Podcast Summary: FantasyPros - 2026 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Which Rumors Make the Most Sense? (Ep. 1971)

Show: The Herd with Colin Cowherd x FantasyPros
Air Date: March 1, 2026
Hosts: Joe Pisapia ("Joey P"), Jake Seeley

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the top rumors and storylines ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period, focusing on the fantasy football implications of potential player movement. Joey P and Jake Seeley go position by position—especially quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs—unpacking high-profile franchise tags, speculative trade scenarios, and which rumors could actually come to fruition. The hosts blend insightful analysis with trademark humor and candid opinions to help listeners make sense of a frenzied free agency market from both real-life and fantasy football perspectives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Quarterback Carousel: Desperation and Market Madness

• Daniel Jones ($40 Million Rumor & Value) [01:28]

  • Daniel Jones's future is debated, especially his real-life value vs. fantasy value.
  • Jake: “Daniel Jones does not deserve $40 million. On the other hand, we have to understand what the NFL is... They are desperate for quarterbacks right now.” [02:33]
  • Both hosts agree: Jones is too risky for a large contract due to injury history and uneven performance but could be fantasy-relevant if healthy and starting, especially with the Colts.
  • Joey P: Joking “I don't deserve $40 million, but I would like $40 million.” [04:11]

• Malik Willis ($30 Million Ask & Destinations) [04:25]

  • Malik Willis rumored to want $30 million; Steelers and Cardinals both mentioned as possible destinations.
  • Jake: “I think that Malik Willis would be much more comfortable, in real life, giving him $30 million than $40 [million] to Daniel Jones." [04:59]
  • Jake urges dynasty managers to consider trading Malik Willis amid the hype, citing the Matt Flynn precedent.
  • Both hosts agree Willis to the Cardinals would be exciting: “There's one that I thought was interesting yesterday... the Arizona Cardinals, and I thought that would be hella fun for him to be on the Cardinals.” – Jake [06:21]

• Aaron Rodgers & Mike McCarthy Reunion? [06:48]

  • After potentially missing out on Willis, the Steelers might look to a Rodgers/McCarthy reunion.
  • Jake: “The reunion almost kind of feels inevitable. As much as we don't want to do it.” [07:21]
  • Hosts doubt Kyler Murray is a good fit in Pittsburgh; Miami or Minnesota seem better fits.

2. Franchise Tags & Trade Rumor Mill

• George Pickens Franchise Tag & Trade Odds [09:56]

  • Pickens tagged, but trade possibilities are discussed.
  • Jake: “I think they're sticking with him... would it shock me? No. I just want to bet on it that he is moved.” [10:08]
  • Limited trade partners due to market and draft capital.

• Breece Hall (Jets) Tag Frustration [13:20]

  • “It looks like Breece Hall inevitably will be tagged by the Jets. It seems like that’s not going well.” – Joey P [13:20]
  • Jets’ lack of vision and poor offensive construction criticized.
  • Jake: “All the fantasy pain when you’re an awful team, tie yourself to a running back...” [13:28]

• Quarterback Fallbacks: Flacco, Dalton, Winston, Wilson [13:32]

  • Solution for tanking teams may be to get Jameis Winston or Russell Wilson: “Russell Wilson’s going to end up with a starting job next year for about seven games again.” – Jake [14:21]

3. Running Backs: Tag, Trade, and Fantasy Fallout

• Travis Etienne (Rumored Chiefs Target) [14:21-16:41]
  • Seattle and KC rumored to be interested if he isn’t brought back by Jaguars.
  • Jake: “I like the idea for ETN going to the Chiefs, but... does he get tagged?” [15:17]
  • In fantasy, ETN with Jaguars = “great value,” with Chiefs = potential overhype and a “sell high” candidate: “ETN with the Chiefs, sell high because everybody’s gonna go bananas and be like, oh, top five.” [16:24]

4. Wide Receiver & Tight End Free Agent Rumors

• Alec Pierce: Colts Negotiations vs. Other Team Fits [16:41-18:55]

  • Raiders and Titans rumored landing spots; Joey P prefers Raiders for immediate opportunity.
  • Jake: “I was shocked... Colts said, you know what, we kind of want to start opening negotiations now to get him back because they have Pittman, because they have Downs...” [17:23]
  • Pierce could be a “sell high” if he stays on the Colts but a fantasy winner if moved to a team like the Raiders.

• Mike Evans: A Push for Buffalo [18:55]

  • Rumors point to an exit from Tampa Bay; Joey P aggressively campaigns for a Buffalo Bills move.
  • Joey P: “The best place to do that is to go hang out with Josh Allen, who desperately needs a friend.” [19:08]
  • Would serve as a stop-gap and mentor for a new rookie receiver.

• Isaiah Likely: Commanders as a Sneaky Fit [20:20-22:19]

  • Jake suggests moving on tight end Isaiah Likely to the Commanders if Breece Hall is tagged and other WR options dry up.
  • Jake: “Isaiah Likely is a really good fit for Jaden Daniels alongside Terry McLaurin…” [21:10]
  • Could jump into top-6/7 at TE if signed.

• Kyle Pitts: Wash or Stay? [22:06]

  • Joey P wanted Pitts to Washington, but would be fine with Likely as Plan B.
  • Joey P: “If it’s Isaiah Likely, it’s the same principles and I’m with you.” [22:06]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Daniel Jones's Market:
  “Daniel Jones does not deserve $40 million. On the other hand, we have to understand what the NFL is... They are desperate for quarterbacks right now.” – Jake Seeley [02:33]

• On Malik Willis Hype:
  “If you have him, people are going crazy for him because they're going off a very small sample.” – Jake Seeley [04:59]
  “It does give you pause a little bit. And I think if the Steelers right now are in a spot where they lose out on Malik Willis, that brings us to Aaron Rodgers...” – Joey P [06:48]

• On Breece Hall & Jets:
  “I feel bad for Breece Hall. I want to send him an Edible Arrangement because I feel he is depressed being there.” – Joey P [14:33]

• On Veteran QB Options:
  “The answer is Jameis Winston. That’s the answer for all of these teams. Also don’t forget, Russell Wilson’s a free agent, so somebody… is going to end up with a starting job next year for about seven games again.” – Jake Seeley [14:13]

• On Mike Evans to Buffalo:
  “The best place to do that is to go hang out with Josh Allen, who desperately needs a friend.” – Joey P [19:08]

• On Washington TE Rumors:
  “Isaiah Likely on the Commanders leaps Kyle Pitts and would be in the top six or seven.” – Jake Seeley [22:06]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Free Agency Set-Up: 00:35 – 01:28
• Daniel Jones Debate: 01:28 – 04:25
• Malik Willis Market & Landing Spots: 04:25 – 06:44
• Aaron Rodgers/Steelers Rumors: 06:48 – 08:57
• Pickens Tag & Trade Speculation: 09:56 – 11:48
• Breece Hall & Jets QB Woes: 13:20 – 14:21
• Travis Etienne Chiefs Rumor: 14:21 – 16:41
• Alec Pierce Possible Moves: 16:41 – 18:55
• Mike Evans to Buffalo/Bills WR Room: 18:55 – 20:20
• Washington Commanders & TE Rumors (Likely/Pitts): 20:20 – 22:23

Tone & Style

The episode blends sharp analysis, die-hard fantasy insight, and irreverent banter. Both hosts poke fun at quarterback contract insanity, express frustration with mismanaged teams, and inject their own hypothetical wish-list outcomes (“I want to see Mike Evans in Buffalo!”). It’s both informative and entertaining, making even niche debates (like Alec Pierce’s optimal landing spot) accessible and fun.

Final Thoughts

Listeners will come away with a firm grasp on which free agency rumors have real legs, why certain teams are poised to make moves (or mistakes), and how all of it impacts 2026 fantasy football roster strategies. Jake and Joey equip fantasy managers with actionable context for dynasty, redraft, and offseason trade decisions as the NFL embarks on another unpredictable free-agency frenzy.

For complete updates once free agency opens:
FantasyPros Free Agent Tracker: fantasypros.com/tracker