Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (March 10, 2025)

Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Matt Hasselbeck, Former NFL Quarterback
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of NFL free agency, analyzing pivotal moves, strategic acquisitions, and the underlying philosophies guiding team decisions. Joined by NFL veteran Matt Hasselbeck, the discussion offers insightful perspectives on player contracts, team dynamics, and the broader implications for the league.

NFL Free Agency Analysis

Colin Cowherd opens the episode expressing enthusiasm for the free agency period, likening it to a season's favorite time with "announcements, rumors, meetings, free agency" creating a buzz of anticipation.

"It's one of my favorite days and weeks of the year. Starting right now, you're gonna see announcements, rumors, meetings, free agency in the NFL."
[00:00]

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Strategic Moves

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent decision to sign DK Metcalf, a move Colin describes as "a little bit of fool's gold in free agency."

Colin Cowherd criticizes the Steelers for what he perceives as a desperate attempt to salvage their struggling offense by investing heavily in a high-profile wide receiver without addressing foundational issues like quarterback performance and offensive line stability.

"DK Metcalf to the Steelers for $150 million in five years. That's buying a house to save the marriage."
[05:30]

He further elaborates on the team's deficiencies:

"The Steelers can't get the offensive line right. They can't get quarterback right. They spend too much money on defense."
[06:15]

Comparing Steelers and Rams' Acquisitions

Contrasting the Steelers' approach, Colin praises the Los Angeles Rams' acquisition of Davante Adams, highlighting it as a "very substantive one, maybe two-year deal" aligned with the team's offensive culture under Sean McVay.

"Devonte Adams essentially on a one-year deal to McVay and Stafford feels really smart."
[10:45]

He emphasizes the Rams' strategic planning, leveraging Matt Stafford's remaining prime years and building around a cohesive offensive framework.

"The Rams and McVay are thinking like a team that's got one to two years of great Matt Stafford left."
[12:10]

Sam Darnold's Contract with the Seahawks

The conversation shifts to quarterback Sam Darnold's three-year, $110 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Colin commends the deal as a "very reasonable contract," positioning Darnold as a prime asset without exorbitant financial strain.

"Sam signed a deal that is basically a salary cap adjusted version of the contract Gino got in 2023. A very reasonable contract."
[22:40]

However, Colin expresses skepticism about the Seahawks' organizational stability compared to the Raiders, questioning the long-term prospects despite the attractive contract terms.

Guest Insights: Matt Hasselbeck's Perspectives

Matt Hasselbeck offers a counterpoint to Colin's critiques, defending the Steelers' acquisition of DK Metcalf. He posits that the move could enhance the team's competitiveness by providing the necessary tools to attract a high-caliber quarterback in the future.

"They believe that this will help them get rid of those problems... if you have the weapons that they have on the outside, plus the tight end, I think they're going to do a much better job of having the light box to run the ball."
[23:38]

Regarding Geno Smith's move to the Raiders, Matt explains the potential motivations behind the transition, suggesting interpersonal dynamics and contract negotiations played roles.

"Pete Carroll coming to Las Vegas with a smile on his face, loving him up... it's like, well, why don't I go somewhere that loves me even if the money's maybe not even the same."
[24:40]

WNBA's Struggles and League Management

The discussion briefly touches on the WNBA, with Colin criticizing the league's inability to capitalize on star talent like Caitlin Clark. He draws parallels to how other sports leagues effectively manage superstar players to drive growth and profitability.

"The WNBA just can't commissioner down, can't get it right."
[31:50]

Chicago Bears' Offensive Line Reinforcement

Colin highlights the Chicago Bears' strategic focus on strengthening their offensive line by acquiring a guard from the Atlanta Falcons. He commends the new coaching strategy, which mirrors successful models from other teams like Andy Reid's and Sean McVay's approaches.

"The new coach is saying, yeah, you missed on all your interior lineman picks. I love what the Bears are doing."
[30:31]

Matt Hasselbeck concurs, emphasizing the importance of pass protection and foundational offensive stability.

"If you have pass protection as a quarterback, you can take good quarterbacks and make them look great."
[31:09]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Colin underscores the significance of organizational decisions over individual player moves. He reiterates the difference between strategic acquisitions and desperate attempts to fix systemic issues within teams.

"This is free agency period, and it's why I love it. It's why I love what the Herd is all about."
[35:00]

Matt Hasselbeck provides a closing remark, suggesting optimism for how strategic moves can reshape team dynamics and future successes.

"We've seen some very good GMing and very weird GMING today."
[36:15]

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd:
  "DK Metcalf to the Steelers for $150 million in five years. That's buying a house to save the marriage."
  [05:30]

• Matt Hasselbeck:
  "They believe that this will help them get rid of those problems... if you have the weapons that they have on the outside, plus the tight end, I think they're going to do a much better job of having the light box to run the ball."
  [23:38]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "This is free agency period, and it's why I love it. It's why I love what the Herd is all about."
  [35:00]

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Acquisitions vs. Desperate Moves:
  The Steelers' investment in DK Metcalf is critiqued as a high-risk, high-reward strategy lacking foundational support, whereas the Rams' acquisition of Davante Adams is lauded for its alignment with team strategy and culture.

• Player Contracts and Team Fit:
  Contracts like Sam Darnold's with the Seahawks are analyzed for their financial prudence and team fit, highlighting the balance between player value and organizational needs.

• Organizational Stability:
  Emphasis is placed on the importance of front-office decisions, coaching stability, and cohesive team-building philosophies over individual player signings.

• League Management Critiques:
  The WNBA's struggles are discussed in the context of mismanagement and failure to leverage star talent, contrasting with effective strategies in other sports leagues.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of NFL free agency dynamics, providing listeners with nuanced insights into team strategies, player transactions, and the overarching factors influencing success in professional sports.