Summary of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" – Hour 3: Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the conversation delves deep into the NFL offseason, focusing on quarterback movements, team strategies, and the dynamics surrounding some of the league's most talked-about figures. Hosts Jason McIntyre, Jordan Schultz, and Joy Taylor engage in a comprehensive discussion about Aaron Rodgers' potential transition to the Minnesota Vikings, the future of JJ McCarthy, Brock Purdy's contract negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Giants' quarterback landscape. Additionally, the episode touches upon broader sports topics, including fan base expectations, college basketball developments, and the challenges faced by the US Men's National Soccer Team.

1. NFL Offseason Quarterback Movements

Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings
Jason McIntyre initiates the discussion by highlighting the speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential move to the Minnesota Vikings:

Jason McIntyre [02:47]: "Aaron Rodgers was waiting, reportedly, on the Minnesota Vikings to make, you know, a decision because that's where he really wanted to go."

Jordan Schultz responds by emphasizing the Vikings' commitment to their young quarterback, JJ McCarthy:

Jordan Schultz [03:25]: "The Vikings want to give JJ McCarthy the keys to the car. They believe he's the guy they traded up to take him 10th overall. They love him as a person. They love him as a player. He's put on some weight. They think he is the future of the franchise..."

Despite Rodgers' preference, Schultz opines that the Vikings might seek a veteran quarterback to complement McCarthy, suggesting Ryan Tannehill as a more suitable option:

Jordan Schultz [05:13]: "If they're going to bring in a veteran, which I still think they will, it would be someone more like Ryan Tannehill, who's a definitive backup at this stage of his career, where they can really allow JJ McCarthy to be the guy not only now, but for the future, foreseeable next decade."

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
When questioned about Rodgers potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, Schultz supports the idea, citing the synergy between Rodgers and Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin:

Jordan Schultz [05:13]: "The best spot for Aaron Rodgers and, really, the most logical place is the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think Mike Tomlin and him would get along very well."

Schultz further elaborates on the Steelers' capacity to handle a quarterback like Rodgers, drawing parallels to Ben Roethlisberger's tenure:

Jordan Schultz [05:13]: "They've already had that type of quarterback in Roethlisberger. There's also the Russell Wilson element... So if you're the Steelers, you have to take a long look at both of these guys and then also realize that you don't pick until 21."

Brock Purdy’s Contract Negotiations with the 49ers
McIntyre shifts focus to Brock Purdy's ongoing negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers:

Jason McIntyre [06:58]: "I see my conspiracy tinfoil hat says Aaron would love a call from San Francisco. He would even like to train in Thousand Oaks or Malibu..."

Jordan Schultz provides insights into Purdy's situation, predicting a multi-year extension starting at $51 million:

Jordan Schultz [07:31]: "I believe that number is going to start with a five. And when it comes to Brock Purdy... he will have a multi-year extension. Three, four years and I believe that number is going to start with a five."

New York Giants’ Quarterback Landscape
The conversation then moves to the New York Giants' quarterback scenario, particularly the role of Jameis Winston and the potential drafting of Shador Sanders:

Jason McIntyre [12:16]: "If Shador Sanders is available, will the New York Giants draft him at quarterback?"

Schultz discusses the Giants' flexibility due to Winston's contract and the strategic options they have:

Jordan Schultz [12:30]: "The Giants at three, having signed Jameis, give themselves a tremendous amount of flexibility because they can go quarterback. They can hypothetically go Shador Sanders, but they also have Jameis Winston, who could start week one."

He further explains the mentorship value Winston could provide if the Giants opt to draft young quarterbacks:

Jordan Schultz [12:30]: "He felt like Jameis was the type of person and leader that if we were to draft a Shador Sanders, he's sure enough within himself, Colin, that he could be a mentor."

2. Fan Bases and Team Expectations

Pittsburgh Steelers' Fan Base Perceptions
The episode critiques the Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base, suggesting a disconnect between fan optimism and the team's actual performance:

Joy Taylor [32:38]: "Don't buy into this. I know they're looking good. They've won six in a row. This is just not going to last."

McIntyre draws parallels to the Dallas Cowboys' fan base, emphasizing unrealistic expectations:

Jason McIntyre [32:37]: "The Pittsburgh Steelers have become that fan base like Cowboy fans when pulled by Dallas media... Steelers fans still view themselves as contenders. They're not close."

Realistic Appraisal of Team Performance
Taylor underscores the team's limitations despite recent successes, pointing out a "ceiling" that hinders Super Bowl aspirations:

Joy Taylor [32:43]: "There's a ceiling with this team. We've called them out, and then they get smashed in the playoffs."

3. NBA and College Basketball Dynamics

Impact of NIL on Player Development
The hosts engage in a debate about the NBA's relationship with college basketball, particularly focusing on the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) regulations:

Jason McIntyre [15:55]: "Nil gives those guys a chance to stay in college a little bit, get right and get better and they'll be better pros for it."

Schultz highlights Bruce Pearl's perspective on allowing players to develop further in college:

Jordan Schultz [15:55]: "Neil gives those guys a chance to stay in college a little bit, get right and get better and they'll be better pros for it."

Comparison Between NBA and NFL Approaches
The discussion contrasts the NBA's approach to player development with that of the NFL, arguing that the NBA takes a more supportive stance towards college athletes:

Jason McIntyre [22:01]: "NFL teams lean into college football. Like they totally get..."

College Basketball Tournament Highlights
The conversation touches upon standout performances in the college basketball tournament, mentioning teams like Duke, Baylor, and players such as Cooper Flag:

Joy Taylor [19:27]: "Cooper Flag is like a franchise-changing player... he's everything I want in my game."

4. US Men's National Soccer Team Challenges

Recent Losses and Managerial Changes
The hosts discuss the US Men's National Soccer Team's disappointing performances, including losses to Panama and Canada:

Joy Taylor [34:36]: "We have good players. They're young, they're talented. It's the best young team ever. We're about 12th, maybe 15th."

They also touch upon the new manager Mauricio Pochettino's efforts to rectify the team's issues:

Joy Taylor [34:45]: "He's still getting the lay of the land, assessing players. I'm not gonna panic."

Fan Expectations vs. Reality
McIntyre expresses frustration with the disconnect between fan expectations and the team's actual performance:

Jason McIntyre [35:16]: "We're the 14th best team in the world. They don't believe that. They think they're five."

5. College Basketball Tournament Highlights

Standout Players and Team Performances
The episode highlights exceptional performances in the college basketball tournament, emphasizing players like Cooper Flag:

Joy Taylor [19:27]: "Cooper Flag is like a franchise-changing player... he's everything I want in my game."

McIntyre praises Flag's versatility and marketability:

Jason McIntyre [41:18]: "How do we get that guy? That's a franchise-changing player. Yeah, you're relevant instantly."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers an in-depth analysis of significant developments in the NFL offseason, scrutinizes fan base expectations, and explores the intricate dynamics between college basketball and the NBA. The discussion also sheds light on the challenges faced by the US Men's National Soccer Team, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current sports narratives and future prospects.

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre [02:47]: "Aaron Rodgers was waiting, reportedly, on the Minnesota Vikings to make, you know, a decision because that's where he really wanted to go."

• Jordan Schultz [05:13]: "If they're going to bring in a veteran, which I still think they will, it would be someone more like Ryan Tannehill."

• Joy Taylor [32:43]: "Don't buy into this. I know they're looking good. This is just not going to last."

• Jason McIntyre [15:55]: "Nil gives those guys a chance to stay in college a little bit, get right and get better and they'll be better pros for it."

• Jordan Schultz [07:31]: "I believe that number is going to start with a five."

• Joy Taylor [19:27]: "Cooper Flag is like a franchise-changing player... he's everything I want in my game."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates all major discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened.