Midfield priority rules out move to Real Madrid – ‘It would be foolish’
Real Madrid will look to address the engine room of their side this summer, making a move to improve their midfield two seasons after the arrival of Jude Bellingham, and more crucially, after the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Los Blancos have struggled to adapt without their long-time controllers in the middle of the pitch, but it seems that the insistence on Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde as partners for Aurelien Tchouameni has ended.
Reportedly, Xabi Alonso had requested an addition in the middle of the pitch last summer, as had Carlo Ancelotti the year before. Real Madrid were confident they could make it work with their current options, but after watching three managers, including Alvaro Arbeloa, unable to find the solution, it seems they will act this summer.
Vitinha rules out Real Madrid move
The dream signing in the position as it has been termed, is Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha. Although there was an acknowledgement that any deal would be complicated, the Portugal international remained top of their shortlist. However he has now ruled out a move to the Spanish capital.
Image via Fichajes
“It would be foolish to leave. I don’t think it would be the best thing for me. I feel great here at PSG! I feel like people really appreciate me, and I’ve earned that affection. I love being here; my family does too. The group is fantastic, and the coach is incredible,” he told Canal 11, as quoted by Diario AS.
Real Madrid’s alternatives for midfield
That would appear to rule out any pursuit of Vitinha, as the first step would have been him pushing for a move. Other names mentioned are Kees Smit, whose price tag is a concern at the Bernabeu, or Adam Wharton, for whom interest appears to have faded. The economic alternative is Chema Andres, who left Castilla last summer, but has impressed at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following much-needed win over Jazz
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers needed a win in the worst way as they played host to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. On the second night of a back-to-back following their 40-point blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, the Sixers were down four starters, but pulled together for a 106-102 win over a pesky Jazz team.
Tyrese Maxey had 25 points and six assists for Philadelphia while Jabari Walker hopped off the bench and had 22 points and 10 rebounds. Quentin Grimes added 16 points and five rebounds, Adem Bona had 12 and five boards, Tyrese Martin had eight, and Dominick Barlow added seven points.
Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win:
Walker stepping up
After scoring 20 points in garbage time in Tuesday's loss to the Spurs, Walker received first quarter minutes against the Jazz and immediately went to work. He scored seven points in the opening quarter and had 15 points in the first half overall. He knocked down his first four 3-pointers and was able to make a big impact for this group. The Sixers probably don't win this game without his contributions when considering how well the Jazz did play in this game. Walker made a big difference and he did it on a day he described an unfortunate event he had to go through.
Walker explained:
When I saw that one go in, it was rattling around the rim, and I was like, ‘OK, yeah, this is my day today.’ I actually had an unfortunate event today. I just got a new car, and I was driving it for no less than 30 minutes, and I scratched it today, and talking about being in the zone and just wanting to get to the game and continue that, that was an unfortunate event for me. So, mentally, I'm walking in here like my brand new car I just got? I scratched it. So talking to somebody coming in, I told them the story. They're, like, it's gonna get better for you today. And I was like, Alright, OK, I'm in my zone right now. I'm in basketball world. So whatever happened before stays out. So, when I saw the first two go in, I was like, ‘OK, all right, this is a whole new world. I got a chance to redeem myself.’ So, I forgot about what happened earlier today.
I was backing up. I was excited. I was ready to get to the gym, and there was a pole behind me, and honestly, I haven't driven in a while. I've been Ubering everywhere, and Philly is very tight spaces, so it's a learning experience. I'll get it fixed.
Earning a much-needed win
Many will downplay this win. The Jazz are now 18-44 on the season with this loss and are now on a 7-game losing streak as they are in the midst of trying to tank and get the best pick in the upcoming June draft, but Utah plays hard on a nightly basis as coach Will Hardy has gotten them to play well every night. Combine that fact with Philadelphia also missing Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and VJ Edgecombe, and the fact that the Sixers entered this contest only half a game up on the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic for the No. 6 seed in the East, every win matters. Even if it is just the Utah Jazz.
"That’s a hell of a win considering all the guys out," coach Nick Nurse said after the win. "I think any win, this is what I'm talking about, we just got to figure out some way to pick them off. We don't care what they look like. Just pick off a win here and there. So, good job, I think, by a lot of guys stepping up and at least, I think, contributing in some way."
The other Tyrese makes a contribution
The Sixers received a big second half from Tyrese Martin in this one. With Utah hard-charging and taking a lead, the Sixers needed somebody to step up and knock down some shots with Tyrese Maxey resting on the bench. Martin knocked down two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and had eight points after halftime. It was good to see Martin be able to step in and knock down some big shots when considering his early struggles since signing in Philadelphia.
"Well, I mean, (expletive), I ain't make a jump shot since I've been here," Martin laughed after the win. "So, to see definitely one going, I was confident about the next one, for sure. So, they felt good, and we needed it in a timely manner and it went in. So, I was grateful for that."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following much-needed win over Jazz
The biggest offseason need for every team entering NFL free agency
The two Super Bowl 60 participants were a prime example of why free agency is critical for every NFL team.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency and the New England Patriots spent more than $200 million in guaranteed money on free agents in 2025, the most by any NFL team last offseason. The aggressiveness of both teams during free agency paved the way for their Super Bowl runs.
Which teams will make bold moves during free agency this year? The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders all have more than $70 million in salary cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
All 32 teams have roster needs this time of year. Clubs are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Free agents can officially sign once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11.
USA TODAY Sports examines the biggest position of need for all 32 NFL teams:
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Cardinals and Kyler Murray are headed toward an amicable divorce at the start of the new league year. A quarterback is priority No. 1 in Arizona, but this year’s quarterback draft class isn’t strong. The Cardinals could sign a bridge QB in free agency and wait until next year’s QB-rich draft class to select their franchise signal-caller.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest position of need: Defensive line
Hopefully Sam Darnold’s journey to a Super Bowl title taught teams a value lesson to exercise patience before reaching a final verdict on a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. has flashed, but injuries have made it difficult to discern if he can be a franchise QB. The Falcons have enough pieces on offense. Defense and the team’s inability to affect the quarterback remain an issue.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Baltimore’s inability to get after the quarterback has plagued them in recent seasons. The Ravens ranked 28th in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. As a consequence, the Ravens finished tied with the Colts as worst pass defense in the AFC. The Ravens ranked 31st in pass defense in 2024.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Bills have a couple starting offensive linemen hitting free agency. On the outside, wide receiver is a spot Buffalo should upgrade. Josh Allen hasn’t had a No. 1 wide receiver since Stefon Diggs was traded.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Panthers finished 24th in pass rush win rate and last in run stop win rate, per ESPN. The defense produced 30 sacks, only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers had fewer.
Chicago Bears
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
Chicago’s offense was much improved under Ben Johnson’s tutelage, but the Bears' defense struggled to get stops if they didn’t force a turnover. Safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens are all entering free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was Cincinnati’s best defensive player, is scheduled to enter free agency. The Bengals had the worst defense in the AFC. Now they must find a replacement for Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Questions at quarterback are an annual tradition in Cleveland. Such is the same this year. The wide receiver room needs an upgrade, but only one Week 1 starter on the O-line is under contract in 2026. The acquisition of right tackle Tytus Howard represents the start of a significant offensive line overhaul in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Micah Parsons’ departure created a void at edge rusher. Linebacker and secondary should also be addressed this offseason. The Cowboys finished 30th in total defense in 2025.
Denver Broncos
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Broncos haven’t had a running back rush for 1,000 yards since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Oft-injured running back J.K. Dobbins led Denver in rushing last season. Dobbins is an impeding free agent.
Detroit Lions
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement triggered Detroit’s offensive line regression last season. Left tackle Taylor Decker, who contemplated retirement this offseason, isn’t getting any younger either.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker and backup quarterback Malik Willis are among the NFL’s top free agents. But the Packers are missing a No. 1 cornerback in this passing-heavy league.
Houston Texans
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in football, ranking 30th in pass block win rate and 32nd in run block win rate, per ESPN. Houston was most vulnerable in the interior of its O-line.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Colts applied the transition tag on Daniel Jones, which satisfies their QB position (for now). On the other side of the football, Indianapolis ranked 30th in pass rush win rate, per ESPN.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest position of need: Linebacker
Impending free agent corners Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome clear the pathway for Travis Hunter to get more opportunities at cornerback. Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, is my top free agent available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Chiefs decided to trade their best cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Rams. Jaylen Watson is entering free agency. McDuffie and Watson were Kansas City’s top two cornerbacks. The Chiefs have needs at edge rusher and running back, but McDuffie’s departure creates a huge hole at cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
It’s a safe bet the Raiders are going to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are players Mendoza can rely on. But Las Vegas doesn’t have a No. 1 wide receiver on its roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Chargers' maligned offensive line was the worst in football last season. The return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from season-ending injuries is a huge boost. However, the interior of the O-line is the weak link. Center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement in February and the team released guard Mekhi Becton.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
The acquisition of Trent McDuffie is a sign the Rams are all in on a Super Bowl 61 run. The Rams completed their Super Bowl mission the last time SoFi Stadium hosted the big game. Their defense allowed 276 passing yards and 26 points per game last postseason, and the Rams’ shortcomings in the secondary are a big reason why the team didn’t advance to Super Bowl 60.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley inherited Tua Tagovailoa after the last regime benched the quarterback. It’s becoming increasingly likely the Tagovailoa experiment is over in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy didn’t instill much confidence that he was ready to be a starting quarterback in 2025. Kyler Murray makes sense for the Vikings. Murray’s dual-threat ability would add another element to Kevin O'Connell’s offense. Veteran Kirk Cousins is also slated to be a free agent. A Cousins-Vikings reunion makes sense, too.
New England Patriots
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is reportedly on his way of New England. Diggs was the Patriots' leading receiver last season. A No. 1 wide receiver is essential for Drake Maye's continued development. K'Lavon Chaisson produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025 but is scheduled to hit free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Saints must supply Tyler Shough with more weapons if they believe he’s their franchise quarterback. Wide receiver Chris Olave was subject to trade speculation at the deadline and running back Alvin Kamara has one year remaining on his contract. The Saints are one of six teams that averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards per game last season.
New York Giants
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and right guard Greg Van Roten are both impending free agents. The Giants could be players in the O-line market during free agency.
New York Jets
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
Quarterback Justin Fields is a candidate to get cut after a disappointing season in the Big Apple. The Jets might consider another quarterback in free agency or in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Jaelan Phillips turned into the team’s best edge rusher after he was acquired near the trade deadline. He tallied 44 pressures in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips is one of the top free agents available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Steelers need a franchise quarterback even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns for a 22nd season. The Steelers haven’t had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. Although, Pittsburgh might not fill the need until next year’s draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
General manager John Lynch said it’s “safe to say” Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the 49ers. Fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a free agent. The 49ers don’t have a Bonafide No. 1 wideout.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest position of need: Running back
Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker is entering free agency. Walker gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance vaulted him to the No. 1 running back in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David are key free agents. Tampa Bay hasn’t had a solid pair of edge rushers since Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
All three-win teams have multiple positions of need. Luckily for the Titans, quarterback isn’t one of them. A wide receiver is important for Cam Ward’s continued development. Tennessee’s leading receiver, Elic Ayomanor, had just 515 receiving yards.
Washington Commanders
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Washington’s defense gave up a league-worst 384 yards per game last season. Edge rushers Von Miller, Deatrich Wise and linebacker Bobby Wagner are key free agents on defense.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Our 2026 NFL free agent shopping list: The biggest need for every team
Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026 payout, purse: How much does each golfer get?
The PGA Tour keeps on rolling.
This week we have the Arnold Palmer Invitational. A smaller field, but still a chance to make some movement on the Tour's Money List.
Here's a look at the purse and total prize money for the third PGA Tour signature event of 2026, the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Who won the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational?
Russell Henley won the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
What's the total purse for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational?
The total purse for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational is $20 million.
How much money does the winner make at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational
The winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational receives $4 million, or 20 percent of the total purse.
The field size is 72 players. One, Daniel Bennett, is an amateur, so only 71 players will receive prize money.
Genesis Invitational 2026 prize money payouts
| Position | Earnings |
| 1 | $4,000,000 |
| 2 | $2,200,000 |
| 3 | $1,400,000 |
| 4 | $1,000,000 |
| 5 | $840,000 |
| 6 | $760,000 |
| 7 | $700,000 |
| 8 | $646,000 |
| 9 | $600,000 |
| 10 | $556,000 |
| 11 | $514,000 |
| 12 | $472,000 |
| 13 | $430,000 |
| 14 | $389,000 |
| 15 | $369,000 |
| 16 | $349,000 |
| 17 | $329,000 |
| 18 | $309,000 |
| 19 | $289,000 |
| 20 | $269,000 |
| 21 | $250,000 |
| 22 | $233,000 |
| 23 | $216,000 |
| 24 | $200,000 |
| 25 | $184,000 |
| 26 | $168,000 |
| 27 | $161,000 |
| 28 | $154,000 |
| 29 | $147,000 |
| 30 | $140,000 |
| 31 | $133,000 |
| 32 | $126,000 |
| 33 | $119,000 |
| 34 | $114,000 |
| 35 | $109,000 |
| 36 | $104,000 |
| 37 | $99,000 |
| 38 | $94,000 |
| 39 | $90,000 |
| 40 | $86,000 |
| 41 | $82,000 |
| 42 | $78,000 |
| 43 | $74,000 |
| 44 | $70,000 |
| 45 | $66,000 |
| 46 | $62,000 |
| 47 | $58,000 |
| 48 | $56,000 |
| 49 | $54,000 |
| 50 | $52,000 |
| 51 | $51,000 |
| 52 | $50,000 |
| 53 | $49,000 |
| 54 | $48,000 |
| 55 | $47,000 |
| 56 | $46,000 |
| 57 | $45,000 |
| 58 | $44,000 |
| 59 | $43,000 |
| 60 | $42,000 |
| 61 | $41,000 |
| 62 | $40,000 |
| 63 | $39,000 |
| 64 | $38,000 |
| 65 | $37,000 |
| 66 | $36,000 |
| 67 | $35,000 |
| 68 | $34,000 |
| 69 | $33,000 |
| 70 | $32,000 |
| 71 | $31,000 |
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026: PGA Tour prize money payouts