Hour 1 - LeBron James rumors

Summary

Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" - Episode: Hour 1 - LeBron James Rumors

Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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1. Introduction to LeBron James Trade Rumors

[02:28 - 11:08]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion addressing the persistent rumors surrounding LeBron James potentially being traded. He emphasizes skepticism about the legitimacy of these trade talks, highlighting that the Los Angeles Lakers have not officially addressed any buyout or trade actions regarding LeBron.

• Key Points:

  • LeBron James possesses a unique no-trade clause, granting him unparalleled control over his career moves within the NBA.
  • Comparison with other basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, who did not have such control over their trades.
  • Speculation on possible trade destinations, with Dallas emerging as a viable option if conditions align (e.g., playing alongside Anthony Davis again, improved coaching).
  • Critique of the Lakers' management over the past 15 years, suggesting a history of poor performance before LeBron's arrival, which increased his leverage within the organization.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "LeBron's in year 23, he's the only NBA player with a no trade clause. Now I would go to Dallas in a trade if I could play alongside Anthony Davis again..." [04:45]
  • "LeBron's still a top 10 player and still in year 23, has more power than any NBA player ever." [10:15]

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2. Nick Saban's Potential Move to the NFL

[11:08 - 30:18]

The conversation shifts from basketball to football, with Colin delving into rumors about Nick Saban, the renowned college football coach, potentially transitioning to the NFL to coach the Dallas Cowboys.

• Key Points:

  • Greg McElroy, a notable figure in Alabama football, suggests the possibility of Nick Saban returning to coaching.
  • Financial Constraints: Alabama University lacks the financial muscle to facilitate such a high-profile hire, contrasting with organizations like Texas or Ohio State.
  • Comparative Analysis: Comparing Saban's potential impact to other legendary coaches like Pete Carroll and Andy Reid, emphasizing his innovative approach and enduring vitality.
  • Challenges: Addressing the structural and financial hurdles that make Saban's move to the NFL unlikely, despite his coaching prowess.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Nick Saban is one of them. Andy Reid's another one. And I told you this, this is an innovator." [22:30]
  • "Nick Saban plus the Cowboys just how does that... it feels huge." [29:45]

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3. NFL Team Dynamics and Predictions

[30:18 - 38:00]

Colin and co-host J. Mac delve into various NFL team analyses, including the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, providing insights and making bold predictions about their future performances.

• Dallas Cowboys:

  • Micah Parsons: Underpaid at his position, but expected to reap benefits regardless of individual performance.
  • Team Structure: Concerns about being top-heavy with key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.

• Buffalo Bills:

  • Positioned as favorites with a potential Super Bowl win if they can successfully manage their quarterback situation.

• Detroit Lions:

  • Despite losing key players and facing a tough schedule, there’s optimism about the new offensive coordinator and tight end Sam LaPorta keeping the offense dynamic.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons... the Cowboys are about to get really bad really quickly." [26:50]
  • "Detroit's best offensive line, top five in the league, so there's so much competency in the division." [32:17]

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4. Fantasy Football Insights

[38:00 - 50:00]

The hosts transition into fantasy football strategies, offering recommendations on player picks and highlighting potential breakout stars for the upcoming season.

• Key Recommendations:

  • Najee Harris (Chargers): Despite recent injuries, projected to be a top-10 rusher if he maintains form.
  • Devonte Adams: Expected to excel with the addition of Puka Nukua and an improved offensive scheme.

• Strategic Advice:

  • Focus on players from teams with strong offensive lines and innovative coaching.
  • Emphasis on value picks like softer contracts that could free up budget for other team needs.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Najee Harris, especially Devonte Adams. Watch them pop." [37:56]
  • "Here's my fantasy football prediction. You want to get value? Watch Najee Harris for the Chargers and watch Devonte Adams." [39:35]

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5. Additional Sports Discussions

[50:00 - 51:57]

Brief discussions touch upon other NFL teams, quarterback performances, and locker room dynamics, further showcasing Colin's expansive coverage of sports topics beyond the primary focus on LeBron James.

• Topics Covered:

  • Analysis of J.J. McCarthy's potential impact on the Vikings.
  • Comparisons between the offensive lines of various teams like the Packers and Lions.
  • Consideration of coaching strategies and their effectiveness in the current season's dynamics.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "If Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy hit in the same division, it's the best quarterback draft class arguably of all time." [49:03]
  • "The Packers I like, McCarthy bare schedule is too tough." [33:29]

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6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[51:57 - End]

The episode wraps up with final endorsements and a reiteration of key points discussed, ensuring listeners are reminded of the main topics and upcoming content.

• Final Highlights:
  • Encouragement to tune into live editions of the show.
  • Recap of the importance of understanding team dynamics and player potentials in both NBA and NFL contexts.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "LeBron has a no trade clause. He's still in control here." — Colin Cowherd [04:00]
• "Nick Saban is not going to college, remember, because of the NIL." — Colin Cowherd [23:15]
• "The Cowboys are about to get really bad really quickly." — Colin Cowherd [26:50]
• "Devonte Adams got the Willy Wonka golden ticket." — Colin Cowherd [37:56]

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Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the primary focus revolves around the swirling trade rumors of LeBron James and the intricate dynamics of player autonomy within professional sports. Colin offers a deep dive into how LeBron's unique position within the NBA parallels significant figures in other sports, such as Nick Saban's potential move to the NFL. The discussion seamlessly transitions into comprehensive analyses of NFL teams, fantasy football strategies, and broader sports narratives, providing listeners with a multifaceted perspective on current sports trends and future possibilities.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the essential discussions, insights, and predictions made by Colin Cowherd and his co-host, ensuring you stay informed on the latest in the sports world.

Transcript

[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Katie Couric]

On the latest episode of Next Question with me, Katie Couric I sat down with Jasmine Crockett, Democratic representative of Texas. She's holding down the fort for her party in one of the most conservative states in the union. I think that ultimately who will become the Democratic nominee for president will be someone that has been out there and has shown that they won't allow themselves to be punched and just say thank you like they will punch back. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to Pretty Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm ebony, and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FS. Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It is a Thursday. We are live. It is the herd. Lots of choices out there. Thanks for making us part of your day, wherever you may be and however you may be listening. So there's a lot of news out there. A lot of news out there. Some of it her generated and we'll react to all of it. J Mac, I swear this is the last time I'm going to talk about this story because it's going to go away. I think it's going to just like disappear and vanish into the ether about LeBron James being traded, the odds of change. So I want, I want to just say for them, I hope this is the final time I talk about it, but something that's not being discussed. I saw the Athletic yesterday acknowledged LeBron James in a buyout. LeBron James in a trade has not been discussed by the Lakers. So this to me has always been a nothing burger. It's July, it's slow. Breadcrumbs become stories, folks. LeBron has a no trade clause. He's still in control here. Year 23, Michael Jordan was not in control like this. Michael Jordan had a bad contract his first 10 years in the league. Bird, Magic, they weren't in control like this. I don't know if Brady was until the end, right? I mean they drafted Garoppolo. They wanted about sooner. LeBron's in year 23. He's the only NBA player with a no trade clause. Now I would go to Dallas in a trade if I could play alongside Anthony Davis again, Rookie Cooper Flag and Derek Lively, I'd go in a heartbeat with a better coach than Jason Kidd. But LeBron's not going to get traded unless he says yes. And where are you going to put him? Where would LeBron outside of a Dallas lineup? If he could play with Kyrie and AD again and Cooper Flag, Derek Lively, they'd have to involve a third team. That's interesting, but because the Lakers were such a circus when LeBron arrived in LA, they have been caving to him and should be since day one. Again, Jordan didn't have this kind of power. Brady didn't have this kind of power. He was taking pay cuts. So honestly, the Lakers for the last 15 years, a lot of them have been poorly run. I mean, if you look at the five years before LeBron arrived in Los Angeles, I mean, it's hard to get your arms around. They had the worst Record in the NBA worse than the Wizards, much worse than the Washington Wizards. And so the one advantage, the one advantage of going to a poorly run business, and that's what the lakers were when LeBron arrived, is you get a lot more power. I mean, Aaron Rodgers with the jets got him to hire Nat Hackett as the OC overpay for Alan Lazard. You're not doing that with the Ravens. You know, you're not doing that with the Rams. I mean, Matt Stafford didn't have that kind of control when he came to the Rams. This year with the Rams and Stafford, they're like, here's the number, this is it. But when Sean Payton goes to the Messy Broncos power, LeBron goes to the Lakers, ultimate power. So. And I think that's the one advantage. Now generally it doesn't work out well because the player takes advantage of it. But Sean Payton didn't, Aaron Rodgers did and LeBron hasn't. I didn't like the Russell Westbrook move. LeBron said it wasn't mine, but we all know it kind of was. So. But just think about this. There was one player in the entire NBA. One. Not Jokic, not SGA, not Ant, not Steph Curry. There's one player in the NBA with a no trade clause. LeBron James. 40 year old LeBron James. So people can talk about this all they want about he's going to go here, he's going to go there. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Sam Presti runs the organization. One of the reasons LeBron left Miami, because Pat Riley ran the organization. So LeBron has largely been running this place for years and thankfully he generally makes the good basketball decisions. He and Rich Paul got Anthony Davis in here and in the COVID year they won the title. They're not going to win the title this year. But this idea that there's going to be a trade and there's going to be a buyout. LeBron has a no trade contract and I think the only place that he would look at and go, all right, that's interesting. I believe it's Dallas, if he could play with a rim protector. And Derek Lively, a phenomenal domestic rookie in Cooper flag and A.D. again, I think he'd have to sit down and listen to that one because that team, I think because LeBron's still a top 10 player and still in year 23, has more power than any NBA player ever. All right, speaking of power, Nick Saban had a lot for a long time and still does. So Greg McElroy is a pretty smart guy. He is A big radio star in Alabama. And he said this week that people he trusts are telling him that Nick Saban is going to come back and coach. That he is hearing that Nick Saban could come back and coach. So I, I believe this is true. But it's not Alabama. So let me squash the Alabama rumors. They're not going to happen. Alabama doesn't have the money. They're struggling to stay afloat in nil. They can't compete with Texas and Oregon and Ohio State in the nil world. They'd have to buy out Kalyn DeBoer for about 70 million. And Nick would cost them 15 million a year. They are, I got news for you. They're a mid sized bank. And Ohio State, Oregon, Texas are JP Morgan, they're Deutsche bank, they don't have the money these days to buy out Calyn DeBoeries. 15 million to 18 million for nil. And by nick Saban, they are a credit union where grandma still puts her money in. Texas is Rockefeller Capital is Blackstone. So that's not happening. Now as I talked about yesterday, Nick Saban to the NFL, just do the numbers. Seven coaches annually on average get fired. Seven, okay? Secondly, coordinators hit 30% of the time. And the other thing to think about is like Pete Carroll. Nick Saban may be older, but he doesn't look, act or feel old like Belichick does. He's always been an innovator. I mean, he literally, when he got to Alabama, it was all about defensive ends, defensive tackles, linebackers and corners. Lane Kiffin shows up and from that point forward, they were about wide receivers, left tackles and quarterbacks. A lot of old people age. Well, Nick Saban is one of them. Andy Reid's another one. And I told you this, this is an innovator. He's not going to college, remember, because of the nil. To buy out these coaches, which used to happen all the time, you write a $40 million check. Well now coaches, that check is like 60 to 70 million. Lincoln Riley or a Brian Kelly or a Kaylin Devore and you gotta raise $20 million a year for the nil stash, so. And you'd have to pay Saban 15. It's not happening. Bama does not have those kind of boosters. They don't. Texas does. And Nick Saban knew two years before he left college football he was grumbling about the money that Texas and Austin was raising in their billionaire donors. The nf, the NFL thing was Saban. I think he'll get frustrated with being an analyst I think deep down he's always felt he's every bit the coach of Belichick, but we don't mention him as one of the all time great coaches because he's a college guy. Albert Breer yesterday on the always innovative. Maybe old, but feels young. Nick Saban. The one thing about Dallas that people misunderstand is yes, Jerry's involved in football, but the coach is involved in scouting too. Like the coach is involved in putting the team together. And that's always been the way that it's been run there.

[J. Mac]

And in that, like they've got a.

[Colin Cowherd]

Really good personnel department. Will McClay does a great job, but they've always involved the coach and how.

[J. Mac]

The team is put together. If Jerry was going to do this.

[Colin Cowherd]

Part of it would be, are you willing to take a backseat and move away from the spotlight for a little bit to see if Nick Saban can.

[J. Mac]

Come and do it?

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. And the reason we talk, Saban, the Schottenheimer thing is not going to work. Jerry's now 82. I think he's much less patient than he was 15 years ago. And Saban and the Cowboys feels huge. Just think of what Jim Harbaugh to the second most popular team in LA felt like Harbaught of the Chargers changed their ticket sales, advertising money, merchandise sales, changed everything. It felt it, it felt like a quake. It was huge. Saban plus the Cowboys just how does that. Right now the Dallas Cowboys have a problem. I mean, they really do. For free agents, they have a problem. They have a credibility issue like free agents. Not that interested. Saban gives them instant credibility. So Albert and I talked about this yesterday for almost 10 minutes. I think Saban and I don't think he's wrong here. I think Saban and for years and years I said about Jim Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh is as good a football coach as the history of football has ever had. But we mentioned Shulin Belichick and Andy Reid and that's why Jim Harbaugh wanted to go back to the pros with a legitimate quarterback. Is that I think Nick Saban, like Harbaugh feels like, yeah, I dominated college football and if Drew Brees would have been given the physical, okay, I would be viewed among the greatest coaches of all time. But if you dominate college football, you can be Woody Hayes, Bear Bryant. You don't get mentioned among the greatest coaches of all time. You gotta succeed at the highest level of coaching. And I think Saban, like Pete Carroll, feels 10 years younger and, and thinks like he's 10 years younger than he is. A lot of old guys don't age well. Saban does. I'm telling you, this is my summer prediction. KD to the warriors, that was nuts, too. Belichick to North Carolina, that was nuts, too. Mavericks trading Luca to a rival Lakers in the west, that sounded nuts, too. This is my boldest prediction of the summer. You got to have one. And this is mine. I know. J. Mac, you're not rolling your eyes necessarily because there are seven openings annually in this league. And by the way, just say it out loud. Saban to the Cowboys. Gary loves his team being talked about on tv. Romo on cbs. Aikman on espn. Michael Irvin forever on the NFL Network. He loves that. You can say what you want about Jerry, but a lot of times there's been a criticism. He cares more about the marketing than the actual super bowl winning. He's got those. So I think it's in play.

[J. Mac]

Yeah. Colin, I'll say that's a spicy take to start the show, but what's the saying? Right church, wrong pew. I'm sure you've heard that. I do think Saban to the NFL makes sense. But remember what happened in Miami when he went to Miami, he wanted Drew Brees. He had Drew Brees locked in and the doctors didn't clear Brees, so he had to settle for Culpepper. Got the hell out of town. Quarterback matters for Saban. Collin. Unless they go 3 and 14 and can get Arch Manning. I don't think that Dak Prescott gets Saban to the Cowboys, but I think the team to watch would be the Buffalo Bills if they slip up in the postseason. They are favorites and they want to run out McDermott, Saban plus Josh Allen in Buffalo getting the Bills, finally, that super bowl, that's been elusive.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let's so think it's really interesting. So Jim Harbaugh. Why did there were rumors about Harbaugh to the NFL for years? Why did he wait for the Chargers? Justin Herbert. Right. Because when he came to the NFL, it was Kaepernick, it was Alex Smith, and he could never really get the quarterback position to be super elite consistently. So Harbaugh kept waiting. He figured it out. I gotta have the right quarterback. We've. We've talked about this with Sean McDermott. I think Sean's good, but he can't get past like Mickelson and Tiger woods in his prime. Like, it's. There's difference. And I. And I do think. I think that's out there. I think Dallas is out there. Remember, never forget this. Next year's quarterback draft class is really strong. So if you're going to go to a Dallas, okay, Buffalo, you got the quarterback. If you're going to go to get a job, next year is a perfect year and I do believe Dallas is a six win team this year. I really do. I think they're a six win team. That puts them top 10. So you wouldn't have to give up a ton of draft capital to get your quarterback your choice.

[J. Mac]

Is there a potential? This is a little goofy, but Cleveland Browns have no quarterback this year. Coach gets blown out hey, we got the first pick, Arch Manning. I don't want to go to Cleveland. Well, what if Nick Saban goes to Cleveland? I think he spent some time there in the past. Is there a world where Saban says I'll take Arch Manning as my future quarterback in the NFL if I can get him?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, the Mannings know Nick Saban very well. Yeah, I'll just leave it at that.

[J. Mac]

Hey, it's me, Rob Parker. Check out my weekly MLB podcast, Inside the Parker for 22 minutes of piping hot baseball talk featuring the biggest names and newsmakers in the sport. Whether you believe in analytics or the eye test, we've got all the bases covered. New episodes drop every Thursday, so do yourself a favor and listen to Inside the Parker with Rob Parker on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Balancing work, family and education isn't easy, but American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates and flexible schedules. APU is designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters too. APU offers the opportunity grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Plus, they provide career services and 247 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus Edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu.

[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[J. Mac]

This is the Herd line news.

[Colin Cowherd]

Titanic and Oppenheimer, they were both box office smashes and the critics loved them. Not so much for Nomadland.

[J. Mac]

I can blow you away with this Herdline segment. Colin, let's start with Micah Parsons. You know he's still angling for his big contract. He's only making 24 million this season. Only Colin, he's severely underpaid at his position, but he knows the Cowboys will pay him whether his number is impacted by other edge rushers or not.

[Colin Cowherd]

I was going to get mine no matter what.

[J. Mac]

You know what I mean?

[Colin Cowherd]

Like, the markets change every year. Their salary cap went up like another 18% this year. They numbers got nothing to do with mine. And my numbers. Ain't nothing got to do with them. Like, I'm younger. Henderson, I mean, Hutching is coming off an injury. Like everyone's circumstances is completely different. Hutch is coming off his third year. Usually guys wait four years, so it just all depends why. I mean, he's up there with Miles, so, you know, it's different. Everyone's circumstance is different. Yeah, he'll get his. I would move him and get a bunch of picks for next draft. I would move him if I had to and get a, I'd get another first round pick. And so, because I need a quarterback potentially, if you get a new coach, I know that's crazy talk, right? But I, again, I, I, there's, there's seven offensive tackles, eight quarterbacks, maybe tops that I would never take a call on. And then I would not take a call on Jaylen Carter. I would not take a call on Jared Verse, Miles Garrett. Virtually everybody else in this league I take a call on. Maybe not Jamar Chase, maybe not Justin Jefferson. Everybody else in the league I take a call on.

[J. Mac]

Listen, Colin, not to push back too hard, but isn't it less about who I would take a call on and where I am in my team building? Like, let's be real. If Dallas went to him and said, dude, Miles Garrett is making 40 mil per year on average, we can't pay you that and be good. The Browns stink. If you want, say, 41 million a year we're not gonna be good. So you have the choice. You can take less and run with us and, you know, we can make up for an endorsements. You're a Cowboys guy, you've got your podcast. Or we could just move you. I feel like that's the better discussion as opposed to, would I take a call on Micah Parsons? Because I just don't see a path to success the way Devin Booker just got his. His extension. He's making 72 and a half million Collins. Their Vegas win total is going to be like 32, 35.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

Like, what's the point? I know Devin Booker's got to get his and so does Micah, but do you want to be good or do you just want to get paid? I don't know.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean, again, I think college football furnishes the NFL with a lot of receivers, a lot of edge rushers, a lot of good linebackers. There are certain positions I'll pay a fortune for. Quarterback, you get about two good ones a year out of college. Great offensive tackle, you get about one a year. Who is great out of college. And a great interior defensive lineman, like a Chris Jones or a Jalen Carter. Aaron Donald, you get about one of those a year. But edge rushers, wide receivers, corners, backs, linebackers, safeties, I don't care. I'm just. I'm not. I'm not going. Miles Garrett, Jared Verse, to me, on the edge are different. They are. They are just you now. Some would say T.J. watt, but he's now 30. So I go look at Micah. Micah's been around for how many years has he made a difference when it matters in December and January. And the answer is no, he hasn't.

[J. Mac]

It's just a tough one. But you know, Jerry Jones, this is what he wants. He could have done this months ago, but he likes to just drag it out. So we shows out there, talk about the Cowboys, it's kind of goofy. And then he's going to sign a bad deal and not win a Super bowl again. All right, let's move on to the NFC East. Another team with a situation that's Jaden Daniels. Colin, this guy had such a good rookie season, capturing all the awards they got to the NFC title game. Will enter in year two. His tight end, Zach Ertz, is confident that Daniels will continue to progress and impress his teammates.

[Colin Cowherd]

He has such high confidence in himself because he wants to be so great that it really resonates with the rest of the guys out there on the field and on the team with them. So yeah, from the outside looking in, you could say he had a phenomenal year. But in the back of his mind he's saying I can be better this year. And it's crazy going into his second year how good he was last year, but he's going to have that, he's going to have that mentality for the next hopefully 15 years. By the way, another, another thing the Cowboys have to think about is that Washington now has the best quarterback in the division. Whether people want to admit that and they're not paying him for four years, he's free for the next four years. So that's another thing to think about. They can load up and go get your Debo Samuels. So that's another thing for Dallas is you get top heavy with CD Dak and Micah Parsons. They have a free quarterback who is significantly better than Dak Prescott today. So I'm telling you, Dallas is, it feels a lot like the Lakers pre LeBron. Oh they, they, they feel like they are increasingly. And I said it two years ago, I said and it went faster than I thought. I said, never forget Mike McCarthy left them. That doesn't happen in the NFL where a coach leaves a seven or eight figure salary on his terms. Mike McCarthy said, I, I don't want to be here. I'm telling you, Dallas is about to get really bad really quickly.

[J. Mac]

It's interesting you mentioned McCarthy. I was just thinking like, oh, where did Mike McCarthy land? Is he coaching anywhere in the league? Because he was so good with Dallas and no, he's not currently coaching anywhere. Is that a surprise?

[Colin Cowherd]

No. Sit on the beach, take every penny of it. No, I would not. I would sit, I'd go up in Milwaukee in the Dells and I'd go play golf for the next 15 months.

[J. Mac]

I mean you're all over the place here. The best quarterback in the division. I, I had to check, is there a memo that I missed about Jalen Hurts, the Super bowl mvp? Is he dead? I mean, did you forget about the super bowl mvp, Colin? Anyways, you're on a hot streak today. Here we go. Final story is the Detroit Lions. A lot of talk about this offense. They lose Ben Johnson to the Bears. They replaced him with former past game coordinator John Morton. Well, they're tight end in Detroit. Sam LaPorta believes the offense is going to stay humming. We promoted Hank Fraley to our run game coordinator. So fortunate for me we have the same run game system this year, the same verbiage which as you can imagine is a lot. But Johnny Mo Pass game coordinator his entire life. Brilliant mind.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think he's going to call the offense great.

[J. Mac]

Brad Holmes has been the best at.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finding guys in the league that fit the culture in Detroit and are damn.

[J. Mac]

Good football players at the end of.

[Colin Cowherd]

The day as well.

[J. Mac]

So it starts with, with Dan, Brad, and then it works its way down to the players. Yeah, I know you're a big Ben Johnson guy. You guys are probably going out for drinks tonight. I'm just going to say I know Lions fans are upset that I keep coming after him. Colin, if we could get the schedule on the screen for Detroit. Okay. They opened against Green Bay. Always a good rivalry. It is in Green Bay. I would say it's a toss up. Then they play the Bears. They should be fine there. Colin, look at the games after that. They go to travel to Lamar Jackson. Forget Cleveland, at Joe Burrow, at Patrick Mahomes. They have to play three of the four best quarterbacks in the NFL in the first like six weeks of the season. There's going to be a bit of a wakeup call for Lions nation here, I think before Halloween. And again, you look at the schedule, even the back end, they got the Rams. They end at Minnesota, at Chicago. Those are going to be cold weather.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sorry.

[J. Mac]

The Chicago games outdoors, obviously. I don't know, man. Nine wins, 10.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they also lost an elite center, so. And they try to address that in the draft. So I think the odds makers, your draft kings, they're going out there and pulling back on the over under. I think everybody sees what you see. So I think everybody, nobody thinks this is a 14 or a 13 win team. The schedule's tougher. They lost the interior star of their offensive line. They lost the best offensive coordinator in the sport and a great defensive coordinator. I think everybody's got a beat on the lines. I would say this if you told me there is one division in the NFL that I don't really know what it's going to look like because there's so much competency in certain areas with all these teams. Love the Bears roster. Think Ben's going to hit Kevin o' Connell and that offensive line and, and the wide receiver group. And Minnesota Green Bay is incredibly well run. And Detroit best offensive line, top five in the league, top four. So there's so much competency in the division that's, that's to me is the one division. I have no idea how it's going to finish. I really don't. And I, and I, we don't know what J.J. mcCarthy is. There's another mystery element.

[J. Mac]

Well I would say the packers if you're listing teams that I just don't know what they could be like. If the packers won seven games I wouldn't be shocked. If they won 12 games I don't think I'd be surprised. I don't really grasp it. The packers I like McCarthy bare schedule is too tough. Lions are coming back. I don't know what to do with the Packers. Colin and you you often have a good beat on them given your deep history in the region.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well I would say this. How many games did they win last year and they didn't get consistent quarterback play. So that, that's a pretty good that that's when when you they I mean Jordan Love was hurt early, didn't play great late and the packers were still a really good football team. That, that that's when you know it's a well run organization in the NFL when you don't get consistent quarterback play and are a double digit win team and they address the wide receiver issue which we've said for the last two years all sorts of talent but it doesn't feel quite right. So again I will probably talk myself into the Lions and Packers getting to the playoffs out of this division because I just Chicago's the wild card. But again I don't know what I haven't seen J. Mac with the news. Well that's the news and thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news by the way I don't, I don't play fantasy football. I'm not opposed to it. I think it's great. I think it's a, a relatable, connectable thing but I don't know the value system who you should draft. I mean obviously draft Josh Allen. That feels like a good one or Justin Jefferson or Jamar Chase. But here's my, here's my fantasy. I know value. You want to get somebody that nobody quite knows like a rookie. Pops. Let me give you a couple people Now Najee Harris has an eye injury, a fourth of July fireworks incident. He will play in the regular season. They do have Amari on Hampton the running back so he'll split some carries. But let me give you an example of the NFL's always been about who you play for and where you land. Keep your eye on Najee Harris and Devonte Adams and not just because they play for the Chargers and the Rams. So think about this. Both come from defensive cultures, defensive head coaches and dysfunctional offenses. The Steelers had the 27th ranked offensive line. PFF has the Chargers Where Najee Harris is at as the 10th best offensive line. Joe Alt, second year, Rashawn Slater, top five left tackle, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach. Watch these two guys pop. And I'm not talking Saquon Barkley pop. But last year Najee Harris was 14th in the league in rushing. If he plays again, the Iron Jury, Fourth of July fireworks mishap, he's going to be top 10. And think about Devonte. I mean, and again, this was the number one high school running back in the country, star in Alabama and he goes to Pittsburgh and all we hear is he didn't have much of a burst. He they're a totally tone deaf dysfunctional offense. He acknowledged he came out and said we didn't really have a plan. And it's not like Najee Harris is a flamethrower. He's like a team guy. So I think he's going to go to the Chargers and I think, I think he's going to pop. The other guy is Devonte Adams. He goes from the Raiders and the jets to Matt Stafford. Sean McVay, an excellent run game and Puka Nukua who is often doubled on the other side of the field. So watch. I mean Devonte Adams, people forget even with Aaron last year in the messy jets at the end of the year he was like a real playmaker. So the NFL, we always talk about this with rookie quarterbacks. You're as good as where you land and who your head coach is. Here's my fantasy football prediction. You want to get value? Watch Najee Harris for the Chargers and watch Devonte Adams. Devonte Adams got the Willy Wonka golden ticket. He's going to walk in there. He's got Puka on the other side. Matt Stafford, Kyron Williams, excellent run game, a productive tight end. McVeigh calling the plays and Matt Stafford. Would you be surprised if Devonte Adams had eight touchdowns and 78 grabs? I would not. And Puka, by the way, love him but he gets dinged up. So Devonte could very well be a number one receiver for stretches throughout the season. Here's by the way, here's Puka Nakua on adding Devonte Adams this year. Even more fun to be in the offensive meetings with Coach McVeigh and coach.

[J. Mac]

The floor because they're cooking up the best plays possible.

[Colin Cowherd]

So we're making our defense sweat for sure. The motions, the routes.

[J. Mac]

Devontae is coming in with new things.

[Colin Cowherd]

That we're thinking about. Matthew wants to say he. I want to put the ball on this part of the field. So the trifecta that we have of great football minds is kind of keeping everything super interesting. All right, fantasy football players, you've never relied on me for value or info. Najee Harris, especially Devonte Adams. Watch them pop. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app American Public University is the number one provider of education to our military and veterans in this country. They offer something truly unique special rates and grants for the entire family, making education affordable not just for those who serve, but also for their loved ones. If you have a military or veteran family member and are looking for affordable, high quality education, Apu is the place for you. Visit Apu APIs Edu Military to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu Military.

[Katie Couric]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[J. Mac]

Saturday, it's baseball night in America on Fox. The Red Sox take on rising star Pete Crowe, Armstrong and the Cubs, where the Cardinals battle the Diamondbacks. Check local listings for the game in your area.

[Colin Cowherd]

Saturday, 7 Eastern on Fox Sports is humming right now British Open. John Rom, Rory McElroy the big favorites at the British Open. We've got the baseball season is humming. College football's around the corner. Camps are going to be opening up this weekend. So I saw a story this morning where Ohio State lost like a four star recruit to Bill Belichick in North Carolina. So and I've told you I'm fascinated with this story. I mean, he's a grumpy 73 year old who never really showed any interest in college football at all. It doesn't exactly scream home run higher. You know, Belichick at Carolina feels like Donald Trump's first term in the White House. I'm not really sure what it's going to look like, but it's going to be interesting. It could get messy. I think if Belichick was in the SEC or the Big Ten, he'd get absolutely rolled. He'd get rolled. But the ACC is so God awful outside of Clemson that he may just, he may just coach his way to a lot of wins. So. And if you look at the schedule, it looks like one of those annual U.S. news and World Report lists of the best public Universities like it's not exactly powerhouses. Cal, Virginia, Syracuse, Stanford, Wake Forest and Duke. It's like that list of really you're really smart nephew told you schools he applied to. That's what it looks like. So I, I don't know what I'm going to get like when. When Belichick left the NFL, he didn't have any momentum. He felt old and archaic. And college football is changing rapidly. So the odds makers do not buy. I was told this morning by Greg on our staff, the odds makers, they've given them the ninth best odds to win the horrible ACC somewhere around Duke. So I and they don't have a great quarterback. And if you look at Belichick in his history in the NFL, he didn't win in a sport he loved and was great at and manipulated. He didn't win without great quarterback play. So. And they lost their best player in Memorial Hampton the run game. So I think that the. This thing could be Cirque D Soleil. This could be a circus. This has the potential to be just a mess. And again I think the saving grace is his schedule looks like a bunch of academic powerhouses. It's just not very good. But there, there's nothing here in this hire that says home run, not good at quarterback, lost their best player, never really had an affinity or interest in the sport. The bad conference thing is what gives it legs. I mean if you put them against Michigan, Ohio State, usc, Oregon, Washington, they're an eighth place team. Illinois this year would house them. Illinois is going to be really. So okay, here's another story. Justin Jefferson of the Vikings, probably the best receiver in the league, has been talking about J.J. mcCarthy and, and how much he loves J.J. mcCarthy. And I was thinking about this this morning. There's not a team in the league right now in the National Football League where you love the head coach, there are parts of the team you love. The defensive coordinator, the offensive coach, brilliant offensive guy, the defensive coordinator, one of the best in the league, top six roster, maybe the best receiver. And we don't know what they're going to look like. It's a little Jordan love to the packers where we used to complain. Could somebody. I see more video about Bigfoot. I don't have a piece of video. A JJ McCarthy in camp that's notable. So. And here's the other thing. Just, just think about this. We all know that first round quarterbacks are about a 5050 hit rate. One's a star, one's not. You get about one to two a year that are really good. So in his draft class, Jaden Daniels is already an A plus. Bo Nix and Drake May are clearly at least B plus. I think both will be better this year. In year two, Caleb Williams is really talented. My prediction, he'll bounce. And then the people in Atlanta like Michael Penix. Are we really going to have a six for six that every single first round quarterback hits? Even a five for six would be unprecedented. So remember the Vikings and published reports they were interested in bringing Sam Darnold back. Published reports they flirted with Aaron Rodgers. So it. And again, there is so much about Minnesota to like. Everybody loves the head coach. Everybody knows how great the defensive coordinator is. O line, major Upgrade roster, top 7 or 8. Last year they were top 10 offense and defense. And I like their draft, the wide receiving core. I mean J.J. mcCarthy only needs to be one J. He doesn't even have to be great if he's like Bo Nix. They're a playoff team. I mean, Denver did not have Minnesota's roster and made the playoffs in the tougher AFC in a division with Andy Reid and Jim harbaugh. So if J.J. mcCarthy is a slightly lesser version in the NFC of Bo Nicks, that is a playoff team and I have no idea. J. Mac, I think, is this not one of the teams you're really high on this year? You're higher on them than I am.

[J. Mac]

So, Colin, you know the drill. You've been doing this for like 30 years. You pick a team that you feel is your team of destiny. You latch onto them. You believe in the coach, the quarterback, all of it. And you kind of ride them and you're either right or wrong. You know, sometimes you pick a winner, other times you pick a loser. I have, yes, hitched my wagon to JJ McCarthy. Now since I did that, I heard from several people very close to the league or formerly in the league who were telling me be cautious about McCarthy for a variety of reasons, I'm not going to get into on air. I'm still a believer. I love Kevin o'. Connell. You've heard the stories from people here at Fox. They love him. Okay, we know Flores is great. I think they have a very talented roster. I think they overachieved with Darnold last year. You'd agree, right? They're not, they're not really a 14 win team. And I do believe McCarthy. I don't care if you want to call him game manager or what. I think he does enough to get them to the playoffs. And I think there's a dangerous Team with a great coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

If, if, if factually, if he hits, then we're going to have to say if Caleb Williams and J.J. mcCarthy hit in the same division, it's the best quarterback draft class arguably of all time.

[J. Mac]

Well, it's, it's early for. Can we get him a couple playoff wins before, before we give him a hitting.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, six for six.

[J. Mac]

Define, define hit. What's a hit for McCarthy this year?

[Colin Cowherd]

He's as good as Bo Nix.

[J. Mac]

What does that mean? Numbers wise, getting to the playoffs, stats, the look or whatever they call it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Playoffs. Okay.

[J. Mac]

Yeah. If they go Darnold, 14 wins in playoffs and then they go McCarthy nine wins and no playoffs, then yeah, it looks like they picked the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean, right. There are a lot of things that tells you he's Bo Nix. He got an offensive coach, he gets a roster that has some strengths. I mean, Denver, there were things about Denver we liked.

[J. Mac]

Well, Bo Nicks didn't have a Justin Jefferson, that's for sure.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, but he had very quickly. Sean Payton rebuilt the offensive line and the defense was getting after the quarterback. I mean, they led the NFL in sacks. So there were things about Denver. I think we said this last year when they were playing, their roster is better than people think. It's like, it's like a real O line, a real pass rush. It's. They got the best corner, I think in the NFL. There are things about Denver that were very playoff feeling in Sean Payton.

[J. Mac]

I think you could argue like Minnesota has a better offensive line, better running backs, better receivers than Denver. Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think their rosters are very even and they're both playoff rosters. So make the playoffs. Bo Nix did. Yeah. Howard two Next. Balancing work, family and education isn't easy, but American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates and flexible schedules. APU is designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters, too. APU offers the opportunity grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Plus, they provide career services and 24. 7 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus Edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus Edu. Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And degree listened. That doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and they're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree. Cool rush for yourself.

[Katie Couric]

On the latest episode of Next Question with me, Katie Couric I sat down with Jasmine Crockett, Democratic representative of Texas. She's holding down the fort for her party in one of the most conservative states in the union. I think that ultimately who will become the Democratic nominee for president will be someone that has been out there and has shown that they won't allow themselves to be punched and just say thank you like they will punch back. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to Pretty Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm Ebony, and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. This is an iHeart podcast.