Hour 1: Jets Sign Fields

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: Jets Sign Fields
Release Date: March 10, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, host Don La Greca, along with Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg, delve into the latest developments in the NFL free agency, focusing primarily on the New York Jets' recent signing of quarterback Justin Fields. The discussion also touches upon the New York Giants' quarterback predicament, comparisons with Sam Darnold's contract, and potential moves by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, the hosts share heartfelt personal stories about losing beloved pets, offering a relatable and emotional segment for listeners.

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Jets Sign Justin Fields

Don La Greca opens the conversation by announcing the Jets' acquisition of Justin Fields as their quarterback of the future:

"And in that quarterback is Justin Fields. And you guys both seem like you're very much on board for this." [02:38]

Alan Hahn expresses his longstanding support for Fields, highlighting his potential:

"I have been a Fields guy since he was in Chicago. I always saw something in him. I think he has a great arm. I think he can do a lot of things." [03:02]

Peter Rosenberg adds that Fields is a young quarterback with untapped potential:

"He is a 26-year-old quarterback that doesn't have a lot of mileage on him." [06:01]

Discussion Points:

• Deal Structure: Fields secured a two-year contract worth $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed (02:38).
• Risk and Reward: The low-risk nature of the deal allows the Jets flexibility to either extend Fields' contract based on performance or explore other options without significant financial commitment.
• Team Impact: Fields' signing is seen as a step towards restructuring the Jets, emphasizing a balanced offensive strategy that leverages both running and passing games.

Notable Quote:

"If it works, then you know what? You have the ability and the flexibility to keep him here long-term, low risk, high reward." – Peter Rosenberg [18:14]

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Comparing Justin Fields and Sam Darnold's Deals

The hosts compare Fields' contract with that of Sam Darnold, who recently signed a lucrative deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

Don La Greca remarks on the difference in contract sizes:

"Darnold goes to Seattle and he gets three years, 100 million and 55 of it's guaranteed." [12:57]

Peter Rosenberg discusses the value of Darnold's contract:

"I like getting him for that price. If he can throw 30 touchdown passes in Seattle, it's worth it." [13:43]

Alan Hahn points out the disparity in market value:

"Doesn't Daniel Jones was making... How could the market pay that to guys that are, let's be honest, mid?" [13:19]

Discussion Points:

• Market Dynamics: While top-tier quarterbacks command high salaries, mid-level quarterbacks like Fields negotiate more affordable deals, reflecting their perceived market value.
• Team Strategy: The Jets opted for a cost-effective deal with Fields, contrasting with the Seahawks' substantial investment in Darnold, indicating different strategic priorities.

Notable Quote:

"If you're not a top 10 quarterback, how are you possibly commanding $45, $50 million?" – Don La Greca [13:19]

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Giants' Quarterback Conundrum

The conversation shifts to the New York Giants and their ongoing quarterback dilemma, primarily involving Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.

Don La Greca discusses the Giants' waiting game:

"The Giants are waiting to see what the Steelers go with next. That’s where it is right now." [30:36]

Peter Rosenberg analyzes the Giants' predicament:

"The Giants have to draft a quarterback. It’s an absolute joke that they have to sit there and twiddle their thumbs." [22:25]

Discussion Points:

• Potential Signings: The Giants are eyeing Rodgers and Wilson, but their availability is uncertain due to Pittsburgh's interest.
• Organizational Health: The Giants' indecision and ongoing losses have tarnished their reputation, making it difficult to attract top-tier quarterbacks.
• Strategic Decisions: The Giants may need to be aggressive in the draft to secure a long-term quarterback solution rather than relying on aging veterans.

Notable Quote:

"This once proud organization now is an absolute joke that has to sit there and twiddle their thumbs." – Peter Rosenberg [23:48]

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Steelers' Quarterback Choices and Implications

The hosts speculate on the Pittsburgh Steelers' potential quarterback selections and the broader implications for the Giants and Jets.

Don La Greca suggests Steelers' preference:

"I think Rogers is Pittsburgh's first choice." [09:55]

Peter Rosenberg expresses a preference for Kenny Rogers over Russell Wilson due to perceived baggage:

"There is more baggage with Wilson... I have given the choice. I would rather have Rogers than Wilson." [09:58]

Discussion Points:

• Coach Influence: Kelly Wagner's coaching style and team dynamics may influence the Steelers' quarterback decision.
• Future Prospects: The choice between Rodgers and Wilson will significantly impact both the Giants' and Jets' strategies moving forward.
• Market Impact: Successful acquisition by the Steelers could limit the Giants' options, forcing them to consider alternative quarterbacks or delve deeper into the draft pool.

Notable Quote:

"He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond." – Referring to Justin Fields' determination [Unspecified Timestamp]

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Personal Segment: Honoring Lost Pets

Transitioning from sports, the hosts share personal anecdotes about losing beloved pets, fostering a heartfelt connection with listeners.

Don La Greca shares his family's experience:

"I loved you, boy. You were such a good dog. You added so much." [41:56]

Alan Hahn opens up about the emotional impact:

"Think about the list of people who you would be as upset or more than your dog passing." [49:34]

Peter Rosenberg relates through stories of friends and pets:

"Nancy thought it was a nice touch with the song and she remembered and reminded me Brittany, her dog that we had to put down in 2003." [50:29]

Discussion Points:

• Emotional Support: The hosts acknowledge the deep bond between pets and their owners, validating listeners' feelings of loss.
• Community Connection: Sharing these personal stories strengthens the podcast's community feel, making it more relatable and supportive.

Notable Quote:

"If you consider your pet part of your family, then how could you not react?" – Don La Greca [50:26]

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Closing Remarks

In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, reiterate their offer for listener interaction via calls, and touch upon lighter topics such as Rick Rubin's birthday and general banter about time changes and sports scheduling.

Don La Greca summarizes the key NFL moves:

"The Jets make a decision and they take Justin Fields who had been talking with the Steelers." [43:28]

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg continue their playful exchanges, maintaining the podcast's engaging and informal atmosphere.

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Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides an in-depth analysis of significant NFL free agency moves, particularly the Jets' strategic signing of Justin Fields and the Giants' ongoing quarterback search. The hosts offer thoughtful comparisons, strategic insights, and personal reflections, making the episode both informative and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a dedicated sports fan or someone seeking relatable personal stories, this episode delivers a comprehensive and engaging listen.

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Notable Quotes Overview:

• Don La Greca
  "And in that quarterback is Justin Fields." [02:38]
  "If you're not a top 10 quarterback, how are you possibly commanding $45, $50 million?" [13:19]
  "The Giants are waiting to see what the Steelers go with next." [30:36]

• Alan Hahn
  "I have been a Fields guy since he was in Chicago." [03:02]
  "You are part of your family." [49:34]

• Peter Rosenberg
  "He is a 26-year-old quarterback that doesn't have a lot of mileage on him." [06:01]
  "This once proud organization now is an absolute joke that has to sit there and twiddle their thumbs." [23:48]

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For more insights and discussions, subscribe to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast available on 880 ESPN and other major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

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[Don La Greca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don La Greca]

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[Alan Hahn]

Taxes and fees extra.

[Don La Greca]

See full [e-mail] this is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3.

[Don La Greca]

On 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. All right, here we go on a Monday in New York City in some brand new studios here, boys, with Don legreco, Peter Rosenberg, I'm Alan Hahn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's nice.

[Don La Greca]

How do we feel about this?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Very good.

[Don La Greca]

Nice little setup here, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was telling Michael before I came on, I said to Nancy earlier, I said, this is going to be a turning point. I'm going to come into these new studios and be like, all right, I'm out. Or this is a new rebirth. It is like a phoenix out of the ashes from what we've been like really since COVID Right. Of just basically the bare necessities to now walking in to an open office with people that I haven't seen in years. Actual ceramic cups for coffee, actual dishes.

[Don La Greca]

Ceramic cups, all the different coffee cups.

[Alan Hahn]

Done.

[Don La Greca]

It's done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dead Starbucks.

[Don La Greca]

Forget it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're not getting my money anymore. I'm deleting the app.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you know how much.

[Don La Greca]

It was my turn today too, by the way.

[Alan Hahn]

That's true. Do you know how much those orders were at this point?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God.

[Alan Hahn]

We were spending for order for the three of us. Be $21.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it was pricey.

[Alan Hahn]

So this is great. It's really, it's really, really cool to be here, man.

[Don La Greca]

It is awesome. New location. We're not telling you where, but it is a great setup. Good Karma Brands now with us. And that's the best part of this because we get to see all the people that do all the hard work for us to keep the station running and all the commercials and the reads and everything else. You hear all the content people, all the people that you see that put all this stuff out on social media, Everybody all under one roof. Once again, like it ought to be. 800-919-3776 is still the number that's the good part, you don't have to worry about getting a new number. But we've got today, guys, a lot of different things to discuss. Garrett Cole and the Yankees is something we have to get onto in the Yankee season and the way it's starting. But today is a big day in the NFL because today is when we to see all the moves happen. Free agency began at noon and locally we have some pretty big news. The jets have found their quarterback of the future.

[Alan Hahn]

I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they should have had to begin with.

[Don La Greca]

And in that quarterback is Justin Fields. And you guys both seem like you're very much on. On board for this.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm a big.

[Don La Greca]

Which I think is a great thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I want to ask you a question in a moment because I'm curious to exactly what you mean by of the future. So that's. That's, I think, a good starting point.

[Don La Greca]

Well, of the next two years because it's a two year. But if things go well, so.

[Alan Hahn]

So Don, I think you remember this. I have been a Fields guy since he was in Chicago. I always saw something in him. Like I think he has a great arm. I think. I think he can do a lot of things. Well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He.

[Alan Hahn]

I truly believe that this guy has a higher ceiling than we've seen so far. And I talked about this some last week, not a big sample size in Pittsburgh. They were really quick to pull the plug on him and of course it makes sense, right, because they got him, not sure of what he was. And then they also went out and got a, you know, future hall of Famer or a borderline hall of Famer and Russell Wilson. So you knew it was possible, but I thought the plug got pulled quickly. I think this is a guy who really could work out well for this team potentially.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the reason the plug got pulled, they were 4 and 2. But clearly they felt like they can win at a greater clip with the veteran and there was work to be done and they weren't willing to lose games as he was maturing into things. And that was just because of the circumstances the Steelers ran, which I still.

[Alan Hahn]

Find weird though, because they were winning.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Games like they were 4 and 2.

[Alan Hahn]

That's winning games. That's a start a New York team dreams about.

[Don La Greca]

Be honest though, he wasn't lighting it up.

[Alan Hahn]

He wasn't.

[Don La Greca]

This was not something where they felt like he was really playing well. He had moments, but he also had moments where the same issues of the past, accuracy, things like that were coming up to haunt him in the end.

[Alan Hahn]

Did Russell Wilson Light it up though.

[Don La Greca]

You could. No, he did not. But he had. They had a bump when he first. They got a little bump and. But it didn't end very well. He wasn't great towards the end. So Fields, this is his third opportunity.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Right. In the, in the sport. And I find it interesting that he only gets a two year deal. It's 40 million over two. 30 of it is guaranteed. So think about in today's quarterback market, you have what could be your starting quarterback at $20 million a season and in the second year, an ability to get out if it's not working or if somebody else does emerge. Like if you draft somebody, which I still think's on the table. Yeah, but still, at least there's something. And you know what else that we can't overlook. Garrett Wilson is probably pretty happy about this and that is important. They played together at Ohio State. It's important that Garrett Wilson feels something about the future of this team because we know he left last season with the thought of is this where I really want to be? Is this organization heading in the right direction? Because he wanted to be about winning and he doesn't have an extension coming up to deal with after next season. So this is somebody that he certainly has a history with that you got to believe that he loves them. And so does this also help you in that front? I just think it's also the jets are telling us how they want to play this next season. I think there'll be a lot more emphasis on the run. They have two excellent running backs. Some might argue they have three. They have to improve the offensive line. They always. That's every year. That's a story.

[Alan Hahn]

But.

[Don La Greca]

But they have a quarterback that can give you a little bit of both.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've got a 26 year old quarterback that doesn't have a lot of mileage on him. All right, what is. He played in 44 games in the.

[Don La Greca]

NFL and he was running for his life in Chicago.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. And it's a two year deal. 30 of the $40 million are guaranteed, but it's $20 million a year. This does not stop you from drafting a quarterback. If you want to. To give yourself another option. If he plays great, you can always extend them. If he doesn't play great.

[Don La Greca]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, you got a backup quarterback making $20 million a year that you can probably get out of at some point in the second year. So it's basically a tryout. Come play for us. Let's see if you're going to mature into something if not, we didn't commit a ton of money or years to you. If so, then we'll talk and we'll see if you're going to be a part of our future. So I like it doesn't lock them in or out of anything. They could still draft a quarterback if they want. They can go for it this year if they like, they can kind of downplay it and just kind of see, you know, where things lie. This season also keeps a lot of expectations off of Aaron Glenn, which I think was what the jets wanted to do is not have a ton of expectations around him. But what, what's wrong with getting a 26 year old quarterback with not a lot of miles that you think might have some untapped potential that hasn't really played or had the opportunity outside of those six games in Pittsburgh for playing with a really good football team?

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, listen, if they, if the jets are picking higher, then maybe this is a different conversation. Right? But they, I don't think they think that they're getting the future quarterback in this draft. If they were, if they were in the Giants position, if they were in the top two positions, would they go out and get Justin Fields? Not sure. But that's not where they are.

[Don La Greca]

Why not though? See, I kind of disagree with that. I think this allows you to still take like if, let's say Sanders drops to seven and they have the opportunity to get him or they move up because like if you talk, it's amazing how the closer we get now we're in the middle, almost in the middle of March. The closer we get to April, the more the quarterback story goes from nobody likes these guys to everybody. They're not even going in the first and second to now. All of a sudden it's like we might take three in the first, the first three picks. Right, Right. Because Jackson Dart is as predicted, he is just rising up. So if the jets have someone that they like and they can move up to get or whatever it is, having Fields allows you to not have to rush the process with whoever you take in the top 10. Agree?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. And, and, and you know, you make a great point. He is so affordable that it means kind of nothing. I. So yeah, no, that's a, that's a totally reasonable.

[Don La Greca]

And they still have Tyrod Taylor.

[Alan Hahn]

And they still have Tyrod Taylor. I, I feel like if they had the opportunity to get Sanders though, if they thought it was real and they liked him, my guess is you just go Tyrod and the rookie. That's my feeling. I Don't. There's no need because this will add. Let's be honest, guys, if they go get a really high level quarterback here in the draft and they still hand the reins to Justin Fields, we'll feel like the shoe's going to drop at some point and he's going to lose the job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But what are the odds that we're going to see Sanders drop to 7? I don't think everybody and their mother saying that. Cleveland is definitely taking a quarterback. So that takes either Ward or Sanders out of the mix. I'll believe what Tennessee does when I see it. I don't believe any of these reports. They're in, they're out, but they need a quarterback. The Giants certainly need a quarterback at three. So if I'm the Jets, even if I'm in love with Sanders, if I don't have the ability to move up, I can't take the chance that he's going to drop to me at 7 or that somebody else isn't going to swoop in and trade up to take him if Tennessee isn't interested. Where I tie this in with the Giants now is with Justin Fields off the table. Obviously Pittsburgh needs a quarterback. Metcalf didn't go and sign with Pittsburgh to have nobody throw him the ball. So Rogers or Wilson will be the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh.

[Don La Greca]

Really interesting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So one of those two's off the table for the Giants. Who is it going to be? Now we're hearing the Giants are all in on Rogers, but if Rogers goes to Pittsburgh, are they in on Wilson?

[Don La Greca]

I think Rogers is Pittsburgh's first choice. That's what I think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I. It would be mine. I would rather have Rogers than most.

[Don La Greca]

And I think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think there's more baggage with Wilson. To be honest with you.

[Don La Greca]

I agree. And I think they could be left.

[Alan Hahn]

They could be left to take.

[Don La Greca]

They could be left with. With Wilson at this point.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't think there's baggage with Wilson currently in Pittsburgh though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but what happened in Denver happened.

[Alan Hahn]

No, he.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Does he. Could he do that again? He lost the room in Seattle. You don't think that's baggage?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, no, no. It's a different kind of baggage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a different kind of baggage, but it's baggage and I think it's accumulated more than Rogers who just happens to be a noz. But he's worked with young quarterback before with Love in Green Bay. He's got his hat in his hand. The only reason he seemed to be a diva with the jets is because the jets gave him the key to the town. So I don't know if that's gonna be the case with the Giants, but with Wilson, we saw the diva ax really derail things in Denver. And you saw how most of his teammates, for whatever reason, we joked about it all the time, too. Like, why was it that his teammates didn't love him in Seattle? So I have given the choice. I would rather have Rogers than Wilson. But the Giants might not have that choice. Alan. So do the Giants then pivot to Russell Wilson, or did they just cross their fingers and toes and hope that there's a quarterback at three that they can start their future with again just.

[Don La Greca]

The same as the Jets? I think no matter what happens here, the Giants have to draft a quarterback.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, there's no question. The one thing they can't have happen. Alan.

[Don La Greca]

Well, you just don't want to have a guy you have to play right away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but what you don't want to have happen is the. I'm probably going to say it wrong, a nuclear option.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go.

[Don La Greca]

Nuclear.

[Alan Hahn]

You got it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of Tennessee takes Ward. Sanders goes to Cleveland. Rogers signs in Minnesota or Roger signs in Pittsburgh. Wilson signs in Minnesota or vice versa. And there's no quarterback for the Giants.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Both veterans sign someplace else. Both picks are gone. You don't want that to happen either, right? You want to have a quarterback outside of Tommy DeVito to open camp. Forgot about that Now, I don't think the odds are very strong that's going to happen, but you never know. You don't have one of the top two picks, so you're not guaranteed that one of the quarterbacks are going to be there. And right now it looks like Pittsburgh is going to take one of your veterans away and likely the one you want in Rogers.

[Don La Greca]

It is like we said, free agency was going to sort of tip us off on what these teams are going to do. And the Fields thing is a very interesting move for the jets because we were wondering why they weren't involved in, like, Stafford, why they didn't get involved in stuff like that. Why would they move on from Rogers before they knew what was going to come next with a seventh pick, knowing you're probably not going to get a player that you'd want. You'd have to move up, trade up, give up assets. And then there was Sam Darnold. Now, compare the Fields deal with Sam Darnold. And it's interesting because they took Zach Wilson set of Fields. So, okay, they make up for that. They can't do the same with the Sam Darnold draft. It wasn't. It's not like. I mean we just saw what Josh Allen got from Buffalo, by the way. Oh my God.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

Man's got paid.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, he. And he deserved very much. Well deserved. But Darnold goes to Seattle and he gets three years, 100 million and 55 of it's guaranteed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I had 110.5. I don't know whether it's 100.5, 110, whatever. It's still less than 37 million. It's less than 40 which Daniel Jones was making.

[Don La Greca]

And isn't it interesting that as I said, you know, just because some of the top end guys are getting 40 plus million it doesn't mean that the market's going to pay that to guys that are, let's be honest, Mid. If you're not a top 10 quarterback, how are you possibly commanding 45, $50 million? You can't. So is the Darnold deal a pretty good deal? Even though he's going to a very empty wide receiver room right now?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I like it. I like getting him for that price. Now is he an MVP like he almost was this year? I don't know. But we did see him blossom in an offensive oriented team and I think he can do the very same in Seattle. He's what, 28 years old, threw for over 4,000 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. Yes, he spit the bit at the end of the season, but so did the whole team. I wonder why is it nobody kills the coach of the team, they kill the quarterback when everything falls apart at the end. Now did he play well? No. Did that offensive line protect him? No. Could the defense come up with a stop?

[Don La Greca]

He was under siege. Those get the Rams game and the Lions like it was. It was ugly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The whole team looked fugaci.

[Don La Greca]

But he was seeing ghosts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But can he throw 30 touchdown passes in Seattle? And if I'm getting him for $37 million a year. But I'm telling you, if the jets had done that now I don't know if he'd ever come back here. Maybe he wouldn't. I don't. He sees ghosts in New York the way he saw them against the New England.

[Don La Greca]

Maybe he just knows going back when like I don't know if he was ever an option for the jets but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I do believe it's a thing with the jets of making sure they down the expectations around Aaron Glenn in that first season. If I sign Sam Darnold, there's going to be a level of expectation to win. Now, Justin Fields doesn't give you that expectation. Justin Fields feels. It's almost like you're. It's a draft pick. Like somebody that stayed an extra two years in school.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what it feels like. Even less pressure than a draft pick. It's. It's. It's almost a redemption project. But a redemption project is a lower risk than you can.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can love Justin Fields. Like, like we seem to Peter, we see something in that kid. We've always said it going back to the days on the K show when he was with Chicago, but there's no expectations to go out to win 10, 12 games with Justin Fields. There might be with Sam Darnold, there's no.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I agree with you on that one. I don't think there's expectations.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don La Greca]

Like, you're a Jets fan right now, doesn't see this news and think we're going to make the playoffs, even if you like it. Like you. And you can. I bet you there's a lot of fans who love it. Again, 800-9193776, figure all this stuff out and we'll get your calls momentarily. But it is, for me, this just gives you a look into what they want to do. And you've said this, and I'm starting to buy into it. It's sort of tamping down immediate expectations. This was a team last year that had a roster that some people, some experts believe was the best in the league or one of the best in the league with all the talent and the veterans that they had. And clearly that did not pan out because they just were not. They were poorly coached at the beginning, and then everything really fell apart. Now I think they're going to try to be a completely different team than what they look like. Like Devonte Adams, he's already gone. They let him go. He's already signed off somewhere else. He's going to the ramps.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Moses is gone, too.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, like you got right. So they. They did a lot of work still for Darren Moshe to do on the offensive side of the ball. But it does start to feel like. I don't want to say rebuild, but it does have the feel of sort of a restructuring, a reimagining. Like you like to use that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's an MSG word.

[Don La Greca]

It works, but it's sort of like that's what this is. It's okay. Fields, there's a guy's capable, competent, still young. You're not tied in for years. You can get out of it if it's really bad. But if you feel like it's heading in the right direction, okay, you got two very young, talented running backs. You have one talented wide receiver who loves the quarterback you just signed. And hopefully now he'll want to stay instead of, you know, the. What we saw to him at the end of last season. So is this now sort of. Okay, let's. Let's, no pun intended, let's take the turbulence away from this organization. Let's just calm things down and just function like an organization. And then we start to do a build from here. And I don't know where here is, to be honest with you. I don't know what here is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it's gonna be in the eye of the beholder. There are some people that love it, some people that are not gonna love it.

[Don La Greca]

What's here, though, Don, is last year really as bad as they should have been?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

They're not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All life is, especially in sports, is living up to whatever the expectations are. Right. A successful season is based on did you live up to or exceed your expectations? Over the last two years, the jets failed in their expectations. Keeping the expectations somewhat low now sets a foundation of, let's go out there, let's see what we have. Maybe we win a few more games than you expect and they can win six games and feel like, wow, that was a fun.

[Don La Greca]

Trending. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Trending in the right direction where if you bring in a big time quarterback, six wins. Looks like maybe we don't have the right coach. Maybe we're failing again. Typical Jets.

[Don La Greca]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But. And it's. It's a glorified audition, guys, is what it is. He is either going to completely crash and burn and then you get out. It's not that terrible. Contract, low risk. And Peter, if it works, then you know what? You have the ability and the flexibility to keep him here. Long term, low risk, high reward, that's.

[Alan Hahn]

All you're looking for. I think that's what you want your GMs to be thinking like always.

[Don La Greca]

Now, where does this put the Giants? Because both teams are looking for a quarterback, it seems like the jets have figured out short term, at least what they're trying to do just to get established. The Giants still, you know, it's Tommy DeVito and no one else right now. And the options are getting thinner. So Sam's not an option, Justin Field's not an option? No. Aaron Rodgers. You're talking about two aging future hall of Fame retreads as your best options right now. Unless you make an aggressive play in the draft and try to get a quarterback and then throw him to the wolves. That's what you got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Unfortunately, you're just sitting there as the Giants just waiting for Pittsburgh to choose their quarterback. I can't imagine Aaron Rodgers would choose the Giants over the Steelers.

[Don La Greca]

I can't either.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Steelers are a playoff team. They just added one of the best wide receivers in football.

[Don La Greca]

And Pickens. So you got two high end receivers to play with. A great tight end, Friarmouth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Put your fingers in your Steelers fans a really good coach.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, don't tell them that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or the Giants, where you're basically just there to mentor a young quarterback and eventually lose your job. Come on. They're not getting Rogers Unless for some reason Pittsburgh decides to.

[Alan Hahn]

That would be. That would be. They got to be the consolation press.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What would you do, Peter? If I was between Wilson and Rogers.

[Don La Greca]

Remember Metcalf? Metcalf and Russell Wilson played. They were teammates, sure. So there's some, you know, again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But did they. Which.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Does that help or hurt?

[Don La Greca]

Right. Did he sign knowing that there's no way we're bringing it back. All right, cool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is he a hi, I'm Russell Wilson guy, or is he a hey, O.C.

[Alan Hahn]

Yo, it's me, Russell. DK. What's this?

[Don La Greca]

That DK, by the way? Five years, 150 million. Man.

[Alan Hahn]

That'll play.

[Don La Greca]

They're throwing the money around, aren't they?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, well, the cap's up, and it's.

[Don La Greca]

Going to keep going up also, but just going around the league as they're, you know, just catching you up on everything. Miles Garrett. Well, that was a money play then, clearly, right?

[Alan Hahn]

I guess. So the whole idea of I don't.

[Don La Greca]

Want to play here anymore and the owner refusing to meet with him because the owner knew what this was about. You just want to get paid. All right, you want to get paid. Here you go.

[Alan Hahn]

Got paid.

[Don La Greca]

$40 million a year. Set a new record.

[Alan Hahn]

Crazy.

[Don La Greca]

And if you're. If you're. If you're Michael Parsons. How are you feeling about this right now? Jerry Jones.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, exactly. You're licking. You're licking your chompers.

[Don La Greca]

I'm 3.5 in guarantees.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Don La Greca]

So that's what he's getting.

[Alan Hahn]

And listen, he's a game changer. He's a team changer.

[Don La Greca]

Well, you know that. But instead of saying, get me away from the filth that is known of the Cleveland Browns, he's never going to win here. He just wanted to be paid and established and everything's now done. And now he'll just see what they do on the offensive side. But that's a big money. And then as I mentioned, Josh Allen, guys, six years, $330 million. 250 guaranteed. This is shefty from yesterday. The largest guaranteed total given to an NFL player. Now Deshaun Watson was the previous one. He got the 230. All of it guaranteed, that contract. But seriously, 250 guaranteed at a 330. He'll be under contract through 2030, which is wild. But that's, that's what's happening when you have a quarterback that's you have to do. And when you don't have one, what the jets and Giants are doing is what you have to do. The jets did something the Giants have yet to do anything. And how do we feel about the Giants being in a situation where it's almost like you're taking someone's throwaway at this point now. Like, like if, if the two. If they're figuring out that they want Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers and we'll take whoever you don't want. I mean, what kind of place is that to be?

[Alan Hahn]

That's exactly where they're supposed to be. They're a garbage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but what do you expect? You're.

[Alan Hahn]

You're.

[Don La Greca]

It is the job. Come on. It's the Giants, right? Like you don't think this is damaging to the brand that. Hey, hey, whatever you guys don't want, we'll take.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but listen, forget about it. I don't care if it's, you know, the New York Yankees, Montreal Canadiens. It's a team where. Forget about. They could be just blank team. I don't. Whatever. Nameless, faceless organization. One place I've got a chance to be the starting quarterback with great weapons, a really good coach and a chance to make the playoffs. Or go to the Giants who've been garbage the last couple of years. And I'm going to mentor and babysit a young quarterback that eventually in week seven is going to take over. Come on, that's a no brainer. Honestly, as much as I'm a Giant fan. Love the Giants, would love to play for the Giants. If I was a quarterback, why would I go to the Giants and not the Steelers?

[Don La Greca]

Of course. But it just shows you just how low they have gone. They are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You deserve it. That's what you get. That's why losing affects the organization. All these yo yos that want to tank for picks. All right, keep doing it. But as you start to lose games, the organization loses face. You heard Imani Toomer today say, hey, nobody wants to go play for the Giants. They think Shane's a joke. They think the Giants organization's a joke. That's what losing does. So this once proud organization now is a garbage franchise chasing after a pick because their fan base is rooting for them to lose games to get a stupid draft pick. And now you lose your credibility and you don't have face within the organization. And now you are sitting there hoping that the Steelers don't pick your quarterback because you don't have a dog in the fight, man. Come on.

[Don La Greca]

That's my point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't do these things in a vacuum, man. This is how losing erodes everything and kills everything that you're about as an organization. And right now, this proud franchise is an absolute joke that has to sit there and twiddle their thumbs and they're going to have to take. I want to say it, Sean Avery quote about whatever the Steelers decide not to take the sloppy. You know what?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. And that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you're left with.

[Don La Greca]

That's what you are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you left with, and you deserve it.

[Don La Greca]

And then you got to figure out, what does it mean at the end of the season if you're not any better, hitting the major reset button once again. And maybe they're a year too late on it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, we're supposed to lose games for Arch Manning.

[Don La Greca]

Well, that might be the. That might be the only thing now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you might not have to try.

[Don La Greca]

You might.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. You're on your way.

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don La Greca]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Don Hahn Rosenberg 880 ESPN the ESPN New York app where you should be getting us if you don't have a radio nearby. The best, best place to get everything, all the content, everything you need at the station. So big NFL news today. First day of free agency at noon. It got hot and heavy. Sam Darnold ends up in Seattle. He gets a three year, 100 million. Whether it's 110, a hundred million, different reports, but still Sam Darnold heading there. The jets make a decision and they take Justin Fields who had been talking with the Steelers. The Steelers wanted to keep him, but he ended up going to the jets in a very affordable deal. A two year deal, 40 million total. So that's 20 a year basically and 30 of it is guaranteed. So it doesn't mean that he is locked in as their starter for the long term, but for the near future, that's their guy. The Giants still waiting. What are they waiting for? Well, they're waiting to see who the Steelers go with next. You could have Aaron Rodgers or they could keep Russell Wilson. And the sense is with all of the ESPN NFL experts is that whoever the Steelers take, the Giants will then get the other of that. So that's where it's at right now. 800-919-3776 is the number for calls. We are efforting that momentarily. So in the meantime, yeah, and then we have More discussed and here, here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sits Daniel Jones, who apparently is holding up a lot of things as well because there seems to be interest there. Does he return to Minnesota? Does he end up going to one of the places that could be a destination for Wilson or Rogers? Sounds ridiculous coming from people in New York who've seen Daniel Jones and say why, but looking at the reports, it seems like that there's that Daniel Jones has got his pick of teams right now.

[Don La Greca]

Wouldn't he be the right. He'd be the right backup somewhere. Remember, Marcus Mariota is out there as well. Another option. There was talk the jets were actually considering names like Mariota and also Carson Wentz as another. Like, you know, all the different stopgaps that you could come up with, but Fields ends up being for them. It's the probably the best case scenario. But yeah, there's for the Giants, it does feel like they're being pushed in the direction of you're going to have to be aggressive in the draft and you're going to define your quarterback there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's where it's okay. Right? Because their future, you hope, is going to be one of these two quarterbacks. We're just talking about who's the mentor. Is it that big of a deal? Is it Wilson, Is it Rodgers, our stopgap guy? Or is it a guy that's going to be our quarterback the entire 2025 season and we're looking someplace else for a quarterback? I don't know. I can't get crazy about it, Peter, because I don't think Rogers or Wilson are the future of the Giants. It's just who's going to be the quarterback until the next guy?

[Alan Hahn]

No, I think I just got to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Make sure they get the next guy.

[Alan Hahn]

I think there's two ways of looking at it. Who is the person that gets you to the next guy and what level of fun can you hope to have if you're a Giants fan next season, which I think matters.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it matters. I mean, some people don't because they'd rather have Tommy Vito play and go, oh, and 17.

[Alan Hahn]

They believe you can throw away years and it makes no difference. If I'm a Giants fan, I go, wait a second. I get to see what Malik Neighbors looks like with Aaron Rodgers. I'm interested. I'll take a look for a year rather than see Tommy DeVito. It's not like it's going to cost you a lot to get Aaron Rodgers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don La Greca]

Jordan Renano covers the Giants for us earlier today, talked about the how the Giants are basically waiting on Aaron Rodgers to say so.

[Alan Hahn]

My understanding at the moment is that the Giants are sitting there waiting on Aaron Rodgers. He's assessing all his other options. You know, he's trying to see if there's interest elsewhere. So, you know, hey, is there a better spot? He's going to talk to people in Seattle that would interest him. Minnesota, that would interest him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's like, is there a better option.

[Alan Hahn]

Than the Giants out there for Aaron Rodgers right now? That's the question. And it's something we're going to find.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Out in the next probably, I don't.

[Alan Hahn]

Know, 24 hours, something like that. Maybe 15 hours, by probably tomorrow afternoon, I think we'll probably have an answer to that. And then the other question, and the flip side is, what does Aaron Rodgers really have left? Like, does he.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is.

[Alan Hahn]

Is there another good year in Aaron Rodgers? How many guys you see bounce back at 41? He was. He played serviceably this year, finished strong. But what does he really have left? And is it enough to get teams like maybe Pittsburgh and Minnesota interested in his services?

[Don La Greca]

Nothing there.

[Alan Hahn]

We know.

[Don La Greca]

It's literally, they don't know.

[Alan Hahn]

They don't know they're waiting on Aaron Rodgers.

[Don La Greca]

How. How that, how that is is really what we're left with right now. I'm telling you that it's. Now about the draft. You're the Giant fan. If you're a Giants fan, it's literally about the third pick in the draft.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The only way they get Rogers is because Pittsburgh didn't want. Why would he choose New York over Pittsburgh?

[Don La Greca]

And again, if you're going to draft. If you feel now forced to draft a quarterback this season, he's not the guy you want to bring in as your backup or start for a little while, you can get again, Mariota, There's. There's other names that you could bring in that could easily fill the role and not necessarily have to have a guy like Rogers who's going to be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, that's where we disagree. I think. I think he would fit.

[Don La Greca]

I don't know how.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't know how. I don't know how.

[Don La Greca]

They. They are not built for that. They're not built like that. You know what I mean? Like, they don't have pieces that would make you say, boy, if they have Aaron Rodgers, they could really win. And this team kind of needs to show you something. And the one thing I think that they could show, this hierarchy that was given another year, is show me development that is leading to a future that I can that's tangible, not a 41 year old. Right. Like that's the kind of point I'm trying to make here. I don't think, you know, Jordan said the same thing. He doesn't think it's really the right move for the Giants. Is that the right move for Aaron Rodgers? Because there's no winning here. What are you getting out of it if you're either one of these parties?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I get it. From Rogers standpoint, I think the only way he goes to the Giants is if he literally has no place else to go and wants to play in the NFL. I don't think he hungers to mentor a young quarterback. He wants to go someplace where he can kind of stick it to everybody who said that he was done. And you want to go someplace where he's got a chance to be in the playoffs and I think that's Pittsburgh. Now Pittsburgh says no and they decide to keep Russell Wilson, then maybe he can go to the Giants. I think he would mentor the young quarterback. I don't think he would be any trouble and he might be able to win you some games.

[Don La Greca]

All right, Hunter now at 93776. We got call stacked up. Let's get to them now. Let's go to Subi in midtown. Subi, we got you.

[E]

Great. Hey, what's up man? I know that Justin Fields has haters, but I feel like he can replicate his 1000 yard season that he had his second year and I think the jets run game is going to improve greatly. And with Justin Fields, I feel like he's had like a lot of bad luck. He had a lot of injuries his first couple of years. So what's your opinion if the jets base their offense on running and not micromanage the passing game, let him run, get it 1,000 yards. And I feel like a lot of the AFC teams like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, they don't let them run enough. So what's your opinion if the jets let him run and run wild?

[Don La Greca]

I honestly think that's got to be the approach ball control. When you have a defensive coach may ask Rex Ryan, when he took over, the last thing they wanted was a high flying, throw it down the field kind of offense. They want to control the clock offense, a lot of running, a lot of the ground and pound. It's what they want to do. They've got the horses to do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Rex did it out of necessity and was able to get them to a championship game. The jets wouldn't be doing out of necessity. They'd Be right. The idea is, let's see if we can develop Justin Fields into more than just a scrambler.

[Don La Greca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe we could develop into a quarterback. Even though the running games have changed in the NFL and it seems like people are running a little bit more than they were before, you still pass to win in this league. If the, if Justin Fields is going to be the future of this team, they're going to want to elevate his passing game, not just make him a scrambler. Now, if you think you got a chance to make the playoffs and scrambling and running the ball is going to get you there, then by all means do it. But if you're in a developmental stage, which I think we agree the jets are in, wouldn't you want to develop him into being more of a passer than like having a glorified wildcat and see if you could steal a few games? I want to develop a quarterback here.

[Don La Greca]

Yes, but I don't. Not the expense of losing and not at the expense of a defense that you, you are like, if you're Aaron Glenn, you're hoping that's going to be what you hang your hat on, right? That's who he is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you go into the season with the idea, let's win some games here, of course, but you also are investing in a quarterback that's going to be, you're hoping a big time quarterback in this league. Right. You're hoping that Justin Fields will be what the Bears thought they drafted. In order to do that, he's got to develop that side of the game. Remember, he had no protection in Chicago. Pittsburgh didn't seem to really have an offense that either of these quarterbacks really excelled in. Wilson came in, did okay, but then when you look at the stats, they both had similar completion percentages. I think Fields probably would have done exactly what Wilson did in the second half of the season. The idea is to develop Justin Fields into something. Right. You don't want him to just be Chad Pennington, where I'm running the Wildcat in Miami. You want, you want to. You would want, you want to at the same time hope to develop a quarterback that. You've checked that box? No.

[Don La Greca]

I'm curious to see. Like I said to me, the draft will tell us everything. If they are still in the market in the draft for a quarterback, whether it was. Whether it's at seven or a move up or even in the second round, like whatever it is, if they grab somebody, it'll tell me that Fields is a placeholder. They just want to See what he can be. But I don't think they're really investing a lot in.

[Alan Hahn]

Agree.

[Don La Greca]

That's going to tell me a lot. And it doesn't, again, it doesn't take anything away from the kid. It's just, it is a low, low expense, low risk move. It is the right move for the jets to make it this time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're hoping it's not an exact comp because he went a bunch of different places, but you're hoping to get what happened in Tampa with Baker.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah, that would. That would be ideal.

[Alan Hahn]

That's the best case scenario.

[Don La Greca]

That would certainly be ideal. Let's continue with the calls. Steve in Leonardo. Steve, we got you, Steve.

[E]

Yeah, still here.

[Don La Greca]

What's happening?

[E]

Oh, Don. Han Rosenberg. What up? I thought it was just Anthony. How are you guys doing?

[Don La Greca]

We're good.

[E]

I really feel bad. I feel bad for Fields because, listen, since the jets last made the playoffs, who's been losing just as bad as the Jets? The Bears. Except the Jets. Every single year is something embarrassing. So I feel bad for him. It's going to be something embarrassing this year. We all know it's going to happen. We all said the same thing. Oh, when everybody just came here. He's going to change the narrative. No, he didn't. Same old Jets. So you know what? I really feel bad for the kid also. Han, you're the man. Thanks for changing the culture. I love how you brought the positivity to the show. I love it. Thank you so much, Han.

[Don La Greca]

You got it, Steve.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you for saving us, Alan.

[Don La Greca]

I don't know what that was about.

[Alan Hahn]

We were such a negative. We were such a horrible negative couple.

[Don La Greca]

I wasn't quite sure what to make of that. I'd take it, but. But the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was a compliment.

[Don La Greca]

The notion of, like, Fields and feeling sorry for him. He chose this over the Steelers, guys. He chose this over the Steelers. I don't know if the Steelers were offering like one year or whatever it was, but they were this week, according to every expert, all the. All of our reporters, that the Steelers were talking to him. And then it was, well, they're not just talking to him, they're also talking to Russell Wilson. I think that started to become a narrative because the Steelers were realizing that Justin wanted to wait and see what came in. Free agency, which tells you that he must have had an idea that the jets wanted to talk to him because it's what, 12 o'clock? This thing. This thing started and when did it. 2:00, 2:15. This thing dropped yeah. So clearly he preferred the jets over the Steelers. So I would not. I certainly wouldn't feel sorry for him. More of your calls coming up. More things to talk about now. If you guys all remember, on Friday, Don and I had to do the show by ourselves, and we did it without Peter, and we also all did it with a heavy heart. And Peter, I think I speak for Don, and I both said, like, we are still, you know, thinking about you, Natalie, and the loss of an important part of your family.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I'm not even going to try to start this with saying I hope to get through this because that's not really on the table here. But, yeah, and I appreciated you guys. And we always talk about how close we are with the listeners, and you guys hear everything. And over the years on the K show, you guys certainly heard your share of stories about Rocky the dog and all the places he went. Right. And we said goodbye to our Rocky on Friday. And I'll say right now, if you're not a dog person, if you don't get it, it's cool. You can come back to us in a minute. But for those who get it, I know you'll appreciate it. Yeah, he, he had been. He had been struggling for a while, and it just took a turn over the last week, and we had to make the decision on Friday to do it. So. What a special, special animal that guy was. And, Don, I was sad, Alan, that you didn't see him. I brought him into work one last time, like two weeks ago, and you weren't with us that day. You had Nick stuff. But Don and Michael and John and Anthony, you know, Rocky became a bit of a fixture over the last couple years, popping up here and there. Natalie got him from a random boyfriend who she had for three months in college 15 years ago. Aggressive move. An aggressive move to go to the pet store and just buy a Maltese for your girlfriend in three months.

[Don La Greca]

Hand it off, too.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, here you go. And of course, Natalie didn't know it at 20 years old that she was getting the companion to take her into adulthood. And, man, I'll tell you guys right now, when people say that phrase, he's got that dog in him. I swear, Don can attest. I swear they're talking about Rock, that dog. They told us two years ago he probably wouldn't make it to the wedding. So we had to sort of prepare for that because his heart disease was getting bad. And it's not lost on me that the disease that killed him was how big his heart was. He made it to the wedding. And then Natalie gets pregnant. Thank God. And I go, please, God, please don't let us lose this dog during this pregnancy. And this dog toughed it out for 10 months and he made sure we were all settled with Maya for seven weeks and his work was done. And to everybody who's loved a pet, you know what it means. And to my brave wife who held him and just said, you're a good boy. I love you. You're a good boy. She did not crack. She held him as he left us. I just sent her so much love. I admire her so much. I don't have a good speech prepared. That's it. I loved you, boy. You were such a good dog. You added so much. And whenever Natalie and I are driving around and we play this song, we will think of you with your head out the window, wind blowing in your face. We love you, Rocky.

[D]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

But you already know that.

[D]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[D]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like you know to check the Jumbotron first before attempting to eat a stack of supreme nachos in one bite. Now you're just a meme that everyone shares on game day. Checking first is smart, so check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois thanks for listening to.

[Don La Greca]

The Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just.

[Don La Greca]

Said catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Oh, wow. Rick Rubin's birthday today. Where's he at?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Great things.

[Alan Hahn]

That should be a lot of fun for Jamaica Ben.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow. But just trying to guess his eight.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. That's what I'm trying to do.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

58. I was gonna go higher or lower.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm gonna go 62.

[Don La Greca]

63. He was so young. 62. 62. He was so young when he started.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is so eclectic.

[Don La Greca]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Slayer.

[Don La Greca]

I can relate to him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To the.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

You like diverse music. He made diverse music his studio.

[Don La Greca]

Like everybody went through that studio. It's crazy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I've always said this and it hasn't aged well, obviously, but I've always been a big Andrew Dice Clay fan. And the Day to Laughter Died to Me is the greatest comedy album of all time. And he produced it. Rick Rubin did, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I did not know that. That's somewhat telling.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In what sense?

[Alan Hahn]

I'll explain later.

[Don La Greca]

Okay. Can I tell everybody that it is game time? Brought to you by Tulla Mardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's.

[Alan Hahn]

Good.

[Don La Greca]

Sounds so good in the new studio. Knicks and the Kings tonight, everybody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why aren't you drinking coffee Now?

[Don La Greca]

Coverage right here on 880 follows Dan Grass at 10. Grass has got to do a full three hour show today. That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How long is he also on the three? I don't know, man. They should outlaw the 7:30 West coast start. Seriously. They should outlaw 7:30 starts period.

[Don La Greca]

Two of them. So you got the first of all. The Kings never start at 7:30. They're always a 7:00 vehicle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've said this many times. I think I might win if I ever run for president. I am doing away executive order. I am doing away with time change. We're just gonna. The whole country is gonna go under. Central time. Done.

[Don La Greca]

That's it.

[Alan Hahn]

So.

[Don La Greca]

And if you live on the west coast, too bad. It's gonna be dark for a while. That's all right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you'll take advantage of it. It'll be lighter later in the day.

[Alan Hahn]

Don feels very strongly about. This is a Titanic like takedown.

[Don La Greca]

I approve this message.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Time change. And can we stop it, please?

[Alan Hahn]

What?

[Don La Greca]

I mean, well, technically.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But they made these decisions before electricity. Right, but don't.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, isn't it technically though time does work that way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In what sense?

[Don La Greca]

Where we are here because of the sun and how that works.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. But now people on the east coast, we're the global village now, right?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where the Knicks are playing and it doesn't matter, they're 3,000 miles away. I can watch the game, I can listen to the game, I can feel like I'm a part of the game. But for some yo yo reason it starts three hours later. A 10:30 tip on a Monday. Come on man. And it hurts the ratings, right? I will try. It hurts the ratings on the West Coast, Peter. When the Lakers play the Knicks and.

[Alan Hahn]

It'S, you know, 4:30 in the afternoon, that part stinks. I will say this though. When I was young and I used to go to la, I hated football.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Times all the time.

[Alan Hahn]

As you get older though, and your natural wake up time becomes like 39am dude, you wake up on a Sunday, you could get through the Sunday night game and then go out to dinner.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah, like that. That is pretty tremendous.

[Don La Greca]

There's nothing better than that. So. Yes. So we have the 10 o'clock is your pregame right here in 8:80 for the Knicks and the Kings. I'll see you on msg. Bring a pillow. The Nets though.

[Alan Hahn]

Not for you. For those before.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, sure. The Nets and the Lakers though. The Lakers are in town. That's at 7:30. LeBron James now with the groin injury. That's not a good. Not good news for the Lakers.

[Alan Hahn]

I hear it's. I hear Stephen A. Gave him just a knee shot on the way out. You didn't hear that?

[Don La Greca]

How about that, that whole scenario.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One to two weeks, right?

[Don La Greca]

That's what they're saying. But we shall see. He is over 40 game time. Brought to you by Telemore Du the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cask matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey. During tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying. Tell them are due responsibly. Let's continue with your calls at 800 now and 93776. Let's go to Dave in East Northport. Hey Dave. Dave, how are you?

[E]

Hi. Yes, Peter, I did. Well, so I. I've been listening to you for I guess just like a couple years now. And I feel so bad because there's two celebrities who I love who just lost their dogs and they were very upset. You and Mrs. Kelly. Ripa Consuelos, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. About. About what you said about a week ago, I thought.

[E]

Yeah, I thought she was going to like quit the show. I mean she was that upset when she came out for the first time. In 27 years with no makeup, I think was once with, oh, I got.

[Alan Hahn]

I gotta watch that. I haven't seen her. I haven't seen her address that yet.

[E]

She was, I was like, I'm sitting there, I'm crying all by myself and then, and then like I'm driving home from work and like you now, I'm like, oh, my God. Like two, two major celebrities lost their dog within like two or three weeks of each other. I just felt so bad and I'm so sorry for you and for Natalie. It's. You know what? Because it's. I didn't grow up with any animals, but like my friends did and like I was always going over there to their house, you know, always playing with their dogs. It's like outside playing basketball, whatever. So when somebody who I love and like if someone dies, like, I'm sorry. Like, like, I know I don't know you personally, I know Kelly Ripa personally, but like, I was crying just now.

[Alan Hahn]

So thank you, man. I appreciate, I really appreciate the kind words, buddy. Thank you for the call and yeah, you know, listen and shout out to Kelly Ripa. Rosanna Scotto lost her dog last week. Lin Manuel Miranda. The last time I saw the Rock at Elimination Chamber, I went up to him and apologized because he had just put down Hobbs and Chris Carlin.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You missed Carlin.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh my God. I'm forgetting the person who I've been talking to on the phone, my dear friend Chris Carlin, who him and Cheryl lost Snooze last week. Listen, all I want to do is get rid of the concept that people have to feel embarrassed at all about being heartbroken about their dogs.

[Don La Greca]

Not at all. Like, listen, it's very relatable.

[Alan Hahn]

I'll tell you this right now. Think about the list of people who you would be as upset or more than your dog passing. When you really think about it, guys, it's a very limited list of people. It's like the people closest in your entire life. These, these, these animals are with you every second, man. And yeah, I've, I'm glad other people. I'm receiving so many sweet messages and so many people going through it. I don't know what's going on right now, but a lot of people going through it. I'm with you. And don't feel bad about feeling absolutely horrible.

[Don La Greca]

It's deep, it's incredibly relatable. And that's obviously.

[Alan Hahn]

And Alan, thank you for the stories you shared with me about your guys previous losses. And Don, you and Nancy's old dog. I mean, everyone's been through it. And yet when you ask people, they go, oh, it's like literally the worst thing I've ever gone through. I mean, it's right up there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nancy thought it was a nice touch with the song and she remembered and reminded me Brittany, her dog that we had to put down in 2003, the passenger by Iggy Pop. That was her song that she would put on.

[Alan Hahn]

That is so sweet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And yeah, so listen, every, everybody's got their own feelings about animals, but if you consider your pet part of your family, then how could you not react.

[Don La Greca]

Of course, that way? And that's again, we're all here for you. So are the callers, clearly as they're coming in. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[D]

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