March 11, 2025 • 42 mins
NFL Network has all hands on deck for the Insiders in the first week of free agency. Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, Judy Battista and Mike Garafolo start the two-hour special on QBs — analyzing the quarterback situations for the Colts, Giants and Steelers. Then, Mike and Sara Walsh interview WR Chris Godwin, who recently signed a three-year deal with Tampa Bay. Patrick Claybon, Bucky Brooks and Brian Baldinger join in on the fun with commentary on the largest free agent acquisitions. Stacey Dales adds insight on the Vikings and Omar Ruiz does so with the 49ers. Later, Cam Wolfe addresses Jevon Holland signing with the Giants.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Some players on the move, some players staying put, still
waiting to find out the future. For one, Aaron Rodgers
will not be a jet. Where will he play? We'll
discuss that on today's edition of The Insiders. And a
signing for a backup quarterback, perhaps Daniel Jones going to Indianapolis.
What does that mean for Anthony Richardson and howe does
(00:28):
this quarterback competition.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Play out in Indy?
Speaker 1 (00:31):
As well as one player that's not going anywhere, long
time Buck Chris Godwin will stay in Tampa Bay. We
will hear from mister Buck himself, joining a conversation with
show Sarah Walsh as we get going here on The Insiders. Everybody,
Welcome to The Insiders. Patrick Playbon here in the nfl
LA newsroom, joined by our insiders Tompel, Sarah ian Rapport,
(00:52):
Judy Batista, and Mike Garafolo. On the second day of
the free agency frenzy, it was not as frenzy, perhaps,
but there were still plenty of news, still plenty of
news for us to get to, including some players making
some moves that ultimately determine how other moves will potentially
be made. As we get into what is new today,
we will start with the Eagles trading Super Bowl champion CJ.
(01:15):
Gardner Johnson to the Houston Texans for Kenyon Green. This
coming days after the Texans trade Laramie Tunzel to the
Washington Commanders, so an acquisition on the offensive line. As
for the second time after a Super Bowl, the Eagles
part ways with CJJJ. Another safety on the move, longtime
(01:35):
Miami Dolphin, Javon Holland get a three year deal worth
up to forty five point three million dollars with the Giants,
a total of thirty point three million dollars guaranteed. Not
the only defender spent most of his career with one
team on the move, it's a signing for the Minnesota
Vikings and Jonathan Allen on the interior defensive line. A
(01:59):
three year deal with a maximum of fifty one million
dollars could be worth up to sixty million dollars if
you include incentives. So that is a signing that did
work out for the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota Vikings perhaps in
play for Daniel Jones that ultimately did not have as
the Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with the Artists, I
(02:23):
guess we could sell refer to him as Dimes Daniel
Jones a one year, fourteen million dollar contract thirteen point
one million dollars guaranteed a part of that quarterback carousel.
As one move leads to another, let's discuss how that
plays out, Tom with the rest of the insiders.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Thank you very much, Patrick, and welcome inside with the Insiders.
Another fun day, and one of the big piece of
news today was, in fact, Daniel Jones going to the
Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Ian you heard Patrick refer to it right there.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
The Vikings were in on Daniel Jones, who finished last
season on their practice squad and then was elevated to
the number two quarterback for the playoff game.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Here.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
They made him a strong offer. They were going back
and forth for several days here. The last night the
Vikings got a sense that Daniel Jones was not really
convicted about staying in Minnesota. That's what Minnesota told him
this morning, We're going in a different direction. He ended
up taking a deal with the Indianapolis Colts that if
he plays plays well, maybe even gets them to the playoffs,
can pay him up to seventeen point seven million dollars.
(03:23):
But first job there, he's got to beat out Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (03:28):
It's a base deal of fourteen million dollars over one
year for Daniel Jones, really strong deal for a either
bridge starter or maybe more or backup quarterback. It's one
of those things, and really Daniel Jones gets to the
side which of those it is. The Minnesota Vikings made
a strong push, especially last night before as you mentioned,
it became clear that he was not looking in their direction,
(03:50):
and they went and signed a bunch of offensive linemen
a defensive lineman to show up their offensive defensive lines.
But ever since it became clear that he was looking
at the Indianapolis coach, who was all about trying to
become a starting quarterback again.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
And the money is fine.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
It would have been roughly similar in both places, but
for Daniel Jones the heights he reached with the Giants
at one point, kind of installing himself as the franchise guy,
leading him to the playoffs, earning the nickname Danny Dimes.
He hasn't forgotten all of that, and football fans have
not forgotten that he can get back there where the
coach just needs to beat out Anthony Richardson, who at
(04:26):
one point they thought would be their franchise starter, and
he still might be, but that now becomes one of
the most interesting training camp competitions. Daniel Jones versus Anthony
Richardson thanks to today's signing, Well, the.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
Question I have is how much of a competition is
this really going to be? The Indianapolis cults say it
is going to be an open competition, and there's reason
to believe them.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Don't forget.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
They benched Anthony Richardson at one point last year to
try to light a fire under him, and there have
been questions really since he got to the NFL about
whether he prepares enough, whether he is voted enough to
the off the field work that goes into being a
starting quarterback. He certainly performed better after the benching, after
he returned from the benching, but obviously the Colts would
(05:10):
like to see him be able to stay healthy, stay
on the field, stay healthy, and also see more consistent
play without the peaks and valleys.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
You're seeing some of the.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
Really good stuff here on these highlights, but there are
also really bad mistakes that have happened over and over again.
So they would like a more consistent performance out of
Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
But for Daniel Jones.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
And Daniel Jones is nothing if not an incredibly hard worker.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
A grinder is what he was with the New York Giants.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
They're hoping that this spurs Anthony Richardson and for Daniel Jones.
I mean, this is a proved opportunity. We've seen it
work for Geno Smith resurrecting his career, Sam Darnold resurrecting
his career. This is a chance for Daniel Jones to
resurrect his career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Yeah, I mean, whoever loses out on this one is
going to be a tough spot here because this will
be another chance for Daniel Jones to win a winnable
job and keep a winnable job here.
Speaker 8 (06:07):
So if he doesn't do that, that's gonna be a problem.
And if Anthony.
Speaker 7 (06:10):
Richardson can't beat out Daniel Jones, who was released by
the Giants last year, well that's not gonna be a
good sign for him either. There was a question about
which way the Colts would go here as far as
you know, people around the league wondering would they go
with a guy who can show Anthony Richardson the ropes
basically help him come along, or would they go with
a guy who would push him and compete. This is
(06:31):
a push and compete situation. Judy, you talked about Daniel
Jones his work ethic. He was a consummate professional with
the Giants. He was a hard worker. There are a
lot of criticisms that you can have of Daniel Jones,
but it wouldn't be in those departments here. So Anthony Richardson,
Daniel Jones gonna come in and gonna make you work
for it. It's gonna be an interesting training camp battle
to watch. And then I don't think that once we
(06:53):
get to week one the battle's over. Whoever wins the
job is gonna have to keep performing.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
And for anybody who's sitting there.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
And I saw us the speculation about should Anthony Richardson
request a tray? It's a lot of money for a
backup quarterback. I talked directly to Anthony Richardson's agent, Derek Jackson,
who told me there's no thought of a trade request.
He said he's fully healthy, ar will be ready to roll.
So the Colts have two quarterbacks. The Steelers at this
point really have none because Russell Wilson's a free agent.
(07:20):
Justin Fields is off to the New York Jets. The Steelers, meanwhile,
Judy still talking to Wilson, also have had some at
least preliminary discussions with Aaron Rodgers, who tends to not
move really quickly in anything that he's doing. At this point,
it seems like the Steelers want to hear what he
has to say before deciding what direction they are going
(07:40):
to go.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Here.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
Yeah, I mean, everything's in limbo, including all of us.
Speaker 6 (07:46):
We are all waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide what
direction he wants to go in. Let's take a step
back the Originally, the Steelers originally wanted Justin Fields back.
That was who they were focused on until a few
days ago when it became clear that Justin Fields wanted
to go to free agency, and of course he then
subsequently agreed.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
To terms with the New York Jets.
Speaker 6 (08:06):
So then the Pittsburgh Steelers turn to other alternatives, among
them Aaron Rodgers, who would certainly appear to be the
most attractive option currently available. He is obviously a four
time MVP, a first ballot Hall of Famer, and as
bad as the season was for the New York Jets
last year, he still showed flashes where he could play. Certainly,
(08:29):
the Steelers could put a pretty good team around him,
good defense, pretty good offensive line, a running attack to
very good wide receivers. Now, but they have to wait
for Aaron Rodgers, and maybe they would pivot to Russell Wilson,
pivot back to Russell Wilson if Rogers goes another way.
But everything is just sort of in a holding pattern
(08:50):
now for the Steelers and others.
Speaker 8 (08:52):
Russell Wilson's in play. Mason Rudolph also in plan. I
know that that's been reported.
Speaker 7 (08:57):
The former Steelers quarterback who performed pretty well last year
with the Tennessee Titans, so well that I believe the
Titans it depending on how things go, would want him
back for twenty twenty five.
Speaker 8 (09:07):
I know they've got the number one.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
Overall pick that could be a quarterback there as well.
So the Steelers sort of looking toward the ghost of
quarterbacks past, and listen, no surprise that Russell Wilson is
in play, we said, and actually they said that they
were looking to sign one of their two quarterbacks from
last year with Justin Fields Goune. Obviously that is Wilson.
You wonder how that would play if they miss out
(09:30):
on Rodgers. Let's say he goes to the Giants and
they miss out on him. How would that play if
Russell Wilson comes back and winds up being the guy
who is again in the pole position, doesn't necessarily get
handed the job, but is there to take the lead
here and be the guy for this team. At one point,
it looked like a genius move in the middle of
the season for Mike Tomin to turn it over to
Russell Wilson and then kind of looked limited again. And
(09:51):
I can't believe I just said limited about a guy
who calls himself mister Unlimited, but I did, and that's
what he looked like. So it's gonna be interesting to
see how this one plays out him.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
We have been waiting an unlimited amount of time. I
don't know if that works or not for Aaron Rodgers
to make his decision, while Russell Wilson waiting the same amount.
And look for Aaron Rodgers, there's a lot of reasons
why he is, I would say strongly considering the Pittsburgh Steelers,
just given the status of the franchise, Mike Tomlin, this defense,
what they are building on off I mean, the kind
of weapons. They have a lot of reasons that Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 8 (10:24):
Would consider us.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
But while they wait, you guys mentioned it, Russell Wilson
is waiting too, And I'm sure there's something in Russell
Wilson's mind that's like, oh.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Man, maybe I'm not the first choice.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
If Aaron Rodgers chooses the New York Giants, this is
going to be Russell Wilson's best choice, not only I
would imagine there would be at least a couple other
maybe one other place that would consider him as a
potential starting quarterback, but this would be his best option. So,
you know, for a lot of these free agents, not
necessarily the first choice. If someone gives the opportunity, you
(10:55):
take it. That's where it is for Russell Wilson. But again,
he's in the same situation we are, which is waiting
for Aaron Rodgers to emerge from the darkness or wherever
and make a decision.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
And Mike, I know you said, you know, it's hard
to say how that would play. If Russell Wilson came
back to Pittsburgh meeting the fans and the media and
things like that, I'll tell you where it would play well.
Is in the wide receiver room, because George Pickens produced
a lot better when Russell Wilson was playing quarterback last
year than it had been with Justin Fields, and DK
metcalf is tight with Russell Wilson from their Seattle days.
But again, the fact that they've not yet moved forward
(11:29):
with a guy who had signed in about five seconds
if they said, Russ your back, would show you that. Certainly,
it appears Aaron Rodgers is a little bit higher on
their list. Also caught in the Aaron Rodgers Russell Wilson
Bermuda triangle vortex. Here, Mike is the New York Giants.
They're a little bit different though in that they also
got the number three pick. How are Joe Shane, Brian
(11:50):
Dable and company looking at the totality of what's happening
in that quarterback market and how they will proceed.
Speaker 8 (11:57):
They're showing remarkable patients in Calm.
Speaker 7 (11:59):
I don't know if they're going to wind up with
Aaron Rodgers, but I know that they're keeping cool heads there,
maybe cooler than definitely cooler than I would like i'd
be on this guy. Can we get an answer already?
Like this is a federal point for the general manager
and for the head coach, guys that we thought might
be in trouble last year. John Mara brought him back
and said basically that now the results need to start
(12:20):
coming up here. So the stakes don't get much higher
than they are right now without a lot of options
out there and a team that you mentioned that Tom
holds the number three overall pick. They did control their
own destiny for the number one overall pick, but they
beat the Colts. I always say they lose to the
Colts because the result was a loss, but they beat
the Colts to knock themselves down to number three with
(12:41):
the Titans and a lot of rumblings now that they
are going to take cam Ward at number one. So
the Giants is not in control of a lot of things.
And I keep waiting for patients to run out in
East Brutherford and there's this saying com we're gonna give
this guy the space.
Speaker 8 (12:54):
We've got the respect for him.
Speaker 7 (12:55):
He understands that we have that respect for him, and
that's part of the pitch. We know who you are,
we know what you've done, and we know what you're
capable of doing. And look what we're doing around you.
Adding a lot of pieces via free agency, so we'll
see if it's enough to get Rodgers to head to
the East Rutherford here.
Speaker 8 (13:11):
All I can think.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
About, Mike, is you being a general manager and you're
just getting tired of waiting and someone just yelling at
someone on the phone.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Not saying you do that to anyone else, I'm just
saying I could.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
Absolutely see you being like, can you make a decision please.
Some people are not Italian, thank Shane, of course, with
the mild manor general manager somewhat of the New York
Giants a waiting word from Aaron Rodgers. And you know,
while they've waited, while they've made their pitch, while they've
told Rogers, this is why we want you. I don't
get the sense the money would be the hang up here.
It sounds like probably in the ballpark for both of
(13:42):
these places. Well, the Giants have waited. They have also
loaded up. They have added Paulson Todebo in the secondary.
They've added Javon Holland and the secondary, two big ticket
free agents that Aaron Rodgers, if he's their quarterback, is
really going to like.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
And the fact that he has.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
Malik Neighbors who could come in and be just an
immediate star with him an immediate top target, also very
attractive for Rogers.
Speaker 8 (14:04):
Will he choose the Giants?
Speaker 1 (14:06):
I don't know, but I would really like to know.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
But at least what they have done is everything essentially
they can to put it out there for him. Whether
he takes it or not, we don't know, but they
have done it all.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
I think we have established that the New York Giants
are much more patient than the four of us would
be in their position, because we have already run out
of patients and we just want an answer right now
to this. Who knows what Aaron Rodgers is going to do?
I think the next question is if he goes elsewhere
Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, where do the Giants turn to?
They turned to Russell Wilson as an alternative. Who else
(14:41):
might they turn to to talk to about this? None
of this precludes them from trying to draft a quarterback
in the first round. Again, certainly they are not in
control anymore, entire control of the situation. But no matter
who they bring in veteran wise, they could still draft
a quarterbacks.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
So that is the next page.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
I know they're being patient, and I know they're being respectful,
but at some point everybody needs an answer because they
have to make their next set of plans, and obviously
that is coming up rapidly. What comes next, So we
just stand by and wait for an answer.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
The stute viewers of The Insiders Patrick might have noticed
in that last segment when I was typing. As soon
as I finished, Mike and Ian both jutted their heads
down really rapidly.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
There.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
That's because I was tweeting a big signing. Nick Neeman,
the former Charger Special Teamsdays, go into the Texans.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Rewind the tape. You'll see it.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
It's very, very funny if you know the backstory on
what's going on there. This is the type of fun
you're part of. No tie for Patrick tonight, he got
the memo back to you. We'll see it a little bit.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
None, we got no tie for me. Nick Neeman gets
his signing on the show as well as a reaction,
and yeah, perhaps we will get an answer because Aaron
Rodgers won't leave anybody waiting for any extended amount of time.
The history has showing us that Sam Donald didn't have
to wait very long once for you just he got going.
He got his deal. Does that mean his deal with
the Seahawks makes him one of the big winners of
(16:03):
free agency? We hit who are those big winners? Coming
up on the Insiders, and we'll also hear from Chris
Godwin himself. Why did he choose to leave perhaps some
fruitful options on the table to remain in Tampa Bay?
He explains, Coming up right now on the end Signers after.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
This break, Geene teker Off has fired the cannons for
Chris Gannett, for Chris Godwin, excuse me? Thirty nine times
in the regular season.
Speaker 8 (16:35):
During his career.
Speaker 7 (16:36):
More coming Godwin back to the Buccaneers three years, sixty
six million dollars and wouldn't you know he's joining us
on the Insider Sarah Wallace joining me Mike Garraffalo for
this interview. Chris, congratulations on the deal. What is it
about Tampa? I feel like the Buccaneers retained more free
agents over the last couple of years than any team
(16:56):
I have ever seen. What is it about Tampa and
the fact that you guys just want to stick around
there and continue to play for the Bucks.
Speaker 9 (17:03):
I don't know, man, maybe it's something in the water,
but we I think I think it's peaks to the
type of guys that that that we bring in here,
you know, whether they've been drafted here and and kind
of growing throughout their career. But you know, we we
build these relationships like with the players that we work with,
and you know, it really becomes a brotherhood. So whenever
it comes time to make those tough decisions, like those
(17:25):
are things that factor into it. And then on top
of that, I mean, like Tampa as a city, right,
it's it's a great place to be a lot of
people who, like you know, stay down here in the
off season, like you can live here year round. I
think there's a lot of things that go into the
whole free agency factors. So you know, I'm somebody that
you know that that's been able to benefit from that.
(17:45):
I'm grateful to be back and great for this opportunity again,
but more probably, man, I'm grateful to get back to work.
Speaker 10 (17:51):
Chris, you mentioned something in the water. I'm coming to
you from Clearwater Beach, and I can confirm the water
is really nice. Heer, people don't want to leave. Mike
was in this Mike Evans was in this situation a
year ago, and I was listening to your press conference
today and it was brought up that you were offered
more money to go somewhere else and you said nine
out of ten people wouldn't make the decision I made,
and Jason Light your GM called it rare to leave
(18:14):
generalizational money on the table. How close did you and
Mariah and your family actually come to thinking we might
leave here?
Speaker 9 (18:25):
Yeah? I mean, to be honest, I feel like it
was like we were really close. I think that when
you know, when it comes to a situation like that,
like you have to you have to really really consider it.
And me and Mariah, we we had some some really
tough conversations, had some really tough conversations, like with my agent,
because like at the end of the day, right we're
trying to figure out like what's going to be best
for our family, and again, like not everybody would make
(18:48):
that decision, and like I'm not faulting anybody that would,
but I think at the end of the day, like
I was mentioning an oppressor, like I have to go
based off of off of my gut, I have to
go based off off of my intuition and what I
feel like it's going to be best for us. In
the long run, and you know, and being here what
we call home, where we feel the most comfortable, where
we can you know, raise our newborn son. I think
(19:10):
all those things are big factors for us, and you know,
and making this decision.
Speaker 8 (19:15):
I mentioned this story on Earli other day.
Speaker 7 (19:17):
The last time you were up for a contract extension,
Mike Evans went into Mike Greenberg and Jason Lytton said
take some of my money, and they were like, no, no, no, like, no, no,
take some of my money. Chris has got to stay
like and they're like, dude, we'll figure it out. Don't
worry about I mean, maybe he did it this time
around as well. But that speaks to the importance of
(19:37):
both of you guys playing together as wide receivers.
Speaker 8 (19:40):
What does Mike Evans mean to you?
Speaker 7 (19:41):
And what is playing with Mike Evans in twenty twenty
five for another season with the Bucks?
Speaker 8 (19:46):
Moving forward?
Speaker 9 (19:46):
Me to you, man, Mike, Mike is truly a brother
to me, man, Mike, for you know, for Mike to
have have treated me the way that he had, you know,
throughout the you know, these eight years, like from the
very beginning, like anything that I I've ever asked him
for any advice. He's been there and been more than
willing to give me that advice and more that pair
(20:07):
with just the way that he works and you know,
his selflessness I think you know makes you know, for
both of us being a great parent. So to me,
it's incredibly rare for you know, for a team to
have two receivers of our caliber, you know, for this
duration of time. So I told Mike this this offseason. Now,
it's it's an honor to get to play by his
side and for us to be, you know, one of
(20:29):
the best receiving duels of all time is something that
we're going to look back on when we're older and
realize and just how special it was.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Yeah, I want to go back to the history of
that Chris that you just brought up when you look
back at your time, and I know there's still plenty
of football left to be played. This was put in
front of me by one of your PR guys, Andrew Holman.
Shout out to Andrew that right now you and Mike
are fifth all time and receiving duos. But this is
how impressive this is. If you and Mike both go
over a thousand yards, which you both do regularly, you
(20:58):
would be second if you guys do the sexies and
you'd be second only to Isaac Bruce and Torri Folt.
And when you hear those names and here where you
would be on that list and know that these numbers,
I mean you can rapidly rise up those record books.
Speaker 11 (21:13):
What does that mean?
Speaker 9 (21:15):
Yeah, it again it speaks to exactly like what we
were just talking about, Like these are things like anytime
you have the opportunity to uh, you know, to approach
an NFL record like that is you know that that's
rare air, right, that these are things that that people
just don't get the opportunity to do. And you know
you mentioned you know, names like as Bruce and toward Hole.
(21:38):
These are these are guys that we that we both
grew up watching, you know, like some of the best
duos in NFL history. Like these it's very like meaningful things.
So for me and for Mike, it's you know, it
means a lot. It speaks to our not only our ability,
but our longevity and also our selflessness because I think
(21:58):
the reason that you don't have situation like this, you know,
too often is because you know, there's a lot of
eagle involved because you know, everybody wants to be like
the guy, or everybody wants a certain amount of targets
or a certain amount of money, and sometimes like they
can lose sight of, you know, what could be special.
But luckily for both of us, that's never been the
draft of factors for us. So we've been able to
(22:19):
be a pair for this long and I'm excited that
we get to do it again.
Speaker 7 (22:24):
That's one real quick because I know you got to go.
Baker Mayfield. His reaction when you told them we're coming.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
Back, Man, he was a bigger face on me. And
we share we share a nice moment. Man, he was hype.
He texted me like shortly after he was like, man,
I was I was incredibly nervous. I'm like biting my
nails right, but he was extremely hype.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
Man, awesome, Mike.
Speaker 10 (22:46):
I think the talk is that, I think the talk
of the pressor is could you imagine Baker Mayfield at
a Super Bowl boat parade? Because that'd be a guy
I didn't get to do it last time, and he
seems like someone that would have a really good time
and something like that.
Speaker 9 (23:00):
Yeah, he'd have a decent time. Now. I think he'd
be a guy, I will like a bull Carie.
Speaker 8 (23:05):
There you go, Baker on a boat. I can't wait
to see that.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Good luck to you.
Speaker 7 (23:10):
And the Bucks moving forward, Chris. Congratulations to you and
your family. Congratulations to the Bucks for hanging on to
a great player who means so much in that locker room.
Speaker 9 (23:18):
Congrat Chris, Thank you guys very much.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
A lot of moves already through the first twenty four
hours and change of free agency frenzy. I swear this
graphic gets smaller every time we show it.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
I can't what do we got there? Number one Milton Williams.
That's got me.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Milton Williams was Patriots. He's up there at the top, right.
I think Zach Bond's up there at three. Boy, that
is not a good look on me right there.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
All right, anyway, there's been a lot of moves.
Speaker 3 (23:53):
You can read all about the really big ones NFL
dot com slash Batista where Judy has a story up
right now about some of the winners and losers in
fames and give me a winner duty.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
To through these first twenty four hours plus, all right.
Speaker 6 (24:07):
To be clear, we don't know how these moves are
going to turn out, but these are winners who at
least addressed needs tried to fill holes where they needed
to be filled. First one, the obvious one, the Chicago Bears,
who went into the off season knowing they had to
get better protection for Caleb Williams, who was sacked sixty
eight times last season.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
They have rebuilt the interior of.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Their offensive line two trades for guards Joe Toney and
Jonah Jackson, and then a deal with Drew Dolman, one
of the top rated centers in the game, coming off
a strong season with the Falcons. He only allowed ten
pressures and no sacks last season, so good work by them.
And then they also got Grady Jarrett to reinforce the
defensive line, so really building in the trenches and bringing
(24:49):
in a measure of veteran leadership at the same time.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
What about a player that won, not just in terms
of the number of zeros at the end of that
first big check you get on the side, but who
really won free agency here, Judy, Well.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
So far, I think Sam Donald has won so far.
The zeros are also good for the contract. But he
finally gets to be the starter, right He had the
proven season in Minnesota and it went until those last
two games. It went beyond anything anybody could have imagined
for the Sam Donald Renaissance tour. Now he gets to
(25:27):
be a starter with nobody looking over his shoulder, at
least for now, which would have been the case if
he'd stayed in Minnesota with JJ McCarthy. He is the guy.
They're going to have to put some pieces around him.
Certainly he's not going to have the kind of weapons
that he did in Minnesota, but certainly for a guy
who has been through the ringer with the Jets and
the Panthers and then rebuilt his career, good for Sam Donald.
Speaker 3 (25:52):
Meanwhile, the Vikings, with all that money that they saved
from not ending up signing Sam Donald, spent it on
a whole lot of other players. That's kind of this work.
There's only so many dollars ultimately to go around. You
know who else has gotten off to a strong start
for a variety of reasons. The commanders, who are also
taking care of one of.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Their own, So commanders fans zach Ertz here so excited
to be back.
Speaker 9 (26:15):
Was a node brainer.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
I'm so excited to get the guys back together and
see what.
Speaker 9 (26:19):
We can do this year.
Speaker 8 (26:19):
Can't wait to see you guys.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Yeah, I get the band back together, not just there,
also resigning Bobby Wagner. They go out and get Javon
Kinlaw of course trained for Laramie Tunzell and Deebo Samuel.
So a lot of change in our nation's capital a
season after one of the most magical seasons in recent
I don't think one of the most is the most
magical season in recent Washington Commander's history. Is now it's
(26:44):
time to really evaluate what they have done thus far.
We get Bucky Brooks back as well as Brian Baldinger.
I'll start with you, Buck, how do you view what
the commanders have done thus far?
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Love it?
Speaker 12 (26:51):
I love it because once you have a franchise quarterback established,
you do everything you can to put the pieces around them.
Whether Washington Commanders have done this offseason is make sure
that Jade and Daniels has with his needs to take
this franchise to the next level. Trade for Jarremy Tunsil
sets them up so they now have a blind side protector.
You and now able to make sure that he's protected
in the pocket. And then you go and get Deebo
(27:12):
Samuel on the perimeter to allow this team to run
a catch and run offense with Terry mclaunold one side,
Deebo same on the other side.
Speaker 8 (27:19):
When we think about how close this team was actually.
Speaker 12 (27:22):
Going from worse to first in winning not only the
NFC Championship Game, but maybe going to the Super Bowl,
you have to love what they've done because it put
them over the top in terms of being a title
contender next season.
Speaker 13 (27:35):
Buck Yet, I feel like there's a real arms race
in the NFC East between Adam Peters the GM of
Washington and Howie Rosman and Philly. And it really started
last year. When you sign. You know, you go out
and your draft Jayden Daniels okay, Rookie of the Year.
But then you know they also had gotten Tyler Biadish
and Nick Allagretti the center and left guard. Now you
(27:56):
complete it all right with Elarumy Tunsel, who are hard
to find. They're not in every draft franchise left tackles
sometimes you have to trade for it. And they've got
lanmy Tumsil. Probably too many penalties last year, but that
can get cleaned up. But you put that together, then
you go, okay, Deebo Sam. You can argue what Deebo
is in his career. But I trust in Cliff Kingsbury
(28:18):
to find different formations, different motions, and different ways to
get Deebo the ball. And then you lose Jonathan Allen
in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings. All Right, bring
back Jonathan Kinlaw or Javon Kinlaw, who Adam Peters drafted
in San Francisco and he's a rotational player now. But
that position is a position of need on every team
(28:39):
having depth at the defensive tackle position. They drafted Johnny
Newton last year, they got Deron Payne, like they are
setting themselves up. Maybe fourteen and six and a date
in the NFC Championship game in Philly last year isn't
enough for the Commanders. Maybe they're hungry for a little
bit more.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Yeah, that's the downside, I guess of having the magic
of twenty twenty four. But what do you do for
an hom We've both seen feel like between Balding and
Bucky Brooks, the Commanders are well on their way to
producing in terms of that thanks to both of these gentlemen.
We're going to keep going here on the insiders, the
Minnesota Vikings linking up with the former and longtime Washington
commander Jonathan Allen. It is a three year contract, could
(29:18):
be worth up to fifty one million dollars or go
all the way up to sixty if he hits incentives.
The Vikings not done. These are just the moves today.
Will Fries agrees to terms on a five year deal
could be worth eighty eight million dollars. That comes on
the heels of getting Will Fries's former teammate now to
be his new teammate, Ryan Kelly. Let's discuss the moves
(29:39):
from the Minnesota Vikings with our very own Stacy Dale's.
Good afternoon to Stacy. How do you view what the
Vikings we were able to do today?
Speaker 5 (29:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (29:48):
I view it like the Vikings are ready to ruin
a Super Bowl or they think they want to win
a Super Bowl next season. I mean, all the moves
that they made. You put a couple of them on
the screen there. This Jonathan Allen move is important because
he's such a good leader, and he's been in the
league for so long. He has, you know, the Pro
Bowl capability, former first rounder, and has had great success
(30:09):
on a team that wasn't always good in Washington.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
But now he's on a team that's actually really good.
Speaker 11 (30:14):
This division was so much of a beast last season, Patrick,
with the three teams going to the playoffs and the
Vikings obviously the Lions won it, and the Green Bay Packers,
and now all of a sudden, Ben Johnson's in Chicago.
He's coming to a viable contender. Javon Hargrave added, in
the middle of that defense, it was already good. We
understood what they did with the blitz packages with Brian
(30:35):
Flores and all the sack numbers that they had. They
were tops in a number of categories. They took the
football away as well as anybody in the league. But
I think they're going to shore up their pass defense
because Russian coverage worked together, and those interior linemen now
like Javon Hargrave, are going to make a significant difference.
They've added the interior to their offensive line and certainly
(30:57):
reapping for a couple of years. Aaron Jones, they're running back,
tells me that they are ready for JJ McCarthy to
take over the rains in Minnesota.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
And he will do so without necessarily looking over at
a guy that spent some time in that quarterback room.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Stacy.
Speaker 1 (31:13):
The Viking has got that extended look late in the
season bringing in Daniel Jones. Ultimately, Daniel Jones decides to
go elsewhere. He's in Indianapolis. Now it's JJ McCarthy's opportunity
after really a false art the injury leading to him
missing all of his rookie season. How do you look
at twenty twenty five JJ McCarthy and the opportunity with Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
Well, it seems like.
Speaker 11 (31:37):
The Minnesota Vikings, Patrick and the Colts have some nice
little dialogue going on. Right was this swapping of these players.
I was in Minnesota for training camp last year. I'll
never forget how we were talking about this being a
quarterback competition between San Darnold, who obviously had a prove
it year under Kevin O'Connell, and then JJ McCarthy. And
(31:58):
we never want to see injuries, but we all know
that blessings in disguise are real things in life. And
maybe that was for this young man who was the
tenth overall pick a season ago, and now he is
taking over. And what the Vikings know is that Kevin
O'Connell we use the word quarterback whisper. They believe that
(32:21):
the infrastructure in which he and Wes Phillips and Company
coach quarterbacks and teach quarterbacks is outstanding and it is
and you know, being around Kevin O'Connell, one thing he
did with Sam Darnell, as he explained it to us
in production meetings, is knowing how much to fill in
the cup for the quarterback and knowing when it's dripping
(32:41):
over just a little bit, you got to pull the
reins back. That's what he's going to do for JJ McCarthy.
Now JJ is the lone man standing in Minnesota. They're
going to have to fill up, if you will, their
cup at the quarterback room and bring in some veteran presence. Now,
it's interesting when we shift to the Colts with Anthony Richard,
by the way, Joe Flacco is still on that roster
(33:02):
there in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones is going to come in
and create a viable threat as a starter. I mean,
these two both have played inefficient football. Their passer ratings
speak to that. But with Shane Stikeen their head coach,
who is also there to institute good quarterback play in
(33:24):
Indianapolis and it has to be better, Daniel Jones is
going to put a lot of pressure on Richardson and
remember when he got bench last season. Patrick, Well, he's
going to head into training camp with a whole lot
of things in his mind about understanding this playbook and
understanding how disciplined he has to be at the position.
I think it's only going to elevate in terms of
(33:44):
that competition for Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen. But they
need it because they got a win next year for
everybody's job security, and certainly in a division where things
can always be wide open in the AFC South.
Speaker 1 (33:58):
Yeah, in a couple of quarterbacks who both have played
sixteen games in the last two seasons combined, hopefully a
healthy season for both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Stacey
Dale's with a look at this new relationship between the
Colts and the Minnesota Vikings this off season release by
the San Francisco forty nine ers. I Rapaport reporting earlier
(34:20):
today Leonard Floyd released and what feels like seconds later
in reported that the Falcons signing Leonard Floyd to a
one year deal could be worth up to ten million dollars.
So the Falcons, everlasting in a search for an edge rusher,
Leonard Floyd, the latest contestant in that. But it adds
to a massive list of forty nine Ers that have
(34:42):
been a part of this addition to a team that
reasonably could have won two Super Bowls. Aaron Banks, Malite Collins,
Drey Greenlaw, Javon Harger. The list goes on. We're going
to be out of the juice check era. As Omar
Ruiz joins us here in the newsroom, Omar, what are
we taking away from this mass exodent since Claria.
Speaker 14 (35:01):
Well, I think there are a number of things we
can point to. Considering John Lynch's comments at the combine, recently,
I asked him about how Brock Pridy's impending contract we're
all expecting to be a blockbuster payday for the quarterback
who's entering his fourth season, final year of his rookie deal,
and how that might affect the roster build and Lynch
(35:21):
told me that, Yeah, something he's learned in his eight
years as general manager of the San Francisco forty nine
Ers is that everything is tied to everything else, and
certainly a quarterback's play at an elite level can lift
the entire team. But also that salary certainly can affect.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
The rest of the roster as well, So we're seeing
some of that.
Speaker 14 (35:41):
Another thing that he mentioned in that press conference that
we're seeing demonstrated here in the last few days as
the start of the negotiating window free agency has taken
places that he said they have been among the leaders
in the NFL in cash spending the last several years,
and they needed to rain.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
That in a little bit.
Speaker 14 (35:58):
He also said that they Niners have had one of
the older rosters in the NFL the last few years.
With all those veterans that they've had, they've needed to
get younger. He also highlighted the fact that they have
four draft picks in the top one hundred coming up.
That was confirmed today when they were the compensatory picks
were released the forty nine ers do. In fact, their
fourth is the one hundredth pick in that And he
(36:21):
also highlighted the fact that they hit on a number
of rookies this past season. Dominic Pooney, you know, one
of the better rookies in all of football last year.
So getting that youth movement there, considering brock Perty's upcoming contract,
all of that we're seeing at play here the last
few days.
Speaker 1 (36:36):
Yeah, so many factors were again an era of a
team that came so close so many times, and many
people would consider it a failure. It's an accomplishment to
do what they have over the past few seasons. Something
the Los Angeles Chargers would like to do. The new
facility down and Elsidondo. They're going to have a new
running back coming into it, Naji Harris, a one year
deal up to nine point twenty five. What does he
bring to Greg Roman and Halbell's offense?
Speaker 2 (36:58):
The bolt?
Speaker 14 (36:59):
Maybe he's the ball that new facility you're referring to.
Naji Harris. What he brings above everything else is not
only the four straight one thousand yard rushing seasons to
start his career, but it's the sixty eight straight games
that he started his entire career. No running back since
twenty twenty one has had more than sixty one starts
(37:22):
in the NFL. So Naji Harris is durable. We know
Jim Harball is going to run the football Greg Roman.
They're not going to shy away from it. They're not
one of those teams that if it's not working, they
go away from it. They consistently pound the football. In
addition to that durability, it is the workhorse nature that
Naji Harris plays with more than twelve hundred touches to
(37:45):
lead the entire NFL since he's been in the league
two hundred and seventy seven in fact, Patrick to be exact,
that's better than three hundred and nineteen averaging touches. So
they're going to rely on him in a big way
as that offense continues to go through the running game
and allow Justin Herbert to thrive with the pass game.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
Yeah, year two an opportunity of same offense for Justin
Herbert thanks to Omar Ruiz. As we look at a
couple of teams out here on the West Coast.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
What about a guy.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
Who went from the southernmost part of the United States
in free agency to New York, Javon Holland on his
way to the Giants. His Forward podcast made Cam Wolf
joining the Insiders next to discuss the big safety movement
that's next on NFL Network. Longtime Miami Dolphins secondary player
(38:39):
Javon Holland taking a three year deal that could be
worth up to forty five point three million dollars with
thirty point three million dollars guaranteed. That will be official
four pm on Wednesday, as the Giants make the move,
let's discuss the breaking house rules teammate Cam Wolf. The
(39:00):
cast just co hosts with Javon Holland joining us now
on the Insiders. Cam. A big opportunity for javan and
a big opportunity for the New York Giants who saw
Xavier McKinney leave in free agency and they go and
get Dolphins safety Javon Holland in this edition of free Agency.
What's it mean for them?
Speaker 15 (39:18):
Yeah, big deal for Javon Holland and the Giants. Three
years lower fifteen million per year. And I talked to
Javon this morning as he was finishing up with workout.
He said that I'm excited, man, I'm excited for a
fresh start with the New York Giants. And really he's
a big believer in manifestation. He said, this is what
it was meant to be, this is what it was
written for him. He was a guy who the Dolphins
(39:38):
drafted in the second round four years ago, a team
captain multiple years, showed a lot of versatility and playmaking ability.
You can play deep safety, box safety, in the slot,
and he got injured in his third year and it
slowed down some of his progress, but he was well
on his way to being a top five safety in
the league. And the Giants believe they are getting that
player with this money. Remember a year ago they let
(39:59):
Xaber McKinney walkin free agency.
Speaker 8 (40:01):
This is a little bit of a do over.
Speaker 15 (40:03):
They get a chance to keep a young safety to
be a core part of a young, explosive defensive back
group there, and they're excited about what he can do.
He is signing a deal, going flying to New York
tomorrow to sign that deal and make that official. And
for the Dolphins, they went into quick order. They did
not aggressively target Javon and free agency, but they didn't
(40:23):
make two signings with Ashton Davis, the former Jets safety
just recently agreed to a deal and if we too,
Malafanua from the Lions also agree to the deal. As
they go a little bit more of a value spot
with their two safety editions.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
Yeah, in safety start to fly off the board. The
Houston Texans go get one Super Bowl champion CJ. Gardner
Johnson leaves the Eagles once again after a trip to
the Super Bowl. What can you tell us about this move?
Speaker 9 (40:45):
Cam?
Speaker 15 (40:46):
Yeah, this was one that shocked a lot of people,
including those with the Philly organization. Chauncey Gardner Johnson is
the energy, the feel, the trash talk of that defense
that just won.
Speaker 9 (40:55):
A Super Bowl.
Speaker 15 (40:56):
But I was told that this was purely financial and
the reasons from the Philadelphia side, and it's more cash
instead of cap. They were gonna owe Shaunhi Gardner Johnson
eight and a half million dollars. They've spent more cash
in the last ten years than any other team. They
just paid Sakwon Barkley an extension, Zach Bond. They have
Jalen Carter and Cam Jurgens to worry about in a
(41:18):
year ahead, along with Red Blanken ship, and they just
made a decision to get ahead of this deal. And
so for Eagles fans panicing a little bit, you'll have
to trust Howie Roseman and the patients that he asked
when he had the Super Bowl parade a bit ago.
For the Texans, they're getting a playmaker, a guy who
had six interceptions last year, a guy who can really
bring that extra level for this Texans defense. And I
(41:39):
think a really key element of this trade was the
Kenyon Green Park, because coaching matters and the Eagles believe
Jeff Stotlin is the best offensive line coach in football.
He got a lot out of Mackay Becton last year.
The hope is that they can get somebody of Kenyon Green,
who did not work out well as a first round
pick for the Houston Texans, and so Philly on their
side of things, will count on their DBAT coaches Christian
(42:00):
Parker and Joe Casper to get the most out of
Sydney Brown, their young safety who is in position to
step up as a starter for CJ. Gardner Johnson.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
Yeah, if there's a front office that has vibes capital,
it will be the Philadelphia Eagles thanks to Cam Wolfe.
As we continue to wait, what will Aaron Rodgers do?
When will he decide it? The real question? We look
forward to that as the new league here stars tomorrow
More Insiders next
Some players on the move, some players staying put, still
waiting to find out the future. For one, Aaron Rodgers
will not be a jet. Where will he play? We'll
discuss that on today's edition of The Insiders. And a
signing for a backup quarterback, perhaps Daniel Jones going to Indianapolis.
What does that mean for Anthony Richardson and howe does
(00:28):
this quarterback competition.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Play out in Indy?
Speaker 1 (00:31):
As well as one player that's not going anywhere, long
time Buck Chris Godwin will stay in Tampa Bay. We
will hear from mister Buck himself, joining a conversation with
show Sarah Walsh as we get going here on The Insiders. Everybody,
Welcome to The Insiders. Patrick Playbon here in the nfl
LA newsroom, joined by our insiders Tompel, Sarah ian Rapport,
(00:52):
Judy Batista, and Mike Garafolo. On the second day of
the free agency frenzy, it was not as frenzy, perhaps,
but there were still plenty of news, still plenty of
news for us to get to, including some players making
some moves that ultimately determine how other moves will potentially
be made. As we get into what is new today,
we will start with the Eagles trading Super Bowl champion CJ.
(01:15):
Gardner Johnson to the Houston Texans for Kenyon Green. This
coming days after the Texans trade Laramie Tunzel to the
Washington Commanders, so an acquisition on the offensive line. As
for the second time after a Super Bowl, the Eagles
part ways with CJJJ. Another safety on the move, longtime
(01:35):
Miami Dolphin, Javon Holland get a three year deal worth
up to forty five point three million dollars with the Giants,
a total of thirty point three million dollars guaranteed. Not
the only defender spent most of his career with one
team on the move, it's a signing for the Minnesota
Vikings and Jonathan Allen on the interior defensive line. A
(01:59):
three year deal with a maximum of fifty one million
dollars could be worth up to sixty million dollars if
you include incentives. So that is a signing that did
work out for the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota Vikings perhaps in
play for Daniel Jones that ultimately did not have as
the Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with the Artists, I
(02:23):
guess we could sell refer to him as Dimes Daniel
Jones a one year, fourteen million dollar contract thirteen point
one million dollars guaranteed a part of that quarterback carousel.
As one move leads to another, let's discuss how that
plays out, Tom with the rest of the insiders.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Thank you very much, Patrick, and welcome inside with the Insiders.
Another fun day, and one of the big piece of
news today was, in fact, Daniel Jones going to the
Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Ian you heard Patrick refer to it right there.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
The Vikings were in on Daniel Jones, who finished last
season on their practice squad and then was elevated to
the number two quarterback for the playoff game.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Here.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
They made him a strong offer. They were going back
and forth for several days here. The last night the
Vikings got a sense that Daniel Jones was not really
convicted about staying in Minnesota. That's what Minnesota told him
this morning, We're going in a different direction. He ended
up taking a deal with the Indianapolis Colts that if
he plays plays well, maybe even gets them to the playoffs,
can pay him up to seventeen point seven million dollars.
(03:23):
But first job there, he's got to beat out Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
That's right.
Speaker 4 (03:28):
It's a base deal of fourteen million dollars over one
year for Daniel Jones, really strong deal for a either
bridge starter or maybe more or backup quarterback. It's one
of those things, and really Daniel Jones gets to the
side which of those it is. The Minnesota Vikings made
a strong push, especially last night before as you mentioned,
it became clear that he was not looking in their direction,
(03:50):
and they went and signed a bunch of offensive linemen
a defensive lineman to show up their offensive defensive lines.
But ever since it became clear that he was looking
at the Indianapolis coach, who was all about trying to
become a starting quarterback again.
Speaker 5 (04:03):
And the money is fine.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
It would have been roughly similar in both places, but
for Daniel Jones the heights he reached with the Giants
at one point, kind of installing himself as the franchise guy,
leading him to the playoffs, earning the nickname Danny Dimes.
He hasn't forgotten all of that, and football fans have
not forgotten that he can get back there where the
coach just needs to beat out Anthony Richardson, who at
(04:26):
one point they thought would be their franchise starter, and
he still might be, but that now becomes one of
the most interesting training camp competitions. Daniel Jones versus Anthony
Richardson thanks to today's signing, Well, the.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
Question I have is how much of a competition is
this really going to be? The Indianapolis cults say it
is going to be an open competition, and there's reason
to believe them.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Don't forget.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
They benched Anthony Richardson at one point last year to
try to light a fire under him, and there have
been questions really since he got to the NFL about
whether he prepares enough, whether he is voted enough to
the off the field work that goes into being a
starting quarterback. He certainly performed better after the benching, after
he returned from the benching, but obviously the Colts would
(05:10):
like to see him be able to stay healthy, stay
on the field, stay healthy, and also see more consistent
play without the peaks and valleys.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
You're seeing some of the.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
Really good stuff here on these highlights, but there are
also really bad mistakes that have happened over and over again.
So they would like a more consistent performance out of
Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 5 (05:29):
But for Daniel Jones.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
And Daniel Jones is nothing if not an incredibly hard worker.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
A grinder is what he was with the New York Giants.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
They're hoping that this spurs Anthony Richardson and for Daniel Jones.
I mean, this is a proved opportunity. We've seen it
work for Geno Smith resurrecting his career, Sam Darnold resurrecting
his career. This is a chance for Daniel Jones to
resurrect his career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Yeah, I mean, whoever loses out on this one is
going to be a tough spot here because this will
be another chance for Daniel Jones to win a winnable
job and keep a winnable job here.
Speaker 8 (06:07):
So if he doesn't do that, that's gonna be a problem.
And if Anthony.
Speaker 7 (06:10):
Richardson can't beat out Daniel Jones, who was released by
the Giants last year, well that's not gonna be a
good sign for him either. There was a question about
which way the Colts would go here as far as
you know, people around the league wondering would they go
with a guy who can show Anthony Richardson the ropes
basically help him come along, or would they go with
a guy who would push him and compete. This is
(06:31):
a push and compete situation. Judy, you talked about Daniel
Jones his work ethic. He was a consummate professional with
the Giants. He was a hard worker. There are a
lot of criticisms that you can have of Daniel Jones,
but it wouldn't be in those departments here. So Anthony Richardson,
Daniel Jones gonna come in and gonna make you work
for it. It's gonna be an interesting training camp battle
to watch. And then I don't think that once we
(06:53):
get to week one the battle's over. Whoever wins the
job is gonna have to keep performing.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
And for anybody who's sitting there.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
And I saw us the speculation about should Anthony Richardson
request a tray? It's a lot of money for a
backup quarterback. I talked directly to Anthony Richardson's agent, Derek Jackson,
who told me there's no thought of a trade request.
He said he's fully healthy, ar will be ready to roll.
So the Colts have two quarterbacks. The Steelers at this
point really have none because Russell Wilson's a free agent.
(07:20):
Justin Fields is off to the New York Jets. The Steelers, meanwhile,
Judy still talking to Wilson, also have had some at
least preliminary discussions with Aaron Rodgers, who tends to not
move really quickly in anything that he's doing. At this point,
it seems like the Steelers want to hear what he
has to say before deciding what direction they are going
(07:40):
to go.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Here.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
Yeah, I mean, everything's in limbo, including all of us.
Speaker 6 (07:46):
We are all waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide what
direction he wants to go in. Let's take a step
back the Originally, the Steelers originally wanted Justin Fields back.
That was who they were focused on until a few
days ago when it became clear that Justin Fields wanted
to go to free agency, and of course he then
subsequently agreed.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
To terms with the New York Jets.
Speaker 6 (08:06):
So then the Pittsburgh Steelers turn to other alternatives, among
them Aaron Rodgers, who would certainly appear to be the
most attractive option currently available. He is obviously a four
time MVP, a first ballot Hall of Famer, and as
bad as the season was for the New York Jets
last year, he still showed flashes where he could play. Certainly,
(08:29):
the Steelers could put a pretty good team around him,
good defense, pretty good offensive line, a running attack to
very good wide receivers. Now, but they have to wait
for Aaron Rodgers, and maybe they would pivot to Russell Wilson,
pivot back to Russell Wilson if Rogers goes another way.
But everything is just sort of in a holding pattern
(08:50):
now for the Steelers and others.
Speaker 8 (08:52):
Russell Wilson's in play. Mason Rudolph also in plan. I
know that that's been reported.
Speaker 7 (08:57):
The former Steelers quarterback who performed pretty well last year
with the Tennessee Titans, so well that I believe the
Titans it depending on how things go, would want him
back for twenty twenty five.
Speaker 8 (09:07):
I know they've got the number one.
Speaker 7 (09:08):
Overall pick that could be a quarterback there as well.
So the Steelers sort of looking toward the ghost of
quarterbacks past, and listen, no surprise that Russell Wilson is
in play, we said, and actually they said that they
were looking to sign one of their two quarterbacks from
last year with Justin Fields Goune. Obviously that is Wilson.
You wonder how that would play if they miss out
(09:30):
on Rodgers. Let's say he goes to the Giants and
they miss out on him. How would that play if
Russell Wilson comes back and winds up being the guy
who is again in the pole position, doesn't necessarily get
handed the job, but is there to take the lead
here and be the guy for this team. At one point,
it looked like a genius move in the middle of
the season for Mike Tomin to turn it over to
Russell Wilson and then kind of looked limited again. And
(09:51):
I can't believe I just said limited about a guy
who calls himself mister Unlimited, but I did, and that's
what he looked like. So it's gonna be interesting to
see how this one plays out him.
Speaker 4 (10:01):
We have been waiting an unlimited amount of time. I
don't know if that works or not for Aaron Rodgers
to make his decision, while Russell Wilson waiting the same amount.
And look for Aaron Rodgers, there's a lot of reasons
why he is, I would say strongly considering the Pittsburgh Steelers,
just given the status of the franchise, Mike Tomlin, this defense,
what they are building on off I mean, the kind
of weapons. They have a lot of reasons that Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 8 (10:24):
Would consider us.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
But while they wait, you guys mentioned it, Russell Wilson
is waiting too, And I'm sure there's something in Russell
Wilson's mind that's like, oh.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Man, maybe I'm not the first choice.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
If Aaron Rodgers chooses the New York Giants, this is
going to be Russell Wilson's best choice, not only I
would imagine there would be at least a couple other
maybe one other place that would consider him as a
potential starting quarterback, but this would be his best option. So,
you know, for a lot of these free agents, not
necessarily the first choice. If someone gives the opportunity, you
(10:55):
take it. That's where it is for Russell Wilson. But again,
he's in the same situation we are, which is waiting
for Aaron Rodgers to emerge from the darkness or wherever
and make a decision.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
And Mike, I know you said, you know, it's hard
to say how that would play. If Russell Wilson came
back to Pittsburgh meeting the fans and the media and
things like that, I'll tell you where it would play well.
Is in the wide receiver room, because George Pickens produced
a lot better when Russell Wilson was playing quarterback last
year than it had been with Justin Fields, and DK
metcalf is tight with Russell Wilson from their Seattle days.
But again, the fact that they've not yet moved forward
(11:29):
with a guy who had signed in about five seconds
if they said, Russ your back, would show you that. Certainly,
it appears Aaron Rodgers is a little bit higher on
their list. Also caught in the Aaron Rodgers Russell Wilson
Bermuda triangle vortex. Here, Mike is the New York Giants.
They're a little bit different though in that they also
got the number three pick. How are Joe Shane, Brian
(11:50):
Dable and company looking at the totality of what's happening
in that quarterback market and how they will proceed.
Speaker 8 (11:57):
They're showing remarkable patients in Calm.
Speaker 7 (11:59):
I don't know if they're going to wind up with
Aaron Rodgers, but I know that they're keeping cool heads there,
maybe cooler than definitely cooler than I would like i'd
be on this guy. Can we get an answer already?
Like this is a federal point for the general manager
and for the head coach, guys that we thought might
be in trouble last year. John Mara brought him back
and said basically that now the results need to start
(12:20):
coming up here. So the stakes don't get much higher
than they are right now without a lot of options
out there and a team that you mentioned that Tom
holds the number three overall pick. They did control their
own destiny for the number one overall pick, but they
beat the Colts. I always say they lose to the
Colts because the result was a loss, but they beat
the Colts to knock themselves down to number three with
(12:41):
the Titans and a lot of rumblings now that they
are going to take cam Ward at number one. So
the Giants is not in control of a lot of things.
And I keep waiting for patients to run out in
East Brutherford and there's this saying com we're gonna give
this guy the space.
Speaker 8 (12:54):
We've got the respect for him.
Speaker 7 (12:55):
He understands that we have that respect for him, and
that's part of the pitch. We know who you are,
we know what you've done, and we know what you're
capable of doing. And look what we're doing around you.
Adding a lot of pieces via free agency, so we'll
see if it's enough to get Rodgers to head to
the East Rutherford here.
Speaker 8 (13:11):
All I can think.
Speaker 4 (13:11):
About, Mike, is you being a general manager and you're
just getting tired of waiting and someone just yelling at
someone on the phone.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Not saying you do that to anyone else, I'm just
saying I could.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
Absolutely see you being like, can you make a decision please.
Some people are not Italian, thank Shane, of course, with
the mild manor general manager somewhat of the New York
Giants a waiting word from Aaron Rodgers. And you know,
while they've waited, while they've made their pitch, while they've
told Rogers, this is why we want you. I don't
get the sense the money would be the hang up here.
It sounds like probably in the ballpark for both of
(13:42):
these places. Well, the Giants have waited. They have also
loaded up. They have added Paulson Todebo in the secondary.
They've added Javon Holland and the secondary, two big ticket
free agents that Aaron Rodgers, if he's their quarterback, is
really going to like.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
And the fact that he has.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
Malik Neighbors who could come in and be just an
immediate star with him an immediate top target, also very
attractive for Rogers.
Speaker 8 (14:04):
Will he choose the Giants?
Speaker 1 (14:06):
I don't know, but I would really like to know.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
But at least what they have done is everything essentially
they can to put it out there for him. Whether
he takes it or not, we don't know, but they
have done it all.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
I think we have established that the New York Giants
are much more patient than the four of us would
be in their position, because we have already run out
of patients and we just want an answer right now
to this. Who knows what Aaron Rodgers is going to do?
I think the next question is if he goes elsewhere
Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, where do the Giants turn to?
They turned to Russell Wilson as an alternative. Who else
(14:41):
might they turn to to talk to about this? None
of this precludes them from trying to draft a quarterback
in the first round. Again, certainly they are not in
control anymore, entire control of the situation. But no matter
who they bring in veteran wise, they could still draft
a quarterbacks.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
So that is the next page.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
I know they're being patient, and I know they're being respectful,
but at some point everybody needs an answer because they
have to make their next set of plans, and obviously
that is coming up rapidly. What comes next, So we
just stand by and wait for an answer.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
The stute viewers of The Insiders Patrick might have noticed
in that last segment when I was typing. As soon
as I finished, Mike and Ian both jutted their heads
down really rapidly.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
There.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
That's because I was tweeting a big signing. Nick Neeman,
the former Charger Special Teamsdays, go into the Texans.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Rewind the tape. You'll see it.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
It's very, very funny if you know the backstory on
what's going on there. This is the type of fun
you're part of. No tie for Patrick tonight, he got
the memo back to you. We'll see it a little bit.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
None, we got no tie for me. Nick Neeman gets
his signing on the show as well as a reaction,
and yeah, perhaps we will get an answer because Aaron
Rodgers won't leave anybody waiting for any extended amount of time.
The history has showing us that Sam Donald didn't have
to wait very long once for you just he got going.
He got his deal. Does that mean his deal with
the Seahawks makes him one of the big winners of
(16:03):
free agency? We hit who are those big winners? Coming
up on the Insiders, and we'll also hear from Chris
Godwin himself. Why did he choose to leave perhaps some
fruitful options on the table to remain in Tampa Bay?
He explains, Coming up right now on the end Signers after.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
This break, Geene teker Off has fired the cannons for
Chris Gannett, for Chris Godwin, excuse me? Thirty nine times
in the regular season.
Speaker 8 (16:35):
During his career.
Speaker 7 (16:36):
More coming Godwin back to the Buccaneers three years, sixty
six million dollars and wouldn't you know he's joining us
on the Insider Sarah Wallace joining me Mike Garraffalo for
this interview. Chris, congratulations on the deal. What is it
about Tampa? I feel like the Buccaneers retained more free
agents over the last couple of years than any team
(16:56):
I have ever seen. What is it about Tampa and
the fact that you guys just want to stick around
there and continue to play for the Bucks.
Speaker 9 (17:03):
I don't know, man, maybe it's something in the water,
but we I think I think it's peaks to the
type of guys that that that we bring in here,
you know, whether they've been drafted here and and kind
of growing throughout their career. But you know, we we
build these relationships like with the players that we work with,
and you know, it really becomes a brotherhood. So whenever
it comes time to make those tough decisions, like those
(17:25):
are things that factor into it. And then on top
of that, I mean, like Tampa as a city, right,
it's it's a great place to be a lot of
people who, like you know, stay down here in the
off season, like you can live here year round. I
think there's a lot of things that go into the
whole free agency factors. So you know, I'm somebody that
you know that that's been able to benefit from that.
(17:45):
I'm grateful to be back and great for this opportunity again,
but more probably, man, I'm grateful to get back to work.
Speaker 10 (17:51):
Chris, you mentioned something in the water. I'm coming to
you from Clearwater Beach, and I can confirm the water
is really nice. Heer, people don't want to leave. Mike
was in this Mike Evans was in this situation a
year ago, and I was listening to your press conference
today and it was brought up that you were offered
more money to go somewhere else and you said nine
out of ten people wouldn't make the decision I made,
and Jason Light your GM called it rare to leave
(18:14):
generalizational money on the table. How close did you and
Mariah and your family actually come to thinking we might
leave here?
Speaker 9 (18:25):
Yeah? I mean, to be honest, I feel like it
was like we were really close. I think that when
you know, when it comes to a situation like that,
like you have to you have to really really consider it.
And me and Mariah, we we had some some really
tough conversations, had some really tough conversations, like with my agent,
because like at the end of the day, right we're
trying to figure out like what's going to be best
for our family, and again, like not everybody would make
(18:48):
that decision, and like I'm not faulting anybody that would,
but I think at the end of the day, like
I was mentioning an oppressor, like I have to go
based off of off of my gut, I have to
go based off off of my intuition and what I
feel like it's going to be best for us. In
the long run, and you know, and being here what
we call home, where we feel the most comfortable, where
we can you know, raise our newborn son. I think
(19:10):
all those things are big factors for us, and you know,
and making this decision.
Speaker 8 (19:15):
I mentioned this story on Earli other day.
Speaker 7 (19:17):
The last time you were up for a contract extension,
Mike Evans went into Mike Greenberg and Jason Lytton said
take some of my money, and they were like, no, no, no, like, no, no,
take some of my money. Chris has got to stay
like and they're like, dude, we'll figure it out. Don't
worry about I mean, maybe he did it this time
around as well. But that speaks to the importance of
(19:37):
both of you guys playing together as wide receivers.
Speaker 8 (19:40):
What does Mike Evans mean to you?
Speaker 7 (19:41):
And what is playing with Mike Evans in twenty twenty
five for another season with the Bucks?
Speaker 8 (19:46):
Moving forward?
Speaker 9 (19:46):
Me to you, man, Mike, Mike is truly a brother
to me, man, Mike, for you know, for Mike to
have have treated me the way that he had, you know,
throughout the you know, these eight years, like from the
very beginning, like anything that I I've ever asked him
for any advice. He's been there and been more than
willing to give me that advice and more that pair
(20:07):
with just the way that he works and you know,
his selflessness I think you know makes you know, for
both of us being a great parent. So to me,
it's incredibly rare for you know, for a team to
have two receivers of our caliber, you know, for this
duration of time. So I told Mike this this offseason. Now,
it's it's an honor to get to play by his
side and for us to be, you know, one of
(20:29):
the best receiving duels of all time is something that
we're going to look back on when we're older and
realize and just how special it was.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Yeah, I want to go back to the history of
that Chris that you just brought up when you look
back at your time, and I know there's still plenty
of football left to be played. This was put in
front of me by one of your PR guys, Andrew Holman.
Shout out to Andrew that right now you and Mike
are fifth all time and receiving duos. But this is
how impressive this is. If you and Mike both go
over a thousand yards, which you both do regularly, you
(20:58):
would be second if you guys do the sexies and
you'd be second only to Isaac Bruce and Torri Folt.
And when you hear those names and here where you
would be on that list and know that these numbers,
I mean you can rapidly rise up those record books.
Speaker 11 (21:13):
What does that mean?
Speaker 9 (21:15):
Yeah, it again it speaks to exactly like what we
were just talking about, Like these are things like anytime
you have the opportunity to uh, you know, to approach
an NFL record like that is you know that that's
rare air, right, that these are things that that people
just don't get the opportunity to do. And you know
you mentioned you know, names like as Bruce and toward Hole.
(21:38):
These are these are guys that we that we both
grew up watching, you know, like some of the best
duos in NFL history. Like these it's very like meaningful things.
So for me and for Mike, it's you know, it
means a lot. It speaks to our not only our ability,
but our longevity and also our selflessness because I think
(21:58):
the reason that you don't have situation like this, you know,
too often is because you know, there's a lot of
eagle involved because you know, everybody wants to be like
the guy, or everybody wants a certain amount of targets
or a certain amount of money, and sometimes like they
can lose sight of, you know, what could be special.
But luckily for both of us, that's never been the
draft of factors for us. So we've been able to
(22:19):
be a pair for this long and I'm excited that
we get to do it again.
Speaker 7 (22:24):
That's one real quick because I know you got to go.
Baker Mayfield. His reaction when you told them we're coming.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
Back, Man, he was a bigger face on me. And
we share we share a nice moment. Man, he was hype.
He texted me like shortly after he was like, man,
I was I was incredibly nervous. I'm like biting my
nails right, but he was extremely hype.
Speaker 8 (22:44):
Man, awesome, Mike.
Speaker 10 (22:46):
I think the talk is that, I think the talk
of the pressor is could you imagine Baker Mayfield at
a Super Bowl boat parade? Because that'd be a guy
I didn't get to do it last time, and he
seems like someone that would have a really good time
and something like that.
Speaker 9 (23:00):
Yeah, he'd have a decent time. Now. I think he'd
be a guy, I will like a bull Carie.
Speaker 8 (23:05):
There you go, Baker on a boat. I can't wait
to see that.
Speaker 2 (23:08):
Good luck to you.
Speaker 7 (23:10):
And the Bucks moving forward, Chris. Congratulations to you and
your family. Congratulations to the Bucks for hanging on to
a great player who means so much in that locker room.
Speaker 9 (23:18):
Congrat Chris, Thank you guys very much.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
A lot of moves already through the first twenty four
hours and change of free agency frenzy. I swear this
graphic gets smaller every time we show it.
Speaker 2 (23:36):
I can't what do we got there? Number one Milton Williams.
That's got me.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Milton Williams was Patriots. He's up there at the top, right.
I think Zach Bond's up there at three. Boy, that
is not a good look on me right there.
Speaker 2 (23:51):
All right, anyway, there's been a lot of moves.
Speaker 3 (23:53):
You can read all about the really big ones NFL
dot com slash Batista where Judy has a story up
right now about some of the winners and losers in
fames and give me a winner duty.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
To through these first twenty four hours plus, all right.
Speaker 6 (24:07):
To be clear, we don't know how these moves are
going to turn out, but these are winners who at
least addressed needs tried to fill holes where they needed
to be filled. First one, the obvious one, the Chicago Bears,
who went into the off season knowing they had to
get better protection for Caleb Williams, who was sacked sixty
eight times last season.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
They have rebuilt the interior of.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Their offensive line two trades for guards Joe Toney and
Jonah Jackson, and then a deal with Drew Dolman, one
of the top rated centers in the game, coming off
a strong season with the Falcons. He only allowed ten
pressures and no sacks last season, so good work by them.
And then they also got Grady Jarrett to reinforce the
defensive line, so really building in the trenches and bringing
(24:49):
in a measure of veteran leadership at the same time.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
What about a player that won, not just in terms
of the number of zeros at the end of that
first big check you get on the side, but who
really won free agency here, Judy, Well.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
So far, I think Sam Donald has won so far.
The zeros are also good for the contract. But he
finally gets to be the starter, right He had the
proven season in Minnesota and it went until those last
two games. It went beyond anything anybody could have imagined
for the Sam Donald Renaissance tour. Now he gets to
(25:27):
be a starter with nobody looking over his shoulder, at
least for now, which would have been the case if
he'd stayed in Minnesota with JJ McCarthy. He is the guy.
They're going to have to put some pieces around him.
Certainly he's not going to have the kind of weapons
that he did in Minnesota, but certainly for a guy
who has been through the ringer with the Jets and
the Panthers and then rebuilt his career, good for Sam Donald.
Speaker 3 (25:52):
Meanwhile, the Vikings, with all that money that they saved
from not ending up signing Sam Donald, spent it on
a whole lot of other players. That's kind of this work.
There's only so many dollars ultimately to go around. You
know who else has gotten off to a strong start
for a variety of reasons. The commanders, who are also
taking care of one of.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Their own, So commanders fans zach Ertz here so excited
to be back.
Speaker 9 (26:15):
Was a node brainer.
Speaker 2 (26:16):
I'm so excited to get the guys back together and
see what.
Speaker 9 (26:19):
We can do this year.
Speaker 8 (26:19):
Can't wait to see you guys.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Yeah, I get the band back together, not just there,
also resigning Bobby Wagner. They go out and get Javon
Kinlaw of course trained for Laramie Tunzell and Deebo Samuel.
So a lot of change in our nation's capital a
season after one of the most magical seasons in recent
I don't think one of the most is the most
magical season in recent Washington Commander's history. Is now it's
(26:44):
time to really evaluate what they have done thus far.
We get Bucky Brooks back as well as Brian Baldinger.
I'll start with you, Buck, how do you view what
the commanders have done thus far?
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Love it?
Speaker 12 (26:51):
I love it because once you have a franchise quarterback established,
you do everything you can to put the pieces around them.
Whether Washington Commanders have done this offseason is make sure
that Jade and Daniels has with his needs to take
this franchise to the next level. Trade for Jarremy Tunsil
sets them up so they now have a blind side protector.
You and now able to make sure that he's protected
in the pocket. And then you go and get Deebo
(27:12):
Samuel on the perimeter to allow this team to run
a catch and run offense with Terry mclaunold one side,
Deebo same on the other side.
Speaker 8 (27:19):
When we think about how close this team was actually.
Speaker 12 (27:22):
Going from worse to first in winning not only the
NFC Championship Game, but maybe going to the Super Bowl,
you have to love what they've done because it put
them over the top in terms of being a title
contender next season.
Speaker 13 (27:35):
Buck Yet, I feel like there's a real arms race
in the NFC East between Adam Peters the GM of
Washington and Howie Rosman and Philly. And it really started
last year. When you sign. You know, you go out
and your draft Jayden Daniels okay, Rookie of the Year.
But then you know they also had gotten Tyler Biadish
and Nick Allagretti the center and left guard. Now you
(27:56):
complete it all right with Elarumy Tunsel, who are hard
to find. They're not in every draft franchise left tackles
sometimes you have to trade for it. And they've got
lanmy Tumsil. Probably too many penalties last year, but that
can get cleaned up. But you put that together, then
you go, okay, Deebo Sam. You can argue what Deebo
is in his career. But I trust in Cliff Kingsbury
(28:18):
to find different formations, different motions, and different ways to
get Deebo the ball. And then you lose Jonathan Allen
in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings. All Right, bring
back Jonathan Kinlaw or Javon Kinlaw, who Adam Peters drafted
in San Francisco and he's a rotational player now. But
that position is a position of need on every team
(28:39):
having depth at the defensive tackle position. They drafted Johnny
Newton last year, they got Deron Payne, like they are
setting themselves up. Maybe fourteen and six and a date
in the NFC Championship game in Philly last year isn't
enough for the Commanders. Maybe they're hungry for a little
bit more.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Yeah, that's the downside, I guess of having the magic
of twenty twenty four. But what do you do for
an hom We've both seen feel like between Balding and
Bucky Brooks, the Commanders are well on their way to
producing in terms of that thanks to both of these gentlemen.
We're going to keep going here on the insiders, the
Minnesota Vikings linking up with the former and longtime Washington
commander Jonathan Allen. It is a three year contract, could
(29:18):
be worth up to fifty one million dollars or go
all the way up to sixty if he hits incentives.
The Vikings not done. These are just the moves today.
Will Fries agrees to terms on a five year deal
could be worth eighty eight million dollars. That comes on
the heels of getting Will Fries's former teammate now to
be his new teammate, Ryan Kelly. Let's discuss the moves
(29:39):
from the Minnesota Vikings with our very own Stacy Dale's.
Good afternoon to Stacy. How do you view what the
Vikings we were able to do today?
Speaker 5 (29:48):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (29:48):
I view it like the Vikings are ready to ruin
a Super Bowl or they think they want to win
a Super Bowl next season. I mean, all the moves
that they made. You put a couple of them on
the screen there. This Jonathan Allen move is important because
he's such a good leader, and he's been in the
league for so long. He has, you know, the Pro
Bowl capability, former first rounder, and has had great success
(30:09):
on a team that wasn't always good in Washington.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
But now he's on a team that's actually really good.
Speaker 11 (30:14):
This division was so much of a beast last season, Patrick,
with the three teams going to the playoffs and the
Vikings obviously the Lions won it, and the Green Bay Packers,
and now all of a sudden, Ben Johnson's in Chicago.
He's coming to a viable contender. Javon Hargrave added, in
the middle of that defense, it was already good. We
understood what they did with the blitz packages with Brian
(30:35):
Flores and all the sack numbers that they had. They
were tops in a number of categories. They took the
football away as well as anybody in the league. But
I think they're going to shore up their pass defense
because Russian coverage worked together, and those interior linemen now
like Javon Hargrave, are going to make a significant difference.
They've added the interior to their offensive line and certainly
(30:57):
reapping for a couple of years. Aaron Jones, they're running back,
tells me that they are ready for JJ McCarthy to
take over the rains in Minnesota.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
And he will do so without necessarily looking over at
a guy that spent some time in that quarterback room.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Stacy.
Speaker 1 (31:13):
The Viking has got that extended look late in the
season bringing in Daniel Jones. Ultimately, Daniel Jones decides to
go elsewhere. He's in Indianapolis. Now it's JJ McCarthy's opportunity
after really a false art the injury leading to him
missing all of his rookie season. How do you look
at twenty twenty five JJ McCarthy and the opportunity with Minnesota.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
Well, it seems like.
Speaker 11 (31:37):
The Minnesota Vikings, Patrick and the Colts have some nice
little dialogue going on. Right was this swapping of these players.
I was in Minnesota for training camp last year. I'll
never forget how we were talking about this being a
quarterback competition between San Darnold, who obviously had a prove
it year under Kevin O'Connell, and then JJ McCarthy. And
(31:58):
we never want to see injuries, but we all know
that blessings in disguise are real things in life. And
maybe that was for this young man who was the
tenth overall pick a season ago, and now he is
taking over. And what the Vikings know is that Kevin
O'Connell we use the word quarterback whisper. They believe that
(32:21):
the infrastructure in which he and Wes Phillips and Company
coach quarterbacks and teach quarterbacks is outstanding and it is
and you know, being around Kevin O'Connell, one thing he
did with Sam Darnell, as he explained it to us
in production meetings, is knowing how much to fill in
the cup for the quarterback and knowing when it's dripping
(32:41):
over just a little bit, you got to pull the
reins back. That's what he's going to do for JJ McCarthy.
Now JJ is the lone man standing in Minnesota. They're
going to have to fill up, if you will, their
cup at the quarterback room and bring in some veteran presence. Now,
it's interesting when we shift to the Colts with Anthony Richard,
by the way, Joe Flacco is still on that roster
(33:02):
there in Indianapolis, Daniel Jones is going to come in
and create a viable threat as a starter. I mean,
these two both have played inefficient football. Their passer ratings
speak to that. But with Shane Stikeen their head coach,
who is also there to institute good quarterback play in
(33:24):
Indianapolis and it has to be better, Daniel Jones is
going to put a lot of pressure on Richardson and
remember when he got bench last season. Patrick, Well, he's
going to head into training camp with a whole lot
of things in his mind about understanding this playbook and
understanding how disciplined he has to be at the position.
I think it's only going to elevate in terms of
(33:44):
that competition for Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen. But they
need it because they got a win next year for
everybody's job security, and certainly in a division where things
can always be wide open in the AFC South.
Speaker 1 (33:58):
Yeah, in a couple of quarterbacks who both have played
sixteen games in the last two seasons combined, hopefully a
healthy season for both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Stacey
Dale's with a look at this new relationship between the
Colts and the Minnesota Vikings this off season release by
the San Francisco forty nine ers. I Rapaport reporting earlier
(34:20):
today Leonard Floyd released and what feels like seconds later
in reported that the Falcons signing Leonard Floyd to a
one year deal could be worth up to ten million dollars.
So the Falcons, everlasting in a search for an edge rusher,
Leonard Floyd, the latest contestant in that. But it adds
to a massive list of forty nine Ers that have
(34:42):
been a part of this addition to a team that
reasonably could have won two Super Bowls. Aaron Banks, Malite Collins,
Drey Greenlaw, Javon Harger. The list goes on. We're going
to be out of the juice check era. As Omar
Ruiz joins us here in the newsroom, Omar, what are
we taking away from this mass exodent since Claria.
Speaker 14 (35:01):
Well, I think there are a number of things we
can point to. Considering John Lynch's comments at the combine, recently,
I asked him about how Brock Pridy's impending contract we're
all expecting to be a blockbuster payday for the quarterback
who's entering his fourth season, final year of his rookie deal,
and how that might affect the roster build and Lynch
(35:21):
told me that, Yeah, something he's learned in his eight
years as general manager of the San Francisco forty nine
Ers is that everything is tied to everything else, and
certainly a quarterback's play at an elite level can lift
the entire team. But also that salary certainly can affect.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
The rest of the roster as well, So we're seeing
some of that.
Speaker 14 (35:41):
Another thing that he mentioned in that press conference that
we're seeing demonstrated here in the last few days as
the start of the negotiating window free agency has taken
places that he said they have been among the leaders
in the NFL in cash spending the last several years,
and they needed to rain.
Speaker 2 (35:57):
That in a little bit.
Speaker 14 (35:58):
He also said that they Niners have had one of
the older rosters in the NFL the last few years.
With all those veterans that they've had, they've needed to
get younger. He also highlighted the fact that they have
four draft picks in the top one hundred coming up.
That was confirmed today when they were the compensatory picks
were released the forty nine ers do. In fact, their
fourth is the one hundredth pick in that And he
(36:21):
also highlighted the fact that they hit on a number
of rookies this past season. Dominic Pooney, you know, one
of the better rookies in all of football last year.
So getting that youth movement there, considering brock Perty's upcoming contract,
all of that we're seeing at play here the last
few days.
Speaker 1 (36:36):
Yeah, so many factors were again an era of a
team that came so close so many times, and many
people would consider it a failure. It's an accomplishment to
do what they have over the past few seasons. Something
the Los Angeles Chargers would like to do. The new
facility down and Elsidondo. They're going to have a new
running back coming into it, Naji Harris, a one year
deal up to nine point twenty five. What does he
bring to Greg Roman and Halbell's offense?
Speaker 2 (36:58):
The bolt?
Speaker 14 (36:59):
Maybe he's the ball that new facility you're referring to.
Naji Harris. What he brings above everything else is not
only the four straight one thousand yard rushing seasons to
start his career, but it's the sixty eight straight games
that he started his entire career. No running back since
twenty twenty one has had more than sixty one starts
(37:22):
in the NFL. So Naji Harris is durable. We know
Jim Harball is going to run the football Greg Roman.
They're not going to shy away from it. They're not
one of those teams that if it's not working, they
go away from it. They consistently pound the football. In
addition to that durability, it is the workhorse nature that
Naji Harris plays with more than twelve hundred touches to
(37:45):
lead the entire NFL since he's been in the league
two hundred and seventy seven in fact, Patrick to be exact,
that's better than three hundred and nineteen averaging touches. So
they're going to rely on him in a big way
as that offense continues to go through the running game
and allow Justin Herbert to thrive with the pass game.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
Yeah, year two an opportunity of same offense for Justin
Herbert thanks to Omar Ruiz. As we look at a
couple of teams out here on the West Coast.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
What about a guy.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
Who went from the southernmost part of the United States
in free agency to New York, Javon Holland on his
way to the Giants. His Forward podcast made Cam Wolf
joining the Insiders next to discuss the big safety movement
that's next on NFL Network. Longtime Miami Dolphins secondary player
(38:39):
Javon Holland taking a three year deal that could be
worth up to forty five point three million dollars with
thirty point three million dollars guaranteed. That will be official
four pm on Wednesday, as the Giants make the move,
let's discuss the breaking house rules teammate Cam Wolf. The
(39:00):
cast just co hosts with Javon Holland joining us now
on the Insiders. Cam. A big opportunity for javan and
a big opportunity for the New York Giants who saw
Xavier McKinney leave in free agency and they go and
get Dolphins safety Javon Holland in this edition of free Agency.
What's it mean for them?
Speaker 15 (39:18):
Yeah, big deal for Javon Holland and the Giants. Three
years lower fifteen million per year. And I talked to
Javon this morning as he was finishing up with workout.
He said that I'm excited, man, I'm excited for a
fresh start with the New York Giants. And really he's
a big believer in manifestation. He said, this is what
it was meant to be, this is what it was
written for him. He was a guy who the Dolphins
(39:38):
drafted in the second round four years ago, a team
captain multiple years, showed a lot of versatility and playmaking ability.
You can play deep safety, box safety, in the slot,
and he got injured in his third year and it
slowed down some of his progress, but he was well
on his way to being a top five safety in
the league. And the Giants believe they are getting that
player with this money. Remember a year ago they let
(39:59):
Xaber McKinney walkin free agency.
Speaker 8 (40:01):
This is a little bit of a do over.
Speaker 15 (40:03):
They get a chance to keep a young safety to
be a core part of a young, explosive defensive back
group there, and they're excited about what he can do.
He is signing a deal, going flying to New York
tomorrow to sign that deal and make that official. And
for the Dolphins, they went into quick order. They did
not aggressively target Javon and free agency, but they didn't
(40:23):
make two signings with Ashton Davis, the former Jets safety
just recently agreed to a deal and if we too,
Malafanua from the Lions also agree to the deal. As
they go a little bit more of a value spot
with their two safety editions.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
Yeah, in safety start to fly off the board. The
Houston Texans go get one Super Bowl champion CJ. Gardner
Johnson leaves the Eagles once again after a trip to
the Super Bowl. What can you tell us about this move?
Speaker 9 (40:45):
Cam?
Speaker 15 (40:46):
Yeah, this was one that shocked a lot of people,
including those with the Philly organization. Chauncey Gardner Johnson is
the energy, the feel, the trash talk of that defense
that just won.
Speaker 9 (40:55):
A Super Bowl.
Speaker 15 (40:56):
But I was told that this was purely financial and
the reasons from the Philadelphia side, and it's more cash
instead of cap. They were gonna owe Shaunhi Gardner Johnson
eight and a half million dollars. They've spent more cash
in the last ten years than any other team. They
just paid Sakwon Barkley an extension, Zach Bond. They have
Jalen Carter and Cam Jurgens to worry about in a
(41:18):
year ahead, along with Red Blanken ship, and they just
made a decision to get ahead of this deal. And
so for Eagles fans panicing a little bit, you'll have
to trust Howie Roseman and the patients that he asked
when he had the Super Bowl parade a bit ago.
For the Texans, they're getting a playmaker, a guy who
had six interceptions last year, a guy who can really
bring that extra level for this Texans defense. And I
(41:39):
think a really key element of this trade was the
Kenyon Green Park, because coaching matters and the Eagles believe
Jeff Stotlin is the best offensive line coach in football.
He got a lot out of Mackay Becton last year.
The hope is that they can get somebody of Kenyon Green,
who did not work out well as a first round
pick for the Houston Texans, and so Philly on their
side of things, will count on their DBAT coaches Christian
(42:00):
Parker and Joe Casper to get the most out of
Sydney Brown, their young safety who is in position to
step up as a starter for CJ. Gardner Johnson.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
Yeah, if there's a front office that has vibes capital,
it will be the Philadelphia Eagles thanks to Cam Wolfe.
As we continue to wait, what will Aaron Rodgers do?
When will he decide it? The real question? We look
forward to that as the new league here stars tomorrow
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