The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 – Should the Ravens Trade Lamar Jackson?
Date: December 26, 2025
Guests: Albert Breer (Senior NFL Reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode centers primarily on major storylines across the NFL as the season winds down—headlined by speculation surrounding Lamar Jackson’s future with the Baltimore Ravens and whether a trade could be in play. Colin Cowherd and his co-host are joined by Albert Breer to break down the state of the Ravens, discuss coaching changes, QB draft conundrums, and preview key matchups with playoff ramifications. The conversation is lively, opinionated, and rich with inside details and speculation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Lamar Jackson & The Baltimore Ravens

Timestamps: [03:11] – [06:10], [13:16] – [14:54], [43:21] – [43:59]

• Lingering Friction: Albert Breer outlines a complex relationship between Jackson and the Ravens, referencing contract disputes, Jackson's health and injury transparency, and issues stemming from Jackson representing himself (without an agent).
• Transparency & Team Dynamics: John Harbaugh’s unusual candor about Jackson’s injury was likely aimed at quelling internal and external doubts. Breer emphasizes Harbaugh’s loyalty:

  “My experience has been that John Harbaugh has been one of the most ardent defenders of Lamar." — Albert Breer, [03:48]

• Contract and Cap Implications: Jackson's impending $74.5 million cap hit over the next two years is "going to get the owner’s attention" if the Ravens miss the playoffs.
• Trade Rumors & Market Dynamics:
  • The hosts debate whether teams (Jets, Raiders) would offer a bounty for Jackson, given the Ravens' uncertainties.
  • Breer points out:

    “If someone else thinks there’s trouble in paradise, they're going to pick up the phone…There’s nothing preventing those teams from making that phone call.” — Albert Breer, [13:49]

  • Even if the Ravens don't shop him, other teams will inquire if the situation remains murky.
• Outlook: Breer predicts Jackson remains a Raven in 2026 but acknowledges “there could be some pretty big changes coming in Baltimore” after falling short of expectations.

2. Detroit Lions: The Jared Goff Debate & Roster Analysis

Timestamp: [06:10] – [08:02]

• Team Window: Despite some fans' impatience with Goff, Breer believes Detroit's contention window is wide open due to a strong young core.
• Aggressiveness at a Crossroads:
  • The Lions’ GM’s LA Rams background ("F them picks" era) might hint at a readiness to make bold moves to supplement the roster.
  • "Do they have to shift up in gear now…be really aggressive about upgrading our offensive line and finding an edge to play opposite Aiden Hutchinson?" — Albert Breer, [06:27]
  • Breer doubts there is a viable QB upgrade to Goff available in the draft.

3. Buffalo Bills & Coaching Pressure

Timestamp: [08:02] – [10:17]

• McDermott’s Standing: Despite public calls for a coaching change if Buffalo falls short, Breer senses no imminent internal upheaval. However, pressure is building with Josh Allen aging and a new stadium on the horizon.
• Lessons from the Past: Comparison to Tampa Bay moving on from Tony Dungy to win a Super Bowl, implying Buffalo may face a similar crossroads if they stall in the playoffs.

4. Giants’ Draft Dilemma: Jackson Dart vs. Fernando Mendoza

Timestamp: [10:17] – [13:16]

• QB Conundrum: The Giants’ upcoming draft presents dilemmas: keep Dart and trade a top pick or grab another QB (e.g., Mendoza or possibly Dante Moore—who is still under consideration).
• The Rosen/Murray Precedent:
  • Breer says only once ("in my lifetime") has a team drafted first-round QBs in consecutive years (Cardinals: Rosen/Murray).
  • “It’s not just Mendoza versus Dart…If it’s close, you stick with Dart and trade the number one overall pick…If the gap is huge, well, there’s nothing more important than having a great quarterback.” — Albert Breer, [11:00]
• Draft Value Logic: The number one pick has far greater market value than a quarterback who’s already been in the league.

5. Coaching Carousel: Michigan Hires Kyle Whittingham

Timestamps: [14:54] – [18:25], [27:20] – [30:00]

• Michigan's Choice:
  • Kyle Whittingham’s move to Michigan is lauded for bringing toughness and NFL-caliber talent development.
  • Breer: “All the players that have come out of Utah over the years…they’re all tough, they’re all physical, so they very much fit what Jim Harbaugh built.”
• Urban Meyer's Legacy: “Our friend Urban Meyer now is not only 7-0 in the rivalry, but he has his former assistants running both programs.” — Albert Breer, [15:18]
• Whittingham’s Fit & Future:
  • The hosts agree Michigan will be competitive right away. Whittingham’s age (66) is discussed but seen as a non-issue.
  • “If you’ve ever been in a room with Kyle Whittingham, he’s got like 50-year-old energy.” — Colin Cowherd, [17:39]

6. NFL News Capsules and Predictions

Timestamps: [23:28] – [43:21]

• Chiefs’ Prospects & Travis Kelce’s Future:
  • Kelce jokes about the Powerball, says his focus is still on football (“The only time it ever crossed my mind…was the Powerball”).
  • Hosts agree his career is Hall of Fame caliber, and he won’t need to work post-retirement (“Didn’t he win the Powerball when he met Taylor Swift?” — Colin Cowherd, [24:18]).
• Chargers-Texans Matchup:
  • After prior struggles, Herbert is “workshopping a theory” to be ranked above Mahomes and Lamar moving into next season, especially as Herbert may be healthier.
• NFL Picks & Analysis:
  • Bengals vs Cardinals: Pick is Bengals big, due to Arizona injuries and Burrow’s favorable matchup ([34:58]–[35:59]).
  • Seahawks vs Panthers: Hosts think Carolina could spring an upset over a tired Seattle team.
  • Raiders vs Giants: Raiders get the nod due to Giants’ apparent lack of fight.
  • Eagles vs Bills: Expect Eagles win; Buffalo’s run defense and Allen’s injury concerns are highlighted.
  • 49ers vs Bears: Pick is Niners and Brock Purdy, citing sustained offensive efficiency and San Francisco’s advantage at QB and coach.
• College Football Chaos: As bowl and conference championships are debated, hosts note that though “it’s a beautiful mess and a popular mess, but a mess,” the passion and popularity have remained high. ([43:59])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Breer on Ravens/Harbaugh Relationship:

  “My experience has been that John Harbaugh has been one of the most ardent defenders of Lamar. So I don’t know that anything’s broken there, but things have certainly gotten wonky..." ([03:48])

• Breer on QB Trade Value:

  “It’s basically like driving a car off the lot. Once Jackson Dart is in the league…you’re not going to get what you would for the first overall pick.” ([11:00])

• Cowherd on Chiefs & Kelce:

  “Didn’t he win the Powerball when he met Taylor Swift? I mean, they're engaged, you know, come on." ([24:18])

• Breer on Kyle Whittingham:

  "I won’t change my opinion on Kyle Whittingham because I don’t like the colors that he’s wearing now. He’s been a rock solid coach…" ([15:18])

• On College Football’s Chaotic Popularity:

  “It’s chaos. But it’s a beautiful mess. And a popular mess, and an ascending mess, but a mess.” ([43:59])

Important Timestamps

• [03:11] – Lamar Jackson/Ravens discussion opens
• [06:10] – Detroit Lions/Jared Goff talk
• [08:02] – Bills/McDermott and AFC coaching chatter
• [10:17] – Giants draft dilemma (Dart vs Mendoza)
• [13:16] – Lamar-to-the-Jets hypothetical
• [14:54] – Michigan hires Kyle Whittingham
• [23:28] – NFL headlines, Kelce & Chiefs future
• [27:20] – Michigan/Whittingham continued, CFB discussion
• [34:58] – NFL game picks and analysis begin
• [43:21] – Recap on Ravens/Jackson, summing up possible changes in Baltimore
• [43:59] – College football as a "beautiful mess"

Conclusion

This episode delves deep into the most pressing questions for both contenders and also-rans as the NFL season races toward the playoffs. With sharp insights from Albert Breer, Colin Cowherd delivers trademark candor and speculation—digging into the contract intrigue in Baltimore, quarterback debates in New York and Detroit, and the latest coaching moves in college football. Engaging picks and late-season analysis round out the show in classic “Herd” fashion.

If you missed the episode, this summary captures the layered rumors, reasoned debates, insider quotes, and personality-packed opinions that make The Herd essential sports listening.