NFL

Cardinals retain Nick Rallis as defensive coordinator

Rallis was originally hired by former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon in 2023. His defenses mostly overachieved, though last season didn’t go as planned in the desert. As a result, the expectation was that Rallis would depart with Gannon, as Arizona interviewed Aubrey Pleasant, Charlie Bullen and Karl Scott for this position.

Continuity, at least at one spot, won out, however. It’s debatable how many qualified candidates the Cardinals could’ve lured to replace Rallis, but that’s a moot point. By retaining its defensive play-caller, Arizona won’t have to completely overhaul its personnel on that side of the ball, a group that notably includes Budda Baker, Josh Sweat, Walter Nolen and Mack Wilson.

NBA

PG Chris Paul retires

This season was supposed to be a cheerful retirement tour for Paul, launched by him signing with the Clippers. The point guard’s first stint with LA was an exciting ride, as Paul — along with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan — lifted the Clippers to new heights. That positive energy was expected to follow him to the Clippers again, but the unpredictability of sports and team chemistry had a different say.

Despite starting all 82 games for the Spurs last year, his lack of production to begin this season wasn’t surprising. Neither was him clashing with coaches and teammates. The shock, however, is Paul going out with a whimper. Not everyone can go out a champion — think Ray Lewis — but the future Hall of Famer deserved better.

I’ll remember Paul as one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was a true floor general, and was as good on the defensive end as a small guard could be. Paul was a transformative lead guard, something that shouldn’t get lost. The masses will forget how his career ended, but they won’t forget the 21-year veteran never winning a championship. That’s a real shame, because Paul is one of the 40 or so greatest players in NBA history.

MLB

Diamondbacks sign SP Zac Gallen to one-year, $22.05 million contract

I didn’t have a one-year deal for Zac Gallen on my bingo card, yet here we are.

The 30-year-old posted arguably the worst season of his career in 2025, just in time for his first foray into free agency. That was obviously bad timing, and Gallen’s dip in effectiveness was clearly held against him in the market.

It shouldn’t have been — at least not to the degree it was. Gallen has started 126 games over the last four seasons, a staggering amount in today’s game. His 4.83 ERA last year was poor, but it’s not indicative of the pitcher he is. For his career, the right-hander boasts a sparkling 3.58 ERA.

In retaining Gallen, the Diamondbacks are again signaling an attempt — perhaps halfheartedly — to compete. This signing brings Arizona’s payroll to around $194 million, a hefty figure for the club. It also strengthens the team’s pitching staff, as Gallen slots alongside Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt and, eventually, Corbin Burnes.

That’s a solid group, though it almost certainly isn’t enough to compete with the Dodgers in the NL West. Then again, what is?