India are set to embrace a more dynamic approach to their T20I batting, which has tended in the past to blend caution with aggression. The main ingredient that prevented India from being more aggressive in the past, according to captain Virat Kohli, was a lack of batting depth. The squad picked for their five-match T20I series against England has addressed that issue, in Kohli's view, while also adding several "X-factor" players.

"The kind of players we have added into the squad is precisely to give our batting line-up more depth and not play in a similar kind of pattern that we have played with in the past," Kohli said on Thursday, the eve of the first T20I. "We want to be a side that plays free cricket, not have any baggage of lack of depth and one guy having to bat long enough to make sure we get to a big total.

"We have explosive batsmen in the team now, who can change the game at any stage even if you are two or three wickets down. That's exactly what we've tried to address in picking this squad. So this time around, you will see guys a bit more expressive in terms of approaching the innings, and playing more freely. Not worried about whether we have enough batsmen to take care of things if we lose a couple of wickets early, which was the case before to be honest. We didn't have enough depth in the batting to be able to play freely throughout the first 10 or 12 overs. But I see us being much more positive and free from this period onwards."

In the past India leaned towards the conservative approach of keeping wickets in hand for a final-overs charge, as against the strategy favoured by teams like England and West Indies (when at full strength), who bat deep and consequently go hard from the start. The presence of players like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, alongside allrounders such as Washington Sundar and Axar Patel and newcomers like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, is likely to free up the top order and allow them to be more expansive.

That also means that of the three openers in the squad - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan - only two can be fitted into the XI, and Kohli said Rohit and Rahul are India's first-choice options.

"If Rohit plays, then it's quite simple, KL and Rohit have been consistently performing at the top of the order for us and those two would start," he said. "In a situation where Rohit takes rest or KL has a niggle or something like that, then Shikhi obviously comes in as the third opener. But the starting composition, Rohit and Rahul will be the ones who start."

Earlier, one of the openers or Kohli at No. 3 have tended to take on the anchor's role, and India haven't done too badly with that approach. But the evolution of the T20 game has meant it's time to take the next step. Since 2018, while batting first, India's run rate while batting first in T20Is is 8.79, behind only England (9.05) and New Zealand (8.87). However, their run-rate during powerplay overs, a key indicator of the strategy adopted by the top order, is 7.99 in this same time-frame, fifth best among the top ten sides.

On the other hand, in that same period, India's batting average of 35.24 is the only one above 30 among the top ten sides. And their powerplay average of 45.95 is the second best overall, behind Australia's 48.38. Now, with more batting depth, they can trade-off average for run rate - batsmen going harder would typically mean more wickets falling, but also give them a better chance of putting on extra runs.

With the firepower of Pant and Pandya available in the middle order, and the added freedom for them of having bowlers who can bat in the lower order - especially when Ravindra Jadeja returns - India have recognised that keeping wickets in hand could be counter-productive.

"I think we have played with a certain kind of pattern in the past. We didn't probably have a big tournament to work towards, but if you look at the squad and the additions we've made, we've tried to address a few things that we needed in specific: guys who can be X-factors with the bat, do things which are the need of the hour in T20 cricket," Kohli said. "These guys have done so in the IPL on a regular basis. We have tried to cover all those bases.

"Now it'll be interesting to see how they go about things in these five games because these are the only games we have as a team before the World Cup and we want to see how these guys fare out there in the middle. I feel like the squad right now with what we have, barring Jaddu [Jadeja] who will come back whenever fit, is the squad that I feel is the most balanced in terms of all the options readily available for us to take on the field as and when we want."

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints will release starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Thursday as they continue to chip away at their salary cap, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jenkins was due to make $11.2 million in salary and bonuses this year -- $1.2 million of which was guaranteed. New Orleans will save at least $7 million against the salary cap and could save another $3 million if the move is designated as a post-June 1 release.

Jenkins, 32, went to the Pro Bowl with the New York Giants in 2016 and has 26 interceptions in his nine-year career with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He started 15 games in New Orleans last season, including the playoffs, after the Saints claimed him off waivers from the Giants late in the 2019 season.

The Saints began the offseason nearly $100 million over the cap, which was reduced by 8% to $182.5 million for 2021 because of coronavirus-related lost revenues in 2020.

New Orleans has now released Jenkins, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, punter Thomas Morstead, tight end Josh Hill and offensive lineman Nick Easton. The Saints also are expected to release linebacker Kwon Alexander.

Jenkins was likely one of the tougher decisions on that list, as he had proved to be a good fit for the defense, which ranked as the NFL's fourth-best in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed in 2020.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder had three interceptions last season, one of which he returned for a touchdown in a Week 1 victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had 12 pass defenses last season and a total of 118 in his career.

The Saints don't have an obvious replacement waiting in-house, so the position could be a priority to address in free agency or the draft.

A second-round draft pick with the Rams in 2012, Jenkins has started a total of 125 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs.

The Chiefs have released star left tackle Eric Fisher, ending the former No. 1 overall draft pick's eight-year run in Kansas City.

The move, announced Thursday, will save the reigning AFC champion Chiefs about $12 million against the salary cap. Kansas City also released starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

Fisher, 30, was the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft and has been a fixture at left tackle for Kansas City, protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side and helping the Chiefs reach the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons with the club.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Fisher suffered a torn Achilles tendon in last season's AFC Championship Game and did not play in the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Schwartz, 31, missed most of this past season with a back injury. The former All-Pro started 70 games for the Chiefs over the past five seasons.

The franchise tag window has closed, which means 2021 NFL free agency is just around the corner. How will it all play out, and who will sign where? We mocked how offers and deals might go down for 19 of the top names at multiple positions.

Our NFL Nation reporters served as GMs for their teams and made offers for key free agents while trying to stay within that team's salary-cap restraints. The object wasn't to "win" but rather to accurately reflect how a team might approach negotiations. For instance, the cap-strapped Saints, Chiefs and Rams didn't throw around many offers here, but the Patriots, Jaguars and Jets all had money to spend -- and it showed. Once the offers were all in, national NFL reporter Dan Graziano played the role of player rep, mulled the proposals and "signed" each of the playmakers to a new deal.

So who is headed to a new team, and who re-signed for another go with his current franchise? Who earned the big bucks on the open market? Let's predict this offseason's free agency, which officially opens on March 17. Here are some hypothetical offers and landing spots for 19 of the open market's best players.

Jump to:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
Edge | CB | S

Jameis Winston, QB

2020 team: Saints | Free-agent rank: 44

Saints' offer: Two years, $12 million ($6M guaranteed and up to $18M in incentives based on starts, wins and achievements) ... This opportunity to replace Drew Brees in one of the NFL's top offenses is why you came here last summer, and we have shown that we genuinely believe in your potential. -- Mike Triplett

Chargers' offer: Two years, $8 million ($8M guaranteed) ... We need a good backup for Justin Herbert, and you're the guy we're targeting. Come join an up-and-coming roster in Los Angeles. -- Shelley Smith

Texans' offer: One year, $12 million ($12M guaranteed) ... We don't know if Deshaun Watson will be playing for us in 2021, so here's a chance to win the starting quarterback job and make this your team. -- Sarah Barshop

The decision: Winston picks the Texans

Man, this is a tough call between New Orleans and Houston. (Sorry, Chargers. I don't want to be a backup again.) Houston is giving more guaranteed money, and if Watson really won't play there again, this is a chance to start for a year and hit the market again next year while I'm still under 30 years old. But what happens with Watson is the big pivot point here. -- Dan Graziano

Aaron Jones, RB

2020 team: Packers | Free-agent rank: 8

Packers' offer: Three years, $28.5 million ($9.5M guaranteed, $8M signing bonus and $1.5M base salary) ... It's more money in 2021 than if we had used the franchise tag ($8.6M) but less of a salary-cap hit for us since we can spread out that signing bonus. You might have a hard time finding a lot of guaranteed money for an undersized running back, so why not stay where you have had all of your success? -- Rob Demovsky

Cardinals' offer: Two years, $13 million ($9M guaranteed and incentives for hitting 1,000 yards rushing, making the Super Bowl or getting a Pro Bowl nod) ... Come to Arizona and be the No. 1 back of the Cardinals' running game. Our offense runs the ball quite a bit while utilizing its running backs in the passing game, and we fully expect to get to the playoffs. -- Josh Weinfuss

Dolphins' offer: Three years, $27 million ($16M guaranteed and $1M incentive each year for being a first-team All-Pro) ... We're a young team that is just a few pieces away from becoming a serious contender. You'd be the clear No. 1 running back, won't have to deal with income tax and would be trading those cold Lambeau games for year-round warm weather. -- Cameron Wolfe

The decision: Jones picks the Dolphins

Part of the Packers' pitch is that I wouldn't get a ton more guaranteed money elsewhere, but that's exactly what Miami's offering. So I'll head south and cash in as much as a running back can in this league these days. -- Graziano

Kenny Golladay, WR

2020 team: Lions | Free-agent rank: 5

Colts' offer: Three years, $60 million ($28M guaranteed) ... Our Super Bowl window is wide open, and there's a spot to be our new No. 1 wideout for Carson Wentz. Our culture is strong, and you'd be a massive part of our offense. -- Mike Wells

Giants' offer: Four years, $60 million ($30M guaranteed) ... It's tough to make huge money when you are coming off an injury-plagued, 338-yard receiving year. But here's $15 million per year! We think you have an opportunity to blow up as a bona fide No. 1 receiver in New York. -- Jordan Raanan

Patriots' offer: Five years, $105 million ($50M guaranteed) ... We are on the prowl for a No. 1 wide receiver, and we believe you are the piece to build around. -- Mike Reiss

The decision: Golladay picks the Patriots

Wow, Patriots! You know how to get a guy's attention. For that kind of money, I don't even care who ends up being the quarterback. I'll throw it to myself if you need me to. -- Graziano

Corey Davis, WR

2020 team: Titans | Free-agent rank: 11

Cardinals' offer: Three years, $36 million ($19M guaranteed, $12M signing bonus in first year, $4M roster bonus in second year, $3M roster bonus in third year and a voidable fourth year added on for cap reasons) ... Being a complementary receiver to DeAndre Hopkins will allow you to showcase your skills. And playing with a quarterback like Kyler Murray doesn't hurt. -- Josh Weinfuss

Ravens' offer: Four years, $52 million ($25M guaranteed) ... Become the No. 1 target for Lamar Jackson, score plenty of touchdowns for the highest-scoring offense in the NFL over the past two seasons and turn into a superstar for a team set to go on a Super Bowl run. -- Jamison Hensley

The decision: Davis picks the Ravens

Both of these offers are strong, but give me the extra year, the extra money and the chance to be a real No. 1 wideout like I was drafted to be when the Titans selected me. -- Graziano

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR

2020 team: Steelers | Free-agent rank: 17

Cardinals' offer: Three years, $40 million ($23M guaranteed, $3.3M base salary in first year with $10M signing bonus, $5M guaranteed in second year at signing and $8M guaranteed in third year on third day of the league year) ... We're a piece or two away from making a Super Bowl run. Pair up with DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray -- and maybe Larry Fitzgerald -- to make us one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL, all while getting your share of catches and one-on-one matchups. -- Josh Weinfuss

Jets' offer: Five years, $87.5 million ($37.5M guaranteed) ... This is a chance to be a high-volume wide receiver in a proven offensive system. And there's this: You might be reuniting with your college quarterback Sam Darnold from your USC days. Fight on! -- Rich Cimini

The decision: Smith-Schuster picks the Jets

Hey, it worked out so great for Le'Veon Bell, right? I kid, I kid. Where do I sign? In my eyes, these offers aren't comparable, so I'll take the big payday to play with Darnold again or have the chance to be Zach Wilson's top pass-catching option. -- Graziano

Will Fuller V, WR

2020 team: Texans | Free-agent rank: 21

Texans' offer: Two years, $25 million ($20M guaranteed and $1M incentive for hitting 1,000 yards) ... You've put up career numbers in Houston. Come back and prove you can stay on the field and have another shot in free agency at age 28. -- Sarah Barshop

Cardinals' offer: Two years, $12 million ($8M guaranteed) ... Come pair up with your former Texans teammates DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt again. With a better team around you, and in a better offense, you'd help us not just get to the playoffs but also possibly get to the Super Bowl. -- Josh Weinfuss

Eagles' offer: Two years, $16 million ($10M guaranteed) ... This is a chance to return to your hometown and cement yourself as a No. 1 receiver in a major market. -- Tim McManus

Jets' offer: Three years, $27 million ($15M guaranteed) ... We're committed to building up the offense, and you'd see plenty of targets in a proven offensive system with a new coaching staff. -- Rich Cimini

Packers' offer: Three years, $30 million ($15M guaranteed as signing bonus spread out and a back-loaded base salary) ... We tried to trade for you at the deadline last fall, and now we want to sign you. You'd thrive with Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau Field. -- Rob Demovsky

The decision: Fuller picks the Packers

Thanks for all the love here, but Green Bay has the roster, and it has Rodgers. I like it. Houston's offer is enticing, but it's two years again, and I don't want to have a big year only to be under team control for one more season. -- Graziano

Hunter Henry, TE

2020 team: Chargers | Free-agent rank: 2

Chargers' offer: Two years, $22 million ($17M guaranteed) ... You saw what Justin Herbert can do in 2020. How about two more years of that? He will make you a star. -- Shelley Smith

Jaguars' offer: Three years, $36 million ($24M guaranteed) ... You'll be an important piece of an offense that includes some good young receivers. Oh, and you'll be catching passes from one of the best quarterback prospects since John Elway in Trevor Lawrence, and we'll be competing for the playoffs and the division title no later than next season. -- Michael DiRocco

Panthers' offer: Three years, $30 million ($12M guaranteed) ... Our plan is to upgrade the talent at quarterback, but even if Teddy Bridgewater remains the starter in 2021, the one missing piece from making this offense elite is an elite tight end. We believe you're that guy. -- David Newton

The decision: Henry picks the Jaguars

Jacksonville is offering the most money, a solid guarantee and no state income tax. And I know who my quarterback is going to be. -- Graziano

Jonnu Smith, TE

2020 team: Titans | Free-agent rank: 6

Titans' offer: Four years, $32 million ($24M guaranteed) ... You carved out a niche with us as one of Ryan Tannehill's favorite pass-catchers, especially in the red zone. Why not continue that with Tannehill on a fair market offer that allows you to become a free agent once again before you turn 30 years old? -- Turron Davenport

Bills' offer: Four years, $37 million ($12M guaranteed and back-loaded base salary) ... This offense is missing a starting-caliber running back and a playmaking tight end. You'd fill one of those voids for a team that was one game away from a Super Bowl appearance last season. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Patriots' offer: Four years, $42.5 million ($25M guaranteed) ... Since Rob Gronkowski left, we've struggled to fill the No. 1 tight end role and greatly missed a real red zone presence. That's why we've targeted you with a life-changing contract. -- Mike Reiss

Washington's offer: Four years, $45.5 million ($26M guaranteed) ... Come play in a high-profile market closer to your native Philadelphia and in an offense that would highlight your position flexibility. Just look what this offense did for Logan Thomas last year (career-best 72 catches), and his skill set is not the same as your high-end toolbox. -- John Keim

The decision: Smith picks the Patriots

It's really close between New England and Washington. I know Washington is offering a bit more, but playing for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels intrigues me. And, hey, I could end up their No. 1 or 2 receiver option. -- Graziano

Trent Williams, OT

2020 team: 49ers | Free-agent rank: 1

49ers' offer: Four years, $82 million ($40M guaranteed, $28M signing bonus and fully guaranteed base salaries in the first two years) ... OK, your first season in San Francisco didn't go as hoped, but it was clear you were happy to be back with coach Kyle Shanahan. With an offseason to continue building the roster and get healthy, we offer the right combination of comfort and contender status. Come get paid and have a shot at a Super Bowl title. -- Nick Wagoner

Jaguars' offer: Four years, $80 million ($45M guaranteed spread out over the first three years and $25M signing bonus) ... Come protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and help us take over a division that's not exactly loaded. Oh, and have we mentioned there's no state income tax in Florida? -- Michael DiRocco

The decision: Williams picks the 49ers

It was a really a tough call. The Jaguars' offer is better on its face, and there's that whole state income tax thing. But I like all the money upfront and want to stick with Shanahan. -- Graziano

Joe Thuney, G

2020 team: Patriots | Free-agent rank: 12

Bengals' offer: Four years, $60 million ($15M guaranteed, $4M roster bonus on fifth day of league year in 2022 and $2M roster bonus on fifth day of league year in 2023) ... Come play on a deal with a large chunk of guaranteed money on the front end while we build a winner around quarterback Joe Burrow. -- Ben Baby

Ravens' offer: Four years, $60 million ($35M guaranteed and $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive) ... You can become the final piece to a dominant offensive line, block for a top playmaker in Lamar Jackson and win your third Super Bowl with a team primed to make a run in 2021. -- Jamison Hensley

The decision: Thuney picks the Ravens

Give me the extra $20 million upfront and the chance to chase another ring right away. Sometimes decisions are easy. -- Graziano

Corey Linsley, C

2020 team: Packers | Free-agent rank: 10

Dolphins' offer: Four years, $46 million ($25M guaranteed) ... You're the missing piece -- the hopeful leader and linchpin of our young offensive line -- and we believe you can help Tua Tagovailoa and your fellow offensive linemen win a Super Bowl or two within the next four years in a much warmer place to play. -- Cameron Wolfe

Jets' offer: Four years, $44 million ($28M guaranteed) ... Keep it in the LaFleur family, going from Packers coach Matt to brother Mike, our new offensive coordinator. -- Rich Cimini

Ravens' offer: Four years, $43 million ($13M guaranteed, $10M signing bonus and $250,000 Pro Bowl incentive) ... Become the top free-agent addition to a prime Super Bowl contender, play alongside a talented playmaker in Lamar Jackson and serve as the final piece to what should a dominant offensive line known for its physicality. -- Jamison Hensley

The decision: Linsley picks the Dolphins

Miami's offering the most money, and the difference between their guarantee and the Jets' guarantee isn't as big as it looks, given that there's no state income tax in Florida. -- Graziano

Yannick Ngakoue, Edge

2020 team: Ravens | Free-agent rank: 3

Jets' offer: Three years, $45 million ($24M guaranteed) ... We want to give you a chance to play your natural 4-3 defensive end position, joining up with Quinnen Williams as a fantastic inside-outside tandem. -- Rich Cimini

Patriots' offer: Four years, $60 million ($30M guaranteed) ... We have loved your game since your Jacksonville days, and after you bounced around last year in Minnesota and Baltimore, we envision stability and coach Bill Belichick's brilliant defensive mind bringing out the best in you. -- Mike Reiss

The decision: Ngakoue picks the Patriots

The Patriots seem to be in a spending mood and are simply offering more here. Not much else to say. Let's go to New England. -- Graziano

Bud Dupree, Edge

2020 team: Steelers | Free-agent rank: 4

Browns' offer: One year, $10.5 million ($10M guaranteed, $1M incentive for 10-plus sacks and $125,000 per game on the active roster/workout bonus) ... Come play opposite Myles Garrett on a budding franchise with a chance to stick it to your old team, compete in the playoffs and get back on the market when healthy and the cap rises as new rights deals roll in. -- Jake Trotter

Eagles' offer: Three years, $33 million ($18M guaranteed) ... Rejoin former Steelers teammate Javon Hargrave on a line that also features Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett. That's a group that can do some serious damage with your addition. -- Tim McManus

Giants' offer: Four years, $64 million ($42M guaranteed, with some guarantees running into Year 3) ... Don't turn down the chance to be a star in New York on an ascending team while being paid $40 million guaranteed over the first two years of the deal. -- Jordan Raanan

The decision: Dupree picks the Giants

Yeah, the Giants' offer just blows away the other two. Getting guaranteed money in the third year of an NFL contract is rare. I thought about the Browns' offer because it gives me a chance to cash in next year when I'm not coming off a major injury, but New York just makes sense. -- Graziano

Trey Hendrickson, Edge

2020 team: Saints | Free-agent rank: 7

Saints' offer: Three years, $26 million ($15M guaranteed) ... We can't offer top dollar, but we can offer the chance to compete for Super Bowls in the system where you developed into a breakout player last year. -- Mike Triplett

Lions' offer: Four years, $45 million ($20M guaranteed, $7M signing bonus and $500,000 incentives for making the Pro Bowl or leading the NFL in sacks each year) ... Help Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn establish a culture in Detroit while being a foundational piece for our future. -- Michael Rothstein

The decision: Hendrickson picks the Lions

These offers are very close, and while I appreciate the Saints' attempt to fit me into their delicate cap situation, I'm going with Detroit. I like the extra year and the more robust guarantee, and I know coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn well from their time in New Orleans. -- Graziano

Shaquil Barrett, Edge

2020 team: Buccaneers | Free-agent rank: 9

Buccaneers' offer: Four years, $74.5 million ($30M guaranteed) ... You said that Tampa Bay is now "home." The fans have stood by you, and we want you to be yourself. And you get to continue playing in Todd Bowles' scheme that just shut down the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. -- Jenna Laine

Colts' offer: Four years, $74 million ($32M guaranteed with sack-total incentives) ... This defense is for real, and we're chasing a Super Bowl. Come join Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner to form a dominant front seven. -- Mike Wells

Jaguars' offer: Four years, $72 million ($28M guaranteed) ... We are building here in Jacksonville with coach Urban Meyer, and within three years we'll be competing for the Super Bowl. Want to be the second player in NFL history to win Super Bowls with three different teams? -- Michael DiRocco

The decision: Barrett picks the Buccaneers

These offers are all basically identical, but I just won the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, and I see nothing elsewhere to convince me to give all that up and move. -- Graziano

Carl Lawson, Edge

2020 team: Bengals | Free-agent rank: 36

Bengals' offer: Three years, $60 million ($40M guaranteed and $10M signing bonus) ... Sign with the team that you are already building with. We're on the verge of making a playoff push under second-year QB Joe Burrow, and we want you to be part of it. -- Ben Baby

Browns' offer: Four years, $56 million ($20M guaranteed) ... Join a budding young core, play opposite Myles Garrett, rack up sack numbers, compete in the playoffs and contribute to a Super Bowl contender. -- Jake Trotter

Vikings' offer: Four years, $63 million ($30M guaranteed, $1M bonus for 10-plus sacks in 2022 and $100,000 workout bonus every year) ... We have produced high-end pass-rushers under coach Mike Zimmer's guidance for seven seasons. You would have the opportunity to start opposite Danielle Hunter and consistently log double-digit sacks. -- Courtney Cronin

The decision: Lawson picks the Bengals

This is pretty straightforward. The Bengals' offer is by far the best, and I get to stay home. -- Graziano

Shaquill Griffin, CB

2020 team: Seahawks | Free-agent rank: 20

Seahawks' offer: Three years, $39 million ($25M guaranteed, $1M per-game roster bonuses with $500,000 available in both 2022 and 2023, $2M in additional incentives for making the Pro Bowl and interception totals) ... Look, we can't offer as much in terms of annual salary as other teams with loads of cap space, but we can offer familiarity, strong guarantees and a shorter-than-usual deal that positions you to get back to the market at age 28, potentially under more ideal salary-cap circumstances. -- Brady Henderson

Jaguars' offer: Three years, $48 million ($28M guaranteed) ... You played at UCF and are from St. Petersburg, so why not come back home to Florida? You'd be the No. 1 cornerback opposite CJ Henderson to give us one of the best duos in the NFL. Plus, yes, we have no state income tax. -- Michael DiRocco

The decision: Griffin picks the Jaguars

Sorry, but the Jags just outbid the Seahawks by too much. I'll take that offer and head to Jacksonville. -- Graziano

John Johnson III, S

2020 team: Rams | Free-agent rank: 23

Cowboys' offer: Three years, $33 million ($20M guaranteed) ... You can be the difference-maker on a defense both on the field and in the locker room while playing in a division that is winnable for years to come, guaranteeing playoff appearances. -- Todd Archer

Lions' offer: Five years, $50 million ($22.5M guaranteed) ... Besides reuniting with your former position coach, Aubrey Pleasant, going to Detroit would give you a chance to be a long-term building block and foundational piece. -- Michael Rothstein

Raiders' offer: Four years, $50 million ($25M guaranteed) ... Come play in a state-of-the-art stadium for a team on the rise, while settling a young but hungry secondary amid the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas -- where there are opportunities to win on the field and market yourself off it. Plus, there's no state income tax in Nevada. -- Paul Gutierrez

The decision: Johnson picks the Raiders

It's just more money all the way around, so there's not too much to consider here. -- Graziano

Anthony Harris, S

2020 team: Vikings | Free-agent rank: 26

Cowboys' offer: Four years, $44 million ($21M guaranteed) ... We have avoided spending on a safety in free agency and neglected the position early in the draft for too long. You may not have had an interception last season, but we didn't forget about the six you had in 2019. You'd be a central figure in the remake of a defense that has a new coordinator in Dan Quinn -- someone who knows how important the position is to his scheme. -- Todd Archer

Eagles' offer: Three years, $31 million ($14M guaranteed) ... New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon -- whom you played under in 2015-17 when he was Minnesota's assistant defensive backs coach -- is expected to prioritize the secondary and would hand a starring role over to you. -- Tim McManus

The decision: Harris picks the Cowboys

Again, it's just more money. A lot more, actually, when you factor in the lack of a state income tax in Texas. It's a no-brainer for me. -- Graziano

Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman missed a COVID-19 test during the All-Star break that forced him to miss Wednesday's practice, putting his status for Thursday's game against the LA Clippers in jeopardy.

"It was a mistake," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Wednesday's practice in Los Angeles. "He just forgot. So it's disappointing because he could have used the practice tonight, and we needed him out there. And so it's disappointing that he made the mistake."

Kerr, who said he was unsure if Wiseman would be able to play, noted that Wiseman didn't travel anywhere during the break, deciding to stay home in San Francisco.

As Warriors forward Eric Paschall explained, the restrictive NBA protocols put into place throughout the season didn't change during the break, other than players could enjoy outdoor dining, if desired. Players were required to test every day -- and given two different time slots to do so -- and could test at the Warriors' facility if they did not travel out of the city.

Warriors star guard Stephen Curry is hopeful that Wiseman will learn from his mistake as he moves forward into the second half.

"It's what you have to do," Curry said. "For a rookie to come in, there's obviously a lot of things thrown at you, just in terms of what's happening on the court, but now, obviously, all the protocol stuff and the accountability of the break, but I think we all understand this is our job and we have things to do. When you don't do them, it's put you behind a little bit, so hopefully he won't be out long. I don't know what the situation really is, to be honest.

"But, I think we all got to do our part to get through this season. It's been good so far, so I don't expect that to continue."

Curry said he saw Wiseman earlier Wednesday and sounded confident that his teammates would keep the 19-year-old rookie in check as the season continues. Wiseman, who missed most of training camp because of COVID-19 protocols and missed almost a month because of a wrist injury, has had an up-and-down campaign while averaging 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds after being taken with the second overall pick in the 2020 draft. He acknowledged after last Thursday's first-half finale in Phoenix that the highs and lows of his first professional season have been "hard" to deal with.

"Just communication," Curry said, when asked how the Warriors can keep Wiseman from getting down on himself. "His personality, he does strive to be great and he has that sense that he's supposed to be perfect all the time. Sometimes I think for him, one, just whatever the situation is right now, it will work itself out and he'll get back as quickly as possible, but to hold himself accountable like every other guy in the locker room, to do your job, to show up with the right mindset every day, and if he needs some guys' direction whether it's from anybody on our squad, be able to ask.

"And we have that type of environment here that will hopefully continue to help him develop in the right direction. So you got to be able to move on quickly. I think that might be the theme of this session right here. Be able to move on, stay in the moment, keep things moving in the right direction, and for him that's all he can do right now."

Kerr also said Kelly Oubre Jr. will play Thursday after missing the past two games because of a left wrist injury suffered in practice last week. Forward Draymond Green will also be back after missing last Thursday's game while continuing to recover from a sprained left ankle suffered in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 28.

After hinting at the possibility prior to the end of the first half, Kerr also said there would be rotational changes heading into Thursday's game against the Clippers.

"I thought about it a lot," Kerr said. "I watched. First of all, I had a great break. So, I didn't spend the entire time in a cave watching tape, but I did watch several games sort of strategically thinking about lineups and different combinations, that sort of thing.

"And there will be some changes. I'm not going to tell you what they are, but there will be some rotational changes for sure."

DAVID PRICE CALLED opting out of the 2020 MLB season "the toughest decision I've ever had to make." He felt the strain and the doubt most on Opening Day and at the start of the postseason. But when Price watched from home as Julio Urias struck out Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Willy Adames late into the night of Oct. 27, clinching the Los Angeles Dodgers' first World Series championship in 32 years, a strange feeling swept over him.

Relief.

"If it would've been any other outcome," the Dodgers pitcher said, "I would've probably had a whole lot of regret and would've felt really bad about my decision. But whenever Julio threw that strike three, it really felt like it kind of lifted a weight off my chest."

About two dozen players opted out of professional baseball last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of whom, like Price, were in their 30s and advanced enough in their playing careers that they could afford a year of lost compensation and service time. Two players, Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis and Miami Marlins infielder Isan Diaz, ultimately came back during the 2020 season. Many of those who stayed away returned this spring with a renewed sense of purpose. Last summer, as the sport resumed without them, they also wrestled with intermittent feelings of remorse.

AW promotion

Recovery from an addiction is difficult with long, intensive therapy sessions during rehab being standard in the treatment process. Quite rightly, these psychotherapy sessions and medications form the mainstay of treatment as they are clinically proven and really do help change your mindset, but there are additional ways less talked about that can promote your recovery.

One of these is exercise and, as this article will cover, it has been shown to not only benefit your body but also your mind. Whilst you can certainly sweat it out in your local gym, this article will focus on running, which can be done at any time and is free, only requiring a decent pair of running shoes.

Read on to see how running can fit into a holistic recovery programme.

How running affects your mind

As alluded to, not only does aerobic exercise help the physical body, strengthening your cardiovascular system and helping you to maintain a healthy weight, it can also have a profound, positive effect on your mind.

Part of the reason behind this has a molecular and physiological basis. You may have heard of the ‘runner’s high’ phenomenon where it has been documented that following an intense period of exercise, people have four distinct experiences, anxiolysis (reduction in anxiety), analgesia (reduction in physical pain), sedation and euphoria.

Looking at how this happens, when we begin to run, we breathe in faster and more deeply which allows us to take in more oxygen. Also, the heart pumps faster to get that oxygen in the blood to the muscles which need it.

These physiological changes can trigger the pituitary gland, which sits behind your nose, to release a number of molecules collectively known as endorphins or ‘endogenous morphine’.

This name gives a clue as to endorphins‘ role in the body as they bind opioid receptors throughout the brain and body to give us that feeling of euphoria similar to the feeling from other opioids such as morphine. Just like exogenous morphine, our own supply also helps inhibit pain signals, our own, natural painkiller!

In addition to endorphins, the physiological changes produced by aerobic exercise can also lead to the production of endocannabinoids, molecules produced by the body that are structurally similar to cannabis that bind the same receptors as cannabis. This in turn produces that same relaxed, happy feeling.

How running promotes recovery from addiction

The mechanisms by which running affects the mind can play a role in everyone’s wellbeing but can be particularly helpful for those struggling with addiction.

This is borne out by the medical literature with studies showing that aerobic exercise is beneficial in the treatment of a range of substance addictions. This effect is due to the biochemical process outlined above in addition to phycological and social factors.

For example, the development of addiction often stems from a maladaptive way of dealing with stress. This can be seen when individuals describe ‘triggering’ events, where something stressful happens and to deal with it, they reach to alcohol and drugs.

Instead of reaching to these exogenous sources of comfort that come at a significant cost, it is far better to reach for running shoes to help you deal with stress as you flood your body with those endogenous feel-good molecules. Your physical body will thank you too.

In addition to this, it has been proven that exercise is effective against certain mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression that often go hand-in-hand with addiction and can even drive it.

Taking a more psychological view, the sense of reward from completing a run can increase your self-esteem and be highly motivating giving you an extra boost to continue your journey to recover and engage in treatment.

Also, the simple act of timetabling in dedicated time for exercise alone can help bring some structure, proven to be beneficial in long-lasting recovery.

Additionally, the benefits don’t just stop when you finish your run. Research has shown that regular exercise can cause angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the brain, that is the formation of new blood vessels and new brain cells which can not only improve elements of cognition and mood but in some cases, even reverse the damage caused by long term drug and alcohol addiction.

Finally, there is the social aspect. Running like many other sports can generate support groups, providing the opportunity to meet other runners and share interests.

This can help with the recovery process as not only are you developing social skills that may have been affected by addiction, but also improving the chance of you finding a network that can provide peer support when you are having a difficult time.

How to incorporate running into your recovery process

Hopefully, by now this article will have convinced you of the benefits of running when overcoming an addiction. However, there are some practical points to bear in mind before you start to prevent you from doing more harm than good.

1. Seek advice from your doctor first

This in particularly pertinent if you are new to exercise or haven’t done it in a long time. All people should first seek advice to find out if they have any conditions that are contraindicated to running or require them to take extra precautions.

For example, if you have undiagnosed exercise-induced asthma, a doctor should pick this up and provide appropriate treatment such as an inhaler to take before exercising.

This is all the more important if you have a long-standing history of substance abuse as certain drugs and alcohol can be damaging to the heart, making you less able to take part in strenuous exercise safely.

Some people feel embarrassed about their substance use when they go to the doctors and may be tempted to conceal their history. Please try not to let this feeling affect you, it is definitely in your best interest to be open and honest and 9 times out of 10, your doctor will thank you for your honesty.

2. Make a weekly running schedule

Setting a regular schedule can help you develop the habit of running and then stick to it. As mentioned previously, having a schedule can be beneficial and help foster recovery. Additionally, provided you aren’t trying to do too much too fast, sticking to a schedule that includes regular rest days can reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

Try to schedule your runs when you’re most likely to be feeling motivated and energised, for some that are in the morning before work and in the evening for others.

3. Find a partner

Finding a partner is a fantastic way to keep you accountable to your schedule and can make the whole experience a lot more fun! If you don’t have a partner to run with, remember that there are plenty of local running groups which as mentioned above, can be a source of support even outside of running.

4. Plan your route

Try to plan your running routes in such a way that you can avoid going past pubs, bars or other places where you might be tempted to acquire substances of abuse.

Conclusion

We hope the above offers some help in allowing you to see the value of running for those in addiction recovery.  To see a list of upcoming running events across the UK, see here.

Private equity giants CVC have further strengthened their hand in rugby union by completing a £365m deal for a 14% share in the Six Nations.

The money will be split on a sliding scale between unions, with the Rugby Football Union receiving £95m.

"This is a hugely positive development," said Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel.

"When we started this journey, our aim was to ensure we found the right strategic partner, who can add real value and is committed to a long-term relationship.

"CVC recognises the exciting potential in the Six Nations Championships and autumn international series, and they are aligned with our vision for the future."

More to follow.

Queensland 9 for 262 (Wildermuth 66, Burns 47, Paris 4-50) beat Western Australia 143 (Whiteman 52, Neser 3-10, Kuhnemann 3-31) by 93 runs (DLS method)

Michael Neser marked his first outing for six weeks with a superb new-ball spell which put Queensland on course for victory over Western Australia.

Queensland had earlier staged a strong recovery with the bat after falling to 4 for 49 with a string of handy middle-order contributions led by Jack Wildermuth's run-a-ball 66 before rain reduced the second innings to 40 overs with a target of 237.

Neser, who had been sidelined by a hamstring injury since the BBL, took three wickets in an opening spell that read 5-3-2-3. An outswinger found the edge of Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green nicked a booming drive to slip and Josh Inglis played into his stumps to leave Western Australia 3 for 6.

The visitors were without captain Shaun Marsh, who had returned to Perth for personal reasons, and up to eight other first-choice players who are in home quarantine following Australia's tour of New Zealand.

After Hilton Cartwright was superbly caught at deep square, stand-in captain Sam Whiteman managed to forge a recovery alongside Nick Hobson but it was always a tall order. When Whiteman sliced to point it signaled the end of any chance Western Australia had of a late charge.

On an overcast day there was assistance for the pace bowlers throughout. Two wickets apiece for Matt Kelly and Joel Paris, including Marnus Labuschagne who did not appear thrilled with being given caught down the leg side, left Queensland in early trouble.

The presence of Joe Burns, who opens in first-class cricket, at No. 5 was a bonus and he began stablising the innings alongside Jimmy Peirson.

However, at 6 for 152 in the 36th over it appeared they may struggle to bat the 50 overs, but Neser played his first important hand of the day by accompanying Wildermuth in a seventh-wicket stand 73 before Mark Steketee's 23 off 12 balls further boosted them above 250.

Afghanistan 388 for 3 (Afghan 137*, Shahidi 127*) v Zimbabwe

Afghanistan racked up their highest Test score, amassing more than the 342 they scored against Bangladesh in September 2019, on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi. Hashmatullah Shahidi became their third Test centurion, joining Asghar Afghan - who brought up a century of his own on the day - and Rahmat Shah in the list, as they continued to grind Zimbabwe's attack down. With nothing in the pitch for seam or spin, the best Zimbabwe could do was keep the opposition quiet, which they managed with some success initially, but runs flowed as the morning wore on.

Afghan and Shahidi's fourth-wicket stand is worth 267, the highest for Afghanistan and the record for this venue, while Afghan's 137* is the team's highest Test score.

Zimbabwe squeezed Afghanistan early on and gave away just 23 runs in the first hour. Blessing Muzarabani adjusted his length to bowl fuller than he did on the first day and Victor Nyauchi found some movement. While they were both difficult to get away, they did not pose any serious threat and Afghan and Shahidi caution and attention to detail in defence served them well.

Once they had worked their way to the drinks break unscathed, the pair opened up. Shahidi, who had been on 86 overnight, reached his hundred with a drive through point and celebrated with gusto, not least because this is his comeback series after being dropped for the match against West Indies in November 2019. Then, the criticism of Shahidi was that he did not strike enough and though it took him 276 balls to bring up his century in this innings, he cannot be accused of going too slowly. His innings was perfectly paced and he complemented the more aggressive style of Afghan well.

Reaching the hundred seemed to relax him and Shahidi took boundaries off Donald Tiripano and Sean Williams, and then offered Zimbabwe their first chance of the morning. Shahidi was on 112 when he drove a ball back to Williams that he could have taken at shoulder height but he got fingertips to it and then juggled it unsuccessfully. Williams had another opportunity in his next over, when Afghan, on 124, sliced a drive to point. Kevin Kasuza should have taken a simple grab but could not hold on.

That was the extent of the opportunities Zimbabwe had, despite using six of their seven bowling options. Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl both found some turn, which Afghanistan would have noted with enthusiasm. The pitch remains very good for batting and Afghanistan need to be cautious of batting too long and making any result but a draw impossible, and the early signs are that their spinners could have an impact as the cracks open up.