All articles tagged with #guard
After Week 1’s struggles on the Packers’ line, head coach Matt LaFleur hinted that Green Bay could field changes at guard in Week 2 if Aaron Banks can’t return, with Donovan Jennings, Jacob Monk and other active linemen like Anthony Belton, Jager Burton and John Williams in the mix.
Philadelphia selected Labaron Philon Jr., a 6'3" guard from Alabama and a two-year college player, with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He averaged 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists on efficient shooting and projects to fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in a faster Sixers backcourt. Philon emphasizes versatility (on- and off-ball), aims to bulk up for multi-position defense, and plans to sharpen his ball-handling as a rookie, believing the destination felt like destiny and looking forward to learning from the roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Alabama guard showed notable growth from his freshman to sophomore year, including a jump in three-point shooting, strong ball-handling, and improved finishing at the rim, signaling offensive potential for Philly. At 6’2.5” and 176 pounds, size/defense are concerns, and his role is likely as a scoring guard off the bench or a complementary backcourt piece alongside Maxey and Edgecombe. The pick reflects Philly’s emphasis on talented, high-upside players even if fit isn’t perfect.
At Steelers OTAs, Fautanu and McCormick swapped tackle sides, with Fautanu insisting he doesn’t want to play guard but could if needed; Jones did not participate in team periods due to a neck injury, keeping his 2026 status unclear. If Fautanu stays at tackle, Max Iheanachor and Dylan Cook would contest the right tackle spot, while a guard role could open with Semualo gone. Training camp will determine Jones’ return and the final offensive-line arrangement.
Day 2 of NFL free agency has Cleveland weighing four top targets to bolster the roster—OT Rasheed Walker, WR Romeo Doubs, OL guard Teven Jenkins, and P Tommy Townsend—while Bitonio’s potential departure looms. Updates show Doubs signed with the Patriots, Jenkins re-signed with Cleveland, and Walker’s market may be softer than expected, leaving the Browns to decide how aggressively to pursue additions.
Texans guard Ed Ingram has agreed to a three-year contract worth about $37.5 million to stay in Houston, per Ian Rapoport; the former Vikings second-round pick was traded to Houston last year, started 14 regular-season games and both postseason games, and is expected to be the Texans' starting guard again this season.
The Houston Texans signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year, $37.5 million deal (with $23.5 million guaranteed), aiming to strengthen their rebuilt offensive line. Ingram showed improved run-blocking in Houston after leaving Minnesota, though his pass protection was uneven, and the contract places him among solid, mid-tier guards as the team reshapes its OL.
Keaton Wagler, once overlooked by high-major programs, defied the odds as a lightly recruited 6'6 guard who blossomed after Illinois offered him late in the process, embracing a development plan and proving himself on the court with breakout scoring and playmaking—highlighted by a 46-point game against Purdue and a key role in Illinois' efficient offense—making him a potential NBA prospect and a symbol of how modern recruiting can miss a future star.
A global Guardian photo essay captures Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations across major cities—from Beijing and Hong Kong to Manila, Moscow, and New York—featuring incense rituals, lion and dragon dances, street parades, and vibrant community performances that mark the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Dallas Cowboys and guard Tyler Smith have agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid guard and securing his place on the team beyond his rookie deal.
Cowboys guard Rob Jones suffered a broken neck during training camp, likely sidelining him for 2-3 months, which impacts the team's offensive line depth as Tyler Booker is expected to start at right guard.
Trey Smith signed a four-year, $94 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history with an average of $23.5 million per year, featuring significant guarantees and a shorter commitment compared to other players.
Trevor Penning, originally drafted as a tackle by the Saints, has been moved to left guard where he believes his skills are better suited, especially in the run game, and sees this change as beneficial for his performance and future prospects.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached a one-year agreement with free agent guard Sua Opeta, following the departure of Aaron Stinnie to the Giants. Opeta, who previously played for the Eagles, is set to compete with Ben Bredeson for the left guard position.
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with guard Damien Lewis, including $26.2 million guaranteed, making him the second guard acquisition of the day after finalizing a five-year, $100 million deal with former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt. Lewis, a former member of the Seattle Seahawks, ranked 41st among all guards in pass block win rate last season and has started 61 of a possible 67 regular-season games over his career.