Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hour 3 – JJ McCarthy is a cautionary tale, Robert Mays still sees issues for Caleb Williams
Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Colin Cowherd dives deep into the latest NFL free agency moves and their broader implications, focusing on the Minnesota Vikings' signing of Kyler Murray and what it means for young QB JJ McCarthy. He warns general managers about overvaluing "winners" and "game managers" from college, using McCarthy as a cautionary tale. The episode also includes an in-depth discussion with The Athletic’s Robert Mays about offseason moves, the trajectory of Caleb Williams with the Bears, and key team assessments for 2026. NBA topics also surface, especially regarding LeBron James' changing role on the Lakers and Bam Adebayo’s dominating performance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Kyler Murray's Signing & The JJ McCarthy Cautionary Tale

[00:45–10:30]

• Kyler Murray signs a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, putting into question the future of JJ McCarthy, a recent first-round pick.
• Warning to GMs: Colin warns against drafting QBs primarily described as "winners" or "game managers," as these qualities rarely translate into NFL success.
  • Comparisons: Tebow, McCarthy—players with stacked college teams but unimpressive volume stats.
  • Colin:

    "Beware of two things: the game manager at the college level and beware of when the number one trait for a college quarterback is 'he's a winner.' That doesn't mean anything." (02:10)

• Examples of QBs from McCarthy’s class—Bo Nix, Jaden Daniels, Michael Penix, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams—who shouldered more offensive responsibility than McCarthy.
• Colin's take on McCarthy:

  "He came from the best Michigan team probably ever. Thirteen guys were drafted, stacked roster, and he only threw for 22 touchdowns...I don't buy the 'he's a winner' thing." (03:45)

2. LeBron James – Embracing a New Role on the Lakers

[10:30–18:55]

• LeBron’s offensive usage is at an all-time low; he’s now the third option after Luka and Austin Reaves.

• Colin lauds LeBron’s willingness to sacrifice for team success and adapt his game late in his career.

  • Stats:

    "When LeBron shoots more than 20 times, Lakers are 0–3. When he shoots under 20 times, they're 27–15." (16:20)

  • On LeBron’s legacy of sacrifice:

    "LeBron's always been a winning player. I just think he deserves credit for committing to this kind of basketball when he could score 24 a night for half the teams in the league or more." (13:40)

• Quote from J.J. Redick discussing LeBron:

  "He wants to do everything possible to help this team win...He understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can be at their best...the team is most important." (17:10)

3. Robert Mays on NFL Free Agency & Team Projections

[19:05–34:39]

Baltimore Ravens' Free Agency (19:30–22:20)

• Colin and Robert note losses (Tyler Linderbaum, tight end to the Giants, change-of-pace back to Chargers) and dropping them in their post-FA top 10.

Chicago Bears & Caleb Williams (22:20–26:30)

• Colin’s optimism: Bears ranked #2 in his post-FA power rankings.
• Robert is cautious—notes that the loss of C Dohlman and O-line injuries may hinder Chicago.
• Caleb's development will hinge on improved calibration and faster processing.
  • Robert Mays:

    "The calibration is still just a little bit off. There are moments where he's sped up a little bit too much. There are moments where he's seeing things a little bit slower than you want him to. The ball placement still is not where you want it to be." (23:50)

Kyler Murray with Minnesota Vikings (27:00–30:12)

• Both believe Kyler’s floor is higher than public perception; functional coaching and weapons could make Vikings a playoff team if the defense holds.
  • Robert Mays:

    "If you drop Kyler into the Vikings and he's the 16th or 17th best quarterback in the league...with weapons they have, with Kevin O’Connell, their offense automatically becomes a top half of the league offense." (28:05)

San Francisco 49ers & Aging Stars (30:20–32:05)

• Concerns about aging core (McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Kittle, Warner, Bosa, Evans).
• Mike Evans’ impact may be short-term due to contract structure, but needed for WR skillset.
  • Robert Mays:

    "If this was a deal that had multiple guarantees into year two and you were really committing to him as a multi-year option, then I would be a little bit more worried about it. In reality this is a one year $16 million contract for Mike Evans." (31:15)

Las Vegas Raiders & Youth Movement (32:05–33:00)

• Raiders get younger but lack veteran core beyond Colton Miller and Max Crosby.
• New additions (e.g. Linderbaum) make the roster better, but still lots of question marks.

4. Malik Willis' Rise & Dolphins' QB Gamble

[34:40–39:00]

• Discussion around Malik Willis getting a major contract after limited starts.
• Both Colin and his co-host believe the move is a worthwhile gamble for Miami in a weak draft year.
  • John Middlekauff:

    "He showed a lot and he spoke about why he is currently ready to be a full-time starter...I've grown a lot and I'm grateful for the opportunity." (35:30)

• QB humility and growth at the podium praised; marks a strong case for QB1.

5. NBA Notes – Bam Adebayo’s Historic Night

[39:10–44:50]

• Bam Adebayo dropped 83 points against a young, rebuilding Wizards squad.
• Discussion focuses on NBA tanking culture enabling these big scoring nights.
• Colin:

  "Bam’s being guarded by wizard players that are closer in years to their high school prom than being of legal drinking age." (40:38) "Bam was being guarded by guys who should be college sophomores. He's one of the strongest guys in the league." (42:28)

• Spoelstra defends riding Bam's hot hand:

  "I apologize to absolutely no one, period. I’m not losing any sleep over what other people are saying about it." (43:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “winner” QBs:

  "We don't draft cornerbacks, left tackles, guards, running backs and say, 'Well, you know, production was so-so. But he is a winner.' Doesn't mean anything." – Colin Cowherd (03:10)

• On Caleb Williams’ trajectory:

  "Calibration is still just a little bit off…But he’s going to need to [make that leap] for them to be this sort of team.” – Robert Mays (24:10)

• On Kyler Murray’s impact:

  "Minnesota is rarely great, but always functional with really nice pieces. I'm a believer that Kyler's going to walk in there and win 10 games." – Colin Cowherd (27:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Kyler Murray–JJ McCarthy analysis: 00:45–10:30
• LeBron’s new Lakers role: 10:30–18:55
• Robert Mays on free agency (Baltimore, Bears, Vikings, 49ers, Raiders): 19:05–33:00
• Malik Willis & Dolphins' QB approach: 34:40–39:00
• Bam Adebayo’s 83-point night & NBA tanking: 39:10–44:50

Tone and Style

Colin’s signature blend of sharp, data-driven skepticism and big-picture narrative runs throughout, with Robert Mays providing balanced, analytical counterpoints. The dialogue remains conversational and energetic, with plenty of direct, memorable language and sports metaphors.

For listeners seeking the latest narratives around trending NFL QBs, lessons for team-building, and the evolving NBA landscape, this episode delivers Colin’s classic insight, memorable quotes, and actionable breakdowns of spring’s biggest sports moves.