NFL

Giants sign QB Russell Wilson to one-year, $21 million contract

New York is opting for a quantity over quality — as if it had a choice — approach to its quarterbacks room. Given the value of this deal, though, Wilson should be the prohibitive favorite to start for the Giants, over Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito. The 36-year-old is far removed from his time as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, but he fits well with New York. The Giants opted to bring back general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, so there’s pressure to win now for the franchise.

Wilson can still help accomplish that goal, as he threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions with the Steelers last season. There’s certainly no guarantee Wilson lasts the whole year as New York’s starter, especially if the franchise selects a quarterback at No. 3 overall, but for now, he brings professional and stability to the position.

This pact, even for one year, is slightly pricier than I expected, but again, adding Wilson aligns with the organization’s goals, at least for the short term. New York obviously still needs to find a long-term franchise quarterback.

Grade: B-

NCAAF

Stanford fires head coach Troy Taylor

Taylor was under investigation by the school, and while the program gave him a vote of confidence recently, investigations typically result in firings. This should be an easy pill for Stanford to swallow, as Taylor was just 6-18 across two seasons with the Cardinal. It shouldn’t be difficult to find a better replacement, though Stanford may wait until after the 2025 season to do so.

Grade: A

NCAAB

McNeese hires Bill Armstrong as head coach

This is as sensible a hire as it gets. Armstrong comes from a strong, stable program in Baylor, and even better, he coached at LSU with former McNeese head coach Will Wade. The best case scenario for the Cowboys is, of course, that Armstrong maintains what Wade built in Lake Charles.

Grade: A-

MLB

Mariners sign C Cal Raleigh to six-year, $105 million contract extension

This extension includes three seasons of arbitration for Raleigh, so if the money seems light, that’s why. Belting 91 homers over the last three years, Raleigh basically offers as much power from the catcher position as you’ll see, thus differentiating him from his peers. It doesn’t hurt either that he’s valuable behind the dish. Seattle locking Raleigh up for the rest of his prime is the type of business that smart teams do.

Grade: B+

Diamondbacks sign RP Jalen Beeks to one-year, $1.25 million contract

Beeks recently opted out of a minor league deal with the Astros, so he’ll make more under this pact than he would’ve otherwise.

Yesterday was a brutal one for the Diamondbacks, as they lost starter Jordan Montgomery to Tommy John surgery. Beeks, a reliever, won’t soften the blow of that news, but he adds stability to Arizona’s bullpen.

The 31-year-old pitched to a 4.50 ERA with the Rockies and Pirates in 2024.

Grade: C-