Goodwin on underdog status, top-six fight & 'remarkable' Moth… — and more

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before his side's Premiership trip to play Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin admits "we will probably be underdogs in a lot of people's eyes" against a Motherwell side who have had a "remarkable" season, but United "believe we are capable of beating any opposition on any given day".
• Goodwin says his defenders can take confidence from the midweek 0-0 draw with Aberdeen, which was just their fourth clean sheet in the league this season.
• He added that "concentration levels are going to be key" against a very good attacking team and a striker, Tawanda Maswanhise, who is "having the season of his career".
• United are seventh in the table, nine points behind Falkirk in sixth, but Goodwin insists "we certainly won't give up the fight" of getting into the top half, adding "we have just got to keep believing".
• Amid what has been an ultra-competitive top division this term, Goodwin believes "'it has been a tough tough league for everybody" and he doesn't believe "there is a team at the top of the table that looks forward to playing any of the fixtures at this moment in time".
• Immersed in a hectic schedule Goodwin admits "there is a bit of fatigue and a few bumps and bruises within the squad".
• And with three games in a week coming up the United boss stresses "we have a few decisions to make tomorrow with regards to the starting 11".
• Goodwin was again asked about the condition of the much-maligned Tannadice pitch and is disappointed it "has become this talking point".
• He adds no blame is being pointed at anyone and stresses it is not down to a lack of investment in the pitch but due to things outwith United's control - namely the horrendous weather combined with a busy schedule of fixtures.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't see a need to wait until the last minute... kind of, sort of. With a window that doesn't close until March 3, the team has placed the franchise tag on their most valuable pending free agent, WR George Pickens.

The move, the non-exclusive franchise tag, doesn't prevent Pickens from negotiating with other teams once the NFL league year kicks off on March 11. He'll actually be able to have contract talks with any other team starting March 9, the start of the legal tampering window. What the tag does do is guarantee the Cowboys the chance to match any offer, or receive compensation if they don't match an offer sheet.

In exchange, Pickens will immediately hit the books for $28.8 million in 2026 cap hit. That will push the Cowboys to need to create $55 million of space based on their current contracts by midnight of March 12. Otherwise, the league will begin releasing players from the roster to bring them in compliance.

The Dallas Cowboys will do what has been expected on Friday, placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens to secure his rights at least through 2026, sources told @toddarcher. pic.twitter.com/rmIPSxAnsY

— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2026

The Cowboys have let it be known numerous times, both the Joneses in the front office and head coach Brian Schottenheimer, that they want to work out a long-term deal with Pickens to play opposite CeeDee Lamb for years to come.

Pickens' production exploded once the club traded for him, acquiring the then three-year veteran from the Pittsburgh Steelers for Dallas' third-round pick in this draft. There was also a swap of Day 3 draft assets. Pickens rewarded the investment with a Second-Team All-Pro campaign, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and scoring nine touchowns.

All were career highs, but Pickens came over with just one season remaining on his contract.

The question now is just where does the market sit for Pickens. Dallas is already paying Lamb at the top of the wideout market, at $34 million a year, good for third-highest in the league. He was the second-best paid WR when he signed.

With reigning OPOY Jaxson Smith-Njigba angling to suprass the Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase's $40 million per year average, many wonder if that puts Pickens in the ballpark of approaching or surpassing Lamb.

Perhaps being able to negotiate with other teams can give each side some idea of where that number sits at. Pickens can negotiate without signing an offer sheet, or if he's truly interested in forcing the Cowboys' hand, he can do so.

Absent an offer sheet, the two sides will have until July 17 to reach a long-term deal, or the one-year tender will lock in for the 2026 season. Until Pickens signs the tender, he is not required to participate in any team activities, which would bring a circus-like atmosphere to Dallas' offseason yet again.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys slap franchise tag on WR George Pickens, now $55M over cap

The New York Jets, led by general manager Aaron Glenn, are reportedly using the NFL Combine to prepare for the upcoming free agent market. The team is focusing their efforts on gaining an advantage for one specific position as they strategize for the offseason.

Luis Enrique reacts to PSG's Champions League round of 16 draw

PSG vs Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16: Luis Enrique gives his take

After the Champions League round of 16 draw, PSG have been paired with Chelsea this Friday. Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash.

Speaking at a press conference, Luis Enrique weighed in on what promises to be a blockbuster tie.

"Chelsea, it's a fascinating draw, as always. I'm very pleased. It'll be exciting to play against an English team, but there's no sense of revenge. These are different competitions. This draw defines our path, and we're used to it. We're the reigning champions. The pressure is on the other teams. We like being in the bracket—it shows we're qualified. Everyone knows we can win the Champions League, but to do that we need to improve. We're aware of that. We have to adapt to the current circumstances. What makes me optimistic is my team's ability to deal with all the challenges that come our way," said the Spaniard.

Despite a tough qualification against AS Monaco (3-2, 2-2) in the play-offs, the PSG coach has no doubts about his squad.