Scoop City: Inside the NFL

Episode Date: February 25, 2026
Title: Will Raiders gamble future and deal Maxx Crosby & what’s A.J. Brown’s future in Philly?
Hosts: Dianna Russini (NFL Senior Insider, The Athletic), James Palmer (Insider, The Athletic)
Guests/Contributors: Charlotte Carroll (Giants beat writer), James Boyd (Colts beat writer)

Overview

This episode brings together The Athletic’s top NFL insiders at the NFL Combine to deep-dive into two of the biggest storylines swirling around the league: the future of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby with the Las Vegas Raiders and where A.J. Brown stands with the Philadelphia Eagles. The crew offers inside scoops and analysis on trade rumors, roster decisions, and front-office dynamics, with on-the-ground insights from Indy. The episode also covers critical offseason questions for the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, concluding with informed speculation and candid behind-the-scenes stories.

Key Topics & Highlights

1. NFL Combine: The Epicenter of Offseason Intrigue

(01:58–04:23)

• Atmosphere: The hosts describe the unique energy at the Combine—where coaches, GMs, agents, and insiders crisscross in hotels and restaurants, fueling rumors and negotiations.
• Notable Moment: Dianna: "It's not a soap opera... But it also gets taking used to seeing coaches we've covered that have been with teams for so long and then they're in a different color." (03:11)

2. Maxx Crosby and the Raiders: Trade Saga

(04:23–08:25)

• Status Update: Trade rumors about Maxx Crosby ramped up after the Super Bowl. Raiders GM John Spytack insists Maxx is expected to stay, but insiders sense real uncertainty.
• Front Office Posturing: Dianna notes, "I know John Spytack, the general manager, said that he foresees Maxx Crosby being on the roster. I think he has to say that. I think he should say that. Right." (04:29)
• Player Power: "I think it’s going to come down to what Max wants...If Max doesn’t want to be there, then they may have to move him." (Diana, 05:13)
• Potential Landing Spots:
  • Ravens are cited as an intriguing trade fit:
    • Diana: "The team I want. I want the Ravens." (07:48)
    • James: "They do need a pass rusher. Max Crosby in a Ravens uniform… it kind of fits." (07:51)
  • Cowboys emerged as another possible suitor; concerns over draft capital noted.
    • James: "They don't have a second or a third... but they got two ones. Interesting thing mentioned to me by somebody that I trust pretty well." (08:55)
• Value/Comparison: Trade could resemble a “Micah Parsons-like package.” Max Crosby’s intangibles seen as comparable or superior.

3. A.J. Brown’s Future in Philadelphia

(09:07–12:16)

• Current State: Eagles insist they want to retain Brown; his agent Jimmy Sexton is quietly gauging other teams’ interest.
• Possibility of Departure: Dianna argues, "It may be okay to just go in different directions...It doesn’t have to be awful." (10:26)
• Legacy & Team Dynamics: James highlights AJ's accomplishments—four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Super Bowl success—but also notes growing excitement in Philly for Devonta Smith:
  • Nick Sirianni: "I don't think there's anything he [Devonta Smith] can't do on a football field." (James Palmer quoting, 11:51)
• Draft Outlook: Rossini trusts Philly’s ability to find receiver talent in the upcoming, loaded draft.

4. Quarterback Market & Kirk Cousins’ Next Steps

(12:16–15:48)

• QB Carousel: Kirk Cousins’ future is in flux, with possible movement back to Atlanta or somewhere new.
• Minnesota’s Plans: Dianna doubts a Viking reunion, believes the team prioritizes developing J.J.
  • "I think they really want to develop JJ… I learned that this week more than ever." (13:20)
• TV Potential: Playful moment—discussion about Cousins’ aptitude for TV, with Dianna poking fun:
  • "No room for you here, Kirk. Sorry." (14:26)
• Veterans on the Move: Joe Flacco’s desire to return, and his legendary “eating alone” press conference, get a fun mention.

5. Trent Williams and the Art of the Combine Dance

(16:14–17:21)

• Availability Rumors: Trent Williams might be on the move; agent stirring things up, but hosts doubt the 49ers would let him go.
• Negotiation Games: The hosts provide inside baseball on “feeling out” interest at the Combine without tipping your hand with hard numbers.
  • James: "This is the song and dance at the combine where you reveal interest, but you don't want to show too much." (16:38)

6. Franchise Tag Watch & Free Agency Window

(17:26–17:46)

• Tag Timetable: Noted that the franchise tag deadline is fast approaching (March 3), with speculation swirling but few concrete predictions.

Giants Offseason Deep Dive with Charlotte Carroll

(19:49–30:14)

7. John Harbaugh Era Begins

• Organizational Structure: Harbaugh now reports directly to Giants co-owner John Mara; GM Joe Shane’s role evolves, but he insists, "I'm still the GM." (22:19)
• Collaborative Decision-Making: All reporting lines point to Harbaugh, but buzzword is “collaborative.” Tension likely when the first major draft disagreement hits.

8. Draft Targets & Organizational Focus

• No. 5 Overall Pick: Possibility of drafting safety Caleb Downs (Host’s mock drafts and inside info suggest high interest).
  • "He's, you know, this best safety in years…especially with a coach who's not afraid to go after a safety in previous drafts. We saw that in Baltimore." (Host, 25:07)
• Wide Receiver Need: Malik Neighbors and Wandale Robinson discussed as potential running mates; injury updates included.
• Jackson Dart: Optimism remains for young QB’s development, with new offensive staff likely to shape his evolution.
  • "Towards the end of the season, it was starting to finally click—that, you know, the availability…" (Host, 29:12)

Colts Offseason & Quarterback Uncertainty (with James Boyd)

(32:38–46:41)

9. Colts’ QB Situation: Daniel Jones Contract Talks

• Leverage & Cap Decisions: Despite injuries, Daniel Jones holds leverage due to the Colts’ investment and lack of an off-ramp.
  • Charlotte: "They hitched their wagon to Daniel Jones when they gave up two first-round picks to get Sauce Gardner." (35:45)
• Franchise Tag Math: If Jones isn’t tagged and hits the market, his camp cites the tag ($47M) as the negotiating floor.
• Potential Suitors: Teams like Minnesota and Pittsburgh would consider Jones due to the QB-thin market.

10. Anthony Richardson’s Eye Injury: Career-Defining Question

• Medical Uncertainty: Still not at full vision; future as an NFL QB remains in jeopardy.
  • "Will he ever regain full vision? Is this a career situation?" (James Palmer, 38:52)
  • "He said it was his one-foot box, mostly his peripheral vision…" (Charlotte, 39:42)
• Trade Prospects: Limited without proven health; major barrier for both Indy and Richardson’s career.

11. Alec Pierce/Michael Pittman Wide Receiver Choices

• Cap Strategy: Release Pittman to free up money for tagging or re-signing Pierce.
• Market Value: Pierce expected to draw a “Christian Kirk-like” contract if he hits open free agency.
• Production vs. True No. 1: Questions linger whether Pierce can be the consistent top WR.

12. Front Office Stability & Local Expectations

• Chris Ballard’s Job Security: Heading into the final contract year; local frustration after a decade of middling results.
  • "I think a lot of that has to do with, okay, have you even earned the grace to get another chance?" (Charlotte, 44:31)
• Team Outlook: The organization publicly leans on the healthy 10-game stretch with Jones, but skepticism remains over durability and ceiling.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Maxx Crosby:

  • Dianna Rossini: "I think it’s going to come down to what Max wants. And if Max doesn’t want to be there, then they may have to move him." (05:13)

• On A.J. Brown:

  • Dianna Rossini: "It may be okay to just go in different directions… it doesn’t have to be awful." (10:24)

• On Anthony Richardson’s Injury:

  • Charlotte Carroll: "Are you just fortunate to have an eye?... You need all of your vision, I would think, to be a good NFL quarterback." (39:42)

• On the Giants’ Organizational Power Shift:

  • Charlotte Carroll: "I think the quote of the combine is Joe Shane saying, 'I'm still the GM and I'm still the general manager of this team.' So you've got that ringing through..." (22:19)

• On Pierce's Free Agency:

  • James Palmer quoting an executive: "Remember Christian Kirk's contract with the Jaguars where we were all like, he got what? I think that's going to be Alec Pierce." (41:31)

Important Timestamps

| Topic | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Combine Atmosphere & Coach Movement | 01:58–04:23 | | Maxx Crosby Raiders Trade Chatter | 04:23–08:25 | | A.J. Brown's Eagles Future | 09:07–12:16 | | Kirk Cousins & QB Market | 12:16–15:48 | | Trent Williams/Combine Negotiation Dynamics | 16:14–17:21 | | Giants’ Harbaugh Hiring & Draft Plans | 19:49–30:14 | | Colts’ QB Situation (Jones/Richardson) | 32:38–46:41 |

Tone & Style

• Conversational & Informal: The hosts blend sharp analysis with humor and candid, insider banter.
• In-the-Weeds Info: Emphasis on what’s really being discussed behind closed doors and at hotel bars during Combine week.
• Candid Reporting: Guests don't shy away from skepticism or industry truths, especially about job security or the murky realities of player health.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The future of Maxx Crosby with the Raiders hangs in the balance; trade discussions are alive and could shift rapidly.
• A.J. Brown’s time in Philadelphia may be winding down as both sides consider a fresh start—without the drama.
• Giants are giving John Harbaugh organizational power, and their draft direction is wide open but could involve bold moves for defensive backs or receivers.
• The Colts’ entire plan hinges on Daniel Jones’ health and contract negotiations, with lingering concerns about their backup options and Anthony Richardson’s return.
• The NFL Combine is less about the workouts and more about the whispered negotiations and power plays that shape the upcoming season.