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49ers Sign Dillard, Flowers, Petit-Frere and 12 Rookies; Waive Three Players

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49ers Sign Dillard, Flowers, Petit-Frere and 12 Rookies; Waive Three Players


The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have signed OL Andre Dillard, CB Dallis Flowers and OL Nicholas Petit-Frere to one-year deals. The team also signed seven of the team’s 2025 draft picks, each to four-year deals, along with five undrafted rookie free agents, and waived/failed physical DL Drake Jackson, waived OL Jalen McKenzie and waived/injured CB Tre Tomlinson.

Dillard (6-5, 315) was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 22nd overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his six-year career with the Eagles (2019-22), Tennessee Titans (2023) and Green Bay Packers (2024), he has appeared in 69 games (19 starts) and has also played in five postseason contests for Philadelphia. In 2024, he appeared in 10 games with Green Bay.

A 29-year-old native of Woodinville, WA, Dillard attended Washington State University (2014-18) where he appeared in 42 games (39 starts) and earned First-Team All-Pac-12 as a senior in 2018.

Flowers (6-1, 196) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. Throughout his three-year career with the Colts (2022-24) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024), he has appeared in 23 games (five starts) and registered 32 tackles, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in addition to six special teams tackles. In 2024, he appeared in six games and recorded 9 tackles with Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.

A 27-year-old native of Oak Park, IL, Flowers attended Robert Morris University, Tiffin University and Grand View University before transferring to Pittsburg State University (2016-21).

Petit-Frere (6-5, 316) was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (69th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout his three-year career with the Titans (2022-24), he has appeared in 34 games (28 starts). In 2024, he appeared in 15 games (10 starts) with Tennessee.

A 27-year-old native of Tampa, FL, Petit-Frere attended Ohio State University (2018-22) where he appeared in 35 games (20 starts) and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors his junior season in 2021.

  • LB Nick Martin (5-11, 221), Oklahoma State
  • CB Upton Stout (5-9, 181), Western Kentucky
  • WR Jordan Watkins (5-11, 196), Mississippi
  • RB Jordan James (5-9, 208), Oregon
  • S Marques Sigle (5-11, 199), Kansas State
  • OL Connor Colby (6-5, 309), Iowa
  • WR Junior Bergen (5-9, 184), Montana
  • RB Corey Kiner (5-9, 209), Cincinnati
  • OL Drew Moss (6-3, 303), Colorado State
  • WR Isaiah Neyor (6-4, 218), Nebraska
  • CB Jakob Robinson (5-10, 181), Brigham Young
  • DL Sebastian Valdez (6-3, 301), Washington

See below for detailed player biographies of the signed players:

LB Nick Martin
5-11, 221
Oklahoma State

Was the first of two third-round draft picks (75th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Oklahoma State. Appeared in 35 games (19 starts) over 4 seasons at Oklahoma State (2021-24) and registered 203 tackles, 23.5 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, 4 PDs, 2 INTs, 2 FFs and 2 FRs. In 2024, started all 5 games he appeared in and registered 47 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack, 2 PDs, 1 FF and 1 FR. In 2023, started in 14 games and recorded 140 tackles, 16.0 TFLs, 6.0 sacks, 2 PDs, 2 INTs, 1 FF and 1 FR, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors. In 2022, appeared in 13 games and tallied 15 tackles. As a freshman in 2021, appeared in 3 games and registered 1 tackle before redshirting. Born 10/13/02 in Texarkana, TX.

CB Upton Stout
5-9, 181
Western Kentucky

Was the second of two third-round draft picks (100th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Western Kentucky. Appeared in 45 games (34 starts) over 5 seasons at Western Kentucky (2022-24) and North Texas (2020-21) and registered 166 tackles, 21 PDs, 10.0 TFLs, 6 INTs (2 returned for TDs), 1.5 sacks, 1 FF and 1 FR. In 2024, started in 12 games and recorded 52 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 2 PDs, 1.0 sack and 1 INT, earning First-Team All-Conference USA honors. In 2023, appeared in 7 games (6 starts) and tallied 29 tackles, 9 PDs, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, (returned for a TD), 1 FF, 1 FR and 0.5 sack. In 2022, appeared in 14 games (11 starts) and totaled 44 tackles, 6 PDs, 4 INTs and 0.5 sack, earning Conference USA Honorable Mention honors. In 2021 at North Texas, appeared in 4 games (2 starts) and tallied 6 tackles and 1 PD. As a freshman in 2020, appeared in 8 games (3 starts) during the shortened COVID-19 season and totaled 35 tackles, 3 PDs and 0.5 TFL. Born 1/9/02 in Houston, TX.

WR Jordan Watkins
5-11, 196
Mississippi

Was the second of two fourth-round draft picks (138th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Mississippi. Appeared in 60 games (42 starts) over 5 seasons at Mississippi (2022-24) and Louisville (2020-21) and registered 185 recepts. for 2,682 yds. and 18 TDs. In 2024, started in 12 games and registered 49 recepts. for 906 yds. and 9 TDs. In 2023, appeared in 13 games (11 starts) and recorded 53 recepts. for 741 yds. and 3 TDs. In 2022, appeared in 13 games (10 starts) and notched 40 recepts. for 449 yds. and 2 TDs. In 2021 at Louisville, appeared in 12 games (11 starts) and registered 35 recepts. for 529 yds. and 4 TDs. As a freshman in 2020, appeared in 10 games (2 starts) and tallied 8 recepts. for 57 yds. Born 2/15/02 in Louisville, KY.

RB Jordan James
5-9, 208
Oregon

Was the first of two fifth-round draft picks (147th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Oregon. Appeared in 38 games (14 starts) over 3 seasons at Oregon (2022-24) and registered 386 carries for 2,215 yds. and 31 TDs on the ground to go along with 42 recepts. for 347 yds. and 1 TD through the air. In 2024, started in 14 games and registered 233 carries for 1,267 yds. and 15 TDs on the ground to go along with 26 recepts. for 209 yds. through the air, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2023, appeared in 14 games and recorded 107 carries for 759 yds. and 11 TDs on the ground while adding 15 recepts. for 132 yds. and 1 TD through the air. As a freshman in 2022, appeared in 10 games and tallied 46 carries for 189 yds. and 5 TDs on the ground to go along with 1 recept. for 6 yds. through the air. Born 3/29/04 in Nashville, TN.

S Marques Sigle
5-11, 199
Kansas State

Was the second of two fifth-round draft picks (160th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Kansas State. Appeared in 50 games (25 starts) over 5 seasons at Kansas State (2023-24) and North Dakota State (2020-22) and registered 174 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack, 7 INTs, 26 PDs and 2 FFs. In 2024, started in 13 games and registered 60 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 6 PDs and 3 INTs (1 returned for a TD). In 2023, started in 12 games and recorded 63 tackles, 10 PDs, 3.0 TFLs and 1 INT, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. In 2022 at North Dakota State, appeared in 11 games and tallied 27 tackles, 5 PDs, 2 INTs (1 returned for a TD), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 sack and 1 FF. In 2021, appeared in 13 games and notched 23 tackles, 5 PDs, 1 INT and 1 FF, earning MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors. In 2020 as a freshman, appeared in 1 game during the shortened COVID-19 season and registered 1 tackle before redshirting. Born 7/18/02 in Omaha, NE.

OL Connor Colby
6-5, 309
Iowa

Was the second of three seventh-round draft picks (249th overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Iowa. Appeared in 54 games (50 starts) over 4 seasons at Iowa (2021-24). In 2024, started all 13 games he appeared in and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2023, appeared in 14 games (13 starts) and earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2022, started all 13 games he appeared in. As a true freshman in 2021, appeared in 14 games (11 starts). Born 1/16/03 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

WR Junior Bergen
5-9, 184
Montana

Was the third of three seventh-round draft picks (252nd overall) selected by the 49ers in this year’s draft out of Montana. Appeared in 51 games over 4 seasons at Montana (2021-24) and registered 145 recepts. for 1,777 yds. and 13 TDs, adding 139 carries for 577 yds. and 4 TDs. In 2024, appeared in 13 games and registered 48 recepts. for 542 yds. and 3 TDs, earning Associated Press FCS First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Sky honors. In 2023, appeared in 15 games and tallied 59 recepts. for 791 yds. and 5 TDs, adding 6 carries for 40 yds., earning Associated Press FCS Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Sky honors. In 2022, notched 17 recepts. for 214 yds. and 4 TDs, adding 14 carries for 42 yds., earning Third-Team All-Big Sky honors. As a freshman in 2021, appeared in 12 games and recorded 21 recepts. for 230 yds. and 1 TD through the air to go along with 118 carries for 493 yds. and 4 TDs on the ground. Born 10/23/02 in Billings, MT.

RB Corey Kiner
5-9, 209
Cincinnati

Appeared in 45 games (25 starts) over 4 seasons at Cincinnati (2022-24) and Louisiana State (2021) and registered 556 carries for 2,882 yds. and 16 TDs as well as 32 recepts. for 172 yds. In 2024, started in 12 games and registered 204 carries for 1,153 yds. and 4 TDs as well as 16 recepts. for 111 yds. In 2023, started in 12 games and registered 192 carries for 1,047 yds. and 5 TDs on the ground to go along with 12 recepts. for 49 yds. through the air. In 2022, appeared in 10 games and recorded 81 rushes for 362 yds. and 5 TDs to go along with 2 recepts for 2 yds. In 2021 at Louisiana State, appeared in 11 games (1 start) and tallied 79 carries for 320 yds. and 2 TDs as well as 2 recepts. for 10 yds. Born 1/21/02 in Cincinnati, OH.

OL Drew Moss
6-3, 303
Colorado State

Started all 47 games he appeared in over 4 seasons at Colorado State (2023-24) and Lamar (2021-22). In 2024, started all 13 games he appeared in and earned Second-Team All-MWC. As a junior in 2023, started all 12 games he appeared in, earning Honorable Mention All-MWC. In 2022 at Lamar, started all 11 games he appeared in. As a true freshman, started all 11 games he appeared in. Born 5/21/03 in Richardson, TX.

WR Isaiah Neyor
6-4, 218
Nebraska

Appeared in 33 games (24 starts) over 6 years at Nebraska (2024), Texas (2022-23) and Wyoming (2019-21) and registered 87 recepts. for 1,595 yds. and 17 TDs. In 2024, appeared in 12 games (10 starts) and registered 34 recepts. for 455 yds. and 5 TDs. In 2023 at Texas, appeared in one game and notched 1 recept. for 14 yds. Missed the 2022 season due to injury. In 2021 at Wyoming, started in 13 games and recorded 44 recepts. for 878 yds. and 12 TDs, earning Second-Team All-MWC honors. In 2020 as a redshirt freshman, appeared in 6 games (1 start) during the shortened COVID-19 season and notched 8 recepts. for 248 yds. In 2019, appeared in 1 game as a true freshman before redshirting. Born 6/7/01 in Fort Worth, TX.

CB Jakob Robinson
5-10, 181
Brigham Young

Appeared in 54 games (36 starts) over 5 seasons at Brigham Young (2021-24) and Utah State (2020) and registered 190 tackles, 21 PDs, 11 INTs, 8.5 TFLs, 1.0 sack and 1 FF. In 2024, started all 13 games and registered 43 tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 5 PDs, 3 INTs and 1 FF and earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors. As a junior in 2023, started all 12 games and registered 59 tackles, 7 PDs, 4 INTs and 1.0 TFL, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. In 2022, appeared in 13 games (5 starts) and registered 51 tackles, 5 PDs, 1.0 TFL and 1 INT. In 2021, appeared in 12 games (5 starts) and notched 29 tackles, 4 PDs and 3 INTs. In 2020 at Utah State, appeared in 4 games (1 start) during the shortened COVID-19 season and registered 8 tackles, 1.0 TFL and 1.0 sack. Born 10/4/00 in Orem, UT.

DL Sebastian Valdez
6-3, 301
Washington

Appeared in 43 games during 4 seasons at Washington (2024) and Montana State (2021-23) and registered 141 tackles, 22.0 TFLs, 14.0 sacks, 3 PDs, 2 FFs and 1 FR. In 2024, started all 13 games and recorded 49 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and 1 PD. In 2023 at Montana State, appeared in 3 games and totaled 10 tackles, 2.0 TFLs and 1.0 sack and earned Second-Team All-Big Sky honors. Started in 14 games in 2022 and tallied 44 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 2 PDs, 2 FFs and 1 FR, earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors and MSU’s Ron Warzeka Defensive Lineman of the Year award. As a freshman in 2021, appeared in 13 games and registered 38 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. Born 8/1/02 in Spring Valley, CA.



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BREWERS VS RAYS PREDICTION, PICKS & ODDS FOR TODAY’S MLB GAME

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BREWERS VS RAYS PREDICTION, PICKS & ODDS FOR TODAY’S MLB GAME


Tobias Myers was a stud for Milwaukee last season, and he’ll find his form this afternoon against Tampa.

May 10, 2025 • 09:44 ET

• 4 min read

Photo By – Imagn Images. Myers pitches to the plate.

The Milwaukee Brewers look to even their three-game series this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Milwaukee righty Tobias Myers has a lethal slider, and my Brewers vs. Rays predictions expect the second-year hurler to rack up a few punchouts today. 

Read on for my MLB picks for Saturday, May 10. 

Brewers vs Rays prediction

My Brewers vs Rays best bet: Tobias Myers Over 3.5 strikeouts (-109 at Caesars)

The Milwaukee Brewers were counting on righty Tobias Myers to be a big part of their rotation, but an oblique injury caused his 2025 campaign to get off to a late start.

Myers is coming off a terrific rookie season for the Brew Crew; the 26-year-old righty was named Milwaukee’s Most Valuable Pitcher by going 9-6 with a 3.00 ERA while averaging a shade over eight strikeouts per nine.

The Brewers’ righty scattered six hits with an earned run across 5 1/3 frames against the Astros. His command was on point, but he only whiffed two ‘Stros en route to his first victory of the season.

While Myers’ four-seamer has been highly effective, his slider has been lethal; opponents are batting only .154 off that pitch, and he’s up against a strikeout-prone Tampa Bay Rays offense.

Myers has a decent price on a low strikeout total when he faces five Rays with whiff rates north of 25%, and their already high strikeout rate (25% against righties) has risen to 28% across the last seven days.

Brewers vs Rays same-game parlay (SGP)

Caesars Logo

Tobias Myers Over 3.5 strikeouts

Rhys Hoskins Over 0.5 total bases

Christian Yelich Over 1.5 total bases

Myers is my guy, but I also like two Brewers bats in good spots against Rays righty Taj Bradley.

Right-handed bats like Rhys Hoskins are batting .257 with a .291 BABIP against Bradley. Hoskins has cleared 2+ total bases in five of his last six, and his .340 BABIP against RHP indicates Hoskins’ hitting streak could continue. 

Bradley hasn’t fared well at home against lefties like Brewers OF Christian Yelich. Bradley boasts a .324 home BABIP and 1.36 WHIP against visiting southpaw lumber. 

Yelich is off to a sluggish, .199, start,  but his .241 BABIP and .346 wOBA against righties point towards a big day with the wind blowing out.

Brewers vs Rays odds

Brewers vs Rays live odds

Brewers vs Rays opening odds

  • Moneyline: Milwaukee +115 | Tampa Bay -135
  • Run line: Milwaukee +1.5 (-190) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+158)
  • Over/Under: Over 9 | Under 9

Brewers vs Rays trend

The Milwaukee Brewers have hit the game total Under in 20 of their last 36 games (+5.80 Units / 15% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Rays.

How to watch Brewers vs Rays and game info

Location George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
Date Saturday, 5-10-2025
First pitch 4:10 p.m. ET
TV FDSNWI, FDSNSUN
Brewers starting pitcher Tobias Myers
(1-0, 3.65 ERA)
Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley
(3-2, 4.43 ERA)

Brewers vs Rays latest injuries

Brewers vs Rays weather

Not intended for use in MA.
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Matteo Berrettini’s Triumphant Return: Overcoming Adversity to Conquer Rome Open After Absence

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Matteo Berrettini’s Triumphant Return: Overcoming Adversity to Conquer Rome Open After Absence


Italian tennis sensation Matteo Berrettini is ready to make a triumphant comeback at the Rome Open after a four-year hiatus, plagued by a series of unfortunate injuries. The 29-year-old has been absent from his home tournament in Rome for far too long, but now he is back and determined to conquer the court like never before.

Despite facing setbacks and having to withdraw from a match in Madrid recently, Berrettini is feeling optimistic and physically fit for his upcoming showdown against British talent Jacob Fearnley. Expressing his enthusiasm during a media briefing, Berrettini shared, “I’m feeling good. I worked hard to be able to play here. Today I had a good practice session… I’m truly happy to be back playing here.”

With a deep emotional connection to the tournament in Rome, Berrettini is fueled by the support of his local fans and friends who will be cheering him on from the stands. The Italian star emphasized the importance of self-respect and being at his best to secure victory on the court, highlighting his strong mindset and determination to succeed.

As Berrettini gears up to showcase his skills and passion for the game on home turf, tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating his return to the spotlight. With unwavering confidence and a steely resolve, Matteo Berrettini is poised to deliver an electrifying performance that will captivate audiences and reignite his presence in the world of tennis.



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Luis Severino getting chance to face Yankees — and Aaron Judge

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Luis Severino getting chance to face Yankees — and Aaron Judge


WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Luis Severino grew up a Yankees fan. He still is a Yankees fan, he said.

He also just wants to face off against the Yankees already.

“I’m pretty excited about facing the Yankees,” Severino said Friday from Sutter Health Park before the Yankees’ 10-2 win over the A’s and ahead of his expected start Sunday. “I’m trying to figure out what to throw [Aaron] Judge. … I’m going to bring everything I have out there.”

The long-awaited rematch between Severino — a 2012 international signing out of the Dominican Republic who rose to become an ace in a sometimes brilliant, sometimes rocky tenure in The Bronx from 2015-23 — and the Yankees did not develop last year, when the Mets reconfigured their rotation twice.

They wanted to throw lefty pitchers against a Yankees team that did not hit lefties well. Manager Aaron Boone joked that Severino “ducked us” last year.

The 2024 decision was not Severino’s, who at the time joked that the Yankees “right now … only have two good hitters,” referring to Judge and Juan Soto.

How many good hitters do the Yankees have now?

“I’m not sure,” Severino said with a laugh from the home clubhouse. “On this side [of the country], I have to look at the stats. This is like three hours behind. Definitely Judge is one, I can say that.”


A’s right-hander Luis Severino is llooking forward to finally getting a chance to face the Yankees. Getty Images

The Yankees will see a different Severino, who has pitched well (3.62 ERA) in his first eight starts with the A’s with a deeper arsenal than he held in pinstripes.

He also will look different, sporting the same beard he donned with the Mets and never could with the Yankees.

When Severino learned this spring that the Yankees were changing their facial hair policies, “I was pissed. I was mad,” Severino said, again laughing. “I was there, and I couldn’t do that. But I’m happy for the guys.”

Severino also is happy with a three-year, $67 million pact that was the result of a strong season in Queens and the A’s paying a premium to lure an established starter to a minor league ballpark.


Luis Severino
Luis Severino AP

Severino acknowledged pitching in steamy, windy Sacramento is “tough,” but he has been effective thus far.

And healthy. After injuries derailed his Yankees career, he made 31 starts (plus three postseason starts) with the Mets. He has had no hiccups with the A’s, believing he has better learned how to take care of his body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOKdNvhtc7M

He has grown into a front-of-the-rotation pitcher, whom teammate JP Sears called a leader of a young rotation and particularly helpful with the Latin players.

Severino is excited for Sunday and does not seem to hold anything against the Yankees after a tenure that ended with injuries and ineffectiveness.

“I love it there,” Severino said of his first club. “Even growing up, I was a Yankees fan. I’m still a Yankees fan. I love those guys. They made me the pitcher I am, the man I am right now.”



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Bengals Sign Four 2025 NFL Draft Picks

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Bengals Sign Four 2025 NFL Draft Picks


The Bengals today signed four draft picks — G Dylan Fairchild, LB Barrett Carter, OT Jalen Rivers and HB Tahj Brooks. Four of the Bengals’ six selections in the 2025 NFL Draft now have been signed.

Fairchild (6-5, 318) was a third-round pick (81st overall) out of the University of Georgia. He played in 34 games with 24 starts in four seasons (2021-24), with each of his starts coming over his final two years. He earned both second-team All-America and second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the Associated Press this past season, when he started all 14 contests and helped the Bulldogs make an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Carter (6-0, 231) was selected in the fourth round (119th overall) out of Clemson University. In 52 games played with 40 starts over four seasons (2021-24) with the Tigers, he recorded 233 tackles, 31.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, 24 PDs, three INTs and two FFs. He was voted a team captain for the 2024 season, and garnered first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and third-team All-America recognition from the AP.

Rivers (6-6, 319) was taken in the fifth round (153rd overall) out of the University of Miami (Fla.). He played in 39 career games with 30 starts, primarily lining up at left tackle. He was named second-team All-ACC in 2023, then received honorable mention in ’24. He started eight games at LOT last season and blocked for an offense that led the nation both in yards per game (537.2) and points per game (43.9).

Brooks (5-9, 220) was a sixth-round pick (193rd overall) out of Texas Tech University. He played in 56 games with 34 starts in five seasons (2020-24), rushed 879 times for 4557 yards and 45 TDs. He set Texas Tech career records for rushing attempts, yards and 100-yard games (23), while ranking third in school history both in rushing TDs and total TDs (47). He was a first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection in 2023, then earned second-team honors in ’24



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Bengals 1st-Round Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Sat Out Rookie Minicamp Due to Contract

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Bengals 1st-Round Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Sat Out Rookie Minicamp Due to Contract


The Cincinnati Bengals have not yet been able to get first-round pick Shemar Stewart on the field.

The Bengals used the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL draft on Stewart in hopes that he can bolster their defensive line. However, he did not participate in Friday’s minicamp because he has not yet signed his rookie contract.

When asked about why he hasn’t signed the contract, Stewart said he “decided not to sign the papers” and that he is doing everything beyond the off-field workouts.

“I would hope so,” Stewart said when asked if he’ll sign his contact by Monday, per Caleb Noe of WCPO. “I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline just looking at everybody else do work.”

Bengals second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. also did not practice Friday for the same reason as Stewart.

Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Stewart and Knight are the only Bengals rookies who have not signed their contracts.

While the reason that Stewart has not signed yet is currently unknown, the team notably had a contract dispute with 2024 first-round pick Amarius Mims over guaranteed money. Mims would eventually sign July 22, two days before training camp.

Stewart was rated as the No. 17 overall player and the No. 3 edge-rusher in the draft class by Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department. He played three collegiate seasons at Texas A&M where he recorded 65 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in his career.

The Bengals hope they can develop him and utilize him as a weapon on defense. Until a contract is signed, however, Stewart and the team will have to wait before he hits the field.



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What to know about the prospect of Saudi-US nuclear cooperation

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What to know about the prospect of Saudi-US nuclear cooperation


WASHINGTON (AP) — Saudi Arabia wants U.S. help developing its own civil nuclear program, and the Trump administration says it is “very excited” at the prospect. U.S.-Saudi cooperation in building reactors for nuclear power plants in the kingdom could shut the Chinese and Russians out of what could be a high-dollar partnership for the American nuclear industry.

Despite that eagerness, there are obstacles, including fears that helping the Saudis fulfill their long-standing desire to enrich their own uranium as part of that partnership would open new rounds of nuclear proliferation and competition. Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of a nuclear agreement is likely to play into the ever-evolving bargaining on regional security issues involving the U.S., Iran and Israel.

This coming week, Republican President Donald Trump will make his first trip to Saudi Arabia of his second term. Here’s a look at key issues involved in the Saudi request.

The US is eager to show it’s working toward Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who traveled to Saudi Arabia before Trump’s trip, said the world can expect to see “meaningful developments” this year on helping the kingdom build a commercial nuclear power industry. Wright said the U.S. was “very excited” about it.

That does not necessarily mean there will be any big breakthroughs on Trump’s trip, said Jon Alterman, head of the Mideast program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Something smaller that still signals to the Saudis and the Iranians — with whom Trump is pushing for an agreement limiting Tehran’s nuclear program — that Washington is interested in cooperating on Saudi efforts could be the U.S. aim for now.

“There would be a lot of ways to show progress toward an agreement on a Saudi nuclear program without fully committing to a partnership on it,” Alterman said.

Solid reasons for a Saudi civilian nuclear power program

Saudi Arabia is a global oil giant, but it is also largely a desert. Running all those air conditioners uses a lot of petroleum that the kingdom would rather be exporting. The Saudis’ own oil consumption burns up one-third of what the country produces.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also is pushing to build up Saudi Arabia’s mining and processing of its own minerals. That includes Saudi reserves of uranium, a fuel for nuclear reactors.

For the Trump administration, any deal with Iran that lets Tehran keep its own nuclear program or continue its own enrichment could increase Saudi pressure for the same.

That’s even though Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have toned down their enmity toward Iran in recent years and are supporting the U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program peacefully.

For the U.S., any technological help it gives the Saudis as they move toward building nuclear reactors would be a boon for American companies.

Internationally, there is support for U.S. efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, given that the Saudis could turn to the Chinese and Russians for help developing a nuclear industry, with fewer safeguards.

The feeling is “if the U.S. doesn’t provide it, then someone else will,” said Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow in Bahrain for the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Possibility that nuclear weapons are a Saudi goal

“Without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we would follow suit as soon as possible,” Prince Mohammed said in 2018, at a time of higher tension between Arab states and Iran.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states stress better relations and diplomacy with Iran now. But Prince Mohammed’s comments — and other Saudi officials said similar — have left open the possibility that nuclear weapons are a strategic goal of the Saudis.

Saudi Arabia’s desire to enrich its own uranium

The Saudis long have pushed for the U.S. to build a uranium enrichment facility in the kingdom as part of any nuclear cooperation between the two countries. That facility could produce low-enriched uranium for civilian nuclear reactors. But without enough controls, it could also churn out highly enriched uranium for nuclear bombs.

Trump administration officials cite the Saudis’ desire to make use of their country’s uranium deposits. The kingdom has spent tens of millions of dollars, with Chinese assistance, to find and develop those deposits. But the uranium ore that it has identified so far would be “severely uneconomic” to develop, the intergovernmental Nuclear Energy Agency says.

It has been decades since there has been any state-sanctioned transfer of that kind of technology to a nonnuclear-weapon state, although a Pakistani-based black-market network provided enrichment technology to Iran, North Korea, Libya and possibly others about 20 years ago, Robert Einhorn noted for the Brookings Institute last year.

Allowing Saudi Arabia — or any other additional country — to host an enrichment facility would reverse long-standing U.S. policy. It could spur more nuclear proliferation among U.S. allies and rivals, Einhorn wrote.

The effect on regional security

Under Democratic President Joe Biden, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had looked at nuclear cooperation as just one part of broader negotiations that also involved Saudi desires for U.S. arms and security guarantees and for a satisfactory long-term deal on behalf of Palestinians. The U.S., meanwhile, had tied the cooperation to Saudi Arabia agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.

The Trump administration seems to have unpacked some of that big bundle.

But the administration may still see holding off on any major civil nuclear agreement as leverage in brokering what would be historic diplomatic relations between the kingdom and Israel, Alterman noted. Getting to that agreement, part of what’s known as the Abraham Accords between Arab states and Israel, has been a chief goal for Trump.

After Wright’s trip, some Israelis expressed their opposition to allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, and Iran and Saudi Arabia are both carefully watching the other’s talks with the U.S. on their nuclear issues.





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Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight won’t do on-field work until rookie deals are done

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Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight won’t do on-field work until rookie deals are done


Draft picks typically participate in the rookie minicamp whether they have signed a contract or not. Unsigned picks can sign a Rookie Participation Agreement (RPA) that protects them in case of injury, and most do.

The Bengals have two players who are watching on-field work from the sideline after declining to sign the waiver.

First-round pick Shemar Stewart and second-round pick Demetrius Knight didn’t participate in the first day of the team’s three-day minicamp, Caleb Noe of WCPO reports.

Coach Zac Taylor explained that the two players are “just working through their contracts right now.”

Stewart and Knight are the only two Bengals’ draft picks who haven’t signed their four-year deals yet.

“I just decided not to sign those [waiver] papers,” Stewart said, via video from Noe. “I’m doing everything else. It’s just like on-the-field stuff I’m not doing.”

Stewart hopes to sign his contract by Monday to begin the offseason program, saying “it was kind of tough” not to participate on the first day.

“I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work,” Stewart said.





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Root’s Gem Not Enough as Hogs Drop Series Opener against Tigers in Extras

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Root’s Gem Not Enough as Hogs Drop Series Opener against Tigers in Extras


Oliver Grigg
May 10, 2025

BATON ROUGE, La. – Zach Root logged his team-leading fifth quality start with his six frames of two-run ball and six strikeouts on the mound, but No. 7 Arkansas (40-10, 17-8 SEC) coughed up a two-run lead in the seventh inning and was handed a 5-4 series-opening loss in 10 innings against No. 3 LSU (39-11, 16-9 SEC) Friday night at Alex Box Stadium.

Friday night’s game, which was originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m., did not begin until 9:57 p.m., only three minutes before the latest allowed start time by the SEC, due to steady rain in Baton Rouge. Despite the delayed first pitch, Root settled in quickly and worked six innings on the bump, allowing two runs on five hits to lower his season ERA to 3.88.

The left-hander racked up six strikeouts against the Tigers, his eighth consecutive start with six or more punchouts, and raised his season total to a team-leading 98 in a team-high 72.0 innings across 13 appearances on the mound.

Thanks to solo home runs by Cam Kozeal and Kuhio Aloy as well as RBI from Charles Davalan and Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas provided Root with four runs of support and led, 4-2, entering the bottom half of the seventh inning. Kozeal swatted his 12th homer of the season in the top of the fourth before Kuhio Aloy connected on his 13th blast of the year in the sixth.

Aiden Jimenez, who took over on the mound in relief of Root in the seventh, struck out the first batter he faced, but LSU tagged the right-hander for two runs on two hits and two walks to even the game at four apiece. Gabe Gaeckle would emerge from the bullpen to strand a pair of runners in the seventh, giving the Hogs an opportunity to reclaim the lead.

Arkansas, however, could not answer over the game’s final three frames. Gaeckle’s strong relief outing sent the game to extra innings, where the Razorbacks loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the 10th but were unable to capitalize.

The Tigers finally broke through against Gaeckle, who tossed 3.1 innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts, in the bottom of the 10th. LSU scored the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly to center to eke out the 5-4 walk-off win.

Offensively, Justin Thomas Jr. (3-for-4) paced the Razorback offense with a career-high three hits, while Wehiwa Aloy (2-for-5, RBI) and Ryder Helfrick (2-for-4, 2B) also turned in multi-hit efforts. With his two-hit performance, Aloy raised his team-leading season slash line to .377/463/.710 with a team-high 17 home runs and 53 RBI over 50 games.

Arkansas will look to even things up at a game apiece tomorrow evening in Baton Rouge. First pitch in game two of the weekend series between the Razorbacks and Tigers is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, on SEC Network.

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).





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‘You won’t be able to double everybody’

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‘You won’t be able to double everybody’


FRISCO, Texas – Finding CeeDee Lamb a partner in the wide receiver room has been one of if not the biggest priorities for the Cowboys this offseason. On Wednesday, they found their guy when trading for Pittsburgh’s George Pickens, who comes into town ready to turn to the next chapter of his career.

“I’m just here to work,” Pickens said. “Whatever role finds me best is where I’m going to find myself.”

For the Steelers, Pickens was the leading receiver in two out of his three NFL seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia. While his role will likely be different with the Cowboys alongside Lamb, he’s not one to assign labels like “WR1” or “WR2.”

“You guys making a 1A and 1B and all this, honestly that’s the first time I’ve heard of any of that stuff,” Pickens said. “I feel like two receivers are kind of normal. When I used to watch football, there was always a good receiver and then there was another good receiver on the side of him. I just feel like we’re going to work off each other very well.”

Both Lamb and Pickens have known each other for some time now, working together at times during the offseason through mutual connections.

“Just training,” Pickens said of how he met Lamb. “No recruiting visits or anything like that, but all of us receivers kind of have certain trainers and some of us have the same trainers, so definitely training together previously.”

Now, the two get to train together to play on the same team come Sunday. Pickens feels like he and Lamb’s play styles compliment one another well, with his style being more down the field, contested catch on the outside and Lamb’s being more over the middle, create after the catch.

“It excites me a lot, because in the game of football, we can work off each other,” Pickens said. “There’s no ‘Oh he gets the ball, I get the ball,’ we’re working off each other. That’s why I always come back to building a winning culture, and that’s kind of what we’ve been talking about in Dallas.”

At the end of the day, every wide receiver in the league is going to selfishly want the ball in their hands. Who wouldn’t? With Lamb and Pickens uniting, it gives them both an opportunity to flourish since defenses can only divert so much attention to one before the other gets open.

“CeeDee is a super dynamic receiver, super dynamic person, player,” Pickens said. “I just feel like schematically you won’t be able to double everybody, so that’ll be a great thing for me and him.”



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