The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1 (March 5, 2026)
DJ Moore Traded to Buffalo!
Episode Overview
In this energetic episode, Colin Cowherd dives into breaking NFL news with DJ Moore’s trade from the Chicago Bears to the Buffalo Bills. The episode features detailed analysis of the deal’s implications, comparisons to major team-building strategies around the league, and broader philosophies on roster construction. Other hot topics include reactions to the latest Rams-Chiefs swap, NBA star SGA’s playing style, Patriots’ future at wide receiver, MLB’s Team USA dominance, and a candid March Madness interview with Gonzaga coach Mark Few. The episode is packed with insight, spirited debate, and quotable takes.
Key Segments & Insights
1. Breaking News: DJ Moore Traded to Buffalo (02:02, 42:24)
- Colin opens with breaking news: DJ Moore, the Bears’ durable No. 1 receiver, is traded to the Bills for a 2026 second and fifth-round pick.
- Colin contextualizes: DJ Moore previously thrived under Joe Brady (now Buffalo’s head coach). Buffalo has been searching for a true top wideout, and Moore brings reliability and a knack for avoiding injuries.
- “The dude hasn’t missed a start in like five years. DJ Moore worked with Joe Brady…in Carolina and he had his best year.” (02:02)
- Roster Ramifications: Bills now have depth at receiver, tight end, and all major offensive positions set, permitting them to spend remaining draft capital on defense. Meanwhile, Chicago frees up cap space and future flexibility.
2. Team Building: Rams, Picks, and NFL Philosophies (03:00–06:30)
- Rams’ Approach: Rams trade first rounders freely (“nine of their last ten”) for veteran talent. Despite this, they've accumulated the second-most playoff wins in eight years and built, per Colin, one of the deepest rosters.
- “It’s not that the Rams undervalue picks, but is it possible the rest of the league mostly overvalues picks?” (03:20)
- Contrasting the Cowboys: Dallas clings to its picks and often overpays draftees. Colin champions the flexibility and results-first mentality seen in LA, Buffalo, et al.
- NFL Parallels: There’s no single blueprint for success, just as different directors (Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan) can both make great Batman movies (05:00).
3. SGA and the NBA Free Throw Debate (08:35–12:40)
- SGA Criticism: Knicks coach reacts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drawing fouls; some say he’s exploiting refs.
- “SGA is a tough cover and he does a great job of convincing the referees... that he’s getting hit.” – Knicks coach (08:35)
- Colin’s Defense: Compares SGA’s style to past greats who also frequented the line (Jordan, Kobe, KD). Argues it’s about intelligence and manipulation, not favoritism.
- “If you don’t have Shaq’s power, or LeBron’s body... you have to manipulate. You have to find your game.” (09:00)
- SGA’s Perspective: Shai breaks down late-game decisions after being doubled.
- “Late game, they were like sending a lot of doubles and I just felt like I hadn’t got a shot in a long time... so I tried to reject [the screen] and get space.” (12:17)
- Colin summarizes: SGA’s talent is subtle: “Let’s give him credit. It’s not about the refs.” (12:40)
4. Reactions: The DJ Moore Trade & AFC East Fallout (13:42–26:44)
- Buffalo-Bears Win-Win Deal: Guest analyst (possibly Rob Parker or Kelvin Washington) calls it “one of those rare good deals for both teams.” (13:42)
- Patriots Receiver Crisis: Patriots lose Stefon Diggs, are speculated to pursue big-name free agents (A.J. Brown, Alec Pierce, Mike Evans).
- Colin’s Priorities: Pats’ O-line trumps receiver need. “If they significantly upgrade their offensive front, New England’s going to be fine at wide receiver.” (25:14)
- Trade Compensation Detail (42:24): The official package is announced: "The Bears got a second and a fifth for DJ Moore."
- “Holy cow, that's a lot for DJ Moore.” – Colin (43:54)
- Analyst: “A second round pick? That seems really rich, Colin.” (44:24)
- Colin: “I like proven stars who don’t miss games. That’s D.J. Moore. He hasn’t missed a start in forever.” (44:03)
5. Chiefs’ Future after McDuffie Trade (19:12–21:59)
- Chiefs send star CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams, netting multiple picks.
- Colin believes Kansas City will use its two first-rounders to move up in the draft, maybe targeting ND RB Jeremiah Love, an OT, or CB.
- “When you have the head coach and quarterback right, you can heal.” (20:30)
- Reporter Albert Breer likens it to the Tyreek Hill reset: “This sort of sets up like the Tyreek Hill deal did...” (21:38)
6. Interview: Mark Few Talks March Madness & Modern College Hoops
(28:42–41:48; key Q&As below)
- Adapting in the NIL Era:
- Few: “Now…kind of looking around, I got a bunch of one-year guys…general continuity…has been the hardest thing…always fighting for your culture.” (29:01)
- This Season’s Challenge: Injury adversity, a more frontcourt-heavy attack.
- “We’ve never faced the level of adversity via injuries that we have this year...I give this group a lot of credit.” (30:22, 32:54)
- International Players’ Impact: Few says defense and adaptation are by individual, not continent, praising fierce European defenders and noting NBA roster flux has taught him patience.
- “We’re a really, really good defensive team this year—it’s a little bit underrated.” (33:43)
- NIL & Transfer Portal:
- “Now...we literally have no rules...that’s the hardest thing, roster building. But...once you get into your mode...I haven’t noticed any difference [in coaching attitudes].” (35:02)
- Tournament Expansion: Both Colin and Few agree more teams would dilute the regular season and prestige of selection.
- Few: “I don’t want to dilute the regular season...it’s really prestigious just to get in.” (39:02)
- Best Player Faced: “Luxembourg was terrific against us...physically the best.” (38:22)
- On Coaching KD in the Olympics:
- “Awesome. Just a wonderful player and just a great teammate...the synergy between him and Anthony Edwards was priceless.” (39:49)
- Colin: “If you took out centers and had an all-time one-on-one tournament, I would take KD to even beat MJ...” (40:42)
- Few: “You can get that shot off no matter what defense you’re in...but let’s not discount LeBron.” (41:15)
- Few on Longevity: Will coach “as long as I feel I’m having as big [an] impact on them.” (38:13)
7. Closing Takes
- Rams & Bills Both All-In: “Buffalo and the Rams feel they’re in the Super Bowl bubble...I like what the Rams did. I like what the Bills did.” (48:22)
- Colin’s Draft Philosophy: Once you have a franchise QB, late 1st-round picks lose value—trade aggressively for proven stars.
- “Once you have a Stafford or an Allen, first-round picks aren’t as valuable.” (48:22)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- “It’s not that the Rams undervalue picks, but is it possible the rest of the league mostly overvalues picks?” – Colin (03:20)
- “SGA’s game is very unique. It fooled the Clippers front office. ...let’s give him credit. It’s not about the refs.” – Colin (12:40)
- “If you don’t have shaq’s power or LeBron’s body...you have to manipulate and find your game.” – Colin (09:25)
- “I think part of moving DJ Moore is to open up space for Max Crosby. Max Crosby is so much better than anybody you’re going to draft at the end of the first round.” – Colin (06:00)
- “We have this wonderful documentary...about Gonzaga basketball...we don’t deal with high maintenance, there’s a culture here and a family atmosphere.” – Mark Few (36:14)
- “His winning percentage is 83%. That’s pretty good.” – Colin (39:37)
- “If you took out centers...I would take KD...I’ve never seen a guy score—maybe you have because you coach pros—and it looks so easy.” – Colin (40:42)
Key Timestamps
- 02:02 – Colin breaks news of the DJ Moore trade
- 03:00 – Rams draft strategy & league-wide philosophy debate
- 08:35 – Knicks coach on SGA; Colin defends SGA’s playing style
- 12:17 – SGA postgame interview on endgame decisions
- 13:42 – Reactions to the Moore trade and its fit for both teams
- 19:12–22:14 – Chiefs’ post-McDuffie trade strategy
- 22:19–26:44 – More AFC East, Patriots’ WR dilemma, value of O-line
- 28:42–41:48 – Mark Few interview: NIL, team-building, coaching KD, March Madness
- 42:24 – DJ Moore compensation revealed: 2nd and 5th round picks
- 48:22 – Colin’s closing “all-in” argument for the Bills and Rams
Summary
This episode of The Herd offers a fast-paced, opinionated breakdown of breaking NFL trades, franchise philosophies, and evolving team-building strategies, all through Colin Cowherd’s lens. With sharp guest input, a strong focus on the value of proven players versus draft picks, and a revealing interview with Mark Few about the changing landscape of college hoops, listeners get smart insights into front office decisions, player development, and what truly makes a difference for winning teams. If you’re looking for a summary of one of the sports world’s most dramatic offseason days—with direct, often contrarian takes—this episode delivers.
