Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Richard Sherman Podcast [March 3, 2026]

Episode Theme:
Richard Sherman returns to break down major NFL offseason moves and storylines, with a specific focus on the Texans-Lions trade for David Montgomery, the ripple effects for both franchises, Seattle Seahawks’ and San Francisco 49ers’ looming free agency questions, NFL Combine skepticism, and deep insight into current NFL labor issues like the franchise tag.

1. Texans-Lions David Montgomery Trade Reaction

[02:27–07:10]

• Trade Details:
  • Houston Texans acquire RB David Montgomery from Detroit Lions in exchange for a fourth-round pick, Juice Scruggs, and a seventh-round pick.
• Sherman’s Take:
  • Montgomery became “disgruntled” in Detroit due to Jameer Gibbs’ emergence as the clear number one back.
  • The trade is insurance for Houston, especially with Joe Mixon’s ambiguous status.
  • Praises Montgomery as “a premier back and can be a thousand yard running back when he’s at his best.”

    “He gets a new home in Houston and that team… runs the ball really well, got a quarterback that’s… had some struggles this playoffs, but I think he’s gonna be a really good player…” (Richard Sherman, 03:50)

  • Move should benefit the Texans’ offense and QB C.J. Stroud.

2. NFL Combine: Performance vs. Potential

[07:11–14:45]

• Sherman’s Skepticism:
  • Questions the real value of the combine; many traits measured don’t translate as expected to the NFL.
  • Warns teams/fans not to “fall in love” with measurables and ignore tape.
  • Discusses Anthony Richardson as a cautionary tale: “His college tape wasn’t really that great, but he went out there and had an incredible combine. Then… he was all of a sudden a top five pick, and now he’s not panning out.” (Sherman, 09:24)
  • Suggests NFL should implement more football-specific drills to showcase skills like football IQ and position-specific recognition, not just raw athleticism.
• Key Quote:

  “Football is still played by football players on a football field. And it’s not a 40-yard dash, it’s not a broad jump, it’s not a vertical jump. It’s football.” (Sherman, 12:15)

3. Seattle Seahawks Free Agency Outlook

[14:46–26:00]

• Kenneth Walker Jr.:
  • Doubtful the Super Bowl MVP will return; likely too expensive for Seahawks.
  • Running back market lags behind other positions.
  • Expects Walker to get much higher offers elsewhere, with Chiefs mentioned as a good fit.
• Rashid Shaheed:
  • Value as both receiver and special teams/game-changer.
  • Unlikely the Seahawks engage in a bidding war for a No. 2 receiver, but acknowledges his profound impact on their Super Bowl run.
• Money and Usage:
  • Explains team cap constraints and why players seek best possible deals.
• Notable Quote:

  “It’s hard to be team friendly, baby. The salary caps at 300 million and for a running back who… may have, you know, six, seven, maybe eight good years in him… I don’t think he’s going to do it.” (Sherman, 24:05)

4. San Francisco 49ers Free Agency

[26:01–32:00]

• Brandon Aiyuk:
  • Expects release after “went MIA” and requested out—relationship soured, destination possibly Washington (ties to Adam Peters).
• Jauan Jennings:
  • Could fetch a significant contract as a reliable, tough WR who stepped up in big games.
• Mike Evans Possibilities:
  • Lists his criteria and matches, but notes very few teams can realistically meet all demands.
  • 49ers, Chiefs, and possibly a return to Tampa Bay noted as fits, but volume of targets may be an issue.
• Other FA Moves:
  • Malik Willis—potentially the “biggest” available, with Arizona and Miami (under new coach Jeff Hafley) possible landing spots.
  • Tyreek Hill’s departure from Miami alters their offensive landscape, but Hafley likely to build a tough defense and running game.

5. Quarterback Movement & What-if Scenarios

[32:01–36:55]

• Release/Trade Rumors:
  • Aaron Jones (Vikings), Javon Hargrave, Geno Smith (Raiders), Kirk Cousins (Falcons), Kyler Murray (Cardinals) all mentioned as possible departures for cap or performance reasons.
  • Atlanta’s draft of Michael Penix Jr. at No. 9 with a $50M contract, shortly after signing Cousins, called “a disastrous move.”
• A 49ers Hypothetical:
  • If Mac Jones is traded (for a high price), Kirk Cousins would be a logical backup for Brock Purdy due to his relationship with Shanahan and prior experience with the system.
• Notable Quote:

  “Kirk Cousins is, hall of Fame in that regard. Hall of Fame moneymaker in… the National Football League.” (Sherman, 35:25)

6. CBA & The Franchise Tag Debate

[36:56–41:25]

• Sherman’s Candid Perspective:
  • Explains the real mechanics of CBA negotiations from a player’s rep perspective.
  • Players would need to strike (miss games and paychecks) to have leverage to remove the franchise tag—most won’t.
  • Franchise tag only affects a handful of top players, making it a tough sell for rank-and-file to risk a strike.
• Addresses Common Misconceptions:

  “It’s easy to speak from your couch… it’s not easy when you’re negotiating with them and… players [are] saying, ‘Hey, I don’t want to miss games. I don’t want to miss checks. I can’t afford to do that.’” (Sherman, 40:22)

  • Calls the franchise tag a “necessary evil,” unlikely to disappear.

7. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Combine Hype:

  “Don’t get too caught up in the combine is my advice… a bunch of Hall-of-Famers are four-four-fives and four-four-threes.” (Sherman, 12:30)

• Team Building Philosophy:

  “These guys got to make as much money as they can while they can.” (Sherman, 23:15)

• On Going ‘Team Friendly’:

  “I know everybody’s always happy to hear team friendly… but in this day and age, in this economy, it’s hard.” (Sherman, 23:58)

8. Closing Thoughts

[41:26]
Sherman wraps with gratitude for the audience and a promise of more big offseason guests — teasing a focus on the Broncos and the “secondary debate that really isn’t a debate at all.”

🕒 Key Timestamps

• Texans-Montgomery trade: [02:27–07:10]
• Combine skepticism: [07:11–14:45]
• Seahawks FA preview: [14:46–26:00]
• 49ers FA preview: [26:01–32:00]
• QB movements/What-ifs: [32:01–36:55]
• Franchise tag/CBA discussion: [36:56–41:25]

Summary prepared for listeners who want the full flow and personality of Richard Sherman’s NFL analysis and inside-league commentary—without the ads or filler.