Hour 3 - The NFL offseason

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: The NFL Offseason Release Date: March 4, 2025

---

Introduction In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd and NFL analyst Peter Schrager delve into the intricacies of the ongoing NFL offseason. The discussion covers significant contract negotiations, player performances, team strategies, and emerging prospects shaping the future of the league.

---

1. Saquon Barkley’s Contract Extension with the Eagles Timestamp: [03:00]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by addressing the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to extend Saquon Barkley’s contract by two years for $41 million—a substantial deal for a running back.

Colin Cowherd ([03:00]): "The Eagles are giving Saquon Barkley two years and $41 million. That is a lot for a running back and a contract extension. He's earned it. I love him. Classy. Great."

Key Points:

• Valuation of Running Backs: Barkley's contract underscores a potential shift in how running backs are valued in the league.
• Impact on Team Dynamics: Peter Schrager suggests that securing Barkley early may prompt the Eagles to make tough roster decisions elsewhere to manage salary cap constraints.

Peter Schrager ([03:34]): "They are signing Barkley first, which is going to get great press... but they've done this early to get some good momentum because they're going to have to make some tough cuts here eventually."

---

2. Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ Negotiation Tactics Timestamp: [04:42]

The conversation shifts to Matthew Stafford’s tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, exploring how the team navigated contract negotiations to retain their star quarterback.

Peter Schrager ([04:42]): "There was a really up and down week that tested the relationship... Stafford gave the Rams the ability to stay, valuing his family and the stability in Los Angeles over a more lucrative offer elsewhere."

Key Points:

• Transparent Negotiations: The Rams maintained transparency, ultimately persuading Stafford to accept a lower salary than he might have secured on the open market.
• Player Loyalty: Stafford prioritizes family and established team rapport over financial gain, reinforcing the importance of personal factors in contract decisions.

---

3. Sam Darnold’s Future with the Minnesota Vikings Timestamp: [07:05]

Sam Darnold’s performance and his uncertain future with the Minnesota Vikings become a focal point as the team contemplates his potential continuation or replacement.

Peter Schrager ([07:05]): "Sam Darnold has cost himself more than expected, especially after recent subpar performances. The Vikings might consider a two-year deal to see if he can replicate past successes."

Key Points:

• Performance Under Scrutiny: Darnold’s inconsistent performances have raised questions about his long-term viability as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.
• Strategic Possibilities: The Vikings may offer a modest contract with performance-based incentives, balancing risk and potential reward.

---

4. Aaron Rodgers’ Market and Potential Destinations Timestamp: [10:14]

Aaron Rodgers’ status as a free agent sparks discussions about his desirability among NFL teams and the potential fit with franchises like the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.

Peter Schrager ([10:14]): "Aaron Rodgers could very well end up with the Giants or the Raiders. Both organizations could benefit from his leadership and skill set, despite media criticisms."

Key Points:

• Team Fit: Rodgers’ ability to mesh with different coaching styles and team dynamics makes him an attractive option despite the lack of high-profile suitors.
• Media Perception vs. Team Needs: While media sentiment might be mixed, teams prioritize on-field performance and locker room chemistry over public opinion.

---

5. Emerging Quarterback Prospects in the NFL Draft Timestamp: [23:02]

The discussion shifts to the upcoming NFL Draft, highlighting top quarterback prospects like Cam Ward and Shador Sanders, and their potential impact on selected teams.

Peter Schrager ([23:02]): "Cam Ward is unanimously viewed as the number one quarterback prospect, with Shador Sanders as a strong contender for the top two picks."

Key Points:

• Cam Ward’s Ascendancy: Ward's impressive collegiate performance and work ethic position him as the leading quarterback prospect.
• Shador Sanders’ Resilience: Despite challenges, Sanders showcases the toughness and adaptability that could make him a valuable draft pick.
• Team Strategies: Teams are focusing on securing foundational quarterbacks to build around for future success, emphasizing the importance of this draft class.

---

6. The Role of Coaching in Quarterback Performance Timestamp: [09:08]

Colin emphasizes the critical role coaching plays in the development and success of quarterbacks, referencing Matt Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, and others.

Colin Cowherd ([09:08]): "Coaches like Kevin O'Connell can elevate a quarterback's performance significantly, as seen with different players thriving under varying coaching styles."

Key Points:

• Coaching Synergy: Effective coaching strategies can enhance a quarterback's natural abilities, leading to improved performance and team success.
• Adjustment Periods: Transitioning to new coaching staffs can either bolster or hinder a quarterback’s effectiveness, depending on the fit and communication.

---

7. The Future of Quarterback Dynamics in the NFL Timestamp: [12:30]

The conversation explores the broader implications of quarterback contracts and team strategies, including the potential for undervalued players like Sam Darnold to secure favorable deals.

Peter Schrager ([12:30]): "Teams might opt to take a chance on quarterbacks like Darnold with more modest contracts, providing them opportunities to prove themselves without large financial commitments."

Key Points:

• Market Shifts: There’s a trend towards valuing quarterbacks not just based on past performance but also potential growth and team fit.
• Strategic Contracts: Teams are increasingly flexible in contract negotiations, allowing for performance-based incentives that can benefit both player and organization.

---

8. Impact of Player Moves on Team Morale and Performance Timestamp: [19:44]

J Mac discusses how player releases and trades, such as the Jets releasing Devonte Adams, affect team dynamics and future prospects.

J Mac ([18:15]): "Hot and heavy in the NFL. Jets are trying to trade Devonte Adams, but there are no takers. They are releasing him, which frees up nearly $30 million in cap space."

Key Points:

• Cap Space Management: Releasing high-salary players can provide teams with financial flexibility to pursue new talents or address other strategic needs.
• Team Chemistry: Such moves can disrupt existing team chemistry, requiring adjustments from both players and coaching staff.

---

9. Kirk Cousins’ Status with the Atlanta Falcons Timestamp: [21:47]

The discussion covers Kirk Cousins’ uncertain future with the Atlanta Falcons, considering recent performances and contractual obligations.

J Mac ([21:47]): "Kirk Cousins is owed a $10 million roster bonus and is still with the team. However, the odds favor the Falcons releasing him soon amid lackluster performance."

Key Points:

• Performance Pressures: Cousins’ recent performances have put his position under scrutiny, leading to speculation about his tenure with the Falcons.
• Contractual Details: Financial obligations like roster bonuses play a role in the decision-making process regarding a player’s future with a team.

---

10. Strategic Drafting and Team Building Timestamp: [24:38]

Colin and J Mac explore the strategic considerations teams must balance when selecting quarterbacks in the draft, emphasizing the importance of fit and potential.

Colin Cowherd ([24:38]): "I think you're looking at quarterbacks like Abdul Carter and Shador Sanders making mid to low first-round picks based on their skills and team needs."

Key Points:

• Balancing Talent and Fit: Teams must assess not only a quarterback’s talent but also how well they fit within the existing team structure and coaching philosophy.
• Long-Term Planning: Drafting quarterbacks is a critical component of a team’s long-term strategy, often determining the franchise’s future trajectory.

---

Conclusion In this comprehensive discussion, Colin Cowherd and Peter Schrager provide deep insights into the NFL offseason's key developments. From high-profile contract negotiations and player performances to strategic drafting and team-building efforts, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of factors shaping the league's future. Notable quotes punctuate the conversation, highlighting the analysts' perspectives on player worth, team strategies, and the evolving dynamics of professional football.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd ([03:00]): "He's earned it. I love him. Classy. Great."
• Peter Schrager ([07:05]): "Sam Darnold has cost himself more than expected... The Vikings might consider a two-year deal to see if he can replicate past successes."
• Colin Cowherd ([10:14]): "Aaron Rodgers could very well end up with the Giants or the Raiders. Both organizations could benefit from his leadership and skill set despite media criticisms."

---

This summary aims to encapsulate the critical discussions from The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode on the NFL offseason, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the topics covered.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption card. Has no cash access and expires in six months. Virgin Voyages isn't your average cruise. It's a masterclass in luxury all in voyage pricing includes over $1,000 in value, Wi fi, tips, entertainment, even specialty dining. No hidden fees, no surprises. The cabins are next level private terraces, virgin red hammocks, unbeatable sea views. Add in the adult only factor. No kids. That's right, just relaxation. It's no surprise they're award winning. And the destinations Caribbean this winter, Iceland, North America and the Mediterranean in 2025 and 2026. Virgin Voyages is where luxury meets travel. Book it and see what you've been missing. Learn [e-mail] or contact your travel advisor. Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Terms apply. See CapitalOne.com Bank Capital One NA Member FDIC Count your way into a perfect night with AMEX Gold. One restaurant, two friends, three amazing dishes, and four times membership rewards points on purchases at restaurants and US Supermarkets. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Capitalize. Learn more@american express.com with Amex. 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 FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Okay, this is interesting. So I I believe Howie Roseman of the Eagles is very smart. It's being reported the Eagles are Giving Saquon Barkley two years and $41 million. That is a lot for a running back and a contract extension. He's earned it. I love him. Classy. Great. Okay so I'm going to go to Schrager, Peter Schrager joining me. I got a question. So Howie Roseman said a week ago, we're going to make some moves here. It's going to be a little unconventional. What he was basically saying, Shregs, is we're going to have to get rid of some guys you really, really like. So he is signing Barkley first, which is going to get great press, and everybody's going to love him because he's going to have to let go of either. Like the linebacker, A.J. brown. My guess is they were going to do this anyway, but they've done this early to get some good momentum because they're going to have to make some tough cuts here eventually. Am I nuts?

[Peter Schrager]

Well, they're going to their roster. It's what happens to any super bowl champion that has all that talent on it, that had those high sellers. So, like, Darius Slay was already cut. James Bradbury was already cut. I think Milton Williams is going to sign elsewhere. I think Zach Bond's likely going to sign elsewhere. I think. I think Josh Sweat's going to sign us. Like, they're going to get the life sucked out of them. But Saquon is the most important piece. And if you're an Eagles fan, you're like, all right, we got Jalen Hurts Saquon and we got Devontae Smith and that offensive line. We're good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah. No, no. I think it's interesting because you mentioned Zach Ball, and that's the one the fans in Phil, because he's such a working class, tough kid, that's a hard guy to move off. You get crushed on WIP radio for 48 hours. Yeah. So I think they get BART. I mean, if you sign Barkley, I think it gives so much goodwill. Now, I want to talk about this because you would know this. Listen, Matt had a couple years on his contract, Stafford. And unlike the Niners, who have occasionally caved a little to players, the Rams are tough negotiators. I mean, they moved off Jalen Ramsey, they'll move off Cooper Cup. How close did we get here to Stafford not being a Ram Shrigs?

[Peter Schrager]

It was a lot closer than people. As I, you know, at the end of it, everyone says, oh, well, of course he wasn't going anywhere. It wasn't the case. This was a really up and down week and it was the one that tested the relationship. But to Sean McVeigh's great credit, he was completely transparent with Stafford and gave Jimmy Sexton really powerful agent from caa, who also represents guys like Bill Parcells and Nick Saban. And he's got a client in Mat. Stafford gave him the ability. They said, why don't you go on your own and go test the market and see what he can get on the open market, as if he was a free agent. And it turned out there were multiple teams willing to pay Matthew Stafford More than $50 million, and that is way more than what the Rams are willing to pay him. And then it was a discussion of, okay, we can trade you to one of those teams, whether it be the Raiders or it be the Giants. Do you really want this or will you take less and come back here and not move your family and not go to a team that hasn't made the playoffs in years and not get to know an entire new strength and conditioning and coaching staff? And when it all came to be, Stafford and McVay met at 6:30am Pacific Time Friday morning. All cards were on the table. It was completely transparent. And it wasn't like they had some, you know, blowout the week earlier and it went through eight. It was all like this. And it was like, you know what? I will take less money than I can make on the open market and I will return to the Rams because I know what I'm getting and I've got four little girls and a wife who loves living in Los Angeles and I like working with you. So they ran it back. But don't get it twisted. Anyone who tells you that there was not actual trade talks with the Rams and the Giants is wrong, and Rams with the Raiders was wrong. There are parameters being set. At the end of the day, Stafford didn't want to leave and he's taken less money to play for the Rams.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, so we as a staff the last two days, we just can't quite figure out Sam Darnold. So I love him. I said, Josh Allen had two stinkers last year and Mahomes had several and they had a better roster than Darnold. And I think Kevin O'Connell looks at it and thinks, okay, it didn't end well, but the Rams were better than us and the Lions were playing one of the biggest games in 10 years in Detroit. We got overwhelmed. It happened to Josh Allen who went 9 for 30 against Houston. It happened to Mahomes against the Raiders. It happens in this league. It was certainly capable for Sam Darnold against better teams on the road to get beat. But they have J.J. mcCarthy. And so when I hear, you know, they're working on a new Deal with Darnold. Could you explain what's going on in Minnesota?

[Peter Schrager]

Well, I don't, I don't think we can harp on what you're saying enough. I don't know if a single player has cost himself more money than what Sam Darnold cost himself in the matter of eight days that week 18 game against the Lions, playing for home field advantage, playing for NFCDR and playing the way he did, and then eight days later against the Rams. That was scary for a lot of teams saying, I can't Give Sam Darnold $50 million if those two games exist on film. When it matters most, he reverted back to all the bad Sam Darnold games that he's had instead of the great ones that he had for 17 weeks. That's unfair to him, right? We think that's unfair to him. That's the truth of the matter. I don't have a market for Sam Darnold. That is, that is that his team's lining up outside the door to go sign him. Meanwhile, I think if we were going into week 18, there were those teams, I would think that many of these teams, Cleveland, Tennessee, the Giants, they would all interested in talking. But those two weeks he reverted back to a version or at least showed a version of himself that scared off a lot of these teams. Now we're talking about taking $10 million off the table, $20 million off the table from what he might have been had he finished and had this miracle super bowl run. So you look at the Vikings, they don't know what J.J. mcCarthy they're getting. He was hurt all last year. They like him. They drafted him top 10. If Sam Darnold is willing to come back on a two year deal, say they pay him 30 million the next two years, gets a two year, $60 million deal with an out maybe after the first, I think the Vikings would be very open to that. Sam Darnold goes and crushes it once again. McCarthy's there. Maybe if McCarthy, like is lights out during training camp, they could still trade Darnold to a team. I think that is the most likely outcome for Sam Darnold this free agency ride. He comes back to Minnesota not on a franchise tag deal where they're paying him 50 million, but that they pay him something more. Like what Baker Mayfield made last year with the Tampa Bay Buccane and when he got his deal and said, hey, why don't we bring you back on something like around 30, 35 and you prove it again and then you cash out big after that it's not ideal for Sam Darnold. It is ideal for the Vikings because they don't know what they have in J.J. mcCarthy.

[Colin Cowherd]

We know shrags, you know this, that quarterbacks can be elevated the better the coach. I mean, Matt Stafford was always great. Now he's a star, right? Herbert with Harbaugh, all his numbers, you know, went up. Shane Steichen is a rookie as his coordinator. Coaching matters for quarterbacks, especially younger quarterb but older quarterbacks too. So I defended Aaron Rodgers. I said after Salah got fired, this was not a great coaching staff. Aaron's last 10 games, he's pretty good. Wasn't great, but he's pretty good. There is a market. Let's not be ridiculous. I think the pendulum is swung so far on Aaron. People are like, yeah, he can't play. I watched the last 10 games. He moved a little better when he got Devonte in. I don't know. I. I'm Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, Brock Bowers. I got, I got a center in the draft. I have Colton Miller, I'm the Raiders. Bring him back West. It seems it's not a great market like Aaron Rodgers, Raiders. Is there something there?

[Peter Schrager]

Yeah, there's something there. I also think Aaron Rodgers, Giants, is a real possibility. You've heard that. And the truth of the matter is, you're right. If you look at the stats and the film, he played well over the second half of the season. And oh yeah, he was coming off the Achilles the first half of the season, 28 touchdowns, I believe, 11 interceptions on a team that had a lot of issues with coaching, but also their offensive line. Look, there's no teams that are banging down the door for Aaron Rodgers right now and going to look to pay him big money. But you could convince yourself if you're either the Giants or the Raiders, that if we can't get one of the top prospects in the draft or the top prospect in the draft, which is Cam Ward, there's a lot worse off that we could do than bring in Rogers. Here is the rub with Rodgers. The media might not like him. The national mainstream media might not like him. He might not go with some of them. He speaks his mind, which is uncomfortable for some owners. Players love him. Teammates love him. He is he that jets locker room. They would ride or die for Aaron Rodgers. They loved Aaron Rodgers, those young players, and he was, he was a great teammate to them. So it's this rub, like, do I care if Jimmy Kimmel doesn't like Aaron Rodgers or do I care that Garrett that, you know, the young players on the team love Aaron Rodgers. Like, where are we at with this thing? I think the Giants, Brian Dables under the gun. Brian Dable's been questioned. Aaron Rodgers under the gun. Aaron Rodgers been questioned. Like, do you. Would you ride with Aaron Rodgers with a Giant chip on his shoulder for a budget contract?

[J Mac]

I think you would, yeah.

[Peter Schrager]

And if you're the Raiders, does anyone know quarterback play better than Tom Brady and Chip Kelly? Like, if they like him and he's always been a good teammate, he's never been a bad teammate. Can you convince yourselves that at least for a bridge season, Aaron Rodgers can at least put some respectable football on the table? You sure can.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. No, I, I think he's a beaten down stock on Wall Street. There's still value there. He was 18 TDs, four picks in his last 10 games, and again, a suboptimal coaching staff that was coming off an Achilles. Yeah, yeah, like so it's like, folks, let's not get nuts here. He can still spin it. Finally, I think the quarterbacks go one and two. I think the first three teams are desperate for quarterbacks. Although Aaron may land with the Giants, Cam Ward, the most talented quarterback, is at a lock. He goes number one.

[Peter Schrager]

Well, he's got the biggest upside. I don't know if it's all said and done that Shador is not a better quarterback, but right now they're looking at Cam Ward pretty much unanimously around the league. From him, I talked to as the number one quarterback in this draft and everyone loves his story. You know, he started off at Incarnate Word, which is a school in San Antonio, and he had no other options. That's where he went. Then he went to Washington State and then he goes to Miami and single handedly in one season becomes the greatest Miami quarterback statistics wise that we've ever seen. And is an amazing kid, like everyone loves. He's humble, he works. And I have a little story from the combine where I was there on Saturday when he's working out and I have access to walk on the field because I'm interviewing different GMs and I'm part of the NFL Network broadcast. So I get down there and Cam Ward's not working out, but his teammate Xavier Restrepo is doing all the wide receiver drills. He couldn't resist. Cam Ward takes a football and they go through the entire route tree together and he's flinging the ball and he's basically doing a workout despite not doing a work, just not on camera. And he's doing it while Restrepo is working out and he looks great. And like every interview he did, he wowed everyone. Everyone loves Cam Ward, so I would say he's number one. Shador is a little trickier. Here's the rub on Shador. He got the snot kicked out of him in college and that could be a positive saying that he's always taken a beating and gotten up. Or it could be a negative and saying, okay, well he already has been hit a bunch and he was under duress his entire season at Colorado and maybe he hasn't had the arm strength or the athleticism that Cam Ward does. That said, I wouldn't read all the negative stuff about Shador and I wouldn't read all the negative stuff that he's it's going to affect his draft stock too much. I do think they go as the top two quarterbacks and to your point, I think they could go as high as 1 2, as crazy as that might seem, considering there are better pure players in this draft. You just know how important it is to draft a quarterback and the quarterbacks always rise when it comes to it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app Omaha Steaks delivers the world's best steak experience and it brings people together with more than 100 years of family owned expertise as America's original butcher. Omaha Steaks legendary filet mignons are extra aged to maximize tenderness and are tested to the highest standards to maintain the coveted distinction of USDA Certified Tender. And now during their semi annual sale you can get 50% off site [e-mail] plus our listeners get an extra $30 off with the promo code HERDHERD at checkout. This weekend was a great time to bust open my Omaha Steaks assortment. Pack air Chilled boneless chicken breasts, rib eye and steak burgers Gourmet jumbo franks. They're great butcher's cut top sirloins and for dessert, caramel apple tartlets. It doesn't get better than this. From legendary steaks to classic comfort food, bring home that exceptional handcrafted flavor and convenience of Omaha Steaks. Every steak perfectly aged. Five generations of uncompromising quality. Omaha Steaks has been America's original butcher since 1917. Don't miss the semi annual sale at omaha steaks. Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site wide and for an extra $30 off use the promo code herdherd at checkout that's 50% off at OmahaSteaks.com and an extra $30 off with a promo code heard at checkout. With AMEX Gold, you get up to $100 back annually on eligible purchases at resi restaurants.

[Peter Schrager]

So party of two, right this way.

[Colin Cowherd]

Is music to your ears. That's the powerful backing of American Express enrollment. Required terms apply. Learn [e-mail] with AmEx, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months. Hey, it's hey Martinez. The news can feel like a lot on any given day, but you can't just ignore las noticias when important world changing events are happening. That is where the Upverse podcast comes in. Every single morning in under 15 minutes, we take the news and boil it down to three essential stories so you can keep up without feeling stressed out. Listen up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. Peter Schrager, Fox Sports NFL Reporter, FOX NFL Kickoff as, as always, we appreciate you. You're a busy guy. You're.

[Peter Schrager]

Stop. Can I tell you something? I thought you were so good with Jimmy. We have a mutual love for Jimmy. Jimmy Johnson has been such a important part of my life at Fox and it was always so great. And I thought you gave him the ultimate farewell yesterday. It meant a lot to all of us on the football side.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks, buddy. Great seeing you. Thank you.

[Peter Schrager]

You're the man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep, yesterday, the great Jimmy Johnson retired and just a really interesting guy. I've been in a few dinners or events with Jimmie Johnson and somebody needs to stand up and kind of own the room and you just sit back and watch Jimmy go and all time stuff. Troy Aikman sent me a nice little text this morning, so it meant a lot to a lot of people. The great Jimmy Johnson. I still got to go fishing down in the Keys. I grew up in a fishing community. Of course it was cold and, and not very appealing. Jimmy's on aqua blue water fishing with a Heineken. That's a. That's a much better version of what I grew up around as a kid. J Mac with the news. No no, no no. Heard on the news. This is the herd line news getting.

[J Mac]

Hot and heavy in the NFL. Colin, breaking news out of New York yesterday. Jets are trying to trade Devonte Adams today. No takers. Jets are releasing him. The move frees up nearly 30 million cap space for my Jets. Too bad there's no quarterback to go get. Let's not go through the Devonte Adams history. He has been traded. He's been. I can't say that on air. He's been passed around a lot let's just say and now he's been released by the jets. He will surface likely wherever Aaron Rodgers does. You know the New York Giants cross town they don't have a quarterback. Well they could use someone opposite Malik neighbors Rogers and Devonte.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well I mean I think the Raiders prime example Jacoby Myers A2 Brock Bowers is great. I mean the Raiders although I don't see him going back not going back there to the Raiders, the Giants, Aaron Rodgers I guess it works. It just feels. Yeah you know when you go when you have instability as a legend you don't want to go back into more instability and the Giants just feel like they're an unstable mess.

[J Mac]

What if you're the Detroit Lions? Do you make a play for who? For Devonte Adams. They got Amaranthe Brown but like Jameson Williams is a gadget more of a gadget guy. He doesn't run a million routes. If I'm close I'm just saying Devonte, come on down bro. Let's play with us. If I'm like I would say like the top eight teams in the league why wouldn't the Kansas City Chiefs go after him? Hey man, you want to try to win a Super bowl on the cheap? What have you wanted?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well they feel that Worthy became like a low end one price is coming back. I know but yeah, I don't think I think they have O line needs.

[J Mac]

Chargers that's probably the best now I.

[Colin Cowherd]

Know that one's interesting to me because I think they're going to move off Bosa or Mack and it's not a great wide receiver draft and I think so I think what I think you can make an argument the Chargers are going to go after a tight end Loveland from Michigan if available and so if he because I think the Chargers are just missing two pieces. I think they're going to draft a running back. Great running back draft. I think they need another tight end and another receiver Devonte Adams to the Chargers Now, Harbaugh's built his career. Jim Harbaugh's career is. He's won Natties and gotten to Super Bowls without dominant receivers. So he, he, you know, I mean, given the opportunity to draft a receiver or Joe Alt, he went offensive tackle.

[J Mac]

Then if he said that in the room and I was there and I'm a gym Jim Harbaugh guy, I'd be like, jim, let me roll some footage of the Texans playoff loss. And it was lad. McConkey or bust. We had nobody.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, I don't disagree with you.

[J Mac]

We can't do anything. And Herbert, the deep ball thrower, he is with Adams, by the way. I just looked it up. California guy from the West Coast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Fresno State.

[J Mac]

Fresno State as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, it doesn't. It makes sense because you're not paying McConkey, you're not paying any of your backs. They have to get. Because of J.K. dobbins injury history, they need another back. I mean, we all know what the Chargers need. A back, a tight end and another receiver. That's a good enough roster right now. That's a good enough roster to win multiple playoff games. Now they just don't have enough firepower. So I think that it's going to be very much an offensive draft for the Chargers.

[J Mac]

Like we thought. Garrett Wilson was a one. Maybe it was just me. He was a superstar. And then Adams come in and he was the primary target. I still think Adams can be a one. The only other guy Godwin in Tampa, remember he had the.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's hurt a lot.

[J Mac]

I don't see him leaving Tampa.

[Colin Cowherd]

No.

[J Mac]

I see him staying there. So now T. Higgins is out. It's like Chargers got to do something. I think Devonte Adams makes a lot of sense for the Chargers. Next up, Colin, is Kirk Cousins future? We're going to find out here very shortly what the deal is. He's owed a $10 million roster bonus. He's still on the team as of March 17. Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that the bonus is not a factor in their decision, adding the odds are stronger. Atlanta won't find a trade market and we'll release him at some point soon. That should surprise nobody. I. I've long been a Kirk Cousins defender.

[Colin Cowherd]

Same.

[J Mac]

I think he can. I still think he can win. I think coming off the Achilles, it wasn't.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know if Kirk Cousins needs. He doesn't need the money. And I think he's got a very full life with his family. I. I could see Kirk Cousins saying it was A good run. I'm over. It's over.

[J Mac]

Like I get it, just shutting it down. You've made a lot of money.

[Colin Cowherd]

I looked at Atlanta as a two year experiment anyway. We all knew that Penix was going to play. I thought it would go better. Like by the way, I was right until Thanksgiving. He was exactly what I thought he would be until Thanksgiving and then it just went off a cliff.

[J Mac]

But you could argue that it was ruined for Cousins from the jump. Remember he went there, he's like, I want to end my career in Atlanta. I'm happy to be here. Then they draft his replacement with like the top 10 pick. I think he won eighth pennings. And at that point Cousins had to be looking around like what's going on here? And then he plays that crap, gets his Achilles. I, I think. Would you rather do Cousins on a two year deal or Sam Darnold on a four year? Cousins.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would do Sam and a four.

[J Mac]

But we've seen Cousins with multiple quarterbacks. Yeah, but coaches. But we only saw Sam thrive with Kevin O'Connell.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, it depends. Do I get Chip Kelly? I, I think Sam Darnold on a 4, if the number's reasonable that could. Yeah. I mean it's Kevin oconnell's not the only guy that can coach quarterbacks.

[J Mac]

Nobody. One of the best final story Colin is you love a good mock draft. I alluded to this one earlier. Listen man, you and I think Shador is going too many people top five. Lance Zerline, a guest on this show just released his mock draft and listen, I'm not going to blast the guy. He is your boy. He has Shadour going 29th in the first round. 29th. Abdul Carter first. I mean, I mean okay, maybe he's the best player. Travis Hunter second. I, that's insane to me. Memboo, the Missouri officer, he had a.

[Colin Cowherd]

He had a really good played the.

[J Mac]

Combine but jumping him to four, I mean it could happen. Tmac you have it. You see at five Shamar Stewart, Lance is heavily skewed toward what just happened in Indy. Stewart who wasn't really.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, Cam Ward's. Cam Ward's gonna go number one.

[J Mac]

I don't see how it doesn't happen. I think guys are just talking stuff behind the scenes and leaking stuff out. And I don't see a world where Tennessee passes on a quarterback and starts with Will Levitz next.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. By the way, in Dane Brugler's mock draft in the athletic today they have Shador Sanders going number 21 to Pittsburgh. So that's why. No.

[J Mac]

So the jets are passing on on Shador Sanders and the Giants and Seattle.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, he's a B prospect.

[Peter Schrager]

I don't care.

[J Mac]

We don't have a quarterback. I would be absolutely floored.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know.

[J Mac]

This would be Luca level. Surprise.

[Colin Cowherd]

I never thought. Sure was great, but now he's getting beat. I mean, I do think he's a mid first round pick. I think he's better than Kenny Pickett who went mid to like, I hope so. Well, yeah, I mean, I think, I think he's a first round pick. I just think he's a mid to a low first round pick. But I, I also think there's like six teams that are desperate and three of them are the first three teams picking. I mean, what does it matter if you get Abdul Carter? If you can't move the chains, who cares? Yeah.

[J Mac]

What, what's it going to this whole like, Brown's got to get Abdul Carter to replace Miles Garrett. You don't have a quarterback. Deshaun Watson, he's probably not coming back for a minute. I, I, I'm just a little dumbfounded, but I, I do think as we get closer to the draft, everybody will put quarterbacks in.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mack with the news. Well, that, that's the news.

[Peter Schrager]

And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news.

[Colin Cowherd]

So are we gonna go to the Knicks Lakers on Thursday?

[J Mac]

Can you use your powers to make that happen?

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you mean my powers?

[J Mac]

I don't like, kind of a big deal.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I don't.

[J Mac]

Hold on, hold on.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't like doing this. I don't like asking for free tickets.

[J Mac]

So people haven't really hung with you before, but I'm just telling you, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Don'T, don't get into this.

[J Mac]

But being around you, people want to come up and talk.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, yeah, whatever. I don't like doing free tickets because I like to either buy my tickets or get them from an insider that's not connected to a team because I have to be critical of teams. And I don't want, I don't want to be that guy.

[J Mac]

The Lakers won't care if you're critical.

[Peter Schrager]

Trust me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, hold on. Yeah. What are the floors, by the way? I will say this. Can you get in my, in my NBA bubble, I did include the Lakers. Now I am in no way asking for free tickets to the Knicks game.

[J Mac]

Put that on the screen. Let's see.

[Colin Cowherd]

But on my NBA bubble, I do have six teams, and the Lakers are one of them.

[J Mac]

Says the guy who eats dinner next to Kim Kardashian.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, whatever. So I got, I have from the West, I have the warriors, the Lakers, OKC and Denver. I think the two best teams in the NBA are Boston and Cleveland. By the way, the Knicks can't beat Boston, Cleveland or OKC. I think they're like, oh, for 7 or 0 for 8. So the Knicks are a good basketball team.

[J Mac]

Knicks warriors tonight from msg.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, oh, really?

[J Mac]

It's like a marquee game. Yeah. Oh, loves the Garden. He'll go for 50 in a heartbeat. Jimmy Butler against Thibodeau.

[Colin Cowherd]

So that starts at what, 4:30 our time, 7:30 garden time?

[J Mac]

Yeah, yeah, good call. 4:30. That's an early, early tip.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. All right. Live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Peter Schrager]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, it's Steve Cavino and I'm Rich Davis. And together we're Kavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. It's the last game of the season and with amex, you can save time with card member entrances at selectvisor venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] with Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months. Hey, it's hey, Martinez. The news can feel like a lot on any given day, but you can't just ignore la noticias when importance world changing events are happening. That is where the Upverse podcast comes in. Every single morning in under 15 minutes, we take the news and boil it down to three essential stories so you can keep up without feeling stressed out. Listen up first, from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts, it's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson. I wore nine NHL sweaters and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say.

[Peter Schrager]

And not just about hockey.

[Colin Cowherd]

Believe me, he does Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast and it's gonna be, well, it's gonna be quite the ride. We're officially linemates, Nate. We're the energy line.

[Peter Schrager]

We'll have plenty of folks join us, current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers. And wait till you see some of.

[Colin Cowherd]

The connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex. Okay, we'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do. Provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate? I'm vibing, Julie. I'm ready to roll. Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. By the way, I was watching a replay of the Oscars with my daughter on YouTube TV last night. I thought Conan O'Brien was really good, but I don't even sure. I think I'm gonna go try to watch Anora, but it's amazing how little interest I had in any of the films. And my daughter was the same way. You know, different generations. She's like, yeah, like brutalist is four hours. I mean, if I'm flying to Antarctica, maybe I'll have time, but like four hours. That guy's speech was five minutes. His movies, four hours. I've got enough. Just talk. Watching his speech, I was exhausted. So LeBron goes for his 50th,000th point. You know, did anybody see this? So they came out with LeBron James career shot chart came out. I was looking at this this morning. This interesting. So here's his career. I mean, that's every shot he's taken. By the way, he's taken more shots than that. Maybe this is half, but the point being blue shots. Sorry. RADIO audience Blue shots are regular season. Playoff shots are in red. Look at how much LeBron attacks the basket in the playoffs. So that goes back to everything with LeBron is planned and managed. I, I think his move off AD people think it's the Lakers move. I, I do not believe that. I, I with all my heart, I think J.J. redick and LeBron James, I think in the building, Rob Pelinka, they had made a discussion that AD was a good fit, Luca was a better fit. But it just goes back to my belief that LeBron has made calculated moves leaving Cleveland, leaving Miami, leaving Cleveland, getting off Lonzo Ball and all the young players moving off AD to me, feels like another calculated move. Now, I'm not saying they set it up for a year, but I firmly believe that successful people, they just think differently and they're very strategic. And I mean, I've worked this corporation, other corporations, they're strategic. The greatest athletes of my life similarly have been very strategic. I remember when Brady left to Tampa and, you know, I can remember, I think it was Adam Schefter reporting, like, you know, he'd already, like, put his house up for sale. The year before, he had made some moves with his contract. Brady knew a year out he was leaving and there were like three teams he was interested in. Miami first, and then Tampa and the Chargers later. So this, this nothing with LeBron is just winging it. He doesn't, that's not what he does. People don't wing it. You know, maybe our current White House is winging it, I don't know. But LeBron doesn't wing it. He didn't wing it leaving Cleveland or Miami or Cleveland or moving off Lonzo Ball. So I don't suddenly believe he's just like, hey, phone call. Hello. We're moving off AD Whoa, no heads up. Oh, this caught me by surprise. That's not how you do business with J.J. redick. That's not how you're going to do business. Because the future of the Lakers, LeBron and Reddick, you're not going to give them any heads up. I just don't think Genie Buss operates that way. I'm sorry. So. And Nick Wright was on earlier. I do think Luke and LeBron and throw in Austin Reeves. I think they're very dangerous come playoff time. They have two offensive supercomputers at the wing slash point guard position. And almost every contender has one guy you can throw on someone like that. The Thunder have Lou Dort. The Nuggets have Aaron Gordon. Like you have some, you have a guy to throw on those to throw on LeBron or throw on Luka when you are playing Denver in a series. If Aaron Gordon is guarding LeBron, then who the hell is guarding Luka? Yeah, I know it's a, it's a legitimate question. I think there are two great teams in this league that don't have a hole. Cleveland, Boston. I've watched them. I've watched Boston play 15 times. I've watched Cleveland play eight or nine times. There's no hole. They can defend the rim, they defend the wing, they can score from. You know, they're efficient. I think they're well coached. Cleveland and Boston are the two best teams in the league. The west is much deeper and much better. And this happens a lot like, like last year in college football. The year before, Michigan was the best team, the SEC was the best conference. Now this year, you can argue the Big Ten was better than the sec. But the two best teams in the NBA in terms of lack of holes, liabilities, bench starters, defend the rim, defend the wing, shoot threes, efficiency is Cleveland and Boston. I don't even think it's arguable. I think Oklahoma City is really, really good. But I still don't know. Am I going to trust Chet Holmgren in a big playoff road game? I'm going to trust Evan Mobley and I'm going to trust Donovan Mitchell and Derrick White and Jason Tatum, Andrew Holiday and Porzingis and Jason Tatum and Luca and LeBron and Jimmy Butler and Steph. A lot of Oklahoma City guys outside of SGA who I don't think is going to get the whistle. I don't know if I trust them. I don't know if I trust them in a big road game. That doesn't mean they're not good. But I think the NBA got really lucky. And we've talked about this before, it's one of the things like right now in baseball, it's literally perfect. One of the big off season moves Justin Tucker to the Cubs, huge franchise. Aaron Judge in New York, Soto with the Mets, Freeman Bets Ohtani with The Dodgers, another Southern California team. Tatis and Machado in San Diego. Houston's always got players. Atlanta's got Acuna. Like literally, if you pick teams to be good in baseball, it would be Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Houston, Cubs, Mets. You'd want big markets. They've all got the best players. It's Kyle Tucker, not Justin. Sorry, my bad. To the Cubs. So, I mean, I, I just think things are cyclical. I think right now the NBA got a huge break at the trade deadline. Butler to the warriors. Totally different franchise today. 8 and 1 with Jimmy Butler and Luca to the Lakers. And I, and I said this three weeks ago and I'll say it again, it is crazy. The Lakers got Kobe from Charlotte for Vlade Divots, who wasn't an all star. They got Shaq from Orlando for a bunch of parts. They got Pau Gasol from Memphis for some draft picks and Marc Gasoline. And they got Luka from The Mavericks for AD at 32 years old. Max Christie in a pick four times. And the Lakers, it's never been just about getting stars. The Lakers have always gotten the right star. The Clippers are desperate. They go get James Harden, not very likable. And Kawhi Leonard, rarely available. So for the Clippers, it's just about, hey, can we get a star in the building? And that was a big deal for them. The Lakers have always been about, we're not desperate here. We're going to get the right star. And even AD who's a very good player. Luke is the better star. He's younger, more of an initiator, more offensively gifted, not very good defensively, but does I think fit LeBron going forward better. So it's an exciting time. Tonight they play the Pelicans. LeBron will score is 50,000th and and then point. And I will say this. Is that the one? For years and years, LeBron played in the east and dominated the East. The west is better and deeper. I've never quite figured out why the west for probably 30 straight years. That doesn't mean they've always had the champion. Celtics won last year. The west is always better than the East. My guess, better owners, better brands, better GMs. I don't know what it is, but LeBron, if you take LeBron out of the east for about a 12 year period, it was bad. Like it just wasn't good at all. Now LeBron is aged. He's still great, but it's just tougher. Golden State's real, OKC's real. I mean, you know, Denver still a championship level team. They're not as deep as they were three years ago. Still very good. So tonight it's the Pelicans. Then it gets right now the playoff standings in the West, Thunder over in the 1. God, can you believe that? Lakers 2, Nuggets 3. I mean, I'm not counting the Grizzlies and the Rockets, who I think are too young. They're four and five, warriors six. I can't take the Clipper. Seriously. So it's if the playoffs started today. Boy, you got a lot of. You've got NBA got really lucky with the Jimmy Butler. Luca moves really fortunate.

[J Mac]

Hey, let me quick, can I go back to Saquon Barkley? Interesting. Some guys are. Some of the cap guys are noticing stuff. Derrick Henry is on a two year, $16 million deal. Saquon Barkley is now on a two year, $41 million deal. Colin, that's kind of jarring. It's almost like the momentum has turned toward running backs. Does Derek Henry now say, hey guys, come on. Is Saquon Barkley more than two times the running back? I am.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, he's better than Henry. I'm not sure he's that much better. We'll see you tomorrow. The Herd this is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iheart and standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following ot'supwithhate.

[Peter Schrager]

Some people just know they could save.

[J Mac]

Hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First.

[Peter Schrager]

Like you know to check for the nearest bathroom first before the game starts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now you're heading in the wrong direction and it sounds like your team's taking the lead. Checking first is smart, so check Allstate.

[J Mac]

First for a quote that could save you hundreds.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're in good hands with Allstate Savings.

[J Mac]

Vary subject to terms, conditions and availability.

[Colin Cowherd]

Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois hey, it's hey Martinez. The news can feel like a lot on any given day, but you can't just ignore la noticias when important world changing events are happening. That is where the Upper first podcast comes in. Every single morning in under 15 minutes, we take the news and boil it down to three essential stories so you can keep up without feeling stressed out. Listen up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Peter Schrager]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life.

[Colin Cowherd]

All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Peter Schrager]

Julie is pretty well connected.

[Colin Cowherd]

She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe. Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.