NFL

Dolphins sign EDGE Matthew Judon to one-year, $6 million contract

This signing reeks of desperation. Judon has had a fine — more than fine, really — career, but his play with the Falcons last season suggested that the 33-year-old is finished as a productive edge defender. Even worse, Judon is a zero in coverage, which negated the impact of his 5.5 sacks a year ago.

It’s probably safe to assume he won’t record that many quarterback takedowns with Miami. The team already has Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips to rush off the edge, making Judon’s role a question mark.

I’m not against signing veteran free agents this late in the offseason — there are solid players to be had — but the fit here is nonsensical. The Dolphins’ defense is going to be shaky, and Chris Grier knows it. This signing won’t alter the probability of that outcome.

Grade: C-

Colts sign CB Xavien Howard to one-year, $5 million contract

Howard didn’t play in 2024, but the cornerback’s resume speaks for itself. A four-time Pro Bowler, Howard has 29 career interceptions, and nearly a decade of strong play in the defensive backfield. Unfortunately, that performance has tailed off in recent years, which is to be expected for a corner on the wrong side of 30.

Because of that, it would normally be unadvisable to sign a player like Howard. However, the Colts’ situation at cornerback isn’t stable at the moment, as numerous players at the position are nursing injuries, both short and long term. Therefore, Howard should fit — and eventually even start — for Indianapolis.

The Colts are set to be weak at quarterback, so strengthening the roster elsewhere is necessary. Chris Ballard is more adept than most executives at that.

Grade: B

MLB

Brewers 7, Cubs 0

This five-game series looked far more intriguing a few weeks ago. Of course, that was before the Brewers rattled off 15 wins in 16 games. The NL Central race is now all but over, with Milwaukee holding a nine-game lead in the division.

Despite recent developments, there’s still some lure to this series. Freddy Peralta started this game for the Brewers and recorded win No. 15. 20-game winners are a rarity now in MLB, but the right-hander has a decent shot at the milestone this season.

Peralta’s previous career high in wins was 12 in 2023.

The pitching news for the opposite dugout isn’t as great. Cade Horton is having a promising rookie campaign, but exited yesterday’s outing after 2 2/3 innings due to a blister on his middle finger. It’s challenging to predict how long and impactful blister injuries can be, so the Cubs will be anxiously monitoring the righty’s recovery.

Horton allowed one earned run yesterday. His ERA is now 3.08.