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Switzerland Iran US Talks

In response to a reporter's question on whether the U.S. could take limited military action asthe countries negotiate, Trump said, "I guess I can say I am considering that." Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a TV interview that his country was planning to finalize a draft deal in "the next two to three days" to then send to Washington.

"I don't think it takes long, perhaps, in a matter of a week or so, we can start real, serious negotiations on the text and come to a conclusion," Araghchi said on MSNOW's "Morning Joe" show.

The tensions between the longtime adversaries have ramped up as the Trump administration pushes for concessions from Iran and has built up the largestU.S. military presence in the Middle Eastin decades, with more warships and aircraft on the way. Both countries have signaled that they are prepared for war if talks on Tehran's nuclear program fizzle out.

"We are prepared for war, and we are prepared for peace," Araghchi said Friday.

Trump said a day earlier that he believes 10 to 15 days is "enough time" for Iran to reach a deal followingrecent rounds of indirect negotiations, including this week in Geneva, that made little visible progress. But the talks have been deadlocked for years, and Iran has refused to discuss wider U.S. and Israeli demands that it scale back its missile program and sever ties to armed groups.

Araghchi also said Friday that his American counterparts have not asked for zeroenrichment of uraniumas part of the latest round of talks, which is in contradiction to what U.S. officials have said.

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"What we are now talking about is how to make sure that Iran's nuclear program, including enrichment, is peaceful and will remain peaceful forever," he said.

He added that in return Iran will implement some confidence-building measures in exchange for relief oneconomic sanctions.

In response to Araghchi's claim, a White House official said Trump has been clear that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them and that it cannot enrich uranium. The official wasn't authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Tehran has long insisted that any negotiations should only focus on its nuclear program and that it hasn't been enriching uranium since U.S. and Israelistrikes last June on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump said at the time that the strikes had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear sites, but the exact damage is unknown asTehran has barred international inspectors.

Iran has also insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful. The U.S. and others suspect it is aimed at eventually developing weapons.

Amiri reported from New York. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price in Washington and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

"We need to make an example of all of this," co-host Emily Finn said during the February 9 broadcast on the pro-Trump cable channel Real America's Voice. "And not just let this go and let this slip under the radar."

Moments later, the program handed off to the conservative network's marquee show, "War Room," hosted by Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist. Over the next two hours, Bannon ticked through topics animating his audience — from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance to a contentious Republican Senate primary in Texas.

He did not mention Jeffrey Epstein.

Silence has largely defined Bannon's public posture toward Epstein since the Justice Department released records on January 30 detailinga close personal relationshipbetween the two men. In the weeks that followed, Bannon has not broached the release of the files or the frequency with which his own name appears in the newly public records, a CNN review of dozens of hours of programming found.

Even when Bannon showered praise on Attorney General Pam Bondi for her combative Capitol Hill appearance earlier this month, he didn't explicitly mention the Epstein files, the subject of many of her heated clashes with lawmakers.

It's similar to an approach Bannononce suggested for Epsteinas allegations about the financier's sex crimes resurfaced. In February 2019, Epstein said in a text message he would like "true facts out." Bannon replied, "you should just want this to go away."

As Epstein contemplated responding to some of the coverage, Bannon was blunt. "Have you lost your f**king mind," he wrote, "the moment you say ANYTHING this is global story #1!!!!!"

Bannon did not respond to CNN's request for comment. Ina statementto The New York Times, Bannon said he was working on a documentary film about Epstein and "that's the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed." Bannon told the newspaper he captured 50 hours of footage of Epstein, and that the film would expose Epstein and "destroy the very myths he created." Last month, the Department of Justice released two hours of Bannon interviewing Epstein.

As a leading voice in the GOP's conspiratorial flank, Bannon has long trained his audience to distrust convenient explanations. Since its inception in 2019, his podcast has served as a platform for guests to push unproven theoriesabout election fraudand other topics. Until recently, a placard bearing one of his favorite sayings sat over his shoulder during broadcasts: "There are NO conspiracies but there are NO coincidences."

Mixed reactions from MAGA

Now, some longtime allies are pressing him for answers.

Laura Loomer, a Trump loyalist with a large online following, told CNN that Bannon should be "100% forthcoming" about his ties to Epstein. Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, another far-right figure,wrote on Xthat an explanation was overdue, a remark that came in response to the release of a 2018 text to Epstein in whichBannon suggested that the 25th Amendment could be invoked against Trumpto remove him from office.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a regular guest on "War Room," wrote on X that her concerns extended beyond Bannon's discussions with Epstein about Trump.

"There is no excuse for having such a friendly relationship with Epstein, post conviction," shewrote, referring to Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to two state prostitution charges, one involving a minor. "None."

But while the MAGA movement has spent years fixated on exposing Epstein's network, there are so far few signs one of its most influential voices faces significant fallout. Bannon's show has continued on Real America's Voice without interruption, and high-profile guests have appeared even after his communications with Epstein were released, including Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the chairman of the Virginia GOP, among many others.

One Trump administration official told CNN that Bannon's audience was so big, he would likely survive.

'Epstein is a key that picks the lock'

The absence of Epstein discussion on "War Room" marks a stark programming shift from last year, when it served as a recurring source of intrigue for Bannon and his guests. Dozens of these clips wereposted to the War Room X account.

"Democrats know Epstein's black book is a ticking time bomb. That's why they've switched their focus to affordability," said oneJuly War Room post with a video of Bannon viewed 1.4 million times.

His podcast regularly amplified calls to release investigative records related to Epstein, who was arrested in July 2019 on charges he sex trafficked minors, and helped fuel a pressure campaign that culminated in Trump signing legislation to make additional files public.

"Epstein is a key that picks the lock on so many things," Bannon tolda July gathering of young conservativeshosted by Turning Point USA. "Not just individuals, but also institutions, intelligence institutions, foreign governments."

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet declined to comment when asked if Bannon would be invited to the organization's future events, but he notably appeared on "War Room" earlier this month.

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What Bannon didn't disclose in that July speech or others was his own conversations with Epstein — which included private discussions about reshaping global politics. In their exchanges, Bannon described plans to"take down" Pope Francisand sought Epstein's help in advancing populist movements in Europe.

Epstein at one pointwarns Bannon about potential headwinds he facessidestepping federal rules about representing foreign governments andlater suggests a media platform would avoid the scrutinya nonprofit or new political party might receive. The next year, Bannon launched his podcast.

Loomer called it "a bit hypocritical" for Bannon to bang the drum for releasing the Epstein files without mentioning their shared history. Comedian Tim Dillon,who previously interviewed Bannon on his own popular podcast, recently said he would've asked about Epstein had he known about their relationship.

"That's uncomfortable," Dillon said on "The Young Turks," a progressive web show. "I guess for whatever reason, Bannon thought there was value in a relationship with a guy like Jeffrey Epstein, and that's something he's going to have to answer."

Bannon, though, has so far offered little public explanation of how he first came to know Epstein or why he shared sensitive information with the disgraced felon in hundreds of text messages and emails.

Their exchanges include shared grievances about Trump — who dismissed Bannon as White House senior adviser in 2017 andonce counted Epstein among his friendsbefore a falling out in the mid-2000s. In August 2018,the two discussedthe need for an intervention for Trump and the potential liabilities the president faced in his mounting legal entanglements. Bannononce shared an article titled, "How close is Donald Trump to a psychiatric breakdown," which Epstein then circulated to other close confidantes. In an exchange with Epstein, Bannon referred to Trump and his inner circle as "transitory figures" while suggesting he was the "center of gravity of this movement."

When Bannon launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for a wall at the US southern border, he told Epstein he needed to tread carefully. "can't seem like I'm running (sic) trumps nose in his own incompetence,"he wrote. Federal prosecutors would later charge Bannon with defrauding donors, butthe case against him disappeared when Trump pardoned himbefore leaving office in 2021.

These messages have fueled private speculation within the president's orbit about Bannon's future in MAGA and his relationship with Trump. White House officials have often sought to keep Bannon at arm's length and out of the president's ear, but the two have managed to maintain a relationship.

"He has a lot to answer for," a Trump ally told CNN.

Another Trump adviser expected the controversy to follow Bannon as he navigates his role in the MAGA movement beyond 2028. While Bannon hasled calls for Trump to run for a third term, his own political aspirations — including long-rumored presidential ambitions — remain a source of intrigue in Washington.

"He has zero chance now," the adviser said. "It's so sketchy."

'We need to push back on the lies'

In 2019, texts between the two men turn toward an emerging issue for Epstein: an intensifying national focus on allegations that he had trafficked girls resurfaced in a Miami Herald series. In dozens of messages, Bannonadvises Epsteinon how to navigate the fallout,writing in April 2019: "first we need to push back on the lies; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative ; then rebuild your image as philanthropist."

When federal prosecutors rejected a push by Epstein's alleged victims to throw out his 2008 plea deal, Bannon appeared elated at the news.

"Dude!!!!! Is this real,"he texted Epstein. "Tell me this is real."

Bannon has not publicly addressed these messages, but he told the Times he was "a documentary filmmaker working, over a period of time, to secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject." Their final correspondences include ongoing efforts to carve out time for Bannon and his crew to film Epstein.

Tom Fitton, the head of the conservative group Judicial Watch, said he was unaware of Bannon's extensive history with Epstein when he appeared on the "War Room" podcast last year to share updates on his legal fight to force the release of the Epstein Files.

Fitton told CNN he watched footage of Bannon's interview with Epstein and was left wondering why any public figure would seek out his company.

"Epstein seemed like a sociopath to me," said Fitton. "I don't know how Bannon was able to keep on communications with him even for the reasons he says he was doing that."

On "American Sunrise," though, anticipation for an Epstein film from Bannon is already building.

"War Room will be up next," co-host Gina Loudon said at the end of Tuesday's show. "How about when that Bannon documentary on Epstein comes out? That should be interesting."

Bannon did not mention it during his broadcast.

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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)

The No. 6 Cyclones look to post another crucial victory over a ranked opponent when they face No. 23 BYU on Saturday night at Provo, Utah.

Iowa State (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) beat then-No. 9 Kansas 74-56 on Feb. 14 and No. 2 Houston 70-67 on Monday in back-to-back stellar home victories.

However, the Cougars (19-7, 7-6) are 10-2 at home and play in one of the more raucous environments in the western half of the country.

That leaves coach T.J. Otzelberger expecting a strong challenge on Saturday night.

"Every night out, it's a heavyweight fight going on the road," Otzelberger said. "You're playing really tough teams, it's hard to win. You feel like you gotta play perfect on the road.

"But for us, it's just about staying humble. It's about staying in our practice habits, staying connected as a group, keeping our focus where it needs to be."

Backup Nate Heise was a big-time performer for the Cyclones against Houston. He hit the go-ahead corner trey with 1:17 left to finish 3 of 3 from 3-point range, while contributing 11 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes.

It was just the fourth time the sixth-year senior scored in double digits all season. Otzelberger said it won't be the last huge contribution from Heise, who is averaging 5.3 points in his second season with the Cyclones after being part of the Northern Iowa program for four seasons.

"I know what he's capable of, and I know what's in front of him," Otzelberger said of Heise. "He's a winner, he's a competitor. I really value everything about him, and how he plays, and how he approaches the game.

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"And put me on record, he's going to play great the rest of the way. I'm entirely confident in him, and I'm excited as heck for him to continue to just have these great moments that he works for and has earned over his career."

BYU features one of the top players in the nation in AJ Dybantsa, who has 644 points this season to break the school's freshman record set by the legendary Danny Ainge (632 in 1977-78).

Dybantsa leads the nation in scoring with a 24.8 average and has scored 30 or more points six times after putting up 35 in Wednesday's 75-68 road loss to No. 4 Arizona. He also has dished out seven or more assists on four occasions this season.

"I am a natural playmaker," Dybantsa said. "I grew up playing the point so it comes pretty natural to me. Just learning how to do it quicker now when guys double me, getting off it quicker so guys can have open shots."

Dybantsa will carry even more of the scoring load after the loss of Richie Saunders (18.0 ppg) for the season. Saunders sustained a torn ACL during the opening minute of last Saturday's 90-86 overtime victory over visiting Colorado.

The contest against Arizona was the first since Saunders' injury and the senior guard was on the mind of Cougars coach Kevin Young.

"It (stinks). There is no way to get around it," Young said. "Richie Saunders epitomizes everything that is good about college basketball. Hate that he is not out there with us. I texted him on the way to shootaround, just thinking about him and missing him.

"This is a resilient group. ... We are going through it. That is sports. That is life. We are trying to reinvent ourselves on the fly."

BYU went 2-0 against Iowa State last season, winning 88-85 in double overtime on the road and 96-92 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 conference tourney.

--Field Level Media

The 2020 National League MVP and nine-time All-Star has longevity in mind when looking at the rest of his Dodgers career. Freeman has two years remaining onthe six-year, $162 million contracthe signed in 2022, but envisions remaining in Dodger Blue beyond that. The 2024 World Series MVP also sees himself in the lineup for every game the Dodgers play this season.

"I'm going to prepare to play 162 games," Freeman told reporters on Thursday, includingMLB.com's Sonja Chen. "Then when that day comes or the night comes where they say, 'We're going to give you tomorrow off,' I will fight that battle and most likely lose. But I want to play every game."

Freeman, 36, has played 147 games in each of the past two seasons. But he's played in at least 157 games in eight of his 16 MLB seasons, including his first two with the Dodgers. And he's appeared in all 162 games twice in his career, during the 2014 and 2018 seasons with the Atlanta Braves.

Playing two years beyond his current contract could create some nice round numbers for Freeman's career. Going through 2029 would give him 20 seasons in the major leagues. He would be 40 years old. And an extra two seasons could also give Freeman an opportunity to reach 3,000 career hits.

Freeman enters the 2026 season with 2,431 hits. At 569 hits short of 3,000, he would need to average 142 hits during the next four years. The veteran first baseman has surpassed that total in 11 different seasons, and topped 190 hits three times. He led the NL with 191 hits in 2018 and MLB with 199 hits in 2022. (Amazingly, his career-high 211 hits in 2023 finished second to NL MVP Ronald Acuña's 217.)

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[Get more Dodgers news: Los Angeles team feed]

Is Freeman planting the seeds for an eventual contract extension?

"Four is just a number that's floated," Freeman said,via The Athletic. "Is it less? Is it more? I don't know. … I do love this game. I love playing it. But for me, if I can do four [more years], that'll be 20 years. I think that's enough."

However, it's possible that the Dodgers could have difficulty finding a position for Freeman by 2028.

If he can't play first base, designated hitter isn't an option with four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani manning that spotthrough 2033. Freeman may also face competition at first base if one of the organization's top prospects, Josue De Paula, has to move from the outfield (he finished 2025 in Double-A). Currently, many scouting reports believe that's in his future since he's not a good runner.

Yet if Freeman continues to hit above .300, as he's averaged during his Dodgers career (.310/.391/.516), the team will likely find a way to keep him in the lineup.

"I love being here. I'm from Southern California. I've had a great time with fans,"Freeman said. "I'm not worried about another contract, not going to bring it up, not going to talk about it. I have two years left.

"I'm just an employee. I just do my job, and if they want me back, they want me back," he added. "But I think [Dodgers president of baseball operations] Andrew [Friedman] and everyone knows that I love being here. So whatever happens, happens."

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:

2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

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

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

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

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Los Angeles Rams – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

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

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

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