David

Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player

Source: The UFL / Orlando Storm

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The United Football League has named Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player after a record-setting regular season that helped lead the franchise to the league’s best record.

Plummer becomes the third quarterback to earn the UFL’s highest individual honor, following Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers in 2025 and Adrian Martinez of the Birmingham Stallions in 2024.

The award was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches, players, media members and broadcast partners based on performances during the recently completed 10-game regular season.

Plummer Credits Team, Coaches

“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player,” Plummer said. “While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey.”

Plummer thanked his teammates and coaching staff, specifically Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht, for helping him reach the milestone.

“I also want to extend a special thank you to Coach Becht,” Plummer said. “His leadership, trust and belief in me have had a tremendous impact on my development as a player and as a person.”

Dominant Season Under Center

In the Storm’s inaugural season, Plummer guided Orlando to an 8-2 record and the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.

He led the UFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (195) and quarterback rating (104.1) while throwing 17 touchdown passes. Plummer completed 65% of his passes and threw just one interception all season.

The Storm offense led the league with an average of 208.3 passing yards per game.

“Jack personifies exactly what an elite UFL quarterback should look like,” Becht said. “His leadership, his ability to process information and make plays at any moment made him the most valuable player in the UFL.”

Historic Numbers and Signature Moments

Plummer scored or accounted for a touchdown in every game this season and threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of Orlando’s 10 regular-season contests.

He completed 75% or more of his passes in three games and recorded three-touchdown performances in victories against the Louisville Kings and D.C. Defenders.

Among his most impressive accomplishments was setting a UFL record with 255 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.

Plummer also earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 after leading Orlando to a 34-21 victory over the Dallas Renegades that clinched a playoff berth.

In that game, he threw for 238 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run that remains the longest rushing play by a quarterback in the UFL this season.

Storm Set for Playoff Run

With Plummer leading the offense, Orlando enters the playoffs as the league’s top seed and one of the favorites to compete for the 2026 UFL Championship.

Sports

USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

Published

7 days ago

June 12, 2026

FNN SPORTS

LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.

The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.

The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.

Balogun Makes World Cup History

Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.

Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

Defense Holds Strong

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.

Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.

Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Reyna Finishes the Job

The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.

Group D Standings

With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.

The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.