Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out Release Date: February 4, 2025

1. Myles Garrett Requests a Trade

In the opening segment of this episode, host John Middlekauff delves deep into the seismic development within the NFL: Myles Garrett, the elite defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, has officially requested a trade. Middlekauff discusses the typical narrative surrounding superstar players seeking trades, emphasizing Garrett's exceptional performance since being drafted in 2018.

John Middlekauff [34:20]: "When you look at Miles Garrett, he is just an elite player and really since 2018, he has been an all-pro every single year, first or second team."

Middlekauff highlights Garrett's consistent excellence, noting his multiple All-Pro selections and Defensive Player of the Year accolades. He compares Garrett to historical greats like Reggie White, illustrating the high demand Garrett commands across the league.

John Middlekauff [38:15]: "Miles Garrett is everything you want in a super high pick. He becomes a superstar player."

The discussion extends to the implications of Garrett's potential trade on both the Browns and prospective teams. Middlekauff predicts that multiple franchises will vie fiercely for Garrett, likely offering substantial draft capital and high-profile players to secure his acquisition. He speculates that teams like the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles are prime candidates to make aggressive bids.

John Middlekauff [40:50]: "I think Washington, Detroit, Green Bay, you know, the Rams are always sniffing around. I would say the Eagles as well."

Furthermore, Middlekauff examines the Browns' predicament, trapped by the high-value contract tied to Garrett and the existing Deshaun Watson situation. He suggests that despite the team's efforts to retain fidelity, the organizational dysfunction may ultimately lead to Garrett's departure.

John Middlekauff [44:30]: "Given your situation with the Deshaun Watson contract that you have this super high pick, maybe it's not the worst thing in the world to just nuke this thing."

2. NFL Expansion and International Games

Middlekauff shifts focus to the NFL's strategic moves toward international expansion, particularly the league's intentions to host regular-season games in Australia. He notes that while the NFL has previously held preseason matches in Australia, this marks a significant step toward establishing a more permanent presence.

John Middlekauff [50:10]: "They've been to Australia since 1999 and that was a preseason game. All signs point to it being the Eagles, who one of their star players, Jordan, my lotta Australian guy and the Los Angeles Rams."

The host theorizes that the NFL aims to tap into global streaming platforms like Netflix to broaden its international audience. By hosting games abroad and making them accessible through global streaming services, the league seeks to cultivate a diverse and expansive fan base.

John Middlekauff [52:45]: "They want to continue to grow the fan base because guess what? When they sign, they do in the Netflix the couple games right now on Christmas. What about when they sign a package?"

He further explores the potential long-term benefits of these international endeavors, including increased revenue streams and enhanced global brand recognition.

3. Chip Kelly's New Contract and Role in Vegas

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Chip Kelly, the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who has recently secured a lucrative contract, making him the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL at $6 million per year. Middlekauff expresses bewilderment and disappointment over this development.

John Middlekauff [55:30]: "He just was a little 'befuddled'. Just don't really see the fit. Think it's a little weird with Pete."

He criticizes the decision, questioning the rationale behind offering Kelly such a substantial salary, especially given his mixed performance history, including a notably poor season with the San Francisco 49ers and a tumultuous tenure in Philadelphia.

John Middlekauff [58:05]: "I think this guy is crazy. I mean, it's insanity."

Middlekauff compares Kelly's situation to other high-profile coordinator contracts, arguing that the NFL should reward proven, successful coordinators rather than allocating exorbitant salaries to those with questionable track records. He also touches on the broader implications for team finances, suggesting that such contracts could strain an organization's salary cap and affect future player acquisitions.

John Middlekauff [60:20]: "Victor Fangio was making a little over $4 million, and now Chip Kelly is making $6 million. That's ridiculous."

4. Additional NFL Trades and Player Movements

The episode also touches on other notable NFL transactions and potential player movements. Middlekauff discusses the likelihood of veteran players like Cooper Kupp being traded or cut due to high salaries and inconsistent performance.

John Middlekauff [67:00]: "I've just seen before I hopped on that the Rams will try to trade Cooper Kupp this offseason."

He analyzes the challenges teams face in balancing player salaries with on-field performance, emphasizing the difficulty in trading or retaining high-salary players who may not justify their cost.

5. Mailbag and Listener Questions

In the mailbag segment, Middlekauff engages with listener questions, addressing a variety of topics ranging from coaching decisions to team strategies. One notable discussion involves the potential name for the team's fan base, where Middlekauff crowdsources ideas while providing his own preferences.

John Middlekauff [68:30]: "I do think it has to be one word. It doesn't have to be football related either, but I think it does have to pop off the tongue."

He also tackles questions about NFL scheduling, player behavior off the field, and hypothetical scenarios, providing insightful and candid responses that resonate with the show's audience.

John Middlekauff [71:10]: "If you're the Patriots, I think you have a ton of money, but you are terrible. Like I don't think you can give the fourth pick from because you're not, you're not a player away from being a player away from being three players away."

6. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Middlekauff reiterating the significant developments discussed, particularly focusing on the high-stakes nature of Garrett's trade request and its potential to reshape team dynamics across the NFL. He underscores the importance of strategic decisions in both player acquisitions and organizational management, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.

John Middlekauff [73:00]: "This ain't the little itty bitty tiny bowl. This is the Super Bowl 59."

Overall, this episode provides a thorough exploration of key NFL happenings, offering expert analysis and engaging discussions that cater to both avid and casual football fans.

Notable Quotes:

• John Middlekauff [34:20]: "When you look at Miles Garrett, he is just an elite player and really since 2018, he has been an all-pro every single year, first or second team."

• John Middlekauff [38:15]: "Miles Garrett is everything you want in a super high pick. He becomes a superstar player."

• John Middlekauff [55:30]: "He just was a little 'befuddled'. Just don't really see the fit. Think it's a little weird with Pete."

• John Middlekauff [60:20]: "Victor Fangio was making a little over $4 million, and now Chip Kelly is making $6 million. That's ridiculous."

• John Middlekauff [73:00]: "This ain't the little itty bitty tiny bowl. This is the Super Bowl 59."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides an in-depth analysis of major NFL developments, particularly focusing on Myles Garrett's trade request, the league's move towards international expansion, and the controversial contract of Chip Kelly. John Middlekauff delivers insightful commentary, enriched with relevant quotes and thorough discussions, making it a valuable listen for fans seeking a comprehensive understanding of current sports dynamics.