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FOOTBALL
Stars skip minicamp
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin skipped the start of their respective mandatory minicamps Tuesday while holding out for new contracts. Watt, 30, a four-time All-Pro and the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, signed a four-year extension in September 2021 that was scheduled to pay him $112 million and made him the highest-paid defender in the league at the time. Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett now holds that honor after signing a deal worth $40 million a season in March. The decision to skip minicamp is a change from Watt's approach in 2021, when he did a "hold in" during both minicamp and training camp before agreeing to a contract on the eve of the regular season. Hendrickson is expected to be fined for his absence, as Coach Zac Taylor warned him about last month. Hendrickson was an All-Pro selection last season after he led the league with 17 1/2 sacks. He made an appearance during an offseason workout last month specifically to speak to reporters and vent his frustrations. Hendrickson, 30, is looking for a long-term contract with a significant chunk of guaranteed money, and he said the Bengals were just offering a short-term deal. After dealing with holdouts by receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last season, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow agreed when asked if Hendrickson's absence was a distraction. "We're all supporting Trey and would love for him to be back," Burrow said. McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, is also only signed through next season. "Hey, sometimes football and business, they intersect and this is one of those times," Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday. "Terry is a fantastic teammate and really puts in the work, and we spent a lot of time with him already this offseason." He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving each of the past five seasons and fell only 81 short in his rookie year because he missed games because of an injury. McLaurin, who dealt with quarterback roulette for the quite some time after breaking into the league, caught a career-high 13 touchdowns and was a second-team All-Pro last season with rookie Jayden Daniels as the starter and Marcus Mariota the backup. Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons and Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, both Pro Bowlers each of the past two seasons, are looking for new deals heading into the final year of their rookie contracts, but both players attended the first day of their respective minicamps and avoided fines. "I like my money," Cook said. "That's why I'm here."
Thompson joins Bills
The Buffalo Bills signed Shaq Thompson to a one-year contract on Tuesday, providing the veteran linebacker an opportunity to continue his career after two injury-shortened seasons. The 31-year-old Thompson was not re-signed by Carolina in March after spending his first 10 seasons with the Panthers. He joins the Bills, where he's reunited with Coach Sean McDermott, who was Carolina's defensive coordinator during Thompson's first two seasons with the team after being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. Thompson is also familiar with Bills linebackers coach Al Holcomb and General Manager, Brandon Beane, who have previous ties to the player's time in Carolina. Thompson was a starter in Carolina from his rookie season, and enjoyed a stretch from 2019-2022 in which he topped 100 tackles each year, before being slowed by injuries. He's appeared in just six games over the past two years after breaking his ankle in 2023 and then tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 4 the following year.
Denver picks up Dobbins
The Denver Broncos beefed up their offensive backfield Tuesday, agreeing with free agent running back J.K. Dobbins on a one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million. A 2020 second-round pick by Baltimore, Dobbins has an extensive injury history, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, but he's been productive when healthy. He gained a career-best 905 yards on 195 carries and tied his career high with nine rushing touchdowns last year with the Los Angeles Chargers despite missing four games with a sprained knee. If healthy, Dobbins figures to be one of the primary ballcarriers along with rookie R.J. Harvey, a second-round draft pick out of Central Florida.
Vikings re-sign TE Oliver
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with tight end Josh Oliver on a three-year contract extension worth more than $23 million Tuesday, enhancing their commitment to a key part of their running game. Oliver's deal, which was done right before the team took the field for the beginning of the three-day mandatory minicamp, has a maximum value of $27.5 million that includes $19.9 million in guaranteed money. Oliver had career highs last season with 258 receiving yards and three touchdowns while expanding his involvement in the passing attack along with his primary role as a run blocker. With fellow tight end T.J. Hockenson a significant down-field complement to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Oliver has benefited by frequently finding himself open on the limited occasions he's running a route.
BASEBALL
Kjerstad sent to minors
The Baltimore Orioles optioned outfielder Heston Kjerstad (Arkansas Razorbacks) to Class AAA Norfolk on Tuesday and designated infielder Emmanuel Rivera for assignment to make room for former All-Stars Cedric Mullins and Jordan Westburg, who both returned from the 10-day injured list. In addition, the Orioles placed utility player Jorge Mateo on the 10-day injured list with elbow inflammation. The move is retroactive to June 7. Mateo was replaced on the roster by infielder Luis Vazquez, who was recalled from Norfolk. Kjerstad had hit .192 with 45 strikeouts in 54 games. Rivera had a .232 batting average in 25 games. Mullins, who returned after being sidelined since May 28 with a strained right hamstring, went 0 for 4 at the plate Tuesday during the Orioles' 5-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Westburg, who had been out with a left hamstring strain since late April, hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.
Chapman hits IL
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a sprained right hand after a weekend injury against Atlanta. The move is retroactive to Monday. The Giants said Chapman will be examined by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles on Friday. The club could then provide an update on when he might be ready to return. Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner, hurt his hand in the eighth inning Sunday when he dived back to first base on a pickoff attempt. The 32-year-old Chapman is batting .243 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI in 65 games during his second season with the Giants.
SOCCER
Swiss grill Americans
The United States gave up four goals in the first half and looked unprepared for next year's home World Cup, getting routed by Switzerland 4-0 in a friendly Tuesday. The American men have now lost four straight games for the first time since 2007 and four consecutive home games for the first time since 1988. Dan Ndoye scored in the 13th minute, Michel Aebischer in the 23rd, Breel Embolo in the 33rd and Johan Manzambi in the 36th. The Swiss won their third straight match and extended the U.S. winless streak against European opponents to eight games since 2021. The Americans were missing Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Sergino Dest for various reasons.