June 2, 2025 • 43 mins
NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport break down the latest headlines from across the league, including Stefon Diggs reporting to Patriots OTAs, Trey Hendrickson’s continued absence in Cincinnati, and Matt LaFleur's public support for Jordan Love’s development. Marc Ross joins to share what he’s watching for in Love’s third year as the Packers' starting quarterback and how he expects the Giants' QB competition to play out in New York. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley stops by to reflect on being selected for the Madden 26 cover, his mindset heading into a season as a defending Super Bowl champion, and why he’s unbothered by talk of the "Madden Curse." Later, Jane Slater discusses key takeaways from Cowboys OTAs and Jeffri Chadiha highlights young players poised to make a leap in 2024. Plus, Cam Wolfe checks in to break down the early impact of Jacksonville's new coaching staff and how they plan to best utilize their wealth of dynamic skill players.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
Saguon. Barkley's first season in Philly was a ten. Now
number twenty six is also in the.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Ninety nine club.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Squon joins us tonight to talk about landing on the
new Madden cover. The Eagles hopes to go back to
back and so much more. Packers also have high hopes
for twenty twenty five, but do they need more from
their quarterback? Mark Ross will be here to tell you
what he wants to see from Jordan Love as a
third year starter. Other teams are counting on some second
(00:38):
year leaps even from players a clear day pretty high
bar as rookies. JEF Virginia will break down whose arrow
is pointed up? But first us welcome inside with the
insiders alongside Ian Rappaport, I am Tom Peliicero.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
It is June second. We are ninety four.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Days away from kickoff to the twenty five NFL season,
and for the first time on this show we can
officially say we will be in training camps next month.
For now, we are still in the voluntary portion of
the calendar for OTAs. And look who des signed to
get off the boat and walk onto the field.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
It is Stefan Diggs.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
The Patriots veteran wide receiver making an appearance at OTA's today.
They signed into a three year, sixty three point five
million dollar deal back in March. Again, this is a
voluntary portion of the calendar here Ian but number one,
no brace on Stefan Diggs. That certainly seems like a
good sign at this point in his recovery from the.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Torn acl A. Number two.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Let's just say, showing up today probably could be filed
on what Mike Rabel might say is a good decision.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
Right, And I would say, look, OTAs are not mandatory.
We know that there's plenty of players we're gonna talk
about him in a second who have not shown up
to voluntary OTAs, and it is totally fine Stefan Diggs
showing up today felt about history as they could be. After,
of course, the viral video over the last several days
of Stefan Diggs on a boat with many women, including
(02:07):
Cardi b including an envelope with some pink stuff that
I don't have any idea what that is, and you
would hope that he doesn't either. But that's a whole
different conversation for a whole different day. Mike Frable addressed
this last week, saying he was aware of the viral video.
Talks to his players every day, but yeah, they want
the players to make sound decisions. Him showing up, him
getting in line, him expressing what, of course he needed
(02:30):
to express to the team right to their faces, was
all very good thing. Now, my understanding is the team
does not plan to cut Stefan Diggs. He's a very
good player. They intend to pay him a lot of money.
They haven't yet. They intend to pay him a lot
of money, especially after he passed the physical from his
ACL recovery. He does seem to be on track. This
is a player they want to keep, want to be
(02:51):
making plays for them. That's why they signed him in
free agency to such fanfare. Just got to be better,
and this was a step in the right direction for Diggs.
It's certainly something the Patriots welcome.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I was gonna do a few guys now, though, that
are not currently at the voluntary OTAs, including one who
certainly has strong reasons for not being there. Trey Hendrickson
not present with the Cincinnati Bengals during OTAs. He showed
up a couple of weeks ago to an open practice
made abudly clear that he's not going to play on
his current contract, which owes him sixteen million dollars this year.
(03:26):
There have been ongoing talks ian, but they're not there
yet on a new deal. Next big checkpoint comes next
week when coach Zach Tiller has already made clear Trey
Hendrickson doesn't show up, he's getting fined.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Not the only edge rushers seeking a new deal, not
President at Otz. This one's been a lot quieter than
Trey Henderson. Hendrickson has been on all of the shows.
Pat mcabee went to his locker, all of the things
to express his discomfort. TJ Watt. All he's done is
take to Instagram and offer the peace sign. What he
wants is more years on his contract, wants more money,
(03:59):
believes he has earned it. I wouldn't be surprised if
the deal goods done before the season, but we are
not there yet, So no TJ. Watt for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
You know, Michaeh Parson's also in line for a deal
in the off season of the pass rusher. He's been
with the Cowboys on and off, which is kind of
how Micah has been. Brian Schottenheimer said Micah was not
present last week. But this is part of again the
process Parsons has gone through in the past. There's no
question that Parsons expects to get a top of market
(04:30):
type of contract. For the moment, he is still due
a little over twenty four million dollars on his fifth
year option. We also got seeing Kirk Cousins with the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Recently.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
We came up to yet another check boy among many
ian through the course of safseason, which is June first,
at which point any trades that occur after this you
can spread out the remaining cap hit over two years,
push it out into twenty twenty six. Though that doesn't
necessarily mean at this point that a Kirk Cousins straight
is in there.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Now it does not feel like good Kirk Cousins treads
him and it now. If the Pittsburgh Steelers do not
end up signing Aaron Rodgers, if he decides to retire
and wait for another team or something, then I would
say we would be looking very quickly at Kirk Cousins
and the Pittsburgh Steelers. But until it, unless that happens,
it does seem like this situation is going to be
right where it is, which is Kirk Cousins not that
(05:21):
thrilled to this situation, but much much richer because the
Falcons arenna end up giving him a hundred million dollars,
plus all of that has been guaranteed for his blockbuster
contract that had him as the starter for less than
one season. And look, it's weird Tom to have a
backup that makes over twenty million dollars. It almost never
happens this one to me, And you know this has
(05:43):
always made sense. They are already paying him. And the
only thing that really matters, assuming everyone can get along
inside the building, which you know you would hope would
be the case where he Morris is a very good
culture builder, the only thing that really matters is if
Michael Pennix gets hurt, can someone step in and win
games behind him? Kirk Cousins is now an excellent backup
quarterback unless there's some sort of quarterback injury that would
(06:05):
trigger something. I don't see that changing.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
No reason to think they'd release Kirk Cousins either, certainly
not after getting to this point in the offseason. However,
same rules apply to cuts after June first, you can
spread out that cap hit over two years. Teams also
could designate certain releases to be post June one cap cuts.
You know these names, Aaron Rodgers, Davon Hargrave, Dalvin Tomlins,
and some of these guys already have new teams. However,
(06:32):
as of this morning, now they've gotten that additional salary
cap relief for the releasing teams, which is substantial when
you're talking about guys like Aaron Rodgers. The Lions also
gained some cap space today, but certainly not space that
they were looking to get. Frank Ragnow, the former All
Pro center, announcing on Instagram earlier today he is officially
(06:54):
retiring from the NFL. He said in part that he's
tried to convince himself I'm feeling good, but I'm not
and it's time to prioritize my health and my family's future.
That is certainly significant in the scope of the NFC North.
The Lions have had a lot of attrition in terms
of the coaching staff. They've had a lot of attrition
in terms of some of the player movement as well.
(07:16):
Losen Frank greg Now in early June is definitely another
thing that is going to weigh on exactly what direction
things go for them in twenty twenty five. Of course,
it was a very competitive division last year with the Lions,
with the Vikings, and with the Green Bay Packers. Jordan
Love is a player who Matt Lafleur was asked about
(07:36):
last week and up and down twenty twenty four season four,
the entire Packers team. Jordan Love got hurt in that
kickoff game in Brazil, missed a little bit of time,
was able to come back, and that's at least part
of the reason that perhaps Jordan Love didn't have the
breakout second season under center.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I think there's like a narrative out there that, for
whatever reason that he wasn't as productive as the year before. Well,
I mean he missed significant time. He missed the better
of three games. Really it was Indy, it was Tennessee,
he went out in Jacksonville, and then he went out
(08:16):
in Chicago. So you know that's gonna three games is
a significant amount of time.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
That's a very kind way for Matt Laflora to say, Yeah,
don't ask me a question like that again. Let's welcome
in our Mark Ross to the conversation here. Mark, you've
watched Jordan Love, you saw him in year one and
what they were able to do last year there were
those bumps in the road, a lot of them health related.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
When you look at Jordan Love, what did you see?
What are you hoping to get out of him? If
you're the Packers in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 5 (08:47):
Well, first of all, Matt laflord is doing what any
good head coach does with his franchise quarterback. Same thing
happened with me with Andy Reid, Donald McNabb, no matter
how bad Donovan played, and he said, that's my fault.
Tom caff and Eli, no matter how bady I played,
Tom Coughlin took that the brun of it. That's what
Matt Laflour is doing right now with Jordan Love. And
he mentioned the injuries early, but he got hurt later
(09:08):
on in the year as well, and it seemed like
a few other games he was banged up. Jordan Loved,
that is and I just never think he got fully healthy.
And the things to me that made Jordan Love special
are his unique timing and then the playmaking moving around
in the pocket or stepping around and manipulating the pocket.
And when I watched him, he just wasn't doing that
with a whole lot of confidence in those games, and
(09:30):
particularly down the stretch.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The last six games he on.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
The highest he threw was for two hundred and twenty
nine yards versus Seattle, and then in that playoff game
against the Eagles, he was not good at all. So
there's no way that Lafloor and Jordan Love watched those
games and said, you know what, you look like the
guy that we saw last year who torched teams in
the playoffs against the Eagles, he threw for two to
twelve and three interceptions.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
So I think with Jordan.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Love coming back healthy, we'll see more of the same
Jordan Love that we saw at the end of last season,
not the one we saw at the end of of
a twenty fourth season.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Yeah, and health is so important here. You know, we
focus so much on our guy's an injury. Let's say
that's a two to four week injury, comes back in
three weeks are fun. So now he's playing rarely is
a guy absolutely fully healthy and one hundred percent ready
to go after missing time with an injury. It really
does take some time players have to get back into it.
It messes with timing, messes with a lot of things.
(10:23):
But one thing we've learned doing this as long as
we have people just forget that you're injured or maybe
don't care. And so for Jordan Love, he had a
couple of different injuries last year, was rarely healthy really
the entire season. But it's almost like when we're evaluating
how we played, we forget about that or don't care
about that. So, yes, I also would like to see
one hundred percent healthy Jordan Love continue to take some
(10:46):
steps that he seemed to be making two years ago.
Next step is to really take a team to the
next level on his shoulders. Certainly, he absolutely has the
talent to do that.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
For Green Bay, Okay, it's me move.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Beats.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
One man spends past another, leaps over a third.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
What.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Owns I ain't never see.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
No, no, we'd never seen anything like that. Now they're
seeing it. On the cover of Madden twenty six, the
official cover athlete for this year is Saquon Barkley, and
he's with us right now on the Insiders with me,
Tom Pellicero and Brian Baldiger. Saquon, congrats, man, I know
(11:40):
this is a dream for a lot of people. Everybody
you know plays this game, all the players in the
league played here. When you got that call, what's that
moment like to you.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
Oh yeah, when you get that call, you kind of
you don't know what to expect, right, and they actually
do you want to be part of Madding Cover? And
I don't know if anyone's ever turned that down. I
definitely wasn't going to turn that down to own retune.
But like you said, I know so many people and
so many kids out dream and would love to be
in a position I am right now. And I remember
as a kid, you know, wanted to be part of
(12:10):
Manic Cover, and then so many great players that have
been part of Mannic Cover, and now to be mentioned
and have my name attached with those guys, you know,
it just words really can't describe.
Speaker 8 (12:19):
And you ware of the ninety nine to two saque
that's the Madden rating for you can't get any higher
than that. I got to ask you, I mean, as
far as you know, is that backwards leap is it
in the game this year's saque? I mean, can somebody
actually dial that leap up? Right now?
Speaker 6 (12:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (12:36):
So funny story about that I was able to When
I was creating the shot for the cover, we had
a conversation about me doing the backwards leap and they
had a person do it before, and you know, they
took it out because they were like, no one's ever
going to actually do this in a game. And when
I did it, that's why they were able to turn
(12:57):
it over so fast because theyready had the animation for
it to do the backwards leap. So yes, it was
in the game last year and it will be in
the game this year.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
So hang on, show that show that shot of making
it making the cover real quick against Saquon, because it
almost looks like you were suspended in air for a
couple of seconds. Are you on like the Broadway high wire?
Are they holding you up? Or you actually have this
type of body.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Control right here.
Speaker 7 (13:23):
I would love to say I actually had that body control,
but I was just belying to you. I was strapped
in there and they're pulling me up, and you know,
I will say this though, that's when I realized the
play that I had when you know, I jumped over
with someone backwards, how special it was. When when we
had to recreate it, I was like, I don't know
(13:43):
if I feel comfortable doing this, Uh, just you know,
not in the midst of the game and we had
to put the wires on and do it.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
It made me realize how special the play.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
It was and made me grow so much more respect
for any superhero, spider Man, Superman, any of those guys,
as those actors or actresses that have to put that
on and perform. Shout out, Shout out to them.
Speaker 8 (14:06):
Let's say, Cony, it's been an unbelievable season. I mean,
you put up two thousand plus yards, you win the
super Bowl, the super Bowl is on your twenty eighth birthday,
and now you're on the cover of Madden. Like, what
else is going to happen in twenty twenty twenty five
for your sake? One, we got other news that's going
to be breaking here that can outdo any of these
(14:27):
other feats that you've accomplished this year.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
I don't know.
Speaker 7 (14:31):
I don't think we do as of now, but I
think you just mentioned it was a hell of a year.
Is a year that you dream about, is the year
that you trained for, And the beauty of it is
you have another opportunity to do it again. And that's
what the mindset kind of shifts to is learn from it.
Even though you had a great year, there's so many
plays and so many things I could continue to prove on.
(14:52):
You got to be obsessed with the little details and
locking into taking your game to another level. And when
it gets to the this point, it might only move
the needle a little bit, but anytime you can move
to leap the needle is going to help you. So
that's what the mindset is, not only for myself but
for our team is Yes, we did it. You know,
we reached to top of Mount Everest, but now we
(15:13):
all got to go back down and you know, try
to work away back up.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
There's a lot of physical, mental, emotional hurdles just with
the condensed timeframe of the offseason. You lose like a
normal five weeks of off season time. Then of course
you got parades, you got celebrations and all the other
things here. It can have a real weight on people.
If you consulted anybody who's won a Super Bowl. But oh, okay,
how do I do this from every perspective and get
(15:38):
back there again?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:40):
I mean I've been super blessed. And I was saying
this before, like I there's really not any legendary running
back or player I can't reach out to. And to me,
that's super cool because I'm a big fan of the
game and the history of the game, and you know,
just reaching out to them and learning how they continue
to get better when you make it to that level.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
But the biggest thing for.
Speaker 7 (16:03):
Me would be with my mentor and trainer, Ryan Flaherty.
He kind of told me that I need to take
it all in, like I need to celebrate. I tend to,
you know, try to move on things too quick, but
you know, I had to take a little bit of
time to you know, realize like what I had the
year prior and just the goals and all the things
(16:24):
that I had and the records I set.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
You got to appreciate that.
Speaker 7 (16:27):
You gotta you know, you got to take that in
and celebrate with your family and your friends, and then
once you do that, you can put it to bed
and move on. So that's probably the biggest thing for me.
It's just appreciating and realizing what you did. Now learn
from it and try to get better.
Speaker 8 (16:41):
Sick when I dropped in on last week's OTA on Wednesday,
the indoor practice when it was raining outside, and I
was telling people and this is for Eagle fans out there,
sake one that as you know, are nuts.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
But that was a.
Speaker 8 (16:55):
Spirited OTA practice sake one, like the energy level. I
know it was indoors, but it felt like you guys
are hungry, Like it was a great turnout, It was
a great practice, and it just moves at a clip
like it's almost like everybody knows what they need to do.
Like I know it's a new offense in some ways,
(17:16):
Kevin Pittulo is going to be calling the plays, but
he's been there. Like, give me the feel of what
it's been like so far, just off season from and
I'm getting ready for the next year.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
It's been great. It's been great.
Speaker 7 (17:28):
We got guys coming in, buying in training really hard,
competing at a high level. The young guys that we
drafted and we brought in, you know, they're buying into
the culture right from the beginning. But the best way
I can answer that question is success is not accident.
We know the recipe, we know what we know what
it takes, so we can't skip any any steps to
get to where we want to get to. And last
(17:50):
OTA's it was the same thing. And we already know
how training camp is going to be, and we know
how it's going to be during the season. Like I said,
we know the recipe and We just got to try
to stick to it and a little bit of luck
when you know that comes in with staying healthy. If
we do that, with the talent that we have and
the coaches that we have, would be in a good position.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Last thing for you, quick sake.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
One you said when they first called you, they said,
do you want to be a part of the Madden cover?
The only reason I can think of that anybody would
have pause in that moment would be the curse. It's
the Madden curse. Are you a believer in curses? Does
that factor into your headspace at all as you get
that call and know that your face is going to
be on that game.
Speaker 7 (18:27):
Nah, I'm a believer in God. That's my mindset to
be good, play honest. And I've had injuries before. I
tore my knee. I've stepped on a foot and rolled
my ankle. Was out for four to six weeks and
there was no curse then. And that's just how life works.
You're gonna have your ups and downs. But my mindset
is coming in work, do what I need to do,
(18:48):
and the rest is in God's hands.
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Sakeue, As Baldy was saying, it's been a heck of
a year for you man, keep it rolling. Can't wait
to see you out there on the field again in September.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
Thank you so much, appreciate you guys.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Thanks Akeuon Sa Kwan Barkley Madden twenty six cover athlete
and just ninety four days away from being back on
the field.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
September fourth.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
It is Cowboys and Eagles in the kickoff game.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Well Brian shaw Neimer of MICHAELH. Parsons on the other
side of the ball in that game.
Speaker 9 (19:21):
He was here last week, had lunch with him, actually
bumped into him in the airport. He was going to
do some traveling. So I have not seen him yet
this week. But again, my big thing with all the guys,
whether they're here or not, is you can get great
working and you can get ready and you can be
mentally prepared. But you know, whether you're Mic who's not
(19:41):
here here in and out, whether you're DAK, doesn't really matter.
You know, it's just put your work in, get ready.
There's a lot of ways get ready and prepared.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Tims the season to say, is everyone in the building,
have they showed up, have you met with them? Why
are they practicing? That's where we're at in the calendar
right now, Jane Slater, welcome inside with the insiders. A
lot to get to with mikeh Parsions, but we're not
going to start there right now. What is happening now
with the Cowboys and you can tell me a little
more about this. I know that is some new faces
(20:12):
and new places. So why don't you introduce me to
some Cowboys that maybe we may not know, especially on
the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 10 (20:22):
One of my favorite things that coaches often say Ian
is we're focusing on the guys that are inside the building,
and when we focus on defense, one of the areas
that the Cowboys are still trying to shore up, I
believe is their cornerback position. There are issues last year
really found themselves in the problem areas as it related
to depth and a consistency and tackling consistency and dealing
(20:44):
with some of the man coverage that they were getting.
I mean, we start looking at this league and some
of the NFC East opponents, they've got real yard after
catch threats, and so that's why I think they're kind
of moving some of.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
These guys around.
Speaker 10 (20:57):
You know, Ibra Flus, who's now the defensive coordinator wants
fast and physical guys. Now we've seen them guse Izzy
Mukuamu their safety as their cornerback at times, especially in
Big Nickel looks. He's got these six to four long arms.
He's really disruptive in some of those passing lanes. They're
using him there a little bit at corner because right now,
(21:17):
when you look at this corner back depth, there's not
a lot right now. I mean, you've got Deron Bland,
who last year, you know he's shown you flashies. He's
got the nine interceptions, the five pick six, but he
got exposed when Diggs went down in week three and
talking to some folks around Treyvon Diggs, it does still
feel like while he is working in the weight room
and he's starting to get to some more position specific moves,
(21:41):
he's still a little bit of a ways away. You've
also got Sevonn Rubbell. I got to make sure I
get his name right because people have been saying his
name wrong. He's also the rookie that they drafted at corner.
They have been obviously they know what they're getting with him,
but he's still a ways away. You've got kayir A
Leam that they are hoping could come in there them
out with the outside. But that's why you hear Jalen
(22:02):
Ramsey's name getting kicked around as it relates to Dallas.
In some of my conversations, it doesn't sound like there's
too much fire there. Of course, there's been some smoke.
One person in the building told me I wouldn't rule
it out necessarily, but talking to people close to Jalen Ramsey,
it doesn't sound like the Cowboys some of the folks
that I spolks you have made any meaningful context about him,
(22:24):
And when you've heard his name mentioned in there, it's
just been said, look, he's a possibility that the Cowboys
could go after. It doesn't seem like they've had any
meaningful moves in that direction, but I wouldn't rule it
out either well.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
And one thing about this offseason, like every trade room
about the Cowboys say they could never do, and then
they pulled some like real trades and interesting ones as
well with free agency, maybe not as fruitful as you'd want,
plenty of trades to help stock up this Cowboys roster.
One player was brought over in free agency, Dante Fowler, junior,
former high pick, signing one year up to eight million
(22:58):
dollar deal. Where do we see Fowler contributing here, Jane
with the Cowboys.
Speaker 10 (23:05):
Well, remember I talked about Maddy Burfluse liking that fast,
physical defense. Well he gets speed with Dante Fowler. Now,
when you talk to Dante Fowler, what I like about
him is his vulnerability and transparency. He said, he's always
been a little bit of a late bloomer. But last
year in Washington, one of his most productive seasons. He said,
things really starting to click. He had ten and a
(23:26):
half sex having him back, you know, DeMarcus Lawrence no
longer with the Cowboys. You've got Sam Williams coming back,
You've got Marshawn Neeland. It'll be good to have a
veteran presence in there. Also, interestingly enough, his first defensive
line coach was Aaron at Whitecotton. He is now the
defensive line coach for the Cowboys. So you know he's
interested in getting him in the building. But if you noticed,
(23:46):
a lot of the moves that they made this offseason
were really about bolstering the defensive line. You know, I
kept telling you even leading up to the draft when
they drafted an offensive lineman, they really believe that it
starts from the inside and then goes out words. They're
building up the trenches and so Dante Fowler is just
a piece of that puzzle.
Speaker 3 (24:06):
One more thing, Jane, before I'll let you go, and
this is not Cowboys related at all. But Thursday, Frida,
you were hosting all female cast of GMFB housych are you.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Well?
Speaker 10 (24:21):
At first, I thought you were going to roast me,
because I was I got got by the internet Saquon Barkley.
I was convinced, given some of the things that we've
seen endgame, that maybe he did that backward jump move
without a harness. I kept looking to see if there
was a harness. I can't trust anything on the internet,
so I thought you were going to roast me. Thanks
for being kind, but I am excited about doing this show.
(24:43):
I will be the first to tell you I'm not
one of those that loves playing into the women's trope
or all women's are putting yourself in categories because when
I started, there really weren't that many women covering the league.
We had Sharen Williams here in Dallas, who I looked
up to, and now it's really excited to see so
many women in locker rooms and press conference rooms, and
I think that's a testament to our hiring managers. But
(25:05):
a lot of the coaches and the players who have
gotten used to it, and more importantly, the girls that
I work with, they show up prepared, they ask the
right questions. And what I love when I always get
the knock, well you didn't play football. Well a lot
of the beat writers that cover these teams don't either, Ian.
I consider myself a reporter. I'm not telling you how
to play the game. I'm giving you the who, what win,
(25:26):
where's and whys and how's. And so I'm excited about
this group that we're going to do the show with.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
I'm excited about it too. I will be watching, Thank
you very much, Jane. Really cool stuff coming up from
you and all of our friends here at NFL Network.
Cool stuff coming up with the Insiders as well. That's
Michael Pettink's junior. That's one of my favorite throws of
the entire season. Marvin Harrison junior, Caleb Williams, a lot
of really good young players to get to with. Our
(25:52):
good friend Jeffrey Chidia, who oh, by the way, joins
us next on the Insider.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
It's now official.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
The forty nine ers have acquired another pass rusher. It
is Bryce Huff, who is headed from the Philadelphia Eagles
to San Francisco for a twenty twenty six mid round
draft pick. That deal now officially agreed to pending a
physical reuniting with Robert Solo, who coached him with the Jets.
Speaking of reunions, Mike Vick is back in Flowery Branch
(26:29):
with the Falcons, spending a little bit of time right
there with Bijon Robinson, not pictured, tight end Kyle Pitts,
who's been around the facility but working.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
His way through a foot injury and not on the field.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
Extremely cautious with Kyle right now and what he's got
going on. Obviously, you know, talk about injuries this time
of year, but definitely being cautious with them so you
won't see him. He's been here, he's done such a
great job of all stuff that we've asked him. He's
been in every single meeting, He's been in every single
thing that we've done other than the field fields, and
he's been absolutely outstanding to be around.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
There have been some trade rumors around Kyle Pitts, also
trade rumors around John new Smith, whose agent Drew Rosenel said.
Speaker 1 (27:11):
On WSVN that JOHNO would definitely like to stay in Miami.
Roseennel's did not comment on Smith's reported desire for new contract.
You can probably put together the pieces right there. Caleb Williams,
entering this year two of his rookie contract with the
Chicago bears one of the names now that he has
paired up with Ben Johnson in Chicago. It appears on
(27:34):
Jeffy Jinia's list of eight young NFL players whose development
could propel their team in twenty twenty five. Jeffrey, join
us right now on the Insiders with me, Tom Pelliserro,
give me a few more, Jeffrey, who else could have
their development propel their teams this coming season.
Speaker 6 (27:49):
I'll give you a name from the defending Square Bowl champions, Tom,
and that's Nolan Smith, their third year edge rusher. You
know they lost Brandon Graham and Joshwett and Milton Wins
in that defensive line. Rice Hump is on his way
out of town now as well. A lot of pressure
now on Noel Smith to be that player they were
expecting to get. But they made him a first round
pick a couple of years ago, and he still has
(28:09):
that great speed of four to three, nine to forty
in the combine, and he came on last year, had
a quiet rookie year, but he had six and a
half sacks last year, four sacks in the postseason. The
opportunity is going to be there for him to make
a lot of big plays and they will need that
as they try to repeat this year.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
Number two on this list.
Speaker 6 (28:25):
I'm going to go to his Michael Pennix the Atlanta Falcons,
a guy who also is a first round pick. Last
year didn't play a whole lot, but got to play
at the end of the season when they bench kirk
Cousins put up ok stats fifty eight percent completion percentage,
three touchdowns, three picks. They went one and two with him,
but again kirk Cousins played his way out of this job.
The hope was that Pennicks would be able to play
(28:47):
in a couple of years, but he's going to be
in there fast, and he's got a good supporting pass
with John Robinson, Drake London and those guys, so he
needs perform in a week NFC South. And then finally,
last on my list is Marvin Harrison Junior overall pick
in last year's draft, and the guy with a big
name and a great heritage with his dad being a
Hall of Famer, had a couple hundred yard seasons, but
(29:07):
down on the stretch when this team was six and four,
they lost five to the last seven games. He did
to reach the sixty five yard mark in six of
those games. They need him to be more than just
a player who flashes. And look, they've had great players
out of Ohio State with Chris Olive, Jason Smith and
Jigba Garrett Wilson. Thiscott is supposed to be better than
all of them. I think with a full offseason with
(29:28):
Kyler Murray, he can get there.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
That was four names. There are four more at NFL
dot com. Slash you diego check out that article right now, Jeffrey,
thank you very much. A private memorial was held today
in Indianapolis for the Lake Colts owner and CEO Jim Ersay.
Luminarias such as Robert kraft on hand, Pat McAfee, as
well Bruce Arians, the former coach interim coach of the
(29:55):
Indianapolis Colts, all paying tribute to one of the unique
men in modern NFL history in terms of ownership. Plans
for a public tribute will be announced at a later date.
Jim Ers passedway last month at the age of sixty five.
The wait is over and the countdown to kickoff has
be gone. Single game tickets for the twenty twenty five
(30:17):
NFL season are on sale now. Visit NFL dot com
slash tickets to purchase tickets today. Tickets are available through
the NFL ticket network, including ticket Master, Seat Geek, and
Sports Illustrated Tickets.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Did I say tickets enough for now?
Speaker 1 (30:34):
You can't get tickets to voluntary OTAs, but they're rolling on,
including in Jacksonville.
Speaker 12 (30:40):
I think today was probably the most balanced it's been
where offense make a play, defense come back make a play.
I thought it was just a good competitive back and forth,
whereas maybe in days prior there's been more Okay, the
offense has a really good day and the defense not
and vice versa. The defense has a good day and
the offenses ticked off. Specifically myself, but you know, I
(31:04):
thought today was just a good balance of guys making
plays and then coming back, Okay, who needs to make
a play. Who's going to stop the bleeding on each side?
When maybe the offense or defense is making more.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
Welcome back to the insiders, Tom pilaicero Ian rapport join
it now by our Cameron Wolf cam new coaching staff
there with Leon Cohen, some new parts coming in here.
What does that tell us about potentially maybe some new
roles in terms of some of their key players on
that offense.
Speaker 13 (31:33):
Well, Tom, let's start with Brian Thomas Junior, because he's
still their number one wide receiver coming off in a
credible rookie year and now he's going to have a
playmaker next with Travis Hunter right next to him. But
it was interesting as you talk about Brian Thomas' year two,
Liam Cohen, their head coach, talked about playing him a
lot more in the slot, using his big body as
(31:53):
an option and choice weapon for him to go multiple options,
creating conflict on that defense. And that's a lot differer
than what he did in year one. He was primarily
a guy who played outside, ran deep, and they're going
to open up his playbook, make him more of a playmaker,
and that's going to make him even more intriguing as
a weapon for Jacksonville and for fantasy football owners as well.
And one other interesting nugget I got talking to people
(32:15):
down in Duval. Brian Thomas is naturally a little bit
more quiet and reserve. They talked about how much more
confident and comfortable he is in year two and that
the presence of Travis Hunter with all his jovial fun
has unleashed a little bit of Brian Thomas's personality and
they have been able to gel and they connect over
their fire and their competitiveness on the field. The other
(32:37):
thing Travis Etn they're running back. There's been a lot
of trade rumblings this offseason, some rumors that the Jacksonville
new staff didn't like him. Cohen said today that was
inaccurate completely. He said Travis has been great. He raved
about him in the passing game. Jacksonville has a busy
backfield with.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
Him Tank Bell.
Speaker 13 (32:54):
They drafted the guy in the fourth round, so it's
going to be a lot of touches to go around
the backfield. But Etn is part of their plan going
into the fall, and they definitely wanted to make that clear,
especially with their Week one opponent, the Carolina Panthers sporting
his brother Trevor Etn. So we get an at and
Bowl in week one.
Speaker 3 (33:12):
There we go something to look forward to, ninety four
whatever days away from kickoff. Thanks Tom for putting that
in my head. Let's keep on the Travis trade and
talk about Travis Hunter. Something that is I messed it up.
It's ninety eight right because the Thursday game. Anyway, Let's
talk about Travis Hunter, his development at OTAs. What are
we seeing out there in Jacksonville camp?
Speaker 13 (33:33):
Yeah, every day it's what side of the ball Travis
is going to be on?
Speaker 2 (33:37):
That's the big question.
Speaker 13 (33:38):
Today he was in a teal jersey, which means that
he was on the offensive side of the ball. But
he has been bouncing back and forth. From what I've
been told, he's primarily still been an offensive player playing
wide receiver, but he's now done at least two defensive practices,
and they talked about him playing on defense on Friday
and him being able to show his ability in man
coverage and zone coverage and being a natural cornerback on
(34:01):
the field. Their second secondary coach, Ron Milis, asked Lee
and Cohen after Friday's practice, can we have him more?
And so the debate the battle for Travis Hunter's time
is heated up.
Speaker 2 (34:13):
But right now.
Speaker 13 (34:14):
They're going to keep him on one side of the
ball primarily each day of OTA's and mini camp, and
maybe as we get into training camp that will change.
But he's going to be an immediate contribute at receiver
and they're going to work him in on defense. He's
been learning that playbook every day with their defensive coordinator
Anthony Cappinelli. And it's also interesting to watch this Jags
team as they transition from a man coverage heavy team
(34:36):
to a zone coverage heavy team. They have supposedly been
getting their ball hands on balls a lot more in OTAs,
creating those turnovers that they hope that translates into the
regular season.
Speaker 1 (34:47):
Ninety four days to Eagles, Cowboys in ninety seven days
Jaguars Panthers camp, thank you very much. Also ninety seven
days or shall we say Dexter Lawrence days until the
Giants open up against the Commanders. They got new quarterbacks,
Jamis Winston has a new number. Will it be new
results in New York Giants OTAs underway one of the
(35:11):
most intriguing quarterback battles of the off season. Russell Wilson
just threw that thing about.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Ninety eight yards, maybe not quite that far.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Kind of looked like it with that camera angle, connecting
right there with Jalen Hyatt and making the most of
at least one rep through the course of the voluntary
OTAs Russell Wilson said recently on the Carmelo Anthony podcast,
so far, so.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Good in the Big Apple.
Speaker 14 (35:35):
I think the opportunity here is so is so great man.
And you know, I don't mind the lights. You know
what I mean, I don't mind the I don't mind
the you know that part of it. I think the
other part of me most importantly though, of all of that,
is I've been here before. You know, when you walk
into a stadium into a locker room and you know,
(35:55):
like my locker is the same locker I had when
I won the Super Bowl, And so for me, when
I see that, I'm like when I walk into that stadium,
I'm like, I've been here before, like not just been here,
but like like we did this before.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
Welcome back to the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Tom Pelasero, Ian Rappaport, and Mark Ross Okay, Mark Russell
Wilson says the lights don't bother him. He's back in
that locker where he won the Super Bowl a dozen
or so years ago. Here, what does it all mean
in your mind in terms of how this quarterback competition
with him Jamis Winston Jackson Dark plays out.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Yeah, I don't think very much. Look, I don't have
any doubt.
Speaker 5 (36:33):
Russell Wilson has been a star for a long time,
going back to his college days and the two sport
athlete and going to Wisconsin and then winning the Super Bowl,
as he said right there using the same locker. So
I don't think the off the field stuff. He's been
a consummate pro will bother him. It's on the field,
and he's on his fourth team in the last five years,
and Jameis Winston, the guy he's competing with, on his
(36:54):
third team in the last three and I think both
of them are really past their prime. And the Giants
are have a great chance to win with either one
of these guys. And to me, this season is really
about Jackson Dart and whether Russell Wilson wins the job
or Jamis Winston, whoever's been promised. It's about when do
you put Jackson Dart in the game to play this season?
(37:15):
Because when you look at the Giants schedule, it is
absolutely brutal, and that Week five game at New Orleans
is really the only one you're looking at and say, yeah,
they got a realistic chance of winning that. But outside
of that, this seems it's going to be a long
year for the Giants. I know they've talked about giving
Jackson Dart the whole entire season to get ready, but
I just can't see there anyway. If Russell gets out
(37:36):
there and he struggles, why you would not go to
Jackson Dart and instead go to Jamis Winston. I think
Jamis whoever wins the job, the second guy who loses
it is.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
Kind of out of place.
Speaker 5 (37:45):
It's really about the bridge quarterback I and then getting
Jackson Dart ready to get in there for this year
or the foreseeable future.
Speaker 3 (37:54):
I've no doubt that Russell Wilson, want you know, is
ready for the Lights and wants to let them for this.
This is what he's been dying for, be trying to
get to the New York Giants for I don't know,
five years or probably more. Now he is finally here,
and this is a very good thing for Russell Wilson
Dot assuming he plays well, because the other part of
the Bright Lights is that when it goes wrong, it's
(38:16):
extremely hard. There's a lot of media, there's talk radio,
there's TV. It gets really harsh. There's a lot to
wet stand. And then you've got to go out and
play a game the next weekend. And yes, it is
to win in New York is amazing. To lose in
New York. It has got to be one of the
hardest things for an athlete. And if you're Russell Wilson
and you really are trying to have that final act
to your career, trying to lead the Giants system win,
(38:38):
trying to hold off a rookie, maybe the whole season,
but at the least as long as possible. You have
to be able to deal not just with the bright lights,
but all the bad stuff that come with the bright lights.
It is going to be a challenge as for sure,
as hard, probably harder than it was for Russ Wilson
last year. He is in for it, but if he succeeds,
no doubt he will have earned it.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
That Super Bowl feels like eons ago, and it sort
of was. It's literally twelve years ago in New York
and you had to remember, how was that team constructed?
It wasn't the Russell Wilson Show. It was one of
the greatest defenses that we've ever seen. It was Percy
Harvin having a big kick return in that game. He
was having a big thide running back in Marshawn Lynz.
They got him one of those Campskataboo now member of
(39:22):
the New York Giants. Here, can they harness all those
different things and elevate Russell Wilson. That's probably as Mark
was saying, the point at which were in his career.
If not, then at some point you're probably looking to
that young talented guy that you trade it up to
get with his second first round pick. Mark, Thank you
very much, look forward to talking with you again soon.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
Still more to come here.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
On The Insiders, Saquon Barkley told us that for the
Madden cover, they actually did have him up on a
harness and on wires. But can he do this again?
Could anything actually top that? We've got some rejected Madden
covers for you next. Give more of the NFL with
(40:08):
NFL Plus. Stay connected throughout the offseason with twenty four
to seven football news and coverage on NFL Network and
with NFL plus Premium. Relive your favorite moments from the
twenty twenty four season with game replays and access to
NFL players stance with NFL Pro Plus. Every episode of
The Insider is just gonna mention that too. Subscribe today
at plus dot NFL dot com. Terms and conditions apply
(40:32):
ninety four days away from the start of the twenty
twenty five season, with the Eagles going up against the Cowboys.
You don't have to wait that long to play EA
Sports Madden twenty six, which will have Sakwon Barkley on
the cover.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
He joined us a short time ago, told us yes,
next it did.
Speaker 1 (40:48):
Haven't been a harness to recreate it. That's how freaky
the backwards leap was last season. Here still a phenomenal athlete,
which also raised the question ian for certain people in
the far reaches the internet, what are some other cover
options that would have potentially been usable?
Speaker 2 (41:05):
What do you think of this.
Speaker 1 (41:06):
One with I'm on rass Saint Brown doing the upside
down pencil dance here?
Speaker 3 (41:11):
I think that would have been amazing. And he's actually
not the star. I mean, his teammates watching in awe
as he stands on his head and just celebrating. That
would have been a good one. I can't beat take
one that added really is that was the all time
had to be this year now, this one time. Look,
we as much debate as we had about the toush push,
(41:33):
this one being the non toush push, the tush push leap.
This is a no for me, dog, I'm out on
this one.
Speaker 1 (41:42):
It makes you wonder can the officials award a touchdown
for continued infractions in the Madden video game?
Speaker 2 (41:48):
If not, I want that rectified.
Speaker 1 (41:50):
AJ Brown reading a book maybe not the right message
to send to a bunch of kids who are about
to waste their summer playing video games. Have you ever
thought about picking up a book instead? No, no, you
have not. How about the duck that wanted around out
there in Tampa? Another feature I'd like to see in
the game.
Speaker 3 (42:06):
Yeah, I mean I would say, uh oh yeah, now
this is a good one. Count me in on this one.
The hail Mary waving to his own fans. Let's just say,
Steve his own yeah, cow me. This this would have
been you know, it just should have been Tom back
coover back cover b side.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
Greatest turning point in the season right there, and all
of this one. I think we can all agree this
is the cover that you'd want to see. Will that
everyone ratings stand well, it probably depends on what time
of day and if he Ian's gotten into the Bourbon yet.
Speaker 5 (42:42):
But I like it.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
I think that's a really good look. You what do
you think?
Speaker 12 (42:46):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (42:46):
I mean, we should be in the Madden Game reporting injuries.
So like, if they're gonna put us on the cover,
I would say that's probably a good start. Next time,
I would be putting us in the game.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
If it's in the game, it's in the game.
Speaker 1 (42:57):
You know I'm in the game. They did the body
scan on at the league meeting. I was in last
year's game. I assume I'm still this one. Don't even
scandy again, do they? And anyway, I'm gonna.
Speaker 2 (43:06):
Be back on the show tomorrow too. See you then,
Saguon. Barkley's first season in Philly was a ten. Now
number twenty six is also in the.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Ninety nine club.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Squon joins us tonight to talk about landing on the
new Madden cover. The Eagles hopes to go back to
back and so much more. Packers also have high hopes
for twenty twenty five, but do they need more from
their quarterback? Mark Ross will be here to tell you
what he wants to see from Jordan Love as a
third year starter. Other teams are counting on some second
(00:38):
year leaps even from players a clear day pretty high
bar as rookies. JEF Virginia will break down whose arrow
is pointed up? But first us welcome inside with the
insiders alongside Ian Rappaport, I am Tom Peliicero.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
It is June second. We are ninety four.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Days away from kickoff to the twenty five NFL season,
and for the first time on this show we can
officially say we will be in training camps next month.
For now, we are still in the voluntary portion of
the calendar for OTAs. And look who des signed to
get off the boat and walk onto the field.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
It is Stefan Diggs.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
The Patriots veteran wide receiver making an appearance at OTA's today.
They signed into a three year, sixty three point five
million dollar deal back in March. Again, this is a
voluntary portion of the calendar here Ian but number one,
no brace on Stefan Diggs. That certainly seems like a
good sign at this point in his recovery from the.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Torn acl A. Number two.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
Let's just say, showing up today probably could be filed
on what Mike Rabel might say is a good decision.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
Right, And I would say, look, OTAs are not mandatory.
We know that there's plenty of players we're gonna talk
about him in a second who have not shown up
to voluntary OTAs, and it is totally fine Stefan Diggs
showing up today felt about history as they could be. After,
of course, the viral video over the last several days
of Stefan Diggs on a boat with many women, including
(02:07):
Cardi b including an envelope with some pink stuff that
I don't have any idea what that is, and you
would hope that he doesn't either. But that's a whole
different conversation for a whole different day. Mike Frable addressed
this last week, saying he was aware of the viral video.
Talks to his players every day, but yeah, they want
the players to make sound decisions. Him showing up, him
getting in line, him expressing what, of course he needed
(02:30):
to express to the team right to their faces, was
all very good thing. Now, my understanding is the team
does not plan to cut Stefan Diggs. He's a very
good player. They intend to pay him a lot of money.
They haven't yet. They intend to pay him a lot
of money, especially after he passed the physical from his
ACL recovery. He does seem to be on track. This
is a player they want to keep, want to be
(02:51):
making plays for them. That's why they signed him in
free agency to such fanfare. Just got to be better,
and this was a step in the right direction for Diggs.
It's certainly something the Patriots welcome.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I was gonna do a few guys now, though, that
are not currently at the voluntary OTAs, including one who
certainly has strong reasons for not being there. Trey Hendrickson
not present with the Cincinnati Bengals during OTAs. He showed
up a couple of weeks ago to an open practice
made abudly clear that he's not going to play on
his current contract, which owes him sixteen million dollars this year.
(03:26):
There have been ongoing talks ian, but they're not there
yet on a new deal. Next big checkpoint comes next
week when coach Zach Tiller has already made clear Trey
Hendrickson doesn't show up, he's getting fined.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Not the only edge rushers seeking a new deal, not
President at Otz. This one's been a lot quieter than
Trey Henderson. Hendrickson has been on all of the shows.
Pat mcabee went to his locker, all of the things
to express his discomfort. TJ Watt. All he's done is
take to Instagram and offer the peace sign. What he
wants is more years on his contract, wants more money,
(03:59):
believes he has earned it. I wouldn't be surprised if
the deal goods done before the season, but we are
not there yet, So no TJ. Watt for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
You know, Michaeh Parson's also in line for a deal
in the off season of the pass rusher. He's been
with the Cowboys on and off, which is kind of
how Micah has been. Brian Schottenheimer said Micah was not
present last week. But this is part of again the
process Parsons has gone through in the past. There's no
question that Parsons expects to get a top of market
(04:30):
type of contract. For the moment, he is still due
a little over twenty four million dollars on his fifth
year option. We also got seeing Kirk Cousins with the Falcons.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Recently.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
We came up to yet another check boy among many
ian through the course of safseason, which is June first,
at which point any trades that occur after this you
can spread out the remaining cap hit over two years,
push it out into twenty twenty six. Though that doesn't
necessarily mean at this point that a Kirk Cousins straight
is in there.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Now it does not feel like good Kirk Cousins treads
him and it now. If the Pittsburgh Steelers do not
end up signing Aaron Rodgers, if he decides to retire
and wait for another team or something, then I would
say we would be looking very quickly at Kirk Cousins
and the Pittsburgh Steelers. But until it, unless that happens,
it does seem like this situation is going to be
right where it is, which is Kirk Cousins not that
(05:21):
thrilled to this situation, but much much richer because the
Falcons arenna end up giving him a hundred million dollars,
plus all of that has been guaranteed for his blockbuster
contract that had him as the starter for less than
one season. And look, it's weird Tom to have a
backup that makes over twenty million dollars. It almost never
happens this one to me, And you know this has
(05:43):
always made sense. They are already paying him. And the
only thing that really matters, assuming everyone can get along
inside the building, which you know you would hope would
be the case where he Morris is a very good
culture builder, the only thing that really matters is if
Michael Pennix gets hurt, can someone step in and win
games behind him? Kirk Cousins is now an excellent backup
quarterback unless there's some sort of quarterback injury that would
(06:05):
trigger something. I don't see that changing.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
No reason to think they'd release Kirk Cousins either, certainly
not after getting to this point in the offseason. However,
same rules apply to cuts after June first, you can
spread out that cap hit over two years. Teams also
could designate certain releases to be post June one cap cuts.
You know these names, Aaron Rodgers, Davon Hargrave, Dalvin Tomlins,
and some of these guys already have new teams. However,
(06:32):
as of this morning, now they've gotten that additional salary
cap relief for the releasing teams, which is substantial when
you're talking about guys like Aaron Rodgers. The Lions also
gained some cap space today, but certainly not space that
they were looking to get. Frank Ragnow, the former All
Pro center, announcing on Instagram earlier today he is officially
(06:54):
retiring from the NFL. He said in part that he's
tried to convince himself I'm feeling good, but I'm not
and it's time to prioritize my health and my family's future.
That is certainly significant in the scope of the NFC North.
The Lions have had a lot of attrition in terms
of the coaching staff. They've had a lot of attrition
in terms of some of the player movement as well.
(07:16):
Losen Frank greg Now in early June is definitely another
thing that is going to weigh on exactly what direction
things go for them in twenty twenty five. Of course,
it was a very competitive division last year with the Lions,
with the Vikings, and with the Green Bay Packers. Jordan
Love is a player who Matt Lafleur was asked about
(07:36):
last week and up and down twenty twenty four season four,
the entire Packers team. Jordan Love got hurt in that
kickoff game in Brazil, missed a little bit of time,
was able to come back, and that's at least part
of the reason that perhaps Jordan Love didn't have the
breakout second season under center.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I think there's like a narrative out there that, for
whatever reason that he wasn't as productive as the year before. Well,
I mean he missed significant time. He missed the better
of three games. Really it was Indy, it was Tennessee,
he went out in Jacksonville, and then he went out
(08:16):
in Chicago. So you know that's gonna three games is
a significant amount of time.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
That's a very kind way for Matt Laflora to say, Yeah,
don't ask me a question like that again. Let's welcome
in our Mark Ross to the conversation here. Mark, you've
watched Jordan Love, you saw him in year one and
what they were able to do last year there were
those bumps in the road, a lot of them health related.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
When you look at Jordan Love, what did you see?
What are you hoping to get out of him? If
you're the Packers in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 5 (08:47):
Well, first of all, Matt laflord is doing what any
good head coach does with his franchise quarterback. Same thing
happened with me with Andy Reid, Donald McNabb, no matter
how bad Donovan played, and he said, that's my fault.
Tom caff and Eli, no matter how bady I played,
Tom Coughlin took that the brun of it. That's what
Matt Laflour is doing right now with Jordan Love. And
he mentioned the injuries early, but he got hurt later
(09:08):
on in the year as well, and it seemed like
a few other games he was banged up. Jordan Loved,
that is and I just never think he got fully healthy.
And the things to me that made Jordan Love special
are his unique timing and then the playmaking moving around
in the pocket or stepping around and manipulating the pocket.
And when I watched him, he just wasn't doing that
with a whole lot of confidence in those games, and
(09:30):
particularly down the stretch.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The last six games he on.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
The highest he threw was for two hundred and twenty
nine yards versus Seattle, and then in that playoff game
against the Eagles, he was not good at all. So
there's no way that Lafloor and Jordan Love watched those
games and said, you know what, you look like the
guy that we saw last year who torched teams in
the playoffs against the Eagles, he threw for two to
twelve and three interceptions.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
So I think with Jordan.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Love coming back healthy, we'll see more of the same
Jordan Love that we saw at the end of last season,
not the one we saw at the end of of
a twenty fourth season.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Yeah, and health is so important here. You know, we
focus so much on our guy's an injury. Let's say
that's a two to four week injury, comes back in
three weeks are fun. So now he's playing rarely is
a guy absolutely fully healthy and one hundred percent ready
to go after missing time with an injury. It really
does take some time players have to get back into it.
It messes with timing, messes with a lot of things.
(10:23):
But one thing we've learned doing this as long as
we have people just forget that you're injured or maybe
don't care. And so for Jordan Love, he had a
couple of different injuries last year, was rarely healthy really
the entire season. But it's almost like when we're evaluating
how we played, we forget about that or don't care
about that. So, yes, I also would like to see
one hundred percent healthy Jordan Love continue to take some
(10:46):
steps that he seemed to be making two years ago.
Next step is to really take a team to the
next level on his shoulders. Certainly, he absolutely has the
talent to do that.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
For Green Bay, Okay, it's me move.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Beats.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
One man spends past another, leaps over a third.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
What.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Owns I ain't never see.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
No, no, we'd never seen anything like that. Now they're
seeing it. On the cover of Madden twenty six, the
official cover athlete for this year is Saquon Barkley, and
he's with us right now on the Insiders with me,
Tom Pellicero and Brian Baldiger. Saquon, congrats, man, I know
(11:40):
this is a dream for a lot of people. Everybody
you know plays this game, all the players in the
league played here. When you got that call, what's that
moment like to you.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
Oh yeah, when you get that call, you kind of
you don't know what to expect, right, and they actually
do you want to be part of Madding Cover? And
I don't know if anyone's ever turned that down. I
definitely wasn't going to turn that down to own retune.
But like you said, I know so many people and
so many kids out dream and would love to be
in a position I am right now. And I remember
as a kid, you know, wanted to be part of
(12:10):
Manic Cover, and then so many great players that have
been part of Mannic Cover, and now to be mentioned
and have my name attached with those guys, you know,
it just words really can't describe.
Speaker 8 (12:19):
And you ware of the ninety nine to two saque
that's the Madden rating for you can't get any higher
than that. I got to ask you, I mean, as
far as you know, is that backwards leap is it
in the game this year's saque? I mean, can somebody
actually dial that leap up? Right now?
Speaker 6 (12:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (12:36):
So funny story about that I was able to When
I was creating the shot for the cover, we had
a conversation about me doing the backwards leap and they
had a person do it before, and you know, they
took it out because they were like, no one's ever
going to actually do this in a game. And when
I did it, that's why they were able to turn
(12:57):
it over so fast because theyready had the animation for
it to do the backwards leap. So yes, it was
in the game last year and it will be in
the game this year.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
So hang on, show that show that shot of making
it making the cover real quick against Saquon, because it
almost looks like you were suspended in air for a
couple of seconds. Are you on like the Broadway high wire?
Are they holding you up? Or you actually have this
type of body.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Control right here.
Speaker 7 (13:23):
I would love to say I actually had that body control,
but I was just belying to you. I was strapped
in there and they're pulling me up, and you know,
I will say this though, that's when I realized the
play that I had when you know, I jumped over
with someone backwards, how special it was. When when we
had to recreate it, I was like, I don't know
(13:43):
if I feel comfortable doing this, Uh, just you know,
not in the midst of the game and we had
to put the wires on and do it.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
It made me realize how special the play.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
It was and made me grow so much more respect
for any superhero, spider Man, Superman, any of those guys,
as those actors or actresses that have to put that
on and perform. Shout out, Shout out to them.
Speaker 8 (14:06):
Let's say, Cony, it's been an unbelievable season. I mean,
you put up two thousand plus yards, you win the
super Bowl, the super Bowl is on your twenty eighth birthday,
and now you're on the cover of Madden. Like, what
else is going to happen in twenty twenty twenty five
for your sake? One, we got other news that's going
to be breaking here that can outdo any of these
(14:27):
other feats that you've accomplished this year.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
I don't know.
Speaker 7 (14:31):
I don't think we do as of now, but I
think you just mentioned it was a hell of a year.
Is a year that you dream about, is the year
that you trained for, And the beauty of it is
you have another opportunity to do it again. And that's
what the mindset kind of shifts to is learn from it.
Even though you had a great year, there's so many
plays and so many things I could continue to prove on.
(14:52):
You got to be obsessed with the little details and
locking into taking your game to another level. And when
it gets to the this point, it might only move
the needle a little bit, but anytime you can move
to leap the needle is going to help you. So
that's what the mindset is, not only for myself but
for our team is Yes, we did it. You know,
we reached to top of Mount Everest, but now we
(15:13):
all got to go back down and you know, try
to work away back up.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
There's a lot of physical, mental, emotional hurdles just with
the condensed timeframe of the offseason. You lose like a
normal five weeks of off season time. Then of course
you got parades, you got celebrations and all the other
things here. It can have a real weight on people.
If you consulted anybody who's won a Super Bowl. But oh, okay,
how do I do this from every perspective and get
(15:38):
back there again?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:40):
I mean I've been super blessed. And I was saying
this before, like I there's really not any legendary running
back or player I can't reach out to. And to me,
that's super cool because I'm a big fan of the
game and the history of the game, and you know,
just reaching out to them and learning how they continue
to get better when you make it to that level.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
But the biggest thing for.
Speaker 7 (16:03):
Me would be with my mentor and trainer, Ryan Flaherty.
He kind of told me that I need to take
it all in, like I need to celebrate. I tend to,
you know, try to move on things too quick, but
you know, I had to take a little bit of
time to you know, realize like what I had the
year prior and just the goals and all the things
(16:24):
that I had and the records I set.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
You got to appreciate that.
Speaker 7 (16:27):
You gotta you know, you got to take that in
and celebrate with your family and your friends, and then
once you do that, you can put it to bed
and move on. So that's probably the biggest thing for me.
It's just appreciating and realizing what you did. Now learn
from it and try to get better.
Speaker 8 (16:41):
Sick when I dropped in on last week's OTA on Wednesday,
the indoor practice when it was raining outside, and I
was telling people and this is for Eagle fans out there,
sake one that as you know, are nuts.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
But that was a.
Speaker 8 (16:55):
Spirited OTA practice sake one, like the energy level. I
know it was indoors, but it felt like you guys
are hungry, Like it was a great turnout, It was
a great practice, and it just moves at a clip
like it's almost like everybody knows what they need to do.
Like I know it's a new offense in some ways,
(17:16):
Kevin Pittulo is going to be calling the plays, but
he's been there. Like, give me the feel of what
it's been like so far, just off season from and
I'm getting ready for the next year.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
It's been great. It's been great.
Speaker 7 (17:28):
We got guys coming in, buying in training really hard,
competing at a high level. The young guys that we
drafted and we brought in, you know, they're buying into
the culture right from the beginning. But the best way
I can answer that question is success is not accident.
We know the recipe, we know what we know what
it takes, so we can't skip any any steps to
get to where we want to get to. And last
(17:50):
OTA's it was the same thing. And we already know
how training camp is going to be, and we know
how it's going to be during the season. Like I said,
we know the recipe and We just got to try
to stick to it and a little bit of luck
when you know that comes in with staying healthy. If
we do that, with the talent that we have and
the coaches that we have, would be in a good position.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Last thing for you, quick sake.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
One you said when they first called you, they said,
do you want to be a part of the Madden cover?
The only reason I can think of that anybody would
have pause in that moment would be the curse. It's
the Madden curse. Are you a believer in curses? Does
that factor into your headspace at all as you get
that call and know that your face is going to
be on that game.
Speaker 7 (18:27):
Nah, I'm a believer in God. That's my mindset to
be good, play honest. And I've had injuries before. I
tore my knee. I've stepped on a foot and rolled
my ankle. Was out for four to six weeks and
there was no curse then. And that's just how life works.
You're gonna have your ups and downs. But my mindset
is coming in work, do what I need to do,
(18:48):
and the rest is in God's hands.
Speaker 1 (18:52):
Sakeue, As Baldy was saying, it's been a heck of
a year for you man, keep it rolling. Can't wait
to see you out there on the field again in September.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
Thank you so much, appreciate you guys.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Thanks Akeuon Sa Kwan Barkley Madden twenty six cover athlete
and just ninety four days away from being back on
the field.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
September fourth.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
It is Cowboys and Eagles in the kickoff game.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Well Brian shaw Neimer of MICHAELH. Parsons on the other
side of the ball in that game.
Speaker 9 (19:21):
He was here last week, had lunch with him, actually
bumped into him in the airport. He was going to
do some traveling. So I have not seen him yet
this week. But again, my big thing with all the guys,
whether they're here or not, is you can get great
working and you can get ready and you can be
mentally prepared. But you know, whether you're Mic who's not
(19:41):
here here in and out, whether you're DAK, doesn't really matter.
You know, it's just put your work in, get ready.
There's a lot of ways get ready and prepared.
Speaker 3 (19:50):
Tims the season to say, is everyone in the building,
have they showed up, have you met with them? Why
are they practicing? That's where we're at in the calendar
right now, Jane Slater, welcome inside with the insiders. A
lot to get to with mikeh Parsions, but we're not
going to start there right now. What is happening now
with the Cowboys and you can tell me a little
more about this. I know that is some new faces
(20:12):
and new places. So why don't you introduce me to
some Cowboys that maybe we may not know, especially on
the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 10 (20:22):
One of my favorite things that coaches often say Ian
is we're focusing on the guys that are inside the building,
and when we focus on defense, one of the areas
that the Cowboys are still trying to shore up, I
believe is their cornerback position. There are issues last year
really found themselves in the problem areas as it related
to depth and a consistency and tackling consistency and dealing
(20:44):
with some of the man coverage that they were getting.
I mean, we start looking at this league and some
of the NFC East opponents, they've got real yard after
catch threats, and so that's why I think they're kind
of moving some of.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
These guys around.
Speaker 10 (20:57):
You know, Ibra Flus, who's now the defensive coordinator wants
fast and physical guys. Now we've seen them guse Izzy
Mukuamu their safety as their cornerback at times, especially in
Big Nickel looks. He's got these six to four long arms.
He's really disruptive in some of those passing lanes. They're
using him there a little bit at corner because right now,
(21:17):
when you look at this corner back depth, there's not
a lot right now. I mean, you've got Deron Bland,
who last year, you know he's shown you flashies. He's
got the nine interceptions, the five pick six, but he
got exposed when Diggs went down in week three and
talking to some folks around Treyvon Diggs, it does still
feel like while he is working in the weight room
and he's starting to get to some more position specific moves,
(21:41):
he's still a little bit of a ways away. You've
also got Sevonn Rubbell. I got to make sure I
get his name right because people have been saying his
name wrong. He's also the rookie that they drafted at corner.
They have been obviously they know what they're getting with him,
but he's still a ways away. You've got kayir A
Leam that they are hoping could come in there them
out with the outside. But that's why you hear Jalen
(22:02):
Ramsey's name getting kicked around as it relates to Dallas.
In some of my conversations, it doesn't sound like there's
too much fire there. Of course, there's been some smoke.
One person in the building told me I wouldn't rule
it out necessarily, but talking to people close to Jalen Ramsey,
it doesn't sound like the Cowboys some of the folks
that I spolks you have made any meaningful context about him,
(22:24):
And when you've heard his name mentioned in there, it's
just been said, look, he's a possibility that the Cowboys
could go after. It doesn't seem like they've had any
meaningful moves in that direction, but I wouldn't rule it
out either well.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
And one thing about this offseason, like every trade room
about the Cowboys say they could never do, and then
they pulled some like real trades and interesting ones as
well with free agency, maybe not as fruitful as you'd want,
plenty of trades to help stock up this Cowboys roster.
One player was brought over in free agency, Dante Fowler, junior,
former high pick, signing one year up to eight million
(22:58):
dollar deal. Where do we see Fowler contributing here, Jane
with the Cowboys.
Speaker 10 (23:05):
Well, remember I talked about Maddy Burfluse liking that fast,
physical defense. Well he gets speed with Dante Fowler. Now,
when you talk to Dante Fowler, what I like about
him is his vulnerability and transparency. He said, he's always
been a little bit of a late bloomer. But last
year in Washington, one of his most productive seasons. He said,
things really starting to click. He had ten and a
(23:26):
half sex having him back, you know, DeMarcus Lawrence no
longer with the Cowboys. You've got Sam Williams coming back,
You've got Marshawn Neeland. It'll be good to have a
veteran presence in there. Also, interestingly enough, his first defensive
line coach was Aaron at Whitecotton. He is now the
defensive line coach for the Cowboys. So you know he's
interested in getting him in the building. But if you noticed,
(23:46):
a lot of the moves that they made this offseason
were really about bolstering the defensive line. You know, I
kept telling you even leading up to the draft when
they drafted an offensive lineman, they really believe that it
starts from the inside and then goes out words. They're
building up the trenches and so Dante Fowler is just
a piece of that puzzle.
Speaker 3 (24:06):
One more thing, Jane, before I'll let you go, and
this is not Cowboys related at all. But Thursday, Frida,
you were hosting all female cast of GMFB housych are you.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Well?
Speaker 10 (24:21):
At first, I thought you were going to roast me,
because I was I got got by the internet Saquon Barkley.
I was convinced, given some of the things that we've
seen endgame, that maybe he did that backward jump move
without a harness. I kept looking to see if there
was a harness. I can't trust anything on the internet,
so I thought you were going to roast me. Thanks
for being kind, but I am excited about doing this show.
(24:43):
I will be the first to tell you I'm not
one of those that loves playing into the women's trope
or all women's are putting yourself in categories because when
I started, there really weren't that many women covering the league.
We had Sharen Williams here in Dallas, who I looked
up to, and now it's really excited to see so
many women in locker rooms and press conference rooms, and
I think that's a testament to our hiring managers. But
(25:05):
a lot of the coaches and the players who have
gotten used to it, and more importantly, the girls that
I work with, they show up prepared, they ask the
right questions. And what I love when I always get
the knock, well you didn't play football. Well a lot
of the beat writers that cover these teams don't either, Ian.
I consider myself a reporter. I'm not telling you how
to play the game. I'm giving you the who, what win,
(25:26):
where's and whys and how's. And so I'm excited about
this group that we're going to do the show with.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
I'm excited about it too. I will be watching, Thank
you very much, Jane. Really cool stuff coming up from
you and all of our friends here at NFL Network.
Cool stuff coming up with the Insiders as well. That's
Michael Pettink's junior. That's one of my favorite throws of
the entire season. Marvin Harrison junior, Caleb Williams, a lot
of really good young players to get to with. Our
(25:52):
good friend Jeffrey Chidia, who oh, by the way, joins
us next on the Insider.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
It's now official.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
The forty nine ers have acquired another pass rusher. It
is Bryce Huff, who is headed from the Philadelphia Eagles
to San Francisco for a twenty twenty six mid round
draft pick. That deal now officially agreed to pending a
physical reuniting with Robert Solo, who coached him with the Jets.
Speaking of reunions, Mike Vick is back in Flowery Branch
(26:29):
with the Falcons, spending a little bit of time right
there with Bijon Robinson, not pictured, tight end Kyle Pitts,
who's been around the facility but working.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
His way through a foot injury and not on the field.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
Extremely cautious with Kyle right now and what he's got
going on. Obviously, you know, talk about injuries this time
of year, but definitely being cautious with them so you
won't see him. He's been here, he's done such a
great job of all stuff that we've asked him. He's
been in every single meeting, He's been in every single
thing that we've done other than the field fields, and
he's been absolutely outstanding to be around.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
There have been some trade rumors around Kyle Pitts, also
trade rumors around John new Smith, whose agent Drew Rosenel said.
Speaker 1 (27:11):
On WSVN that JOHNO would definitely like to stay in Miami.
Roseennel's did not comment on Smith's reported desire for new contract.
You can probably put together the pieces right there. Caleb Williams,
entering this year two of his rookie contract with the
Chicago bears one of the names now that he has
paired up with Ben Johnson in Chicago. It appears on
(27:34):
Jeffy Jinia's list of eight young NFL players whose development
could propel their team in twenty twenty five. Jeffrey, join
us right now on the Insiders with me, Tom Pelliserro,
give me a few more, Jeffrey, who else could have
their development propel their teams this coming season.
Speaker 6 (27:49):
I'll give you a name from the defending Square Bowl champions, Tom,
and that's Nolan Smith, their third year edge rusher. You
know they lost Brandon Graham and Joshwett and Milton Wins
in that defensive line. Rice Hump is on his way
out of town now as well. A lot of pressure
now on Noel Smith to be that player they were
expecting to get. But they made him a first round
pick a couple of years ago, and he still has
(28:09):
that great speed of four to three, nine to forty
in the combine, and he came on last year, had
a quiet rookie year, but he had six and a
half sacks last year, four sacks in the postseason. The
opportunity is going to be there for him to make
a lot of big plays and they will need that
as they try to repeat this year.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
Number two on this list.
Speaker 6 (28:25):
I'm going to go to his Michael Pennix the Atlanta Falcons,
a guy who also is a first round pick. Last
year didn't play a whole lot, but got to play
at the end of the season when they bench kirk
Cousins put up ok stats fifty eight percent completion percentage,
three touchdowns, three picks. They went one and two with him,
but again kirk Cousins played his way out of this job.
The hope was that Pennicks would be able to play
(28:47):
in a couple of years, but he's going to be
in there fast, and he's got a good supporting pass
with John Robinson, Drake London and those guys, so he
needs perform in a week NFC South. And then finally,
last on my list is Marvin Harrison Junior overall pick
in last year's draft, and the guy with a big
name and a great heritage with his dad being a
Hall of Famer, had a couple hundred yard seasons, but
(29:07):
down on the stretch when this team was six and four,
they lost five to the last seven games. He did
to reach the sixty five yard mark in six of
those games. They need him to be more than just
a player who flashes. And look, they've had great players
out of Ohio State with Chris Olive, Jason Smith and
Jigba Garrett Wilson. Thiscott is supposed to be better than
all of them. I think with a full offseason with
(29:28):
Kyler Murray, he can get there.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
That was four names. There are four more at NFL
dot com. Slash you diego check out that article right now, Jeffrey,
thank you very much. A private memorial was held today
in Indianapolis for the Lake Colts owner and CEO Jim Ersay.
Luminarias such as Robert kraft on hand, Pat McAfee, as
well Bruce Arians, the former coach interim coach of the
(29:55):
Indianapolis Colts, all paying tribute to one of the unique
men in modern NFL history in terms of ownership. Plans
for a public tribute will be announced at a later date.
Jim Ers passedway last month at the age of sixty five.
The wait is over and the countdown to kickoff has
be gone. Single game tickets for the twenty twenty five
(30:17):
NFL season are on sale now. Visit NFL dot com
slash tickets to purchase tickets today. Tickets are available through
the NFL ticket network, including ticket Master, Seat Geek, and
Sports Illustrated Tickets.
Speaker 2 (30:31):
Did I say tickets enough for now?
Speaker 1 (30:34):
You can't get tickets to voluntary OTAs, but they're rolling on,
including in Jacksonville.
Speaker 12 (30:40):
I think today was probably the most balanced it's been
where offense make a play, defense come back make a play.
I thought it was just a good competitive back and forth,
whereas maybe in days prior there's been more Okay, the
offense has a really good day and the defense not
and vice versa. The defense has a good day and
the offenses ticked off. Specifically myself, but you know, I
(31:04):
thought today was just a good balance of guys making
plays and then coming back, Okay, who needs to make
a play. Who's going to stop the bleeding on each side?
When maybe the offense or defense is making more.
Speaker 1 (31:16):
Welcome back to the insiders, Tom pilaicero Ian rapport join
it now by our Cameron Wolf cam new coaching staff
there with Leon Cohen, some new parts coming in here.
What does that tell us about potentially maybe some new
roles in terms of some of their key players on
that offense.
Speaker 13 (31:33):
Well, Tom, let's start with Brian Thomas Junior, because he's
still their number one wide receiver coming off in a
credible rookie year and now he's going to have a
playmaker next with Travis Hunter right next to him. But
it was interesting as you talk about Brian Thomas' year two,
Liam Cohen, their head coach, talked about playing him a
lot more in the slot, using his big body as
(31:53):
an option and choice weapon for him to go multiple options,
creating conflict on that defense. And that's a lot differer
than what he did in year one. He was primarily
a guy who played outside, ran deep, and they're going
to open up his playbook, make him more of a playmaker,
and that's going to make him even more intriguing as
a weapon for Jacksonville and for fantasy football owners as well.
And one other interesting nugget I got talking to people
(32:15):
down in Duval. Brian Thomas is naturally a little bit
more quiet and reserve. They talked about how much more
confident and comfortable he is in year two and that
the presence of Travis Hunter with all his jovial fun
has unleashed a little bit of Brian Thomas's personality and
they have been able to gel and they connect over
their fire and their competitiveness on the field. The other
(32:37):
thing Travis Etn they're running back. There's been a lot
of trade rumblings this offseason, some rumors that the Jacksonville
new staff didn't like him. Cohen said today that was
inaccurate completely. He said Travis has been great. He raved
about him in the passing game. Jacksonville has a busy
backfield with.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
Him Tank Bell.
Speaker 13 (32:54):
They drafted the guy in the fourth round, so it's
going to be a lot of touches to go around
the backfield. But Etn is part of their plan going
into the fall, and they definitely wanted to make that clear,
especially with their Week one opponent, the Carolina Panthers sporting
his brother Trevor Etn. So we get an at and
Bowl in week one.
Speaker 3 (33:12):
There we go something to look forward to, ninety four
whatever days away from kickoff. Thanks Tom for putting that
in my head. Let's keep on the Travis trade and
talk about Travis Hunter. Something that is I messed it up.
It's ninety eight right because the Thursday game. Anyway, Let's
talk about Travis Hunter, his development at OTAs. What are
we seeing out there in Jacksonville camp?
Speaker 13 (33:33):
Yeah, every day it's what side of the ball Travis
is going to be on?
Speaker 2 (33:37):
That's the big question.
Speaker 13 (33:38):
Today he was in a teal jersey, which means that
he was on the offensive side of the ball. But
he has been bouncing back and forth. From what I've
been told, he's primarily still been an offensive player playing
wide receiver, but he's now done at least two defensive practices,
and they talked about him playing on defense on Friday
and him being able to show his ability in man
coverage and zone coverage and being a natural cornerback on
(34:01):
the field. Their second secondary coach, Ron Milis, asked Lee
and Cohen after Friday's practice, can we have him more?
And so the debate the battle for Travis Hunter's time
is heated up.
Speaker 2 (34:13):
But right now.
Speaker 13 (34:14):
They're going to keep him on one side of the
ball primarily each day of OTA's and mini camp, and
maybe as we get into training camp that will change.
But he's going to be an immediate contribute at receiver
and they're going to work him in on defense. He's
been learning that playbook every day with their defensive coordinator
Anthony Cappinelli. And it's also interesting to watch this Jags
team as they transition from a man coverage heavy team
(34:36):
to a zone coverage heavy team. They have supposedly been
getting their ball hands on balls a lot more in OTAs,
creating those turnovers that they hope that translates into the
regular season.
Speaker 1 (34:47):
Ninety four days to Eagles, Cowboys in ninety seven days
Jaguars Panthers camp, thank you very much. Also ninety seven
days or shall we say Dexter Lawrence days until the
Giants open up against the Commanders. They got new quarterbacks,
Jamis Winston has a new number. Will it be new
results in New York Giants OTAs underway one of the
(35:11):
most intriguing quarterback battles of the off season. Russell Wilson
just threw that thing about.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Ninety eight yards, maybe not quite that far.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Kind of looked like it with that camera angle, connecting
right there with Jalen Hyatt and making the most of
at least one rep through the course of the voluntary
OTAs Russell Wilson said recently on the Carmelo Anthony podcast,
so far, so.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Good in the Big Apple.
Speaker 14 (35:35):
I think the opportunity here is so is so great man.
And you know, I don't mind the lights. You know
what I mean, I don't mind the I don't mind
the you know that part of it. I think the
other part of me most importantly though, of all of that,
is I've been here before. You know, when you walk
into a stadium into a locker room and you know,
(35:55):
like my locker is the same locker I had when
I won the Super Bowl, And so for me, when
I see that, I'm like when I walk into that stadium,
I'm like, I've been here before, like not just been here,
but like like we did this before.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
Welcome back to the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Tom Pelasero, Ian Rappaport, and Mark Ross Okay, Mark Russell
Wilson says the lights don't bother him. He's back in
that locker where he won the Super Bowl a dozen
or so years ago. Here, what does it all mean
in your mind in terms of how this quarterback competition
with him Jamis Winston Jackson Dark plays out.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Yeah, I don't think very much. Look, I don't have
any doubt.
Speaker 5 (36:33):
Russell Wilson has been a star for a long time,
going back to his college days and the two sport
athlete and going to Wisconsin and then winning the Super Bowl,
as he said right there using the same locker. So
I don't think the off the field stuff. He's been
a consummate pro will bother him. It's on the field,
and he's on his fourth team in the last five years,
and Jameis Winston, the guy he's competing with, on his
(36:54):
third team in the last three and I think both
of them are really past their prime. And the Giants
are have a great chance to win with either one
of these guys. And to me, this season is really
about Jackson Dart and whether Russell Wilson wins the job
or Jamis Winston, whoever's been promised. It's about when do
you put Jackson Dart in the game to play this season?
(37:15):
Because when you look at the Giants schedule, it is
absolutely brutal, and that Week five game at New Orleans
is really the only one you're looking at and say, yeah,
they got a realistic chance of winning that. But outside
of that, this seems it's going to be a long
year for the Giants. I know they've talked about giving
Jackson Dart the whole entire season to get ready, but
I just can't see there anyway. If Russell gets out
(37:36):
there and he struggles, why you would not go to
Jackson Dart and instead go to Jamis Winston. I think
Jamis whoever wins the job, the second guy who loses
it is.
Speaker 2 (37:45):
Kind of out of place.
Speaker 5 (37:45):
It's really about the bridge quarterback I and then getting
Jackson Dart ready to get in there for this year
or the foreseeable future.
Speaker 3 (37:54):
I've no doubt that Russell Wilson, want you know, is
ready for the Lights and wants to let them for this.
This is what he's been dying for, be trying to
get to the New York Giants for I don't know,
five years or probably more. Now he is finally here,
and this is a very good thing for Russell Wilson
Dot assuming he plays well, because the other part of
the Bright Lights is that when it goes wrong, it's
(38:16):
extremely hard. There's a lot of media, there's talk radio,
there's TV. It gets really harsh. There's a lot to
wet stand. And then you've got to go out and
play a game the next weekend. And yes, it is
to win in New York is amazing. To lose in
New York. It has got to be one of the
hardest things for an athlete. And if you're Russell Wilson
and you really are trying to have that final act
to your career, trying to lead the Giants system win,
(38:38):
trying to hold off a rookie, maybe the whole season,
but at the least as long as possible. You have
to be able to deal not just with the bright lights,
but all the bad stuff that come with the bright lights.
It is going to be a challenge as for sure,
as hard, probably harder than it was for Russ Wilson
last year. He is in for it, but if he succeeds,
no doubt he will have earned it.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
That Super Bowl feels like eons ago, and it sort
of was. It's literally twelve years ago in New York
and you had to remember, how was that team constructed?
It wasn't the Russell Wilson Show. It was one of
the greatest defenses that we've ever seen. It was Percy
Harvin having a big kick return in that game. He
was having a big thide running back in Marshawn Lynz.
They got him one of those Campskataboo now member of
(39:22):
the New York Giants. Here, can they harness all those
different things and elevate Russell Wilson. That's probably as Mark
was saying, the point at which were in his career.
If not, then at some point you're probably looking to
that young talented guy that you trade it up to
get with his second first round pick. Mark, Thank you
very much, look forward to talking with you again soon.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
Still more to come here.
Speaker 1 (39:45):
On The Insiders, Saquon Barkley told us that for the
Madden cover, they actually did have him up on a
harness and on wires. But can he do this again?
Could anything actually top that? We've got some rejected Madden
covers for you next. Give more of the NFL with
(40:08):
NFL Plus. Stay connected throughout the offseason with twenty four
to seven football news and coverage on NFL Network and
with NFL plus Premium. Relive your favorite moments from the
twenty twenty four season with game replays and access to
NFL players stance with NFL Pro Plus. Every episode of
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(40:32):
ninety four days away from the start of the twenty
twenty five season, with the Eagles going up against the Cowboys.
You don't have to wait that long to play EA
Sports Madden twenty six, which will have Sakwon Barkley on
the cover.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
He joined us a short time ago, told us yes,
next it did.
Speaker 1 (40:48):
Haven't been a harness to recreate it. That's how freaky
the backwards leap was last season. Here still a phenomenal athlete,
which also raised the question ian for certain people in
the far reaches the internet, what are some other cover
options that would have potentially been usable?
Speaker 2 (41:05):
What do you think of this.
Speaker 1 (41:06):
One with I'm on rass Saint Brown doing the upside
down pencil dance here?
Speaker 3 (41:11):
I think that would have been amazing. And he's actually
not the star. I mean, his teammates watching in awe
as he stands on his head and just celebrating. That
would have been a good one. I can't beat take
one that added really is that was the all time
had to be this year now, this one time. Look,
we as much debate as we had about the toush push,
(41:33):
this one being the non toush push, the tush push leap.
This is a no for me, dog, I'm out on
this one.
Speaker 1 (41:42):
It makes you wonder can the officials award a touchdown
for continued infractions in the Madden video game?
Speaker 2 (41:48):
If not, I want that rectified.
Speaker 1 (41:50):
AJ Brown reading a book maybe not the right message
to send to a bunch of kids who are about
to waste their summer playing video games. Have you ever
thought about picking up a book instead? No, no, you
have not. How about the duck that wanted around out
there in Tampa? Another feature I'd like to see in
the game.
Speaker 3 (42:06):
Yeah, I mean I would say, uh oh yeah, now
this is a good one. Count me in on this one.
The hail Mary waving to his own fans. Let's just say,
Steve his own yeah, cow me. This this would have
been you know, it just should have been Tom back
coover back cover b side.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
Greatest turning point in the season right there, and all
of this one. I think we can all agree this
is the cover that you'd want to see. Will that
everyone ratings stand well, it probably depends on what time
of day and if he Ian's gotten into the Bourbon yet.
Speaker 5 (42:42):
But I like it.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
I think that's a really good look. You what do
you think?
Speaker 12 (42:46):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (42:46):
I mean, we should be in the Madden Game reporting injuries.
So like, if they're gonna put us on the cover,
I would say that's probably a good start. Next time,
I would be putting us in the game.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
If it's in the game, it's in the game.
Speaker 1 (42:57):
You know I'm in the game. They did the body
scan on at the league meeting. I was in last
year's game. I assume I'm still this one. Don't even
scandy again, do they? And anyway, I'm gonna.
Speaker 2 (43:06):
Be back on the show tomorrow too. See you then,
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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