Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: NFL Trade Deadline Drama: Who’s buying, who’s selling, & why some stars aren't moving
Hosts: James Palmer, Dianna Russini (The Athletic)
Date: October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Scoop City centers on the NFL trade deadline, exploring which teams might be buyers or sellers, why marquee stars aren’t likely to be traded, and the state of several key franchises. Midway through, the hosts also run through creative "high school superlatives" for NFL figures at the season’s midpoint—a fun segment featuring both insight and humor. The episode closes with listener questions, notably regarding the equity and quality of NFL overtime rules and the trajectory of the Baltimore Ravens.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aiden Hutchinson’s Mega Extension & Lions' Defensive Outlook

[04:00–06:30]

• The Detroit Lions locked in pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson to a 4-year, $180M contract ($141M guaranteed).
  • Dianna Russini: “Aiden Hutchinson is worth every single dollar...a pillar to this defense and such a crucial part.” (05:15)
  • Both hosts agree: injuries no longer devastate a player’s market like in the past.
• Lions still looking to add a pass rusher and a cornerback before the deadline, despite Hutchinson’s deal locking up one star.
  • “He can’t do it all...These are needs.” (06:04, Russini)

2. Why Few Stars Are Moving at the Deadline

[06:48–08:53]

• Despite rumors, stars like Max Crosby, Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson aren't on the move.
  • “Most of them don’t want to be moved...the teams don’t want to deal them.” (07:10, Russini)
  • “The Raiders have been adamant for years that they're not moving Max Crosby.” (07:20, Russini)
  • Myles Garrett has a no-trade clause; both he and the Browns want him to stay.
• Teams with pass-rushing needs (e.g., Patriots, Lions, Ravens, Eagles, Chiefs) will look, but top names are off-limits.

3. Buyers & Sellers: Who's Active, Who's Waiting?

[08:53–11:35]

• Patriots could be both buyers and sellers, per Russini: “They might look at running back for depth.” (08:53, Palmer)
• Week 9 results expected to clarify which teams enter into trade mode. “This Sunday’s games will determine which teams are going to become buyers or sellers.” (09:28, Russini)
• Jags, Ravens, Rams, Lions, Saints are active or receiving calls; Saints unlikely to trade Chris Olave but getting plenty of receiver interest.

4. Wide Receiver and ‘Sleeper’ Teams to Watch

[11:35–12:36]

• Bills, Steelers, and Chiefs all seeking additional receivers or defensive help.
• Dianna identifies Broncos and Chiefs as sneaky players for offensive/defensive additions.
  • “I do think the Chiefs are still looking on defense.” (12:36, Russini)
• Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux not actually available despite rumors.

5. Vikings QB Situation (J.J. McCarthy Era Begins)

[15:14–17:15]

• McCarthy gets first start after Carson Wentz goes on IR.
• Russini frames this as a “pivotal moment” for the franchise: “I think they really want to see what he can do over the next few weeks...” (16:22)
• Kevin O'Connell’s ability with QBs is noted as an asset.

6. NFL Midseason Superlatives (High School Yearbook-Style Awards)

[20:54–42:11]
A creative and engaging segment offering both insight and levity.

Most Unexpected Glow Up

• Dianna: Daniel Jones (“...this is not the Daniel Jones I knew in New York.” [22:03])
• James: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (“He may not look like a one. He is a surefire number one.” [22:41])

Most Likely to Succeed

• Dianna: Jonathan Taylor — compares his current load to Saquon Barkley, calls him “most likely to succeed.” (23:32)
• James: Patrick Mahomes (“He can accomplish anything... Patrick Mahomes does not know how to fail.” [24:51])

Best Couple

• Dianna: Brian Daboll & Jackson Dart (Giants coach and rookie QB) — “It’s true love!” (26:17)
• James: Josh McDaniels & Drake May (Patriots) — compares their budding partnership to A Star is Born. [27:05]

Future TV Star

• Dianna: Baker Mayfield (“I love every Baker commercial because he’s so good at it.” [29:03])
• James: Travis Kelce — “Nothing bothers him...he’s got his way to the small screen.” (30:41)

Most Likely to Run for Office (Coach of the Year)

• Dianna: Kyle Shanahan (“...has been pretty masterful in dealing with all the different injuries...” [31:21])
• James: Mike Vrabel (“He could give the speech from Independence Day and put the pads back on.” [33:07])

Darkhorse/“STEAL YOUR GIRL” Award (Surprise Team/Player)

• Dianna: Houston Texans — offense gelling after rough start, defense excelling (35:55)
• James: Josh Allen (“I think he’s upset with the way the offense is playing...I think Josh Allen’s gonna come back here.” [36:21])

Most Popular (MVP)

• Dianna: Drake May (Patriots rookie) — “Blown the doors off what he’s doing every single week.” (38:31)
• James: Jonathan Taylor — “Everybody likes Jonathan Taylor and everybody should.” [39:57]

Best Hair

• Dianna: Jauan Jennings (“Did you see the red dye? ...I’m digging it.” [42:02])
• James: Tyler Warren (“...that flow is...something else right now.” [42:11])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Aiden Hutchinson is worth every single dollar…he is a pillar to this defense...” (05:15, Russini)
• “Most of them don’t want to be moved...the teams don’t want to deal them.” (07:10, Russini)
• “This Sunday’s games will determine which teams are going to become buyers or sellers.” (09:28, Russini)
• “Brian Daboll and Jackson Dart...true love. Not even lust!” (26:17, Russini)
• James on Mahomes: “He can accomplish anything...Patrick Mahomes does not know how to fail.” (24:51)
• “Nobody likes a tie...I think once they changed the rules...it immediately made this kind of a pain.” (45:54, Russini)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Aiden Hutchinson contract extension: 04:00–06:30
• Star players not being traded: 06:48–08:53
• Active buyers/sellers, week 9 impact: 08:53–11:35
• Receiver market & sleeper teams: 11:35–12:36
• Vikings QB situation: 15:14–17:15
• High school superlatives (main segment): 20:54–42:11
• NFL overtime rules debate (Chris Branch segment): 44:09–49:22
• Ravens hot seat or AFC North chances: 50:34–52:57

Listener Q&A & Final Thoughts

NFL Overtime Rules
[44:09–49:22]

• Chris Branch poses the perennial question: “Would you rather NFL overtimes end in a tie in a timely fashion or let them play out?” (44:09)
• Hosts discuss XFL, college football rules, and why the physicality/safety in the NFL encourages getting it over with. Both express dislike for ties but show no consensus on the right fix.

Baltimore Ravens: Hot Seat or Division Win?
[50:34–52:57]

• Chris Branch asks: “What’s more likely—the Ravens win the AFC North or we talk about John Harbaugh on the hot seat?”
• Diana: “I have not heard about John Harbaugh being on the hot seat…I just think with [Lamar] back in, it changes the entire offense.” (50:34)
• James: “My understanding is there are no problems there [with Harbaugh].” (51:34)
• Both hosts remain cautiously optimistic for Baltimore’s playoff chances.

Final Tone & Style

The episode blends inside info, witty banter, and deep NFL acumen. Dianna and James are playful, often referencing pop culture, and comfortable enough to roast each other and their friends. Key scoops, particularly around player movement and team needs, are delivered with authority and humor.

For Listeners

If you crave smart, connected NFL commentary with genuine humor and inventive ways to re-examine the league’s storylines, this episode of Scoop City is essential listening—especially as the trade deadline approaches.