NFL Cover Zero: NFL Free Agency and Chargers CB Cam Hart

Hosted by: Drew Franklin (filling in for Matt Jones) & Billy Ralidge
Date: March 18, 2026
Podcast: NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin (iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

This episode, recorded the day after St. Patrick's Day, features Drew Franklin and guest host Billy Ralidge (subbing in for Matt Jones) breaking down the wild 2026 NFL free agency period and sharing personal football moments. The centerpiece is an in-depth, lighthearted interview with LA Chargers cornerback and former Notre Dame captain Cam Hart, covering his rookie season, team changes, football culture, and more—the perfect tie-in with St. Patrick’s Day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cover Zero Check-In & Free Agency Reactions

• Setting the Scene: Drew fills in for Matt (delayed by snow), jokes about Billy not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day and reminisces about the Super Bowl trip (02:31–03:33).
• Personal Highlights: Both hosts still “pinching” themselves over being at the Super Bowl; Billy still wears his SB hat, his wife finds it annoying (03:15–03:33).
• Free Agency Rundown:
  • Mike Evans to 49ers: Billy, a self-proclaimed Bucs fan, laments seeing Evans chase a ring in San Francisco, noting “he hasn’t played a full season in years” (04:08–04:41).
  • Other Signings: Discussion of risky veteran acquisitions, injuries, and players seeking rings late in their careers (04:43–05:04).
  • Kyler Murray to Vikings: A surprise, both for his sentimental fit and Minnesota feeling “egg on their face” after Sam Darnold’s success elsewhere (05:31–06:16).
  • Max Crosby Trade Drama: The failed move to the Ravens, with Tennessee and Cincinnati implications, is called “an adventure” and “bizarre” (07:44–08:35).
  • Travis Kelce’s Return to KC & Justin Fields Signing: Noted as a surprise after speculation over retirement (07:14–07:26).

2. Titans Fandom & Fan Moments (08:45–13:43)

• Drew’s Titans Journey: After a grumpy few years, Drew’s excitement is rekindled by new acquisitions (esp. Kentucky alumnus Wan’Dale Robinson) and Brian Daboll arriving as OC (08:51–09:39).
• Superfan Surprise: Drew recounts being surprised at the SEC tourney by Titans cheerleaders gifting him a customized new Titans jersey, engineered by Billy (09:39–11:09).
• New Stadium Anticipation: Drew considers buying a PSL to create new family traditions (11:52–12:54).
• Bills “Flirtation” Story: Briefly recounts Titans wooing him back after he nearly switched allegiances (12:54–13:26).

3. Cam Hart Interview – LA Chargers CB & Notre Dame Captain

[Start of Interview: 18:39]

NFL, Team Culture & Adjustments (18:50–20:17)

• Season Recap: Cam praises the Chargers’ positive momentum under coach Mike McDaniel and Chris O’Leary:

  “I think it was just a big building point...we’re turning in the right direction” (19:18–19:39).

• On Mike McDaniel’s Style: Cam diplomatic, says, “You got to be yourself” when asked about the coach’s fashion (19:59–20:03).
• Impact of Injuries: The O-line carousel deeply affected team chemistry:

  "No offensive line is a position where camaraderie is a big thing...just having that many different combinations, it has to be tough" (20:17–20:50).

Notre Dame Leadership & Coach Freeman (20:51–22:15)

• Captaincy Meaning:

  “That’s something I remember for the rest of my life. Being captain at Notre Dame…just having the respect from my teammates and coaches, that’s a big thing for me” (20:58–21:16).

• Coach Freeman’s Appeal: On his success:

  “He’s very personable. You can go to Coach Freeman about anything. I think he understands his players.” (21:55–22:15)

• NFL Potential:

  "I do think that he would be successful in the NFL. He’s played in the NFL. He has experience and he understands what it’s like to be a player at a high level." (22:39)

Trash Talk, Rivalries & Matchups (23:01–24:22)

• Reluctant Trash Talker: Cam admits to a little, but highlights Stefon Diggs as a worthy verbal foe due to their shared high school roots (23:09–23:27).
• Toughest Receivers: Names Jamar Chase, Puka Nacua, and JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba), stressing their YAC and route-running (23:53–24:22).

Chargers Fans & International Football (24:22–25:30)

• Fan Base Defense:

  "If you look at the attendance from the NFL, Chargers is top 10...the fanbase has backed us all year. I think it’s continuing to grow." (24:50)

• International Game in Brazil: Cam marvels at seeing so many diverse jerseys and the spectacle of global fandom (25:13–25:22).

Locker Room Culture & Justin Herbert Gossip (25:30–26:06)

• On Herbert’s Celebrity Relationship:

  “He doesn’t talk about much other than football...once social media started posting [about Madison Beer], that’s when I found out about it.” (25:49)

• Locker Room Banter: Players only learn about each other’s personal lives via social media (26:00).

Notre Dame/Michigan Beef & Harbaugh (29:59–31:09)

• Rivalry Feelings: Cam admits,

  “I personally hate Michigan. I think ‘cause I wanted to go to Michigan in high school and Coach Harbaugh didn’t offer me.” (30:21–30:29)

• On Harbaugh as Coach:

  “I’ve grown to love Coach Harbaugh…I mean, the dude knows how to win. All he cares about is football, and that’s all you can ask for.” (30:51–31:09)

Political Science, Law School & Post-Football Plans (31:09–32:20)

• Why Political Science? Cam eyed being a sports agent or going to law school, not politics:

  “No, I don’t follow politics as much as you would think. I think it’s very polarizing.” (31:50–32:17)

• Agent Dreams: Might pursue that path after football.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cam Hart on Injuries and Team Chemistry:

  “You lose two all Pro tackles, that’s going to impact any football team...no offensive line is a position where camaraderie is a big thing.” (20:17)

• On Notre Dame Captaincy:

  “That wasn't one of my dreams...but it just happened. Just having the respect...I’ll carry that the rest of my life.” (20:58)

• Asked if there’s one receiver who stands out as a trash-talker:

  “Stefon Diggs talks a lot of trash. We went to the same high school, so that was a battle I always looked forward to.” (23:19–23:27)

• On being snubbed by Michigan:

  “I personally hate Michigan...I wanted to go to Michigan in high school and [Harbaugh] didn’t offer me.” (30:21–30:29)

• Asked about politics after studying it:

  “No, I don’t follow politics as much as you would think. I think it’s very polarizing...the more people talk about it, the crazier it gets.” (31:50–32:06)

Key Timestamps

• 02:31: Show begins, Super Bowl recap, Matt is absent due to snow.
• 03:50: Free agency rapid-fire – Mike Evans, Kyler Murray, Max Crosby.
• 08:45: Drew’s Titans fandom reignited, surprise fan experience.
• 17:25: Teaser for Cam Hart interview.
• 18:39: Cam Hart interview begins.
• 19:18: Cam on Chargers’ season and coaching changes.
• 20:17: O-line injuries and their impact.
• 20:51: Being Notre Dame captain, lessons learned.
• 21:55: Coach Freeman’s strengths and methods.
• 23:09: Trash talk and rivalry stories.
• 24:50: Defending Chargers fandom and LA presence.
• 25:30: Locker room tales: Herbert’s celebrity life.
• 30:21: Michigan/Notre Dame rivalry, Harbaugh snub.
• 31:50: Political science major and post-football plans.
• 32:31: Interview wraps, reflection on Cam Hart.

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

Friendly, irreverent, sports-radio style—full of inside jokes (jabs about not wearing green, Super Bowl hangovers), personal fandom anecdotes, and a celebratory but grounded attitude toward football and its personalities. Cam Hart is approachable, candid, and playful throughout.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is an ideal mix of sharp NFL insight and offbeat football radio, combining hot takes on the latest free agency circus with unique stories from “football for the rest of us.” The Cam Hart interview is notably engaging—he’s honest about football adversity and success, rivalries, locker room dynamics, and aspirations beyond football. Whether you care about wild free agency swings or personal journeys from South Bend to LA, the podcast delivers with style and substance.