The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Reaction to Raiders trading Maxx Crosby to Ravens, Free Agency Predictions
Date: March 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Colin Cowherd and recurring guest John Middlekoff (former NFL scout) dive deep into the NFL offseason’s hottest storylines, focusing on the blockbuster trade sending Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens. They assess the trade from all angles—value, team philosophy, and the ripple effect on the AFC. The episode also covers the evolving attitudes around trading first-round picks for proven stars, free agency strategies, and the broader trends shaping NFL roster-building. Discussion extends to quarterback and organizational pressure, franchise philosophy, and how the NFL’s aggressive player movement compares to other leagues.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Raiders Trade Maxx Crosby to Ravens

• Crosby’s Importance to the Raiders
  • Colin emphasizes that Maxx Crosby was “the soul of the Raiders” and expected management to build around him given their draft capital and cap flexibility. (04:01)
  • The trade signals a full foundational rebuild, with possible interest in acquiring Baltimore’s Tyler Linderbaum to strengthen the offensive line. (04:40)
• Strategic Logic of the Trade
  • John argues it was “time,” mentioning Crosby quietly wanted out but respected the franchise and fans too much to force it. He compares it to a “Giannis situation” (05:51).
  • The real win is in the draft capital: the 1st and 14th pick (from the trade) gives the Raiders “the highest amount of draft capital any team’s ever had” (06:28).
  • Colin breaks down the Raiders' draft assets and flexibility for rebuilding, noting, “You can rebuild the entire franchise” with top picks in every round (06:44).

“Pick 14 is fantastic… If I would have told you they would have got the Rams 13th overall pick, you would have been like, oh my god, what a haul.” — John Middlekoff (08:09)

Key Segment: [03:24 - 10:54]

2. Baltimore Ravens’ Motivation and the Edge Rusher Market

• Ravens' Perspective
  • “They’ve never traded a first round pick for a player.” John points out that pick 14 is especially valuable for Baltimore, which usually drafts in the mid-20s (10:54).
  • The trade is about "getting a closer" for fourth-quarter leads given their history of late-game losses despite regular-season success.

“It’s our Mariano Rivera. We’re going to go get a closer.” — Colin (13:08)

• Comparisons in Value
  • Colin and John discuss the premium of an early vs. late first-round pick, noting playoff teams’ picks are worth far less.
  • The challenge now: The Raiders must actually hit on their picks—an area where they’ve previously failed despite hefty draft capital.

“It’s now incumbent on them to hit the pick.” — John Middlekoff (12:24)

Key Segment: [10:54 - 15:27]

3. Raiders' Rebuilding Strategy: Balancing Youth & Veteran Leadership

• Avoiding an Overly Young Roster
  • Tom Telesco’s warning: “You have to be careful about being too young.” Colin suggests using some picks to acquire established veteran leaders who set the tone for young players. (14:59)
  • John echoes, “Overpay a high-level, veteran winning type guy… You can’t put that all on your rookie quarterback” (15:27).
• Free Agency Approach
  • Raiders have advantages: Vegas appeal, no state income tax—little reason not to be aggressive.

“Mike Evans… We will overpay for what you bring intangibly to our facility.” — John Middlekoff (16:15)

Key Segment: [14:59 - 17:35]

4. Philosophy of Trading First-Round Picks for Proven Stars

• Chronicling recent “all-in” moves: Colts trading for Sauce Gardner, Ravens giving up two firsts for Crosby, Rams’ blockbuster deals for immediate help.
• Is the Rams’ Super Bowl model influencing the league’s appetite for sending away first-rounders? Colin notes, “The Rams have had real influence… 30% of firsts are busts, especially if it’s the bottom 8-10 picks.” (25:08)

“If you’re the Rams… they’ve been operating pretty consistently like this for a decade.” — John Middlekoff (26:21)

“Anything less… than an AFC Championship for either Buffalo or Baltimore is a disaster.” — John Middlekoff (26:21)

Key Segment: [24:53 - 30:08]

5. Team-by-Team Offseason & Free Agency Predictions

• Chiefs Reboot?
  • Questions about Kansas City’s supporting cast. “After Chris Jones had a below-average season, who’s their second-best player after Mahomes? I’m not sure who it is.” — Colin (32:06)
  • The McDuffie trade and future draft strategy debated; “If the Chiefs have an excellent offseason, in a couple of years they can be back to being a 13 or 14 win team.” — John (33:38)
• AFC & NFC Hierarchy
  • Colin’s post-free agency “Herd Hierarchy” ranks: Rams, Buffalo, Seattle, Detroit, Chargers, Chicago, Denver, Philly, Green Bay, Houston (36:04–39:20).

Key Segment: [30:47 - 39:20]

“I would put the Rams today number one...” — Colin (36:04)

6. Organizational Stability, Quarterback Pressure & GM Aggression

• Burrow & the Bengals
  • Burrow faces Maxx Crosby, Garrett, Watt twice a year—while the Bengals let Trey Hendrickson walk with no compensation.
  • Both hosts lament Cincy’s lack of aggression and organizational limitations.
• NFL's Aggressive Trading Culture
  • John: “Football now feels like there’s 25 guys willing to make moves at any moment. These owners have way more money… I would get ready for just… a couple wild cards.” (42:39)
  • Comparison with the NBA: NFL and MLB have far more aggressive and exciting offseasons due to willingness to make blockbuster trades.

“The NFL’s aggressive player movement compares to what the NBA used to be. Huge stars, trading teams.” — Colin (43:15)

Key Segment: [18:20 - 45:34]

7. Player Mentality and League Culture

• Relatability & Passion: Why Fans Love Football
  • Colin argues star NFL players “care and are all in,” unlike the NBA’s load management and apathy.
  • The discussion pivots to Maxx Crosby’s background as emblematic of the NFL's relatability—a 4th-rounder who became a franchise cornerstone through work ethic and humility.
  • Highlights the NFL's culture of criticism, humility, and emotional investment versus other leagues (45:34–49:36).

“Max, to me, represents the NFL. And honestly, kind of society… was not even the first defensive end his own team took in that draft. When the dust settles, he just keeps grinding.” — John Middlekoff (46:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Pick 14 is fantastic… Pick 29, like the Chiefs… there’s a big gap.” — John Middlekoff (08:09)
• “It’s our Mariano Rivera. We’re going to go get a closer.” — Colin (13:08)
• “Overpay a high-level, veteran winning type guy.” — John Middlekoff (15:27)
• “The Rams have had real influence… 30% of firsts are busts, especially if it’s the bottom 8-10 picks.” — Colin (25:08)
• “To me, you can’t put that all on Medoza… You’re going to need some guys for them to look up to. And that was Max, who is probably as good as anyone.” — John Middlekoff (16:17)
• “The NFL feels like the players and coaches care as much as the fans do.” — John Middlekoff (45:34)
• “Max, to me, represents the NFL… just keeps grinding.” — John Middlekoff (46:45)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Raiders trade Maxx Crosby & implications: [04:01–10:54]
• Ravens’ rationale for all-in move: [10:54–15:27]
• Team-building philosophy, value of draft position: [15:27–18:20]
• Free agency approach & leadership needs: [18:20–24:53]
• Philosophy of trading 1sts for veterans: [24:53–30:08]
• Chiefs, NFC/AFC hierarchy, offseason: [30:47–39:20]
• Pressure on QBs/teams, NFL vs. NBA team-building: [39:20–45:34]
• Football culture and what makes the NFL special: [45:34–49:36]

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Colin and John deliver their trademark blend of sharp football insight, fast-paced banter, and pointed critique. They’re candid about team philosophies, not afraid to call out organizations (Bengals, Jets) for outdated or timid approaches, and quick to praise innovative or aggressive GMs (Raiders’ John Spytek, Eagles’ Howie Roseman). Both hosts share a reverence for players who grind their way up—like Maxx Crosby—and for front offices that are willing to be decisive and bold.

They also repeatedly draw contrasts between NFL player mentality and that of other leagues, especially the NBA, as a reason for the NFL's ongoing primacy in American sports culture.

If you missed the episode, this summary covers all key discussions, memorable quotes, and the strategic implications of the offseason’s biggest moves.