Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Eagles Offseason Chaos: A.J. Brown Rumors, Another New System for Jalen Hurts
Date: March 4, 2026
Host: James Palmer (The Athletic)
Guests: Brooks Cabina (Eagles insider), Jesse Newell (Chiefs), Zach Jackson (Browns)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deeply into the Philadelphia Eagles’ turbulent offseason, including swirling rumors about A.J. Brown, the prospect of another new offensive system for Jalen Hurts, and key roster decisions in Philadelphia. The show then pivots to detailed analysis and updates on the Kansas City Chiefs’ rare high draft pick and offseason crossroads, and concludes with a candid look at the Cleveland Browns’ complete offensive line overhaul and quarterback quagmire.

The tone is insider-driven, honest, and laced with humor, with all three guests giving listeners informed, on-the-ground perspectives.

1. Philadelphia Eagles: Offseason Priorities & Turmoil

Draft and Roster Strategy

• Offensive Line Rebuild at the Forefront

  • Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson’s injuries last year were red flags—both return, but the line is aging and vulnerable ([03:26]).
  • Cam Jurgens, the starting center, is receiving stem cell treatment for his back. Depth and health issues demand urgent investment through the draft or free agency.
  • Brooks Cabina:

    “Within a couple of years, you could think, all right, you had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. And then all of a sudden, it could be in the bottom pretty quickly if you’re not addressing that.” ([03:26])

• Edge Rusher in Focus

  • Jalen Phillips was acquired midseason; the goal is to re-sign him, but his injury history (Achilles and ACL tears) casts uncertainty ([04:35]).
  • Key question: If not Jalen Phillips, who deserves a big deal at edge?
  • The Eagles want to avoid repeating the swing-and-miss of the Bryce Huff signing, where a marquee acquisition was later a healthy Super Bowl scratch.

• Linebacker Dilemma & Nakobe Dean

  • Brooks expects Nakobe Dean to leave, despite his leadership, due to injury history and last year’s first-round pick Jahad Campbell ([07:41]).
  • The team faces a choice between Dean’s intangibles and Campbell’s upside.
  • James Palmer:

    “This is kind of a crux point in the middle of that defense about how he [Howie Roseman] has to make some of these difficult decisions.” ([09:08])

A.J. Brown: Trade Rumors and Locker Room Dynamic

• Eagles leadership, including Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni, publicly want Brown back, but he was dissatisfied and withdrawn late last season ([09:52]).
• The Eagles aren't shopping Brown, but they will listen to offers—if the price is right, he could be gone, but there’s still a path to reconciliation if he buys into the new offensive system.
• Brooks Cabina:

  “You don’t do that by subtracting… if a trade market comes to it, where the calculus works out, I could see a scenario where AJ Brown is not playing for the Eagles next year.” ([09:52])

Devonta Smith & The New Offensive System

• Smith’s untapped versatility could be maximized whether or not Brown stays.
• Nick Sirianni to Palmer:

  "I think there's really nothing that Devontae Smith can’t do on a football field. We need to find more ways to utilize Smitty." ([12:08])

• Incoming OC Shawn Manion (from the Shanahan tree) will feature more zone running, play-action, expanded under-center looks, and upgrades to tight end blocking.

Jalen Hurts: Another New Coordinator

• Main Challenge: Trust and Adaptation — Hurts’ most vital next step is buying into yet another new play-caller.
• Brooks Cabina:

  “From what I’ve covered with Jalen Hurts, I think the number one thing is trust in the system, in the coach... he will be like, I really want to understand what it is we’re doing, because I know what I’m good at.” ([16:30])

• Hurts is self-aware, willing to evolve, but lack of continuity is his biggest obstacle. Both system and staff need to present “conviction” for Hurts to commit.
• Palmer calls Jalen’s self-awareness “one of his superpowers” ([18:51]).

Memorable Segment:
Brooks and James reminisce about calling Devonta Smith’s stardom early—“a couple of guys know what they’re talking about here.” ([15:38])

2. Kansas City Chiefs: Rare High Draft Pick & Aging Core

Draft Strategy: Unusual Opportunity

• Chiefs, for the first time in years, pick at #9. Last time they picked this high, they selected Patrick Mahomes (after a big trade-up) ([23:43]).

• Both hosts agree this is a rare, invaluable asset for KC. Wide receiver, edge rusher, or tackle are likely—especially since premium players at these positions are costly in free agency.

• Jesse Newell:

  “This is an asset they don’t get... They’re usually 29, 30, 31, 32, waiting and hoping other teams let someone fall. Now you get a crack at something that doesn’t happen very often.” ([24:32])

Free Agency & Trade Outlook

• Chiefs likely to sign a running back in free agency, not at #9.
• Brett Veach may consider trading down if the right player isn’t available at 9 ([27:00]), especially since trading up is his usual move.
• Chiefs’ cap situation means they need stars on rookie contracts but also cheap contributors.

Travis Kelce: Return or Retirement?

• Unlike last offseason, no official answer yet; Chiefs are giving Kelce space, possibly announcing on his (hugely popular) podcast ([30:09]).
• His contract will be trickier due to cap constraints, but both believe he should be back for at least one more year.
• James Palmer:

  “He’s not Travis of old, but maybe we should remember that this guy understands space better than anybody on the planet.” ([32:31])

Tyreek Hill Reunion?

• Hill wants a Chiefs return and is openly courting the team ([33:53]), but health is a major issue after a serious injury, and complicated off-field considerations (including young WRs with their own concerns).
• Jesse Newell:

  “Tyreek, from what we’ve seen on social media... wants to be back with the Chiefs... But I’d be surprised if it happened.” ([34:28])

3. Cleveland Browns: Offensive Line Exodus & Quarterback Uncertainty

The “Miracle Worker” Task for New Coach Todd Monken

• Monken inherits a stripped-down group—almost the entire starting O-line is likely leaving:

  “The whole offensive line’s leaving, the quarterback situation’s a wreck, and the receiving core is generously bottom three. This offense stinks and has stunk...” — Zach Jackson ([39:35])

• Browns have six OL free agents, no proven starters lined up.

Offseason Priorities: Tackle and WR Must Be Addressed

• With picks at 6 and 24, expect the Browns to go OT and WR in some order ([41:58]).
• There’s zero depth at both, and no room for best-player-available strategizing. Jackson expects a “strong percentage” chance the draft starts with tackle/WR ([43:44]).

Quarterback Carousel

• Deshaun Watson is only on the team because of contract guarantees—“he’s never taken over the building as a great player or dynamic leader... out since October 2024... Based on the 19 games we’ve seen, he has played three good games. It’s been awful.” ([45:18])
• Shadour Sanders: Young, raw, flashes moments, but extremely unproven; Malik Willis or other QBs could be brought in for competition.
• 12 different Browns QBs have started since 2023; the position remains deeply unsettled ([49:17]).

One Bright Spot: Harold Fannin at TE

• Fannin draws praise for his athleticism and playmaking from both analysts, seen as a clear building block amidst the gloom.

  “He’s just a natural playmaker… a high school safety in Canton… did it in the AFC North.” ([50:40])

Notable Quotes

• Brooks Cabina (Eagles):

  "This is kind of a crux point in the middle of that defense about how he [Howie Roseman] has to make some of these difficult decisions." ([09:08])

• James Palmer (On Jalen Hurts):

  "I think Jalen’s self-awareness is one of his superpowers, in all honesty." ([18:51])

• Jesse Newell (Chiefs):

  "This is more about a rebuild... If you are going to truly rebuild this thing up and move forward, maybe Tyreek [Hill] is not part of that plan. That’s more trying to chase the past." ([35:12])

• Zach Jackson (Browns):

  "This offense stinks and has stunk and they chose to make Kevin Stefanski the scapegoat for it... and they have fewer [players] now because all the offensive linemen are leaving." ([39:35])

• On the Browns QBs:

  "12 guys have started since the start of the 24 season... 42 starters since 1999." ([49:17])

Key Timestamps

• Eagles Draft/Offseason Priorities: 03:07–09:08
• A.J. Brown Situation: 09:08–12:08
• New Offensive Scheme & Jalen Hurts: 12:08–20:22
• Chiefs’ Draft Position/Strategy: 22:26–29:19
• Travis Kelce & Tyreek Hill Discussion: 30:09–36:14
• Browns’ Roster Problems & Draft Plan: 38:22–43:44
• Quarterback Situation in Cleveland: 44:09–50:21
• Harold Fannin Hype: 50:38–52:54

Episode Highlights & Memorable Moments

• Brooks and Palmer’s banter on “calling their shots” with Devonta Smith’s Heisman rise ([15:38]).
• Chiefs’ leadership candidly confronting their rare chance at a top-10 pick.
• Zach Jackson’s brutally honest breakdown of the Browns’ endless list of offensive line, quarterback, and wide receiver problems—complete with a historical litany of failed Browns QBs ([49:17]).
• The light at the end of the tunnel for Cleveland fans: Harold Fannin.

Summary

If you missed this episode, you’ll walk away knowing:

• The Eagles’ offseason is a minefield of injuries, looming departures, and brewing drama with both A.J. Brown and a very “new look” for Jalen Hurts’ offense.
• The Chiefs are in an unaccustomed position to make a draft splash but must navigate cap issues, the twilight of stars like Kelce, and rumors about reuniting with Tyreek Hill.
• The Browns, amid a near-total reset up front, must fix the offensive line and find a workable solution at quarterback—the era of piecemeal patchwork continues—with TE Harold Fannin a rare glimmer of hope.

The reporting is sharp, the quotes are candid, and the mood—while realistic about challenges—is consistently engaging.

End of Summary