Will Raiders gamble future and deal Maxx Crosby & what’s A.J. Brown’s future in Philly?

Summary

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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 |

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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.

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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.

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Transcript

[Host/Announcer]

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[James Palmer]

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[Charlotte Carroll]

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[James Palmer]

Hey, it's Adam Grant from Ted's podcast Work Life, and this episode is brought to you by ServiceNow. AI is only as powerful as the platform it's built into. That's why it's no surprise that more than 85% of the Fortune 500 companies use the ServiceNow AI platform, while other platforms duct tape tools together. ServiceNow seamlessly unifies people, data workflows and AI connecting every corner of your business. And with AI agents working together autonomously, anyone in any department can focus on the work that matters Most. Learn how ServiceNow puts AI to work for [e-mail]. Welcome in to Scoop City, James Palmer. Diana Rossini with you, the goat of the athletic, the NFL senior insider.

[Diana Rossini]

I think you're gonna say the goat of the combine.

[James Palmer]

Okay, ready? Take two. Welcome in to Scoop City, James Palmer. Dianeursini with you, the goat of the combine. Here she is. But I think we all know that we're playing for second best at the combine, since we're both so tight with the one, the only, the legend, Michael Silver, who is really pretty much the legend of the combine.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, he pretty much holds court in every bar and restaurant. And even if you want to avoid him, you can't. He will hunt you down and scream and find you. And that's football, people. Not even us. He's chatting with everyone. But that's what so cool about the combine is. You take the elevator down. As soon as I got here, took the elevator, first person I see, Mike McDonald.

[James Palmer]

There he is.

[Diana Rossini]

Well, super bowl champ, this is a Champion elevator.

[James Palmer]

100% Super bowl winning elevator for you two.

[Diana Rossini]

And then even just, you know, going to get coffee, going to grab a quick bite to eat. You just see people constantly. So this is awesome.

[Host/Announcer]

Love the combine.

[James Palmer]

It's the best. It's the only time of the year where everybody is in one spot. And the other part that I really do love, and I want to say this really quickly. How much do you enjoy seeing coaches that used to coach together and. And are now in different teams when they get a chance to hang out? Like, this is the one opportunity where they're like, you know, you see guys, like, they're having a beer together because they spent every waking moment together on a staff, and now they're on different staffs, and they love getting back together.

[Diana Rossini]

Can we first address the fact that everyone's here in person and you and I are here in person together? This is bizarre. Yes. But I'm so glad that we're doing this. But, yeah, I do like watching. It's not a soap opera. No one's dramatic. No one doesn't like each other. But it's. It also gets taking used to seeing coaches that we've covered that have been with teams for so long, and then they're in a different color, and you're like, oh, yeah, I forgot. Like, I saw Mike McCarthy the first night I went out for dinner, and that's a big.

[James Palmer]

That's a jarring one.

[Diana Rossini]

I'm like. I'm just confused. I'm like, what we. Packer? No.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Cowboy?

[Diana Rossini]

No. No. Steelers.

[James Palmer]

Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

And just getting used to seeing them in those colors. So, yeah, no, there's tons of great people watching and some of those former coaches hanging out with. Which sometimes they hang out together, too, which is funny because they're friends.

[James Palmer]

They know each other very tight. They've spent hours and hours together putting up game plans, and now they're preparing to face off against each other. And that's the fun part. And the other part where we're talking about and describing is all of these distant locations. We're having conversations with people. Diana's doing her scooping all over the place is one of the best in the business. We knew Max Crosby was going to be a major storyline this entire week.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah.

[James Palmer]

Like, everybody knew coming to Indianapolis this was going to be talked about because

[Diana Rossini]

it started the Super Bowl.

[Host/Announcer]

Right.

[Diana Rossini]

It kind of started to get some steam because some reporting came out, some stuff we did. And now we're at a point where agents are meeting with teams, teams are seeing teams, and conversations start happening. And the sense I'M getting on Max Crosby right now is. I don't think anything's changed in terms of. I know John Spytack, the general manager, said that he foresees Max Crosby being on the roster. I think he has to say that. I think he should say that. Right.

[James Palmer]

Of what are you going to say? Like, he's going to go up and all these guys speak at the podium. Right? And he's. You're right. You're exactly right. Because he's going to stand up there and go, yeah, I mean, we're taking calls on Max. All options are on the table for the face of your franchise.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, you don't do that.

[James Palmer]

You don't do that.

[Diana Rossini]

You don't want to do it. Um, and it is interesting to watch how different organizations are navigating the freezing on players that are possibly going to be traded and how they want to address it. But the Raiders have chosen to support their star player because, you know, Max is listening, you know, so Max, he's going to want to hear his general manager want him back. I think it's going to come down to what Max wants. And I can tell you the sense here is that the teams are talking to his agent. They're going to hopefully do that when they legally can to get an idea of where Max wants to play. So I think the Raiders want to bring him back, of course, but I think they also understand that if Max doesn't want to be there, then they may have to move him.

[James Palmer]

That's the interesting part. I had a chance to sit down with John Spytak yesterday. Okay. And it was after he had spoken on the podium and he had said everything. And I said, so you are very clear that you would like to bring Max Crosby back and have him there? And he said, yeah, we're in the business of keeping elite players, and he's an elite player. I go, has Max said to you he wants to come back? Well, we're going to keep some of the stuff in house, and we're not going to talk about this at length. And so I do think that's a little bit telling because I do think we're not completely out of it.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Right?

[Diana Rossini]

Exactly. We're in it until Max comes out publicly and says, I'm a Raider forever, which we've seen him do. I. I just. I don't. Just. Just knowing how that ended the season and. And how disappointed, frustrated and angry he appeared. Unless he's really taking a lot of time away and recouping here and. And maybe cooler heads Prevail. But I don't know. Max Crosby comes to me. He's the type of person, if he's going to make a decision, I bet you he sticks with it.

[James Palmer]

That's a great way to put it.

[Diana Rossini]

I'm interested, though, in where he would land if they do move him, you know?

[James Palmer]

Any thoughts?

[Diana Rossini]

Well, I think when you look around the league at teams that would be interested in. In him, it's. Are they gonna be able to afford him?

[Host/Announcer]

Right.

[Diana Rossini]

Because it's gonna be a Micah Parsons like, trade package, I believe. I think it's gonna be close to

[James Palmer]

that, and I can see the comps to it. Micah's a little younger, but I would say that Max checks every single box. No slight to Micah, but in some of those other intangibles, Max ch than Micah. Right. So maybe it is kind of a very similar.

[Host/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

The. The team. Well, I feel like there's teams that are really interested, but then there's teams that I want them to call the Ravens.

[James Palmer]

Oh, yeah, that's fine.

[Diana Rossini]

Like, the team I want. I want the Ravens.

[James Palmer]

Oh, they. They do need a pass rusher.

[Diana Rossini]

Doesn't that just, like, sound good if you just.

[Charlotte Carroll]

No,

[James Palmer]

it sounds good, but it also looks good.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah.

[James Palmer]

Max Crosby in a Ravens uniform. Yeah, I mean, it kind of fits like, the black and purple, like the. Oh, okay.

[Diana Rossini]

All right. So, yeah, we'll.

[Charlotte Carroll]

We'll.

[Diana Rossini]

We'll see. After this week, I think we're going to know a lot more where things stand, because people will start talking a little bit more about these meetings and how they're leaving Indianapolis feeling about Max Crosby. But for now, I still think this is going to be something that we're going to have to monitor. I don't think it's dead.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, no, it's not dead. It's not only mostly dead, Princess Bride. How about real quick? I have another team. I ran into some people, and they said I would rule out the Cowboys.

[Diana Rossini]

I like the Cowboys one, too. I mean, if you're someone who cares about your legacy and you want to win and you want to be part of a team that is trying to win, according to Jerry Jones. I just feel like he says that all the time.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, well, they don't have a second or a third either. That's an issue in this draft. But they got two ones. You know what I mean? It was an interesting thing mentioned to me by somebody that I trust pretty well.

[Diana Rossini]

Okay, that's a good one.

[James Palmer]

What about a city that's near and dear to our hearts? Diana Rossini. The birthplace of our nation, the Philadelphia Eagles. A.J. brown, this is another hot button conversation here. Will he be a Philadelphia Eagle in 2026? Where is that kind of leaning right now? I feel like we're a minute away from it.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah. So in just the way Max Crosby's agents and teams are talking about that, that's the same thing that's happening here. So Jimmy Sexton, his rep, is meeting with different teams to just get a feel for who's interested, what this would look like. I think there's been a lot of conversations that have been happening over the last few weeks. Philly wants to keep them. They've come out and said that. I think we talk about how teams are navigating it, how he navigated by being like, you don't lose a great player like that to improve.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Right.

[Diana Rossini]

Which tells me that they want to bring him.

[James Palmer]

But Sirianni told me that yesterday. We sat down yesterday.

[Charlotte Carroll]

But.

[Diana Rossini]

But my thought on this, though, and. And I don't know if. If you agree with me, I. I think it's okay to say, look, he got us to two Super Bowls. He helped us get to two Super Bowls. We won one with him. This thing just isn't working. Like, it just. It may be okay to just go in different directions.

[James Palmer]

It may be okay to not be okay.

[Diana Rossini]

And it doesn't have to be awful, though. Look, see, I don't think it needs to be dramatic. I don't think it needs to be, you know, we're Phil, you know, boo him every time they see him again. Or aj, you know, goes on some podcast one day and says he hates Philly. Like, I don't think it has to be like that. I think it can be, you know, a player that loves the game, who loved his time and loves his time in Philadelphia, get to a point, just like, you know what? Maybe somewhere else is better for me.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

And I think this is going to be something we're really going to find out over the next few days.

[James Palmer]

And the funny part is I hope it goes that way. This is not funny, but I hope it goes that way because he's done something in Philadelphia that no receiver has really ever done. He's got, what, four consecutive thousand yard seasons. Like, he. He is exactly what Philly fans and you and I know this so well, were starving for forever. And he filled that and he did, and he played great. I am curious about the other side of it, because I had been hearing here this week, like, do you know who is awesome? And we haven't Fully unlocked yet. Devonta Smith.

[Diana Rossini]

He is. I, I'm sorry. I threw my hands in the air for those listening because when I watch Eagles games, I'm always yelling.

[James Palmer]

He's so, he's so good. He's so good. I talked to Sirianna yesterday. We were sitting down doing a, doing an interview and he goes. And I go, I mentioned this to him. And he goes, bro, like we. I don't think there's anything he can't do on a football field. That's what Nick told me.

[Host/Announcer]

Just saying.

[Diana Rossini]

I, I trusted how he can find a receiver in this upcoming draft.

[James Palmer]

It's loaded.

[Diana Rossini]

Look, it's not going to be A.J.

[Host/Announcer]

brown.

[Diana Rossini]

I get it. But I think they'll be all right. I don't think it's going to be so awful if they do decide to part ways. I think they're better with him, but I just think there's so much transition going on right there, right now. And the way, the way they ended the season, I just have a hard time imagining that really working in a healthy way.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, great point. Great point. Okay, what about the old Kirk Cousins? This is a quarterback driven league, Diana. What an interesting offseason we have for like quarterback free agents, possible trades, whether it's TUA or Kyler. Like if you're looking for, for a quarterback right now, I think you're in such a weird position because the options are so kind of all over the place. What is next for Kirk Cousins?

[Diana Rossini]

Well, I think everyone automatically thinks Minnesota because there was a time where we thought he was going to stay there instead of going to Atlanta.

[Host/Announcer]

Right.

[Diana Rossini]

And the money was, was not what he was looking for. Which by the way, it feels like 2014 right now, like talking about Kirk Cousins again being a free agent, you know, or not even a free agent, being back as the conversation of the officer season. And it just, he. I feel like he's just always up again and so he's always has an opportunity. By the way, I was a little surprised that Atlanta released him. And when I say surprise because I was told that there was maybe a thought that Atlanta would, would keep him

[James Palmer]

even if they release him. It's not ruled out that he can't return.

[Diana Rossini]

That's true. Yeah, he could.

[James Palmer]

I get what you're saying.

[Diana Rossini]

I just think that there's going to be teams that have a lot of knees at quarterback. But Minnesota, to me, it makes sense on paper, but I just don't see it happening. I don't. I think they really want to develop. Jj I think they really want to get JJ going. And I learned that actually this week more than ever.

[James Palmer]

That doesn't mean they don't add to the room and still do that.

[Host/Announcer]

Right.

[James Palmer]

It could be a different player.

[Diana Rossini]

It could be, it could just be a different, I mean, look, do you see Kirk on tv, by the way? And I say that because I don't

[James Palmer]

like when these guys come in and they're like, so good immediately. And I'm like, there's only a certain number of jobs out there. Guys. Stop stealing them. Kirk, you're in the hall of fame of contracts. We don't need you to make any more money doing anything else.

[Diana Rossini]

I watched 15 seconds of him when he started to talk. And you know, in 15 seconds, if someone is good. Yeah, right. So it's exactly what you guys were thinking when you were watching James and I when the show started. Wow. He's true.

[James Palmer]

We know.

[Host/Announcer]

Good.

[James Palmer]

No room for you here, Kirk. Sorry.

[Diana Rossini]

So we'll see what happens. It does make me very interested in Atlanta and Penix and how that's going to fare and how, you know, how Kevin Stefanski is going to feel about him and develop him and get him

[James Palmer]

playing because he was interested in Kirk when he was in Cleveland and possibly bringing him there so we know that he likes him. Obviously they have a previous relationship. If maybe Kirk's options are limited, can Stefanski say, hey, Mike's not going to be back till maybe X. Can we have your role in here to start? You're playing well. You can keep playing well. Like, I don't know if I'd rule it out. I could see Joe Flacco being that guy for Kevin Stefanski. In all honesty, in Atlanta for a few, like, you know what I mean? Like, that's a previous.

[Diana Rossini]

So Joe told me at the Super Bowl. He's, he's playing. I'm like, wait, really? I'm like, you're not done?

[Charlotte Carroll]

How do you say it?

[James Palmer]

How do you say it?

[Diana Rossini]

I'm trying to remember how I think I, I, I said, you're coming back, right? He goes, yeah, yeah.

[James Palmer]

I come back.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

We had a great conversation about eating alone. We, we revisited his.

[James Palmer]

I enjoy it.

[Diana Rossini]

So I told him that I, five years ago, I would not have understood it, but I, I get it now. And I've been doing it more since Joe said it and made it okay to eat alone.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Wow.

[Diana Rossini]

As a parent and not be judged.

[James Palmer]

He's like a maharashi. He's like changed lives with this press conference he did about eating alone.

[Diana Rossini]

I know he told me that that's, like, the most feedback he's ever had on anything he's ever done. He's like, more people talk to me about that. I'm like, really? Not all your kids and the Jersey Shore. And then we, of course, talked about the Jersey Shore.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah.

[James Palmer]

Let's talk about the other one. Any other nuggets that you've gotten during your time here as you've been working sources like crazy.

[Diana Rossini]

Yeah, there's a lot of stuff that's just. It's brewing. It's not fully cooked just yet.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, it might start to boil right now. We got no bubbles heating up. Yeah.

[Diana Rossini]

I do think next week is going to get saucy. I think there's going to be a lot more stuff coming out from Indy, which it usually does. The Trent Williams thing is interesting.

[James Palmer]

Yes.

[Diana Rossini]

We're going back here again. I have a hard time imagining San Francisco not bringing Trent Williams back and giving him a.

[James Palmer]

He still was awesome.

[Diana Rossini]

But, you know, his agent run around, let everyone know, you know, Trent may be available.

[James Palmer]

That is the hard part about this week, though, right? Because, like, you. You want to have these conversations, and this is like a little inside baseball for everybody listening and watching. That Diane and I always find out in these weeks is like, you want to have the conversation as a team about a player that you might be interested in with their representation in terms of free agency or whatever, but you don't want to throw out a number because then that guy can go around the combine, turn around and tell everybody your number and use it. So it's this song and dance at the combine where you reveal interest, but you don't want to show too much. Right. And that's why Diana's saying, like, right after the combine is when it starts to then. Cause the conversation started. But you gotta be a little cautious as a team about numbers and things like that.

[Diana Rossini]

Things are flying around right now, and it'll all settle, and then we get movement, and then we got free agency right around the corner.

[Host/Announcer]

So.

[James Palmer]

God, is anybody else gonna get tagged? That's March 3rd. That's right around the corner here.

[Diana Rossini]

Not sure right now. I almost said a name, but I'm like, and I want to get in the box.

[James Palmer]

Diana was almost like Breeze hall, but she didn't really want to say.

[Diana Rossini]

I didn't hear what's coming out. No, we gotta keep an eye on.

[James Palmer]

It's one to mon.

[Diana Rossini]

That's a good way to put it. It's one to monitor.

[James Palmer]

Yes, certainly. All right. You're the best. We're going to be moving on. I believe Charlotte Carroll's gonna be joining the show coming up. You're a big fan, huh? Giants coverage. We gotta talk some Giants here. Lot going on. John Harbaugh coming up next on Scoop City.

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[James Palmer]

Welcome back to Scoop City. James Palmer, Charlotte Carroll joining me as we're going to talk a little giants here, right? I mean, this is John Harbaugh. One team, 18 years rolling in him. Eric Dacosta. Here we go, my man, Chad Steele, head PR monster. You know about Chad Steele, right? You know the history of our boy Chad?

[Host/Announcer]

I don't think so.

[James Palmer]

Oh, he's in every single super bowl picture on the field with the winning quarterback. Chad is enormous. He's super tall, well put together, gentlemen. Great guy. And he is always the one escorting on the field, the winning quarterback when the field is insane and getting swarmed. And every year you could go through, there's Chad, There's Chad, There's Chad. Well, guess what? It used to be there's Chad escorting John Harbaugh to the podium, but not anymore. It is the New York Football Giants. What is the vibe kind of around this combine that the Giants have been cycling through head coaches over the years and now you have somebody that they do believe has maybe the ability to be there for the rest of his career?

[Host/Announcer]

Yeah, it's been a lot of excitement among Giants fans, just the possibility that this could happen. And then it did. And the reality is starting to sink in. He's been on the job for 30 days now. We're getting into the nitty gritty of, okay, what does a John Harbaugh team look like and what does that mean infrastructurally? So this combine is all about kind of sorting out the details of that. We'll see it in play. The relationship between his gm, Joe Shane, who's sticking around and remaining, and then this hire of Donna Ponte as a senior VP is very exciting. So, you know, that was the big. The big talking point this week.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, let's get kind of into that because what we're trying to do in the early portion of this always, Charlie, is like, okay, what's going to be our structure? How is the, for lack of a better word, power going to be distributed at the top? And then how are we going to work together to mold into the culture and type of players we're looking for at things like the combine and free agency. It was a bit of a

[Host/Announcer]

trying to find the right word for the like.

[James Palmer]

Like, it was a. It was. It was a major rocky talking point about, you know, John Harbaugh wants that power. He's always had it. He didn't think. Not my understanding was he thought if he didn't have it, it'd be a step back. How has Joe Shane, who played a massive role in hiring John Harbaugh, fit into this role that he's in in terms of the structure and power?

[Host/Announcer]

No, it's a great question. I mean, that was a huge hold up in the negotiations. I mean, Harbaugh wanted to report to John Mara, co owner, and so that was a big deal. They got that done and now it's the reality of the aftermath. 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, but you've got Harbaugh, who so many people are reporting to. Donna Ponte is reporting to him. I believe other departments as well. Everyone's kind of reporting to him. So what does it actually look like and who's making the decisions and how that's going to play out come draft? You know that the word is collaborative. John harbor didn't want to use, like, doesn't want silos. He wants everything integrated. So they're kind of figuring it out as they go. And I think the real test will be when they actually get to the draft. And, you know, they have that first maybe fight over a player, and after learning each other's dynamics, just over the course of a month or two, are they able to kind of resolve it. And probably John Harbo gets the final say in that regard, even though they want to come to a decision together.

[James Palmer]

Man, I loved the comment, by the way. And you know, what I don't really like is that all these things might be reported in John Harbour, but to my understanding, I believe Joe was in charge of, like, chartering a plane during this blizzard to get, like, a number of people to the combine. I'm like, shouldn't you be evaluating players, Joe Shane? Shouldn't you be in meetings with these people? And he's on the phone trying to figure out how to get all of his people to the combine in terms of flights. Like, that's everything a GM does. I mean, there are more hats worn by a general manager in buildings than any other job, I think, on the planet. And so that's the interesting spot that. That Joe Shane is in. You mentioned draft and you mentioned players. They have the number five overall pick being a Buckeye right here. Carnell Tate has come up quite a bit a running mate to Malik Neighbors. We'll get to Neighbors in a moment. Where do you kind of see reading the tea leaves and what's been said by. By Harbaugh and Joe Shane where they want to maybe go with that number five pick?

[Host/Announcer]

Yeah, I think it's still early. You know, they're figuring it out. They're watching lots of tape. The process, you know, especially for Joe, who's typically at the Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, a little bit more delayed. He said he's catching up. I think he said he's crushing it because he's catching up, but in terms of, you know, playing catch up to that, it's, what do, you know, the best player look like and will they even trade back? Obviously, he's open to that. Joe's always been very open that, you know, it's the job of the GM to be open to trading back, making deals, all of that. So I think we'll see. I know in our mock drafts, I've gone with a safety, Caleb Downs.

[James Palmer]

Caleb Downs. Oh, ho, ho.

[Host/Announcer]

Another Buckeye right there.

[James Palmer]

That's right. There's plenty of them in the first round. So there's plenty of them in the first round. What's the take on, do you think people in New York in that building, it's your mock draft, so it's your pick. Would they be comfortable with a safety that high? I know the position is one thing that people always kind of look at. I think if you're a great player, you're a great player. There's teams that I've talked to already this week that have him as their number one player on their board.

[Host/Announcer]

Yeah, I mean, I don't know where he is on the Giants board, per se, or like, where he's. He's kind of floated up. But just talking to Dane Brugler, our athletic draft expert, he's, you know, this best safety in years. And just like that kind of talent, especially with a coach who's not been afraid to go after a safety in previous drafts. We saw that in Baltimore. Great point with John Harbaugh, just the ability to do that. And they've got a defensive coordinator in Denard Wilson, who is a, you know, works with secondary. That's a specialty in his previous life. So I wouldn't be shocked. I mean, I'm not saying predicting. I like, I'm in the know for sure, but, you know, maybe shake things up.

[James Palmer]

I like it, honestly. You know, it was funny when they in Baltimore picked Kyle Hamilton. I remember people going like, I don't know, man, the guy's not fast enough. I'm not sure you should be taking him at, what was it, 14 or something like 11 or. Yeah. Somewhere in that range. And it was like, no, no, football players make plays and Caleb Downs makes plays for sure. And I like, you know, the guy's good D line already, you know, get some help in the secondary. I like where your head's at. Would you rule out them adding a running mate for Malik Neighbors in some capacity? And could that be Wandell Robinson?

[Host/Announcer]

I. You cannot ignore the wide receiver component and especially with where Malik Neighbor's at? He's recovering from a torn acl.

[James Palmer]

Yeah. Where is he at in this recovery team?

[Host/Announcer]

Making good progress. I think. Joe, the quote was, feels good about his ability to be back in time for training camp. We'll see if that actually happens. You know, the meniscus has a different element a little bit longer. We talked to Malik Neighbors at the end of the season, he was going to listen to his body, see where that goes. So you don't know. But with that caliber of a player, you need someone next to him, especially if you can get like a dynamic wide receiver with a rookie quarterback. Jackson Dart needs weapons and he needs help.

[James Palmer]

I think that's a great point because part of 26, I mean, we all believe Jackson Dart is the guy. I think John Harbaugh did plenty of work right in the process. I remember reading your reporting on that and that he played a role in going there. But you also want to make him in a spot to where he has the greatest chance to succeed, and that's giving him weapons. It's giving him help. You know what I mean? And another part of that help would be Cam Scatterboo coming out of the backfield. Who? My buddy mjd. I mean, I'm not sure if it's like an official crush, but I think it's a pretty. Pretty firm crush that he has on Cam Scatter Boo as his favorite back in the league.

[Host/Announcer]

I don't know who doesn't style of running back. Crazy, insane fun.

[James Palmer]

Yeah. Where is he at in terms of his recovery? We're going to be just back and rolling by camp or what's the deal with Cam?

[Host/Announcer]

He's hopeful. My B partner, Dan Duggan, spoke to him just ahead of the Super Bowl. He's making progress. I think he was starting to run. If I remember correctly, he's looking to be back for the spring program.

[James Palmer]

Okay.

[Host/Announcer]

So we'll see if that actually pans out. He's, you know, he was around the program towards the end of the season, looking good with his teammates, ready to get back out there. I don't know what that kid knows beyond football, so. And I mean that in the best way of like, what is he doing if he's not playing football? He just wants to be out there with his teammates.

[James Palmer]

He's got to be out there. And he just changes the entire landscape of practices. I remember when we had Right Mack, we had Theo Johnson on the show, and he was just like. He essentially. Cam runs practice like you hear him from the Parking lot, like, you know what I mean? He's like.

[Charlotte Carroll]

It's just.

[James Palmer]

It's what he does. And so, yeah, I mean, I think. I think Harbaugh's gotta love that aspect of him, and that's going to bring the juice that everybody loves. All right, before we go, I am curious about all of these names that are surrounding Jackson Dart on the offensive side of the ball. It was like we always thought it was going to be Todd Monkey. He ends up getting the job in Cleveland. So now what do we have? I mean, listen to me. We have Brian Callahan.

[Host/Announcer]

Brian Callahan. Matt Nagy is the offensive coordinator. We've got Greg.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, we got names.

[Host/Announcer]

Quite a few more that I still need to dive into. Such a busy off season.

[James Palmer]

Are they going to change anything with the way Jackson plays, do you think? You know, obviously staying on the field, your best ability is availability. God, I meant the combine and the quotes that the coaches say just fall right out of your mouth, don't they? Is that something you're going to keep an eye on? Come like camp and when you're kind of diving into the season, what's the

[Host/Announcer]

next level that Jackson Dart can be? I think towards the end of the season, it was starting to finally click that, you know, the availability and that never. Not to say that it wasn't. He knows that. But it's just marrying the style of player that he is with the ability to stay on the field and, you know, be out there for his teammates and that responsibility that comes with being the franchise quarterback. I think think it was starting towards the end of the year to finally kind of sink. So I'm curious what that evolution looks like. And that goes with the pieces when we talk about, you know, the offensive weapons, can we get Malik back? Because we really didn't get to see that with Jackson Dart, which is such a bummer to see that connection.

[James Palmer]

Yes.

[Host/Announcer]

And not getting to know what that looks like. We obviously saw him in scat. So these fun young guys and just what these other coaches who've been experienced and been around can bring.

[James Palmer]

Yeah, I kind of look at it and go, man, we were really excited to watch Jackson in DARP play. And he was playing like, without Malik Neighbors. I think all of us were like, look at him go. And we're like, wow, he did it all without his number one wide receiver. Like, I'm excited to see all of it come together. Charlotte, you're the best. Thank you so much for stopping by. And by the way, shameless plug about the athletic, here you are Leaving the combine right now, right?

[Host/Announcer]

I am.

[James Palmer]

What are you going to do for the Athletic coming up that everybody's going to be able to read?

[Host/Announcer]

I'm very excited. I'm going to Italy. I am hopping on a plane on Monday to help cover the Paralympics.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Blessings.

[Host/Announcer]

I am pizza, pasta, Paralympics with my colleague Liam Tharm. So we'll both be over there. We've had wonderful coverage on the Olympic side at the athletic. The team crushed it and hopefully Liam and I can do just a little bit of that and really bring some good stuff.

[James Palmer]

No, you certainly will. Everybody read that. If you love the Olympics, you're right. They're already off on the right foot with that happening at Olympics and now Paralympics moving forward with Charlotte.

[Host/Announcer]

All right.

[James Palmer]

Very jealous. You get to go to Italy.

[Host/Announcer]

I'm excited. I can't wait. Sorry. Little bit of fomo, but you know Italy so well.

[James Palmer]

Guess what? I'll be at prime 47 tonight. Mac, who's coming up on the show? Oh, James Boyd coming up on the show, talking a little Indianapolis Colts. We're right in his backyard. The only guy not staying in a hotel this week at the combine, James Boyd staying, sleeping in his own bed. Okay. He's gonna join us next. Knock knock. Ooh, who's there?

[Diana Rossini]

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[Charlotte Carroll]

You called that a knock knock joke?

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[James Palmer]

and set up your phone at home or work. Okay. It's just that when people say knock knock, there's usually a joke to go with it.

[Diana Rossini]

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[James Palmer]

So the knock knock was just you knocking?

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[James Palmer]

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[Charlotte Carroll]

Most likely, yes. Because I'm trying to think of how many coaches. I don't know.

[James Palmer]

Could Tamiko Ryan's give you a couple snaps. He probably still yoked.

[Charlotte Carroll]

I feel like Jim Harbaugh might just be crazy enough to like get me the right penalty that I need to.

[James Palmer]

Yeah. Harbaugh still at the gym at like 4am benching Lord knows what. Like I'm trying to think who else Solid. Still looks like he's pretty put together.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah, he, he can handle some.

[James Palmer]

Yeah.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Action.

[James Palmer]

I think he could in the AFC South.

[Charlotte Carroll]

I probably go with. Oh, I think about bite kneecaps.

[James Palmer]

Yeah. Bite kneecaps. Oh, I used to watch like so when. So all those, all these years that I would be on the side sidelines for hours and hours before games reporting and then Braves would come out there when he was with Nashville and he'd like he just started hitting with players. They're in pads. He's not. And he's just like hitting with them in the end zone. You're like this guy. This guy could still you know, mix it up a little bit for a

[Charlotte Carroll]

second there, he could have chose Philip Rivers. He got an interview.

[James Palmer]

Oh, you got an interview, Philip Rivers. But like, you need somebody out there slinging a little bit. Could be fillers, like you think. Now Shane's not going out there and slinging it.

[Charlotte Carroll]

I don't think not. Shane told me a story about him being like, I don't know, a buck fifty. I'm exaggerating, but at unlv. So he ain't playing in the NFL?

[James Palmer]

No, he's not. He's still got a pretty good arm, though. I'd say that you see him throw it around in practice. James covers the Colts brilliantly for us here. This is a home game for you at the combine, so I won't ask you where you're staying like all the other idiots. But listen, speaking of the quarterback spot, I. A lot of eyes are on, on Daniel Jones. I think this is a situation that a lot of people believe is just going to get done, but at the same time, the injury complicated it. And obviously you're negotiating a quarterback contract. Where are the Colts and Daniel Jones right now in terms of this process?

[Charlotte Carroll]

So in speaking to Chris Ballard yesterday and he says what all GM say, oh, we're having great talks. We're trying to get something done. Ideally, I don't want to use the franchise tag, but honestly, the question I've been asking myself, James, is who has the most leverage here? You would think it's the team because Daniel's coming off the injury and you know, he has a long injury history. But at the same time, they hitched their wagon of Daniel Jones when they gave up two first round picks to get Sauce Gardner. Like, you don't have an off ramp. You can't draft a young quarterback.

[James Palmer]

Great point.

[Charlotte Carroll]

And so I still think that even with the fractured fibula that's healing up, the torn Achilles that's healing up, Daniel Jones has a considerable amount of leverage to ask for a big contract and to get it. Now the question is, okay, how many years do you put on it? How many guarantees are in it, that sort of thing. But he is going to get paid, and we'll see again how that pans out, which seems impossible. I mean, this time last year we're like, can he just play in the NFL? And then now he's going to get a second probably massive payday.

[James Palmer]

Yeah. And let's, let's dive into that a little bit because what's fascinating is there's two players on this team that have the Ability to possibly get tagged. Whether it's Alec Pierce at the wide receiver position or that's Daniel Jones. If by March 3rd they don't get a contract done and they end up tagging him, we oftentimes know that the tag is done. So you can continue to negotiate until July 15. That's why the tag is used most instances. Right, James? So you and I before the show were kind of talking about this going well. I think if things are going well, like Chris Ballard said between Daniel Jones's camp and the Colts, that maybe you don't need to use the tag. Keep the star receiver and tag Alec Pierce. We'll just keep negotiating. But then I started thinking Daniel Jones's camp will go, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. If you don't tag us, the the floor is 47 a year. Because that's the tag.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Exactly right.

[James Palmer]

So you're you. If you don't tag him and you get past March 3rd and the deal's not done, I would assume Daniel Jones group is going. The floor is 47. And you mentioned, wouldn't somebody else be interested when you mentioned everything that's with the injuries, this free agent quarterback class, he, he would be right at the top of it if he was technically fully available to pick his landing spot.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah, I was just checking out Daniel Popper's top 150 free agents, isn't it? Yeah. Gosh, he watched so much film. And I was thinking you're putting descriptions in here that I haven't used for Daniel Jones, but I believe he's number five on the list. And part of it is the market you're in there. Like you said, not a lot of great quarterbacks. I mean most of them aren't that great in free agency just because they don't reach free agency. Good. But with Daniel, I wonder, is there potentially some interest from a team like Minnesota? They're struggling with J.J. mcCarthy. There isn't a clear answer there. Would the Steelers be, you know, a

[James Palmer]

team that considers if Aaron Rodgers ends up retiring?

[Charlotte Carroll]

Exactly, exactly. And so in my opinion, it comes down to, again, leverage. And even if you don't necessarily have like full blown gung ho, we're going to sign this guy. Interest. Just having just the fear of it I think helps him a ton in these negotiations. And like I said, the Colts do not have a viable plan B. The only other quarterbacks they have on their roster currently was 20, 256 round pick Riley Leonard. Good player. But they signed Philip Rivers off of his couch to play over him last year. And then Anthony Richardson, 20, 23, number four pick, but he still can't see fully at the moment.

[James Palmer]

Will he? And I, I thought this was so interesting when Chris Ballard said this to you guys at the podium that he is still not. Did you ask the question? Yes. Yeah, right. And so like, will he, I hate to say it, will he ever regain full vision? Is this a career situation that Anthony Richardson is in?

[Charlotte Carroll]

That is the question that I have been asking behind the scenes in front of the camera. Anybody with any knowledge. And the answer you always get is they're optimistic that it will. And you can be hopeful, optimistic about a lot of things.

[James Palmer]

Scary.

[Charlotte Carroll]

But there is no definitive answer. And honestly, James, it is scary looking at Anthony up close and credit to him because I think he handled a very unique situation as best as he could from a character standpoint. Because when the injury happens, it's like this guy is like made of glass. What happened? It was a freak accident. You know, he had an accident in the locker room that involved stretching band. Long story short, he attached a band to a rod in the locker room, was trying to stretch, the rod broke, hit him in the face like that. It's like getting hit with a fastball. And then if you look at his actual face, there's a scar underneath his right eye. Where in my mind I'm thinking to myself, are you just fortunate to have an eye?

[James Palmer]

Yes.

[Charlotte Carroll]

You know, and considering that he's at team facilities at the stadium when this happens and they still took him on a stretcher to the hospital because they're that afraid to kind of help him out. So he's been a lot of progress. But yeah, that is the concern. And when he spoke to us at the end of the season, the one detail that he revealed himself was that at the time, now it could have changed since then. He said it was his one foot box, so you can see like, you know, far. It's like the peripheral vision and maybe looking down and like just kind of around him in like the short area spaces, more so than down the field. So again, you need all of your vision, I would think, to be a good NFL quarterback or especially for him to revive your career as a quarterback in the NFL. NFL.

[James Palmer]

Because if this I wasn't going on, I would think somebody would be in the market to trade for Anthony Richard right now. Right?

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah. And that to me is the biggest barrier between perhaps him staying here or moving on. Because to be honest with you, I don't see a clear path forward for him in Indianapolis. And honestly, he may not want that. He may want a fresh start. But for a team to take a gamble on you, to trade for you and you have a almost 11 minute a cap hit next year, we need to know that you can at least see the injuries are one thing, but this is such a unique injury. I think factors in more than again, just taking a flyer on a guy for a 6 round pick or something like that.

[James Palmer]

Unbelievable, unbelievable situation. I remember you being all over that story when it happened. It was just so unique and just honestly, it's an awful story, to be completely honest. Speaking of the offensive side of the ball, we mentioned Alec Pierce. Do you think he remains in Indianapolis? When I was talking to people here, you know, we're talking to different general managers and personnel people and I was like, what do you think's going to happen? It was Monday night, we were out and what do you think's going to happen to Alec Pierce? And so an executive goes, remember Christian Kirk's contract with the Jaguars where we were all like, he got what he's like. I think that's going to be Alec Pierce. If he hits full on free agency and doesn't go immediately back to Indianapolis, do you think he's back in Indy? And what's the future of Michael Pittman as well? Because that cap number is, is something.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Yeah, that is to me kind of like a twofold question because they might tie together.

[James Palmer]

It's a good hunt. If you want to pay question perfect.

[Charlotte Carroll]

I love it, man. If you want to pay Alec Pierce, you need money. The easiest way to get it will probably be to release Michael Pittman Jr. His cap hit next year's 29 million. If they release him, they create 24 million in cap space. Only 5 million in dead money. And so he was very honest at the end of the season. I love Pitt because from a media standpoint, he keeps it real. Season ends in Houston and he's like, yeah, if I played my last game as a cold, I loved it here. Like, he is not naive or, you know, too egotistical to acknowledge that, yeah, I'm not getting that number if I come back here. So perhaps they restructure. But with Alec, who is obviously the big fish when it comes to the wide receiver market, I think that he will ultimately stay here. I do think that they should probably use the tag on him over Daniel Jones. But the question I have is, is he a true number one receiver? He had a great year last year for the second straight year led the league and yards per reception. But he's got 1,000 yard receiving season in his career at about six touchdowns last year. And can you be the guy week in and week out if Pittman isn't part of the equation? Cuz Pitman is still a good player, had a down year last year but he still draws attention away from you. So that's the question I have. But he's in a great spot. Had a career year in your contract year. And you're going into free agency knowing that this free agency class, like quarterbacks, usually the great ones don't re reach free agency. So you're there, you're going to get overpaid and as I always say, I would love to be overpaid instead of underappreciated.

[James Palmer]

He's. Listen, I, I told you we're full of the lingo here at the combine. That tag for the wide receiver by the way is $28 million, I believe. I think it's right around like the Jalen Waddle and T. Higgins average per year I think is where you're at just right off the top of the head. No big deal. You also have Tyler Warren though. That's part of the equation of breeding some attention I think even in year two that's going to even skyrocket I think. And what he brings to Shane Steichen's offense. All right, before we go, I am interested because everybody was so like a lot of eyeballs were on the way. The season ended in Indianapolis and going our job's going to be lost. Whether it's Chris Ballard or Shane Steichen ended up both of them, you know, after Carly evaluated everything. They're both back now that some time has passed. Has the perception of the finish and the collapse, I guess is it viewed the same or differently you think as opposed to right at the end of

[Charlotte Carroll]

the season from the team or from the city? Because the city is like dude, we lose every year in December and January. We don't win big games.

[James Palmer]

And then the city, the city doesn't make decisions on people's job just to clear that up.

[Charlotte Carroll]

They're always mad about Chris Balor still being here and they feel like he's Teflon Don. But when it comes to the actual team, James, they believe that that first 10 game stretch when Daniel Jones was healthy and they were aim to atop the afc that is what they really are and what they could be moving forward. But my thing is when you're evaluating Chris Ballard in particular, he's had, this is his 10th season. So when you look at his 10th season in his first nine, you got no AFC south titles, only two playoff appearances, one playoff victory, and that was in 2020 with the former, I guess, younger Philip Rivers. And then he came back. But nevertheless, I think a lot of that has to do with, okay, have you even earned the grace to get another chance? They've given it to him regardless. And now it's a matter of, for the first time in his career, Chris Ballard's going to the final year of his contract. I did ask Carly, or say, Gordon, would you extend him? I mean, most GMs do not get to the last year. And she told me to basically ask that question again next year. And I'm like, okay, well, will he be here? So that sounds like that's more pressure than before. But at the same time, you have to be able to deliver. And you know, Chris is cool, he's great with the media, and then tells us, oh, you know, pressure is the same. But I think this city, and really this team, quite frankly, is tired of being mediocre. But my question is, how close do you think you are? Because you're banking, essentially. We could talk about all the other things, franchise, tech, whatever you're banking, your future and your upcoming season on a quarterback coming back from an Achilles injury who has only made it through one full season in the first seven years of his career. So that to me doesn't give me a lot of hope. But that is their plan and we'll see if they're able to build on it, man.

[James Palmer]

Right. And we've seen a couple of quarterbacks come back from Achilles lately and that it time often times exactly the second

[Charlotte Carroll]

year after the surgery and everything like that, but they don't have time to kind of figure that out.

[James Palmer]

A lot to look and study for Indianapolis this offseason.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Always.

[James Palmer]

Oh, man. Oh, man. And I was going to ask you about some draft questions, but they don't have any picks.

[Charlotte Carroll]

Hey, two of the picks, two of their next first round picks. We're in the trade for Sauce Gardner. So I'll be chilling on day one of the draft.

[James Palmer]

Okay. All right, well, maybe we can hang out. We'll see. He never know. Could happen. Chris Ballard could make a move.

[Charlotte Carroll]

All right.

[James Palmer]

James Boyd. Outstanding. Appreciate it. Thank you. Everything. Colts always go to James right here on the Athletic. Also, Charlotte Carroll joined us talking Giants. Diana Rossini, the goat of the Combine. Self proclaimed, by the way. I just want to say that that was her name that she gave herself, not mine altogether. Outstanding episode of Scoop City. We'll have another one for you tomorrow from the combine. Take it easy.

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