Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has hit out at France for its treatment of Lionel Messi during his two seasons in Ligue 1.

Messi joined the French champions in 2021 on a free transfer from Barcelona and despite winning the league on two occasions, the forward struggled to adapt to life at PSG.

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Messi, 35, was booed and jeered by PSG fans following the team's exits from the Champions League over the past few seasons.

Messi opted not to extend his PSG contract at the end of the season and is set to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Mbappe defended his former club teammate and said he deserved more respect in France.

"We're talking about potentially the best player in the history of football," Mbappe told Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's never good news when someone like Messi leaves.

"Personally I haven't really understood why so many people were relieved that he was leaving. We're talking about Messi, he should be respected -- but instead, he didn't get the respect he deserved in France. It's a shame, but that's how it went. He'll have to be replaced as best as possible."

Mbappe also added that he never asked PSG to allow him to move to Real Madrid in this summer, confirming that he is happy to play in the French capital next season but will not extend his deal with the club.

Mbappe caused a stir when he sent a letter to the club stating that he had no intention to extend his PSG contract, which expires in 2024 if he does not activate the clause that will extend his deal by a further 12 months.

PSG risk losing Mbappe for free in June 2024. He will also be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club from January should he decide to see out the remaining year of his deal at PSG.

- Lowe: How Barcelona missed chance to sign Messi twice

"I didn't ask either to be sold or to go to Real Madrid," Mbappe said. "I just confirmed that I don't want to activate the extra year foreseen in the contract. We have never talked about a renewal with PSG, but I'm happy to stay here next season."

ESPN reported on Wednesday that Madrid are ready to bid for Mbappe this summer and the player is keen to move to the LaLiga giants. Sources added that PSG would be willing to listen to offers of around €150 million ($161.5m) for the France captain.

Madrid have courted Mbappe, 24, in the past but failed to land him. He signed a contract extension with PSG in May last year.

However, the Spanish club are rebuilding their team after losing Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and could turn their eye to Mbappe, who has finished as top scorer in Ligue 1 for the past five seasons.

Information from Reuters was included in this report.

This summer is a pivotal one for the men's national teams of the United States and Mexico. Beginning with their Concacaf Nations League semifinal Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas -- and an ensuing final or third-place match on Sunday -- both teams will then need to quickly switch gears before the start of another competition: the Gold Cup, which begins later this month.

For the U.S. men's national team, as defending champions of both titles, this summer is all about maintaining regional dominance despite going all of 2023 without a permanent coach. If you're keeping track at home, the USMNT is on its second interim coach, B.J. Callaghan, after Anthony Hudson accepted a club job in Qatar earlier this month. Hudson, who took over after Gregg Berhalter's contract expired in December, had been expected to lead the USMNT at both these summer competitions.

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Adding a further wrinkle to the summer schedule is the USMNT's gameplan to split their their roster into two squads. One filled with European-based stars such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will make the trip to Las Vegas, while a Major League Soccer-heavy roster will lead the way at the Gold Cup.

As for Mexico, they'll head into these games feeling arguably more pressure as the former longtime giants of North America. Seeking to wrestle back respect and status in the region, new manager Diego Cocca has selected his best group of players for both the Nations League and Gold Cup. Hired in February, the Argentine has taken small steps forward since the World Cup disappointment with a five-game unbeaten streak. Hoping to make a statement in his first year, Cocca will be judged on whether he can at least claim one piece of silverware back from their U.S. rivals this summer.

It's safe to say that preparations for the 2026 World Cup have officially started, so here's where the United States and Mexico stand right now.

What have both teams been up to since the 2022 World Cup?

After a World Cup round-of-16 exit that neither surpassed nor fell below expectations, the USMNT have since had a rocky behind-the-scenes journey.

In early January, U.S. Soccer announced that Hudson would take over as interim after revealing an investigation into a domestic violence incident in 1992 regarding the out-of-contract Berhalter and his wife Rosalind. The incident was disclosed by the mother of USMNT forward Giovanni Reyna after Berhalter's comments at a leadership conference about an unnamed player, who was later confirmed as Gio.

By late January, sporting director Earnie Stewart and general manager Brian McBride left the U.S. Soccer Federation, later leading to the hiring of Matt Crocker as sporting director in April (with an official start date in August). Then, late last month, Hudson stepped away and was replaced by Callaghan -- a less than ideal situation as Crocker continues to interview candidates for the permanent coaching spot.

It's worth noting that while the interview process and coaching search is ongoing, Berhalter remains in the running to be rehired after that investigation found he didn't break any laws or U.S. Soccer policies, and that he and his wife corroborated the events that happened.

Results-wise for the USMNT, things have been a bit more calm on the pitch. Despite the staffing changes behind them, the U.S. breezed in their March matches with wins over Grenada (7-1) and El Salvador (1-0), as well as April's 1-1 draw with Mexico in an oddly timed friendly that stretched their unbeaten streak against El Tri to five games.

Mexico have also had plenty of staffing changes. After a dreary early exit in the group stage of the World Cup and the departure of former manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Rodrigo Ares de Parga was selected in January as the Mexican Football Federation's (FMF) new executive director of national teams. Cocca was chosen as men's national team manager in February and by May, Jaime Ordiales left his role as sporting director for the men's national teams.

Although Cocca has built a good on-the-field foundation with his undefeated streak and a place in the Nations League knockout rounds, that hasn't eased any worries about narrow results, with El Tri picking up three draws -- against the U.S., Jamaica and Cameroon -- from his five games in charge.

Players to watch: USMNT's Balogun, Mexico's Gimenez

Lots of eyes and attention this week will be on the expected USMNT debut of Folarin Balogun, 21, the Reims forward who committed to the United States over England last month. On loan from Arsenal, Balogun finished the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season as the joint-fourth top scorer with 21 goals (only behind Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Jonathan David) and could easily be one of top players of the Nations League knockout round.

"It's a fantastic opportunity, not just for me, but for the team," Balogun said last week about his likely debut. "Mexico and the U.S. have a big rivalry, so I'm looking forward to it. And, of course, there would be no better way to introduce myself than playing against a big opponent where it matters."

Balogun's numbers have been impressive this season, as he became the first USMNT player to score at least 20 goals in a season for one of Europe's top five leagues.

Alongside him, a number of his new USMNT teammates would greatly benefit from a good Nations League run. Players such as captain Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United) Weston McKennie (Leeds on loan, from Juventus), Sergiño Dest (AC Milan on loan, from Barcelona) and a handful of other key figures could use a nice change of club scenery that's propelled by solid summer showings.

A strong showing in Las Vegas would especially help Pulisic, who finished with just one goal for Chelsea this season after missing time with a knee injury and amid talks of a potential permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge.

"It's been a really tough season for me personally and for our team of course at a club level," Pulisic said last week. "So for me it's just about coming in here and having a fresh start and being able to be a part of a team that hopefully can come out and win some games."

Better performing players at the club level, like Ricardo Pepi (Augsburg on loan, from Groningen) and Auston Trusty (Birmingham City on loan, from Arsenal), could also gain a leap to a different club through notable Nations League games.

For the Gold Cup roster, MLS-based players like FC Dallas' Jesus Ferreira, San Jose Earthquakes' Cade Cowell, FC Cincinnati's Brandon Vazquez, Atlanta United's Miles Robinson, and New York Red Bulls' John Tolkin could increase their reported interest from clubs abroad through national team appearances and possible titles.

As for Mexico, the big story is a change in the attacking guard that could soon be underway. With injuries to wingers Hirving "Chucky" Lozano and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona, as well as a severe dearth of club minutes for forward Raul Jimenez, all three have been left out of consideration for the Nations League and Gold Cup.

Leading the charge in their place is Santiago Gimenez, who won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Feyenoord. With 17 goals in all competitions since January, the 22-year-old is one of the latest breakout European stars and an enticing transfer option for a bigger club abroad. On the flanks near Gimenez in the Mexico front-line, it'll be a four-way race between Chivas' Alexis Vega, Atlas' Jonathan Ozziel Herrera, AEK Athens' Orbelin Pineda and Cruz Azul's Uriel Antuna for starting spots.

Elsewhere in the Mexico roster, a handful of players such as Edson Alvarez (Ajax), Luis Chavez (Pachuca), Johan Vasquez (Cremonese on loan, from Genoa) and Cesar Montes (Espanyol) could help give fuel to transfer rumors through impressive performances in upcoming matches.

Let's not forget Barcelona right-back Julian Araujo, either. He made his senior debut with the team during a friendly last week in Tokyo against Vissel Kobe. Boosted by his appearance for the LaLiga giants, the California youngster who once represented the USMNT could quickly turn into a game-changing figure for El Tri.

The best-case scenarios: Trophies and momentum toward '26

If the USMNT can retain both the Nations League and Gold Cup titles with two wildly different rosters, it would be a testament to the depth of the player pool and the continued growth of American men's soccer. Aiming to peak at the 2026 World Cup, more transfers abroad could follow in the near future for the USMNT setup that is gaining more respect in recent years.

Even without a full-time manager in place, it's worth noting that during a news conference on Tuesday, Aaronson stated that the things have remained the same with someone like Callaghan that has been an assistant for the USMNT for four years.

"He knows how we want to play, he knows the players that we have," Aaronson said. "Not much has changed."

A win or draw against Mexico has often been regarded as a big accomplishment for the USMNT, but a win Thursday would make it six matches without a loss to El Tri -- a potentially remarkable stat.

For Mexico's best-case scenario, stealing both titles would highlight that they can once again turn the North American tides in their favor. With Cocca guiding a gradual transition into a younger squad, Mexico could shed its image as an aging and uninspiring roster that is far past its prime.

Within an inflated domestic transfer market that often makes it difficult for Liga MX players to move abroad, there's also a chance that Cocca can provide a platform for more young options in the national setup, thereby making them more visible for potential transfers to European clubs.

The worst-case scenarios: Coaching chaos, or a Canada takeover?

In a situation where the USMNT fail to hold onto both the Nations League and Gold Cup title, it would be easy to assume that the behind-the-scenes disarray has permeated onto the field. With the interim of the interim taking charge and no full-time manager just yet, it's not tough to imagine a scenario in which the team's individual talents won't be enough to compensate for the lack of a consistent leader on the sideline.

There's a lot of excitement regarding the potential of the up-and-coming USMNT squad, but problems this summer could also signal the possibility of wasting that talent or not giving the right groundwork for those American players to properly thrive.

If El Tri don't win either trophy, the main narrative within the Mexican soccer world will be about the continued regression that the sport is taking on the men's side. No matter the changes of manager or staffing at the FMF, a lack of trophies this season would mean that more serious improvements and changes would need to be made for the team that only has one regional trophy since 2016.

Also there is the question of whether Cocca would be fired if there's no summer championship. Mexico's soccer federation (FMF) is notorious for having little patience with their coaches, but Cocca can take solace in knowing that those in charge would give him the benefit of the doubt... for now.

"We're starting a process," Ivar Sisniega, executive president at FMF, said Monday about how bad results wouldn't guarantee a firing for Cocca. "The objective isn't right now, it's the 2026 World Cup."

Of course, there could be a situation in which neither Mexico or the U.S. succeed. Panama and Canada, set to face off in the other Nations League semifinal on June 15, will both be in the running for the title and will also be contenders for the Gold Cup. The Canadians are certainly a team who could make noise as they try to build on their World Cup appearance in Qatar (their first since 1986), and can make the case of having the best player in the region in Alphonso Davies -- who plays as a defender for Bayern Munich but as a winger for his national team.

At the Gold Cup, countries like Costa Rica, Jamaica, Honduras and El Salvador won't be pushovers. With regional dominance up for grabs, it all kicks off this week.

Georgia football players and their cars have been involved in at least 10 reports of traffic-related moving violations in Athens-Clarke County since Jan. 15, when a player and team staff member were killed in a reckless driving incident allegedly tied to racing, according to records obtained by ESPN.

Players have also been involved in at least 60 additional moving violations -- including speeding, distracted and reckless driving, and disobeying traffic signs -- since the beginning of the 2021 academic year, according to ESPN's analysis of 911 calls, police reports and court records from Athens-Clarke County. About 30 of those incidents have occurred since last summer, when coach Kirby Smart said police met with the team about the dangers of street racing.

ESPN's findings echo those in a report published Friday by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which found that police have charged Georgia players with traffic offenses nearly 300 times since Smart became head coach in 2015. The data in AJC's report included minor offenses, such as failing to wear a seat belt, as well as traffic violations from other counties and states, while ESPN's analysis focused on Athens-Clarke County and didn't account for nonmoving violations, such as seat belt and parking tickets. But the analyses shows a pattern of dangerous driving that has continued even after the death of a teammate and staff member and has frustrated police, residents, Georgia coaches and administrators.

"The Athletic Association recognizes the severity of reckless driving and is actively addressing recent incidents with educational measures, mentorship, and when necessary, punitive action. Baseless reports that suggest we tolerate this behavior are categorically false," according to a statement to ESPN from the UGA Athletic Association. "Our coaches and administrators are deeply disappointed by the persistence of reckless driving and other misbehavior."

Lt. Shaun Barnett, spokesperson for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, said officers' enforcement is "equal across the board," when asked about their interactions with Georgia football players. He said records released in response to requests from various media outlets would document that.

But he would not answer questions about whether the department has tried to address the issue of Georgia football players and their driving habits with the university, nor would he say whether anyone from the department has offered to speak with athletes. And he said no one from the department would be made available to answer questions regarding the specific incidents.

In its statement to ESPN, the UGA Athletic Association said it intended to bring back Athens-Clarke County police to speak to the team.

In the Jan. 15 crash, police alleged former Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter was racing team staff member Chandler LeCroy when LeCroy's SUV, traveling more than 100 mph, left the road and slammed into power poles and trees. LeCroy, whose blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit in Georgia, and outside linebacker Devin Willock, who was a passenger in her car, were killed in the wreck. Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing. He was sentenced in March to a year of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in April.

Carter previously had been cited twice for moving violations in September 2022, once for speeding and once for failure to obey a traffic control device, according to the records obtained by ESPN. Both resulted in a fine.

Drew Rosenhaus, Carter's agent, did not respond to a message seeking comment. In a statement to ESPN in March, Carter's attorney, Kim Stephens, said Carter did not cause the car wreck that killed Willock and LeCroy. "If the investigation had determined otherwise, Mr. Carter would have been charged with the far more serious offenses of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle under Georgia law, both felony offenses, and would have faced a lengthy prison sentence," Stephens said in the statement.

Before the January crash, the athletic association had implemented programming to "promote a culture of responsibility" that included vehicle and traffic safety, according to its statement to ESPN. Since the crash, "there have been multiple instances in which coaches and administrators have addressed the team -- along with outside experts and speakers -- to counsel players following this tragedy, as well as to explain the enormous risks and consequences of reckless behavior," according to the UGA Athletic Association's statement to ESPN. That has included a presentation by the Georgia State Patrol, according to the statement.

"Our players have been receptive -- they listen, ask the right questions, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issue," the association said in the statement. "But, as is often the case with educating younger individuals, we recognize these efforts will need to be consistent and continuous in order to fully reinforce the message and eliminate this behavior completely. Despite our best efforts, we cannot completely prevent speeding and reckless driving."

The records show that a repeat traffic offender has been running back Kendall Milton, who has been cited for four moving violations in Athens-Clarke County since July 2021 -- three times for speeding and once for "failure to maintain lane/improper driving on road." They all resulted in fines, according to court records.

Then in February -- one month after the deadly crash -- multiple calls came into Athens-Clarke County police complaining of cars street racing, revving engines, burning rubber and doing doughnuts on Barnett Shoals Road, the same road where Carter and LeCroy were reported to be racing. One of the cars the officer found at the scene was a 2019 Lamborghini Urus luxury SUV, valued at more than $200,000 and registered to Milton, according to a 911 dispatch report obtained by ESPN. There's no record of any citations being issued, and it's unclear whether Milton was driving the car at the time of the report.

Milton did not respond to a message sent on social media, and messages left with one of his parents were not returned.

On March 31, 911 calls came in again reporting cars racing, driving recklessly and swerving between lanes, again on Barnett Shoals Road, which is a common location for traffic stops involving Georgia players. One of the cars was a gray Dodge Charger with a license plate registered to Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith, according to dispatch records. When an officer arrived on scene, the officer did not notice any erratic driving; there's no record of a citation being issued.

Smith did not respond to an effort to reach him via a social media account.

Other incidents since the January crash include: the arrest of receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint for reckless driving and speeding -- his arraignment is scheduled for July 5; a warning to outside linebacker Weston Wallace for riding on roadways and bicycle paths; a ticket to wide receiver De'Nylon Morrissette, whose case is pending, for traveling 81 mph in a 45 mph zone; an accident involving punter Brett Thorson, who was cited for following too closely and whose case is still open; and a citation, resulting in a fine, to Christen Miller for failing to obey a red light.

Morrissette was then arrested on multiple driving-related charges -- including driving under the influence of drugs -- on May 8 in Oconee County. The incident was not included in ESPN's analysis because it occurred outside Athens-Clarke County.

When asked about punishments related to driving violations, the UGA Athletic Association said in its statement that it could reduce academic-achievement monetary awards for "serious misconduct." The disciplinary process might also include a one-on-one meeting with Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks.

"Consistent with other Power Five programs, we historically do not suspend players for minor traffic infractions or speeding tickets, but we do pursue appropriate action," the association said in the statement.

On April 7, Athens resident Hope Cymerman and her husband had enough. For several days, they had watched a gray Dodge Charger peel out on their block, rev its engine and screech its tires multiple times a day. The final straw was when the driver gunned it so hard that he spun into the oncoming traffic lane. They called the police.

When an officer arrived, Cymerman shared the license plate information with him and told him what had been happening, according to police body-cam footage obtained and reviewed by ESPN. She told him about one particularly aggressive streak down the block leaving a trail of burnt rubber. "There was literally smoke rising up to the roof of this house," she said. Her husband added, "He's clearly out of control."

The officer ran the plate, which turned up registered to Mykel Williams, a Georgia defensive lineman. When the officer arrived at Williams' apartment shortly after responding to Cymerman's house, the football player came out wheeling a scooter that supported his left leg. The athletic department reported that Williams had foot surgery in the spring.

The officer told Williams that someone had reported his vehicle driving recklessly down a residential street on multiple occasions. "If it is you, I'm just asking you to stop doing that," the officer told Williams, according to the body-cam footage. "If it's not you, if it's someone else driving your car, then you need to have them stop doing that, please, because we're going to put officers in that area." Williams, who said nothing about the allegations, nodded in acknowledgement of the officer's warning before going back into his apartment, the video shows. No citation was issued.

Williams did not respond to a text from ESPN requesting comment.

Cymerman said the driving ceased after they called police. She and her husband said in an interview with ESPN that they had no idea who was driving the car; they had tried to see the driver but said the window tinting was impenetrable.

But when she learned to whom the car was registered, "I immediately put the dots together between what happened with Jalen Carter and the potential for a pattern of behavior with a group of people based on what we saw this guy doing once we found out he was a football player," she said.

Records from multiple traffic stops with football players show that officers have repeatedly asked them to slow down, noting the pattern in their behavior, according to records obtained by ESPN and the report by the Journal-Constitution.

When the driving arrests continued after the January fatalities, Smart said in March that the athletic department has tried to address the issue, which he said is "not to be taken lightly."

"I think our guys understand that, and we continue to educate them and we'll continue to do all we can as a university to make sure they behave and do that in a proper way," Smart said at the time.

Last month, David Willock -- on behalf of his son's estate -- filed a lawsuit against the University of Georgia Athletic Association, claiming the school's athletic department should be held liable for the fatal car crash that killed Devin Willock and LeCroy.

In an email Tuesday, Willock's attorney, Terry Jackson, wrote, "It is devastating to Mr. Willock that this conduct continues, and disappointing that the players and the Athletic Association are not taking his son's tragic death serious enough to modify their driving habits, and the Association's policies."

It continued, "Until players perceive and it is demonstrated by the Athletic Association that there will be real consequences to driving offenses, including suspensions and dismissals for repeat offenders, this conduct will continue... Players and organizations respond to structure, organization, and consequences for missing their assignments. The same discipline should be applied to this problem, reckless driving, it is really that simple."

Smart said he brought in officers from the university police and Athens-Clarke County Police last summer to educate the team about the dangers of street racing. Smart said Bryant Gantt, the program's director of player support operations, suggested it after watching news clips of street racing in Atlanta.

Gantt is known as the program's "fixer" because of his practice of helping athletes with criminal matters and acting as a liaison with law enforcement. His name appears on several police reports obtained by ESPN, including two for Carter, often with a notation that he has paid a fine or has been asked to be notified of law enforcement's interaction with players. Emails obtained by ESPN show police department employees providing information to Gantt about traffic-related incidents.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Gantt had contacted court officials on 82 separate legal matters involving players between 2016 and 2023.

Gantt did not respond to messages seeking comment.

"Ongoing attempts to mischaracterize Bryant Gantt's role with the football program are misplaced," the UGA Athletic Association said in its statement. "As Director of Player Support and Operations, Mr. Gantt serves as an invaluable resource for our student-athletes, particularly as they navigate their lives off the field. With many student-athletes living far from home and without parental support in close proximity, Mr. Gantt provides support and reinforces our standards and expectations. Mr. Gantt helps student-athletes address issues that may be new to them, ensuring that they face and complete their responsibilities."

In February, Georgia outside linebacker Aliou Bah was pulled over by police for going 65 mph in a 45 mph zone in his 2020 Dodge Charger. Body-cam video of the traffic stop, obtained by ESPN, shows that one officer sat in the patrol car while another walked to Bah's window to talk to him. When that officer returned to the patrol car, she told her partner that Bah said, "Don't tell Gantt," according to the video. She said she didn't know who Gantt was and told Bah, "This traffic stop's between me and you." The incident resulted in a fine.

Barnett, the spokesperson for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, hung up when asked about Gantt and his relationship with the department.

"I do not have anything else to contribute to this story. Thank you for your time," he said, then ended the call.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said that he feels the situation with Stefon Diggs is "resolved" and clarified that he excused Diggs from Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice.

The wide receiver was present and participated in individual drills during Wednesday's mandatory minicamp. He did not participate in team drills.

McDermott's clarification comes a day after he said that he was "very concerned, very concerned" about Diggs not being present for Tuesday's practice. The coach said Wednesday that whenever a player is not at a practice for whatever reason, he is concerned.

"That's my sentiment with any player, in particular a player as important to us as Stef," McDermott said. "And so, I get concerned when players miss for reasons off the field, for reasons on the field. Whether it be they're injured or whatever it is. That's just how I am. So, when I say very concerned, I'm very concerned, because of the situation with one of our players, and it was something that we needed to work through and those are healthy conversations that happen and I'm extremely appreciative of those conversations. It gets us, when you have those healthy conversations, it gets you to a better spot. And I feel good about that. I feel like we're in that spot."

McDermott said that Diggs did everything the team asked for by reporting to the team's facility Monday and taking his physical, then reported again Tuesday for meetings. On Tuesday, a meeting took place with "a good conversation, great communication" that led to the decision that some space was needed.

"We got to a point yesterday where I just, we just, felt like we all needed a break and some space," McDermott said. "And so, I gave Stef permission to get some space and head out and then picked up those conversations after practice."

McDermott said that he was keeping the content of the conversation and the people involved internal. Diggs did not address the media Wednesday.

Quarterback Josh Allen said that he spoke with Diggs on Tuesday and that "I'm sure we're going to have some more conversations moving forward and as an organization, as QB-receiver, as an offensive coordinator, everything that goes in."

"I know internally we're working on some things, not football related, but Stef, he's my guy. Excuse my ... I f---ing love him. He's a brother of mine," Allen said Tuesday. "This does not work, what we're doing here, without him. We wish he was in here today and was out there on the field with us and that's not the case, but I've got his back no matter what. And again, I've got no doubts that we will figure out what's going on and freaking love him. I can't stress that enough. There's things that I could do better and to help out with this process and try to get him back here and be the Buffalo Bill that he's meant to be."

Both Allen and pass-rusher Von Miller expressed their love and support for Diggs on Tuesday and minimized his absence, in part because it's still early in the NFL calendar.

Diggs signed a four-year, $96 million extension last offseason, and trading him would incur a significant dead cap hit with $31.1 million in dead money set to hit if he were traded. His deal included $70 million guaranteed, the third-most all time for a wide receiver. Diggs, 29, and Buffalo had their sights set on him retiring with the Bills when the contract was signed in April 2022.

After the team's postseason loss to the Bengals in January that featured the Buffalo offense's lowest output of the year, Diggs was noticeably upset with Allen on the sideline and left before talking to the media.

Diggs' production declined in the second half of the 2022 season. He started the year on pace for his best career season statistically with 72 receptions on 98 targets for 985 yards and seven touchdowns in the first nine games. In the nine games that followed, including the postseason, Diggs caught 47 receptions on 74 targets and four touchdowns.

"I think we're just, as an organization, maybe not communicating the right way with everything," Allen said. "So again, just trying to talk and listen at the same time and hear him out. And like I said, just try to move this forward as quickly and as respectfully as possible."

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jonathan Taylor has assessed the current economic attitudes toward running backs in the NFL, and the All-Pro is beginning to wonder what it all means for him.

The Indianapolis Colts star said Wednesday that recent developments with backs such as Dalvin Cook, Saquon Barkley and others have given him reason for pause as he embarks on his own contract negotiations. Taylor, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, is guardedly optimistic.

"You definitely have to pay attention, just so you know, 'OK, what type of space are you entering into?'" Taylor said. "And you just hope from the track record here [in Indianapolis] that things are being evaluated the right way."

Taylor, who rushed for a franchise-record 1,811 yards in 2021, is coming off a down season in which he battled a nagging ankle injury that limited him to 11 games. He rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns. But the sum total of Taylor's three seasons with the Colts remains highly impressive: 3,841 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns.

Taylor acknowledged that might mean only so much given how other top running backs around the league continue to fight for financial gains.

Cook, the former Minnesota Vikings running back, was released last week after his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. The New York Giants and Barkley, who was given the franchise tag by the team, remain in a contract standoff. And Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, also a franchise tag recipient, has yet to sign his tender after leading the NFL in rushing last season.

"You see why guys request trades," Taylor said. "They just want to feel valued by not only their coaches, their teammates, but the organization as well."

Taylor, 24, said he has had some talks with the Colts and remains optimistic a deal can be worked out. "We definitely have approached [the contract]," he said. "Hopefully they can see the value."