The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1 (August 22, 2025)

Guest Host: Danny Parkins

Episode Overview

In this hour, Danny Parkins (sitting in for Colin Cowherd) dives into the biggest NFL stories as the season approaches. The main topics include Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys' public contract dispute with Micah Parsons, the urgency for the Washington Commanders to sign Terry McLaurin, the Cincinnati Bengals’ dilemma with Trey Hendrickson, and quarterback developments with the New York Giants. An interview with five-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead offers further insights, especially on player negotiations and the current state of the Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jerry Jones and the Micah Parsons Contract Drama

• Public Negotiations Get Messy: Jerry Jones' latest media appearances, specifically on Michael Irvin’s YouTube show, escalate the soap opera around star linebacker Micah Parsons’ contract extension.
  • Jones claims Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, told Dallas to "stick it up our ass," a characterization Mulugheta denies ([09:20]).
  • Jones downplays the agent’s role in negotiations, declaring: "There is not room in the negotiation ... for Micah Parsons’ agent." ([10:40])
• Danny’s Analysis:
  • Reiterates that "agents exist specifically for these negotiations," and finds Jerry’s approach both "old school" and self-serving, likening it to a “Netflix documentary soap opera.” ([13:10])
  • Points out that Jones has successfully negotiated with this agent (and his agency) for other players, undermining the narrative that the agent is the obstacle.
  • Predicts the deal will get done, as big contracts almost always resolve near season deadlines.

    "This is all posturing. ... Ultimately, this is just a lot of noise, embarrassing noise, but noise all the same." – Danny Parkins ([27:05])

  • Emphasizes that Parsons will be the highest-paid defender in history – but the question is, by how much does he surpass previous deals? ([15:10])
  • On Parsons’ potential holdout: "There's too much money at stake. ... These deals get done." ([25:00])

2. Other High-Profile Holdouts: McLaurin and Hendrickson

• Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders):
  • Danny expresses near-total confidence McLaurin will get paid within the next 72 hours. The Commanders’ "Super Bowl window" and McLaurin’s productivity with mediocre quarterbacks make the stalemate "99% likely to resolve" ([28:40]).
  • Notable:

    "I would be shocked if Washington takes the field week one and Terry McLaurin isn’t there." ([28:55])

• Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals):
  • Bengals have "agreed on term and annual value," but dispute remains over guaranteed money (Hendrickson wants three years, Bengals offer one; a two-year compromise is predicted) ([30:05]).
  • Given the Bengals’ offensive firepower and poor defensive performance, Danny finds it hard to believe they’ll risk losing Hendrickson.

3. Inside Player Mindset: Terron Armstead Interview ([39:55–56:00])

Retirement Decision

• Armstead confirms it’s a "graceful, happy retirement": “I am happily, gracefully retired. I don’t miss the physical toll.” ([40:20])
• Time of year (training camp) was especially tough: "12 of those. I think that's enough for me." ([41:15])

On Mike McDaniel and Dolphins’ Offense

• Danny asks if the Dolphins’ offense under Mike McDaniel was too predictable. Armstead defends McDaniel: "He's not afraid to combat the narratives or fight the noise. ... Every team has tendencies." ([42:10])

Tua Tagovailoa’s Value

• Armstead is emphatic about Tua’s talent:

  “Tua’s nice, bro. Tua is nice. ... Very few people on earth can do what he do on a consistent basis. Him under center gives the Dolphins a chance to win every game. When he’s not there, it’s a different story.” ([43:05])

• The differences when Tua plays relates to his "anticipation, accuracy, and preparation" ([45:30]). Armstead stresses Tua's pre-snap diagnosis skills, comparing him to greats like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.

On Contract Disputes (Especially Micah Parsons)

• When asked about Jerry Jones' comments excluding Parsons’ agent:

  “Jerry’s different. You get a player like Micah Parsons ... generational talent ... no off the field issues. You pay the man, whatever the market says, he’s next in line." ([50:55])

  • “I really don’t like that the Cowboys are making this more difficult than it needs to be.”

On Preseason Reactions and Giants/Quarterback Debate

• Armstead advises it’s hard for fans to judge preseason, but focus should be on "year 1 to 2, 2 to 3 jumps" among young players ([52:45]).

Bo Nix–Drew Brees Comparison

• Differences stem mostly from playing style; any similarities "lie with Sean Payton, not the quarterbacks." ([54:30])

4. New York Giants’ Plan: Jackson Dart at QB

• Danny’s Take: Dart looks “ready” in preseason, but cautions the Giants not to rush him due to external pressure, referencing the Mitch Trubisky–Bears experience.

  "If Jackson Dart is ready, you play Jackson Dart because he’s ready, not because you need a spark, not because of a win-loss record." ([59:35])

• Strong message: "Dart’s development matters more than any accomplishment the Giants can have this year." ([1:02:00])

5. Running Back News: Trades and History

• Brian Robinson, Jr. to 49ers ([1:08:00])
  • Niners acquire Robinson for a future sixth, largely as "Christian McCaffrey insurance." Danny points out Shanahan’s consistent ability to maximize RB production.
• Saquon Barkley’s Place in NFL History ([1:11:00])
  • Danny predicts Saquon could achieve the best two-year stretch for a running back ever, breaking Eric Dickerson’s record.

    "I think Saquon Barkley is going to break Eric Dickerson’s two-year record ... and has a shot at back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons." ([1:14:00])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jerry Jones’ contract posturing:

  "Jerry Jones is living in the Stone Ages. ... This is all posturing. ... Ultimately, this is just a lot of noise, embarrassing noise, but noise all the same." – Danny Parkins ([13:10], [27:05])

• On NFL player leverage:

  “There's too much money at stake. … These deals get done.” – Danny Parkins ([25:00])

• On Tua Tagovailoa:

  “Tua is nice, bro. ... Very few people on earth can do what he do on a consistent basis.” – Terron Armstead ([43:05])

• Advice for Giants:

  “Jackson Dart should play when he’s ready. Whether the Giants are 2-10 or 10-2, his development matters more than any accomplishment.” – Danny Parkins ([1:02:00])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Micah Parsons/Jerry Jones saga: [06:00–27:30]
• Unsigned stars (McLaurin, Hendrickson, Parsons): [27:40–33:00]
• Terron Armstead interview: [39:55–56:00]
• Giants/Jackson Dart QB situation: [56:15–1:03:00]
• Running back updates (Robinson trade, Barkley historic projections): [1:08:00–1:16:00]

Tone & Style

Danny’s style is direct, witty, and layered with decades of NFL context. He blends skepticism of old-school NFL management with optimism for player empowerment, favoring practical outcomes over unnecessary drama. Terron Armstead brings a grounded, player’s-first perspective—expressing respect for excellence while highlighting the realities of NFL business and locker room dynamics.

Summary for Non-Listeners

If you missed the show, here’s what matters:

• Jerry Jones is dramatizing the Micah Parsons contract impasse, but it’s mostly “embarrassing noise” – expect Parsons to play and sign a (record-breaking) deal soon.
• Terry McLaurin and Trey Hendrickson deals are also likely to resolve; preseason contract drama is mostly leverage play.
• Terron Armstead, recently retired, praised Tua Tagovailoa’s mastery of Miami’s offense and criticized the Cowboys for mishandling player contracts.
• For the Giants, rookie QB Jackson Dart looks promising, but the team must resist rushing him for immediate results.
• In running back news, the 49ers’ trade for Brian Robinson, Jr. is about depth, and Saquon Barkley could make NFL history with another dominant season.

For more: Tune in to "The Herd" weekdays at noon Eastern on Fox Sports Radio/FS1.