Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 1 - TJ Watt Gets Paid
Release Date: July 18, 2025

The Herd with Colin Cowherd dives deep into the top sports stories of the day, offering thought-provoking and opinionated insights. In the episode titled "Hour 1 - TJ Watt Gets Paid," host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-host Jason McIntyre, explores significant developments in the NFL and NBA, including player contracts, team strategies, and potential coaching moves. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. T.J. Watt's Contract Extension and the Pittsburgh Steelers' Strategy

Overview: The episode opens with a robust discussion about T.J. Watt's recent three-year, $123 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Colin expresses admiration for Watt's performance but raises concerns about the Steelers' overarching team strategy.

Key Points:

• Watt's Value:
  Colin acknowledges Watt as an exceptional player deserving of his salary.

  "T.J. Watt, after our show yesterday, who's a great player? He's an absolutely great player. There's no disputing that. Deserves the money."
  (04:06)

• Questioning Team Priorities:
  Despite valuing Watt, Colin criticizes the Steelers for over-investing in defense at the expense of offense.

  "It's not T.J. Watt. Look around at the winningest teams here... Keep your defense cheap and young."
  (05:15)

• Defense vs. Offense Metrics:
  He cites statistics indicating the Steelers' defense ranking outside the top 10 for four consecutive years and poor performance in playoff games.

  "If you go look at the last five playoff games from the Pittsburgh Steelers, they've given up 28, 31, 42, 48 and 45, they give up 40 points a game."
  (05:30)

• Offensive Decline:
  The Steelers' offense has also deteriorated, ranking 29th in the red zone and 27th in offensive line performance despite having talented players.

  "They were 29th in the red zone. How they could play Najee Harris, Pickens, Russell Wilson... It's almost impossible."
  (06:00)

• Balanced Team Investment:
  Colin advocates for a more balanced approach, suggesting that investing heavily in both offensive and defensive star players is crucial for sustained success.

  "They need a more balanced football diet. The league went into protein and they're all carbs."
  (07:45)

2. Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys' Contract Dilemma

Overview: Transitioning from the Steelers, Colin and Jason delve into the Dallas Cowboys' predicament surrounding Micah Parsons' contract negotiations.

Key Points:

• Contract Negotiations:
  Micah Parsons is vying for an $37.5 million deal, especially in light of T.J. Watt's $41 million contract.

  "If T.J. Watt gets 41, I'm the agent for Micah Parsons. I want 37 and a half. I want 38."
  (12:31)

• Team Cap Constraints:
  The Cowboys face financial strain as they already have significant commitments to other top players like Dak Prescott and CD Lamb.

  "And that gives the Cowboys three players at the top of the market. Not great, but I kind of think they're trapped."
  (13:22)

• Production vs. Salary:
  While Jason highlights Parsons' impressive stats—30 sacks and 63 quarterback pressures over two seasons—Colin questions if his performance justifies the high salary amidst the team's financial limitations.

  "I don't think Micah is in T.J. Watt, Jamar Chase... class. I think he's more of a splash player."
  (14:15)

• Team Flexibility Issues:
  The discussion emphasizes that overpaying key defensive players restricts the Cowboys' ability to invest in other crucial areas, leading to a top-heavy roster.

  "With such mediocrity that you have to overpay earlier, Dakota, CD Lamb, and Micah, you're kind of trapped."
  (15:00)

3. LeBron James' Potential Retirement

Overview: Shifting focus to the NBA, Colin addresses rumors suggesting that LeBron James might announce his retirement after the 2025 season.

Key Points:

• Organizational Shift:
  Colin posits that the Lakers view Luka Doncic as the future, diminishing LeBron's role in the long term.

  "LeBron knows the new owners are not going to get backed into a corner and bully... It's not his play."
  (27:12)

• Performance Decline:
  While acknowledging LeBron's legendary status, Colin notes that his performance is waning compared to rising stars like Doncic.

  "LeBron is a top 10-12 guy on any night. His play is remarkable, but he is now hard to sign. He's an old expensive guy."
  (35:24)

• Organizational Dynamics:
  The Lakers' acquisition of players like Deandre Ayton and managing LeBron's final years are discussed, highlighting the balance between honoring a veteran star and building for the future.

  "I honestly believe they went and got Deandre Ayton because deep down they know it's the last year LeBron's going to be a Laker."
  (30:10)

4. Damian Lillard's New Contract with the Portland Trailblazers

Overview: The episode examines Damian Lillard's unexpected three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trailblazers, especially in the context of his Achilles injury.

Key Points:

• Contract Details:
  Lillard's deal includes player options and a no-trade clause, similar to LeBron's, raising eyebrows given his injury status.

  "The deal bizarrely includes a player option for 27, 28 and a no trade clause."
  (27:12)

• Team Strategy and Legacy:
  Colin suggests that Portland aims to honor Lillard's legacy by securing him for the duration of his career, ensuring he remains a local hero despite not playing next season.

  "He’s a beloved player in the Rose City. They probably want to coordinate him. Let's end his career to be his last contract."
  (28:18)

• Organizational Benefits:
  Retaining Lillard, even while injured, is seen as a move to maintain fan engagement and provide leadership to a young team.

  "He's been good with his money. I think it works. And they're a really, really young team."
  (30:50)

5. Justin Herbert and the Denver Broncos' Prospects

Overview: Colin and Jason discuss Justin Herbert's quest for his first career playoff win and the Denver Broncos' outlook under Jim Harbaugh's leadership.

Key Points:

• Team Improvement:
  Under Coach Jim Harbaugh, the Broncos have made significant strides, acquiring elite tackles and running backs to complement Herbert.

  "They have two elite tackles and two big-time running backs and a very physical quarterback. This is a Jim Harbaugh team."
  (31:47)

• Offensive Strategy:
  The emphasis will be on strengthening the offensive line and enhancing the run game to support Herbert's performance.

  "They'll probably run the ball 8 to 12% more than last year because it was J.K. Dobbins who was in and out of the lineup."
  (33:05)

• Expectations:
  Colin expresses optimism, forecasting a more competitive Broncos team poised for success in the upcoming season.

  "This feels and looks like a Harbaugh team."
  (34:04)

6. Potential Nick Saban Move to the NFL

Overview: One of the most intriguing segments revolves around the speculation of legendary college coach Nick Saban potentially transitioning to the NFL.

Key Points:

• Likelihood of an NFL Move:
  Colin cites sources and suggests that six to seven NFL teams might reach out to Saban, given his unparalleled expertise and leadership.

  "I believe it strongly... Greg McElroy said I am hearing Saban getting back into coaching."
  (37:11)

• Saban's Appeal:
  Highlighting Saban's championship pedigree, excellent player personnel skills, and likable personality, Colin makes a strong case for why NFL teams would be keen to hire him.

  "Saban gives you the pedigree of a championship-winning coach, best college coach ever. And he gives you the player personnel expertise."
  (39:00)

• Barriers to Transition:
  While enthusiastic about the possibility, Colin acknowledges financial constraints and existing contracts that might impede a swift move.

  "They can't afford him. They can't buy out... So they're going to stay in the college level."
  (47:00)

• Impact on the Cleveland Browns:
  The conversation speculates that Cleveland, with an owner eager for headlines and the addition of Arch Manning, could be a prime candidate for Saban.

  "Arch Manning and Nick Saban make the Cleveland Browns... the most interesting team in the NFL."
  (50:00)

7. Additional Insights and Final Thoughts

Overview: In the latter part of the episode, Colin and Jason briefly touch upon other sports topics, including Patrick Mahomes' career trajectory and general manager strategies in building competitive teams.

Key Points:

• Patrick Mahomes' Legacy:
  Colin lauds Mahomes as potentially the greatest quarterback of his 20s in NFL history, emphasizing his achievements and continuing peak performance.

  "For our radio audience that can't see this, Patrick Mahomes in his 20s threw for over 38,000 yards. Seven division titles, five Super Bowls winning, three in his 20s."
  (35:52)

• General Manager Efficiency:
  The importance of efficient salary cap management and roster flexibility is highlighted as a cornerstone of successful teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Eagles.

  "The better GM, the better the scouting department. The better you draft, the more flexibility you have to move off players."
  (12:57)

• Denver Broncos' Prospects:
  Colin points out that Denver's defensive prowess, led by Jefferson Hufanga, positions them as a formidable team heading into the season.

  "Denver got Dejounte Murray on defense alone. They're gonna be good."
  (36:21)

Conclusion

In "Hour 1 - TJ Watt Gets Paid," The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of pivotal sports narratives shaping the NFL and NBA. From scrutinizing the financial strategies of elite teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys to exploring the potential retirement of NBA superstar LeBron James and Damian Lillard's commitment to Portland, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the intricacies of professional sports management and player careers. Additionally, the speculative discussion on Nick Saban's possible transition to the NFL underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of coaching in professional sports. Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre effectively blend statistical analysis with strategic insights, making this episode a valuable listen for sports enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the games they love.

Notable Quotes:

1. Colin Cowherd:
   "They're spending all this money on the wrong side of the ball and they're not dominant."
   (04:06)

2. Colin Cowherd:
   "They need a more balanced football diet. The league went into protein and they're all carbs."
   (07:45)

3. Colin Cowherd:
   "I think there's about 30 guys in the league, tops, that you just pay for."
   (16:10)

4. Colin Cowherd:
   "They are a Jim Harbaugh team. First year at Michigan, he changed the culture. By the second, third year at Michigan, it wasn't nil back then."
   (33:05)

5. Colin Cowherd:
   "Nick Saban gives you the pedigree of a championship-winning coach, best college coach ever. And he gives you the player personnel expertise."
   (39:00)

6. Colin Cowherd:
   "Patrick Mahomes in his 20s threw for over 38,000 yards. Seven division titles, five Super Bowls winning, three in his 20s. He is right now, I would say, in the middle of his peak."
   (35:52)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the primary discussions and providing valuable insights for listeners and those who couldn't tune in.