Right about now, each spring, NFL teams ask themselves the same question:

How soon is too soon to start a rookie quarterback?

There’s proof that patience pays off. (Mahomes, Rodgers, Young, etc.)

There’s proof that a baptism by fire can work. (Manning, Marino, etc.)

Matt Hasselbeck played 18 seasons in the NFL and studies the game extremely closely today. His litmus test is the best I’ve heard yet. He believes a young quarterback is ready for live snaps when that QB masters third-down protections. Understand this chaos? You’re ready.

He is a big believer in the clutch gene, too.

Here on the Go Long Podcast — our third time catching up — Hasselbeck offers his fresh insight at the sport’s most important position.

Hope you enjoy this one.

This episode is available in full to paid subscribers and I’ll transcribe later if words are preferred.

As a member, you’ll gain access to everything: all features, all pods and Bob McGinn’s 42nd annual draft series running now.

Topics on the pod with Hasselbeck include…

* What did Philip Rivers teach the NFL by playing well at 44? He sent one very clear message.

* What’s going on in Tom Brady’s mind?

* “News” is manufactured this time of year. It drives Hasselbeck mad. For some, draft season is the ultimate grift.

* Flag Football. Yay or nay?

* Why Hasselbeck believes Fernando Mendoza “checks all the boxes” and will excel in the pros with the Las Vegas Raiders. He calls the Indiana QB “amazing.”

* He saw a completely different Geno Smith in 2025 — on and off the field.

* Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson. The partnership worked in Year 1, following a tumultuous rookie season for the No. 1 pick. Why? And will it sustain? Hasselbeck was critical of the Bears QB before.

* Who ascends in ‘26? There’s one quarterback that Hasselbeck believes we do not discuss nearly enough: Brock Purdy. (Of course, he still loves Drake Maye, too.)

* Mike Evans may be the 49ers’ missing piece.

We’ve had Hasselbeck on the podcast twice before. He always brings the goods.

Here are those episodes and transcriptions, icymi.

We’ve gotten into Hasselbeck’s own rise at great length before.

Quarterback Bliss with Matt Hasselbeck (and words)

How Matt Hasselbeck learned to believe (and words)

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe