Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Jets QB Situation and NFL Binge
Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Don La Greca (plus frequent contributors Tyler Kepner & Brian Costello)
Overview
Hour 2 of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg dives deep into the swirling uncertainty around the New York Jets’ quarterback situation, explores off-season NFL trade scenarios, and features classic banter around New York sports fan optimism (or lack thereof), head coach decision-making, and the pain of being a Jets or Giants fan. The hosts field lively calls, debate hypothetical QB trades, and react to Bill Barnwell’s proposed blockbuster off-season moves. The episode is equal parts therapy session, football analysis, and locker room humor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. NBA 'Elam Ending' and Record-Keeping (00:29–01:44)
- Hot Take: John Winthrop's off-air suggestion for making Elam Ending (target-score finish) a staple in NBA regular-season games.
- Pros: Every game ends on a walk-off, highly exciting finish.
- Cons: Radical format change, risks devaluing traditional stats/records, doesn’t work well in blowouts.
- Memorable exchange:
"[The Elam Ending] would be such a drastic change… it loses its luster in a setup where a team’s getting bludgeoned." — Tyler Kepner (01:10)
2. Jackson Dart Optimism & Giants Playoff Hopes (02:04–05:07)
- Comparing Giants’ recent moves to Ravens/Andy Reid eras.
The arrival of John Harbaugh as Giants HC triggers new hope, especially paired with young QB Jackson Dart. - Questioned Optimism:
"If you think Dart’s going to be that good I guess I kind of understand. I’m not ready to do that after 12 games though." — Brian Costello (02:26)
"Twilight Jackson Dart is Patrick Mahomes." — Tyler Kepner, sarcastically (03:23) - Realistic Fan Logic:
The optimism is emotionally necessary after years of futility:"Part of the reason I relate to it. I want hope... As a Jet fan, our hope was Aaron Rodgers, and then four plays in we lost all of it." — Brian Costello (05:07)
3. Jets QB Search: Realistic Options, Risks, and Reluctance (05:47–14:52)
- The “Choose Your Mid” Segment:
Jets’ choices are mostly stop-gap, mid-tier quarterbacks (Derek Carr, Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Jacoby Brissette, Jameis Winston). - Kyler Murray Skepticism:
Uncertainties around his contract, height, durability—especially given the Jets’ recent track record with injured QBs. - Mac Jones Debate:
- Is he worth a 2nd round pick?
- Does a new head coach with a “save-my-job” mentality risk mortgaging the future?
- Risk Highlight:
"Any move they make, it's a non starter to trade any of the 2027 picks... Ownership’s got to step in. Muji’s got to say, no chance." — Brian Costello (10:51)
- Head Coach Job Security Dilemma:
"If Aaron Glenn has conviction in Mac Jones... it’s worth it. We could disagree wholeheartedly, but if he believes that, that’s his best way to move forward." — Tyler Kepner (13:31)
- Ownership Intervention Paradox:
Torn between wanting ownership hands-off and needing them to intervene to prevent desperate moves:"We've become hypocrites because we want the owner to stay out of the way... but then when there's something happening we don't approve of, no." — Tyler Kepner (22:06)
4. Jet Fan Callers & Malik Willis Buzz (12:05; 18:19–20:35)
- Caller “Atlantic City Phil” asks: Should the Jets roll the dice on Malik Willis or "punt" on this season given the HC job is on the line?
“Dead man walking if he doesn’t win at least... seven games.” — Brian Costello (12:24)
- **Caller “David in Elizabeth” questions Kyler Murray hate; discussion lands on why Malik Willis is so expensive despite limited starts.
"The Malik Willis hype train has reached such levels of insanity, it’s kind of comedic..." — Tyler Kepner (18:36)
5. NFL Binge: Bill Barnwell’s Proposed Trades & League-wide Moves (32:06–43:51)
Segment begins: (32:06)
Jets-Cardinals
- Trade Proposal: Kyler Murray (plus a 6th) to Jets for 2026 4th.
"I'm out... I don't want to take on Kyler Murray." — Brian Costello (33:02)
Raiders-Bears
- Max Crosby to Bears for D.J. Moore and a 1st.
- Both hosts like it for Chicago—Crosby’s value probably will never be higher.
Bills-Jaguars
- Keon Coleman for Brian Thomas Jr., picks swapped.
- "If you can unlock whatever there is with Keon Coleman in Jacksonville... I really like that trade for both teams." — Tyler Kepner (36:05)
Tyreek Hill on the Move?
- Cut by Dolphins; rumors he’ll return to Chiefs, or could fit in Buffalo/Baltimore.
- "If I’m Buffalo... I’d be interested in Tyreek Hill. I know he’s coming off a brutal injury, but can’t do too much more of the like... the tight ends are our best skill positions." — Tyler Kepner (37:29)
Giants-Ravens
- Kayvon Thibodeaux to Ravens for a 2026 4th.
- Both hosts think the Giants would be “selling low” and should keep him, unless a better offer comes.
"If all you got was a 4th round pick? I’d rather get more or have a great start to the year..." — Brian Costello (39:33)
Broncos-Eagles: A.J. Brown
- A.J. Brown to Denver for picks and a cornerback; hosts love it for Denver, question if a 2nd and 5th is enough.
"Wouldn’t A.J. Brown cost more than a two and a five? He’s not worth a first round pick?" — Brian Costello (41:33) "He’s a pain in the ass... but how much is that because he knows his quarterback can’t consistently throw the football?" — Brian Costello (42:18)
6. Fan Frustration & Ownership Dilemma (Throughout, esp. 22:50–24:24)
- Jets fans are trapped between patience and impatience:
Ownership intervening too often vs. not enough."If you’re not gonna say, do what you want with the roster, just get rid of him [Glenn the coach]." — Tyler Kepner (22:58)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Jet Fan Hope:
"As a Jet fan, our hope was Aaron Rodgers. And then four plays in, we lost all of it." — Brian Costello (05:07)
- On Desperate QB Moves:
"Anytime you could get a guy who wasn’t very good the last time he played and is notoriously injured... You just gotta do it." — Brian Costello, sarcastically on Derek Carr (06:03)
- On Owner vs. GM/Coach Decision-Making:
"We've become hypocrites... we want the owner to stay out of the way, but then when there's something happening that we don't exactly approve of... No." — Tyler Kepner (22:06)
- On Jets' “QB carousel” history:
"How many years in a row are we going to go with three or four different Jets starting quarterbacks throughout a season?" — Brian Costello (17:05)
- On Trade Value:
"The package for him is never going to be larger than what it is right now." — Tyler Kepner on Max Crosby (35:10)
Key Timestamps
- NBA Hot Takes & Elam Ending: 00:29–01:44
- Jackson Dart/Giants Playoff Hopes: 02:04–05:07
- Jets QB Dilemma (Carr/Murray/Jones): 05:47–14:52
- Malik Willis Hype Train: 18:19–20:35
- Ownership/Management Philosophy Paradox: 22:06–23:36
- NFL Binge (Barnwell Trades etc.): 32:06–43:51
- Notable Trade Debate: A.J. Brown to Denver: 40:46–43:51
Tone & Style
The hour is a rapid-fire mix of sports logic, gallows humor, and straight fandom. The hosts oscillate between skeptical real talk ("I’m not trading premium assets for Mac Jones or giving up anything significant for Derek Carr...") and the necessary, sometimes delusional hope that powers NY sports fans. They’re as likely to needle one another about Valentine’s Day flower prices as to break down free agency—a blend of locker-room banter and sharp, insider football takes.
For Listeners Who Missed the Show
You’ll come away understanding:
- The current gridlock inside the Jets front office and coaching staff over chasing a quick-fix QB versus planning for the future.
- Why Giants and Jets fans alike are starved for hope and eyeing the 2027 draft as salvation.
- How big-name NFL players might be on the move this off-season—and which scenarios the hosts love/hate.
- That, in New York sports, misery still loves company—but the pod serves it up with style, savvy, and self-deprecating wit.