San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams has agreed a historic two-year contract extension worth $50m (£39.5m), making him the first non-quarterback in NFL history to surpass $400m in career contracts.
The new agreement includes $37m in fully guaranteed money alongside a $22m signing bonus.
This lucrative extension ensures the 12-time Pro Bowler will remain under contract in the Bay Area through the 2028 season.
Record-breaking career earnings
With this latest deal, the veteran lineman sets a new financial benchmark for his position with career guarantees exceeding $225m.
His representatives confirmed the historic financial milestones achieved by the new agreement on social media.
Trent is the first non-QB in NFL history to surpass $400m in contracts and $225m in guarantees.
Elite Loyalty Sports
San Francisco had previously declined to exercise a $10m option bonus due in March, leading to initial struggles in finding common ground during the offseason.
Securing the offensive line
The 37-year-old was originally slated to enter the 2026 campaign with no guaranteed money remaining and a massive salary cap hit of $38.84m.
Releasing or trading the former All-Pro was never a realistic option for the franchise, as such a move would have incurred a crippling $34.15m dead money charge.
San Francisco also lacked a proven replacement on their current roster, having only added swing tackle Vederian Lowe from the New England Patriots for rotational depth.
Chasing Hall of Fame history
This extension paves the way for the offensive anchor to achieve his stated goal of playing in the NFL until he turns 40.
Having earned second-team All-Pro honours in 2025, he now sits just two selections away from matching Bruce Matthews’ all-time record of 14 Pro Bowl appearances by an offensive lineman.
The legendary tackle will now focus on continuing to build his formidable Hall of Fame resume while chasing an elusive first Super Bowl victory.
Scientists from Loughborough University have discovered that heading a football causes a previously unreported pressure wave to the brain, suggesting new ball designs could significantly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Football Association-backed study found that energy transfer into the head can be up to 55 times greater depending on the specific ball used.
Researchers examined impacts at match speeds using an advanced surrogate head model and a variety of balls from the past century.
A specialist sensor detected a distinctive pressure wave transferring energy directly into the frontal region of the human brain for the first time.
Modern designs pose similar risks
The magnitude of this blunt force relies heavily on the specific construction, the velocity of the cross, and whether the material is wet or dry.
Crucially, the research revealed that heavy leather models used in previous decades did not consistently produce higher impact results than modern equivalents.
Professor Andy Harland, a sports technology expert at the East Midlands institution, noted that risk remains prevalent across all eras.
“Our evidence suggests that high energy pressure wave transfer was not limited to leather balls, so, if this energy is associated with neurodegenerative disease, it is not a problem that has gone away with modern balls.”
Mounting pressure over player welfare
The sport is currently facing intense scrutiny regarding the undeniable relationship between aerial duels and long-term neurological illnesses.
Earlier this year, a senior coroner concluded that repeated heading was a likely contributing factor in the death of Gordon McQueen.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United defender passed away in 2023 at the age of 70 after suffering from vascular dementia.
He followed other high-profile cases like ex-England striker Jeff Astle, who is widely considered the first professional player whose death was directly linked to heading.
Paving the way for safer equipment
Dr Ieuan Phillips, lead researcher on the project, hopes these findings will inspire immediate changes to testing specifications.
“These findings provide opportunities to work towards ball designs and testing specifications that minimise energy transfer into the brain.”
He explained that while statistical observations already exist regarding retired professionals, this new discovery measures the exact physical collision in unprecedented detail.
The academic team believes this breakthrough finally gives governing bodies the tangible evidence needed to mandate vital changes to equipment manufacturing.
Chelsea retain a complex but viable route to next season’s Champions League by finishing sixth in the Premier League, provided Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish exactly fifth.
The West London club suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat over the weekend after losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
That setback, combined with dramatic stoppage-time victories for both Liverpool and Aston Villa, leaves Liam Rosenior’s side severely trailing in the race for Europe.
The Blues are now seven points adrift of the fifth-placed Merseyside outfit and ten points behind the automatic qualification spots.
UEFA performance spots explained
England is set to secure an extra place in Europe’s elite tournament by topping UEFA’s European Performance Spots (EPS) for a second successive campaign.
This system rewards the two domestic leagues boasting the best overall record across all three continental competitions each season.
Consequently, the top five teams in the English top flight are virtually guaranteed a place in next year’s premier cup competition.
The intricate path to sixth place
For the current sixth-placed side to qualify, they must rely entirely on the European success of the Midlands club currently sitting above them.
Aston Villa are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest in a two-legged Europa League semi-final starting later this month.
If the Villans lift that trophy while finishing exactly fifth domestically, they will enter the Champions League as titleholders rather than via their league position.
This specific scenario would cause the EPS allocation to roll down to the team finishing in sixth place.
Tight race for European football
Securing sixth place itself remains a formidable challenge for a team struggling with poor recent domestic form.
Brentford and Bournemouth sit level on points with the Stamford Bridge outfit, while Brighton, Everton, Sunderland, and Fulham remain in close pursuit.
Furthermore, the Londoners will need Liverpool to collect maximum points to overtake Villa in the standings and ensure the Birmingham club drops to fifth.
A pivotal encounter in this qualification puzzle awaits on 9 May when Chelsea host their top-five rivals.
Brighton and Hove Albion attacker Joao Pedro will undergo a late fitness assessment before his side hosts Chelsea in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium.
The Brazilian forward is racing against time to prove his readiness for the highly anticipated Monday night fixture.
His potential absence would serve as a significant blow to the Seagulls as they prepare for a demanding domestic clash.
Injury concerns mount for the hosts
The south coast side have relied heavily on the former Watford man’s attacking output throughout the current campaign.
Medical staff will continue to monitor the 24-year-old closely in the final hours leading up to kick-off.
Meanwhile, the Blues travel to Sussex hoping to capitalise on any structural weaknesses within the home side’s lineup.
Crucial points at stake
Securing a positive result at the Amex remains vital for both clubs as the top-flight season progresses towards its concluding stages.
The west London visitors are aiming to build crucial momentum following an inconsistent period of form.
Supporters are anticipating a tense tactical battle under the floodlights regardless of the final squad selections.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following his national championship success.
The 6ft 5in prospect has cemented his status as the undisputed top talent during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
His sensational final collegiate season was capped by a heroic scramble that secured Indiana’s first-ever national championship in January.
That title-winning display, combined with a game-winning throw against Penn State earlier in the autumn, effectively concluded the debate over his draft stock.
Brady connection awaits in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas franchise currently holds the first selection in the upcoming draft.
Their minority owner, Tom Brady, has been heavily linked with mentoring the incoming rookie.
“To potentially have a mentor like that would be pretty impressive.”
The 236lb signal-caller acknowledged the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s influence while speaking to the media this week.
Unconventional character draws scout attention
Beyond his impressive physical attributes, the prospective number one pick has drawn attention for his uniquely polite and inquisitive personality.
Former coach Tim Plough, who worked with the standout talent during his time at Cal, has faced persistent questions from professional scouts regarding his temperament.
Evaluators have questioned whether his highly polished, almost overly courteous demeanour will translate successfully into a professional locker room.
However, those closest to the national champion insist his enthusiasm and relentless curiosity are entirely genuine traits.
A rare blend of physical and mental traits
NFL decision-makers are increasingly convinced by his rare combination of elite arm strength, pocket mobility, and pinpoint accuracy.
April’s draft now appears to be a mere formality for the widely admired collegiate star.
LeBron James rolled back the years to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 1 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening weekend of the NBA play-offs.
The veteran star produced a classic performance as the ultimate facilitator on Saturday.
He registered 13 assists, eight of which came in a blistering first quarter, to dictate the tempo against Houston.
Benefiting from this distribution was Luke Kennard, who struck five three-pointers on his way to 27 points.
A timeless play-off strategy
Surrounding the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with elite perimeter shooters has been a proven formula for nearly two decades.
By drawing multiple defenders, the four-time champion consistently created open spaces for his team-mates to exploit.
“He displayed great leadership throughout. We talked all week about being connected offensively and trusting the pass. He led us.”
JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers head coach
Cavaliers unveil fresh defensive approach
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased a disciplined defensive scheme to defeat the Toronto Raptors.
Kenny Atkinson’s side had struggled defensively during the regular season, rotating through 41 different starting line-ups due to persistent injuries.
Entering the post-season with the league’s 15th-ranked defence, questions remained over their ability to contain elite scorers.
However, their revamped strategy successfully targeted Toronto’s primary attacking threat, Brandon Ingram.
Ingram had heavily punished the Ohio franchise during the regular season, but found his rhythm significantly disrupted in this crucial opening encounter.
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon is progressing well ahead of a targeted July bout in Las Vegas.
The 37-year-old has not competed since suffering a broken leg during his second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021.
A planned comeback last year was ultimately derailed when the former dual-weight champion sustained a broken toe.
However, speaking at a press conference following UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg, White offered an optimistic update regarding the situation.
“It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
Summer return on the cards
Reports suggest the comeback is likely to headline UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena on 11 July.
This event falls just three days before the Irishman celebrates his 38th birthday.
While an opponent has not yet been finalised, the prospective matchup is expected to take place in the welterweight division.
The Dublin-born fighter had previously sought a spot on the promotion’s White House card in June, though that event’s schedule is now completely full.
A turbulent few years
McGregor made history during his prime by becoming the first simultaneous two-weight champion in the organisation’s history.
His meteoric rise included a 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo and a historic stoppage victory over Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden.
However, the controversial star has only fought four times in mixed martial arts since a lucrative boxing crossover against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
His sole victory during this period came via a 40-second stoppage of Donald Cerrone in 2020.
Outside the octagon, the fighter has also faced significant legal battles in recent years.
In 2024, a civil-court jury in Dublin found him liable for a 2018 sexual assault, allegations which he continues to vehemently deny.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League relegation fears deepened after a 95th-minute equaliser by Brighton’s Georginio Rutter extended their winless league run to 15 matches.
The north London club seemed destined for a crucial victory before Rutter smashed home deep into stoppage time to salvage a dramatic draw.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in grave danger with just five fixtures remaining, compounded by crucial weekend victories for relegation rivals Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.
Simons shines despite late heartbreak
Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons delivered an outstanding individual performance in his first league start since early March.
The versatile midfielder assisted Pedro Porro’s opener with a precise cross before netting what appeared to be the winning goal via the post.
Simons was visibly devastated at the final whistle, having succumbed to cramp in the closing stages of a tireless display.
His stunning strike was his first league goal since December and initially looked to be the catalyst for a desperately needed reversal of fortunes.
Manager seeks positives amid pressure
Despite the devastating climax, there were distinct signs of improvement in only the second game of the Italian manager’s tenure.
A revamped midfield trio of Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma injected vital energy that was notably absent against Sunderland last weekend.
However, costly defensive lapses at the end of both halves proved decisive for the beleaguered outfit.
Austrian defender Kevin Danso lost possession in the build-up to the final goal, leaving him distraught at full-time.
Squad personality praised
De Zerbi immediately moved to protect his crestfallen players, insisting he saw the necessary courage required for their survival battle.
“He lost the ball, and then we conceded a goal,” De Zerbi said post-match.
“But I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality, without courage.”
The newly appointed head coach now faces a monumental task to revive his squad’s morale ahead of a defining run-in.
He will be boosted by the impending return to full fitness of creative focal point James Maddison, who was named on the bench alongside Ben Davies.