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DeutschPavlovic called Juventus and Fiorentina stars before joining Milan
Strahinja Pavlovic has revealed that he spoke to Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and former Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic before deciding to join Milan from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 and claims that Serie A is the best league he’s played in: ‘In these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career’.
The Rossoneri defender spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter coming up in Serie A on Sunday evening.
Pavlovic on joining Milan, talks with Vlahovic and improving under Allegri
Pavlovic claims that he has learned more from playing in Serie A than he had done across six years of his career across Serbia, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria. Being at Milan and playing under Massimiliano Allegri specifically has played a major role in his development.
“You just have to walk around Milanello to understand how many legends have played here, there are pictures everywhere: In the dining room, in the gym … It makes me happy to wear the same shirt that they wore. It’s a great feeling, it’s hard to describe.”
Pavlovic revealed which of his Serbian teammates he spoke to before joining Milan: “I called Luka Jovic who was here last season, but I also spoke with Milenkovic and Vlahovic to find out more about the Italian division.”
He insists that moving to Serie A has been the most insightful step of his career: “Milan is the biggest club I’ve played for so far and Serie A is stronger than Austria, France and Serbia. Everything is different here, there are no easy games. And in these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career. For a defender, it’s the perfect league to grow.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan controls the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“The coach puts a lot of attention on the defence and we’ve made a lot of progress. The credit is not only due to the defenders, though, because we need everyone’s help. The forwards and midfielders lend us a big hand as well.
“(I’ve learned) so many little things. I’ve started paying attention to little details that I hadn’t even considered before, which makes the difference.”
After a difficult 2024-25 season in which Milan finished in eighth place, missing out on European football altogether for 2025-26, the Rossoneri now find themselves in second, albeit 10 points off their city rivals, Inter.
Are Milan ‘happy’ with their season so far? “It’s a difficult question,” Pavlovic pondered. “We’re happy compared to last year, the goal at the beginning of the season was to get into the top four and we are in the running to achieve that. But looking at our performance, we could have had more points, so there is a bit of regret.
“There are still 11 games to go and we will do everything we can to get the most out of them.”
NFL offseason calendar 2026: Important dates, free agency, draft, more
Some NFL teams have made some early moves to adjust their roster before the 2026 season. But we’re still in the quirky window between last season, and the start of the next season’s NFL calendar.
After the scouting combine, the NFL turns attention to free agency, then the NFL draft in late April.
And before you know it, we’ll have another NFL season on our hands.
Here are some important dates to know heading into the next season:
NFL offseason calendar 2026
Franchise tag window closes: March 3
Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to franchise or transition tag a pending free agent.
NFL legal tampering begins: March 9-11
The negotiation process begins between NFL teams and agents on players hitting the open market.
NFL free agency, new league year: March 11
The new league year begins at 3 p.m. ET, signaled by the first wave of free agent deals agreed to during the tampering window.
NFL league meetings: March 29 to April 1
NFL owners, lead executives and coaches will meet in Phoenix for the annual league meetings to discuss rule changes and other matters.
Offseason workouts begin (for teams with new head coaches): April 6
Ten NFL teams with new head coaches get a head start on their offseason programs this year.
Restricted free agent offer sheet deadline: April 17
Offer sheets presented to restricted free agents must be signed by this date.
Offseason workouts begin (for teams with returning HCs): April 20
The remaining 22 teams in the league with returning head coaches will begin their offseason programs.
NFL draft: April 23 to April 25
The NFL’s premier offseason event will be held in Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers. Round 1 will be on April 23, Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24, and rounds 4-7 will be on April 25.
Fifth-year option deadline: May 1
NFL teams have until this date to opt into or decline the fifth-year contract options on rookie contracts for their first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.
Rookie minicamps: May 1-4 or May 8-11
NFL teams will hold minicamps on either date for their incoming rookie classes.
NFL schedule release: Mid-May
Another exciting time during the NFL offseason: the annual schedule release where teams know their slate of games, and eager fans start planning out their fall weekends.
Spring league meeting: May 19 to May 20
NFL owners, lead executives and coaches will meet in Orlando for the annual spring meetings to discuss rule changes and other matters.
Roster cuts: June 1
Teams can release a player with an unfavorable contract to affect their respective salary caps on this date. Teams can also designate a player to be cut by this date, and inform them beforehand.
Franchise tag extension deadline: July 15
Players on a franchise tag have until July 15 at 4 p.m. ET to sign a contract extension or extend their contract holdout. If the tag is signed, a player must wait until after the season to pursue an extension.
Training camp opens: Mid-July
NFL training camps will open for all teams in mid-July, signaling the ramp up to the 2026 season.
NFL preseason begins: Early August
The Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio is the annual kickoff to the NFL’s preseason.
Roster cutdowns: Late August
NFL teams will reduce their training camp rosters of 90 players to 53 players with 16 or 17 practice squad players for the regular season.
NFL season opener: Early September
Traditionally, the Super Bowl winner hosts the first game of the season on Thursday night after Labor Day, with the remaining teams playing over the weekend. It’s unclear at this time which teams and when the season opener will be played at time of this publication.
Super Bowl LXI: Feb. 14
The 2026-27 season will end on Valentine’s Day, the latest an NFL season has ended, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL offseason calendar 2026: Free agency, draft, season schedule
The biggest offseason need for every team entering NFL free agency
The two Super Bowl 60 participants were a prime example of why free agency is critical for every NFL team.
The Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency and the New England Patriots spent more than $200 million in guaranteed money on free agents in 2025, the most by any NFL team last offseason. The aggressiveness of both teams during free agency paved the way for their Super Bowl runs.
Which teams will make bold moves during free agency this year? The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders all have more than $70 million in salary cap space to work with, per Over The Cap.
All 32 teams have roster needs this time of year. Clubs are permitted to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Free agents can officially sign once the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11.
USA TODAY Sports examines the biggest position of need for all 32 NFL teams:
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Cardinals and Kyler Murray are headed toward an amicable divorce at the start of the new league year. A quarterback is priority No. 1 in Arizona, but this year’s quarterback draft class isn’t strong. The Cardinals could sign a bridge QB in free agency and wait until next year’s QB-rich draft class to select their franchise signal-caller.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest position of need: Defensive line
Hopefully Sam Darnold’s journey to a Super Bowl title taught teams a value lesson to exercise patience before reaching a final verdict on a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. has flashed, but injuries have made it difficult to discern if he can be a franchise QB. The Falcons have enough pieces on offense. Defense and the team’s inability to affect the quarterback remain an issue.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Baltimore’s inability to get after the quarterback has plagued them in recent seasons. The Ravens ranked 28th in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. As a consequence, the Ravens finished tied with the Colts as worst pass defense in the AFC. The Ravens ranked 31st in pass defense in 2024.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Bills have a couple starting offensive linemen hitting free agency. On the outside, wide receiver is a spot Buffalo should upgrade. Josh Allen hasn’t had a No. 1 wide receiver since Stefon Diggs was traded.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Panthers finished 24th in pass rush win rate and last in run stop win rate, per ESPN. The defense produced 30 sacks, only the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers had fewer.
Chicago Bears
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
Chicago’s offense was much improved under Ben Johnson’s tutelage, but the Bears' defense struggled to get stops if they didn’t force a turnover. Safeties Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens are all entering free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was Cincinnati’s best defensive player, is scheduled to enter free agency. The Bengals had the worst defense in the AFC. Now they must find a replacement for Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Questions at quarterback are an annual tradition in Cleveland. Such is the same this year. The wide receiver room needs an upgrade, but only one Week 1 starter on the O-line is under contract in 2026. The acquisition of right tackle Tytus Howard represents the start of a significant offensive line overhaul in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Micah Parsons’ departure created a void at edge rusher. Linebacker and secondary should also be addressed this offseason. The Cowboys finished 30th in total defense in 2025.
Denver Broncos
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Broncos haven’t had a running back rush for 1,000 yards since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Oft-injured running back J.K. Dobbins led Denver in rushing last season. Dobbins is an impeding free agent.
Detroit Lions
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement triggered Detroit’s offensive line regression last season. Left tackle Taylor Decker, who contemplated retirement this offseason, isn’t getting any younger either.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker and backup quarterback Malik Willis are among the NFL’s top free agents. But the Packers are missing a No. 1 cornerback in this passing-heavy league.
Houston Texans
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in football, ranking 30th in pass block win rate and 32nd in run block win rate, per ESPN. Houston was most vulnerable in the interior of its O-line.
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Colts applied the transition tag on Daniel Jones, which satisfies their QB position (for now). On the other side of the football, Indianapolis ranked 30th in pass rush win rate, per ESPN.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest position of need: Linebacker
Impending free agent corners Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome clear the pathway for Travis Hunter to get more opportunities at cornerback. Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, is my top free agent available.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Chiefs decided to trade their best cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Rams. Jaylen Watson is entering free agency. McDuffie and Watson were Kansas City’s top two cornerbacks. The Chiefs have needs at edge rusher and running back, but McDuffie’s departure creates a huge hole at cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
It’s a safe bet the Raiders are going to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are players Mendoza can rely on. But Las Vegas doesn’t have a No. 1 wide receiver on its roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Chargers' maligned offensive line was the worst in football last season. The return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from season-ending injuries is a huge boost. However, the interior of the O-line is the weak link. Center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement in February and the team released guard Mekhi Becton.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest position of need: Defensive back
The acquisition of Trent McDuffie is a sign the Rams are all in on a Super Bowl 61 run. The Rams completed their Super Bowl mission the last time SoFi Stadium hosted the big game. Their defense allowed 276 passing yards and 26 points per game last postseason, and the Rams’ shortcomings in the secondary are a big reason why the team didn’t advance to Super Bowl 60.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
New Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley inherited Tua Tagovailoa after the last regime benched the quarterback. It’s becoming increasingly likely the Tagovailoa experiment is over in Miami.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy didn’t instill much confidence that he was ready to be a starting quarterback in 2025. Kyler Murray makes sense for the Vikings. Murray’s dual-threat ability would add another element to Kevin O'Connell’s offense. Veteran Kirk Cousins is also slated to be a free agent. A Cousins-Vikings reunion makes sense, too.
New England Patriots
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Stefon Diggs is reportedly on his way of New England. Diggs was the Patriots' leading receiver last season. A No. 1 wide receiver is essential for Drake Maye's continued development. K'Lavon Chaisson produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025 but is scheduled to hit free agency.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest position of need: Running back
The Saints must supply Tyler Shough with more weapons if they believe he’s their franchise quarterback. Wide receiver Chris Olave was subject to trade speculation at the deadline and running back Alvin Kamara has one year remaining on his contract. The Saints are one of six teams that averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards per game last season.
New York Giants
Biggest position of need: Offensive line
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and right guard Greg Van Roten are both impending free agents. The Giants could be players in the O-line market during free agency.
New York Jets
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
Quarterback Justin Fields is a candidate to get cut after a disappointing season in the Big Apple. The Jets might consider another quarterback in free agency or in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Jaelan Phillips turned into the team’s best edge rusher after he was acquired near the trade deadline. He tallied 44 pressures in nine games, including the playoffs. Phillips is one of the top free agents available.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Steelers need a franchise quarterback even if 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers returns for a 22nd season. The Steelers haven’t had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. Although, Pittsburgh might not fill the need until next year’s draft.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
General manager John Lynch said it’s “safe to say” Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the 49ers. Fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a free agent. The 49ers don’t have a Bonafide No. 1 wideout.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest position of need: Running back
Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker is entering free agency. Walker gained a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. His performance vaulted him to the No. 1 running back in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David are key free agents. Tampa Bay hasn’t had a solid pair of edge rushers since Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Tennessee Titans
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
All three-win teams have multiple positions of need. Luckily for the Titans, quarterback isn’t one of them. A wide receiver is important for Cam Ward’s continued development. Tennessee’s leading receiver, Elic Ayomanor, had just 515 receiving yards.
Washington Commanders
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Washington’s defense gave up a league-worst 384 yards per game last season. Edge rushers Von Miller, Deatrich Wise and linebacker Bobby Wagner are key free agents on defense.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Our 2026 NFL free agent shopping list: The biggest need for every team
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