Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Episode: Hour 2 - The Wild NFL Offseason

Release Date: April 3, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the focus centers on the tumultuous NFL offseason. Host Colin Cowherd, alongside guest Diana Rossini—senior NFL insider at The Athletic—delves into several critical topics shaping the league's landscape. From controversial rule changes and player negotiations to draft prospects and team strategies, the discussion offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the NFL.

1. The Controversy Over the Tush Push

Timestamp: [07:02]

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the "Tush Push," a play that has recently garnered significant attention and debate within the NFL. The Tush Push involves multiple blockers pushing the quarterback toward the end zone to secure a touchdown, a tactic popularized by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles.

Diana Rossini remarks:

"Who knew that the Tush Push would be the most talked about item at the league meetings. There's so many other things we could have been discussing, but this stood out without a doubt." ([07:02])

Rossini explains that despite its initial success, the play has faced mounting criticism for its perceived lack of sophistication and potential safety concerns. Commissioner Roger Goodell's evident disapproval has further fueled the controversy, leading to discussions about banning the play entirely. However, the vote ended in a tie, resulting in the decision to table the matter for the time being.

Rossini adds:

"In my opinion here, Colin, I think the days of the Tush Push are over." ([07:02])

This statement underscores her belief that the play may soon be phased out, signaling a shift towards more traditional and strategic offensive plays within the league.

2. Aaron Rodgers' Contract Negotiations with the Steelers

Timestamp: [09:30]

The conversation transitions to one of the offseason's most talked-about stories: Aaron Rodgers' contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rumors have swirled about Rodgers potentially moving to Pittsburgh, but as of the episode's recording, no agreement has been reached.

Colin Cowherd questions:

"Is there a specific reason? I've got my own theories, but why Aaron Rodgers wouldn't just say, I'm going to be a Steeler." ([09:30])

Diana Rossini provides insight:

"What is Aaron thinking? Who knows? Who knows? But financials are always part of it. He does not need to sign and take some cheap deal." ([09:30])

Rossini highlights the financial implications of the negotiations, suggesting that Rodgers is holding out for a contract that matches his value and the Steelers' needs. She emphasizes Rodgers' leverage in the situation, noting that the Steelers require a top-tier quarterback to boost their competitive edge.

Rossini continues:

"The Steelers need him. Do I think he was going to be willing to take less to play for a team that he thinks is a Super Bowl caliber team like the Minnesota Vikings say? Absolutely." ([09:30])

Despite Rodgers' willingness to negotiate, the Steelers may not yet meet his financial expectations, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding his future.

3. Minnesota Vikings' Quarterback Situation with JJ McCarthy

Timestamp: [10:00]

Shifting focus, the discussion moves to the Minnesota Vikings and their young quarterback, JJ McCarthy. Following a serious injury, questions arise about McCarthy's readiness and the Vikings' strategy moving forward.

Diana Rossini explains:

"He has checked off every single box, and I've actually felt a swing over the last two weeks in favor of them being all in on JJ now more than ever." ([12:02])

Rossini conveys optimism about McCarthy's potential, stating that the Vikings' management is confident in his abilities despite the injury setback. However, she acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with his recovery and the pressure to perform at a high level.

"They traded up for him. This is their guy, and this is the guy that they decided to move on from after having Sam Darnold." ([12:02])

Rossini underscores the Vikings' commitment to nurturing McCarthy as their franchise quarterback, highlighting the team's long-term vision and belief in his leadership.

4. The 2025 NFL Draft and Shador Sanders

Timestamp: [14:26]

The conversation then turns to the NFL Draft, specifically focusing on Shador Sanders, a highly-touted prospect whose draft stock has seen significant movement, raising questions about the overall strength of the 2025 draft class.

Colin Cowherd prompts:

"Do you have any gems? Maybe it's Shador or anything else like that. Everything is very, very fluid." ([14:26])

Diana Rossini responds:

"It's all very fluid. So I think if you're willing to just go with how it's flowing and not be set in stone on everything, then it's a lot more fun." ([14:26])

Rossini discusses the challenges teams face in assessing player potential leading up to the draft, emphasizing the unpredictability and the importance of adaptability in draft strategies. She also touches on the integrity of draft intelligence and the difficulty of obtaining accurate information as teams guard their selections closely.

"Mel Kuiper told me years ago, he goes, there's never less honesty than like two weeks before the draft." ([14:26])

Rossini's insights highlight the dynamic nature of the draft process and the necessity for teams to remain flexible in their approach to selecting new talent.

5. Broader NFL Offseason Developments

Throughout the episode, Colin Cowherd and Diana Rossini explore various other facets of the NFL offseason, including:

• Rule Changes and Innovations: Beyond the Tush Push, the NFL continues to implement new rules aimed at improving the game's safety and flow, reflecting the league's commitment to evolving the sport.

• Team Strategies and Management: The offseason sees teams reassessing their rosters, with a focus on strengthening key positions and addressing past weaknesses. Rossini provides analysis on how different teams are navigating these changes to build competitive rosters for the upcoming season.

• Player Movements and Free Agency: The episode touches on significant player transactions and free agency moves, examining how these changes impact team dynamics and league parity.

Notable Quotes

• Diana Rossini on the Tush Push:

  "In my opinion here, Colin, I think the days of the Tush push are over." ([07:02])

• Diana Rossini on Aaron Rodgers:

  "What is Aaron thinking? Who knows? Who knows? But financials are always part of it. He does not need to sign and take some cheap deal." ([09:30])

• Diana Rossini on JJ McCarthy:

  "They have a chance to get a Super Bowl winning quarterback, a four-time MVP they moved on from because they believe in JJ McCarthy." ([12:02])

• Diana Rossini on the NFL Draft:

  "Mel Kuiper told me years ago, he goes, there's never less honesty than like two weeks before the draft." ([14:26])

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd," Colin Cowherd and Diana Rossini provide a thorough analysis of the wild NFL offseason, addressing pivotal issues that could shape the upcoming season. From the potential elimination of controversial plays like the Tush Push to high-stakes quarterback negotiations and the unpredictability of the draft, the discussion offers listeners a deep dive into the strategic maneuvers and decisions that define professional football today.