Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – Episode PMS 2.0 1300

Date Released: March 4, 2025
Duration: Approximately 2 hours

I. Introduction

Pat McAfee kicks off the episode by highlighting the significance of the day: the NFL’s Franchise Tag Deadline. Joined by co-hosts AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, and Ty Schmidt, along with special guests Kirk Herbstreit, Shams Charania, Adam Schefter, and Dan Orlovsky, the panel delves into the latest developments across the NFL and NBA.

II. NFL Franchise Tag Deadline Day

Key Points:

• Franchise Tag Usage: T. Higgins receives the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, marking the final time he can be tagged under the current NFL rules.

  Pat McAfee [00:01]: "T. Higgins gets it for the second straight year... This is the last time they can franchise tag him."

• Other Tagged Players:

  • Osa Odegizua by the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Trey Smith by the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Players Not Tagged: Sam Darnold, Javon Holland, and Chris Godwin are expected to enter the open market, potentially securing lucrative contracts.

  Pat McAfee [02:50]: "Sam Darnold, Javon Holland, and Chris Godwin are not expected to be tagged. So congrats to those three gentlemen hitting the open market."

Notable Discussion:

• The franchise tag deadline resulted in fewer tags than usual, with only Higgins, Odegizua, and Smith being tagged, the lowest since 1990.

  Adam Schefter [83:46]: "This would be the lowest number of tags since 1990..."

III. Quarterback Market Insights

Sam Darnold’s Situation:

• Potential Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and others are eyeing Sam Darnold as a viable quarterback option.

  Ty Schmidt [12:18]: "Are teams interested in Sam Darnold? Definitely the Vikings and Steelers are prime candidates."

• Contract Speculations: Discussions revolve around whether Darnold can secure a spot in the $50 million club, considering his performance and potential.

  Dan Orlovsky [17:33]: "Sam Darnold is poised to join the $50 million club with a solid three-year deal."

JJ McCarthy’s Role:

• Vikings’ Strategy: The Vikings may prioritize JJ McCarthy over Sam Darnold, valuing long-term potential and drafting flexibility.

  Dan Orlovsky [26:03]: "JJ McCarthy is the wild card. If he's not there, Darnold makes sense."

Aaron Rodgers and Team Considerations:

• Giants’ Interest: There are rumors about the New York Giants’ interest in Aaron Rodgers, though it's unclear if a deal will materialize.

  Dan Orlovsky [85:44]: "Giants are in talks, but nothing is set in stone."

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee [33:45]: "Let's execute. Let's execute. Yeah, yeah, yeah."

IV. NBA Dallas Mavericks Situation

Current Issues:

• General Manager Decisions: Nico Harrison’s controversial moves, including trading Luka Doncic and managing injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, have ignited conspiracy theories about intentional tanking.

  Pat McAfee [03:56]: "There's conspiracy theories in abundance about the future of the Mavericks team."

Fan Reactions:

• Mass Exodus: Mavericks fans express frustration and contemplate abandoning the team due to dissatisfaction with management decisions.

  Clips from Darius Butler [05:24]: "Mavericks fans are bailing on third quarter. Not all the hell out of here."

Management Under Scrutiny:

• Lockroom Culture: Discussions focus on the need for improved leadership and accountability within the Cowboys’ locker room.

  Darius Butler [29:26]: "There's a need for strong locker room leadership to prevent such issues."

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Lombardi [69:50]: "Luka is someone... Mark Cuban said once, I would rather get a divorce than trade Luka Doncic."

V. Notable Deal: Saquon Barkley’s Extension

Historic Contract:

• Philadelphia Eagles Secure Saquon Barkley: The Eagles have signed Saquon Barkley to a two-year extension worth $36 million guaranteed, with incentives that could elevate his average to $25.85 million per year.

  Pat McAfee [100:58]: "Congratulations to Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles for getting a historic deal done for a running back."

Impact on the League:

• Running Back Market Reset: This unprecedented contract sets a new benchmark for the running back position, encouraging teams to invest more in versatile and impactful running backs.

  Darius Butler [127:51]: "It's great for the running back position because that's been a huge storyline the last few years."

Notable Discussion:

• Team Culture and Player Motivation: Barkley’s extension reflects the Eagles’ commitment to rewarding top performers and fostering a winning culture.

  Shams Charania [137:03]: "Philadelphia is still the number one team roster-wise, and this deal reinforces their commitment to excellence."

VI. Other League Insights: NFL Culture and Locker Rooms

Lockroom Accountability:

• Indianapolis Colts’ Locker Room Issues: Reports suggest a decline in professionalism, with players showing lax attitudes and failing to meet expectations.

  Dan Orlovsky [30:53]: "It's alarming how much it seemingly is the Colts, but it can stop it next year."

Coaching and Management Strategies:

• Tom Brady’s Involvement with the Raiders: Discussions about Brady’s active role in coaching decisions and the potential influence on team performance.

  Dan Orlovsky [41:57]: "Tom Brady is very hands-on with the Raiders and brings a wealth of experience."

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Orlovsky [83:01]: "Sam Darnold cannot sign with another team until next week, and the Vikings are open to bringing him back."

VII. NBA Teams and Playoff Contenders

Eastern Conference Focus:

• Pacers’ Tyrese Halliburton: Highlighted as a standout performer with exceptional assists and low turnovers, positioning the Pacers for a deep playoff run.

  Connor [07:13]: "Tyrese Halliburton's assist numbers are historic. He's ready to lead the Pacers deep into the playoffs."

Western Conference Dynamics:

• Lakers and Celtics Potential Matchup: Speculation about one of the greatest NBA rivalries potentially culminating in the finals, enhancing the league’s excitement.

  Sam Charania [133:31]: "A Celtics vs. Lakers finals would reignite one of the pillar rivalries in the NBA."

Notable Quotes:

• Shams Charania [74:06]: "Shay Gills Alexander is viewed as a favorite MVP candidate with his impact on the Oklahoma City team."

VIII. Conclusion

Pat McAfee wraps up the episode by emphasizing the ongoing excitement surrounding the NFL’s franchise tag deadline and the significant developments in the NBA. With free agency and draft seasons imminent, the panel anticipates a flurry of transactions that will reshape team rosters and competitive landscapes across both leagues.

Closing Remark:

Pat McAfee [119:44]: "Sports are having a time right now. A lot of great things are happening, and every day promises one-of-a-kind entertainment."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Pat McAfee [00:01]: "T. Higgins gets it for the second straight year... This is the last time they can franchise tag him."
• Adam Schefter [83:46]: "This would be the lowest number of tags since 1990..."
• Dan Orlovsky [17:33]: "Sam Darnold is poised to join the $50 million club with a solid three-year deal."
• Michael Lombardi [69:50]: "Luka is someone... Mark Cuban said once, I would rather get a divorce than trade Luka Doncic."
• Pat McAfee [100:58]: "Congratulations to Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles for getting a historic deal done for a running back."
• Shams Charania [137:03]: "Philadelphia is still the number one team roster-wise, and this deal reinforces their commitment to excellence."
• Connor [07:13]: "Tyrese Halliburton's assist numbers are historic. He's ready to lead the Pacers deep into the playoffs."

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the impending NFL roster changes, the intriguing quarterback market dynamics, and significant movements within the NBA, providing listeners with in-depth insights and engaging discussions.