Podcast
Scoop City: Inside The NFL
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
Get the NFL stories others can’t. Scoop City, hosted by The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini, insider James Palmer, and ex-quarterback Chase Daniel, brings unmatched access and expert analysis. From behind-the-scenes scoops to deep dives on the biggest NFL stories, this is the intel every fan needs. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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Episodes
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Why Daniel Jones’ Future Isn’t Settled And Malik Willis Could Cash In
Mar 500:36:42Summary readyThe NFL offseason quarterback carousel is heating up, and the stakes are massive as the new league year approaches. Why did the Indianapolis Colts use the transition tag on Daniel Jones, and could another team still pry him away? Will the Green Bay Packers watch Malik Willis cash in on the open market after his growth behind Jordan Love? And what does Buffalo’s trade for wide receiver DJ Moore mean for Josh Allen and the Bills’ Super Bowl push?James Palmer opens the show with Colts beat writer James Boyd to break down Indianapolis’ decision to place the transition tag on Daniel Jones. What does the tag reveal about Chris Ballard’s long-term plans at quarterback, and was there any real risk the Colts could lose Jones in free agency? The conversation also explores the financial chess match the Colts are playing as they try to keep their roster competitive.The Colts’ offseason questions don’t stop at quarterback. Boyd and Palmer examine the growing market for wide receiver Alec Pierce and why teams around the league could drive his price sky-high. They also discuss the uncertain future of Anthony Richardson and whether another team might gamble on his rare traits despite his struggles in Indianapolis.Next, Palmer is joined by Packers writer Matt Schneidman to dive into one of the most fascinating names in free agency: Malik Willis. After developing under Matt LaFleur and learning in the same quarterback room as Jordan Love, what type of starter could Willis become for a team willing to bet on his upside?The show then shifts to the league’s biggest roster moves, including Buffalo’s trade for Chicago Bears receiver DJ Moore. Palmer explains why Joe Brady and the Bills believe Moore can elevate Josh Allen’s offense and how Khalil Shakir could see an expanded role in Buffalo. Plus, a look at how quarterback decisions around the league — including Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, and Kirk Cousins — could reshape the entire free agency landscape.Tell us your thoughts. Which quarterback landing spot are you watching most closely this offseason? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryEagles Offseason Chaos: A.J. Brown Rumors, Another New System For Jalen Hurts
Mar 400:48:59Summary readyThe NFL Scouting Combine is over, but the real work is just beginning — and today’s Scoop City is all about the conversations from Indianapolis where teams are staring at massive offseason crossroads. Can the Philadelphia Eagles keep their championship window open while reshaping the offense around Jalen Hurts, can the Kansas City Chiefs weaponize a rare top-10 pick, and can the Browns find any path out of quarterback chaos? What happens next for Philadelphia if A.J. Brown’s future stays uncertain, how aggressive will Kansas City get at No. 9, and can Cleveland rebuild an entire offense without a real foundation?We open with the Philadelphia Eagles with Brooks Kubena and the story hanging over the Eagles’ entire offseason: A.J. Brown. We unpack what it would take for this to get smoothed over, why the Eagles aren’t looking to “subtract” from a great roster, and why the phone will still get answered if the right offer comes in. From there we zoom in on Hurts and the offense, with Sean Mannion’s system pointing toward more zone run, more play-action, and a real opportunity to unlock DeVonta Smith at every level of the field.Next up, Jesse Newell joins from Indy to break down the Kansas City Chiefs’ strangest offseason in years — including what it means to finally pick inside the top 10. With Brett Veach weighing the rare value of premium positions in this range, we explore why edge rusher, wide receiver, or tackle could be the move, plus how trading down could fit a stars-and-scrubs roster build. And with Travis Kelce’s timeline hovering over everything, the Chiefs’ cap math gets real in a hurry.We close with Zac Jackson on the Cleveland Browns, where Todd Monken inherits a brutal reality: an offensive line in flux, a bottom-tier receiver room, and a quarterback situation that can change by the week. Zac lays out why tackle and wide receiver feel unavoidable at No. 6, why Deshaun Watson is more last resort than plan, and why names like Malik Willis and Shedeur Sanders are only part of a much bigger competition.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Who’s under the most pressure to get this offseason right: Howie Roseman with the Eagles, Brett Veach with the Chiefs, or the Browns trying to rebuild an offense from scratch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryQB Crisis: Would Vikings trade for Kyler Murray or sign Kirk Cousins?
Mar 200:59:10Summary readyThe NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and now it’s time to check the notes. Scoop City returns to dissect the combine, preview the franchise tag market, and discuss free agency possibilities. The Dallas Cowboys have officially tagged WR George Pickens, but what will the Indianapolis Colts do with theirs? Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce will have to wait and see.Meanwhile, the trade market is already heating up. On Monday, the Detroit Lions traded RB David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider, Dianna Russini, shares updates on other possible moves. What is the latest with the Philadelphia Eagles and WR A.J. Brown? Would a team like the Buffalo Bills try to add a weapon for Josh Allen? And are the Las Vegas Raiders ready to deal All-Pro DE Maxx Crosby? Russini shares the latest intel on which teams could be in the mix.Plus, what will the Minnesota Vikings do at quarterback? Are they willing to give J.J. McCarthy another chance, or will they pursue a veteran? Could a reunion with Kirk Cousins be in the works, or would they trade for Kyler Murray or Mac Jones? With the veteran market flooded, James Palmer and Chase Daniel offer insights on where the puzzle pieces might fit.Finally, we look at which quarterbacks impressed in Indianapolis. What do we make of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza post-combine? Where did Alabama’s Ty Simpson stand out most, and would the Los Angeles Rams target him in the first round? We also discuss whether a team will take a flyer on Arkansas QB Taylen Green after his impressive performance.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Join the conversation: Which veteran QB should the Vikings add this offseason? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryAre the Steelers trapped waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future?
Feb 2600:38:37Summary readyThe NFL Scouting Combine is quarterback chaos season — and Scoop City breaks down the biggest dominoes in Pittsburgh, New York, and Cincinnati. Will the Steelers get a faster answer from Aaron Rodgers this time? Do the Jets truly have a quarterback plan, or are they waiting for 2027? And is this finally the “now or never” year for Joe Burrow and the Bengals?We start in Pittsburgh with Mike DeFabo unpacking Omar Khan’s comments on Aaron Rodgers and why the Steelers believe this timeline won’t drag like last offseason. Is Mike McCarthy’s arrival about developing the next franchise quarterback or quietly aligning with Rodgers? The guys also hit Pittsburgh’s biggest roster needs — a true WR2 behind DK Metcalf, cornerback help, and how Jalen Ramsey could fit into a modern “big nickel” role.Next, Zach Rosenblatt joins to dissect the Jets’ quarterback mystery and Aaron Glenn’s “superpower” moment at the podium. Is this a bridge year with eyes on the 2027 draft class, or does New York swing for a stopgap like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones? They also debate Breece Hall’s future, the franchise tag value, and whether the Jets can afford to lose one of their few proven offensive weapons.Then Paul Dehner Jr. steps in to break down the Bengals’ defensive overhaul and the pressure mounting in Cincinnati. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins locked in, can Duke Tobin finally fix the defense with pass-rush help and veteran “force multipliers”? They also explore the No. 10 pick — including the possibility of Caleb Downs — and why this season feels like a defining crossroads for Zac Taylor.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Get in on the debate: Which team needs to address long-term plan at quarterback more — the Steelers or the Jets? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWill Raiders gamble future and deal Maxx Crosby & what’s A.J. Brown’s future in Philly?
Feb 2500:41:25Summary readyThe NFL Scouting Combine is officially trade season — and Scoop City is live in Indianapolis where Maxx Crosby rumors, A.J. Brown questions, quarterback chaos, and a new Giants power structure are dominating the league. Will the Raiders actually move Crosby if he wants out? Are the Eagles quietly preparing for life after A.J. Brown? Where does Kirk Cousins land in a weird QB market? And can the Giants’ John Harbaugh era reshape New York fast enough to maximize Jaxson Dart?James Palmer and Dianna Russini kick things off from Indy, where every elevator ride feels like a Super Bowl reunion and every dinner turns into a front-office summit. They break down why the combine is the league’s negotiation ground zero, how agents float interest without showing their hand, and why next week is when the real movement begins.One of the biggest storylines: Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders publicly insist they want to keep their star pass rusher, but teams are already checking in with his camp to gauge interest and price. James and Dianna unpack what a Micah Parsons–level trade package could look like, why Baltimore and Dallas are fascinating fits.Then it’s Philadelphia and the future of A.J. Brown. The Eagles say they want him back, but conversations are happening, and the possibility of a clean, drama-free split is very real. The guys debate whether Devonta Smith is ready for a full-blown leap, why Philly trusts its ability to draft another impact receiver.Quarterback intrigue follows with Kirk Cousins re-entering the offseason spotlight. Minnesota may not be as obvious as it seems with J.J. McCarthy’s development a priority, and teams like Cleveland or others needing veteran stability could emerge.Charlotte Carroll joins to break down the New York Giants’ new era under John Harbaugh, the power structure with Joe Schoen, and what the No. 5 pick could mean — including buzz around Caleb Downs, Malik Nabers’ recovery, and building the right support system for Jaxson Dart.James Boyd closes the show with a deep dive on the Colts’ quarterback dilemma: Daniel Jones leverage, franchise tag strategy, Anthony Richardson’s alarming vision injury, Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. contract math, and mounting pressure on Chris Ballard.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Get on the debate: Which domino falls first — Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown, or a surprise quarterback move? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy Patrick Mahomes may not be enough to turn around the Chiefs in 2026?
Feb 2300:40:14Summary readyIt’s NFL Scouting Combine week — and Scoop City takes you inside the most important evaluation stretch of the offseason, from quarterback interviews to roster shakeups that could reshape 2026. What do the Chiefs do next around Patrick Mahomes? Can the Ravens unlock another level with Lamar Jackson? Are the Broncos headed for regression after a magical run? And which teams are quietly setting themselves up for a bounce-back year?James Palmer and Chase Daniel open with a firsthand look at the combine grind, breaking down what quarterbacks really face in Indy — from uncomfortable team interviews to throwing sessions that can change draft stock in a single rep. Chase explains how coaches compare QBs side-by-side, why mental toughness matters as much as arm talent, and how teams evaluate everything from body language to leadership between drills. It’s a rare inside look at how prospects are judged long before draft night.From there, the conversation turns teams that can bounce back in 2026. Kansas City will head into the offseason with Patrick Mahomes rehabbing an injury. The guys also discuss Travis Kelce’s uncertain future and how the Chiefs may attack the draft to counter deep coverages and rebuild explosive playmaking.Next up: Baltimore as James makes his case for the Ravens as a major 2026 bounce-back team. With Lamar Jackson facing a massive contract moment and a new offensive staff pushing for near-perfect offseason attendance, the pressure is on to elevate chemistry and consistency.Then comes the flip side — which contender might take a step back — with Denver landing squarely in the spotlight. James explains why fourth-quarter magic, elite defensive health, and favorable breaks are hard to replicate, especially in a tougher AFC West. They also touch on Bo Nix’s development, roster needs, and what Sean Payton must add to keep the Broncos from sliding backward in 2026.The show wraps with Chase “breaking the internet” over a backwards hat debate that somehow turned into a full-blown social media momentDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a Scoop City drop.Let us know your thoughts in the comment: Which team do you think is most likely to bounce back in 2026? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryCowboys Biggest Offseason Problem: Keep George Pickens in Dallas
Feb 1900:54:24Summary readyNFL free agency season is here, and today’s Scoop City is your roadmap to another wild offseason. Which teams will win the bidding wars for impact talent, where will the quarterback market land, and who’s ready to make the move that changes the 2026 season? Are the Dallas Cowboys about to swing big for a star, can the Miami Dolphins solve their QB problem, what should the Los Angeles Chargers prioritize, and which contender will own the trenches this spring?James Palmer is joined by The Athletic’s Dan Popper to break down his massive ranking of the NFL’s top 150 free agents and what it tells us about where roster-building is headed. The conversation starts where every offseason starts: quarterback, and why Malik Willis might be the most fascinating name on the market once the contracts and leverage points come into focus.Then the spotlight shifts to the running back market and why the NFL’s recent Super Bowl blueprint has teams recommitting to the ground game. The guys break down how “weapon backs” are changing the economics of the position, why explosiveness is becoming a premium trait, and how teams will weigh upside, durability, and role versatility when spending in free agency.Next, it’s all about the trenches and how Seattle and New England reinforced a copycat trend that’s defining modern contenders. James and Dan walk through why quality offensive tackles rarely hit the market, why interior defensive linemen can tilt entire defenses, and how overspending on mid-tier linemen has become the fastest way to derail an offseason plan.Finally, James is joined by The Athletic’s Cowboys insider John Machota to size up Dallas’ appetite for headline moves, starting with the George Pickens contract question and the reality of playing on a tag. They dig into the Cowboys’ defensive direction under new coordinator Christian Parker, what positions Dallas must target next, and whether a blockbuster like Maxx Crosby in a Cowboys jersey is even remotely possible.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications…Get in on the conversation. Tell us which team has to be aggressive this offseason to turn things around in 2026? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryInside John Harbaugh's frantic start at Giants head coach
Feb 1800:43:49Summary readyWhat was John Harbaugh’s start like as head coach of the New York Giants? Why will Fernando Mendoza succeed in the NFL? And which position group is worth watching at the NFL Combine?Scoop City takes you inside the Giants’ facility as Harbaugh begins his next chapter as the face of the franchise, alongside The Athletic’s Ian O'Connor. We dive into the process of Harbaugh becoming the next head coach. Plus, O’Connor shares why Harbaugh is confident in the staff he has built in New York.Next week, the Giants will be among the teams scouting prospects at the 2026 NFL Combine. The Athletic’s national college football insider, Bruce Feldman, previews this year’s event. How did Indiana’s Mendoza go from a two-star recruit to the projected top pick in the NFL Draft? Which QB will be taken off the board after Mendoza? And which position groups will be the most interesting to watch at the combine? Feldman shares insights on the top prospects the college game has to offer.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.How many games will Harbaugh win in his first year with the Giants? Leave us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryWhy Fernando Mendoza is the clear No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Feb 1600:52:07Summary readyThe NFL's next QB Era begins to take shape on this can’t-miss episode of Scoop City. Are the Las Vegas Raiders ready to build around Fernando Mendoza? Which teams will win the quarterback shuffle, and who could be on the move via trade or free agency? James Palmer and Chase Daniel dive headfirst into a QB-heavy breakdown with massive stakes for the 2026 season.We start with a full scouting-room conversation on Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall pick, and what separates him as a franchise quarterback. Chase breaks down Mendoza’s toughness, processing, and ceiling, while James explores how his skill set could fit in Las Vegas with Klint Kubiak and a roster still searching for stability. From footwork to football IQ, it’s a true tell-all from a quarterback’s perspective on what Mendoza must master to succeed right away.Next, the conversation widens to the rest of the draft class, including Ty Simpson and other rising prospects, plus what teams are really evaluating during combine meetings, interviews, and early installs. Chase explains why some quarterbacks climb boards once coaches get them in the room and how traits like playing under center, handling play-action, and learning speed can quietly reshape Round 1 projections.Then comes the quarterback carousel, with trade and free-agent scenarios flying across the league. The guys break down potential landing spots for Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, and more, while unpacking how contracts, guarantees, and draft capital complicate every move. From Minnesota to New York, this is the real chess match behind the NFL’s offseason quarterback market.We close with a candid discussion on the NFLPA facility report cards disappearing, why they mattered inside locker rooms, and how they helped improve player conditions across the league.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss Scoop City.Tell us: What is your dream pairing this offseason for a QB on the move via trade or free agency? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SummaryPatriots Cinderella Story Turns To A Reality Check For a Super Bowl Return
Feb 1200:42:30Summary readySuper Bowl fallout meets offseason urgency on today’s episode of Scoop City. Why is the Seahawks’ championship parade so important to fans in Seattle? How do the Patriots reset after coming up short? Can Baltimore lead the rebound class in 2026? And which non-playoff teams are truly built to bounce back next season?The Seattle Seahawks kick things off with their Super Bowl victory parade, and we bring you the sights and sounds from Seattle — including Sam Darnold soaking in the moment after delivering the franchise its second Lombardi Trophy. James Palmer sets the stage for what this title means for the Seahawks moving forward and why their window may just be opening.Then it’s a deep dive on the New England Patriots with The Athletic’s Chad Graff, breaking down the mood inside New England after the Super Bowl loss. We tackle Drake Maye’s growth, Mike Vrabel’s message to the locker room, offensive line priorities, and what realistic expectations look like in 2026 as the Patriots try to build on Year 1 of their new era.From there, Mike Jones joins the show to walk through his rankings of the teams that missed the postseason and are best positioned to rebound. We hit on the Kansas City Chiefs’ urgency around Patrick Mahomes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ reset under Todd Bowles, the Cincinnati Bengals’ hopes with Joe Burrow returning, the Detroit Lions’ belief that their core players are still playoff-ready, and the Baltimore Ravens turning the page with new head coach Jesse Minter.Mike Jones then goes deeper on the 2026 coaching cycle and what stood out across the league as teams reposition for another Super Bowl push. What hires made the most sense, and which others left you wanting more?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Scoop City.Let us know which team you think is best set up to rebound in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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