Sportsnaut https://sportsnaut.com/ The Most Powerful Name In Sports Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:54:38 +0000 en-US hourly 12 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/themes/sportsnaut-child-theme/img/branding/site-icon-32x32.png Sportsnaut https://sportsnaut.com/ 32 32 Biggest takeaways from Carl Edwards podcast conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr https://sportsnaut.com/biggest-takeaways-from-carl-edwards-podcast-conversation-with-dale-earnhardt-jr/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:51:58 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280105

Carl Edwards sat down with Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the latest episode of the Dale Jr Download and arguably participated in the sort of candid conversation that everyone has wanted from him since January 2017.

In the clearest possible terms, Edwards articulated why he suddenly retired after the 2016 Cup Series and detailed exactly to which extent the late caution that denied him a championship factored into that decision.

Flashback to that night at Homestead: Edwards had a comfortable lead with 15 laps to go when a brake rotor came off of a car driven by Dylan Lupton. The caution came out even though Lupton never made any contact with anything and the debris was safely off the racing surface.

On the next restart, Edwards crashed with Joey Logano and Jimmie Johnson went onto win his seventh Cup Series championship. Edwards told Earnhardt that he went to Key West for a week shortly afterwards with a great deal of uncertainty over if he wanted to continue doing this for a living.

And he explained why to Earnhardt.

“So first of all, I don’t deserve anything and I’ve learned this … we were at church the other day and anybody knows me well, knows I’m historically an atheist at best but I’ve come to realize at 45 years old that if I try to write down a list of all the things God didn’t give me and that I did myself, there is just an empty sheet of paper in front of me.”

Edwards said then, that he views everything in his life as a gift.

“I was wrestling with some things like this at the time. I was living something that wasn’t my plan. I worked so hard my whole life and felt like I deserved to win this thing and it was taken away from me. What I realized is that there was a bigger plan than mine and all that stuff played out just perfectly. I was just along for the ride. I wasn’t sure how to deal with it but it was the strangest feeling.”

Edwards said there were so many signs that weekend. His motorhome broke down twice that week on the way to the track so he didn’t have it with him. He said he had issues at home. Edwards said there was nearly a crash with Danica Patrick in practice. He pointed to a slow pit stop that was his fault behind the wheel.

“I remember pulling out, weaving behind the pace car thinking I did it — I gave up my whole, everything I ever worked for. I’ll never forget (crew chief) Dave Rogers coming on the radio and saying, ‘we got ’em right where we want ’em.’

“And we went and we passed every single one of the guys I had to beat,” Edwards said. “And there was something about that caution. It was like the final thing to say, ‘you’re not supposed to win this thing. This is not supposed to happen.’

“I know NASCAR was throwing those cautions to make it more exciting. That’s a fact. And I specifically talked to people about it and that’s that. We’re all in this sport to entertain, and they were trying their hardest at the time. But my point in saying all of that is that it was an outstanding set of circumstances. It was very odd. But now I realize it was the best thing in the world. I was able to get the message that I did not belong in a race car. That’s not what I was supposed to be doing with my life. And looking back, I’m so thankful for it. I mean, it changed my life at that moment in a way that I could never have understood how great it was. So I know that’s a roundabout answer and it might be too much to swallow but that’s, that’s the way I see it.”

Earnhardt said it was hard to believe that Edwards could simply walk away from a competitive situation that good, especially when it’s all that he had known to that point. Edwards responded, again, that the way NASCAR calls the end of these races contributed a great deal to making that decision easy for him.

“So you’re exactly right. I wanted to win that championship. It’s everything I had worked for. That’s it. That’s the prize you want more than anything in the world. And yes, I believe that was snatched. So, that’s part of it and that was very difficult. Okay. So, I had to look and say, ‘okay, let’s just go to the next year. Let’s go to 2017, right?’ Let me just be real smart. Let me just think this through. Here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go and I am going to continue. I’m going to put everything in my life second in the backseat, and I’m going to go starting at Daytona, and I’m going to drive the hell out of this race car like I’ve been doing for 13, 14 years. And I’m going to run this thing all the way to the end and give everything I got another year of my life. …

“I’m going to do everything just right. And they’re going to throw a caution with five to go, and we’re going to put all this on a restart. And I thought, I don’t know if spending a whole year of my life and all the things you give up and possibly give up for one restart. That’s really disappointing but it actually helped me to say, ‘hey, you know what, this is the reality, that’s how this could go, and is it worth it to you?”

And it wasn’t with a growing family and a life that could be lived outside of a race car.

Also Read:: NASCAR on Amazon Prime announces full team, including Carl Edwards

Why he left Roush Fenway

Edwards was developed at the NASCAR ranks by Roush Racing and he competed there at the highest level for a decade before joining Joe Gibbs Racing prior to the 2015 season.

“I’ve never really talked about this but the cars, we just could not get them to turn in the center of the corner. We just could not get the cars to do what we needed to do and we did that for a long time. And I thought, I just wanted to try something different and we moved to Gibbs.”

Edwards confirmed that Gibbs had tried on multiple occasions to recruit him too.

“A lot of people don’t know that Gibbs and I had talked at points through my career and there’d been some times where I’d really looked over there and he had recruited me real hard,” Edwards said. “When we finally came up with the deal to do this, he said, ‘Hey, there’s one last thing.’ He said, ‘I’m going to have a meeting with the drivers because this is a big deal and the drivers are steering the ship here and if they don’t want you here, then we’re not going to do it.”

Edwards said he Coach reported back that he got glowing reviews from the likes of Matt Kenseth, who had a mixed relationship with at times while they were teammates at Roush, and even Kyle Busch who also had several run-ins with him over the years.

That was a humbling experience, Edwards said.

The fake punch

Edwards also addressed a blow-up between himself and Kenseth, then at Roush at Martinsville in October 2007, when he faked a punch while leaving the track.

It was the culmination of months of tension between them.

“Matt is so smart, he is so wise and he doesn’t mince any slack,” Edwards said. “He is going to give you exactly what you give. He knew exactly how to push my buttons right to the edge. He was like a black belt at screwing with me. I don’t remember what he did and he didn’t do anything that was over the line but he just got me boiling inside.”

Edwards said he was inadvertently encouraged by then crew chief Bob Osborne.

“I was so pissed, Matt, again and I was so pissed and I don’t remember what he did or didn’t do but I was mad,” Edwards said. “I went in the hauler and shouted ‘I don’t know what to do’ and Bob said ‘I would punch him in the face,’ and I thought ‘that’s a great idea.’

“I walked down, and sure enough, lord puts Matt right where I was going to climb over the wall and I thought what a perfect time and I’m going to punch him in the face. Then I realized, this is stupid, I don’t really want to punch this guy in the face, and it was awful, so I walked away from that …”

Edwards said Osborne told him, ‘I was joking and that’s the dumbest thing in the world, Matt’s your t teammate,’ and that he got a call from sponsor Office Depot expressing disappointment.

“You looked like the biggest insecure, bully, jerk ever,” the sponsor said according to Edwards.

Years later, Edwards is grateful for how Kenseth handled it.

“Matt is so incredible,” Edwards said. “He brushed that off and showed me so much grace. What a guy.”

Other storylines

  • Stories about Dale Jr. and Carl’s various rivalries and spats over the years
  • The culture of Roush versus Gibbs
  • How Earnhardt actually met Edwards’ father long before he realized it
  • Why Edwards is coming back to do TV now
  • Edwards on his passion for sailing the world

This was an objectively powerful hour and a half of storytelling so everyone owes it their fandom to watch or listen to the full episode.

Also Read:: NASCAR Phoenix takeaways: Tires and the NextGen riddle plus Christopher Bell’s epic streak

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Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:54:38 +0000 NASCAR News NASCAR Biggest takeaways from Carl Edwards podcast conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Edwards sat down with Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the latest episode of the Dale Jr Download and arguably participated in the sort of candid conversation that everyone has wanted from him since January 2017. In the clearest possible terms, Edwards articulated why he suddenly retired after the 2016 C carl edwards,Dale Earnhardt Jr,matt kenseth,NASCAR Cup Series,carl edwards ghows-PR-56b48d4e-53e2-4902-bfb8-b98f2bdb8523-fc6d6830
MLB rumors: How trading for Toronto Blue Jays All-Star solves New York Yankees’ right-handed bat search https://sportsnaut.com/new-york-yankees-rumors-bo-bichette-trade-target-toronto-blue-jays/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:06:36 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280095 Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees find themselves hunting for a right-handed bat as Giancarlo Stanton’s injury situation complicates their opening day roster plans, but the market offers few compelling solutions.

Stanton is officially headed to the injured list with tennis elbow affecting both arms. He’s already undergone at least three platelet-rich plasma injections, and the team has provided no definitive timeline for his return to baseball activities.

As concerns grow about Stanton’s availability, the Yankees are actively exploring right-handed hitting options, but the free agent landscape remains barren. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who spent 2024 with the crosstown New York Mets, is available but doesn’t play the field at this stage of his career.

The market also features right-handed outfielder Adam Duvall and switch-hitting Robbie Grossman, though neither projects to provide significant offensive production.

Meanwhile, the Yankees face additional uncertainty at third base as Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts back to his natural second base position. Potential third base solution D.J. LeMahieu is battling a calf injury, making it increasingly likely that Oswaldo Cabrera will handle the hot corner when the season begins.

However, if the Yankees want to address multiple roster weaknesses with a single bold move, they should consider reaching out to their division rivals in Toronto about a potential landscape-altering deal.

Why New York Yankees should trade for Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette

Bo Bichette, New York Yankees
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While it might seem improbable, the Yankees would be wise to gauge the Toronto Blue Jays interest in moving Bo Bichette to the Bronx. The Yankees could transition Bichette from shortstop — where he posted back-to-back seasons with at least 23 errors in 2021 and 2022 — to second base, while keeping Chisholm at third.

This move would immediately strengthen the infield while providing the right-handed bat the Yankees desperately need in their lineup.

Bichette comes off a challenging 2024 season where injuries limited him to just 81 games, resulting in a disappointing .598 OPS, 71 OPS+, and only four home runs. This represents a significant departure from his previous three seasons, each featuring 20-plus home runs.

Adding intrigue to the situation, Bichette revealed that Toronto hasn’t approached him about a contract extension, suggesting he may very well depart in free agency after this season.

If the Blue Jays sense Bichette’s exit is inevitable, why not maximize return value with a prospect package? While the Yankees’ farm system isn’t among baseball’s deepest, they could construct an offer centered around George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, or Roderick Arias. They might also include recently-optioned Everson Pereira to sweeten the proposal.

A deal between these longtime division rivals remains unlikely, but exploring this possibility makes strategic sense for both organizations given their current trajectories.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:06:40 +0000 MLB News MLB Bo Bichette Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
MLB rumors: Insider shockingly reveals top Arizona Diamondbacks starter might hit trade block if season sours https://sportsnaut.com/arizona-diamondbacks-rumors-mlb-insider-zac-gallen-trade-deadline-target/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:20:35 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280090 Nicole Hazen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to return to October baseball after missing the postseason last year despite an 89-win campaign.

Two seasons ago, Arizona made their unexpected World Series run, and they’re positioning themselves for another playoff push. The front office made key moves this offseason, adding former National League Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and trading for first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians to replace Christian Walker, who departed for the Houston Astros.

With Burnes joining the staff, Arizona now features one of the strong rotations in the National League. The group includes ace Zac Gallen, reliable veteran Merrill Kelly, and Eduardo Rodriguez — though Rodriguez was limited to just 10 starts last season due to a shoulder issue.

Arizona’s offense was productive last season, leading baseball with 886 runs scored — and that’s with 2023 National League Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll working through difficulties in the first half.

While the Diamondbacks are expected to be playoff contenders, a respected MLB insider has revealed an interesting possibility: if things don’t go as planned, Arizona might consider trading one of their key pitchers.

MLB insider wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona Diamondbacks put former All-Star on trade block

Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In a recent column, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Diamondbacks “could end up feeding the trade market” by making Gallen available at the deadline if they drift out of contention.

Olney’s rationale centers on Gallen’s contract situation — he’ll hit free agency this fall, meaning Arizona could recoup value rather than potentially losing him for only draft pick compensation if he rejects a qualifying offer.

“One or more National League West teams could end up feeding the trade market. The Padres enter this season with high expectations after nearly knocking out the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer, but if San Diego drifts behind in the playoff race, it holds two of the best impending free agents, Dylan Cease and former Yankee Michael King. Similarly, the San Francisco Giants have veteran Robbie Ray, who is under contract for $25 million this year and next, and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen will become eligible for free agency in the fall,” Olney reports.

Gallen, who earned All-Star honors in 2023, has established himself as one of the National League’s premier arms over the past three seasons. Between 2022 and 2024, his ERA has consistently ranged between 2.54 and 3.65, with his ERA+ fluctuating from 115 to an outstanding 158. He’s finished in the top five of NL Cy Young voting twice during this stretch.

His 2024 performance featured a 25.1% strikeout rate while inducing ground balls at an impressive 46.2% clip.

If the Diamondbacks unexpectedly place Gallen on the trade block during another stellar season, they could command a significant prospect haul despite his rental status. Several contenders would undoubtedly line up for a pitcher of Gallen’s caliber, with the Baltimore Orioles and both New York clubs — the Yankees and Mets — standing out as potential suitors.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:20:38 +0000 MLB News MLB Zac Gallen Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley https://sportsnaut.com/philadelphia-eagles-news-sign-aj-dillon-saquon-barkley-backup/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:35:32 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280086 Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles will be carefully monitoring Saquon Barkley’s workload next season following a historic 2024 campaign where he became just the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards.

While delivering 2,005 yards on the ground, Barkley shouldered a career-high in rushing attempts (345) and total touches (378). After helping lead the Eagles to their second Super Bowl championship, general manager Howie Roseman rewarded Barkley with a groundbreaking extension just one year into his deal — making him the first running back in NFL history to command $20 million annually.

Will Shipley, entering his second year with the Eagles, is positioned for an expanded role in 2025. His rookie campaign yielded modest production with 82 rushing yards on 32 carries and 35 receiving yards on four receptions.

With reliable backup Kenneth Gainwell departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, the Eagles have now signed a running back who missed the entire 2024 season with a neck injury to round out their backfield rotation.

Philadelphia Eagles bring in former second-round draft pick

A.J. Dillon, Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to multiple reports, including NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Eagles have signed former Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal.

Dillon, the Packers’ second-round selection from the 2020 NFL Draft, missed the entire 2024 season with a neck injury but has received medical clearance from top specialists.

During his four-year stint in Green Bay (2020-2023), Dillon amassed 2,428 rushing yards on 597 carries with 16 touchdowns. He’s also proven himself as a capable receiver out of the backfield, recording 86 receptions for 763 yards and two additional scores.

Beyond his ball-carrying abilities, Dillon brings valuable pass-protection skills with his ability to pick up blitzing defenders.

Contract details remain undisclosed.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:35:35 +0000 NFL News NFL A.J. Dillon Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency https://sportsnaut.com/carolina-panthers-panicked-in-free-agency-tershawn-wharton/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:55:05 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280076 Carolina Panthers
Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesEric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers made significant investments into the trenches for the second offseason in a row. Only this time instead of focusing on offense, the Panthers are adding to their defense, which allowed the most points in the NFL last season.

Yet, just because the Panthers made a big money signing with Tershawn Wharton, it doesn’t mean it was worth the cost.

Related: 6 biggest winners from NFL free agency Day 2

Carolina Panthers win ‘Panic Award’ for Tershawn Wharton signing

Carolina Panthers, Tershawn Wharton
Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers struck quickly early on during NFL free agency, signing former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to a three-year, $45 million contract. While that’s a significant investment, the Panthers originally had a different target in mind, Milton Williams, who agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots.

Carolina was reportedly negotiating with Williams until the Patriots presented an offer that was too good to refuse. Thus, the Panthers pivoted to signing Wharton instead.

Yet, according to ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak, the decision to pivot to Wharton and pay him an average of $15 million per season was a panic move.

“In some ways, Wharton looks like a fine consolation prize to Williams. Like Williams, he broke out with a career-best 6.5 sacks in 2024. Like Williams, he benefited from rushing next to an elite tackle in Chris Jones. And as an undrafted free agent who had to earn his way into a starting role, it’s understandable that Wharton is just breaking out now and that his best football is ahead of him.

But the comparison doesn’t really pass muster. Yes, Wharton’s sack numbers were better, but he had 140 more pass-rush snaps than Williams, and his pressure rate of 8.2% was just above league average. Williams also just hit free agency; Wharton was available last season and signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal, which means his new market is largely the product of his “breakout” season.

I’m not convinced Wharton has that juice. Sure, he flashes power as a rusher, and in more of a one-gapping role he could demonstrate a level of pass-rush prowess yet untapped. But this is a common error in the free agent cycle: missing on the real prize and accordingly overpaying for the next-best option to avoid coming away with nothing. The Panthers had money already set aside for a defensive tackle, and when they missed on Williams, they spent it anyway.”

ESPN’s Ben Solak on Carolina Panthers’ FA decision

Wharton will be asked to play a big role in Carolina and with how much the Panthers paid him, he’ll be expected to produce at a very high level. If he doesn’t this move will come back to bite them, costing them the chance to spend on other players who do contribute to their potential success.

Related: Top 10 free agents available ahead of NFL free agency Day 3

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:56:43 +0000 NFL News NFL NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing https://sportsnaut.com/dallas-cowboys-news-jerry-jones-lets-demarcus-lawrence-walk-seattle-seahawks/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:54:39 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280066 Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s been a frustrating offseason for Dallas Cowboys fans, to say the least.

After staggering to a 7-10 season where they missed the playoffs entirely, Dallas fired Mike McCarthy only to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach in what many consider an underwhelming move.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys are sitting on over $53 million in cap space, yet their only significant investment has been a four-year, $80 million extension to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

They’ve made minor moves elsewhere – signing wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin to a reported three-year, $18 million deal and trading for cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round draft pick, from the Buffalo Bills.

Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones has yet to secure All-Pro Micah Parsons with an extension as his market value continues to climb, and the roster adjustments so far have lacked the impact needed for a genuine turnaround.

Now, a four-time Pro Bowler is exiting Dallas after 11 seasons.

Defensive stalwart leaves Dallas Cowboys for Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is departing the Cowboys and signing a three-year, $42 million deal ($18 million guaranteed) with the Seattle Seahawks.

Lawrence appeared in just four games during 2024 after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite his limited action, he was remarkably productive, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those appearances.

This represents a devastating loss for a Cowboys defense that already struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 28th in the league while surrendering 355.2 yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, add a proven edge rusher to bolster their 14th-ranked defense.

Lawrence, a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent his entire 11-year career in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.

During his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence amassed 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 21 forced fumbles.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:54:43 +0000 NFL News NFL DeMarcus Lawrence Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Kevin Harvick calls for new NASCAR qualifying procedure https://sportsnaut.com/kevin-harvick-calls-for-new-nascar-qualifying-procedure/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:42:00 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280073

Kevin Harvick says NASCAR needs to go back to a random draw for its qualifying order because the current rules effectively discourage competition.

Under the current rules, the qualifying order is set by the results of the previous week and current championship standings. Specifically, the metric is comprised of fastest lap time (15 percent), driver finishing spot (25 percent), owner finishing spot (25 percent) and owner points position (35 percent).

This matters because a slow start, especially for a season that began with two drafting tracks, can begin to compound a team’s performance. If you are outside of the top 25 in points, you’re likely amongst the first 10 going out the next week and likely starting near the back because the track picks up speed as the session goes on.

And a driver that starts near the back is unlikely to be scoring stage points and at the most risk of getting caught in another crash so a season can quickly derail just because of the qualifying metric.

“If you get into that hole, it’s hard to get out of it because it starts with inspection, you’re behind,” Harvick said on his Happy Hours show. “It starts with your garage stall. You’re later on the racetrack. Then your qualifying bid is almost set based upon your finish and your points. You can go forward a little bit with a good quality finish, but your points lag you down. I just think that the random draw would put a little more intrigue back into qualifying.”

So Harvick wants a conversation about this procedure.

“I think we should go back to the random draw,” Harvick said. “I think the rich get richer, and when you see the last car getting the pole, yeah, that’s great. With the random draw, it mixes the field up, it adds a little bit more of that intrigue to the qualifying order because it’s different every week.

“Now we’re going to cycle into qualifying order being very similar every week. If you’re behind, you have no real chance of catching up. I don’t know why we wouldn’t want people to catch up. When you go out early, the racetrack still has rubber on it from practice. The more cars that go out, it cleans the racetrack up, then the racetrack gets faster.”

This topic was also addressed in Monday’s post-race NASCAR column.

Also Read:: NASCAR Phoenix takeaways: Tires and the NextGen riddle plus Christopher Bell’s epic streak

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:42:03 +0000 NASCAR News NASCAR
NASCAR penalty report released after Phoenix weekend https://sportsnaut.com/nascar-penalty-report-released-after-phoenix-weekend/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:11:52 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280064 NASCAR Xfinity: GovX 200
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

There are no penalties for the NASCAR Cup Series from the race weekend at Phoenix Raceway after this past weekend.

However, there are a pair of Xfinity Series loose or missing lug nut infractions from Saturday night. That results in a $5000 fine to both teams that failed the post-race visual inspection in Avondale Arizona.

Both infractions were issued to Joe Gibbs Racing teams — the No. 18 and driver William Sawalich and the No. 20 and driver Brandon Jones.

In the ARCA Racing Series, race winner Brent Crews was fined $1000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the season for not wearing a head sock underneath his helmet during the race on Friday night.

Also Read:: NASCAR Phoenix takeaways: Tires and the NextGen riddle plus Christopher Bell’s epic streak

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:11:56 +0000 NASCAR News NASCAR
Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers https://sportsnaut.com/pittsburgh-steelers-news-sign-former-new-york-jets-brandin-echols/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:03:07 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280056 NFL: AFC Wild Card Playoffs-Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers could become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for 2025.

With Justin Fields signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets and Russell Wilson visiting both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, Pittsburgh finds itself hunting for a new signal caller.

Rodgers, who has now officially been released by the Jets after two turbulent seasons, has reportedly long been a favorite of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

If the Steelers do sign Rodgers, they would acquire a 41-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback who brings considerable baggage. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during a disappointing 5-12 Jets season in 2024, though context matters – he attempted the second-most passes in the league while often playing from behind.

As Pittsburgh awaits Rodgers’ decision, the team has already secured one of his former teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets cornerback

Brandin Echols, Pittsburgh Steelers
Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers have signed former Jets cornerback Brandin Echols to bolster their secondary depth and special teams.

The Jets selected Echols in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season, he appeared in 16 games (making four starts), recording two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery while playing 38% of defensive snaps. He also contributed on special teams for 46% of plays.

Throughout his four-year stint in New York, Echols appeared in 57 games with 19 starts, amassing five interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 16 pass breakups.

Contract details remain undisclosed.

This signing follows Pittsburgh’s recent acquisition of cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:03:10 +0000 NFL News NFL Brandin Echols Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
NASCAR adjusts Helio Castroneves rule after Daytona 500 https://sportsnaut.com/nascar-adjusts-helio-castroneves-rule-after-daytona-500/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:44:04 +0000 https://sportsnaut.com/?p=1280059 NASCAR: DAYTONA 500
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NASCAR has adjusted its Open Exemption Provisional rule following its inaugural usage by Helio Castroneves and Trackhouse Racing in the Daytona 500 last month.

Prior to the Great American Race, it was made known as early as January that Trackhouse and Castroneves had applied for and was granted the guaranteed starting spot designed for a world class driver that first appeared in the 2025 Cup Series Rule Book.

The original version of that policy would have allowed the open entrant provisional designee to attempt to qualify into a race with more than 40 drivers on the entry list but would be eligible start as the 41st entrant if otherwise failing to make the field.

Castroneves failed to qualify into the race and used the guaranteed starting spot — meaning that Trackhouse Racing would not be eligible for owner points or prize money.

NASCAR has now changed the rule to automatically lock the open entrant provisional into the field as the 41st driver. The driver will no longer have to qualify into the race and the team will automatically be excluded from prize money or owner points upon receiving confirmation of the provisional.

That team will start the race based on where they qualified.

In the event that a team applies for (and is granted) the Open Exemption Provisional, and the race ultimately has 40 entries or less, they will be eligible for owner points and prize money. Teams still must meet the 90 day in advance of a race deadline to receive approval. If there are multiple applications, NASCAR will decide which entrant will receive the designation.

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Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:44:08 +0000 NASCAR News NASCAR