Nightcap Podcast – "Deebo & Joe - Part 1: Maxx Crosby TRADED to Ravens, Steelers SEARCHING for QB Answers"
Release Date: March 9, 2026
Hosts: James "Deebo" Harrison & Joe Haden
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Shay Shay Media
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, NFL veterans Deebo Harrison and Joe Haden dive into the frenzy of NFL free agency, offering their raw reactions to major moves, particularly the blockbuster trade of Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. The duo also breaks down ongoing quarterback questions for the Pittsburgh Steelers, evaluates possible receiving targets, debates rumors about star players, and delivers their signature, unfiltered football insights—with plenty of banter and memorable moments along the way.
Key Discussion Points & Timestamps
1. NFL Free Agency Kicks Off: Excitement and Overview
Timestamp: 04:08 – 04:30
- Joe Haden opens with enthusiasm about the fast-paced nature of free agency, emphasizing the excitement as teams scramble to reshape their rosters.
- "A lot of people, a lot of action. Things are happening as we speak right now, this very moment. So I'm loving this part of the off season..." —Joe Haden [04:11]
2. The Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Options & Calm Amidst the Chaos
Timestamp: 04:51 – 15:33
The Quarterback Conundrum
- Deebo and Joe tackle ongoing Steelers QB chatter. Both urge Steelers Nation not to panic, emphasizing that the team doesn't need to rush a QB decision in this year’s draft or free agency.
- Joe highlights how "It's not happening in this draft... Sometimes it's not the smartest move for them to make the quickest one, you know what I'm saying?" [05:08 & 05:47]
- Praise for Will Howard’s potential, and acknowledgment of Malik Willis as a candidate, though cost and competition may be barriers.
- Notably, Deebo shares: “Mike McCarthy... He said, ‘I'm really excited about Will Howard. I'm anxious to get to work with him. I love the way he plays the game.’” [08:55]
- Discussion of whether Steelers will return to veteran QB options (e.g., waiting on “Rogers” who may still be considering Pittsburgh), and affirmation that management is content to wait and see. [10:10–11:01]
Receivers on the Radar
- Focus shifts to the WR room: candidates named include Alec Pierce, Wandell Robinson and Romeo Doubs.
- Breakdowns:
- Alec Pierce — “That’s real life. Deep threat, 40, 40 inch vertical. Ball skills is nice. He, he's a high point catcher...” —Deebo [12:03]
- Wandell Robinson — “As a possession receiver... that's a guarantee. We need that.” —Joe [12:32]
- Romeo Doubs — “He does all of the dirty work. He blocks, he catches. He doesn't make a lot of noise, but he goes out there and gets it done.” —Joe [13:08]
- The hosts lean toward “prove-it deals” and undervalued talent, cautioning against chasing big names for the sake of headlines.
TJ Watt Trade Rumors – Shot Down
- Deebo addresses media noise about trading TJ Watt: “We ain't trading TJ Watt. He ain't going nowhere, man.” [14:11]
- Emphasis that the Steelers "don't do business like that" despite outside speculation, and Watt's recent lucrative extension is a factor. [14:25-14:53]
3. Speculative Scenario: Would You Trade TJ Watt for Two First-Round Picks?
Timestamp: 15:34–22:24
- Deebo presents a hypothetical: "If they came to you and said, hey, we want TJ, and give two first-round picks… what would you do?"
- Joe wrestles with the business side: “It pains me to say it… but once you get to that second and third contract… what have you done for me lately?... But like you said, if they talking two first round picks, you gotta ask and… answer the call. See what you're talking about.” [20:51]
- Both conclude it remains highly unlikely, but real business talks always entertain major offers.
4. Ravens Make a Statement: Maxx Crosby TRADED from Raiders to Ravens
Timestamp: 22:24–27:06
- Deebo breaks the news of the blockbuster: Baltimore acquires Maxx Crosby from the Raiders for two first-round picks (2026 & 2027).
- “The damn Ravens went and got Maxx Crosby... two first rounds... Dude done had... 69 and a half sacks since 2019!” —Deebo [22:24]
- Context: Baltimore’s past struggles closing out games; Crosby is expected to instantly impact their late-game defense.
- Joe analyzes the move: “With me, I’m rockin’ with the Ravens because they're like, their window’s closing. We got Lamar Jackson. He’s not getting any younger. We need to turn this up… Let's go get a Maxx Crosby that we know.” [24:00]
- Both praise Baltimore’s all-in mentality, understanding the gamble in mortgaging the future for a known elite commodity.
Cap Space & Roster Impact
- Discussion on Ravens’ salary cap future post-trade, big contracts, and potential restructuring needs.
- “They got 65% of a cap taken by five players. Lamar Jackson is 25 alone... I don’t know how much you’ve helped yourself here because you got a lot going on, but they your problems and I'm glad y' all got them.” —Deebo [25:49]
Chemistry Concerns
- Acknowledge potential locker room and coaching staff issues: “The new OC said something goofy about Lamar not being there in camp... that’s not a good look.” [26:49]
5. Maxx Crosby’s Goodbye & Fallout Across the AFC North
Timestamp: 28:22–32:51
Crosby’s Emotional Farewell
- Chief shares Crosby’s message to Raider Nation: “Ever since I’ve been here, man, I’ve had one goal and one mission: that’s become the best version of myself and help bring a championship back to the Raider organization... I’ve given my heart and soul, and I feel like I let y'all down, man.” —Maxx Crosby (clip played) [29:00]
Reaction from AFC North Stars
-
Deebo plays audio of Bengals’ Jamar Chase learning the news in real time.
- "No, no, brother. I'm highly pissed right now. Oh my God. Oh my God. How the do we let this go... to the division, bro?" —Jamar Chase (reacting) [31:32]
-
Discussion of the challenge now facing Joe Burrow, who “got these three monsters over here... I gotta see twice a year loading up on me, TJ [Watt], and now y'all done brought Crosby over here, bruh.” —Deebo [32:33]
-
The hosts joke about recruiting Burrow to the Steelers to protect him from the conference’s defensive nightmares.
6. The Raiders, Tom Brady, and the Patriots Non-Trade
Timestamp: 36:48–41:59
- Reports that Patriots requested Maxx Crosby, but owner Tom Brady reportedly refused to send him to New England, despite interest.
- "No way Tom was sending Max to [the] VA... Tom said he wasn't having it." —Deebo [36:48]
- Joe and Deebo debate whether Brady is prioritizing legacy over business: “I think Tom said, hell no, I'm not sending him over there and giving them a rusher like that... I can't have him up there erasing my legacy as a Patriot." —Deebo [39:57]
7. Browns: Miles Garrett “MIA” with New DC?
Timestamp: 42:26–46:11
- Browns reportedly haven't connected star DE Miles Garrett with their new defensive coordinator.
- Deebo stirs the pot, “How hard is it to make a phone call?... TJ Watt done talked to his D coordinator.” [43:35]
- Joe defends Garrett, saying it’s the offseason: “It's not even... He's Miles Garrett. He's going to be there on time, ready to perform. What are we going to talk about right now during the offseason?” [44:03]
8. Eagles Lock Down Jordan Davis – New Highest Paid Nose Tackle
Timestamp: 47:15–51:07
- Deebo announces massive 3-year, $78 million extension for Jordan Davis, making him the highest paid nose tackle ever ($65 million guaranteed).
- “That makes him the highest paid nose tackle in NFL history... the dude is just a straight up monster.” —Deebo [47:15]
- Joe rejoins after a technical hiccup, praising the move: “That's a way to do it... Everybody's getting that bag.” [50:33]
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Steelers fans panicking:
“I can see when some people want Malik [Willis] and they will start panicking... but I’m in the mind frame where, don’t rush. We still do [have] Will.” —Joe Haden [05:39] -
On Ravens' Crosby trade:
“Let's go get a Maxx Crosby... We need to turn this up... Those first round picks in the future, I don't know. We don't expect to be picking high in the first round anyway. Let's get a guaranteed certified baller.” —Joe Haden [24:00] -
On AFC North arms race:
“Burrow text him, bruh. I got these three monsters over here, man, I gotta see twice a year loading up on me, TJ [Watt], and now y'all done brought Crosby over here, bruh.” —Deebo [32:44] -
On Tom Brady’s decision:
“I think the deal was less. I think [Brady] would have took... Oh no, Tom, come on, man. Tighten up, brother.” —Joe Haden [38:26] -
On Jordan Davis’s new contract:
“That's what you do. You make yourself unable to be let go and they gotta pay you more and more... That's how you do it, you hear me, people?” —Deebo [48:33]
Final Thoughts
This Nightcap episode is a must for fans eager for instant, honest reactions to major offseason NFL news. The hosts’ blend of inside perspective, humor, and banter makes even dense football talk accessible and compelling. The rare, raw audio from players like Jamar Chase and Maxx Crosby’s farewell help paint a vivid picture of how trades ripple through the league. Deebo and Joe keep it real—sometimes stirring the pot, sometimes dishing out hard wisdom, but always entertaining.
Key Timestamps (Quick Reference)
- Steelers QB situation: 04:51 – 11:01
- Wide receivers discussion: 11:15 – 13:32
- TJ Watt trade rumors/speculation: 14:11 – 22:24
- Maxx Crosby trade reaction: 22:24 – 27:06, 28:22 – 32:51
- Jamar Chase/Burrow’s reaction: 31:32 – 32:51
- Patriots/Crosby/Brady legacy discussion: 36:48 – 41:59
- Miles Garrett “MIA” topic: 42:26 – 46:11
- Jordan Davis contract: 47:15 – 51:07
