Sports
Top NFC East Stars McLaurin, Parsons Want Out Over Contract Frustrations
Published
1 year agoon
DALLAS, Tex. (FNN SPORTS) – Two of the biggest stars in the NFC East, wide receiver Terry McLaurin and linebacker Micah Parsons, have requested trades from their respective teams due to unresolved contract issues.
Terry McLaurin Frustrated Over Stalled Contract Talks
Terry McLaurin, a 7-year veteran and fan favorite for the Washington Commanders, officially requested a trade after ending his holdout last Sunday. McLaurin had skipped all mandatory minicamp and OTAs, expressing dissatisfaction with what he called “stagnant” contract negotiations.
Though he reported to training camp, McLaurin was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list—a move widely interpreted as a “hold-in.” This allows him to avoid daily fines while not participating in practice under the guise of injury. Sources believe McLaurin would resume practice if he either signs a new deal or is traded.
Nicknamed “Scary Terry,” McLaurin is coming off his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and ranked second in the league last season with 13 receiving touchdowns, behind only Ja’Marr Chase. However, the financial terms remain a major point of contention. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McLaurin is seeking more than $33 million per year, surpassing DK Metcalf’s deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Washington loves and values Terry McLaurin—but they value him at a different price,” said Schefter. The team has not publicly addressed whether they will pursue a trade or work to retain their star wideout.
Micah Parsons Calls Out Cowboys for Lack of Negotiation
In Dallas, linebacker Micah Parsons, entering the final year of his rookie contract, dropped a bombshell on social media by requesting a trade. He cited a complete lack of contract talks as the tipping point.
“The team has not had a single conversation with my agent about a contract,” Parsons posted on X (formerly Twitter), despite numerous public statements from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the situation. At the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, Jones told reporters, “I don’t view it as urgent at all,” and even made remarks suggesting Parsons’ injury last season was a concern.
These comments drew sharp criticism—including a reaction from 2-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. “Nothing makes guys want to fight for you more than hearing how upset you are that they got hurt while fighting for you,” Watt posted, which Parsons then retweeted.
In his trade request post, Parsons wrote, “I no longer want shots taken at me for getting injured while laying it on the line for the organization.”
Fallout: Players React, Teams Stay Silent
Parsons’ teammates have rallied behind him, including star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who posted, “Never fails… Just pay the man what you owe em. No need for the extracurricular.” Parsons retweeted the comment in support. Cornerback Trevon Diggs and several others also changed their profile pictures to Parsons’ image in solidarity.
Despite the tension, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the Dallas Cowboys have no intention of trading Parsons, though other NFL teams are expected to make inquiries.
As both stars face uncertain futures, all eyes are now on the front offices in Washington and Dallas to see whether they will pay up—or part ways.
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Marcus Richardson, a sports reporter for Florida National News, contributed to this report. Contact him at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves
Published
1 day agoon
October 24, 2026Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.
Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Third-quarter struggles prove costly
Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com
Carter leads Orlando
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters
Perimeter shooting remains a concern
Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com
Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships
Published
3 days agoon
October 22, 2026By
FNN SPORTSThe fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.
Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.
Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.
Eligibility and Scholarships
Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.
The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.
After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.
On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction
Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.
The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.
Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.
Program Draws International Interest
The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.
Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Published
3 days agoon
October 22, 2026By
FNN SPORTSOrlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
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