The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2

Date: March 5, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Guests: Michael Silver (The Athletic)
Main Topics: The Raiders’ Dysfunction and Max Crosby’s Future, Tom Brady’s Role in Las Vegas, NFL Trade Philosophy, Lou Holtz Legacy, Aaron Rodgers’ Next Steps

Episode Overview

Hour 2 of The Dan Patrick Show features an in-depth conversation with Michael Silver from The Athletic about the current state of the Las Vegas Raiders, the future of star defensive end Max Crosby, and the evolving internal dynamics involving Tom Brady's front office role. The back half of the hour is devoted to listener calls on college football's shifting landscape, NFL trade strategies, Lou Holtz’s passing, and speculation about Aaron Rodgers’ free agency and suitors for the 2026 season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dysfunctional State of the Raiders (05:29-14:43)

• Michael Silver’s Quick Assessment: “They're a mess.” (05:29, Michael Silver on the Raiders)
• Chronic Instability: The Raiders' last two seasons have been disastrous, with 4-13 and 3-14 records and coaching turnover.
• Asset Management & Rebuild Needs: The franchise lacks valuable trade assets and is (on paper) entering a necessary rebuild.
• Max Crosby’s Uncertain Future: The team is considering trading Crosby, a star edge rusher and six-year veteran, especially since he’s reportedly eager to leave. The Raiders seek a “Micah Parsons-like haul,” but that’s “probably a little ambitious.” (05:29)

Notable Quote

“He wants to go, they need assets, and to get younger. We'll see if they pull the trigger soon or if this drags on a little bit.” – Michael Silver (06:18)

2. Possible Landing Spots for Max Crosby (06:36-07:54)

• Contending Teams in the Mix: Patriots, Ravens, Bears, Cowboys, and possibly the Jets are among the speculative frontrunners for a Crosby trade.
• Crosby’s Preferences: He wants to join a contender. There’s mild drama about whether he’d threaten to retire if sent to a rebuilding team.
• Raiders' Approach: They’re inclined to take the best offer, not necessarily working closely with Crosby/his agent.

3. The “Fernando Mendoza” Draft Commitment (07:54-08:52)

• All in on a Franchise QB: Raiders reportedly set on drafting Mendoza regardless of trade offers unless an overwhelming trade (e.g., from the Jets) materializes.
• Critical Rebuild Philosophy: Silver notes last year’s unsuccessful “split the difference” approach and now advocates for an “organic” rebuild.

4. Root Causes: Ownership, Tom Brady, and Internal Turmoil (08:52-14:39)

• Mark Davis’ Leadership: Silver points to ownership’s inadequacies, describing Mark Davis as the “next generation owner…born into it.”
• Tom Brady’s Role:
  • Now a minority owner, supposedly providing a “blueprint” for success.
  • Not physically present – works as a broadcaster, resides in Florida.
  • Tom’s close associate, Alex Guerrero, is acting as an influential liaison, sometimes seen as overreaching his role (wellness coordinator) and causing tension by being the “pipeline to Tom.”
  • “That does not seem to be a great environment and it's part of the equation when it comes to Max Crosby's desire to get out of there.” (10:53)
• Chain of Command Confusion: Mark Davis publicly installed Brady as having major influence, but Silver questions if you can successfully run an NFL team “from afar.”
• Brady and the Shador Sanders Draft Mystery: Despite a mentor role with Shador, Brady wasn’t all-in during the draft process, opting to let football ops make the call. Raises ongoing doubts about how involved Brady is in personnel decisions.

Notable Quote

“It goes back to everything that we're talking about. Is Tom Brady actually all in? Is he running it? What message are people inside the building getting about the power structure and the vision and how it's playing out?” – Michael Silver (13:28)

5. NFL Trade Philosophy and Franchise Building (24:32-27:52)

• Case Study — The Rams: Rams have repeatedly traded away first-round picks for veteran talent (Jared Goff, Brandon Cooks, Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford, Trent McDuffie), favoring “sure things” over potential via the draft.
• Proof-of-Concept: The Rams’ strategy delivered a Super Bowl, validating aggressive trade behavior and efficient use of mid/late-round picks.
• Importance of Hitting on Lower Picks: Chiefs’ success (e.g., Isaiah Pacheco, R7) and Ravens’ history highlight the importance of depth drafting beyond Round 1.
• Recent Big Trades Noted: Patriots acquiring Stefon Diggs; Rams picking up Trent McDuffie.

6. NFL QB Carousel: Aaron Rodgers’ Next Move (30:55-34:16)

• Rodgers’ Status: No offer from the Steelers; no decisions yet, timeline likely in June.
• Dan’s Take: Steelers seem stuck in mediocrity and must decide whether to pursue Rodgers or look elsewhere. Raised questions about their long-term QB strategy (Will Howard? Kyler Murray? Malik Willis? Kirk Cousins?).
• Possible Destinations: Rodgers could be a “backup plan” for teams like Minnesota if primary options fall through.
• Rodgers on McAfee (audio summary): “There’s no deadline…no contract offer…enjoying my offseason…” (31:26)
• Franchise Ceiling & Floor: Mike McCarthy’s hiring is seen as solid, but the ceiling for the Steelers' offense with Rodgers is uncertain.

7. College Football’s Shifting Landscape/NIL Mess (18:02-20:15)

• Caller Chooch’s Lament: Expressed nostalgia for Lou Holtz’s focus on “development of young men” and concern that college football is now like the pros.
• Dan’s Critique: “It is a mess” – blames college presidents and ADs for lack of enforceable rules and rampant NIL chaos.
• Loss of Academics: Unclear if athletes still go to class; academic ineligibility rarely reported today.
• Blurring Student-Athlete Lines: Dan: “They're not student-athletes. They're athletic students.”

8. Lou Holtz’s Legacy (16:35-18:02, 44:34-50:46)

• Passing of a Legend: Lou Holtz passed away at 89; remembered as a coaching icon, especially for Notre Dame.
• Mixed Legacy: Callers and Dan note that Holtz left several programs on NCAA probation.
• Reflection & Humor: The crew debates when it’s appropriate to make jokes after someone passes (“Celebration of life period starts at 86.”) and muses about natural causes vs. dying young.

9. Listener Calls and Show Banter

• Broad mix of humor (pants poll question), personal anecdotes (speeding tickets, guests running out of essentials), and NFL/college football tangents.
• A listener performs a parody song about the show to the tune of "We Didn’t Start the Fire" (43:16).

Notable Quotes & Moments – With Timestamps

• Michael Silver on the Raiders:
  “They're a mess.” (05:29)
• Silver on Crosby Trade:
  “Their attitude seems to be, hey, we're just going to take the best deal, so we'll see how it plays out.” (07:23)
• Silver on Tom Brady’s Role:
  “Brady's not there. He's working for Fox. He's living in Florida… and that does not seem to be a great environment.” (10:53)
• Dan on College Football:
  “College football is a mess. It is. Blame this on…the leaders in college football, athletic directors, presidents.” (18:02)
• Rodgers on Free Agency (from Pat McAfee Show):
  “There’s been no deadline…no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m…having to debate between. And I’m…enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the off season.” (31:26)
• Dan on Steelers’ Prospects:
  “I just look at that offense, I go, I don't like your weapons. And then you're going to put Aaron Rodgers back there again. Okay, what am I getting? What is the ceiling?” (33:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Raiders’ State of Affairs & Max Crosby’s Future – 05:29-14:43
• Poll Question (Lou Holtz Pants Poll) – 03:43
• NFL Trade/Franchise Building Philosophy – 24:32-27:52
• Listener Call: College Football and Holtz – 16:35-20:15
• Aaron Rodgers Free Agency Discussion – 30:55-34:16, 42:22
• Tribute and Reflection on Lou Holtz – 44:34-50:46

Summary Table

| Time | Segment Title | Content Highlights | |------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:29 | Raiders in Chaos – Michael Silver | Dysfunction, Max Crosby trade rumors, Tom Brady's unclear influence | | 06:36 | Possible Crosby Destinations | Patriots, Ravens, Bears, Cowboys, Jets discussed | | 08:52 | Raiders Ownership and Dysfunction | Mark Davis’ shortcomings, Brady as symbolic fixer, internal confusion | | 14:43 | Aftermath: Dan Reflects on Raiders & Crosby | Reiterates need for rebuilding, doubts about blockbuster trade returns | | 16:35 | Lou Holtz/Raiders Call-In & College Football | Holtz legacy, college football’s "mess" and NIL issues | | 24:32 | Rams Trade Philosophy | Rams’ long-term trade success, lessons for NFL franchise building | | 30:55 | Aaron Rodgers’ Next Team | No offer from Steelers, free agent process, possible destinations discussed | | 44:34 | Lou Holtz’s Complex Legacy | Fun debate on coaching achievements vs. scandals, “celebration of life” humor |

Overall Tone

Dan and the Danettes keep things lively and self-aware, tempering direct criticism of NFL franchises (and owners like Mark Davis) with doses of humor, personal anecdotes, and digressions into pop culture and fan banter. Even weightier topics (Lou Holtz's passing, NIL in college football) get a blend of respectful analysis and the show’s trademark irreverence.

Useful For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This hour covers everything from breaking NFL news and insider scoops to broader philosophical questions about the future of football on and off the field. Notable highlights include Michael Silver’s candid breakdown of the Raiders’ dysfunction, the uncertain future of Max Crosby, the ongoing QB carousel, and a debate about college football’s loss of character in the new NIL landscape. The episode exemplifies The Dan Patrick Show’s mix of inside access, playful argument, and serious sports journalism.