Stephen A's Take: NFL money can buy you happiness, ask a once angry Myles Garrett.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: NFL Money Can Buy You Happiness, Ask a Once Angry Myles Garrett
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction to the NFL Free Agent Signing Period

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith dives deep into the latest developments of the NFL free agent signing period that commenced on March 11, 2025. With a keen eye on high-profile moves, Smith dissects each transaction's implications for the teams involved and the broader NFL landscape.

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Pittsburgh Steelers: Acquiring DK Metcalf and the Quarterback Conundrum

Timestamp: [01:04]

Stephen A. Smith begins by spotlighting the Pittsburgh Steelers' strategic move to secure wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers not only traded for Metcalf but also committed to a substantial five-year, $150.5 million extension, signaling their intent to bolster their offensive lineup.

"Metcalf will presumably be paired with fellow wideout George Pickens... the question is, who will be throwing them the football? Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers?"
— Stephen A. Smith [02:15]

Smith evaluates the potential quarterback options for Pittsburgh, weighing Russell Wilson against Aaron Rodgers. While acknowledging Rodgers' impressive statistics with the New York Jets—28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and nearly 4,000 yards last season—Smith points out the Steelers' penchant for close games, having lost six fourth-quarter leads and seven one-score games.

"If you got to choose between the two, ladies and gentlemen, you choose Russell Wilson."
— Stephen A. Smith [03:20]

He argues that Wilson's familiarity with Metcalf from their Seattle days could foster better on-field chemistry, despite the hefty salary Wilson commands—estimated between $37 to $40 million annually. Smith questions whether the Steelers can afford such a contract but ultimately leans towards keeping Wilson for the synergy they share.

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Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen's Historic Contract Extension

Timestamp: [03:45]

Shifting focus to the Buffalo Bills, Smith discusses their landmark six-year, $330 million extension with quarterback Josh Allen. This deal includes a record $250 million guaranteed, surpassing previous benchmarks and positioning Allen among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

"The extension takes Allen from the 14 highest average quarterback salary to tied for second at $55 million a year."
— Stephen A. Smith [05:30]

Smith contrasts Allen's new contract with that of Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott, who remains the highest-paid quarterback at $60 million per year despite Prescott's comparatively modest achievements—two playoff victories in ten years.

"How the hell is Dak Prescott getting paid more than him? How the hell is Dak Prescott still the highest paid quarterback in football in terms of league average per year?"
— Stephen A. Smith [06:10]

He praises Allen's accolades, including his MVP status and multiple AFC Championship appearances, arguing that his compensation is well-justified given his contributions and potential.

"Josh Allen... you deserve that kind of paper. It's the highest in the league."
— Stephen A. Smith [07:00]

Smith expresses approval of Allen surpassing Prescott in earnings, emphasizing that performance and postseason success should dictate salary rankings.

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Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett's Controversial Extension

Timestamp: [07:15]

The most heated discussion centers on the Cleveland Browns' decision to extend defensive star Myles Garrett, despite his recent public statements expressing frustration with the team's lack of success.

"Miles Garrett wanted out of Cleveland last month by saying... 'the goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton. It has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.'"
— Stephen A. Smith [07:45]

Smith scrutinizes the Browns' four-year, $123.5 million extension for Garrett, which averages $40 million per year and includes a no-trade clause. He references Garrett's earlier dissatisfaction stemming from the Browns' prolonged struggles—a 3-14 season and the absence of a Super Bowl appearance since 1989.

"If you draft Shador Sanders or Cam Ward, that's not the immediate answer. Which makes Miles Garrett's position kind of phony."
— Stephen A. Smith [08:35]

Acknowledging Garrett's undeniable talent—double-digit sacks since 2018 and being arguably the best defensive player in football—Smith balances his critique by praising Garrett’s on-field prowess while questioning the sincerity of his public statements about wanting to win.

"He's an absolute stud. He's sensational. There's no shade on him whatsoever."
— Stephen A. Smith [08:50]

Ultimately, Smith highlights the irony of high-profile contracts in teams that lack championship potential, suggesting that Garrett's massive contract may not align with the Browns' current trajectory towards rebuilding and striving for Super Bowl contention.

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Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. Smith offers insightful analysis on the intersection of player performance, contractual negotiations, and team strategies. He underscores the significant role that financial decisions play in shaping the NFL's competitive landscape, often questioning whether high salaries truly reflect a player's impact and a team's aspirations.

"See what money does to people. It makes the most excruciating situations seem easier to stomach."
— Stephen A. Smith [08:55]

Smith concludes by emphasizing the importance of aligning player compensation with both individual achievements and team goals, advocating for a more performance-driven approach to contracts to ensure that NFL franchises remain competitive and financially prudent.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive and critical examination of recent NFL free agency moves, highlighting the complexities and repercussions of blockbuster contracts. His candid opinions offer listeners a deeper understanding of the strategic decisions shaping the future of their favorite teams and players.

Transcript

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[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let's get into the NFL free agent signing period that began today. All right, well, a number of agreements for stars to remain with the teams over the weekend. Some of them you can see right here. But I want to address three moves in particular that caught my attention. We'll begin in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers traded for wide out DK Metcalf and agreed to a 5 year, 15050 million dollar extension. Metcalf will presumably be paired with fellow wideout George Pickens, who's eligible for an extension this off season as he enters the last year of his rookie deal. Now the question is, who will be throwing them the football? Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers? Both could be viable options for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I would tell you, if you got to choose between the two, ladies and gentlemen, you choose Russell Wilson. I'm not saying he's better than Aaron Rodgers because I still think Aaron Rodgers, even though he's not that bad man that he used to b The brother threw 28 touchdowns, just 11 interceptions passed with nearly 4,000 yards with the New York jets last year. Yes, they did lose six games, six fourth quarter leads, no doubt about that. Seven one score games. No doubt about that. Aaron Rodgers can ball. I understand who he is, what he brings to the table. Here's the Flip side, Russell Wilson played a few years with DK Metcalf. There's a familiarity there from their days in Seattle. And because of that, I think that goes a long way towards the Pittsburgh Steelers deciding to keep Russell Wilson in tow. Now, he's going to cost a pretty penny and that's where it could be a bit problematic because he's going to want his money. So his market value could be anywhere from 37 to 40 million for all we know, if not more. And I don't know if the Steelers should pay that. Okay? But you know what, what choice do you have? I mean, if, if, if it's really about the money, then you go get Aaron Rodgers. But if the money is not an issue, then you keep Russell Wilson. Because DK Metcalf and Russell Wilson have a history with, with one another right now. Let's get to Buffalo, where Josh Allen got paid again. The Bills and Allen agreed to a six year, 330 million dollar extension for the reigning league MVP. The deal includes 250 million dollars guaranteed to Allen, making it the largest guaranteed total ever given to an NFL player, surpassing the 230 million of Browns guaranteed to quarterback dual Sean Watson a few years ago. The extension takes allen from the 14 highest average quarterback salary to tied for second at $55 million a year. Only Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has the highest average annual salary at $60 million a year. Which is all you need to know to justify Joe Josh Allen's money. How the hell is Dak Prescott getting paid more than him? How the hell is Dak Prescott still the highest paid quarterback in football in terms of league average per year? Because remember, five, six years, 330 million, that's an average of 55 million a year. Same as Trevor Lawrence, same as Joe Burrow. Okay, same as. Same as those guys, along with Jordan Love. But if you are Dak Prescott, you're at $60 million. The Dallas Cowboys with two player victories in 10 years is paying this brother $60 million annually. Largest salary in the NFL. But here's what I do. Like Josh Allen. 250 million guarantee you the league MVP. You've been to a couple of AFC championship games. Guess what? You deserve that kind of paper. Okay? It's the highest in the league. Shouldn't be Dak Prescott's 231 million guarantee. I know Dak Prescott can play. I know he's no scrub. I'm not saying the brother doesn't get to deserve to get paid. I'm saying somebody who has achieved so little in the postseason shouldn't have more a higher annual salary or more guaranteed dollars than anybody else. So the fact that Josh Allen has now eclipsed him, I'm happy about that. I'm happy about that. Let me move on to Cleveland because this is where things get a bit hilarious. Because listen, when you think about Cleveland and what has happened between them and Miles Garrett. Miles Garrett and the Browns, that is after the team made him the highest paid non quarterback in the league. Let me tell you this, y'all. You might recall that Garrett wanted out of Cleveland last month by saying quote. I had to say this show to y'all this quarter. I'd show y'all this quote. While I've loved calling Cleveland my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton. It has always been to compete for and win a Super bowl. End quote. Guess what, ladies and gentlemen, that came to an end on Sunday when the Browns gave him a record four year extension for 123 and a half million dollars. The deal averages $40 million a year and includes a no trade clause. By the way, Garrett previously mentioned that he did not want to endure another rebuild with the Browns, who are coming off a 3 and 14 season and hold the number two overall pick in this year's draft. Now my man Dan Olofsky on ESPN pointed out, look, they either got a quarterback coming in or they gonna use the number two pick or somebody like Shador Sanders or Cam Ward. So the future's bright either way you slice it. If you had gone out and got Sam Darnold, that ain't the answer. If you had brought in an agent, Aaron, Aaron Rodgers, that ain't the answer. If you draft Shador Sanders or Cam Ward, that's not the immediate answer. Which makes Miles Garrett position kind of phony. Now I ain't hating on the brother. He deserves every penny. He deserves every penny. The brother's no joke. Double digit sacks every year since 2018. Only two playoff appearances and one player victory in eight seasons. I get that part. But he's an absolute stud. He's arguably the best defensive player in football. The brother is sensational. There's no, look, he's a mammoth of a man. No, no shade on him whatsoever. I'm just throwing shade on this quote about I didn't come to the NFL to get to Canton. I came to compete for and win the Super Bowl. Can't do that with two playoff appearances in eight years. Do y'all know that the Cleveland Browns have never played in the Super Bowl? Do you know they haven't been in an AFC championship game since 1989? Ain't been an AFC championship game in 36 years. It's 1989. That's 36 years ago. And this brother is talking about. It's not about Canton. This is about compete for and playing in the Super Bowl. But you resign. See what money does to people. See what money does. It makes the most excruciating situations seem easier to stomach. And in the case of Miles Garrett, that's a big stomach he'll need to have. He's got a lot of money to spend on food. You feel me? Way to go, bro. I ain't mad at you. Get your paper. Just say so next time instead of the whole song and dance. Pocket people, super bowl, right? Thank you.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The Name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to EnergyLine with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.