Addressing Infrastructure and Financing

Traffic concerns were among the major hurdles facing the proposal. Stadium events would bring large crowds into an already busy area, raising questions about congestion and accessibility. According to officials, those issues have been addressed through a transportation plan that includes accommodations for pedestrian traffic, bicycles, and automobiles.

In addition to infrastructure solutions, the parties involved have agreed on a financial framework to fund construction of the stadium. While specific dollar figures have not been publicly detailed, the agreement clears another major obstacle that has stalled past proposals. With land use, traffic, and financing aligned, the Everett plan marks the closest Kraft has come to delivering a soccer-specific venue for the Revolution.

A Two-Decade Search for a Home

Kraft’s pursuit of a stadium for his MLS franchise dates back nearly 20 years. In 2007, he explored a proposal in Somerville, but the plan failed to gain traction. Two years later, Somerville reemerged as a possibility, only to stall again.

In 2014, Kraft shifted his focus to South Boston, where early discussions never materialized into a deal. Dorchester became the next target in 2017, but negotiations collapsed before any agreement could be reached. That same year, Kraft Group president Jonathan Kraft expressed optimism that land in downtown Boston would finally secure a home for the Revolution. Despite that confidence, no deal was finalized.

Everett Emerges as the Answer

The focus on Everett began in 2022, and progress came slowly. Negotiations stretched over several years and reached a critical point late in 2025. December 31st marked the final day before the matter would have gone to arbitration. Instead, the sides reached an agreement just in time, avoiding legal proceedings and keeping the project alive.

For Kraft, the Everett stadium represents persistence rewarded. After years of failed attempts across Greater Boston, the Revolution now appear poised to finally receive a purpose-built home, bringing Major League Soccer closer to the urban core and closing a long chapter in Kraft’s search for stability in his soccer venture.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

Carolina at Tampa Bay, Saturday, 4:25

This is for the NFC South title and the No. 4 seed, sort of anyway.

If Carolina wins the Panthers win the division for the first time since 2015 and the Bucs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

If Tampa Bay wins, the Bucs will have to hope New Orleans beats Atlanta, Sunday. A Falcons win would force a three-way tie for the top spot, all at 8-9, and Carolina would win the tie breaker.

The Panthers just beat the Bucs, 23-20, two weeks ago in Charlotte. Carolina has not swept Tampa since 2017. And before that game two weeks ago the Bucs had won five straight and nine out of 10 in the rivalry.

Tampa Bay is a two-and-a-half point favorite. Atlanta is a three-point favorite.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 8:15 p.m.

This is a winner-take-all for the AFC North title.

It’s also the 40th time Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh and Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin will go head to head. Tomlin has a 22-17 edge in the first 39 match-ups. Only Chicago’s Papa Bear, George Halas and Green Bay’s Earl “Curly’’ Lambeau have met more times. Those two legends went at it 49 times.

Pittsburgh won the first game between these two teams in Baltimore, 27-22. The Steelers have swept this series in 2020, 2021 and 2023. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also never lost to the Ravens with a 4-0 mark, although three of those wins were with the Packers.

Others of Note

Denver can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win over the Chargers, who plan to rest some starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert. If the Broncos lose, New England can get to No. 1 with a win over Miami. …Jacksonville can win the AFC South with a win over Tennessee. … Chicago can clinch the NFC’s No. 2 seed with a win over Detroit.

Caught in the Draft

Going into the final week of the season this is how the top 10 picks in the 2026 draft look:

Raiders 2-14
Giants 3-13
Jets 3-13
Titans 3-13
Cardinals 3-13
Commanders 4-12
Browns 4-12
Saints 6-10
Bengals 6-10
Chiefs 6-10

Roberto De Zerbi Emerges as a Leading Candidate

Attention now turns to who will succeed Maresca. Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as one of the leading names linked to the role. According to a BBC report, the Italian coach is admired by Chelsea’s decision-makers, who met with him during the summer.

De Zerbi is currently managing Marseille, where he has continued to build a reputation for progressive, high-intensity football. He previously led Brighton to European qualification during his time in the Premier League, earning praise for an attacking and demanding style of play. However, De Zerbi is also known for being outspoken when he disagrees with club leadership, a trait that could pose challenges within Chelsea’s hierarchy. Still, some within the club view that risk as worthwhile given his tactical pedigree and experience.

Liam Rosenior Also Under Consideration

Liam Rosenior is another strong contender and is viewed by some as an early favorite. Rosenior is currently head coach of RC Strasbourg, a club owned by BlueCo, the same ownership group that controls Chelsea through Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Rosenior reportedly impressed key figures in west London after guiding Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in the 2024–25 season, earning qualification for the Conference League. Strasbourg currently sit seventh in Ligue 1, and his work with a young squad has drawn internal admiration from Chelsea’s ownership group.

Other Names in the Frame

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned as a possible option. Iraola’s high-pressing, energetic style differs significantly from Maresca’s approach, but some believe it could suit Chelsea’s young and athletic squad over the long term. His tactical demands require depth, intensity, and commitment, qualities Chelsea’s roster appears built to provide.

Crystal Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner has also been discussed as part of the broader conversation, though no formal indication has been made regarding the club’s level of interest.

Chelsea Look Ahead

Whoever takes over will inherit a squad still competing on multiple fronts and positioned to make a strong push in the second half of the season. With domestic cup matches looming and league objectives still within reach, Chelsea’s next managerial appointment will be critical in shaping the club’s immediate future.