Sean Payton Emotional On Drew Brees HOF Call: 'Can't Believe You Just Did That'

If 100 people came up with an all-time New Orleans Saints team and coaching staff, each of those individuals would likely have Drew Brees as the quarterback and Sean Payton as the head coach. On that note, the legendary Saints quarterback wants his former head coach to be the one that presents him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Saints posted a video to X on Thursday of Brees Facetiming Payton, his head coach of 14 years (2006-11 and 2013-20), asking him to present the quarterback at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in Canton, Ohio next month. "Honest to God, I can't believe you just did that," Payton said to Brees in the video, while holding back tears. Payton later said he'd "absolutely" present Brees, which was an opportunity he called "awesome," and that he "loves" the Saints legend. Brees is one of five players who are part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the other four being wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri and linebacker Luke Kuechly. After five seasons with the San Diego Chargers (2001-05), Brees signed with the Saints in the same offseason the franchise hired Payton, who was previously the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys under Hall of Famer Bill Parcells, as head coach. And the rest is history. Brees went on to be a Pro Bowler in 13 of his 15 seasons in New Orleans, earn Offensive Player of the Year honors in two seasons (2008 and 2011), lead the NFL in passing yards seven times, completion percentage six times, passing touchdowns four times and passer rating twice. He threw for 5,000 yards in five seasons and is second in league history in passing yards for a single season, throwing for 5,476 yards in 2011; Brees is also sixth, seventh and eighth on that list. Brees and Payton's partnership was highlighted by the Saints winning Super Bowl XLIV, the first and only such triumph in franchise history. In all, the Saints went 9-8 in the playoffs with the two. Brees, who's first in Saints history in passing yards (68,010), passing touchdowns (491), passer rating (101.5) and completion percentage (68.8%), is second in NFL history (regular-season stats) with 80,358 passing yards and 571 passing touchdowns and third in completion percentage (67.7%). Meanwhile, Payton is first in Saints history with 152 regular-season wins, a 63.1% regular-season winning percentage and nine playoff wins. Furthermore, he's one of only three head coaches in Saints history to get the franchise to the postseason and one of just two to win a playoff game (the Saints went 1-1 in the playoffs under head coach Jim Haslett). Payton stepped down as head coach after the 2021 season and was later traded to the Denver Broncos after the 2022 regular season. In that coaching gap year (2022), Payton served as an NFL Studio Analyst for FOX. Ironically, Brees is now a color commentator for the network. The 2026 Hall of Fame enshrinement is on Sunday, Aug. 8.

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New Orleans Saints Over/Under Win Total: Ready To Take Next Step?

In 2025, the Saints finished 6-11 and in last place in the NFC South. New Orleans has not made the playoffs since 2020, but the franchise may have found its long-term answer at quarterback in Tyler Shough. After making several key additions and adding promising talent through the draft, the Saints are presumed to take a step forward this season. With that in mind, let’s break down New Orleans’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. New Orleans Saints Over 7.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)Under 7.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total) What to know: Despite finishing 6-11 in 2025, the Saints showed plenty of promise down the stretch. They won four of their final five games, including a four-game winning streak before a close Week 18 loss. Much of that optimism centered around rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. In 11 games (nine starts), Shough threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing nearly 68% of his passes. He also added 186 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Shough protected the football, was efficient in the red zone, and consistently delivered in key situations, providing hope that New Orleans has found its franchise quarterback under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints added more weapons for Tyler Shough this offseason, acquiring running back Travis Etienne Jr. and selecting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 overall pick. They join Chris Olave, who is coming off a 100-catch, 1,163-yard season, giving New Orleans another dynamic target in the passing game. Odds: This upcoming season, New Orleans is the +265 second choice to win the NFC South, the +3700 13th choice to win the NFC and the +9000 24th choice to win the Super Bowl.

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Kevin O'Connell Reveals How Vikings Will Split Reps Between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy

The starting quarterback audition that will shape this season for the Minnesota Vikings and perhaps define multiple careers is clearly the featured attraction during training camp. For as consequential as this competition will be, Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and their teammates have no interest in intensifying the spotlight or indulging in feelings about the process. The players themselves are trying to keep things as cool as they can. "I’m not really too focused on the long-term vision of it," Murray said Wednesday before the team's first formal practice of camp. "I’m really just focused on process, and that’s day to day, trying to put my best foot forward, and proving to the guys and the coaches what I’m capable of." McCarthy brings a decidedly different resume, style and personality to this derby, but his public stance on his approach to trying to keep the same job he had last year sure sounded similar to Murray's. "It’s just refining every little detail, leaving no stone unturned and just trying to get better in every aspect," said McCarthy, whose injuries have limited him to 10 starts in two seasons since he was drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2024. "That’s a constant battle with yourself every single day until you hang ’em up." Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was remarkably transparent in his news conference this week about the plan for dividing up drills in practice between the two. Murray went first with the first team Wednesday, but the repetitions were equally split. "It’s going to be more by certain periods," O'Connell said. "Maybe a guy’s gotten a little bit more third down work, so then we’ll make sure we try to even it out, but I will say this, and I told the quarterbacks: ‘We don’t need to make this 50-50.’ It’s going to be that way to start when we’re on a time crunch, but when we get into some longer practices and some move-the-ball periods, there’s some periods where the amount of plays is unknown sometimes as you really start to get into what real football is." Murray, of course, was the most seismic change after McCarthy's rocky debut. As the first overall pick in the 2019 draft with 87 starts and more than 20,000 passing yards in his career, Murray is the clear favorite to win this competition. But O'Connell has committed to opening it up, and McCarthy has said he believes him. "My job’s to make it right for either of them, so that’s kind of all I can focus on," right tackle Brian O'Neill said. "It’s just like any other guy and any other position battle. That’s really what it is from my perspective." Murray mentioned earlier the challenge of mastering a new offense without taking all of the turns with the first team, but he said Wednesday he feels much better about the playbook after going through spring practices and continuing to immerse himself in it over the last six weeks. McCarthy, too, said he has recovered from the time lost and the rhythm interrupted by his late-season injuries. "I felt like I was hitting that upward trajectory, and I’m certain it’s still been going up since then," McCarthy said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

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San Francisco 49ers Over/Under Win Total: Can S.F. Find Its Magic Again?

Since 2019, the 49ers have won 10 games or more five times, reaching the Super Bowl twice and the NFC Championship Game four times in that span. However, the name of the game for San Francisco, for a few consecutive seasons, has been injuries. How healthy will it be going into this season? And if healthy, can it overcome the two juggernauts in-division? Let's check out the 49ers' Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. San Francisco 49ers Over 9.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total)Under 9.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) What to know: Health. That was the one word that plagued the San Francisco 49ers last season. The Niners led the NFL by losing over $95 million in salary cap value to players on the injured list throughout the year. Remarkably, they still won 12 games in 2025 despite dealing with a plethora of injuries to several key players. Brock Purdy missed eight games, while Fred Warner and Nick Bosa both suffered season-ending injuries. George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall and Talanoa Hufanga also missed a significant portion of the season and Brandon Aiyuk never even saw the field. Even after overcoming those injuries and exceeding expectations, San Francisco’s projected win total has dropped entering 2026. Last year, the Niners won those 12 games in the toughest division in football. The Seahawks won 14 games and beat the Rams, winners of 12 games, in the NFC title game. San Francisco fell to Seattle in the divisional round. Odds: This upcoming season, San Francisco is the +305 third choice to win the NFC West, the +960 sixth choice to win the AFC and the +1900 11th choice to win the Super Bowl.

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Eagles GM Howie Roseman Says LeBron James Has Open Invite To Practice

There was business to discuss as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their sixth training camp under coach Nick Sirianni. They have a new offensive coordinator — yes, another one — and players in new roles and ones playing on hefty new contracts. So Jordan Davis, one of the biggest offseason beneficiaries of a contract extension, cut to the chase Wednesday and got straight to the topic of the day. "I will be asking the questions," Davis said with laugh as he took his seat for a news conference. "How we feeling about LeBron being in town?" Yes, in a sports city that each time this summer turns as green in team colors as the cash spent on Davis and fellow defensive tackle Jalen Carter, the Eagles have been overshadowed by the arrival of the most famous active American athlete in LeBron James. An image of the NBA’s career leading scorer could be seen on the video board outside the Philadelphia 76ers' arena across the street from the Eagles’ practice facility. The newest Sixers superstar had no immediate plans to travel to Philadelphia, but if he does, the Eagles will roll out the red carpet on the green grass for James. "He can come out to practice any time he wants," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said. The Eagles welcomed him to Philly with arms as wide open as they are for James' pregame chalk toss. Super Bowl MVP-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts and 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley both rank somewhere on the short list of most accomplished and most famous Philadelphia athletes. Even they turned into wide-eyed fans much like the rest of Philadelphia when they found out the 41-year-old James had indeed signed a two-year contract with the Sixers. "I think for what he represents in sports and sports culture," Hurts said, "it’s huge. And I think it’s huge for the city of Philadelphia. It’ll be exciting to have a figure like that in the city. What’s he done. One of the greatest to ever do it. I’m excited to be a part of that." James could do worse than duplicate Barkley's free-agent results when he left the New York Giants after six seasons and signed with the Eagles ahead of the 2024 season. He rushed for a franchise-record 2,005 yards and won a Super Bowl in his first try with the Eagles. Barkley pitched James at his youth football camp earlier this month on the appeal of playing in Philadelphia. "If you want to go out with a bang," Barkley said, "I feel like a great spot would be in Philly, and bringing a championship to Philadelphia, you’d be remembered forever." James already had the "remembered forever" stamp in sports thank to his peerless resume in the NBA. Barkley — who played golf with former President Barack Obama and also invited James on social media to " tee it up " — demurred when pressed on his influence in James signing with the Sixers. Playing with All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown surely swayed James more than Barkley. The running back didn't care much how exactly James made his Philly decision, or if James was even aware of his endorsement. He's just thrilled James has joined Philly's star-studded athlete roster. "I think the city of Philadelphia is a super cool place to be for sports, with how involved the fans are," Barkley said at training camp. "Having LeBron here is just great for the culture." Barkley, Hurts and other Eagles players still on the roster from two seasons ago are among the relatively few in Philadelphia sports history with championship rings. The Eagles won their only two Super Bowls in the last 10 years. The Flyers haven't won the Stanley Cup since 1975 and the Phillies since 2008. James joins a 76ers franchise that has not won an NBA title since 1983. He's not here for second place. The Eagles say, go get 'em. "Looks like the Sixers are trying to go win one," said Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith, a Boston Celtics fan. "Can't be mad at that." Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones Highlight Positive Outlook Ahead Of Training Camp

The Dallas Cowboys typically arrive at training camp with some sort of off-field drama swirling around the team, often in the form of a high-profile contract dispute, but there are no such issues this year going into their traditional Southern California sojourn. It isn’t by design, according to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, but the 83-year-old football maverick will take the appearance of calm over the alternative. "I don’t believe it makes one iota worth of difference on whether or not we block the guy or go off tackle, but I do like the perception that we’ve had a quite uneventful offseason, and let’s see how we can work in that," Jones said Tuesday at his annual precamp news conference. Compared with a year ago when the stalemate with standout defensive end Micah Parsons over a contract extension quickly devolved into a contentious hold-in and eventually culminated in his shocking trade to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys appear to have no financial concerns threatening to overshadow or undermine their on-field work over the next three-plus weeks. Instead, the main focus will be on shaping an overhauled defensive roster under a new coaching staff into a unit capable of helping head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s dynamic offense. The urgency to address that side of the ball, Jones said, is where the narrative of a calm offseason ends. "We’ve had a lot going on, and we’ve had to really scramble a lot," he said. "The kind of stuff you don’t see, but that should be that way. It’s supposed to be hard." The Cowboys hired Christian Parker from the division rival Philadelphia Eagles in January as their defensive coordinator, tasking the 34-year-old secondary specialist with fixing a defense that gave up the most points in franchise history (511) and ranked last in the NFL in scoring (30.1 points per game) and passing yards allowed (251.5). Dallas also used its first three draft picks on defense, including taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the 11th selection, and worked to address other personnel deficiencies in free agency. "We’ve made that bed when we brought in new scheme, new coaches, new players," Jones said. "We’re going with new right there, so I’ve bought into that." Getting that group up to speed to assist an offense led by the star trio of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will be critical for the Cowboys’ hopes of returning to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Dallas went 7-9-1 in Schottenheimer’s first year, including a 6-1-1 record when scoring 30 or more points. "All those moves that we made, it was not a quiet offseason for us, and it was a great offseason for us," Schottenheimer said. Prescott seems to be embracing the idea that the Cowboys can put themselves in position to compete at the highest level. He arrived at training camp wearing a Super Bowl championship shirt from the last time Dallas won it all following the 1995 regular season, which was also the last time they reached the NFC title game. "I like the idea, thinking that positive about what we’re going to work for," Jones said. "We’ve got a long way to go, really having started in the spring. But that’s good to me to be positive, especially coming from him." Jones didn’t rule out making further moves to improve the roster on defense, saying he recently was in contact with another NFL owner over a potential trade. He declined to discuss the Cowboys’ possible interest in Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, citing league rules about tampering. A deal to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in March was scuttled because of a failed physical. It was a rare moment of caution from Jones, who has never shied away from expressing himself in front of the media. When asked if the Cowboys’ low-key offseason was intentional, Jones acknowledged his penchant for drawing out the spotlight. "I’ve never thought there was anything quiet or subdued about the Dallas Cowboys. I never thought of it that way, but I have been guilty of stirring it up. And you guys help me, and we have been a great team — I promise you that — for the last 30-something years," a smiling Jones said. Reporting by The Associated Press.

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NFL Catchup: Extensions Galore, Rodgers Makes Another Statement & Raiders' QB Battle

All 32 teams across the NFL have reported to training camp, and there's already plenty of news breaking around the league. Tuesday saw a pair of record extensions, with two stars resetting the market at the respective positions. Aaron Rodgers made another declaration, and the Las Vegas Raiders made a statement on their quarterback competition entering camp. While Tuesday marked the first day that several teams reported to camp, some other teams have already hit the practice field. Has A.J. Brown formed a connection with Drake Maye yet at New England Patriots camp? Here's what to know from Tuesday around the NFL: Three standout players got a lot richer on Tuesday. The Cleveland Browns might have traded All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett this offseason, but five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward isn’t going anywhere. The Browns and Ward have agreed on a two-year, $62.2 million extension, per NFL Network. The extension will make Ward the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for the second time in his career. The deal includes $52.3 million guaranteed, which now ranks just outside the top 10 in cornerback guaranteed money. The Philadelphia Eagles also finalized an extension on Tuesday with star defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The extension is a four-year, $152 million deal that could reach $160 million in value and includes $106 million guaranteed, per ESPN. This deal is the richest for a defensive tackle in NFL history. Carter passed Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons for the highest average annual value at the position in league history ($35.3 million). Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are solidifying the right side of their offensive line by locking up tackle Brian O'Neill. The two sides agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, per ESPN. O'Neill, 30, is entering his ninth NFL season with the Vikings. He’s a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has been an everyday starter for the franchise since he was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers reported to his 22nd NFL training camp on Tuesday and confirmed that the 2026 season will be his last. He added there is "zero debate" about the possibility of playing another season after this one. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback added that he contemplated retirement following last season prior to the team hiring head coach Mike McCarthy. "I thought last year might be it," Rodgers said. "And then Mike got hired, and I talked to the wife and she said, 'You can do one more year.' I said, 'Well, we'll see if it works out.' And then it kind of all came together." The Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas may have to wait. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced that veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will open training camp as the team’s starting quarterback on Tuesday. "When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback," Kubiak said. "He's the guy, and he deserves it because he's played really good football." Cousins, 37, enters his 14th NFL season having spent time with the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and now the Raiders. Across 174 career games, he has completed 66.7% of his passes for 44,700 yards, 298 touchdowns, and 131 interceptions. Ever since selecting the Indiana standout No. 1 overall in this year’s draft, the Raiders have indicated a clear desire to let Mendoza sit and develop. Naming Cousins as the training camp starter only reinforces that long-term blueprint. The connection between quarterback Drake Maye and A.J. Brown is taking time to settle during New England Patriots training camp. Through four days of practices, Maye is 1-for-7 with an interception when targeting Brown in team drills, per the Boston Herald. The two are reportedly struggling to connect on deeper routes. It's early in the process, but it looks like the pair will need more time and reps to gel before the regular season. Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, was traded to New England for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in April. As NFL training camps open across the league, the Green Bay Packers will begin their summer without edge rusher Micah Parsons on the field. The team officially placed Parsons on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Parsons starting on the PUP list isn't a surprise as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and meniscus damage suffered last December against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred on a non-contact play while pursuing quarterback Bo Nix and required surgery later that month, putting him on track to miss the start of the regular season. If Parsons is on the PUP list to start the regular season, he'll miss a minimum of four games. Under league rules, any player placed on the reserve PUP list for the regular season must sit out at least four games before becoming eligible to return to practice or game play.

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