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Best free agency fits for Mike Evans, George Pickens, other top WRs

February 20, 2026
Best free agency fits for Mike Evans, George Pickens, other top WRs

This year's crop of free agents are headlined by wide receivers.

USA TODAY Sports

George Pickensis considered by many as the top free agent available, while veteran wideoutMike Evansis an intriguing prospect who could be the missing piece for a Super Bowl-caliber team.

Wide receiver and return specialistRashid Shaheedis also a free agent after helping theSeattle Seahawkswin a Super Bowl title.

Where will the top free agent wide receivers land?

NFL teams are permitted to contact free agents at 12 p.m. ET on March 9. Teams can officially sign free agents when the new league year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11.

USA TODAY Sports explores the best landing spots for the top free agent wide receivers:

1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana <p style=2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=17. Detroit Lions – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=18. Minnesota Vikings – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo <p style=21. Pittsburgh Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson 26. Buffalo Bills – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.) <p style=27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech <p style=29. Los Angeles Rams – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl

George Pickens (2025 team: Cowboys)

Best fit: Cowboys

Pickens found a home in Dallas becoming a co-star at wide receiver with CeeDee Lamb. He's coming off career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdown grabs (9) – numbers that earned him a second team All-Pro nod.

Pickens sometimes doesn't play with maximum effort, but when he's dialed in the talent is evident. Dallas has needs on defense but losing Pickens would create a hole on offense.

Mike Evans (2025 team:Buccaneers)

Best fit: Bucaneers

Evans'representation informed teamsthat he intends to play in 2026. The 32-year-old's streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons came to an end in 2025 after a concussion, hamstring injury and broken collarbone limited him to eight games.

It would be odd to see the veteran wideout in anything other than a Bucs uniform; Evans has played all 12 of his seasons in Tampa Bay, becoming the Bucs' all-time leading receiver during that stretch.

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Evans still has a role as Tampa Bay's X receiver. Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. are best suited as a Z and slot receivers, respectively.

Alec Pierce (2025 team: Colts)

Best fit: Raiders

Pierce enjoyed career-highs in catches (47) and receiving yards (1,003) last season. The 6-foot-3 receiver is a good vertical threat, averaging 21.3 yards per reception in 2025, leading all qualified players.

The Raiders must supply presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza with more weapons. Pierce's ability to stretch the field would help open the middle of the field up for tight end Brock Bowers, and he's a capable blocker which will aid RB Ashton Jeanty.

Rashid Shaheed (2025 teams: Saints/Seahawks)

Best fit: Seahawks

Shaheed's most notable highlights are as a returner, but that shouldn't minimize his productivity as a wide receiver. Opposing defenses have to respect Shaheed's speed and he's a good gadget receiver.

Shaheed's return ability does, however, make him one of the top free agents this year. He was the only player in the NFL in 2025 with both kick return and punt return touchdowns. Shaheed told USA TODAY Sports that he"absolutely"wants to re-sign with the Seahawks.

Romeo Doubs (2025 team: Packers)

Best fit: Titans

Doubs showed the potential to be a team's No. 1 wide receiver. He led the Packers in receptions and receiving yards last season. The outside receiver has struggled with consistency during his time in Green Bay, but could be paid like a No. 1 wideout this offseason.

The Titans have the salary cap flexibility to be aggressive this offseason. Tennessee had the third worst pass offense in the NFL last season. Calvin Ridley, Chig Okonkwo and Doubs would be a nice trio of pass catchers for second-year QB Cam Ward.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X@TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL free agency: Best fits for Mike Evans, Alec Pierce, Romeo Doubs

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President of Argentine soccer associations barred from leaving country after court ruling

February 20, 2026
President of Argentine soccer associations barred from leaving country after court ruling

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A judge inArgentinahas barred the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and four other officials from leaving the country and summoned them to testify regarding the alleged misuse of social security contributions.

Associated Press

It is the first relevant legal action against Claudio Tapia, the AFA´s top official, whois facing several investigationsinto his assets and the financial management of the organization.

Judge Diego Amarante summoned Tapia on Thursday for questioning on March 5 in the Buenos Aires courts, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

"Chiqui" Tapia is accused of failing to pay social contributions amounting to 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) in 2024 and 2025.

The complaint was brought by the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA).

The AFA president is obligated to appear in court, but he can refuse to testify.

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Judge Amarante prohibited Tapia from leaving the country due to "the seriousness of the investigated events" and to "guarantee the completion of the legal proceedings."

If the travel ban remains in place after he testifies in court, Tapia will not be able to attend the men'sFinalissimabetween Copa America champion Argentina and Euro 2024 winner Spain set to played on March 27 in Qatar.

Treasurer Pablo Toviggino, Secretary General Cristian Malaspina, General Director Gustavo Lorenzo, and former Racing Club President Víctor Blanco will also have to appear to testify and will not be allowed to leave the country for the same reason.

Neither Tapia nor the other officials commented on Amarante's ruling.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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MAHA activists warn Trump could lose their support over glyphosate order

February 20, 2026
MAHA activists warn Trump could lose their support over glyphosate order

By Leah Douglas

Reuters

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Members of the U.S. Make America Healthy Again movement that backs Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. say an executive order this week to boost domestic production of the weedkiller glyphosate risks their support in November's midterm elections.

Kennedy ‌backers helped elect President Donald Trump in 2024, and he has installed MAHA priorities during his second term, such as reducing the number of recommended ‌childhood vaccines and promoting whole foods in the new dietary guidelines.

The administration drew criticism from MAHA activists last year for removing draft language on pesticides from an August report on children's health and ​for the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of new pesticides.

On Wednesday, Trump's executive order invoked the Defense Production Act to ensure the domestic supply of phosphorus and glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller at the center of tens of thousands of lawsuits by plaintiffs claiming it causes cancer.

MAHA activists said they saw Trump's executive order as a broken promise to their movement, which opposes the widespread use of glyphosate due to health concerns.

"I don't feel like there's much hope after this executive order in preserving the MAHA ‌vote," said Kelly Ryerson, co-executive director of American Regeneration ⁠and a critic of glyphosate use.

The order says glyphosate is "crucial to the national security and defense, including food-supply security."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Estimates vary widely on how many voters MAHA includes, but it represented a ⁠large part of Kennedy's support during his aborted presidential campaign.

TRUMP'S ORDER FOLLOWED BAYER

Trump's order came after Bayer, the only company that produces glyphosate in the U.S., proposed a $7.25 billion legal settlement this week to address tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its glyphosate weedkiller Roundup causes cancer.

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The German company said last August that it could be forced to ​stop ​U.S. production unless regulatory changes were made to stave off that litigation. The U.S. imports ​large volumes of glyphosate from China.

Bayer has maintained that glyphosate is ‌safe for human use. The science on glyphosate's safety is mixed, with some research showing it can affect the endocrine system or linking it to cancer.

Dave Murphy, founder and CEO of United We Eat and former finance manager on Kennedy's presidential campaign, called the executive order a "strategic mistake" that could serve as an election liability.

"Trump would not be in the White House this second time without those followers, and we expect him to live up to his word," Murphy said.

Kennedy, a longtime glyphosate critic who in a 2024 post on X called it "one of the likely culprits in America's chronic disease epidemic," said in a statement that ‌the executive order is necessary for national security.

"When hostile actors control critical inputs, they weaken ​our security," he said, without specifying to which countries he was referring. "By expanding domestic production, ​we close that gap and protect American families."

NOVEMBER ELECTION RISK

Republicans control the ​Senate and, more narrowly, the House of Representatives, but every seat in the House and a third in the Senate will ‌be contested in November.

Trump's aggressive approach to immigration and voter concerns ​about persistently high costs already show signs of ​liability to Republicans in the elections. Sitting presidents have lost House seats in every midterm election since George W. Bush in 2006.

MAHA supporters flooded social media with posts and comments about their disappointment, including images with the text, "we do not consent to being poisoned."

A petition to Trump being circulated ​by the MAHA group Moms Across America, whose founder ‌Zen Honeycutt is a longtime Kennedy ally, urges him to rescind the order.

"True national security is healthy families and the ability of the ​next generation to reproduce and thrive, which will not happen for as long as these pervasive, harmful herbicides are being used," the ​petition said.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington; editing by Caroline Humer, Rod Nickel)

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Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state

February 20, 2026
Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied in the capital ofSri Lankaon Friday to protest alleged governmentdisrespect of their religionand disregard for a long-standing tradition that they be consulted in matters of state.

Associated Press

The protest passed without any reported violence.

The constitution of the island nation of around 22 million people states that Buddhism is the state religion, though freedom of religion is protected by law. The charter also states that the government has an obligation to protect and foster Buddhism.

More than 70% of the population is Buddhist and their clergy are influential in social, cultural and political affairs. There are also minority Hindus, Muslims and Christians living in Sri Lanka.

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The monks at the protest in Colombo read out an appeal note they said would be sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The note said the responsibility of the government in the island nation is to base its values on the principles of Buddhism, which emerged in the 5th century B.C. in ancient India, and recognize the right of the clergy to counsel in the affairs of the state.

It also urged for excluding non-Buddhists from top office in Sri Lanka, incorporating Buddhist values in schools and the education system and protecting all archaeological sites connected to the religion.

The appeal is likely part of the efforts by the monks to pressure the government.

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UK police seek information from ex-protection officers of king's brother Andrew

February 20, 2026
UK police seek information from ex-protection officers of king's brother Andrew

By Phil Noble, Kate Holton and Michael Holden

Reuters Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, younger brother of Britain's King Charles, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaves Aylsham Police Station on a vehicle, on the day he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after the U.S. Justice Department released more records tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in Aylsham, Britain, February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Phil Noble British newspapers, featuring coverage of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of Britain's King Charles, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, sit on display in a newsagent in London, Britain, February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor Members of the media gather outside the Sandringham Estate, a day after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of Britain's King Charles, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was released following arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after the U.S. Justice Department released more records tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in Norfolk, Britain, February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Phil Noble

Aylsham Police Station amid a report of an arrest in Aylsham

SANDRINGHAM, England, Feb 20 (Reuters) - British police said on Friday they were contacting former protection officers who worked for King Charles' younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, urging anyone with allegations of sex offences relating to Jeffrey Epstein to come forward.

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ‌allegations he sent confidential government documents to the disgraced financier when he was a trade envoy.

As part of a completely separate inquiry, London's Metropolitan Police said it was now identifying and contacting ‌former and serving officers who may have worked closely with the royal.

OFFICERS URGED TO SHARE INFORMATION

"They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information ​that could assist us," the police statement said.

"We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate."

Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, a convicted sex offender whose death in a New York jail in 2019 was ruled a suicide, and said he regretted their friendship.

In 2022, the royal settled a civil lawsuit brought in the United States by the late Virginia Giuffre who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager at properties owned by Epstein or his associates.

British media reports have stated that Giuffre ‌received around 12 million pounds ($16.2 million) from Mountbatten-Windsor. He has denied ever meeting ⁠her.

London police had previously looked into allegations of trafficking for sexual exploitation relating to Epstein and decided in 2016 not to launch any criminal investigation. That decision has since been reviewed three times, and as it stands there is no current formal investigation.

Friday's statement said in light of the recent mass release of documents by the U.S. ⁠government relating to Epstein, police were also looking into whether London airports were used by him to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

"We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States," the statement said.

That echoed statements from three other police forces that are looking into private flight links to Epstein at other airports in Britain.

HELD FOR MORE THAN 10 HOURS

The latest development comes after Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation, ​having ​been held by detectives from Thames Valley police for more than 10 hours on suspicion of misconduct in a public office ​relating to his time as a trade envoy from 2001-2011.

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He has not been charged ‌with any offence, but looked haunted in a Reuters photograph after his release, eyes red and slumped in the back of a Range Rover.

The photograph of a man who was once a dashing naval officer and reputed favourite son of the late Queen Elizabeth was carried on the front page of newspapers in Britain and around the world, accompanied by headlines such as "Downfall".

News of the arrest also made headlines around the world, including Australia, where Charles is head of state, Europe and the United States.

The recent release of Epstein files showed Mountbatten-Windsor had remained friends with Epstein long after the financier was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.

Those files suggested he had forwarded to Epstein British government reports about investment opportunities in Afghanistan and assessments of Vietnam, Singapore and other places he had visited as the government's Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

The arrest of ‌the senior royal, eighth in line to the throne, is unprecedented in modern times.

King Charles, who stripped his brother of ​his title of prince and forced him out of his Windsor home last year, said on Thursday he had learned about the ​arrest with "deepest concern".

"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course," the king said.

Julian Payne, ​Charles' former communications chief who is now at Edelman, said by putting the statement in the king's words, it was designed to show that he was taking the lead ‌on the matter, and he thought the public would be supportive.

"After all, how many ​other leaders around the world are judged through the actions ​of their relatives?" he told Reuters.

POLICE SEARCHES AT WINDSOR CONTINUE

As part of its investigation, Thames Valley Police have searched Wood Farm on the king's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, where Mountbatten-Windsor now lives, and officers were still searching his former mansion in Windsor on Friday.

While being arrested means that police have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed and that the royal is suspected ​of involvement in an offence, it does not imply guilt.

A conviction for misconduct ‌in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and cases must be dealt with in a Crown Court, which handle the most serious criminal offences.

Any investigation could take months ​as the police will likely have to work with the British government, and its embassies around the world, along with Buckingham Palace to establish what records remain.

($1 = 0.7403 pounds)

(Reporting by Phil ​Noble in Sandringham and Kate Holton and Michael Holden in London; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson)

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Carrick says Man United is proud of its culture after Ratcliffe's comments

February 20, 2026
Carrick says Man United is proud of its culture after Ratcliffe's comments

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United coach Michael Carrick said the Premier League club was proud of its culture after co-owner Jim Ratcliffe triggered a storm of criticism forclaiming Britain had been "colonized"by immigrants.

Associated Press Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick celebrates at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Fulham in Manchester, England, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson) Jim Ratcliffe, dueño del Manchester United, de pie frente al ex técnico Alex Ferguson durante el partido contra Manchester City en la Liga Premier, el 14 de septiembre de 2025. (AP Foto/Dave Thompson)

Britain Premier League Soccer

The British billionaire owner of petrochemicals giant INEOS later apologized that his choice of language had "offended some people."

Ratcliffe's comments were condemned by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with a wide spectrum of political figures, as well as United fans proud of the diversity within the team and its supporter base.

Carrick, who washired as interim head coach, faced the media on Friday for the first time since Ratcliffe's remarks and he was asked for his response.

"Sir Jim has made a statement, and then the club's made a statement on the back of it so for me to add to that is not my place," he said. "What I can say is, as I've been around this club many, many years, we always make a huge impact globally.

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"We're really proud of the environment and the culture that we've got at the club, and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something that we look to carry through every day."

Ratcliffe's comments touched a nerve in Britain, whereimmigration is a divisive issue.

Critics accused Ratcliffe of "hypocrisy," saying he has chosen to make his home in Monaco to reduce his U.K. tax bill.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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