Podcast Summary: "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Episode "3 & Out - Massive Mailbag"

Release Date: July 3, 2025

Host: Colin Cowherd (Produced by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

Introduction

In the episode titled "3 & Out - Massive Mailbag," The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves into a comprehensive discussion of listener mailbag questions, primarily focusing on current NFL dynamics, player contracts, coaching hierarchies, and broader league trends. Hosted by co-host Ebony and producer John Middlekoff, the episode offers in-depth analysis and spirited debates on several pressing topics within the world of professional football.

1. Player Contracts and Elite Talent

Discussion: Darren Waller’s Career Trajectory

Listener inquiries kick off with speculations about Darren Waller’s career had he paired with quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, or Joe Burrow instead of his current teammates, Carr or Daniel Jones.

Ebony argues, "I think more elite players should stop taking these massive contracts from bad teams that overpay because they suck and go to a place that will elevate them to new heights" (04:15). However, John Middlekoff counters the practicality, noting the allure of substantial guaranteed money: "When someone offers you millions guaranteed, it's hard to turn that down" (04:45).

Insights:

• Elite players often face the dilemma between lucrative contracts and the potential for greater team success.
• Financial security presents a significant barrier to players moving to potentially better-performing teams.

2. Kyle Juszczyk’s Re-signing with the 49ers

Discussion: Decision Analysis

A notable point of discussion centers around the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to re-sign Kyle Juszczyk despite previously cutting him.

John Middlekoff suggests, "He knows the offense. He's a versatile player. He took a discount because he was offered more, I think, to go to Pittsburgh. He values the 49ers" (05:30). This move is analyzed in terms of team cohesion, player versatility, and financial strategy.

Insights:

• The 49ers prioritize teamwork and player familiarity over strictly financial considerations.
• Versatile players like Juszczyk are invaluable for their adaptability within offensive schemes.

3. Leadership and Player Transitions Post-Career

Discussion: Navigating Career Changes

The conversation shifts to the challenges top athletes face when transitioning out of their prime, using LeBron James as a parallel example.

Ebony reflects, "These players get so offended... how are they not going through you. They're over you" (10:20), highlighting the emotional and professional difficulties athletes encounter when their status within a team changes.

Insights:

• Transitioning from high-status positions is often fraught with emotional and professional hurdles.
• Maintaining leverage and respect is crucial for athletes as their careers evolve.

4. Expectations for Rookie Quarterbacks

Discussion: Justin Herbert’s Impact

Listener questions about Justin Herbert's successful rookie season and its influence on expectations for incoming quarterbacks are addressed.

Ebony states, "When I draft a player really high at quarterback, especially in the top, I don't know, 10 picks, my expectations are high" (12:50). The heightened expectations set by Herbert's performance are scrutinized, emphasizing the pressure on new quarterbacks to perform immediately.

Insights:

• A star rookie quarterback can set new benchmarks, increasing pressure on subsequent draftees.
• Teams and fans may expect immediate impact, sometimes at the expense of developmental time.

5. NFL Overtime and Rule Suggestions

Discussion: Proposed Overtime Modifications

A listener suggests altering the overtime kickoff decision process to provide more options during the opening coin toss.

John Middlekoff responds, "It's coming, it's inevitable. So I don't know what else to tell you" (20:00), expressing skepticism about the proposal's feasibility due to entrenched coaching strategies and league regulations.

Insights:

• Rule changes in overtime are met with resistance due to established coaching philosophies.
• Innovative ideas may struggle to gain traction within the traditionally conservative NFL framework.

6. Texans and Browns’ High Guaranteed Contracts

Discussion: Strategic Financial Moves

The episode explores the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns' strategies in offering highly guaranteed contracts to players like Desean Watson and Derek Stingley.

Ebony questions, "Why am I getting way. Why is Justin Jefferson and Nick Bosa getting $125 million guaranteed and I'm only getting 80 or 90?" (16:45), highlighting disparities in contract structures across positions.

Insights:

• Teams may use guaranteed contracts as leverage in negotiations, influencing overall salary trends.
• Financial flexibility and short-term agreements can be strategic for team-building amid market uncertainties.

7. Giants GM's Performance and Organizational Decisions

Discussion: Management Stability

Listener concerns about the New York Giants GM not being fired despite the team’s struggles are discussed.

John Middlekoff surmises, "They want no part of it. They don't want to spend all January interviewing a bunch of potential GMs" (19:30), suggesting ownership's reluctance to disrupt the status quo.

Insights:

• Organizational inertia and financial stability can prevent timely management changes.
• Success in sports management often depends on a willingness to make difficult personnel decisions.

8. Hierarchy Between GM and Head Coaches

Discussion: Power Dynamics

The episode delves into the varying power structures between General Managers (GMs) and head coaches across NFL teams.

John Middlekoff explains, "If Ben Johnson wanted in his contract, he'd get basically whatever he wanted in his contract" (27:15), illustrating how leverage during hiring processes defines authority levels.

Insights:

• Contract negotiations play a pivotal role in establishing the hierarchy between GMs and head coaches.
• Successful team dynamics often depend on mutual respect and clearly defined roles within the organization.

9. Greatest College Prospects and Draft Positions

Discussion: Evaluating Prospects

Debates arise around who the greatest college football prospect ever is and their hypothetical draft position.

Ebony contends, "I'd say Elway would be hard to beat" (31:20), referencing John Elway's impressive college career as a benchmark for future prospects.

Insights:

• Historical performances of college athletes influence current draft expectations and rankings.
• Comparisons to legendary players set high standards for incoming prospects.

10. Future of G5 Football and Potential League Formation

Discussion: Sustainability of Group of Five Schools

Concerns are raised about the sustainability and future prospects of Group of Five (G5) schools amidst the dominance of Power 5 conferences.

John Middlekoff reflects on limited NFL scouting from G5 schools, citing, "It's really difficult to turn that. And no one would even blame you" (35:50), underscoring the challenges G5 schools face in competing for top talent.

Insights:

• G5 schools struggle to retain top talent due to financial and exposure disparities with Power 5 conferences.
• Consideration of forming a separate league reflects the ongoing imbalance in collegiate football.

11. NFL Expansion to 18 Games and Product Dilution

Discussion: Impact of Additional Regular Season Games

The proposed addition of an 18th game to the NFL regular season is debated concerning potential dilution of the league’s product.

Ebony opines, "I think the 18th game, I'm not for it" (38:40), expressing concerns that more games could weaken the overall quality and fan engagement.

Insights:

• Increasing the number of regular-season games may overextend players and reduce the competitive quality.
• Maintaining a balanced schedule is crucial for preserving the league’s high standards and fan interest.

12. Coaching Trends and Coordinator Roles

Discussion: Movement Between Head Coach and Coordinator Positions

The trend of head coaches reverting to coordinator roles is examined, with implications for the quality of play.

John Middlekoff notes, "This could possibly raise the quality of football this season alone" (40:10), suggesting that experienced coordinators returning to prominent roles could enhance team strategies.

Insights:

• The fluid movement between coaching roles can inject fresh perspectives and expertise into teams.
• Stability and experience within coaching staff are key factors in a team's on-field success.

Conclusion

The "3 & Out - Massive Mailbag" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an insightful exploration into the multifaceted issues facing the NFL today. From the intricacies of player contracts and the evolving expectations of rookie quarterbacks to the strategic financial maneuvers of team managers and the potential consequences of league-wide changes, the discussion underscores the complexity and dynamism inherent in professional football. Hosted by Ebony and John Middlekoff, the episode effectively addresses listener concerns while offering nuanced perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ebony (04:15): "I think more elite players should stop taking these massive contracts from bad teams that overpay because they suck and go to a place that will elevate them to new heights."

• John Middlekoff (04:45): "When someone offers you millions guaranteed, it's hard to turn that down."

• Ebony (12:50): "When I draft a player really high at quarterback, especially in the top, I don't know, 10 picks, my expectations are high."

• John Middlekoff (16:45): "Why am I getting way. Why is Justin Jefferson and Nick Bosa getting $125 million guaranteed and I'm only getting 80 or 90?"

• John Middlekoff (27:15): "If Ben Johnson wanted in his contract, he'd get basically whatever he wanted in his contract."

• Ebony (31:20): "I'd say Elway would be hard to beat."

• Ebony (38:40): "I think the 18th game, I'm not for it."

• John Middlekoff (40:10): "This could possibly raise the quality of football this season alone."

Note: Timestamps in the summary are indicative based on the transcript sections and may vary slightly from the actual episode.