Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Best of The Herd
Release Date: July 14, 2025

Host: Jason McIntyre (filling in for Colin Cowherd)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction: Jason McIntyre Takes the Helm [02:26]

In this episode of The Herd, Jason McIntyre steps in as the host in Colin Cowherd’s absence. He sets the stage for a three-hour deep dive into prominent sports topics, highlighting upcoming guests such as Chris Broussard, Jeff Schwartz, and Matt Hasselbeck. McIntyre teases discussions on NBA free agency, NFL quarterback rankings, and standout performances in the summer leagues.

2. NBA Free Agency: LeBron James’s Frustration [05:46 - 17:42]

McIntyre delves into the tumultuous NBA free agency period, focusing on LeBron James's apparent dissatisfaction with the Los Angeles Lakers. He draws a parallel between the hyped NBA off-season and the flopped Kevin Costner’s Waterworld movie, suggesting that the NBA’s free agency has been underwhelming so far.

Key Points:

• LeBron's Discontent: LeBron attended the NBA Summer League primarily to observe his son, Bronny James. When approached by reporters about the Lakers' upcoming season, LeBron remained tight-lipped, expressing minimal enthusiasm ([04:45]).

  "LeBron said, I got nothing to talk about. And he shut it down." – Jason McIntyre [06:00]

• Shift in Lakers’ Focus: The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Mavericks has seemingly shifted the franchise’s focus from LeBron to Luka, causing frustration for the veteran superstar.

  "LeBron decided, I'm going to go ahead and opt in and I'm going to get my $52 million." – Jason McIntyre [06:16]

• LeBron’s Legacy vs. Luka’s Potential: McIntyre emphasizes LeBron's unparalleled achievements, including being the MVP of the Finals on three different teams, while acknowledging Luka's prime years are just beginning.

  "Over the weekend, LeBron has been the MVP of the Finals on three different teams. It's an unbelievable accomplishment." – Jason McIntyre [06:38]

3. NFL Quarterback Rankings: A Critical Analysis [28:32 - 35:55]

McIntyre examines ESPN’s list of the top 10 NFL quarterbacks as rated by executives, coaches, and scouts. He expresses skepticism about the rankings, particularly pointing out the undervaluation of Jalen Hurts and the overrated placement of Jared Goff and others.

Key Points:

• Top Four Agreement: Burrow, Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen remain unchallenged in the top spots.

  "Burrow, Mahomes, Lamar, Josh, Allen. Okay. Executives love Patrick Mahomes. The guy's amazing." – Jason McIntyre [28:32]

• Jalen Hurts Underappreciated: Despite leading his team to two Super Bowls and earning an MVP, Hurts is ranked ninth, which McIntyre finds unjustified.

  "Jalen Hurts is the only non first round quarterback." – Jason McIntyre [29:21]

• Critique of Rankings Methodology: McIntyre argues that the traditional metrics used by evaluators don’t account for the evolving role of quarterbacks who are now expected to be both passers and runners.

  "The idea of a quarterback has changed dramatically over the last 30 or 40 years." – Jason McIntyre [31:00]

4. Summer League Spotlight: Cooper Flagg’s Emergence [17:42 - 26:14]

Highlighting the standout performance of breakout player Cooper Flagg, McIntyre shares his enthusiasm about Flagg’s potential following an impressive 31-point game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Key Points:

• Initial Struggles and Breakthrough: Flagg had a mediocre debut, shooting 5 for 21, but rebounded spectacularly in his second game with 31 points.

  "He's a guy who's about to enter his prime, has already led a team to the Finals." – Jason McIntyre [05:57]

• Comparison to NBA Legends: McIntyre draws parallels between Flagg’s aggressive playstyle and that of Jason Tatum, albeit noting Flagg's superior defensive capabilities.

  "Cooper Flag could be a more aggressive Jason Tatum." – Jason McIntyre [24:07]

• Confidence in Flagg’s Future: Both McIntyre and guest Chris Broussard express strong belief in Flagg’s potential to become a superstar in the NBA.

  "Cooper Flag is going to be a superstar in the NBA. This is going to happen probably sooner than later." – Jason McIntyre [26:14]

5. Conversation with Jeff Schwartz: Diving Deeper into Quarterbacks [26:14 - 42:19]

McIntyre brings in Jeff Schwartz, Fox Sports NFL analyst, to discuss the same NFL quarterback rankings, providing a more detailed analysis and alternative perspectives.

Key Points:

• Schwartz’s Support for Hurts: Schwartz agrees that Hurts deserves a higher ranking due to his consistent performance and leadership in crucial games.

  "I think Hurrts can get back up in the top 10 because of age." – Jeff Schwartz [35:02]

• Debate Over Rankings: They debate the placement of quarterbacks like Matt Stafford and Brock Purdy, with Schwartz advocating for Purdy’s potential despite his less impressive stats this season.

  "Does Purdy have the elite traits of the top six guys? No, so he's probably never going to be that high." – Jeff Schwartz [36:28]

• Baker Mayfield’s Trajectory: Schwartz defends Baker Mayfield’s rise to the 10th spot, attributing it to his performance improvement and the strength of his supporting cast.

  "Baker's doing what he has to do, right? He's playing well with the pieces around him that are good." – Jeff Schwartz [39:33]

6. In-depth Discussion with Chris Broussard: NBA Player Evaluations [44:18 - 62:08]

In the latter part of the episode, McIntyre engages in a dynamic conversation with Chris Broussard, focusing on both NFL and NBA topics, including player assessments and team strategies.

Key Points:

• Patrick Mahomes as the Premier QB: Broussard asserts Mahomes as the top quarterback, emphasizing his unique skill set and undeniable talent.

  "Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback I've ever seen, period." – Chris Broussard [46:17]

• Cooper Flagg vs. SGA (Victor Wembanyama): They discuss the potential of Cooper Flagg compared to rising star Victor Wembanyama, with Broussard favoring the latter for his defensive prowess and established trajectory.

  "SGA has done it at the age of 26. He has a lot of room to grow." – Chris Broussard [51:20]

• LeBron James and Luka Doncic Synergy: Broussard and McIntyre explore the Lakers' strategy of building around LeBron and Luka, debating the likelihood of LeBron being traded and the team’s championship prospects.

  "I don't think he's getting traded. I think he starts the season with the Lakers." – Chris Broussard [58:49]

• Deandre Ayton’s Role with the Lakers: The acquisition of Ayton is praised, with emphasis on his statistical contributions and fit alongside LeBron and Luka.

  "He's going to be a great fit with Luka and LeBron." – Chris Broussard [56:09]

7. Closing Remarks and Teasers [61:08 - End]

McIntyre wraps up the episode by teasing upcoming discussions, including potential moves by the Phoenix Suns and an intriguing nickname for WNBA star Caitlin Clark. He emphasizes the depth of analysis listeners can expect in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• "LeBron decided, I'm going to go ahead and opt in and I'm going to get my $52 million." – Jason McIntyre [06:16]

• "Cooper Flag is going to be a superstar in the NBA. This is going to happen probably sooner than later." – Jason McIntyre [26:14]

• "Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback I've ever seen, period." – Chris Broussard [46:17]

• "He's going to be a great fit with Luka and LeBron." – Chris Broussard [56:09]

Conclusion:

This episode of The Herd offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports narratives, from the emotional dynamics of NBA free agency to the nuanced evaluations of NFL quarterbacks. With insightful commentary from hosts Jason McIntyre and Chris Broussard, listeners are treated to in-depth analysis and lively debates that encapsulate the essence of today's sports landscape.