Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Around the NFL
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
Introduction
In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Joy Taylor, Albert Breer, and Tomer Cohen delve into the latest developments surrounding the NFL. From quarterback negotiations to player satisfaction within teams, the discussion offers deep insights into the current state of the league.
1. San Francisco 49ers & Brock Purdy Contract Negotiations
Timestamp: [02:28]
The conversation kicks off with updates on the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterback, Brock Purdy. There are ongoing negotiations regarding a long-term extension for Purdy, amidst a shifting market landscape for NFL quarterbacks.
Tomer Cohen highlights the challenges the 49ers face:
"Now you got nine quarterbacks making over $50 million per year. The Niners obviously have a lot of mouths to feed... And I have confidence they'll get something done with Brock Purdy. The question is on what the timing looks like..."
[02:51]
Joy Taylor probes further into Purdy's situation:
"We have started negotiations. We're talking. I won't go into negotiations... as long as we're here and beyond."
[29:15]
Albert Breer anticipates significant developments:
"I have a feeling this is gonna be an eye-popping number when it comes out and you're gonna probably do two days blasting Purdy and the organization."
[29:41]
2. Sam Darnold's Situation and Vikings' Interest
Timestamp: [04:17]
Joy Taylor shifts focus to Sam Darnold, the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. Speculation surrounds his future and the Vikings' handling of his contract.
Tomer Cohen explains the complexity:
"I think the number, the lump sum number for the franchise tag being over $40 million a year complicates it... They’d like to have Sam back... but there's a limit to how far they're willing to go with Sam."
[04:49]
Joy questions the Vikings' strategy:
"Why'd you give away picks for J.J. McCarthy? Is it an injury thing?... What do you make of the stories the Vikings are considering options to do the Sam Darnold contract and it not be a franchise tag?"
[04:49]
Tomer elaborates on potential outcomes:
"The most likely scenario remains Sam goes to the market and then they see what Sam's market is and they make a decision accordingly."
[05:25]
3. Matt Stafford and Raiders' Potential Interest
Timestamp: [07:02]
The discussion turns to Matt Stafford and rumors of his connection with the Las Vegas Raiders. Joy Taylor speculates on the financial and strategic implications of Stafford potentially joining the Raiders.
Joy Taylor outlines the Raiders' appeal:
"Pete Carroll. Chip Kelly, Max Crosby... Brock Bowers, which is a transcendent weapon... Raiders give you four years... that could be a $60, $70 million swing."
[07:55]
Tomer Cohen evaluates the feasibility:
"I think it makes some sense for the Raiders in that a big part of this is bringing in the big money guys... But the bigger question is... what does this look like two or three years from now?"
[09:42]
Joy agrees but expresses caution:
"Albert, like, I would listen to that if I was Matt Stafford. Would you?"
[07:55]
Tomer Cohen adds:
"The one question, if you are going to acquire Matthew Stafford, has to be, what does this look like two or three years from now?"
[09:42]
4. NFLPA Report Card: Focus on Pittsburgh Steelers
Timestamp: [09:42]
Joy Taylor introduces the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Report Card, revealing player sentiments towards their organizations. Notably, the Pittsburgh Steelers received low grades, surprising many given their historical reputation.
Tomer Cohen provides analysis:
"Part of Pittsburgh's problem is they're in an older facility... A lot of that survey is based on what your physical building looks like."
[10:14]
He continues to discuss the broader implications:
"Most players are pretty happy with their head coaches... but the Steelers stand out negatively, likely due to their facility."
[11:40]
Joy reflects on the findings:
"I always thought Tomlin was a pro player organization. That one jumped out to me."
[10:14]
5. Shador Sanders' Draft Prospects
Timestamp: [15:00]
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Shador Sanders and his standing in the NFL Draft. Concerns about his athleticism and arm strength are weighed against his accuracy and game intelligence.
Joy Taylor expresses doubts:
"Shador Sanders is much closer to Baker Mayfield as a pure talent than he is Josh Allen."
[17:14]
Tomer Cohen elaborates on his potential:
"Are you going to be able to level up and compete on the highest level? That's the concern with Shador."
[19:09]
Albert Breer adds context on drafting quarterbacks:
"Are you going to be able to level up and compete on the highest level?"
[19:09]
Joy counters with quarterback stability importance:
"If I bring Kirk Cousins into your organization... I just don't want drama at quarterback."
[21:15]
6. Analysis on Bengals' High-Paid Receivers
Timestamp: [33:39]
The hosts discuss the Cincinnati Bengals' strategy in retaining their star receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and T. Higgins, amidst salary cap pressures and performance expectations.
Joy Taylor emphasizes priority:
"Jamar is always going to be our priority. He's a fantastic football player."
[34:03]
Tomer Cohen agrees on securing top talent:
"Our preference with T. Higgins is to do a long-term agreement... if Cincinnati goes 4 for 4 with their first four picks, then you can take big swings on contracts."
[34:12]
Albert Breer points out salary dynamics:
"We have a list of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league... Ja’Marr Chase is going to get Colin."
[34:47]
Joy underscores the importance of high-paid receivers to the Bengals' success:
"T. Higgins is a fantastic football player and I want him on my football team."
[34:13]
7. Quarterback Stability and Team Strategies
Timestamp: [20:33]
The conversation returns to the broader topic of quarterback stability within NFL teams. Joy Taylor compares Shador Sanders to Jared Goff, advocating for reliable but less dynamic quarterbacks to maintain organizational stability.
Joy Taylor on quarterback importance:
"If I can, like I always said, Kirk Cousins, you bring Kirk Cousins into your organization. Is the ceiling low? Yeah, but the floor is so high."
[22:15]
Tomer Cohen discusses potential contracts:
"He could come in and stabilize that position for a team... Is he going to get to a second contract or are you going to be left in year three wanting for more?"
[19:10]
Joy reiterates the value of stability over high ceilings:
"There's a reason why so many quarterbacks in the NFL go to Wyoming, Texas Tech, Miami, Ohio, Cal... it makes Shador more attractive."
[16:08]
8. Bengals' Contract Negotiations and Player Retention
Timestamp: [33:39]
Returning to the Bengals, the hosts assess the team's ongoing efforts to retain star players amidst high compensation demands.
Joy Taylor on player retention:
"Jamar is always going to be our priority. He's a fantastic football player. He's going to end up being the number one paid non-quarterback in the league."
[34:03]
Tomer Cohen discusses long-term agreements:
"Our preference with T. Higgins is to do a long-term agreement. Always has been and continues to be."
[34:12]
Albert Breer notes the financial implications:
"We have a list of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league... Ja’Marr Chase is going to get Colin."
[34:47]
9. Closing Remarks and Additional Topics
Timestamp: [40:09] - [42:56]
As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts engage in lighter banter about personal habits, March Madness predictions, and briefly touch upon other media topics. Advertisements and promotions are interspersed, which are outside the scope of the core content. The episode wraps up with a final mention of the NFLPA Report Card and ongoing team dynamics.
Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps
-
Tomer Cohen on 49ers’ contract challenges:
"Now you got nine quarterbacks making over $50 million per year. The Niners obviously have a lot of mouths to feed..."
[02:51] -
Joy Taylor on Shador Sanders:
"Shador Sanders is much closer to Baker Mayfield as a pure talent than he is Josh Allen."
[17:14] -
Albert Breer on Steelers' dissatisfaction:
"Part of Pittsburgh's problem is they're in an older facility that's attached to the Pitt facility."
[10:14] -
Joy Taylor advocating for quarterback stability:
"If I can, like I always said, Kirk Cousins, you bring Kirk Cousins into your organization. Is the ceiling low? Yeah, but the floor is so high."
[22:15] -
Tomer Cohen on the Raiders’ acquisition strategy:
"I think a big part of this is bringing in the big money guys, having his own partner... Adding Matthew Stafford at quarterback, I think would make some sense."
[09:42]
Conclusion
This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides an in-depth analysis of several pressing NFL topics, from quarterback contracts and team strategies to player satisfaction within organizations. The hosts offer a blend of expert insights and candid opinions, making it a valuable listen for fans seeking a comprehensive understanding of the league's current landscape.