1 year, 11 months ago

Discussing Vikings’ NFL Draft priorities, a Justin Jefferson extension and more: Mailbag

The league meetings are over. For as enticing as that last option seems, and as unproductive as the Vikings’ early-round cornerbacks have been in recent years, cornerback still makes the most sense at the top of this draft. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2023 Big Board: The Athletic’s updated top 100 prospect rankings Do you put any stock in the fact that all of last year’s Vikings draft picks came from Power 5 schools? GO DEEPER Thoughts on the Vikings' draft plans after the first wave of free agency Do you see Cam Smith as a fit for Brian Flores’ defensive system? First, this is how The Athletic’s Dane Brugler described Booth ahead of last year’s draft: “He has NFL starting traits and projects best in a man-heavy scheme.” Health, of course, limited Booth in 2022.

Team Jefferson Value Nfl Smith Vikings Cook Justin Jefferson Cousins Draft Receiver Berry Flores Booth Nfl Draft Cornerbacks vikings receiver mailbag value justin cousins team jefferson cornerbacks players draft smith nfl discussing flores extension priorities

History of this topic

3 weeks, 2 days ago

Vikings mock draft 2.0: Making sure Minnesota gets D-line help and an impact running back

New York Times

Free agency will determine the Minnesota Vikings’ priorities in the 2025 NFL Draft. GO DEEPER What I heard about the Vikings at the NFL combine: Expect a flurry of moves in free agency Similar to our last mock draft, trading down in the first round felt like the right call. Skattebo’s pass-catching ability might be underrated, and if the Vikings …

3 weeks, 4 days ago

2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade up for No. 1, Shedeur Sanders slides

New York Times

Normally for my post-combine mock, I like to propose a few trade ideas. Those teams hold picks 2 and 3, respectively, and I believe the Titans want to stay somewhere in the top three so they can nab Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State The Browns want to draft a quarterback, …

1 month, 4 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s free-agent options: Which teams make the most sense and why?

New York Times

Though Sam Darnold’s final two performances of the season revealed some weaknesses in his game, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback will be coveted this offseason. It’s a move that might make sense if Minnesota prefers to recoup draft capital in the present — and if another team wants to keep Darnold from reaching the open market. 📰: https://t.co/wJuAf8qkyB pic.twitter.com/eV1izN9EKX — Minnesota …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

The Vikings need to sort out their QB situation and make some upgrades elsewhere

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — These Minnesota Vikings crushed it in the chemistry department, building a system that allowed former castaway Sam Darnold to set an NFL starting quarterback record with 14 wins in his debut season and using a carefully selected infusion of free agents to revitalize the defense. “We’ve got the right kind of things going on in this organization, …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects have most to gain in College Football Playoff semifinals?

New York Times

And then there were four. GO DEEPER CFP semifinals first look: Previewing Notre Dame-Penn State, Ohio State-Texas Orange Bowl: Penn State vs. Notre Dame Penn State’s best offensive prospect: Tyler Warren, TE There will be plenty of debate the next four months over how high Warren should be drafted. Prospects who could benefit most from a productive game: Penn State …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

2025 NFL mock draft: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward go top 3 in polarizing class

New York Times

I have been covering the NFL Draft for almost two decades — and the 2025 class might be the most polarizing of them all. Some NFL scouts believe one or two quarterbacks are deserving of this year’s first round, while others think drafting any QB in Round 1 would be a mistake. “Hunter,” a second AFC scout told The Athletic, …

8 months, 1 week ago

Green Bay Packers mailbag: What impact can rookies MarShawn Lloyd, Edgerrin Cooper have?

New York Times

It’s that time of year again, ladies and gentlemen. GO DEEPER Packers' Jordan Love could ride last season's momentum and become a top fantasy QB What are some of your questions you want answered during the 2024 training camp? The Packers’ depth at tackle is sketchy since Luke Tenuta missed all of last season because of injury, Caleb Jones was …

9 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings look to Justin Jefferson for even greater leadership role now that his new deal is done

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The wide receiver position in the NFL has been home over the years to some of the most dynamic yet moody superstars in the sport. “He’s a culture-changer.” That reputation was cemented last year after Jefferson suffered a hamstring strain that ultimately kept him out for seven games. “The way he handled it and the work he …

9 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings reach agreement with Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL’s richest non-QB contract

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson became the latest player to cash in on the league-wide push for elite pass catchers. “There’s more to be done.” Jefferson, who has the most receiving yards in league history through a player’s first four seasons, had entered the final year of his rookie deal. “He is the living embodiment of our culture with his joyful …

9 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings make Justin Jefferson NFL’s highest-paid non-QB with $140M extension: Sources

New York Times

More than a year ago, in January 2023, a handful of Minnesota Vikings legends gushed about Justin Jefferson. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin “Jets” Jefferson “The time has finally come, the deal I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid,” Jefferson said in a video posted on Instagram. The Vikings first broached the …

10 months, 1 week ago

Vikings seek new deal with Justin Jefferson; star WR absent so far from workouts, AP source says

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have one major piece of roster management remaining on their agenda before the regular season: signing superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension. Without a new deal in place, Jefferson was absent on Monday when the Vikings held their first of 10 allowable organized team activities, according to a person with knowledge of …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

11 months ago

Beat writers’ favorite 2024 NFL Draft picks: Keon Coleman, Laiatu Latu and 30 more players

New York Times

The 2024 NFL Draft is over, and now all 257 picks begin the process of settling in with their new teams and preparing for rookie camp next month. — Jeff Zrebiec | More Ravens takeaways The Bills’ top pick joins a depth chart in desperate need of someone with his talent level, one that Josh Allen told general manager Brandon …

11 months ago

Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with eight picks over the three-day draft. NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Tashan Reed’s analysis Raiders draft Brock Bowers: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel Grade: B+ GO DEEPER NFL Draft …

11 months ago

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with nine picks over the three-day event. NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3 Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections GO DEEPER Vikings 2024 NFL …

11 months ago

In J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, Vikings add potential cornerstone contributors

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — The waiting is the hardest part. Once the selection hit the league database, one AFC executive said, “Good player at good value.” An NFC staffer texted, “Best player on the board at that time.” “Listen, Dallas Turner is a guy who, quite frankly, we didn’t expect to be there in that range,” coach Kevin O’Connell said Thursday …

11 months, 1 week ago

Vikings have the 11th and 23rd picks in the NFL draft and a need for a QB. Can they get their guy?

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The NFL draft is not so much a marathon weekend as it is a season of speculation and subterfuge, a made-for-TV mystery unfolding team by team across the league. “It’s something that is hard to grasp, but if you grasp it, you know what the rewards are, right?” With Penix and Nix widely considered to be in …

11 months, 2 weeks ago

NFL MOCK DRAFT: A Gold Rush for quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy could see teams trade up... as our writers guess who the first ten selections in this year's draft w

Daily Mail

The 2024 NFL Draft is only a few weeks away and while the top overall pick seems to be locked in, there are questions surrounding the rest of the class. Alex Raskin USC quarterback Caleb Williams 1) Chicago Bears : Caleb Williams 2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels 3) New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy 4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. 5) …

11 months, 2 weeks ago

2024 NFL Draft roundtable: What stands out in ‘The Beast’? Which QBs will drive trade market?

New York Times

There are several landmark moments on the NFL calendar every year en route to the draft: the early-declaration deadline; all-star games, like the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl; the combine. And, of course, the day that Dane Brugler releases his all-encompassing draft guide, “The Beast.” This year’s version of “The Beast” — with 402 player profiles and nearly 2,000 prospects …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Could quarterbacks go 1-2-3-4 atop Round 1?

New York Times

Let the trading begin. GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2024 ‘The Beast’ Guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports and player rankings Another new era in Chicago begins, this time with the best playmaker in the draft. Arizona Cardinals : Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois The Cardinals could trade one of these picks — remember, we now have them holding three first-round selections after …

11 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings mock draft 2.0: Creatively filling holes at quarterback and defensive tackle

New York Times

We published our first Minnesota Vikings mock draft two months ago. This mock draft leans into what might happen if Minnesota is unable to trade up, or if head coach Kevin O’Connell prefers a quarterback option who might be available at a later pick. Add him alongside a proven run stuffer in Harrison Phillips, and pair his penetration ability with …

1 year ago

Vikings make big play toward QB of the future with trade for Texans’ first-round draft pick: Sources

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Alec Lewis and Dane Brugler The Athletic has live coverage of Texans vs Bears in the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game. The Minnesota Vikings are acquiring a second first-round pick for April’s NFL Draft, landing No. Minnesota will get the 23rd and 232nd pick….Houston will get the 42nd, 188th and 2nd in 2025 — Dianna Russini …

1 year ago

Vikings not planning to trade Justin Jefferson amid Kirk Cousins’ departure: Sources

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Alec Lewis and Larry Holder The Minnesota Vikings have no plans to trade All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson amid the departure of quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, according to team sources. Live updates: Free-agent news from across the NFL FA tracker: New teams and contract details for the top 150 free agents Best available players: …

1 year ago

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Rome Odunze cracks top 5, Packers move up for Cooper DeJean

New York Times

Team needs could change in a hurry once NFL free agency opens this week. Before pen can meet paper on most of the official deals, though, let’s take one more look at how the 2024 NFL Draft’s first round could play out. GO DEEPER 15 of the most intriguing early-entry 2024 NFL Draft prospects Titans GM Ran Carthon mentioned at …

1 year, 1 month ago

Vikings GM on trading Justin Jefferson: ‘Not something that has ever crossed my mind’

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — He’s usually reserved. On the topic of Jefferson, Adofo-Mensah showed vulnerability, admitting that the preferences of a player of Jefferson’s caliber supersede variables like average annual value, guarantees or contract length. “ in how we’re building this going forward to set us up in a sustained window to win for a long time,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We’ve got to …

1 year, 1 month ago

What’s the Vikings’ plan? 5 thoughts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, are likely to converse this week before the crucial March 12 void on the 35-year-old quarterback’s contract. A couple of months later, in Arizona at the NFL league …

1 year, 1 month ago

NFL beat writer mock draft 2024: Trades shake up top 10 picks and QB landscape

New York Times

The 2024 NFL Draft is just over two months away, and the jockeying for quarterbacks is just beginning. The dynamic Daniels is worth the price because of what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his most recent Big Board: “Daniels forces opponents to defend him like Lamar Jackson.” — Josh Kendall % of 3rd down pass attempts that resulted in …

1 year, 1 month ago

A former GM’s take on this Vikings offseason: ‘They are in a tough spot’

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings’ current situation reminds Randy Mueller of the spring of 2006. In one story, an anonymously sourced executive was even quoted as saying: “When you take the approach of just getting by at quarterback, you’re not going to win long term.” Other needs occupied Mueller’s day-to-day planning sessions. “There’s no guarantee that they could go all in next …

1 year, 1 month ago

What are the biggest offseason needs for all 32 NFL teams? O-line, QB, edge rushers top list

New York Times

Most NFL teams focused their sights on next season a while ago. — Paul Dehner Jr. Biggest offseason need: Wide receiver The Browns are only going to become one of the AFC’s elite teams if Deshaun Watson plays like an elite quarterback. — Colton Pouncy Biggest offseason need: Safety The Packers’ top three safeties from 2023, Darnell Savage Jr., Jonathan …

1 year, 2 months ago

15 of the most intriguing early-entry 2024 NFL Draft prospects

New York Times

A year ago, we saw NIL help pull a handful of top-100 prospects back to the college ranks for another season. GO DEEPER 2024 NFL Mock Draft: 2 rounds, 64 picks and 4 QBs in the top 20 The 20-year-old national champion had one of the more interesting draft decisions this year, and ultimately decided to give the NFL a …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings mailbag: 2024 NFL Draft deals, best QB fits, trading Justin Jefferson and more

New York Times

Add the NFC North outlook to the list of reasons why this offseason is complicated for the Minnesota Vikings. GO DEEPER 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Two rounds, 64 picks and 4 QBs in the top 20 Which is to say: It’s possible both would be available in the latter part of the first round. — Aaron H. The six consensus …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings’ offseason decisions will show deftness of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s leadership

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — It was the first question Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was ever asked publicly as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. “I can’t run from that in any kind of way.” GO DEEPER Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's draft results under microscope as Vikings approach pivotal offseason A challenge we're ready to embrace. “Right now, in the competitive rebuild, we want to …

1 year, 2 months ago

At what positions do the Vikings most need help this offseason? And how can they get it?

New York Times

That’s not to say the Minnesota Vikings aren’t focusing on their Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions. GO DEEPER For Vikings, tanking for a better draft pick is a more difficult proposition than it seems Interior defensive line Why this is a need: If you’re reading this, you’ve likely watched the games. Or maybe, just maybe, the Vikings take …

1 year, 3 months ago

2024 NFL Draft order projections: Chargers, Commanders fading; Bears locked in at No. 1?

New York Times

How did Week 14 of the NFL season shake up the possible 2024 NFL Draft order? The simulation then runs 100,000 times after each day of games to give us, in this case, our projected top-10 draft order, plus each team’s projected win total and playoff chances. GO DEEPER 2024 NFL Draft: Ranking the top prospects on each College Football …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson will return after 7-game absence for hamstring injury

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday, cleared to return to action after missing two months with a hamstring injury. Minnesota began its bye week after a 12-10 loss to Chicago on Monday, but Jefferson will be back on the field when the Vikings play at Las Vegas on Dec. 10. …

1 year, 4 months ago

Justin Jefferson tells fans to stop trying to rush him back for Fantasy Football as he recovers from hamstring injury: 'My health is way more important!'

Daily Mail

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson expressed his apathy for fantasy football owners' continuous pleas for him to play while dealing with an injury. Justin Jefferson told fans that his health is far more important than their fantasy football teams Jefferson took to social media to tell fans he could care less about their fantasy teams losing Jefferson has been …

1 year, 4 months ago

2024 NFL Draft: Dane Brugler answers your questions about this year’s QBs, top prospects

New York Times

We received well over 100 questions for this mailbag, but obviously, I could only answer a fraction of them. — Derek J. Let’s eliminate Drake Maye and Caleb Williams from the discussion and assume the cost to move up will be far greater than what the Vikings would be willing to pay. GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2024 Big Board: Dane …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings designate star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for return from injured reserve

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings designated wide receiver Justin Jefferson for return from injured reserve Wednesday, bringing the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year back to practice with three weeks to assess the readiness of his strained right hamstring for game action. But we’re going to take it a day at a time and ultimately do what’s best …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings predictions at NFL midseason: Dobbs keeps starting, Jefferson will be back soon

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Vikings vs Broncos in Sunday Night Football action. The Minnesota Vikings are back to being the captivating group that we’d grown so accustomed to watching last season. Brian Flores’ body of work will warrant leaguewide recognition The Vikings defense ranks 10th in the NFL in DVOA, 12th in EPA per play, 10th in yards …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings’ Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Kirk Cousins’ future, Justin Jefferson extension and more

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Kwesi Adofo-Mensah rarely speaks publicly. While we’re on the subject of Cousins … “He was playing some of the best football in the league,” Adofo-Mensah said. In the past, when reporters asked Adofo-Mensah about Cousins, he often said something like, “He rises to the necessary threshold to win big.” Nothing of the sort was said Wednesday — …

1 year, 5 months ago

Mueller: Derrick Henry, Chase Young and 3 other NFL trade targets and what they’re worth

New York Times

Sometimes in the NFL, adding a big name to your roster can move the meter in the locker room and within the fan base. GO DEEPER NFL trade deadline: What teams are thinking and the potential moves we're watching Two teams jump to the front of the line in my mind as perfect fits: Already stacked with one of the …

1 year, 5 months ago

Russini: What I’m hearing on NFL trade deadline, Kirk Cousins, QB injuries and more in Week 6

New York Times

The NFL trade deadline is a little more than two weeks away, and the phones around the league have been active. They are always going to take a call, but I’ve had numerous conversations with league sources about the Vikings’ resistance to trading their starter and also the possibility that the team keeps Cousins past this season. In conversations with …

1 year, 5 months ago

Why trading Kirk Cousins is an option the Vikings may soon have to consider

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Broncos vs Vikings in Sunday Night Football action. Zygi Wilf, co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, had just exited the locker room following Sunday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. LIVE: QB Kirk Cousins speaks to the media https://t.co/fnL8U9YkEZ — Minnesota Vikings October 9, 2023 There is also a similarly complex slate of questions …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings place Justin Jefferson on injured reserve: Who steps up, how this impacts Minnesota

New York Times

By Alec Lewis, Jake Ciely and Dianna Russini The Minnesota Vikings placed wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve Wednesday because of his hamstring injury, the team announced. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that the team, which dropped to 1-4, is “going to do what’s best for Justin and make sure we give him the treatment and plan that is …

1 year, 6 months ago

Cost of re-signing Justin Jefferson is only getting higher for the Vikings

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — The price is only going up from here for Justin Jefferson. Even before the Minnesota Vikings dropped their season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the typically euphoric first weekend of football in these parts was muted just a little when word spread that the Vikings and Jefferson had not agreed on a contract extension. Not …

1 year, 6 months ago

Justin Jefferson not expected to sign Vikings extension before opener, per sources: Any reason to worry?

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Alec Lewis and Larry Holder All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is not expected to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings before Sunday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, team sources confirmed Saturday. Because, as one of Jefferson’s mentors, longtime wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan, said, Jefferson simply “loves ball.” He is the type to …

1 year, 6 months ago

Justin Jefferson selected top wide receiver by panel of AP Pro Football Writers

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The All-Pro wide receiver already broke four franchise records, …

1 year, 6 months ago

Justin Jefferson selected top wide receiver by panel of AP Pro Football Writers

Associated Press

Justin Jefferson has been setting records and terrifying defenses since the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. The All-Pro wide receiver already broke four franchise records, including surpassing Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Randy Moss for receptions and yards in a single season. Jefferson became the youngest player in NFL history to …

1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection: Who’s in and who’s out ahead of NFL cutdown day?

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of NFL roster cuts and projections ahead of cutdown day MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin O’Connell calls the next 72 hours the toughest part of his job. “We’ve got a very competitive roster and feel really good about our depth,” O’Connell said Saturday after the team’s final preseason game, an 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tight …

1 year, 8 months ago

Vikings star Justin Jefferson plays his contract situation cool and welcomes the pressure

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Justin Jefferson walked off the Minnesota Vikings practice field once the first session of training camp was finished, looking as fit and lean as ever with his easy, wide smile framing his designer sunglasses. The contract is going to play itself out, and I’m just out here to play football.” The relentless drive and gregarious presence of …

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2 days, 10 hours ago

Tennessee Titans announce shock move that could have a huge impact on the NFL Draft

Daily Mail

The Tennessee Titans have signed veteran quarterback Tim Boyle, adding to its quarterback room already with incumbent Will Levis and Brandon Allen. The move to sign Boyle does not give an indication as to what the Titans will do with the No 1 overall selection in next month's NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans have signed veteran quarterback Tim Boyle, adding …

Titans Levis Quarterback Nfl Tennessee Titans Jets Tennessee

5 days, 6 hours ago

Setting the table for the 2025 NFL Draft, plus Aaron Rodgers’ time in Pittsburgh

New York Times

Inside: A quick draft primer, plus Aaron Rodgers’ time in Pittsburgh, Jerry Jones’ status among owners and another potential first-round QB. 2: Odds favor Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter as the second pick, which diverges from The Athletic’s most recent mock, where Ben Standig sees a Cleveland reach for Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Odds favor Penn State edge rusher …

Team Texas Jones Nfl Rodgers Pittsburgh Colorado

1 week, 2 days ago