The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd (May 19, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a comprehensive and engaging overview of pivotal sports narratives, blending expert analysis with Colin's signature opinions. This episode, titled "Best of The Herd," delves into significant discussions surrounding NFL quarterback contracts, the rising rivalry in the WNBA, strategic shifts in NBA roster constructions, and reflections on Colin's previous predictions. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. NFL Quarterback Contracts and Team Dynamics

Colin opens the episode by scrutinizing the San Francisco 49ers' recent decision to guarantee quarterback Brock Purdy a substantial $265 million contract, averaging approximately $53 million per year.

Colin Cowherd [29:24]: "So I think Brock Purdy tends to be closer in talent to a Baker Mayfield 35 million a year than Josh Allen 55 million a year."

Colin expresses reservations about the valuation, comparing Purdy's perceived talent to that of other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen. He emphasizes the potential financial strain such hefty contracts can place on a team's salary cap, possibly overshadowing other pivotal team roles.

He further discusses other quarterbacks, highlighting his earlier skepticism about contracts offered to Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott, and Tua Tagovailoa, all of which he felt were overinflated at the time.

Colin Cowherd [30:03]: "I think Trevor Lawrence is overpaid. I said it at the Time, I think Dak, Prescott and Tua, I didn't like those contracts. I was right on both."

2. WNBA Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the intensifying rivalry in the WNBA between stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Colin discusses a contentious game where a foul involving Caitlin Clark was controversially escalated to a flagrant foul, sparking debates about officiating standards and the competitive nature of women's basketball.

Colin Cowherd [22:50]: "I really think if you truly respect women's basketball, let them play. Sort of like guys..."

He argues that rivalries enhance the sport's appeal and viewership, drawing parallels to historic NBA rivalries that fueled fan engagement and media coverage. Colin emphasizes the importance of allowing physicality in the game, asserting that animosity and intensity are intrinsic to competitive sports.

Colin Cowherd [45:58]: "It's just sports. It's just sports."

Caitlin Clark's rise as a marquee player is highlighted, positioning her as a transformative figure for the WNBA, much like iconic athletes in other major leagues.

Colin Cowherd [30:46]: "She is Taylor Swift meets Tiger Woods. We said this last year the league just didn't quite know what it had."

3. NBA Final Four and Roster Construction Shifts

Colin provides an in-depth analysis of the NBA's Final Four teams, all of which are notably led by point guards—a unique trend in the league's history. He attributes this to changes in roster construction influenced by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which discourages stacking teams with multiple superstars.

Colin Cowherd [13:44]: "So the Point guards who can score, Halle can score, Brunson can score, SGA can score, Ant can score. But it's the guards that not only can finish. And Brunson's become an A plus finisher, but can elevate others, elevate role players."

He discusses how teams are now focusing on versatile point guards with high emotional and intelligence quotients (EQ/IQ), capable of both scoring and facilitating, thereby fostering a more balanced and strategically flexible roster.

Adam Silver's role in promoting physicality and competitiveness in the NBA is also examined, noting its impact on game dynamics such as shooting percentages and overall pace.

Colin Cowherd [23:45]: "Adam Silver took over for David Stern. … He wants more physical basketball. What does physical basketball do? ... It's the lowest field goal percentage in like six NBA seasons."

4. Reflections on Predictions: Where Colin Was Right and Wrong

Colin takes a reflective turn, assessing the accuracy of his previous predictions across various sports domains.

• Brock Purdy's Contract: While Colin initially opposed the hefty contract, he acknowledges the 49ers' commitment but remains skeptical about its long-term value.

  Colin Cowherd [29:24]: "I would not have paid Brock Purdy in the 50 millions, but the Niners did."

• WNBA and Caitlin Clark: Colin reaffirms his earlier belief in Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA, noting her significant contribution to the league's popularity.

  Colin Cowherd [30:46]: "Caitlin Clark is so ... she's a once in a generation … talent and revenue stream."

• NBA Finals Predictions: He admits misjudging the Denver Nuggets versus Oklahoma City Thunder series, attributing the oversight to underestimating player performance and team depth.

  Colin Cowherd [31:26]: "I thought the Thunder would win the series based on depth and levers their coach could pull … I was wrong on that series."

• New England Patriots: Colin's prediction regarding the Patriots' performance improvements, bolstered by coaching and roster enhancements, proved accurate.

  Colin Cowherd [32:43]: "I said back in March they are the number one bet on my board to double their wins … they were favored in 11 of their 17 games."

• Tyrese Haliburton's Future: He praises Tyrese Haliburton as a pivotal figure in the NBA's evolving structure, predicting a significant role for him in shaping future team dynamics.

  Colin Cowherd [32:04]: "Tyrese Haliburton ... some of it's just petty … when you watch him play, you're seeing the future of the NBA."

5. Guest Insights: Jeff Schwartz on Quarterback Development

Bringing in external expertise, Jeff Schwartz, a former NFL player, discusses the importance of veteran mentorship in quarterback development. He critiques the Chicago Bears' lack of veteran presence to support Caleb Williams, highlighting how this deficiency contributed to the team's dysfunction.

Jeff Schwartz [36:19]: "That's how you learn watching film from veterans from guys have done it before."

Schwartz emphasizes the critical role of experienced players in guiding young quarterbacks, suggesting that the absence of such mentorship can hinder a player's growth and the team's overall performance.

6. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Colin concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of adaptability in sports strategies, whether it's in football, basketball, or women's leagues. He underscores the evolving nature of sports administration, player contracts, and league policies, advocating for a balanced approach that fosters both competitiveness and team cohesion.

Colin Cowherd [48:31]: "It's just sports. It's just sports."

He emphasizes that while intense rivalries and high-stakes contracts are integral to the modern sports landscape, maintaining the essence and integrity of the games remains paramount.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd serves as a thorough analysis of contemporary sports issues, offering listeners valuable insights into the financial, strategic, and cultural shifts shaping the future of major leagues. Whether you're a seasoned sports enthusiast or a casual follower, Colin's articulate discussions and reflective assessments provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamic world of sports.