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Jason McIntyre
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Rachel Nichols
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Jason McIntyre
Now, let's get this party started.
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You're listening to Fox Sports Radio
Rachel Nichols
back here on the Herd. Fun, fun Wednesday show. Listen, I like to think I know NCAA tournament mascots, but I'm told this test, at the end of the show, there's a chance I fail. We'll see. All right, let's welcome in Albert Breer, Monday morning quarterback. Go back to curtain. So I've known Greer for a long time, okay? And every August, you know, training camps happen and everybody has theirs in California. So Breer comes out and I'll get this random text, hey, J. Mac, are you around? You want. You want to go out and start boozing it up? Because the South Bay is a party zone in August, so I get to see Breer hang out with him. He knows everybody and everything. Albert, listen, I'm sure you didn't know about this Max Crosby podcast. Some of the details he revealed about the Baltimore Ravens, like, it doesn't seem like they were buttoned up, little out of character. I don't know your thoughts on what Crosby revealed about the trade that was recanted.
Albert Breer
Well, first of all, I'm a huge fan of Manhattan Beach. No matter how old I get, I'll always love going there. So I'm always going to be in your neighborhood at some point during the year. Yeah, I mean, I. I think that there's. There's definitely some moving parts here. And the way that this all went down, the timeline's interesting. You know, I. I've detailed this a couple different places. I'll detail it for you. You know, the deal goes down on Friday. And, you know, my first big question was, why wasn't, you know, he on a plane to go get his physical that night? Well, the reality is he had his party, an anniversary party for his sobriety, which was Saturday night. The Raven said, go take care of that. We'll fly you up Friday or Monday morning. And so they fly him in front Monday morning. Obviously, there's the time difference. So he gets in there early evening on Monday, goes in first thing on Tuesday. And then I think that's where, like, the dispute over how all this happened, where all this happened, how all this came together comes. And you know, I, I, I think on one side the Ravens would tell you that there were, there was an issue with the knee that brought into question his longevity. And like, if you only think that he's got a couple more years left, you'd be really hesitant to give up two first round picks. Thing is, at the same time, the market was falling out on Trey Hendrickson, and I think Hendrickson went into free agency hoping for a deal in the range of 35 million. And at that point, the bidding on hendrickson was between 25 and 27. That's the same significant drop from maybe where people had expected it to be, or at least where Hendrickson had hoped it would be. And so, you know, then the question becomes, were the Ravens looking at it, looking at the medicals and saying to themselves, would we rather have Max Crosby knowing what his physical state is now, give up the two first round picks, pay him $30 million a year, or go get Trey Hendrickson, give up no picks, and then, you know, pay him 28 million a year? And I think the fact that the timelines for the two things match up that way, I think has led to a lot of people raising eyebrows on the whole process and how it all went down across the NFL.
Rachel Nichols
The fact that Crosby didn't meet with Dacosta initially and Jesse Minter, who's barely been a head coach in the NFL, it's like less than two months and his first order of business is to say, yeah, the MRI didn't look great, bro. Like, it just feels like that's not very typical Ravens.
Albert Breer
You're right. And I, and I think like, if you've ever been to the Ravens facility, this is what was like, eye opening for me. If you've been to the Ravens facility, they, they call that place the Castle. And it's called the Castle for a reason. It's like high end in just about every way. It's not new by NFL standards anymore. It's been there for over 20 years, but it's constantly updated. They're always ahead of the curve on things like analytics and sports science and player performance and all this different stuff. And so they've always been seen as this first class operation that's really forward thinking. And then you hear this story from Max Crosby about how he had to fly into D.C. and then he's in traffic for two hours trying to get to Baltimore, and then he doesn't meet with the new coach or the general manager until hours into his visit. And I, I could certainly see where it would get the attention of other people. So, you know, the Ravens like have for a long, long time had a reputation for being one of the first class organizations in the entire sport. And a story like this, you know, obviously does some damage to that. And so I think that that's the damage the Ravens take on as a result. Sort of the fallout for them coming out of this whole thing.
Rachel Nichols
All right, I'll finish the Ravens. I true story. My brother lives in that region. All his friends are Ravens fans. They don't like when I ask questions like this. But this Lamar Jackson contract, we, we know the restructure, you know, deal, but what he wants a new deal and they lose Linder Bomb, they get Crosby and then they're like, we get Hendrickson on the cheap. How much issue is this Lamar Jackson new contract causing them?
Albert Breer
It's definitely, I think, definitely something to consider. And you know, it's interesting. J. Mac, if you look at Lamar's history, the years he's missed games due to injury have been the ones where he was in a contract dispute. And you look at it, 18, 19, 20, great start to his career. 21, he's first eligible for a contract, doesn't get one, misses games. 22, contract issue lingers, misses games. And then last year they talked about extending him before last year. Last year he winds up missing games. So, you know, I do think that there's that part of it and I think it's complicated. This is all complicated by his playstyle. You know, is, is, is, are the Ravens all in with him? Are the Ravens going to, going to see this through with him? Those sorts of questions can crop up with a, with a player who plays that position the way that Lamar plays it. And so, you know, I think what we've seen in the past is that he's maybe a little bit more conservative with, with, with his injuries when he's in the middle of a contract dispute. So I think that's something that the Ravens have to factor in when they're looking at all this. And I don't have any indication that they aren't committed to, to re signing him. You know, but this is one of those years when you, you look at it, he's got two years left in the contract that he did three years ago. And you know, it certainly would look like if, if they aren't able to work something out and do an extension this off season that it would become a talking point over the course of the year. And again, like, that hasn't played out great for the Ravens in the three other seasons where that's been the case.
Rachel Nichols
This is why you're great, man. You just connected a bunch of stuff that I haven't seen anywhere else. That, at that Lamar contract missing gate. That's very interesting. All right, let's move to a little more positive story. Denver Broncos trade for Jaylen Waddle. I don't know that he's like a missing piece, but damn, that, that roster sick. I mean, the receiving room is solid. Martin Sutton, the kid Pat Bryant flashed, and now you got Waddle underneath. I mean, Sean Payton and company have done. They've moved some miracles here in the last couple years. I almost think they open the season as favorites in the afc. I mean, they just got home field advantage.
Albert Breer
Yeah, I love where they're at, like, and I think that this trade is indicative of that, you know, and the fact that they've been able to build it up and remember, like, they've done this with the handicap the last two years of all the dead money from the Russell Wilson contract and then without those first round picks, you know, they gave up for, they, they, they gave up first round picks to get Wilson, they gave up a first round pick to get Sean Payton, and they've still been able to rebuild the roster, make it work, which is really remarkable if you think about it. And right now I'd say, like, you look at them defensively, I don't know, is there a hole on that defense? I don't think so. I think most people would agree that it's a top five unit in the league. They've got one of the best offensive lines. And to me, if you like, looked at their roster globally, the one question you would have is, okay, they've got all these complementary pieces on offense, but is there one weapon that carries coverage that dictates what the defense is going to do to you? And they hope that Waddle can be that for them because if Waddle can be the number one, now all of a sudden you're slotting guys into rule to roles that might be more suitable for him. Sutton becomes like the number two. Then you've got Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims, who you can play in different roles. You've got Evan Ingram and you've got R.J. harvey and you J.K. dobbins. And so, you know, you look at the totality of it and like, what enables them to make a move like this is that they have so few things to address on their roster that the draft picks become more disposable, and they're still in that window with a quarterback on a rookie contract. And think about this, too. J. Mac. Right. So the three years that are left on Jalen Waddle's deal, they get those three years for less than $67 million, and the average per year comes out to between 22 and $23 million. That's less than they're paying Cortland Sutton. So, like, you look at, like, the math of it, you look at, like, where they are from a roster standpoint. And, yeah, they had to give up some draft capital to get here, but they're in position to do it because of what they've done in terms of building their team since Sean Payton got there.
Rachel Nichols
Now I am spacing. So Peyton was going to give up play calling and give it to the young guy who was. Yes, Davis Webb. Thank you. So is there any. Do we know anything about Davis Webb? And he really hasn't called plays before, right?
Albert Breer
He hasn't, but he was really close on a couple of these, you know, these head coach openings. Like, I think he was right there with Clint Kubiak in the race to get the Raider job. So he's going to be a head coach soon. And, you know, part of the whole deal this offseason was that teams were sniffing around on him as a play caller. Sean Payton wasn't going to let him go. But I do think this is an acknowledgment of where Davis Webb is and how he sees the game. It's a little surprising to me just in that, you know, for almost, you know, a quarter century now, regardless of what role Sean Payton was in on. On a coaching staff, whether it was the coordinator with the Giants or the Cowboys or the head coach of the Saints, the Broncos, he's always been the play caller.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah.
Albert Breer
And so the fact that he's willing to give it up did surprise me a little bit, because it's something that he's really, really good at, and he clearly knows how to manage. Some guys have trouble with this. He knows how to manage both being the head coach and the play caller. But I think it's an acknowledgment that Davis Webb had a lot of opportunities that. That he either walked away from or. Or couldn't go get because the Broncos weren't going to let him out to go get. Another coordinator job gives him an opportunity to grow as a coach. And I can say this. Sean Payton thinks the world of how Davis Webb sees the game. So it might be another set of eyes on how to use all the talent they have on offense now.
Rachel Nichols
All right, as much as I want to ask you about the jets and Geno Smith, we'll pass on them. For now, let's go to the Dolphins aspect of the trade. Malik Willis, he has to probably be asking, hey, is the contract that I signed, is that dry? Can we get out of it? I mean, dude, they got nobody now and we're seeing hn is they're fielding calls about him. This team is tanking. We knew that a month ago and Malik Willis still went there.
Albert Breer
Yeah, I think it's to some degree you're threading the needle here, right? Like, because the reason they hired the two guys they hired, which the GM John Eric Sullivan and the coach, Jeff Halfley, both come from Green Bay, is because ownership really decided we need to be better at drafting and developing our own. Over the last four years, they've had fewer draft picks than any team in the NFL. A couple of those draft classes were complete wastelands of talent. And I think if you looked at even going into last year. I made this comment last year, right. Going into last year, I think there were two players in the roster that you could look at and say, yeah, those guys will be around three years from now. One was actually Waddle and the other was Chop Robinson. Right. Other than that, it's hard to find guys in that roster that were real young building blocks that you knew were going to be there a few years down the line. So they needed to fix that. And to do that, you got to build up your war chest of picks. And so that was always going to be part of their focus this off season. And they basically made it known to the rest of the league. Ask us on anybody, everyone might be available, make us an offer. It doesn't mean they're putting everyone in the block, but they will listen to any sort of idea.
Jason McIntyre
So.
Rachel Nichols
But why sign Malik Willis then?
Albert Breer
So that's the threading the needle part of this, right? So the threading the needle part of this is if you're Jeff Halfley, you still have to get buy in, you still have to build a foundation, and you still have to have something in the locker room for the players to wrap their arms around and say, yeah, this guy's going to give us a chance. Because remember, 80, 90% of those players have no idea where they're going to be playing the next year. And those guys don't care about your three year plan or your five year plan. So you have to give those guys something where, where they say, yeah, the head coach, the general manager, they're trying to win right now, they're trying to help me perform individually right now. And so I think they had to give the locker room a quarterback that they could at least say, yes, this is going to give us a chance. And I think that's what Malik Willis is for the for the Dolphins new regime.
Rachel Nichols
They better not beat us to Arch Banning. All right, Albert Breer, yes. I'm already thinking about tanking Albert Albert Breer, Monday morning quarterback. Great stuff as always, pal. See you soon.
Albert Breer
All right. Thanks, J. Mac.
Rachel Nichols
All right, Albert Breer, Great stuff. The guy's good. He's an oracle.
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Rachel Nichols
Hey, this is Jason McIntyre. Join me every weekday morning on my podcast, Straight fire with Jason McIntyre. This isn't your typical sports pod, pushing the same tired narratives down your throat every day. Straight Fire gives you honest opinions on all the biggest sports headlines, accurate stats to help you win big at the Sportsbook and all the best guests. Do yourself a favor and listen to Straight fire with Jason McIntyre on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Rachel Nichols
Let's go to Rachel Nichols with the news.
Jason McIntyre
No, no, no, turn on the news.
Albert Breer
This is the Herd line news.
Jason McIntyre
I love Albert. Yeah, like he's just so good at his job. All right, I do want to follow up on your discussion about the Ravens because Lamar Jackson is punching back Jason. Oh no, he's punching back. Not at anyone in particular. The former MVP has taken up boxing this offseason as he tries to bounce back from his first losing season as a starter. Remember, he had the injuries that kept him out four games. Ready for this? Okay, just. Just wait, wait. Do you think Lamar Jackson is going to knock out the rest of the AFC North?
Rachel Nichols
Who's writing your material? No, dude, he looks slow. I don't what's going on there? I know, listen. I know at six' three it's gonna be tough, but he looks like an amateur, so. Just kidding. Lamar don't get all angry.
Jason McIntyre
Wow.
Rachel Nichols
I've taken boxing classes. It's fun. Have you done that before? Yeah, yeah. It's a good husband wife thing.
Jason McIntyre
It's a good workout. Look, he's coming off these injuries. He's 29, right. Which is still youngish, but not, you know, you want to take care of your body a little bit more. Did you? This stat really stuck with me. Since he got into the league, he has taken more hits than any other quarterback, obviously running and all of that stuff, but still, 1379 hits.
Rachel Nichols
Is that very tua? Didn't tua do, like, jiu jitsu? I mean, after he got the concussions to, like, fall better? I don't know. Good luck, Lamar.
Jason McIntyre
Do you think you still have the Ravens, though, as top of the AFC North?
Rachel Nichols
Oh, that's a good question. I'll go Bengals again. I'm a sucker for Joe Burrow. We got a big Bengals honk on the staff and I make fun of them all the time, but they're not good. Actually. No, I'm going to go Steelers.
Jason McIntyre
Okay.
Rachel Nichols
As long as they don't sign Aaron Rodgers.
Albert Breer
Wow.
Rachel Nichols
By the way, thank you. No Aaron Rodgers material at all this week. Aren't you thrilled?
Jason McIntyre
I know.
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I love that.
Jason McIntyre
This is what I do for you. The excellent jokes, which, I mean, come on.
Rachel Nichols
Knockout.
Jason McIntyre
World class.
Albert Breer
Well done.
Jason McIntyre
There you go. Caitlin Clark has been back in action, playing for team usa. This was at the FIBA World cup qualifying tournament. This is a big deal. She was banged up last season, so before this tourney, she hadn't played in a competitive game in eight months. And she looked good, Jason. She led the entire tournament in assists, named Tourney MVP, steered the USA to an easy 50 record. All of that while she played five games in seven days. So what do you make of that?
Rachel Nichols
I'm excited that Caitlin Clark is playing basketball again. Like, I mean, two years ago, WNBA thrilled to watch her. We went to a game out here in L. A with the family. It's exciting. Last year, she's injured. My WNBA consumption dropped to, like, null. I'm sorry. Very little, very little. The Sparks have some good players, so we were into it. I've had one eye on this and, you know, frankly, you know, when I talk Clark on the podcast or we do it on the show, people tune in. I know some people are like, oh, women. No, man, there's a lot of interest in this, and I think it's a big, big story that she's back and healthy.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, absolutely. And look, I think there was still. Even with her hurt, it showed. The rest of the league has also become really popular. I mean, I think she was some people's gateway in. Yes to the wnba. But once they got in the room, they realized, oh, wow, these girls can play. And I think the women of the WNBA are really showing something in these contract negotiations, and Caitlin's been a big part of that.
Rachel Nichols
What's the latest on that?
Jason McIntyre
They're making all these, like, 11th hour proposals on both sides.
Rachel Nichols
The season's supposed to start soonish.
Jason McIntyre
Soonish this summer. And, you know, look, Caitlin's holding strong, which is important. You know, sort of. If she. If she was out there saying, oh, we should just make a deal, that would be a big deal. She's totally with the union. These women in the union, they know their business. And it's going to be very interesting to see because especially with her back healthy, there's so much momentum going into this season. If they have a work stoppage and
Rachel Nichols
her and Angel Reese connecting on as teammates, everybody loves that content.
Jason McIntyre
There you go. So, I don't know. We'll see what happens. I have been angry about this story for. For the 20 hours since I read it. Jason. This and the Matt Liner thing got me. Whatever. All right. You know the puck from that golden goal that Team USA scored to win the championship, you know, the olympics, it's been 46 years. Jack Hughes scored the goal. Big deal, right? Jack Hughes wants the puck. You know who has the puck? The Hockey hall of Fame. Do you know who will not give back the puck? The Hockey hall of Fame. In fact, he came out. This was private conversations going on. And then he came out and said, I don't think this is fair. I think Megan Keller, who scored the amazing goal for the women to win the Olympic gold medal, she should have her puck. I should have my puck. And the Hockey hall of Fame came out. The head of the hall of Fame gave an interview where he said, absolutely not. He said, we are the stewards of the game.
Rachel Nichols
Whoa.
Jason McIntyre
He said, to put it frankly, we're not going to give it back to him because it was never his in the first place. He said, the chain of custody and Olympics goes from the International Hockey Federation to the Hockey hall of Fame. And he was like, look, we've had emotional pleas from other people through history, and we always just try to say, nope, this belongs to hockey history. I think that is absolutely ridiculous to have. Get something else. Get a jersey. Get some. Get something like. Like, do you think someone walking through the hall of Fame Is like, I don't know. That puck isn't there. I'm leaving. I'm taking my money back. I mean, it's important because Jack Hughes made it important. Right, Right. It's important because Team USA made it important. And just to have one more puck of the what, 300 pucks that are in the hall of Hockey hall of Fame.
Rachel Nichols
Is that how many there are?
Jason McIntyre
I don't. Yeah, but you know.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah. Like, so when I almost scoffed when you were like, chain of custody. When that enters a sports discussion, whoa, this is serious. I had not thought about that. So in most leagues, you know, somebody, Barry bonds, it's his 700th homer or whatever, he gets the ball, maybe he has to give up something to get it. A signed jersey, whatever.
Jason McIntyre
To a fan, right? Certainly, if the league collects something like a touchdown ball or like, you know, certainly a basketball, like the basketball you scored, whatever. And the team will grab it. Yeah, they give it to him.
Rachel Nichols
So that is interesting. Who, who decide? I guess the Olympic Committee needs to decide.
Jason McIntyre
The International Hycogy Federation.
Rachel Nichols
That's a dicey one. I mean, I think.
Jason McIntyre
Well, they've already given it. They've already given it to them, so it's not. They've done. They've officially donated. The Hockey hall of Fame guy was like, we have documents, you know, saying that this is ours now.
Rachel Nichols
And Jack Hughes take them to court. I mean, that's kind of illusory, but
Jason McIntyre
I mean, how bad does he want it? He really. He wants to give it to his dad.
Rachel Nichols
Oh, that's nice.
Jason McIntyre
Yes. Three sons in the NHL.
Rachel Nichols
Will this lead to at the next Olympics, you score the game winner. Go fish. I don't want to celebrate. I'm fishing.
Jason McIntyre
That.
Rachel Nichols
That's mine.
Jason McIntyre
I mean, pocketing it. I'm gonna fight the referee for it, but, yeah, I mean, I, I guess so. I, I, I don't know. I just, I think this is not a good look. I don't think it's a good look. I think that, you know, the things that make this game special. I love hockey. Things that make this game special are the people and the moments in it.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
And like, you can capture that moment if you are a Hockey hall of Fame official without specifically the puck. There's a million other ways you can capture that moment and put enshrine that moment in the Hockey hall of Fame.
Rachel Nichols
Let me ask a dumb question. I don't know much about hockey, so how many. Like, in baseball, you use a ton of baseball.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah. Basketball. I'm pretty sure you use the same ball all game.
Jason McIntyre
There's a limited number.
Rachel Nichols
Right. What's the story in hockey?
Jason McIntyre
I, I think it's the same as basketball. I. Please don't, don't hold me.
Rachel Nichols
Somebody forget.
Jason McIntyre
Somebody's gonna, somebody's gonna write me. Right. But I believe it's the same as basketball. There's like a pool because you have to like have those, you know, pre weighted and pre approved and make sure that they're backups and stuff like that. But again, this isn't about that. It's about.
Rachel Nichols
But you could just take one of those, put it in the Hockey hall of Fame. This was a game puck. And then give Jack Hughes the score. I mean, I'm always going to side on with the little guy here against the Hockey Federation.
Jason McIntyre
Sorry, guys. Right. I mean, I don't know. Best Hockey hall of Fame story I've ever heard. I think Wayne Gretzky told me that he went to the Hockey hall of Fame and he wanted to keep a low profile. So he put on like a hat and a coat and stuff like that, wandered through the Hockey hall of Fame. It was his first time ever going. Nobody noticed him. This was like toward the end of his career. I was covering him on the Rangers and he was like, yeah, I just went over there. We were in Toronto. Nobody, nobody noticed. So you're. Imagine you're in the Hockey hall of Fame walking around and like you're looking at the Wayne Gretzky like three room suite of Wayne Gretzky memorabilia and you know.
Rachel Nichols
All right, Rachel with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by. The herd lie news. Probably not as good as the hockey debate that we just had. But mascot or mask not, that's next here on the herd.
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Rachel Nichols
Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.
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Rachel Nichols
Welcome back. Final segment here we're doing a fun one folks. It is called Mask not or Mascot. I'm trying to guess mascots now I got a 50% chance. I'm kind of nervous here. Not going to lie guys. Fire it away.
Jason McIntyre
First of all I would like the audience to know that you Were doing basically, SAT prep. Yeah, I was through the break.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
He's going through the NCAA tournament roster and trying to learn the mascots. I gotta tell you, you are no match for this.
Rachel Nichols
That's just. I'm trying to help myself.
Jason McIntyre
You are no match for what the staff has put together. All right. Mascot or mask? Not Nebraska Cornhuskers. Cornelius Husk. Mascot or mask? Not Cornelius Corn.
Rachel Nichols
Is that really his name?
Jason McIntyre
I mean. Yes.
Rachel Nichols
Damn it. I'm gonna go with that is his
Jason McIntyre
name and you are wrong.
Rachel Nichols
Damn it. Bad start.
Jason McIntyre
Herbie Husker. Is his name.
Rachel Nichols
Herbie Husker.
Jason McIntyre
But again, doesn't. Cornelia. Cornelia sounds right. This is how good.
Rachel Nichols
Our producers are the genius behind this. Alex Tishauer. Obviously, he's leaving the show this week. You know, he's got bigger stuff going. He is really sharp and funny. So I'm cooked here.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, yeah, yeah. There we go. All right, let's. Maybe you'll do better on the next one. Okay. Okay. All right. Arkansas Raisinback. I'm sorry. Because next name is hilarious. Arkansas Razorbacks. Elon Tusk.
Rachel Nichols
That's very clearly fake. At a very good fake. Elon Tusk.
Jason McIntyre
I couldn't even finish the sentence.
Rachel Nichols
Yes.
Jason McIntyre
This is fabulous.
Rachel Nichols
I started cracking up.
Jason McIntyre
That was the tell. Real name is Big Rick.
Rachel Nichols
Big Red.
Jason McIntyre
Got it. So, you know, not the most inventive, but not Elon Tusk. All right. Mascot or mask? Not Villanova. Wildcats. Will D. Cat.
Rachel Nichols
No, that Will the Cat.
Jason McIntyre
That's fake.
Rachel Nichols
That's not real.
Jason McIntyre
And yet it's real.
Rachel Nichols
No, Will D. Cat.
Jason McIntyre
Will Da Cat, baby. You know, Will the Cat.
Rachel Nichols
Wildcat.
Jason McIntyre
Yes. Villeneuva Wildcats. Will De Cat. It's like.
Rachel Nichols
That's right. It actually. It is. It does spell wildcat, basically.
Jason McIntyre
Damn it. Yeah. Yeah. There you go.
Rachel Nichols
One for two. Not great. I'm competitive, as you could tell.
Jason McIntyre
One for three.
Rachel Nichols
What?
Jason McIntyre
Santa Clara Broncos. Charles Bronkowski.
Rachel Nichols
No, that's fake. There's fake. Okay.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, that is fake. Bucky the Broncoski. Charles Bronkowski is a good name.
Rachel Nichols
Charles Bronski.
Jason McIntyre
I think they should change it.
Rachel Nichols
Wait, what's the real name?
Jason McIntyre
Bucky the Bronco.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah, yeah, The Charles Carl's broadcast.
Albert Breer
Come on.
Rachel Nichols
All right. Get to 500.
Jason McIntyre
All right. Your SAT prep is kicking in. Furman Paladins. Surfer. That's a good mascot, by the way. Look at that. Look at that guy. Looks a little Mervyn the Merchant.
Rachel Nichols
Yes. I'm gonna go real.
Jason McIntyre
No. Damn it.
Rachel Nichols
I was going fake every single time.
Jason McIntyre
Victor the Paladin Surfer.
Rachel Nichols
Is actually better. I get.
Jason McIntyre
I know. I think our. I think these schools should really consider.
Rachel Nichols
Because if you look at that image, that looks like a. From the sir era. Nobody says sir anymore.
Jason McIntyre
Surfer is good. All right. UMBC Retrievers, take a look at their mascot here. Is it coming up. Oh, there we go. True Grit.
Producer/Ad Voice
Come on.
Rachel Nichols
That's so fake. That's obvious. Rachel. That is not real True Grit.
Jason McIntyre
That's a movie. I'm sorry, I should say this out loud. Radio people. That is real.
Rachel Nichols
That's a movie, though.
Jason McIntyre
I'm telling you that true. True Grit is the name of the mascot.
Rachel Nichols
True Grit.
Jason McIntyre
Yes.
Rachel Nichols
Oh, my God.
Jason McIntyre
There you go. Go talk to the people at umbc. I don't know what to tell you.
Rachel Nichols
They took down Virginia a few years ago, right?
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. Yeah.
Rachel Nichols
True Grit.
Jason McIntyre
Okay. True Grit. True Grit. Got it done for them. You should have more respect for True Grit.
Rachel Nichols
I should.
Jason McIntyre
All right. Mascot or masc. Not Howard University. Bison. Buffalo.
Rachel Nichols
No, that's fake.
Jason McIntyre
No way. That is fake.
Rachel Nichols
There's just no way they. They put lips on the Buffalo.
Jason McIntyre
I mean, you know, l'.
Rachel Nichols
Oreal. Listen, we got some smart guys on staff.
Jason McIntyre
Exactly. Big Blue is what they call the mascot for the Bison. All right. Mascot or masc. Not Texas Tech. Red. Raiders. Yosemite Sam. Slam shoot.
Rachel Nichols
So we do have a Texas guy who put some of this together. And he said something about slam in the morning meeting. I'm gonna say this is real.
Jason McIntyre
This is not real. Damn it.
Rachel Nichols
I.
Jason McIntyre
You are terrible at this.
Rachel Nichols
Somebody slams. Sounds cool.
Jason McIntyre
No, I get. Again, I will say, this is cooler. This is a better name than the real name, which is Raider Red.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah, that's goofy.
Jason McIntyre
Why Raider Red. Yosemite Slam. Let's do it. I guess. Though he is the mascot for football too. But still. I'm just saying. Yeah. All right. Mascot or mask. Not the Idaho Vandals. Joe.
Rachel Nichols
Vandal. Idaho. Idaho.
Producer/Ad Voice
Joe.
Jason McIntyre
People on the radio are like, I can hear Jason thinking. I can hear the wheels.
Rachel Nichols
Joe. I think I'm gonna go real.
Jason McIntyre
Sure. Is that your final answer? Honestly?
Rachel Nichols
I got one. Joe Vandal. Sounds like Joe Dirt almost.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, I know. All right, last one. Mascot or mask? Not North Carolina Tar Heels. Tartar Base.
Rachel Nichols
Come on.
Jason McIntyre
They threw you a bone.
Rachel Nichols
That's real.
Jason McIntyre
They threw you a bone. Jason. That is not real. His name is Ramses. But Tartar Binks would be fine. They wanted to make you feel good at the end because you did terribly.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah, I was awful. Thank you for reminding me.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, yeah. It's very supportive of you. What's your favorite mascot. You want to hear mine?
Rachel Nichols
I. I. Yeah. I don't. I'm glad you have a favorite mascot. I don't have one. Off the top.
Jason McIntyre
I do. I do. Oh, there's more here. Oh, we got more. Okay. Yeah.
Rachel Nichols
Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
Think about your favorite mascot while we do some more. Okay. Tennessee Tigers.
Rachel Nichols
Aristocat. No, that's fake. That can't. What?
Jason McIntyre
Real. Wait.
Rachel Nichols
Tennessee State Aristocat.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah.
Rachel Nichols
Okay.
Jason McIntyre
There you go.
Rachel Nichols
I can hear you in my ear.
Jason McIntyre
All right. Mascot or mask, not the St. John's Red Storm. Fast. Speak. You've seen him out there at games.
Rachel Nichols
That's fake.
Jason McIntyre
That's fake. It is fake.
Rachel Nichols
They're the Red Storm.
Jason McIntyre
Okay. Johnny Thunderbird. That's his name.
Rachel Nichols
That would have probably got me, right? Fast Beak. That's not.
Jason McIntyre
That's not bad. Mascot or mask. Not the Long Island Sharks. Finley. Fin Lee. Get it?
Rachel Nichols
Long Island Sharks. Fin Lee. I'll go real.
Jason McIntyre
Real.
Rachel Nichols
Yes. There we go.
Jason McIntyre
He's doing better. He's kicking in.
Rachel Nichols
Am I close to 500? I've lost track.
Jason McIntyre
The Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkness Monster.
Rachel Nichols
So fake.
Jason McIntyre
It is fake.
Rachel Nichols
No chance.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. Easy. When the Herky. The Hawk Monster. I don't know. Hawkins Monster is pretty good. Georgia Bulldogs. Hairy Dog.
Rachel Nichols
I've watched a lot of Georgia football. I don't ever recall hearing hairy dog.
Producer/Ad Voice
I'm gonna go Fake.
Jason McIntyre
Fake. I'm sorry. That's real.
Rachel Nichols
Oh, it got you. Rachel.
Jason McIntyre
Sorry. No, no, no. I was already on the next. Next couple. All right. Iowa State Cyclones. Cyclone Gorilla. Should put lipstick on that one, too.
Rachel Nichols
Oh, that's so fake.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah.
Rachel Nichols
No chance. I mean, you have. They have a. A football team. Cyclone Darella.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. Psy. The Cardinal.
Rachel Nichols
Yes.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. So that is it.
Rachel Nichols
All right. Listen. That's fun.
Jason McIntyre
I don't know.
Rachel Nichols
Look, I like those games.
Jason McIntyre
My favorite's the King Cake, baby. You know the King Cake Baby?
Rachel Nichols
No.
Jason McIntyre
Oh. At New Orleans Pelicans games during Mardi Gras season.
Rachel Nichols
That's a scary looking one, right?
Jason McIntyre
I think he's great.
Rachel Nichols
Oh, wow.
Jason McIntyre
I love the King Cake, baby.
Rachel Nichols
Okay, if you say so.
Jason McIntyre
You wouldn't have gotten that one either.
Rachel Nichols
I would definitely have not gotten that one. Listen, mascots are tough. You got to be original and creative. What a great Wednesday show, folks. World Baseball Classics. Thrilled. I mean, this show was pretty thrilling as well. A lot of laughs, good interviews. Hopefully the executives like us. They haven't been down here, so I think we're doing okay, Rachel. I think we're back tomorrow. See you then.
Jason McIntyre
Think Verizon is expensive, think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in running Pogo stickin' teleport if
Rachel Nichols
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Jason McIntyre
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Rachel Nichols
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This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Date: March 18, 2026
Host: Rachel Nichols (in for Colin), Jason McIntyre
Guest: Albert Breer (NFL reporter, Monday Morning Quarterback)
This lively hour of "The Herd" dives deep into the NFL offseason with a focus on the shocking trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the curious fallout from Max Crosby’s nearly-completed move to Baltimore, ongoing Lamar Jackson contract questions, Miami's teardown, and touches on the growing star power in women’s basketball. The segment closes with a rapid-fire, humorous college mascot trivia contest.
[03:23–07:55]
“The Ravens...have for a long time had a reputation for being one of the first class organizations in the entire sport. And a story like this, you know, obviously does some damage to that.” — Albert Breer [06:45]
[07:55–10:02]
“The years he’s missed games due to injury have been the ones where he was in a contract dispute.” — Albert Breer [08:24]
[10:02–12:36]
“They’ve done this with the handicap…the last two years of all the dead money from the Russell Wilson contract…and they’ve still been able to rebuild the roster…” — Albert Breer [10:34]
[12:36–14:15]
“Part of the whole deal this offseason was that teams were sniffing around [Webb] as a play caller. Sean Payton wasn’t going to let him go.” — Albert Breer [12:50]
[14:15–16:38]
“[You] have to give those guys something where…they say, yeah, the head coach, the general manager, they’re trying to win right now…And so…I think that’s what Malik Willis is for the Dolphins new regime.” — Albert Breer [15:50]
On the effect of Max Crosby almost joining Baltimore:
“If you’ve been to the Ravens facility, they call that place the Castle. — It’s high end in just about every way…but then you hear this story from Max Crosby...I could certainly see where it would get the attention of other people.” — Albert Breer [06:45]
On Jaylen Waddle’s contract value:
“The three years left on Jaylen Waddle’s deal…less than they’re paying Courtland Sutton.” — Albert Breer [11:40]
On Lamar Jackson’s "contract-year injuries" pattern:
“What we’ve seen in the past is that he’s maybe a little bit more conservative with, with, with his injuries when he’s in the middle of a contract dispute.” — Albert Breer [08:58]
Rachel Nichols on the Broncos:
“I almost think they open the season as favorites in the AFC. I mean, they just got home field advantage.” — Rachel Nichols [10:02]
[20:41–22:31]
“Do you think Lamar Jackson is going to knock out the rest of the AFC North?” — Jason McIntyre [21:14]
“He looks slow. I don’t know what’s going on there... Just kidding, Lamar don’t get all angry.” — Rachel Nichols [21:22]
“I’ll go Bengals again... Actually—no, I’m going to go Steelers. As long as they don’t sign Aaron Rodgers.” — Rachel Nichols [22:09]
“Thank you. No Aaron Rodgers material at all this week. Aren’t you thrilled?” — Rachel Nichols [22:23]
[23:00–24:27]
“People tune in...and I think it’s a big, big story that she’s back and healthy.” — Rachel Nichols [23:34]
[24:32–28:29]
[32:37–38:50]
“I was awful. Thank you for reminding me.” — Rachel Nichols [38:04]
Conversational and quick-witted, with plenty of sharp asides and playful ribbing among hosts and guests. Breer and Nichols both offer inside knowledge with a breezy, approachable tone, balancing in-depth football analysis with humor and pop culture detours.
This episode offers a sharp, entertaining blend of serious NFL insight (especially on offseason moves and organizational dynamics), contract intrigue, and light-hearted pop culture banter, including a mascot quiz that ends the show on a humorous note. The personalities shine and the football analysis runs deep, making it a must-listen (or must-read!) for both serious NFL fans and those wanting a few good laughs.