August 27, 2025 • 42 mins
NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, Judy Battista and Mike Garafolo deliver the biggest football headlines of the day, Wednesday August 27. First, the quartet of reporters shares the news of Adam Thielen reuniting with the Minnesota Vikings as part of a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Then, Jane Slater joins the show with another update on what has been a lengthy saga between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys. Later, Jeff Chadiha and Mark Ross make their picks for year-two breakout players, and Bucky Brooks chimes in with a team he thinks makes a jump this season. All that and more on the latest edition of the Insiders!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
It's been a bumpy flight for Micah Parsons and the Cowboys,
and so Micah is catching the next plain out of Dallas,
not for the reason you think, at least not yet.
Our Jane Slater will be here with all the details
on exactly what comes next. The Commanders were a surprise
team a year ago, making a run all the way
to the NFC Championship Game, so who could repeat that
(00:30):
type of feat in twenty twenty five. Our experts have
some predictions as the regular season of Fast approaches. Biby
Drew Brees has a prediction too. The Saints would sure
be a surprise pick. The future Hall of Famer joins
the show tonight, and just like Breeze in his prime,
we play bigger than we actually are. Welcome inside with
(00:53):
the insiders alongside in Rapaport, Judy Battista and Mike Garafolo.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
I am Tom Pelisero.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
We are now just eight days away from kickoff between
the Eagles and the Cowboys. Right now as we stand
seven oh one Eastern, Michael Parsons is a member of
the Dallas Cowboys. But we do have some other news
on the trade front. That is where we begin tonight.
With the Vikings bringing home one of their own. Minnesota
(01:20):
native Adam Feelin, headed back to the Vikings as part
of a trade with the Carolina Panthers that had been
brewing for the past couple of weeks. Feeling expected to
take a modest pay cut to help facilitate this deal.
It took a while, though ian for Feeling to get
his wish. How and why did it get done this morning?
(01:42):
A lot of patients on both sides. Time is really
what it took to get this deal to happen.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
And look, this one made sense for all sides, right,
it really did, bringing Adam Feeling back to the Minnesota Vikings.
Were still got so many good feelings. Still knows exactly
what they're doing, still got a lot of legs left.
This one made the most sensient, you know. Look for Carolina,
they needed to get value. They just had two general
managers that knew the value of the deal and really
(02:08):
didn't move for several days. They kept talking, they kept
working at it, they kept at it, and in the end,
Adam Thielen goes from the Panthers to the Vikings in
exchange for what amounts to a fourth round pick. It's
actually a fifth round or a future fourth, and then
going back it's a seventh in a future five. It
all combines for a fourth round value that's about right.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
It helps the Minnesota make up for the loss of Jordan.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Addison early and sets us up for an exceptionally cool
story with one of the most loved Vikings in recent
years heading back to his hometown.
Speaker 5 (02:42):
Well, for the Carolina Panthers, this means the start of
a youth movement. Five of their six wide receivers are
in their first or second year. They've used first round
draft picks on wide receivers each of the last two seasons.
So Adam Feelen was going to be the old man.
He was going to probably be the fourth receiver. His
role had been diminished as they were getting younger and younger.
(03:04):
The idea in Carolina was that they wanted young receivers
to grow with Bryce young the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (03:10):
Adam Feelin was there to be the older.
Speaker 5 (03:12):
Statesman to help him get acclimated to the NFL now
that he has found his footing. They want the young
receivers to grow with their young quarterback, and that is
how they're going to go forward in Carolina.
Speaker 7 (03:24):
Yeah, up there in Minnesota you have with Dream Ronde Moore.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Now the injury to Jalen Naylor.
Speaker 7 (03:30):
Jalen Naylor, Yeah, I said that right, and also the
Jordan Adison suspension.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
To start the season, you just.
Speaker 7 (03:35):
Needed guys like you need JJ McCarthy to get off
to a great start. So you bring in Adam Thielen,
who knows the offense, who is certainly going to be
able to catch up quickly and be a guy that
can be relied upon, and get JJ McCarthy feeling pretty good.
He didn't have a rookie season pretty much, So now
you add a proven veteran to the mix, and when
you get Addison back, and when Naylor's healthy, you get
(03:56):
all these guys around him. Now you got even more targets.
So it's not even just about the start of the season.
It's about running the whole way through this with this
wide receiver group, and arguably now one, two three, when
they're all back and working together, I don't know that
there is a much better bunch that you've got around
the league. And I know some fandom a team out
there is complaining right now, but they're up there. They're
(04:17):
one of the top receiving Corps because Ian's right, Adam
Thinland does have good football left in the Vikings agree.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
At daily course from Minnesota attending college at Minnesota State.
Still works out up here in the off season where
he threw with JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Over the last couple of summers.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
So some familiarity not just with the offense but the
quarterback who's now going to be getting him the ball.
You mentioned Jordan Adison serving a three game suspension to
start the season. The Chiefs finally know when their top
receiver is going to be serving his own. Rashi Rice
earlier today officially accepting and now will serve a six
game suspension to start the twenty twenty five regular season,
(04:56):
ending would have been months of limbo and making him
eligible to return Week seven against the Raiders. I can
tell you a contrary to reports, there was ever some
agreement for Rice to play the first four games and
have a hearing on September thirtieth. That was like a
save the date type of a situation. Here a settlement
Ian always made the most sense. And while the sides
(05:17):
were very very far apart, hence the delay, they were
able to find the middle ground.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
They were far apart and My understanding is the league
basically started out with about more than ten games, maybe
even twelve games for suspending Rashi Rice for you know
what obviously was a very very serious situation.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
And what happens in these cases.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
You could say, all right, well, you know, you could
basically take this to court, right, which would be.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Not actual court but a NFL court, which would be
one option, or the.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
Two sides could come together and come up with a
common sense solution that adequately punishes Rashi Rice for something
he definitely should not have done.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
But also, you know, I would say has some level
of fairness.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
There was twelve, and then it was ten, and then
it was okay, I'll be able to play the first
couple of games while they worked this out.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
It actually behoo's everyone to get this done.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Now, by the way, is still coming back from a
major injury, certainly can use those couple games football wise
to get back to full strength and kind of get
his legs under him. But it also starts the season
as it probably should with him out the first six games.
Kansas City will have to make it happen to develop
other guys, but certainly for Rashi Rice, he is at
least pleased that this is over with and he knows
(06:24):
his situation right.
Speaker 5 (06:25):
Now, right given the seriousness of the situation. He's lucky
it ended up being only six games, and the Chiefs
are lucky it ended up being only six games. Of course,
they play next Friday night in Brazil against the Chargers.
They will be now without Rushie Rice for that game
and five more. We know that they know how to
pivot without Rushy Rice because they had to do it
(06:48):
last year when he got hurt and they had that
whole run of injuries. You remember that offense did not
look very pretty. They still won fifteen games in Kansas City.
The six games he will miss, he only misses one
division game, so that is a big break of the scheduling.
Speaker 6 (07:02):
Then do have some other significant games there.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
But he also will be back for a game against
the Bills, which of course could have major playoff implications.
Speaker 7 (07:11):
Judy, they were looking at some of the young guys
who was going to emerge, and he was the guy
within the last couple of years and the guy that
they really felt good about that was reliable with regard
to his understanding of the offense and where he needed
to be.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
So that's not going to be there.
Speaker 7 (07:25):
But they do feel like this receiver group in this
offense in general, going to be more explosive, going to
have a lot more that defense are going to have
to worry about over the top once again that maybe
we really haven't seen since they got rid of Tyreek Hill.
But they've been good enough in a lot of other
ways to get to the Super Bowl and win the
Super Bowl since then, obviously, but from an offensive standpoint,
they believe the receiver group has more weapons, guys that
(07:47):
can move around, and really I think maybe the key
is going to be Travis Kelsey saying he's locked in
because he doesn't want to go out the way that
he ended last year and feels like he has to
put it all on the field this year and get
all that underneath stuff that should really really help.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
October thirteenth, the first date that Rashi Rice officially will
be reinstated to the Chiefs ahead of that Week seven
game against the Raiders. Michaeh Parsons we mentioned off the top,
still at this point a Dallas cowboy, now twenty six
days after he requested a trade from the team amidst
non existing contract negotiations for several months now. Our Jane Slater,
(08:27):
who did some sleuthing after a photo serviced on the internet,
reported earlier today Michael Parsons was at the airport chain
not to fly to any particular other NFL destination as
part of a trade, but to get further examination on
a back issue that the Cowboys have effectively said doesn't exist.
Speaker 8 (08:48):
What do we know, Yes, when you've got mistro on
your helmet, there are eyes everywhere. I got the photos
sent to me. It took place at DFW Airport around
ten thirty this morning, and because of all all of
these trade rumors that have been percolating about Micah Parsons,
the natural thought from a lot of folks was, well,
as he headed to Green Bay, the answers, No, he
(09:09):
is going to get a second opinion on his back.
Quick refresher. He has been dealing with what he describes
as back tightness. They did an MRI on him on Sunday,
he came back clear. So the Cowboys have three days off,
they get back to practice on Friday, and it looks
like he is seeking some sort of resolution here. Ultimately, Tom,
regardless of what we do, whether it be the trade
(09:30):
at this point, or whether it be them having him
remain on this roster, figuring out if they want to
tag him at the end of the season. Jerry keeps
reminding us he is in fact under contract. But if
there is not a medical diagnosis for that back and
he decides that he's going to sit out these games,
he's looking at over a million dollars a week of
game checks that he'll be missing out on.
Speaker 9 (09:51):
And so we wait.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
We're following up on all of.
Speaker 8 (09:54):
The rumors that are on the internet. Our group chat
is certainly lit here on the Insiders, but I did
reach out to see if we've got an update on
that back, and I have not heard anything back yet.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Mike, as you said, still seeking a resolution, Jane. In
that photo looks like he's seeking his belt. You know,
when the one thing comes out of a little bin
and then it gets stuck and then you don't know
exactly where it went. Hopefully Mikah got there all the
luggage intact. We know you'll stay on top of that story,
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Jane.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
This is going to be the one driving issue as
we run down these final eight days until the season
opener between the Cowboys and the Eagles, because there is
absolutely no denying that since Micah Parsons came into the NFL,
he has been one of the most impactful defensive players
across the entire league. Yet here we stand now it
(10:41):
is August twenty seven. We have less than a week
to go. Cowboys will be back on the practice field
on Friday, Mike, and we still have no talks, Jerry
Jones still giving no indications publicly that a trade is
in the works. What do you make of where we
stand right now in Dallas?
Speaker 7 (10:59):
I make that it's time for Mike Ca Parsons to
make a decision, and that decision is am I playing
in this game? And I might going to return the
practice because now once the cuts are done and the
fifty three man rosters are set, it's all about putting
your eyes towards your Week one opponent. And Parsons, I
know he feels it, like I know he feels that
competitiveness that he wants to get back out there. He
(11:19):
feels that he wants to be out there for his teammates,
to go out there and play the defending champion NFC.
He's rivals in their building on the opening night, Like
that's what you want to be a part of that's
what MIKEAH Parsons is all about. So all that's going
to be pulling at him, and on the other side
is going to be do I want to stand my ground?
Do I want to stand on business and remain out
of action. There's a lot of reasons to get back
(11:41):
out there. It's gonna be tough for MIKEAEH. Parsons, but
I think he might be out there, And frankly, I
keep saying this, this might be what this situation needs.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
The kickstart talks.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, and look, if Mike Caparsons is going to be
out there practice, if Mike CA Parsons is going to
be out there playing, it's not even if it's you know,
let's say he's on the field for Friday, whenever, the
first practice of the game, it's not going to be
at full strength either way. This hold in or whatever,
this is the back injury that he is dealing with.
That Jane properly slewth today put him in the airport
(12:13):
and sent him on a flight to go get it
checked out. It certainly has affected his preparation either way,
be right. I mean, at some point, considering where we
are in the game week considering that the Dallas Cowboys
play on Thursday, we need some sort of resolution. He
is one of the best players in the NFL. He
should be highly compensated. I don't know if he's going
(12:33):
to get on the field without a huge contract from
the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
We need an answer. I know Dallas does too.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
And the fact that we've been talking about this for
three months, well it means well, we probably got our
fill as well.
Speaker 6 (12:47):
We do have our fill as well.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
I know we all joke about the contracts getting done
on the morning of the game. We've sort of seen
that happen in Dallas history. Just keep in mind yesterday
Brian Schottenheimer said that even if Michael Parsons is on
the fields for the season opener, which Schottenheimer still believes
he will be on the field for the season opener,
he said he's going to be on a pitch count.
So not only has is he not going to be
(13:10):
where he needs to be, he's going to be limited
in his action for them. So this has already had
a very real effect on the Dallas Cowboys. Even if
Michael Parsons gets into practice tomorrow and gets on the
field in eight days to kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles,
the defending champion, on Thursday night. It's still going to
have had a significant effect on the Dallas Cowboys. This
(13:32):
needs to be wrapped up at one way or the other,
that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Whenever and wherever Michael Parsons gets that contract extent, and
it is expected to make in the highest paid non
quarterback in NFL history. Payday has not come yet, but
then come today for one of the Baltimore Ravens young stars,
safety Kyle Hamilton, and the Ravens agree to terms on
a four year, one hundred million dollar contract extension that
includes eighty two million guarantee. In a bunch of different metrics,
(14:01):
this makes him the highest paid safety in NFL history,
also the highest paid guy not named Lamar Jackson in
Ravens history. As you might expect, Kyle Hamilton pretty happy.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
We've seen that quarterback market explode over the last couple
of years. The safety market to a large degree has
been kind of stagnant here. But when he got a
guy like cal Hamilton who can play a bunch of
different roles for you, you find a way to take
care of him the way the Ravens did.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Kyle Hamilton plays all the roles and got all of
the money today and what can only be described as
a blockbuster extension four years on the extension more than
one hundred million dollars twenty five point one million dollars
per year, new money, highest paid defensive back, highest paid
safety in NFL history, forty eight million dollars fully guaranteed,
eighty two million dollars guaranteed overall in a deal done
(14:51):
by Kyle McCarthy of athletes. First, this is the kind
of player you reward, and the Ravens have richly done
that today.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
A lot more to come on this edition of The Insiders,
maybe even some more contract extensions.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
What do you think. Let's get some more done.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Let's wipe all the news off the map, even Micah.
But first we've got a Hall of Famer future one
at least on the show. Drew Brees is set to
join us. What does he make of this year's edition
of the Saints and who's going to take the n
f C South.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We'll ask him. Drew Brees with us next on The Insiders.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
He's talk for this team to take it to the
next level.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Go let off this all night.
Speaker 10 (15:38):
It's all time, all on memory what we're doing.
Speaker 7 (15:45):
Let's don't get on restract tonight.
Speaker 11 (15:47):
Let's show them.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
All backs team.
Speaker 12 (15:49):
Let's make this day but the fighting moment for us
big please.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
All day boys love each other and we will work buck.
Let's go to fun ourselves.
Speaker 11 (16:01):
But Dad, today, well days not fine.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
Welcome back to the Insiders. How can you not be
fired up for this segment?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Now?
Speaker 6 (16:28):
Welcome to the show, Drew Brees.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
Drew, you are here on behalf of Abbott and that
we give blood campaign work we're going to talk about
in a few minutes, But first, how.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
Have you been?
Speaker 9 (16:39):
Been great? Been great? Retirement's been fun.
Speaker 12 (16:43):
Still very much involved with the game of football. I coach,
I coach a high school team locally, coach my kids,
part of everything that they're doing athletically, trying to breed
multi sport athletes, and obviously really healy involved with the
NFL game as well. And still my Saints and a
lot of other business interests too in our foundation. So
(17:03):
I'm probably busier now than I was when I was playing.
Speaker 5 (17:07):
Well, let's talk about your Saints because you were here
on the absolute perfect day. They named their new starting
quarterback yesterday Spencer Ratler won a training camp competition over
the rookie Tyler. Shup, you are Saints royalty. They have
not made the playoffs since you retired. Give me your
assessment of where the Saints are now and on the
quarterbacks they have.
Speaker 12 (17:28):
Look, I think the Saints have an incredible opportunity. I
think the NFC South Division is wide open. I know
Tampa's won it the last couple of years, and they've
got kind of the veteran quarterback in Baker Mayfield. It's
really established himself. But I mean I look at the
rest of the vision. Everybody's kind of dealing with young
quarterbacks right now. Michael Pennix is, you know, kind of taking.
Speaker 9 (17:47):
Over that new era in Atlanta.
Speaker 12 (17:49):
You know Bryce Young, love the way he finished the
season last year, you know, really really have a lot
of respect for him and the way he overcame that adversity,
and so I know they have high expectations, But I
love where the Saints set right now. I think they
have one of the best offensive lines in football. I
think they have some really explosive guys on the perimeter
in shihit O Lave that are now healthy again. Alvin
(18:11):
Kamara one of the most dynamic backs in the league. Defensively,
they've done a great job drafting linebacker and secondary level.
Still have great leadership in Toamorio Davis and Cam Jordan's
So at the end of the day, I think the
Saints are poised to have a ton of success. But
I think the big maybe question mark or just you know, hey,
we haven't seen it yet, is the quarterback position. Right
Spencer Ratler had a chance to start a few games
(18:32):
last year, unfortunately they were decimated by injury. But I
think he's an incredible athlete, has the ability to really
distribute the ball, plays outside the pocket. Tyler Schuck rookie,
no experience, but seven years in college, I think he's
matured beyond his years, you know, big, strong, physical kid.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
So we'll see how this thing plays out.
Speaker 12 (18:49):
I think it's more so just the fact that you
look at, hey, two really young guys, you know, at
the quarterback position, and just wondering how quickly they can
develop as we get into the season.
Speaker 5 (18:59):
Here, I want to take you back because, believe it
or not, this week is the twentieth anniversary of when
Katrina made Landfall. You decided to join the Saints not
too many months after that, when when you reflect on
that and how that team became so linked to that
area's recovery, Where does that decision, Where does that part
(19:20):
of your life fit into your career and to your family?
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Uh?
Speaker 12 (19:27):
Ending ending up in New Orleans was truly a calling.
It was God's calling for me, my wife, Brittany. I'll
never forget the moment where we made that decision.
Speaker 9 (19:36):
It was.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
It was basically when we were in the car with
Sean Dayton and when I was on my official visit
to New Orleans, you know, not not sure what to expect,
not sure what we would see. You know, we had
we had all watched that devastation, you know, on TV.
And I think, just like any natural disaster or situation
like that, I think you look at it from afar
and say, gosh, that's terrible, and you know, wish there
(19:58):
was something I could do, and then you know, see
it in person and then recognize that, you know what,
we really do have a chance to be a part of,
you know, the rebirth and resurrection of one of America's
greatest cities, and that this decision is so much more
than just football, but also recognizing hey, by coming here
and being the quarterback of this team, and by winning
football games and you know, being a leader in this community.
Speaker 9 (20:18):
Just what a difference that can make.
Speaker 12 (20:20):
The realization happened, you know, at that moment, and it
was the greatest decision that I've ever made for my
wife and I what we had a chance to be
a part of, you know, not just my football career,
but to watch the city come back stronger than ever.
I think all that culminated to just this last Super Bowl,
you know, being in New Orleans and the whole world
(20:41):
really having a chance to andark on the city and
see just what an incredible place it is and just
the way that it has responded here twenty years later,
and obviously so much will be talked about here over
the next week, you know, as we reflect on twenty
years ago and just the impact that the storm had
and I think the way that it affect people at
the time, but also just the way that New Orleans
always finds a way to come back stronger than ever.
(21:03):
I think it just speaks to the strength and resiliency
of the people there.
Speaker 6 (21:09):
All right, you mentioned Sean Payton.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Of course, you guys enjoyed an extraordinary partnership and great success.
He's having success already, He's going into year three in Denver.
When you look at the Broncos, maybe when you look
at how Sean is bringing along bo Nix, how much
of that looks familiar to you or has he changed
things up since you guys were in New Orleans together.
Speaker 12 (21:32):
You know, it's it's definitely Sean Payton's office.
Speaker 9 (21:36):
I mean, it's very similar to what we did, you know.
Speaker 12 (21:39):
I think what you have to realize is that from
when Shawn and I started O six to where we
ended up in twenty twenty, man, there was such an
evolution to the offense. You know, when I go back
and look at our old game plans, I mean it
looks like, you know, third grade elementary school level compared
to Calculus.
Speaker 9 (21:55):
Three or where we ended up. You know, when we
finished together.
Speaker 12 (22:00):
A lot of that's just because of our relationship and
our ability just to continue to add ad ad And
I think for me, one of the more difficult things
for a quarterback is that when you step in the huddle,
you have to recite this play call that is basically
telling everybody what to do, and your ability to shorten
that play call is really dependent upon everybody's ability just
(22:21):
to memorize things very quickly and go I was always,
you know, okay, with the responsibility of I'll get in
there and I don't care if I have to read
a paragraph in my head. I just want everybody to
know exactly what to do and breaking the huddle. It's
helping guys with splits and you know this route and
that I'll tag everybody, I think, you know, going from
(22:42):
that to all of a sudden you have a rookie
quarterback that basically you have to teach the language. You know,
it's not just the playbook, it's a whole new language.
And then have them, you know, make it where it's
second nature, you know, getting in and out of the huddle,
and then how they operate when they get up to
the line of scrimmage, and just kind of teaching them
all of those habits and techniques and you know, giving
them the tools to go out and be successful. Obviously,
(23:05):
Bonux has a ton of natural ability. Sixty one college starts,
he comes in with a tremendous amount of experience and maturity.
Speaker 9 (23:11):
He was a multi sport athlete in high school.
Speaker 12 (23:14):
Dad was a coach, like so He's got all these
traits right, great leadership ability. Had a chance to work
with Bo a little bit of this offseason, really impressed
with just his overall demeanor, the way he approaches the game.
He wants to be a great player, He's willing to work.
They've really built a great team around him. I think
they're going to run the ball effectively this year. He's
got big targets to throw to defense. I think it's
going to be lights out.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
So if there's a.
Speaker 12 (23:34):
Team that's going to make a run of the Chiefs,
I think it's the Broncos and Sean Payton and bow Nix.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
All.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
Right, before we let you go, Drew, tell us what
you're doing with Abbitt and the Big ten and the
blood drive campaign.
Speaker 9 (23:47):
Yeah, this is really an exciting campaign.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
I think a lot of people, you know, you don't
think about giving blood, you know, and it's probably because
you don't realize just what an impact that can make.
But we're we're in an extreme blood shortage right now,
and the opportunity for us all to get out and
to give blood could not be more important than it
is right now. In fact, you know, every two seconds
somebody needs blood. Your ability to give blood can save
(24:12):
up to three lives when you give blood. All the
blood that's given, more than twenty five percent goes to
patients with cancer. And I know that everybody has been
affected in some way by cancer, whether it's.
Speaker 9 (24:22):
A faamily, friend, loved one.
Speaker 12 (24:24):
So Abbot in the Big Ten Conference have embarked on
a campaign. This is their second year of doing it
is that we give Blood Drive, basically challenging all everybody
to give blood, but doing a little competition with the
Big Ten Conference here too, where everybody it's affiliated with
a Big ten university, whether it's a student, alumni, family, friends,
(24:44):
go to your nearest blood center give blood, and then
you can go to Big ten dot or org, backslash
abbot and register that donation with one of the universities.
And that basically gives that university the opportunity whoever raises
the most blood or it is the most blood wins
a million dollars towards student health related activities in and
around campus.
Speaker 9 (25:05):
So we want.
Speaker 12 (25:06):
Everybody to go get blood, and if you have affiliation
with a Big ten university, please go register so that
we can so that Purdue can win this competition. Now
we want every we want everything to good blood and
certainly help with the blood shortage, but also just recognize
that you really are saving lives.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
Great cause. Drew, thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 5 (25:27):
We hope we'll be able to talk to you again,
especially as the Hall of Fame selection process ramps up
because you are eligible for the first time this year.
We are looking forward to that. Drew Brees, thank you
so much for joining us.
Speaker 9 (25:37):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
Our top story tonight, Adam Feelin is a Minnesota Viking
once again. After what a week or so of talks
between the Panthers and Minnesota, the sides, we're able to work.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Out a deal.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
It's a couple of couple of pick flops in future drafts,
which you need to know Panthers get the equivalent of
four thrown pick out of the deal.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Feeling gets his wish.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
The Minnesota native headed back to the Vikings. Certainly seems
that not just Steeling, but his family's pretty excited about
it too.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
Yeah, we're going at home.
Speaker 9 (26:13):
We're going at home.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
We're going at home.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
We're going at home.
Speaker 9 (26:15):
We're going.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
I think it was because you were the twins striat
why a great moment right there.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
For the Feeling family is certainly something that he was
hoping would come to Fruition. Thirty five years old and
now getting back for what could be We'll see. He's
kind of one of those guys just sticks around forever,
but could be one last run with the team and
the state that he started in. A lot more news
though around the NFL ian what else we got.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
Nick Caserio, the Texans general manager, met with reporters today
and of course one of the big topics, what is
the deal with Joe Mixon? Popped up on the non
football injury list to start the season. He is out
the first four games, making some news I guess by
giving no real indication that Nixon.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
Is going to come back anytime soon.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
He didn't say will, he didn't say well, but the
fact that there was no update seemed, at least to
those in attendant, that it was a little ominously. Would
take a one day day at a time like everyone.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Else, we shall see.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
It does not seem like they are counting on him
earlier in the season, which means Nick Chubb is a
must add in fantasy and for the Texans, so when
they already added in real football.
Speaker 5 (27:29):
Anthony Richardson lost the starting quarterback job to Daniel Jones
in Indianapolis, but the man who drafted Richardson fourth overall,
general manager Chris Ballard, said today there is value in
Richardson sitting and watching. Reminder, Richardson has started just twenty
eight games total between college and the NFL, so he
(27:50):
still presumably has a whole lot more snaps and games.
Speaker 6 (27:53):
Coming to him in the future.
Speaker 5 (27:55):
Here is Ballard saying they are not giving up on
Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 13 (28:01):
We're not trading him. I know the negativity, and it's
easy to say, Okay, he's done, and I don't agree.
I've said this numerous times.
Speaker 4 (28:12):
I do not agree with that.
Speaker 13 (28:14):
I think overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way are
good for anybody.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
I do.
Speaker 13 (28:23):
I'm proud of Anthony, of where he's at, how far
he's come. He's come miles.
Speaker 7 (28:31):
If you watch the program went last night, we told
you Tommy DeVito would have a new job in short order,
about as short as he possibly could. The Patriots claimed
him off of waivers. They actually made a run at
him before he signed to the Giants practice squad. When
he got cut back in twenty twenty three. I know
it was the previous regime, but Elliott Wolf was there
and he is there now, as is Ryan Cowten who
(28:53):
was with the Giants for the last couple of years.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
So de Vito ends up in New England.
Speaker 7 (28:57):
He was one of the fallback options in Vegas if
they didn't Cake and he pick it, but they got him.
So DeVito now up there with Drake May who is
in New England because DeVito won a bunch of games
with the Giants.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
A lot of connections on this one.
Speaker 7 (29:08):
Meanwhile, the Patriots at released Kendrick Bourne, the veteran wide
receiver who was the subject of some trade talks. You
remember Tom Pellisarro telling you that the Vikings were talking
to teams about potential veteran receivers. Yes, Adam Felin was
one of them, but Kendrick Bourne was another. I know
there's an obvious connection to San Francisco where he played before,
but there are a bunch of teams that are going
(29:29):
to have interest here. So keep an eye on Kendrick
Bourne to see where he lands after he's released by
the Patriots.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
Tom, there was another wide receiver traded today, Tim Patrick,
going from the Lions to the Jaguars. Actually happened late
last night that tech sat on my phone for about
seven hours, woke up, Bang, we got a trade. He
Jaguars giving up a twenty twenty six to six round
pick for something. James Gladstone said. They didn't have a
(29:55):
big body. He's six foot five. They liked that addition
into their offense. The forty nine Ers obviously thought that
they did a little more speed, so they signed Marquez
Valdez Scantley one day after the division rival Seahawks had
released the speedy wide receiver. He had kind of a
renaissance last year in New Orleans. That potentially could have
been a landing spot, but the forty nine Ers have
(30:16):
had so many injuries at that position, made a lot
of sense for them to go after MBS.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
And they might not be done. Week one is coming
up in short.
Speaker 1 (30:26):
Order, the kickoff Game, believe it or not, eight nights
away from basically right now, it is the Cowboys, it
is the Eagles, and at least one of those teams
has a candidate to be a breakout second year player,
according to our Jeffrey Chedia, who joins US right now
along with Mark Ross. To talk more about that, Jeffrey hoo.
(30:47):
Do you like starting out in that kickoff game? To
break out in your two God, I'm going to go
with Jlex Hunt.
Speaker 14 (30:54):
There edge rusher who really flashed in the postseason last year,
had a sack of the Super Bowl. But what I
love about him is that he's playing in a big
Fangio defense. He's going to have a great secondary behind him.
And you look at the maturation of Nolan Smith last
year when he went from being a guy who was
a part time player to a player who had six sacks.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
I can see Hunt.
Speaker 14 (31:14):
Having that kind of a breakout year. And from my
offensive player, I want to go to Ricky Piersoll because
you just mentioned the forty nine ers and them having
all kinds of issues at wide receiver.
Speaker 9 (31:24):
He's one of only two wide receivers who's been able.
Speaker 14 (31:26):
To practice consistently all throughout training camp, and I love
his attitude. He says, we got to go with who's
in this receiving room. We have to make the most
of it. He's the leader right now, and my guess
is Black Purty's going to look for him a lot
this season.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
Not bad Jeffrey, but.
Speaker 10 (31:43):
Vine picks here on the offensive side, I'm going to
go with the second year quarterback from the Patriots that
we've talked about already on the show, Drake Maye, and
number one, just having the stability there with head coach
Mike brave Grabel, who knows how to win playoffs and
win division Just having that in there, the stability off
the field will help him grow. But also their talent
influx is just so much tremendous this offseason and free agency,
(32:07):
getting Stefan Diggs and all those guys on the defensive side,
and then in the draft to get Will Campbell, a
left tackle will be a Pro Bowl left tackle, and
Trebion Henderson the running back from Ohio State who I
picked to be the offensive Rookie of the Year, to
go with some other players as well. So Drake may
with a stability off the field influx of talent will
(32:28):
be a lot better with not having to be the
one man show. And then on the defensive side, Entrean Cooper,
the linebacker from Green Bay who was my very favorite
player coming out of the draft last year, only played
forty five percent of the snaps last year because he
had an injury in training camp and then missed three games,
but in those forty five percent of snaps. He had
three and a half sacks, thirteen tackles for the lost
(32:49):
seventy seven tackles, and the explosiveness, speed and playmaking just
jumped off the screen of what I saw from him
in college.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
So now is a full time starter. This guy's going
to be All Pro player this year.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
A lot to look forward to starting out in week one,
just eight days away. Mark and Jeffrey, thank you very much.
We also need to address some serious and sickening news
today out of Minnesota. A shooter open fire with a
rifle this morning through the windows of a Catholic church
of Minneapolis and struck children celebrating massing the first week
(33:27):
of school, killing two and wounding seventeen people in an
act of violence that the police chief called absolutely incomprehensible.
The Vikings issue in a statement saying, we are devastated
by the horrific violence that took place at Annunciation Church
of Minneapolis this morning. Our hearts are broken for the victims,
their families, and all who have been impacted by this
senseless and cowardly act. We are praying for the injured,
(33:51):
those who witnessed the attack, and the first responders who
were on the scene providing care and support during this tragedy.
I live in Minnesota. I'm also devastated. I'm pissed off.
I don't want to keep doing these stories instead of
talking about football with all of you. Our thoughts from
everybody here with the insiders are with all those affected
more after this, well.
Speaker 3 (34:20):
Well, well, sign a big new contract, start practicing. Terry McLaurin,
at long last, has ditched his trademark Holden Hoodie, which,
as he said today, who doesn't allow a good hoodie?
Shout out to all the hoodie wears, and he is
now wearing a commander's actual football uniform to play football
for the team that he plays for. After signing this big,
(34:42):
huge deal that took up all of our attention this
summer and ended with an excellent outcome, which is Terry
McLaurin getting paid.
Speaker 4 (34:49):
He talked about it about an hour ago.
Speaker 15 (34:53):
It was a long process, and you know, there's no
playbook or script on how to handle this situation, and
so you know, you start out one way and then
you hope that it ends the way it's ended. And
so I'm thankful for this process to just be able
to be back on the field and just the conversations
(35:15):
that you know, Buddy and AP had and myself and
AP and me and DQ. So it was It's definitely
been a process, but I'm really happy to be back
out here with my teammates.
Speaker 4 (35:30):
Man.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
I am happy that that is done as well. We
talked about it as much as we could possibly talk
about it. Jeffrey tradea bucket Brooks in here with me
on the insiders. Uh So, the commanders were good last year.
We know that maybe the biggest surprise of all teams,
which got me thick buck yelp stock with you. Who
is going to be this year's commanders to kind of
(35:50):
take off in the way that maybe we didn't quite expect.
Speaker 16 (35:55):
I think Mark Ross kind of put it out there,
and so I'm gonna piggyback on what Mark.
Speaker 9 (35:59):
Ross said about the New England Patriots.
Speaker 16 (36:01):
The Patriots are really set up to make a surprise
jump in the AFC. One of the reasons I'm big
on the Patriots is because Mike Rabel has brought his
guys over. You think about all of the veterans that
came over, called Davis, Harold Landry, Roberts, Bulane, others, that
have come on board to really help this defense play
with the toughness in grit that has always been a
(36:21):
hallmark of his teams. But then Stefon Diggs being the
number one receiver on the Vermeiter and the job that
Stefan Diggs did an unlocking Josh Allen.
Speaker 9 (36:30):
As we talk about some.
Speaker 16 (36:31):
Of the other weapons, Will Campbell on the offensive line,
Travian Henderson.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
This Patriots team as.
Speaker 16 (36:36):
They're beginning to embrace the winning tradition that Mike Rabel brings,
they gonna be a tough out for team. So I'm
all in on the Patriots being a surprise team that
goes from dark horse to viable contender in the AFC.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
Well, Bucky, I love that wild card approach to it.
Speaker 14 (36:53):
I'm going with the low hanging fruit here with the
Chicago Bears, and I've been on them all off season,
and I know that the Commanders of ruined their season
last year with that Hail Mary because they started they
won a ten game losing streak after that.
Speaker 9 (37:06):
But you look at what.
Speaker 14 (37:07):
They've done, bringing in Ben Johnson, retooling that interior, they
offensive line, adding Colston Loveland, Luther Burden in through the draft,
I just think this team is set up to do
big things. And I know they're in a very tough division.
But what I love about Ben Johnson isn't just that
he's a great offensive mind, but that he spent a
lot of time with Dan Campbell seeing how he rebuilt
(37:27):
the Detroit Lions, and so I think that's an underrated
part of what Ben Johnson can bring to this team.
I know it's a tough division, but I see them
making the playoffs and making noise once they get there.
Speaker 4 (37:38):
You know, I got to be totally honest.
Speaker 3 (37:39):
We've talked so much about the Bears and what they're
going to be like with Ben Johnson and how much
better Caleb was going to be. I can't wait to
see it. Like of all the things, I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (37:48):
To see that.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
Guys great stuff. As always, Jeffrey, we will say goodbye
to you.
Speaker 7 (37:55):
The bad news of yesterday a lot of these guys
losing their jobs. The good news up today, the squads
that need to be filled. Sixteen players per team, so
a lot of guys back in action, a lot of
recognizable names back in action. The NFL changing the rules
a couple of years ago during COVID allowing for more
veterans to be on practice squads, and so these guys
are back on teams as part of the practice squads.
(38:18):
There Cole Strange right there, former first round pick of
the New England Patriots, trying to jumpstart his career in Cleveland,
along with Malachi core Corley, a third round pick of
the Jets that had a lot of interest des had
to go to Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Bucky Brooks, Mark Ross with us.
Speaker 7 (38:32):
You saw those moves there. How about your favorite moves
of the entire offseason start with Mark.
Speaker 10 (38:38):
Cool Strange And not for Cole Strange himself, but the
Patriots philosophy, and we've talked about this a lot of
this is a total rebuild and usually first round draft picks,
we'll get the benefit of down and the team will
keep trying.
Speaker 2 (38:50):
To work with that.
Speaker 10 (38:51):
Well, Mike Rabel there and Elliot Wolf were saying, we
don't care if he was a first round pick. We're
letting him go. Kendrick Bourne, we.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Don't care what he's done in the past.
Speaker 9 (38:58):
We're letting him go. We have to get better.
Speaker 10 (39:00):
Even the Marcus EPP's the safety who they signed as
a free agent.
Speaker 2 (39:03):
Their movie on it, letting him go.
Speaker 4 (39:04):
So this is it's a continuation of how.
Speaker 10 (39:06):
I dislike how the Patriots have completely I think crushed
the whole offseason, free agency, the draft, and now even
in this minor period where you think nothing happens, but
it's really a signal change Bucky of Hey, this is
a new era.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
We any new players in here.
Speaker 9 (39:19):
We need our guys, you.
Speaker 16 (39:23):
Know, Mark, I really like what you're talking about with
the Patriots talking about a new era, but I like
what the Pittsburgh Stills have done and going back to
a throwback era and talking to Mike Tomlin, he talked
about getting players who had an edge, a winning pedigree,
some fightiness. So Jalen Ramsey coming over from the Miami
Dolphins to me is a perfect fit. And one of
the reasons why I love Jalen Ramsey coming over is
(39:44):
not what he brings as a do it all playmaker
in the back end, but it's what he can show
and demonstrate to Joey Porter Junior and some.
Speaker 9 (39:51):
Of the other young guys in the secondary.
Speaker 16 (39:54):
The fightiness, the edginess, the competitiveness, the ability to take
on the number one receips all of those things this phase.
But then it's the physicality and rough and rugged play
that Pittsburgh has always.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Been known for.
Speaker 16 (40:08):
I love the Steelers getting back to who they are
and what they've been. That part has been lacking a
little bit. The edginess is back in Pittsburgh, which is
why I think they could be one of those sneaky
good teams again this year.
Speaker 7 (40:21):
Jay and Ramsey showed that edge in the preseason game
I believe it was against the Panthers, drew a fifteen
yard penalty, threw a guy down. I remember the announcer
for the Steelers saying, who garrets in the preseason. He's
set a tone. He's doing that right after back. Can't
have any of those anymore now, Jalen. We're at the
point of the regular season now for you with your
new team.
Speaker 1 (40:42):
Chargers running back Naji Harris practicing for the first time
today since a fourth of July fireworks explosion left him
with an eye injury. Are Omar Ruiz on the scene?
Visual proof right there, Naji Harris. We're at number twenty two,
moving around pretty well for a guy who had not
been out on the field in that capacity in a
(41:02):
couple of months. Coach Jim Harbaugh today reiterating what GM
Joe Ortiz and said Mike, which is that Naji Harris
could play in week one. We'll see if that actually
occurs here. But what do you make about just the
way that this entire thing is played out?
Speaker 7 (41:19):
Yeah, and it started with just him walking around the field.
It was a ginger recovery for Nijie. Harrison then went
the jogging. Now back on the field. It was allegedly
a superficial eye injury. Clearly a serious deal, but good
to see him back on the field.
Speaker 5 (41:36):
I would like football players to be a lot more
careful around fireworks. We've had a number of fireworks incidents
at the fourth of July JTP, Please be careful, guys.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
The other thing I keep thinking of is, you know
everyone's going to have to look at the Chargers practice
field and be like, is he actually playing?
Speaker 4 (41:55):
Do I need to prepare for him? There is a
competitive elopment.
Speaker 3 (41:57):
To this that I'm sure the Chargers are embracing and
knowing Jim Hargolle as I do, he probably likes it.
Speaker 1 (42:04):
We'll be back at seven Beep Measter tomorrow. See everybody
It's been a bumpy flight for Micah Parsons and the Cowboys,
and so Micah is catching the next plain out of Dallas,
not for the reason you think, at least not yet.
Our Jane Slater will be here with all the details
on exactly what comes next. The Commanders were a surprise
team a year ago, making a run all the way
to the NFC Championship Game, so who could repeat that
(00:30):
type of feat in twenty twenty five. Our experts have
some predictions as the regular season of Fast approaches. Biby
Drew Brees has a prediction too. The Saints would sure
be a surprise pick. The future Hall of Famer joins
the show tonight, and just like Breeze in his prime,
we play bigger than we actually are. Welcome inside with
(00:53):
the insiders alongside in Rapaport, Judy Battista and Mike Garafolo.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
I am Tom Pelisero.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
We are now just eight days away from kickoff between
the Eagles and the Cowboys. Right now as we stand
seven oh one Eastern, Michael Parsons is a member of
the Dallas Cowboys. But we do have some other news
on the trade front. That is where we begin tonight.
With the Vikings bringing home one of their own. Minnesota
(01:20):
native Adam Feelin, headed back to the Vikings as part
of a trade with the Carolina Panthers that had been
brewing for the past couple of weeks. Feeling expected to
take a modest pay cut to help facilitate this deal.
It took a while, though ian for Feeling to get
his wish. How and why did it get done this morning?
(01:42):
A lot of patients on both sides. Time is really
what it took to get this deal to happen.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
And look, this one made sense for all sides, right,
it really did, bringing Adam Feeling back to the Minnesota Vikings.
Were still got so many good feelings. Still knows exactly
what they're doing, still got a lot of legs left.
This one made the most sensient, you know. Look for Carolina,
they needed to get value. They just had two general
managers that knew the value of the deal and really
(02:08):
didn't move for several days. They kept talking, they kept
working at it, they kept at it, and in the end,
Adam Thielen goes from the Panthers to the Vikings in
exchange for what amounts to a fourth round pick. It's
actually a fifth round or a future fourth, and then
going back it's a seventh in a future five. It
all combines for a fourth round value that's about right.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
It helps the Minnesota make up for the loss of Jordan.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Addison early and sets us up for an exceptionally cool
story with one of the most loved Vikings in recent
years heading back to his hometown.
Speaker 5 (02:42):
Well, for the Carolina Panthers, this means the start of
a youth movement. Five of their six wide receivers are
in their first or second year. They've used first round
draft picks on wide receivers each of the last two seasons.
So Adam Feelen was going to be the old man.
He was going to probably be the fourth receiver. His
role had been diminished as they were getting younger and younger.
(03:04):
The idea in Carolina was that they wanted young receivers
to grow with Bryce young the quarterback.
Speaker 6 (03:10):
Adam Feelin was there to be the older.
Speaker 5 (03:12):
Statesman to help him get acclimated to the NFL now
that he has found his footing. They want the young
receivers to grow with their young quarterback, and that is
how they're going to go forward in Carolina.
Speaker 7 (03:24):
Yeah, up there in Minnesota you have with Dream Ronde Moore.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Now the injury to Jalen Naylor.
Speaker 7 (03:30):
Jalen Naylor, Yeah, I said that right, and also the
Jordan Adison suspension.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
To start the season, you just.
Speaker 7 (03:35):
Needed guys like you need JJ McCarthy to get off
to a great start. So you bring in Adam Thielen,
who knows the offense, who is certainly going to be
able to catch up quickly and be a guy that
can be relied upon, and get JJ McCarthy feeling pretty good.
He didn't have a rookie season pretty much, So now
you add a proven veteran to the mix, and when
you get Addison back, and when Naylor's healthy, you get
(03:56):
all these guys around him. Now you got even more targets.
So it's not even just about the start of the season.
It's about running the whole way through this with this
wide receiver group, and arguably now one, two three, when
they're all back and working together, I don't know that
there is a much better bunch that you've got around
the league. And I know some fandom a team out
there is complaining right now, but they're up there. They're
(04:17):
one of the top receiving Corps because Ian's right, Adam
Thinland does have good football left in the Vikings agree.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
At daily course from Minnesota attending college at Minnesota State.
Still works out up here in the off season where
he threw with JJ McCarthy.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Over the last couple of summers.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
So some familiarity not just with the offense but the
quarterback who's now going to be getting him the ball.
You mentioned Jordan Adison serving a three game suspension to
start the season. The Chiefs finally know when their top
receiver is going to be serving his own. Rashi Rice
earlier today officially accepting and now will serve a six
game suspension to start the twenty twenty five regular season,
(04:56):
ending would have been months of limbo and making him
eligible to return Week seven against the Raiders. I can
tell you a contrary to reports, there was ever some
agreement for Rice to play the first four games and
have a hearing on September thirtieth. That was like a
save the date type of a situation. Here a settlement
Ian always made the most sense. And while the sides
(05:17):
were very very far apart, hence the delay, they were
able to find the middle ground.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
They were far apart and My understanding is the league
basically started out with about more than ten games, maybe
even twelve games for suspending Rashi Rice for you know
what obviously was a very very serious situation.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
And what happens in these cases.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
You could say, all right, well, you know, you could
basically take this to court, right, which would be.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Not actual court but a NFL court, which would be
one option, or the.
Speaker 3 (05:43):
Two sides could come together and come up with a
common sense solution that adequately punishes Rashi Rice for something
he definitely should not have done.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
But also, you know, I would say has some level
of fairness.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
There was twelve, and then it was ten, and then
it was okay, I'll be able to play the first
couple of games while they worked this out.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
It actually behoo's everyone to get this done.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
Now, by the way, is still coming back from a
major injury, certainly can use those couple games football wise
to get back to full strength and kind of get
his legs under him. But it also starts the season
as it probably should with him out the first six games.
Kansas City will have to make it happen to develop
other guys, but certainly for Rashi Rice, he is at
least pleased that this is over with and he knows
(06:24):
his situation right.
Speaker 5 (06:25):
Now, right given the seriousness of the situation. He's lucky
it ended up being only six games, and the Chiefs
are lucky it ended up being only six games. Of course,
they play next Friday night in Brazil against the Chargers.
They will be now without Rushie Rice for that game
and five more. We know that they know how to
pivot without Rushy Rice because they had to do it
(06:48):
last year when he got hurt and they had that
whole run of injuries. You remember that offense did not
look very pretty. They still won fifteen games in Kansas City.
The six games he will miss, he only misses one
division game, so that is a big break of the scheduling.
Speaker 6 (07:02):
Then do have some other significant games there.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
But he also will be back for a game against
the Bills, which of course could have major playoff implications.
Speaker 7 (07:11):
Judy, they were looking at some of the young guys
who was going to emerge, and he was the guy
within the last couple of years and the guy that
they really felt good about that was reliable with regard
to his understanding of the offense and where he needed
to be.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
So that's not going to be there.
Speaker 7 (07:25):
But they do feel like this receiver group in this
offense in general, going to be more explosive, going to
have a lot more that defense are going to have
to worry about over the top once again that maybe
we really haven't seen since they got rid of Tyreek Hill.
But they've been good enough in a lot of other
ways to get to the Super Bowl and win the
Super Bowl since then, obviously, but from an offensive standpoint,
they believe the receiver group has more weapons, guys that
(07:47):
can move around, and really I think maybe the key
is going to be Travis Kelsey saying he's locked in
because he doesn't want to go out the way that
he ended last year and feels like he has to
put it all on the field this year and get
all that underneath stuff that should really really help.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
October thirteenth, the first date that Rashi Rice officially will
be reinstated to the Chiefs ahead of that Week seven
game against the Raiders. Michaeh Parsons we mentioned off the top,
still at this point a Dallas cowboy, now twenty six
days after he requested a trade from the team amidst
non existing contract negotiations for several months now. Our Jane Slater,
(08:27):
who did some sleuthing after a photo serviced on the internet,
reported earlier today Michael Parsons was at the airport chain
not to fly to any particular other NFL destination as
part of a trade, but to get further examination on
a back issue that the Cowboys have effectively said doesn't exist.
Speaker 8 (08:48):
What do we know, Yes, when you've got mistro on
your helmet, there are eyes everywhere. I got the photos
sent to me. It took place at DFW Airport around
ten thirty this morning, and because of all all of
these trade rumors that have been percolating about Micah Parsons,
the natural thought from a lot of folks was, well,
as he headed to Green Bay, the answers, No, he
(09:09):
is going to get a second opinion on his back.
Quick refresher. He has been dealing with what he describes
as back tightness. They did an MRI on him on Sunday,
he came back clear. So the Cowboys have three days off,
they get back to practice on Friday, and it looks
like he is seeking some sort of resolution here. Ultimately, Tom,
regardless of what we do, whether it be the trade
(09:30):
at this point, or whether it be them having him
remain on this roster, figuring out if they want to
tag him at the end of the season. Jerry keeps
reminding us he is in fact under contract. But if
there is not a medical diagnosis for that back and
he decides that he's going to sit out these games,
he's looking at over a million dollars a week of
game checks that he'll be missing out on.
Speaker 9 (09:51):
And so we wait.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
We're following up on all of.
Speaker 8 (09:54):
The rumors that are on the internet. Our group chat
is certainly lit here on the Insiders, but I did
reach out to see if we've got an update on
that back, and I have not heard anything back yet.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Mike, as you said, still seeking a resolution, Jane. In
that photo looks like he's seeking his belt. You know,
when the one thing comes out of a little bin
and then it gets stuck and then you don't know
exactly where it went. Hopefully Mikah got there all the
luggage intact. We know you'll stay on top of that story,
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Jane.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
This is going to be the one driving issue as
we run down these final eight days until the season
opener between the Cowboys and the Eagles, because there is
absolutely no denying that since Micah Parsons came into the NFL,
he has been one of the most impactful defensive players
across the entire league. Yet here we stand now it
(10:41):
is August twenty seven. We have less than a week
to go. Cowboys will be back on the practice field
on Friday, Mike, and we still have no talks, Jerry
Jones still giving no indications publicly that a trade is
in the works. What do you make of where we
stand right now in Dallas?
Speaker 7 (10:59):
I make that it's time for Mike Ca Parsons to
make a decision, and that decision is am I playing
in this game? And I might going to return the
practice because now once the cuts are done and the
fifty three man rosters are set, it's all about putting
your eyes towards your Week one opponent. And Parsons, I
know he feels it, like I know he feels that
competitiveness that he wants to get back out there. He
(11:19):
feels that he wants to be out there for his teammates,
to go out there and play the defending champion NFC.
He's rivals in their building on the opening night, Like
that's what you want to be a part of that's
what MIKEAH Parsons is all about. So all that's going
to be pulling at him, and on the other side
is going to be do I want to stand my ground?
Do I want to stand on business and remain out
of action. There's a lot of reasons to get back
(11:41):
out there. It's gonna be tough for MIKEAEH. Parsons, but
I think he might be out there, And frankly, I
keep saying this, this might be what this situation needs.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
The kickstart talks.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, and look, if Mike Caparsons is going to be
out there practice, if Mike CA Parsons is going to
be out there playing, it's not even if it's you know,
let's say he's on the field for Friday, whenever, the
first practice of the game, it's not going to be
at full strength either way. This hold in or whatever,
this is the back injury that he is dealing with.
That Jane properly slewth today put him in the airport
(12:13):
and sent him on a flight to go get it
checked out. It certainly has affected his preparation either way,
be right. I mean, at some point, considering where we
are in the game week considering that the Dallas Cowboys
play on Thursday, we need some sort of resolution. He
is one of the best players in the NFL. He
should be highly compensated. I don't know if he's going
(12:33):
to get on the field without a huge contract from
the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
We need an answer. I know Dallas does too.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
And the fact that we've been talking about this for
three months, well it means well, we probably got our
fill as well.
Speaker 6 (12:47):
We do have our fill as well.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
I know we all joke about the contracts getting done
on the morning of the game. We've sort of seen
that happen in Dallas history. Just keep in mind yesterday
Brian Schottenheimer said that even if Michael Parsons is on
the fields for the season opener, which Schottenheimer still believes
he will be on the field for the season opener,
he said he's going to be on a pitch count.
So not only has is he not going to be
(13:10):
where he needs to be, he's going to be limited
in his action for them. So this has already had
a very real effect on the Dallas Cowboys. Even if
Michael Parsons gets into practice tomorrow and gets on the
field in eight days to kick off against the Philadelphia Eagles,
the defending champion, on Thursday night. It's still going to
have had a significant effect on the Dallas Cowboys. This
(13:32):
needs to be wrapped up at one way or the other,
that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Whenever and wherever Michael Parsons gets that contract extent, and
it is expected to make in the highest paid non
quarterback in NFL history. Payday has not come yet, but
then come today for one of the Baltimore Ravens young stars,
safety Kyle Hamilton, and the Ravens agree to terms on
a four year, one hundred million dollar contract extension that
includes eighty two million guarantee. In a bunch of different metrics,
(14:01):
this makes him the highest paid safety in NFL history,
also the highest paid guy not named Lamar Jackson in
Ravens history. As you might expect, Kyle Hamilton pretty happy.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Ian.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
We've seen that quarterback market explode over the last couple
of years. The safety market to a large degree has
been kind of stagnant here. But when he got a
guy like cal Hamilton who can play a bunch of
different roles for you, you find a way to take
care of him the way the Ravens did.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Kyle Hamilton plays all the roles and got all of
the money today and what can only be described as
a blockbuster extension four years on the extension more than
one hundred million dollars twenty five point one million dollars
per year, new money, highest paid defensive back, highest paid
safety in NFL history, forty eight million dollars fully guaranteed,
eighty two million dollars guaranteed overall in a deal done
(14:51):
by Kyle McCarthy of athletes. First, this is the kind
of player you reward, and the Ravens have richly done
that today.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
A lot more to come on this edition of The Insiders,
maybe even some more contract extensions.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
What do you think. Let's get some more done.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Let's wipe all the news off the map, even Micah.
But first we've got a Hall of Famer future one
at least on the show. Drew Brees is set to
join us. What does he make of this year's edition
of the Saints and who's going to take the n
f C South.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We'll ask him. Drew Brees with us next on The Insiders.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
He's talk for this team to take it to the
next level.
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Go let off this all night.
Speaker 10 (15:38):
It's all time, all on memory what we're doing.
Speaker 7 (15:45):
Let's don't get on restract tonight.
Speaker 11 (15:47):
Let's show them.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
All backs team.
Speaker 12 (15:49):
Let's make this day but the fighting moment for us
big please.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
All day boys love each other and we will work buck.
Let's go to fun ourselves.
Speaker 11 (16:01):
But Dad, today, well days not fine.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
Welcome back to the Insiders. How can you not be
fired up for this segment?
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Now?
Speaker 6 (16:28):
Welcome to the show, Drew Brees.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
Drew, you are here on behalf of Abbott and that
we give blood campaign work we're going to talk about
in a few minutes, But first, how.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
Have you been?
Speaker 9 (16:39):
Been great? Been great? Retirement's been fun.
Speaker 12 (16:43):
Still very much involved with the game of football. I coach,
I coach a high school team locally, coach my kids,
part of everything that they're doing athletically, trying to breed
multi sport athletes, and obviously really healy involved with the
NFL game as well. And still my Saints and a
lot of other business interests too in our foundation. So
(17:03):
I'm probably busier now than I was when I was playing.
Speaker 5 (17:07):
Well, let's talk about your Saints because you were here
on the absolute perfect day. They named their new starting
quarterback yesterday Spencer Ratler won a training camp competition over
the rookie Tyler. Shup, you are Saints royalty. They have
not made the playoffs since you retired. Give me your
assessment of where the Saints are now and on the
quarterbacks they have.
Speaker 12 (17:28):
Look, I think the Saints have an incredible opportunity. I
think the NFC South Division is wide open. I know
Tampa's won it the last couple of years, and they've
got kind of the veteran quarterback in Baker Mayfield. It's
really established himself. But I mean I look at the
rest of the vision. Everybody's kind of dealing with young
quarterbacks right now. Michael Pennix is, you know, kind of taking.
Speaker 9 (17:47):
Over that new era in Atlanta.
Speaker 12 (17:49):
You know Bryce Young, love the way he finished the
season last year, you know, really really have a lot
of respect for him and the way he overcame that adversity,
and so I know they have high expectations, But I
love where the Saints set right now. I think they
have one of the best offensive lines in football. I
think they have some really explosive guys on the perimeter
in shihit O Lave that are now healthy again. Alvin
(18:11):
Kamara one of the most dynamic backs in the league. Defensively,
they've done a great job drafting linebacker and secondary level.
Still have great leadership in Toamorio Davis and Cam Jordan's
So at the end of the day, I think the
Saints are poised to have a ton of success. But
I think the big maybe question mark or just you know, hey,
we haven't seen it yet, is the quarterback position. Right
Spencer Ratler had a chance to start a few games
(18:32):
last year, unfortunately they were decimated by injury. But I
think he's an incredible athlete, has the ability to really
distribute the ball, plays outside the pocket. Tyler Schuck rookie,
no experience, but seven years in college, I think he's
matured beyond his years, you know, big, strong, physical kid.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
So we'll see how this thing plays out.
Speaker 12 (18:49):
I think it's more so just the fact that you
look at, hey, two really young guys, you know, at
the quarterback position, and just wondering how quickly they can
develop as we get into the season.
Speaker 5 (18:59):
Here, I want to take you back because, believe it
or not, this week is the twentieth anniversary of when
Katrina made Landfall. You decided to join the Saints not
too many months after that, when when you reflect on
that and how that team became so linked to that
area's recovery, Where does that decision, Where does that part
(19:20):
of your life fit into your career and to your family?
Speaker 2 (19:25):
Uh?
Speaker 12 (19:27):
Ending ending up in New Orleans was truly a calling.
It was God's calling for me, my wife, Brittany. I'll
never forget the moment where we made that decision.
Speaker 9 (19:36):
It was.
Speaker 12 (19:36):
It was basically when we were in the car with
Sean Dayton and when I was on my official visit
to New Orleans, you know, not not sure what to expect,
not sure what we would see. You know, we had
we had all watched that devastation, you know, on TV.
And I think, just like any natural disaster or situation
like that, I think you look at it from afar
and say, gosh, that's terrible, and you know, wish there
(19:58):
was something I could do, and then you know, see
it in person and then recognize that, you know what,
we really do have a chance to be a part of,
you know, the rebirth and resurrection of one of America's
greatest cities, and that this decision is so much more
than just football, but also recognizing hey, by coming here
and being the quarterback of this team, and by winning
football games and you know, being a leader in this community.
Speaker 9 (20:18):
Just what a difference that can make.
Speaker 12 (20:20):
The realization happened, you know, at that moment, and it
was the greatest decision that I've ever made for my
wife and I what we had a chance to be
a part of, you know, not just my football career,
but to watch the city come back stronger than ever.
I think all that culminated to just this last Super Bowl,
you know, being in New Orleans and the whole world
(20:41):
really having a chance to andark on the city and
see just what an incredible place it is and just
the way that it has responded here twenty years later,
and obviously so much will be talked about here over
the next week, you know, as we reflect on twenty
years ago and just the impact that the storm had
and I think the way that it affect people at
the time, but also just the way that New Orleans
always finds a way to come back stronger than ever.
(21:03):
I think it just speaks to the strength and resiliency
of the people there.
Speaker 6 (21:09):
All right, you mentioned Sean Payton.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Of course, you guys enjoyed an extraordinary partnership and great success.
He's having success already, He's going into year three in Denver.
When you look at the Broncos, maybe when you look
at how Sean is bringing along bo Nix, how much
of that looks familiar to you or has he changed
things up since you guys were in New Orleans together.
Speaker 12 (21:32):
You know, it's it's definitely Sean Payton's office.
Speaker 9 (21:36):
I mean, it's very similar to what we did, you know.
Speaker 12 (21:39):
I think what you have to realize is that from
when Shawn and I started O six to where we
ended up in twenty twenty, man, there was such an
evolution to the offense. You know, when I go back
and look at our old game plans, I mean it
looks like, you know, third grade elementary school level compared
to Calculus.
Speaker 9 (21:55):
Three or where we ended up. You know, when we
finished together.
Speaker 12 (22:00):
A lot of that's just because of our relationship and
our ability just to continue to add ad ad And
I think for me, one of the more difficult things
for a quarterback is that when you step in the huddle,
you have to recite this play call that is basically
telling everybody what to do, and your ability to shorten
that play call is really dependent upon everybody's ability just
(22:21):
to memorize things very quickly and go I was always,
you know, okay, with the responsibility of I'll get in
there and I don't care if I have to read
a paragraph in my head. I just want everybody to
know exactly what to do and breaking the huddle. It's
helping guys with splits and you know this route and
that I'll tag everybody, I think, you know, going from
(22:42):
that to all of a sudden you have a rookie
quarterback that basically you have to teach the language. You know,
it's not just the playbook, it's a whole new language.
And then have them, you know, make it where it's
second nature, you know, getting in and out of the huddle,
and then how they operate when they get up to
the line of scrimmage, and just kind of teaching them
all of those habits and techniques and you know, giving
them the tools to go out and be successful. Obviously,
(23:05):
Bonux has a ton of natural ability. Sixty one college starts,
he comes in with a tremendous amount of experience and maturity.
Speaker 9 (23:11):
He was a multi sport athlete in high school.
Speaker 12 (23:14):
Dad was a coach, like so He's got all these
traits right, great leadership ability. Had a chance to work
with Bo a little bit of this offseason, really impressed
with just his overall demeanor, the way he approaches the game.
He wants to be a great player, He's willing to work.
They've really built a great team around him. I think
they're going to run the ball effectively this year. He's
got big targets to throw to defense. I think it's
going to be lights out.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
So if there's a.
Speaker 12 (23:34):
Team that's going to make a run of the Chiefs,
I think it's the Broncos and Sean Payton and bow Nix.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
All.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
Right, before we let you go, Drew, tell us what
you're doing with Abbitt and the Big ten and the
blood drive campaign.
Speaker 9 (23:47):
Yeah, this is really an exciting campaign.
Speaker 12 (23:48):
I think a lot of people, you know, you don't
think about giving blood, you know, and it's probably because
you don't realize just what an impact that can make.
But we're we're in an extreme blood shortage right now,
and the opportunity for us all to get out and
to give blood could not be more important than it
is right now. In fact, you know, every two seconds
somebody needs blood. Your ability to give blood can save
(24:12):
up to three lives when you give blood. All the
blood that's given, more than twenty five percent goes to
patients with cancer. And I know that everybody has been
affected in some way by cancer, whether it's.
Speaker 9 (24:22):
A faamily, friend, loved one.
Speaker 12 (24:24):
So Abbot in the Big Ten Conference have embarked on
a campaign. This is their second year of doing it
is that we give Blood Drive, basically challenging all everybody
to give blood, but doing a little competition with the
Big Ten Conference here too, where everybody it's affiliated with
a Big ten university, whether it's a student, alumni, family, friends,
(24:44):
go to your nearest blood center give blood, and then
you can go to Big ten dot or org, backslash
abbot and register that donation with one of the universities.
And that basically gives that university the opportunity whoever raises
the most blood or it is the most blood wins
a million dollars towards student health related activities in and
around campus.
Speaker 9 (25:05):
So we want.
Speaker 12 (25:06):
Everybody to go get blood, and if you have affiliation
with a Big ten university, please go register so that
we can so that Purdue can win this competition. Now
we want every we want everything to good blood and
certainly help with the blood shortage, but also just recognize
that you really are saving lives.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
Great cause. Drew, thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 5 (25:27):
We hope we'll be able to talk to you again,
especially as the Hall of Fame selection process ramps up
because you are eligible for the first time this year.
We are looking forward to that. Drew Brees, thank you
so much for joining us.
Speaker 9 (25:37):
Yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
Our top story tonight, Adam Feelin is a Minnesota Viking
once again. After what a week or so of talks
between the Panthers and Minnesota, the sides, we're able to work.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Out a deal.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
It's a couple of couple of pick flops in future drafts,
which you need to know Panthers get the equivalent of
four thrown pick out of the deal.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Feeling gets his wish.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
The Minnesota native headed back to the Vikings. Certainly seems
that not just Steeling, but his family's pretty excited about
it too.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
Yeah, we're going at home.
Speaker 9 (26:13):
We're going at home.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
We're going at home.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
We're going at home.
Speaker 9 (26:15):
We're going.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
I think it was because you were the twins striat
why a great moment right there.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
For the Feeling family is certainly something that he was
hoping would come to Fruition. Thirty five years old and
now getting back for what could be We'll see. He's
kind of one of those guys just sticks around forever,
but could be one last run with the team and
the state that he started in. A lot more news
though around the NFL ian what else we got.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
Nick Caserio, the Texans general manager, met with reporters today
and of course one of the big topics, what is
the deal with Joe Mixon? Popped up on the non
football injury list to start the season. He is out
the first four games, making some news I guess by
giving no real indication that Nixon.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
Is going to come back anytime soon.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
He didn't say will, he didn't say well, but the
fact that there was no update seemed, at least to
those in attendant, that it was a little ominously. Would
take a one day day at a time like everyone.
Speaker 4 (27:15):
Else, we shall see.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
It does not seem like they are counting on him
earlier in the season, which means Nick Chubb is a
must add in fantasy and for the Texans, so when
they already added in real football.
Speaker 5 (27:29):
Anthony Richardson lost the starting quarterback job to Daniel Jones
in Indianapolis, but the man who drafted Richardson fourth overall,
general manager Chris Ballard, said today there is value in
Richardson sitting and watching. Reminder, Richardson has started just twenty
eight games total between college and the NFL, so he
(27:50):
still presumably has a whole lot more snaps and games.
Speaker 6 (27:53):
Coming to him in the future.
Speaker 5 (27:55):
Here is Ballard saying they are not giving up on
Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 13 (28:01):
We're not trading him. I know the negativity, and it's
easy to say, Okay, he's done, and I don't agree.
I've said this numerous times.
Speaker 4 (28:12):
I do not agree with that.
Speaker 13 (28:14):
I think overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way are
good for anybody.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
I do.
Speaker 13 (28:23):
I'm proud of Anthony, of where he's at, how far
he's come. He's come miles.
Speaker 7 (28:31):
If you watch the program went last night, we told
you Tommy DeVito would have a new job in short order,
about as short as he possibly could. The Patriots claimed
him off of waivers. They actually made a run at
him before he signed to the Giants practice squad. When
he got cut back in twenty twenty three. I know
it was the previous regime, but Elliott Wolf was there
and he is there now, as is Ryan Cowten who
(28:53):
was with the Giants for the last couple of years.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
So de Vito ends up in New England.
Speaker 7 (28:57):
He was one of the fallback options in Vegas if
they didn't Cake and he pick it, but they got him.
So DeVito now up there with Drake May who is
in New England because DeVito won a bunch of games
with the Giants.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
A lot of connections on this one.
Speaker 7 (29:08):
Meanwhile, the Patriots at released Kendrick Bourne, the veteran wide
receiver who was the subject of some trade talks. You
remember Tom Pellisarro telling you that the Vikings were talking
to teams about potential veteran receivers. Yes, Adam Felin was
one of them, but Kendrick Bourne was another. I know
there's an obvious connection to San Francisco where he played before,
but there are a bunch of teams that are going
(29:29):
to have interest here. So keep an eye on Kendrick
Bourne to see where he lands after he's released by
the Patriots.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
Tom, there was another wide receiver traded today, Tim Patrick,
going from the Lions to the Jaguars. Actually happened late
last night that tech sat on my phone for about
seven hours, woke up, Bang, we got a trade. He
Jaguars giving up a twenty twenty six to six round
pick for something. James Gladstone said. They didn't have a
(29:55):
big body. He's six foot five. They liked that addition
into their offense. The forty nine Ers obviously thought that
they did a little more speed, so they signed Marquez
Valdez Scantley one day after the division rival Seahawks had
released the speedy wide receiver. He had kind of a
renaissance last year in New Orleans. That potentially could have
been a landing spot, but the forty nine Ers have
(30:16):
had so many injuries at that position, made a lot
of sense for them to go after MBS.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
And they might not be done. Week one is coming
up in short.
Speaker 1 (30:26):
Order, the kickoff Game, believe it or not, eight nights
away from basically right now, it is the Cowboys, it
is the Eagles, and at least one of those teams
has a candidate to be a breakout second year player,
according to our Jeffrey Chedia, who joins US right now
along with Mark Ross. To talk more about that, Jeffrey hoo.
(30:47):
Do you like starting out in that kickoff game? To
break out in your two God, I'm going to go
with Jlex Hunt.
Speaker 14 (30:54):
There edge rusher who really flashed in the postseason last year,
had a sack of the Super Bowl. But what I
love about him is that he's playing in a big
Fangio defense. He's going to have a great secondary behind him.
And you look at the maturation of Nolan Smith last
year when he went from being a guy who was
a part time player to a player who had six sacks.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
I can see Hunt.
Speaker 14 (31:14):
Having that kind of a breakout year. And from my
offensive player, I want to go to Ricky Piersoll because
you just mentioned the forty nine ers and them having
all kinds of issues at wide receiver.
Speaker 9 (31:24):
He's one of only two wide receivers who's been able.
Speaker 14 (31:26):
To practice consistently all throughout training camp, and I love
his attitude. He says, we got to go with who's
in this receiving room. We have to make the most
of it. He's the leader right now, and my guess
is Black Purty's going to look for him a lot
this season.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
Not bad Jeffrey, but.
Speaker 10 (31:43):
Vine picks here on the offensive side, I'm going to
go with the second year quarterback from the Patriots that
we've talked about already on the show, Drake Maye, and
number one, just having the stability there with head coach
Mike brave Grabel, who knows how to win playoffs and
win division Just having that in there, the stability off
the field will help him grow. But also their talent
influx is just so much tremendous this offseason and free agency,
(32:07):
getting Stefan Diggs and all those guys on the defensive side,
and then in the draft to get Will Campbell, a
left tackle will be a Pro Bowl left tackle, and
Trebion Henderson the running back from Ohio State who I
picked to be the offensive Rookie of the Year, to
go with some other players as well. So Drake may
with a stability off the field influx of talent will
(32:28):
be a lot better with not having to be the
one man show. And then on the defensive side, Entrean Cooper,
the linebacker from Green Bay who was my very favorite
player coming out of the draft last year, only played
forty five percent of the snaps last year because he
had an injury in training camp and then missed three games,
but in those forty five percent of snaps. He had
three and a half sacks, thirteen tackles for the lost
(32:49):
seventy seven tackles, and the explosiveness, speed and playmaking just
jumped off the screen of what I saw from him
in college.
Speaker 2 (32:57):
So now is a full time starter. This guy's going
to be All Pro player this year.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
A lot to look forward to starting out in week one,
just eight days away. Mark and Jeffrey, thank you very much.
We also need to address some serious and sickening news
today out of Minnesota. A shooter open fire with a
rifle this morning through the windows of a Catholic church
of Minneapolis and struck children celebrating massing the first week
(33:27):
of school, killing two and wounding seventeen people in an
act of violence that the police chief called absolutely incomprehensible.
The Vikings issue in a statement saying, we are devastated
by the horrific violence that took place at Annunciation Church
of Minneapolis this morning. Our hearts are broken for the victims,
their families, and all who have been impacted by this
senseless and cowardly act. We are praying for the injured,
(33:51):
those who witnessed the attack, and the first responders who
were on the scene providing care and support during this tragedy.
I live in Minnesota. I'm also devastated. I'm pissed off.
I don't want to keep doing these stories instead of
talking about football with all of you. Our thoughts from
everybody here with the insiders are with all those affected
more after this, well.
Speaker 3 (34:20):
Well, well, sign a big new contract, start practicing. Terry McLaurin,
at long last, has ditched his trademark Holden Hoodie, which,
as he said today, who doesn't allow a good hoodie?
Shout out to all the hoodie wears, and he is
now wearing a commander's actual football uniform to play football
for the team that he plays for. After signing this big,
(34:42):
huge deal that took up all of our attention this
summer and ended with an excellent outcome, which is Terry
McLaurin getting paid.
Speaker 4 (34:49):
He talked about it about an hour ago.
Speaker 15 (34:53):
It was a long process, and you know, there's no
playbook or script on how to handle this situation, and
so you know, you start out one way and then
you hope that it ends the way it's ended. And
so I'm thankful for this process to just be able
to be back on the field and just the conversations
(35:15):
that you know, Buddy and AP had and myself and
AP and me and DQ. So it was It's definitely
been a process, but I'm really happy to be back
out here with my teammates.
Speaker 4 (35:30):
Man.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
I am happy that that is done as well. We
talked about it as much as we could possibly talk
about it. Jeffrey tradea bucket Brooks in here with me
on the insiders. Uh So, the commanders were good last year.
We know that maybe the biggest surprise of all teams,
which got me thick buck yelp stock with you. Who
is going to be this year's commanders to kind of
(35:50):
take off in the way that maybe we didn't quite expect.
Speaker 16 (35:55):
I think Mark Ross kind of put it out there,
and so I'm gonna piggyback on what Mark.
Speaker 9 (35:59):
Ross said about the New England Patriots.
Speaker 16 (36:01):
The Patriots are really set up to make a surprise
jump in the AFC. One of the reasons I'm big
on the Patriots is because Mike Rabel has brought his
guys over. You think about all of the veterans that
came over, called Davis, Harold Landry, Roberts, Bulane, others, that
have come on board to really help this defense play
with the toughness in grit that has always been a
(36:21):
hallmark of his teams. But then Stefon Diggs being the
number one receiver on the Vermeiter and the job that
Stefan Diggs did an unlocking Josh Allen.
Speaker 9 (36:30):
As we talk about some.
Speaker 16 (36:31):
Of the other weapons, Will Campbell on the offensive line,
Travian Henderson.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
This Patriots team as.
Speaker 16 (36:36):
They're beginning to embrace the winning tradition that Mike Rabel brings,
they gonna be a tough out for team. So I'm
all in on the Patriots being a surprise team that
goes from dark horse to viable contender in the AFC.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
Well, Bucky, I love that wild card approach to it.
Speaker 14 (36:53):
I'm going with the low hanging fruit here with the
Chicago Bears, and I've been on them all off season,
and I know that the Commanders of ruined their season
last year with that Hail Mary because they started they
won a ten game losing streak after that.
Speaker 9 (37:06):
But you look at what.
Speaker 14 (37:07):
They've done, bringing in Ben Johnson, retooling that interior, they
offensive line, adding Colston Loveland, Luther Burden in through the draft,
I just think this team is set up to do
big things. And I know they're in a very tough division.
But what I love about Ben Johnson isn't just that
he's a great offensive mind, but that he spent a
lot of time with Dan Campbell seeing how he rebuilt
(37:27):
the Detroit Lions, and so I think that's an underrated
part of what Ben Johnson can bring to this team.
I know it's a tough division, but I see them
making the playoffs and making noise once they get there.
Speaker 4 (37:38):
You know, I got to be totally honest.
Speaker 3 (37:39):
We've talked so much about the Bears and what they're
going to be like with Ben Johnson and how much
better Caleb was going to be. I can't wait to
see it. Like of all the things, I can't wait.
Speaker 2 (37:48):
To see that.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
Guys great stuff. As always, Jeffrey, we will say goodbye
to you.
Speaker 7 (37:55):
The bad news of yesterday a lot of these guys
losing their jobs. The good news up today, the squads
that need to be filled. Sixteen players per team, so
a lot of guys back in action, a lot of
recognizable names back in action. The NFL changing the rules
a couple of years ago during COVID allowing for more
veterans to be on practice squads, and so these guys
are back on teams as part of the practice squads.
(38:18):
There Cole Strange right there, former first round pick of
the New England Patriots, trying to jumpstart his career in Cleveland,
along with Malachi core Corley, a third round pick of
the Jets that had a lot of interest des had
to go to Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (38:30):
Bucky Brooks, Mark Ross with us.
Speaker 7 (38:32):
You saw those moves there. How about your favorite moves
of the entire offseason start with Mark.
Speaker 10 (38:38):
Cool Strange And not for Cole Strange himself, but the
Patriots philosophy, and we've talked about this a lot of
this is a total rebuild and usually first round draft picks,
we'll get the benefit of down and the team will
keep trying.
Speaker 2 (38:50):
To work with that.
Speaker 10 (38:51):
Well, Mike Rabel there and Elliot Wolf were saying, we
don't care if he was a first round pick. We're
letting him go. Kendrick Bourne, we.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Don't care what he's done in the past.
Speaker 9 (38:58):
We're letting him go. We have to get better.
Speaker 10 (39:00):
Even the Marcus EPP's the safety who they signed as
a free agent.
Speaker 2 (39:03):
Their movie on it, letting him go.
Speaker 4 (39:04):
So this is it's a continuation of how.
Speaker 10 (39:06):
I dislike how the Patriots have completely I think crushed
the whole offseason, free agency, the draft, and now even
in this minor period where you think nothing happens, but
it's really a signal change Bucky of Hey, this is
a new era.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
We any new players in here.
Speaker 9 (39:19):
We need our guys, you.
Speaker 16 (39:23):
Know, Mark, I really like what you're talking about with
the Patriots talking about a new era, but I like
what the Pittsburgh Stills have done and going back to
a throwback era and talking to Mike Tomlin, he talked
about getting players who had an edge, a winning pedigree,
some fightiness. So Jalen Ramsey coming over from the Miami
Dolphins to me is a perfect fit. And one of
the reasons why I love Jalen Ramsey coming over is
(39:44):
not what he brings as a do it all playmaker
in the back end, but it's what he can show
and demonstrate to Joey Porter Junior and some.
Speaker 9 (39:51):
Of the other young guys in the secondary.
Speaker 16 (39:54):
The fightiness, the edginess, the competitiveness, the ability to take
on the number one receips all of those things this phase.
But then it's the physicality and rough and rugged play
that Pittsburgh has always.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Been known for.
Speaker 16 (40:08):
I love the Steelers getting back to who they are
and what they've been. That part has been lacking a
little bit. The edginess is back in Pittsburgh, which is
why I think they could be one of those sneaky
good teams again this year.
Speaker 7 (40:21):
Jay and Ramsey showed that edge in the preseason game
I believe it was against the Panthers, drew a fifteen
yard penalty, threw a guy down. I remember the announcer
for the Steelers saying, who garrets in the preseason. He's
set a tone. He's doing that right after back. Can't
have any of those anymore now, Jalen. We're at the
point of the regular season now for you with your
new team.
Speaker 1 (40:42):
Chargers running back Naji Harris practicing for the first time
today since a fourth of July fireworks explosion left him
with an eye injury. Are Omar Ruiz on the scene?
Visual proof right there, Naji Harris. We're at number twenty two,
moving around pretty well for a guy who had not
been out on the field in that capacity in a
(41:02):
couple of months. Coach Jim Harbaugh today reiterating what GM
Joe Ortiz and said Mike, which is that Naji Harris
could play in week one. We'll see if that actually
occurs here. But what do you make about just the
way that this entire thing is played out?
Speaker 7 (41:19):
Yeah, and it started with just him walking around the field.
It was a ginger recovery for Nijie. Harrison then went
the jogging. Now back on the field. It was allegedly
a superficial eye injury. Clearly a serious deal, but good
to see him back on the field.
Speaker 5 (41:36):
I would like football players to be a lot more
careful around fireworks. We've had a number of fireworks incidents
at the fourth of July JTP, Please be careful, guys.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
The other thing I keep thinking of is, you know
everyone's going to have to look at the Chargers practice
field and be like, is he actually playing?
Speaker 4 (41:55):
Do I need to prepare for him? There is a
competitive elopment.
Speaker 3 (41:57):
To this that I'm sure the Chargers are embracing and
knowing Jim Hargolle as I do, he probably likes it.
Speaker 1 (42:04):
We'll be back at seven Beep Measter tomorrow. See everybody
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Judy Battista
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