NFL

Cardinals sign EDGE Zaven Collins to two-year, $14 million contract extension

The Cardinals declined Collins’ fifth-year option earlier this offseason, creating some questions whether the 25-year-old would be with the organization long term. Those questions can be put to rest — Arizona’s new regime values Collins and wants him around for years to come.

The Tulsa product has shown flashes throughout his career, registering 100 tackles in 2022 as an inside linebacker, but Collins has yet to truly break out. This extension signals that Arizona believes a leap may be coming, and for a defense lacking high-end talent, it would be a welcome sign.

Grade: B-

Cardinals EDGE BJ Ojulari out for season with torn ACL

Arizona worked to fortify much of its defense this offseason, leaving outside linebacker as its weakest position group. With this injury, it just got weaker. Ojulari, the Cardinals’ most promising edge rusher, recorded four sacks as a rookie in 2023, showing improvement as the season went on.

To replace the 22-year-old, the pressure is on Zaven Collins, a converted off-ball linebacker and 2021 first-round pick. Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje and Xavier Thomas should also see reps off the edge. Long story short, Arizona is weak off the edge.

NCAAF

2025 five-star S Trey McNutt commits to Oregon

The Ducks have more momentum than perhaps anyone on the recruiting trail, a testament to players’ belief in Dan Lanning and the program’s NIL budget. McNutt, the No. 19 player for 2025, is one of Lanning’s biggest pulls yet, a blue-chip safety from Ohio. Along with four-star cornerback Dorain Brew, McNutt can help Oregon field a top-tier secondary for years to come.

2026 four-star QB Faizon Brandon commits to Tennessee

It’s easy for quarterbacks to thrive in Josh Huepel’s veer and shoot offense, especially strong-armed signal-callers than can take advantage of the open deep shots. For the coming years, Huepel should have an embarrassment of riches to run his system, and Brandon might be the most talented of them all. The No. 30 player for 2026 will join 2025 four-star George MacIntyre in the quarterback room once he steps foot in Knoxville.

NBA

Jazz sign C Micah Potter to two-way contract

Potter offers an interesting skillset as stretch big that can rebound at a decent level. The problem, however, is that the center is already 26 and averaged just 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 16 contests last season. The clock is ticking on Potter, and the Jazz should be trying to get younger, not more mediocre.

Grade: C

MLB

Yankees 8, Blue Jays 3

Aaron Judge is making a real push at his AL single-season record of 62 home runs, set in 2022. The center fielder, after going 2-for-3 with a homer in this game, has 41 long balls this year. Judge faces stiffer competition for AL MVP this season from Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson, but he should still be the heavy favorite.

It’s a shame that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is toiling away on this irrelevant Blue Jays team. Toronto is 51-60, but after homering yesterday, the first baseman has 22 home runs and 72 RBIs. A few contenders would’ve probably moved mountains to acquire Guerrero Jr., but the Blue Jays made the right call by hanging onto the 25-year-old. This winter, Toronto needs to pick a lane: compete or rebuild. The first step of a rebuild would be dealing Guerrero Jr.

Cardinals 5, Cubs 4

Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado are having down seasons — both are well into the decline phase of their great careers — but Alec Burleson’s emergence at the plate has helped offset some of the lost production for St. Louis. After finishing 1-for-4 with a home run in this win, Burleson is slashing .278/.314/.468.

Nationals 6, Brewers 4

When trading for Aaron Civale from the Rays, the Brewers likely believed they could fix the right-hander, or at least get him pitching more like he did with the Guardians from 2019-23. So far, not so good. Civale has been up and down as a Brewer, and yesterday’s outing was down. Lasting just four innings, the 29-year-old surrendered five earned runs, raising his ERA to 5.14. The Brewers must keep searching for viable starting pitching, even post-trade deadline.