Scoop City – August 26, 2025

Episode: Will Terry McLaurin's BIG extension pay off for Commanders?

Podcast: Scoop City: A show about the NFL
Hosts: James Palmer, Dianna Russini (The Athletic), Chase Daniel
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into contract news dominating the NFL landscape: Terry McLaurin's major extension with the Washington Commanders, Trey Hendrickson’s deal with the Bengals, and the ongoing Micah Parsons drama in Dallas. The hosts also break down notable rookie QB situations—especially Jackson Dart with the Giants and Shador Sanders in Cleveland—offering inside perspective and lively debate on the league’s hottest storylines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trey Hendrickson’s New Deal with the Bengals

(02:19–09:36)

• Deal Details: Hendrickson signs a one-year, $30 million fully guaranteed contract after extended negotiations (02:50).
• Negotiation Hurdles: Bengals refused to guarantee second-year money, despite initially offering a 3-year, $95 million structure with only the first year guaranteed (04:46).
  • "They were really looking for the first two years to be guaranteed ... The Bengals were not comfortable doing that, which is why we are here." – Dianna Russini (04:46)
• Implications: Hendrickson’s 17.5 sacks last season composed 46% of Bengals’ total sacks—his return is vital (04:06).
• Contract Cycle Patterns: The Bengals’ tendency to apply “band-aid” contracts rather than long-term commitments.
  • “It is another band-aid in Cincinnati.” – James Palmer (05:19)
• Team Mood: Both sides are relieved and eager to “get back to what we love”—actual football.

2. News Rundown & Upcoming Topics

(09:44–10:43)

• The hosts tease upcoming coverage on Shador Sanders, the Browns’ QB situation, Micah Parsons, and, most notably, Terry McLaurin’s contract extension.

3. Terry McLaurin’s Commanders Extension: Dissection and Reactions

(11:22–22:33)

• Contract Breakdown: Three years, $96 million (about $32M/yr), narrowly under DK Metcalf’s AAV but for fewer years.
  • “Their asking price initially was somewhere around 40, 41 million a year ... now they land here in the low 30s.” – Dianna Russini (11:22)
• Negotiation Timeline: Talks started at the combine, but McLaurin's camp came in aggressive (“shooting for the moon”).
• Guaranteed Money: Not yet finalized but believed to be significant.
  • “Most saw him in that $27, $28, even $29 million range ... Washington caved.” – Dianna Russini (13:22)
• League Context: Many execs shocked McLaurin got $30M+ a year; signals a “win” for McLaurin’s camp.
• Impact on Offense:
  • “Who are they going to rely on? ... He is a bonafide number one there.” – Chase Daniel (14:54)
  • “This is not the same offense without Terry ... it wasn’t really rocket science.” – Dianna Russini (13:22)
• Locker Room & Front Office Dynamics: McLaurin’s consistent production despite franchise instability has made him a franchise pillar and locker room leader.
  • “That’s two owners, four head coaches, four OCs, 11 quarterbacks, and consistent production.” – James Palmer (18:08)
  • “He is the leader of the offense ... you can imagine the celebration that’s going on in Washington's locker room.” – Chase Daniel (21:01)
• Jayden Daniels Interview Excerpt: Rookie QB Jayden Daniels expresses confidence and excitement now that McLaurin is locked in (22:33–23:30).
  • Daniels: “Oh, 100%. I feel great ... both sides will come to agreement and Terry’s gonna be back out here.” (23:18)

4. Micah Parsons & the Standoff in Dallas

(24:11–36:46)

• No Movement: No new substantial contract talks since March. Parsons agent open to trade, but Dallas not engaging.
  • “There has been no conversation about this contract since ... March.” – Dianna Russini (24:44)
  • “Micah Parsons has been very clear he does not want to play for the Dallas Cowboys.” – Dianna Russini (24:44)
• Will He Sit Out?: Decision not yet made; contract would toll if Parsons skips the season (26:14).
  • “If he doesn’t play this season, his contract tolls ... back to where he was.” – James Palmer (26:14)
• Jerry Jones’ Bargaining Approach: Consistent with Cowboys’ history of delaying extensions, often costing more; combines owner and GM roles making Jones both unaccountable and inflexible.
  • “They waited on Dak, CeeDee, Zeke ... it cost them more money. That’s just how things have gone in Dallas.” – James Palmer (30:21)
  • “Owner is doing the negotiation as the general manager ... every other GM would be fearful of losing their job if they botch a contract like this.” – James Palmer (31:54)
• Team Perceptions & Trade Talk: While teams are “waiting for Dallas to have a serious conversation,” there’s no real movement toward trading Parsons yet (35:36).

Notable Quotes

• “This should be the easiest contract of all time to do ... but it’s starting to become a little bit of a joke.” – Chase Daniel (27:33)
• “Jerry thinks he’s right. I think we all think he’s wrong. And Jerry thinks he’s right.” – James Palmer (31:54)
• “Do I think Mike is going to be there in Philadelphia?... Probably, yeah.” – Chase Daniel (32:56)
• “If he was going to sit out, there’s a greater chance ... of him sitting out the 2026 season than 2025.” – James Palmer (34:33)

5. QB Battles: Browns, Giants & Roster Decisions

(38:55–66:31)

Cleveland Browns QB Room & “Sabotage” Narrative

• Current QB Situation: Browns keep 4 QBs (Flacco, Pickett, Shador Sanders, Dylan Gabriel).
• Media Firestorm: Rumors swirl that the Browns are “sabotaging” fifth-round rookie Shador Sanders by denying him reps.
  • “You could tell [Stefanski] was pissed that the question was asked ... but kept his calm.” – Chase Daniel (40:13)
• Chase’s Take: QBs in his situation (“fourth-stringers” in preseason) always get bad circumstances—your job is to impress with whatever reps you get.
  • “Everyone plays behind bad offensive linemen ... your job is to make the best of the opportunity you have.” – Chase Daniel (41:35)
• Developmental Track: Gabriel now projects to backup role ahead of Sanders due to his processing speed; keeping four QBs unlikely as season progresses.
  • “I have a hard time believing they’re going to do an about-face before week one.” – Dianna Russini (46:30)
  • “Dylan Gabriel should be the backup ... the ball's coming out quickly.” – Chase Daniel (49:04)

Giants QB Room & Jackson Dart Hype

• Rookie Standout: Jackson Dart posts strong preseason numbers and impresses Giants staff and analysts.
  • “He’s passing with an A plus ... you can’t tell me you watch Jackson darts film right now ... and tell me this dude cannot start week one.” – Chase Daniel (55:32)
• Team’s Cautious Approach: Giants likely to start Russell Wilson but could turn to Dart before Halloween if season sours.
  • “Surprised by it? No. Impressed by it? Yes.” – Dianna Russini (60:11)
• Team Optimism: Locker room energy reportedly much improved over last season.
  • “I think there’s reason to be optimistic and enthusiastic [in NY].” – Dianna Russini (67:10)

6. Notable Moments & Fun Exchanges

Show-running Gags and Banter

• Banter about New York Post headlines for Jackson Dart:
  “If I smile, the back page tomorrow is going to be ‘Bright Light, Big City, Jackson Dart. Dable nails it!’” – Diana Rossini, joking about NY tabloid culture (09:44, 66:38)
• Multiple friendly “bets” on future outcomes (Micah Parsons playing, Jackson Dart starting by Halloween).

Personal Announcements

• Chase Daniel will join ESPN as college football color commentator, UFL games, and NFL studio analyst. Genuine support and congratulations from Diana and James (82:09–84:28).

Behind-the-Scenes Look

• Chase describes life as an NFL backup, the “servant heart” required (53:10), and how rookie QBs adjust to NFL speed.
• Dianna recounts the relatable parent-story of losing (and recovering) a child’s beloved stuffed animal (“doggy”)—comic relief after NFL business talk (77:33).

7. Memorable Quotes (with attribution & timestamps)

• On McLaurin's value:
  “He is the leader of the offense ... Imagine the celebration that’s going on in the Commanders’ locker room right now for Scary Terry.” – Chase Daniel (21:01)

• On Parsons/Cowboys tension:
  “This should be like the easiest contract of all time ... it’s starting to become a little bit of a joke.” – Chase Daniel (27:33)

• On Giants optimism & Jackson Dart:
  “Surprised by it? No. Impressed by it? Yes.” – Dianna Russini (60:11)

• On the business side of football:
  “Every other GM in football would be fearful of losing their job if you botch a contract like this ... the owner is doing the negotiation as the GM.” – James Palmer (31:54)

• On backup QBs:
  “You have to have a servant heart ... it’s your job to serve the starter, the QB coach, and be the filter.” – Chase Daniel (53:10)

8. Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trey Hendrickson Deal & Defensive Impact: 02:19–09:36
• Terry McLaurin Extension Deep-Dive: 11:22–22:33
• Jayden Daniels on McLaurin’s Role: 22:33–23:30
• Micah Parsons & Cowboys Negotiation: 24:11–36:46
• Cleveland Browns QB Drama & Sabotage Claim: 38:55–50:51
• Giants QB Room & Jackson Dart Analysis: 54:55–67:27
• Chase Daniel’s ESPN Announcement: 82:09–84:28

9. Tone & Style

The hosts blend hard NFL reporting with ex-player perspective and frequent, light-hearted banter. Dianna brings scoops and broad context, Chase gets granular with QB mechanics and team dynamics, James guides the conversation and keeps it moving with humor and fan perspective.

Summary

This was a packed, high-energy episode of Scoop City covering big-money extensions and contract holdouts (McLaurin, Hendrickson, Parsons) and assessing their impact on locker rooms, team-building, and NFL business culture. The conversation also delivers strong, candid QB analysis—particularly on the developmental challenges faced by rookies like Jackson Dart and Shador Sanders. The personal anecdotes and banter (lost stuffies! New York Post headlines! ESPN career moves!) contribute to Scoop City’s signature insider-meets-fan flavor.

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