NFL

Cowboys part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy

This isn’t a firing, as McCarthy’s contract is expiring, but obviously both sides are going separate ways. That seems to be more of McCarthy’s doing, though. The Cowboys likely engaged with him on staying around, but on a short-term deal. That’s a nonstarter, especially for a coach like McCarthy, who has several external options.

Those options are reportedly the Bears and Saints, and each fit makes sense. McCarthy has NFC North experience from coaching the Packers, and would slot in as the veteran head coach the Saints could be targeting. Either way, McCarthy will likely have an option or two for his next stop.

Circling back to Dallas, the Cowboys flubbed this one. Yes, McCarthy won zero playoff games over five seasons with the franchise, but he stacked three consecutive 12-win campaigns from 2021-23, proving he was the stable leader Dallas so desperately needed. Now, it’s back to the drawing board for the Cowboys, a team hamstrung by the salary cap, and also, of course, by owner Jerry Jones. Will Jones, 82, swing for the fences with this hire? That remains to be seen, but it’ll be difficult to find an upgrade over McCarthy.

Grade: D+

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean out for season with torn patellar tendon

For all the injuries suffered by the Packers on Sunday, Dean’s malady will have the greatest impact on the rest of the postseason. The 24-year-old had a breakout year, totaling 128 tackles and three sacks in the regular season. Playing next to first-team All-Pro Zack Baun, Dean helped give the Eagles an elite linebacker tandem. Fortunately for Philadelphia, backups Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. have fared well this season in limited action, so perhaps the dip in production with Dean out won’t be too substantial.

MLB

Mariners sign 3B Donovan Solano to one-year, $3.5 million contract

Solano brings a few positives to the table, most notably professional at-bats and defensive versatility. The Mariners need lineup help and have playing time available at third base, so this is a strong team-player fit. The dollars are a bit high, however, for the 37-year-old.

Grade: C