NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Judy Battista discuss the NFL projecting a record-high salary cap and announce that the Chargers will be the designated home team when the league returns to Brazil in 2025. They break down the Eagles’ decision to promote Kevin Patullo to OC and take a look at the most notable moves expected to take place this offseason. Eagles CB Cooper DeJean chats with the Insiders about his stellar rookie campaign that was capped off by a pick 6 in the Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs. Jane Slater breaks down the Cowboys' offseason priorities. Plus, the Insiders report on the HBCU Legacy Bowl and Michael F. Florio stops by to reveal players who could benefit most from free agency!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
It's been a strange twelve months for the Cowboys and
is the strangest still to come. Our Jane Slater will
be here to break down the offseason priorities for America's
team as they try to climb back to the top
of the NFC East. Through that they have to get
by the Eagles, who will have a new man running
the offense. Not that guy, not a quarterback. That's Jalen Hurts.
(00:30):
Just won Super Bowl MVP. He's pretty good. Even Philly
fans aren't going to run him out that fast. He will, though,
have yet another new play caller. We will tell you
what it all means. Did we mention that the Eagles
just won the Super Bowl? Cooper dejene had a big
hand in that. On his birthday? What do you know,
we got a belated gift, really more for us than
(00:50):
for him. He's coming on the show, and so is
Cooper Dejean's hair. Welcome inside with the Insiders alongside Judy Battista.
I am Tom Peliicero. Three weeks from right now, the
Governor will be off duty. We will be in the
thick of the free agent signing period, which means that
(01:11):
most of the top free agents already will have agreed
to terms like two days before, but it's much easier
to say three weeks as opposed to nineteen days. The
point is, we've got a ton to resolve, We've got
a lot of action, so much to cover, and let's begin.
How about that in Brazil where the Eagles did last season,
Because the NFL is going back to Sul Pollo, that's right,
(01:31):
on Friday, September fifth, the Chargers are the designated home
game for a week one game back in Brazil.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Again.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
The Eagles beat the Packers there set themselves what is that?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Key?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Man?
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Is that what we're doing here? I'm not sure. It's
got some stuff written on it in Portuguese. I'm not
even gonna try to translate. I'm gonna go with that team, man.
The point is Week one game Chargers in Brazil. You
can't beat it. There's a lot of money for the
Chargers and everybody else to spend prior to that happening.
Because the NFL informed teams earlier today, once again we're
(02:08):
gonna have a record salary cap and it's even higher though,
teams are budgeting for According to a memo that went
off to all thirty two clubs. The projected salary cap
range between two seventy seven point five and two point
eighty one point five million dollars. That is well over
double what the salary cap was a decade ago. It
is higher judy than what En and I had reported
(02:29):
back in the summer. The teams are budgeting somewhere in
the two sixty five to two seventy five range. There
have been indications it was going to come in even
higher than that, in part because we got more and
more international games.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
There's more and more revenue streams here.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
But certainly just from a budgeting perspective, this is something
that teams took notice.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Of today, certainly, and it's good news. It's good news
for everybody. First of all, when the salary cap jumps,
especially when it jumps this much in one fell swoop,
that tells you how much money is being made by
everyone that gets spread around. This is all being driven
by revenue. Why is this good news that it went
(03:06):
up even more than the teams know we're calculating when
they were doing their back of the envelope math. Well,
it gives them more breathing room when they have to
deal with free agents. And it also is great news
for players because, as we know, when there is more
money available under the salary cap, players can ask for
more money on their contract. So everything is going to
(03:28):
rise here. That is very good for everybody in the league. Again,
keep an eye. They have not set the final final number.
We will see where that comes in, but it is
going to be a big jump.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Whatever it is.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
That final number probably going to be set in a
couple of weeks here. It's based on a bunch of
stuff that's minutia we don't need to get in too,
but basically it has to do with money that the
union's been paying back from the COVID year that helped
boost the salary cap back in twenty twenty.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
At any rate we will have fur answers.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
But teams needed to begin budgeting, and as you said, Judy,
this causes every to rise up. So a reminder when
I see all thirty two teams, fans go, we got
more we can spend. Everybody else has more money. Everybody's
got more spending power. Now those top free agents just
going to make that much more. Egos has some free
agents on their team. They also had a big loss
(04:16):
on their coaching staff, with Kellen Moore headed to become
the Saints head coach this time around, the latest stuff,
it's a coordinator. It's going to be a promotion from within.
Kevin Petullo, who has a long relationship with head coach
Nick Sirianni. They were together in Indianapolis, brought him along
to Philly. Patullo is going to be the guy, and
(04:36):
Jalen Hurts already knows him well.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Kevin Petula has never been a I mean, he'd have
a different role, so it's hard to compare, you know,
that road to this role because his job is gonna
demand something totally different of him, and I have a
lot of confidence in him and what he's shown. However,
I know, you know, over the years, I've learned that's
(05:01):
out of my jurisdiction and so kind of just taking
things as they come and trying to go out there
and be the best I can be and just learn
and evolve.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Ken Batullo expected to call the plays for the Eagles.
That's been how they've been set up since Nick Sirianni's
first season, when midway through he turned the play caller
over to Shane Steich. And you look through the course
of Jalen's career. He has had a few different play
callers here. It'll be interesting, Judy just to see this year.
They clearly took on a very run dominant offensive scheme.
(05:34):
Sakwon Barkley was the centerpiece of that. That was not
really Kellen Moore's history.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Here.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
There is an adaptability of the coaches to the players
and the play style. In the fact that Betullo has
been there in Philly, you would anticipate, as much as
you can get here, some level of continuity for Philadelphia.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Right.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
This is clearly a move to bring a measure of
continuity to that offense. He has been there with Nick Sirianni.
He saw Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore worked together to
sort of put together a playbook that would take advantage
of having a runner like Saquon Barkley available to them.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
This is a good.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Thing again in terms of continuity. He knows what Nick
Sirianni likes. Sirianni made a point of saying like he
would turn to him with all kinds of decisions, the
in game decisions, game management decisions.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Here's the thing to keep an eye on.
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Though.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
The last time Sirianni turned to an in house candidate
in the name of continuity. Is when Shane Steiken left
to become the Colts head coach. He elevated Brian Johnson.
And then, frankly, the offense grew stale. Sirianni himself said it,
and he then decided he needed to go outside the
organization to bring some life to the offense, to bring
(06:44):
a spark to the offense. Enter Kellen Moore, and again
they had to sit down and sort of piece together
their philosophies to come up with the offense that we
saw last year that worked a great effect with Saquon
Barkley in it. It was not the most dynamic passing attack,
Let's be honest. They did have to be because Saquon
was running all over the place. But you'd hope, obviously
(07:05):
that we will not see that same sort of pattern
repeat itself, that it's not going to get stale that again.
This would just be a smooth continuation of what we
saw last season for the Eagles.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
I imagine Howie Roseman right now, is it a teky
bar somewhere watching the insiders a chorus putting some ice
on that gigantic gash from the parade on his forehead
and looking through thinking about who's he going to sign
this year? Because you go back to last year, Saquon
Barkley the biggest free agent signing. He also got a
guy named Zach Bond who turned into a Defensive Player
of the Year finalist, and he's now back out there
(07:39):
after playing last year on a one year, five million
dollar deal. You see some of these other names. Of course,
there can be franchise tags applied. It's likely with T
Higgins if they cannot work out a long term deal.
Tray Smith is a candidate. Sam Darnold remains a candidate
as well. Not a candidate and headed nowt to free
agency is Bucks wide receiver Chris Godwin. The Bucks and
(07:59):
god And agreed to push back the void date on
his contract. This is more complicated than it needs to be. Basically,
what this means is they cannot tag him because the
deadline will pass before next year, which was a fake
year on his deal, ends up voiding and disappearing. So now,
if T Higgins is not as we anticipate on the
free agent market, Chris Godwin now sets up as quite
(08:21):
possibly the number one wide receiver in free agency coming
off of an injury. He's already been paid on a
second contract here, but he should find a very strong market.
What's the market going to be for Deebo Samuel? He
is still under contract to the forty nine Ers do
about fifteen million dollars this season. As our Ian Rappaport
first reported on Super Bowl Sunday, the forty nine Ers
(08:43):
are exploring trade options with Debo Samuel, and Debo and
his agent have permission to go out and seek a trade.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Nothing imminent at.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
This stage, but the likes of George Kittle have begun
to at least contemplate the reality of moving forward without Debo.
As kittled today on USA Today's Sports, Seriously, you.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Can't really replace Biebo. I think he's one of the
most unique players in the NFL because of what he
can do well. One, he's like the greatest. He's the
best yat guy besides myself. I will hype myself up.
I'm pretty good at that too, But he's so good
at when he gets the ball in his hands, and
the fact that you can line him up in the
thought out wide in the backfield and do all the
fun stuff with him and he breaks tackles. He runs
(09:27):
like a running back, and he has the burst, he
has the speed, he has the agility to get away
from guys too. Like He's just such a unique player.
So I don't think you can really replace him now
there are We're just gonna have to build our outfits
a little bit differently to not because we don't have
that available to us. But Deeble's a hell of a
football player. I've loved being his teammate. I've love sharing
the field with him, I love going to war with him.
If that is what happens and he is traded, I'll
(09:48):
be very sad. But at the same time, I'm always
happy for guys to get opportunities, and that's that's all
you can ask for in the NFL. But yes, Diebo
is one of my guys and I always love playing
with him.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Wide receivers obviously a position, Judy where guys can produce
well into their thirties, but Debo is twenty nine.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
He's got a very physical play style.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
He does miss if you just look over the years,
a couple of games every year he's battling various injuries
are really unique. Weapon won the forty nine ers had
interest in before the draft last year. They wanted at
that time a first round picked to even consider it.
He didn't get offered anything close to that. It'll be
fascinating to see what the market is here for Deebo Samuel,
who oh yeah, probably wants a.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
New deal too.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Yeah, and let's be clear about this. I mean, his
production has declined. Twenty twenty one is a few years ago. Now,
that was the really headline year for Deebo Samuel, but
he has come back since then, and especially last season,
he was just not as productive. He didn't get into
the end zone as much as he had in the past,
and so you do wonder what kind of market is
(10:51):
going to develop here. Again, they wanted a first round
last season, and they didn't get it last season, and
he was coming off at that time a more productive
year than he is now. Look, it's still early. We
haven't even gotten to the combine yet. That's when conversations
like this start to happen. So we'll see what comes together.
But you know, the Niners can sit there and wait
(11:13):
and see what the market is. But you do wonder
if if an attractive offer is going to come in
at all for Deepot Samuel.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
And I couldn't help.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
But notice, I mean George Kittle is basically talking in
the past ten so I mean they have come to
grips with the fact that they're almost certainly going forward
without Deepo Samuel. It is just a question of how
he is off the roster.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Now.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
We were talking about Brandon Ayuk in the past, tense
with the forty nine ers last year too.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
In some way somehow that deal got done.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
Difference, of course, is Debo is an older player at
this point. What's his future in San Francisco. Those things
remain to be seen. We know also the Miles Garrett
is coming up on a new contract, but he has
made clear he does not want to get it in Cleveland.
He officially requested a trade after several weeks of trying
to resolve things behind the scenes.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
My understanding has been.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Teams are calling about Miles Garrett, they are not necessarily
getting calls back. The Browns have made clear to this
point that they do not intend to trade Miles Garrett.
So we still maybe days, weeks, even months away from
having resolution. We do know the Browns currently sitting on
the number two overall pick in the NFL Draft, which
(12:24):
is just a shade over two months away. A lot
of things can play out here, Judy, prior to us
getting to the NFL Draft, including could the Browns sign
a quarterback? Could they trade for a quarterback? Could they
even trade Miles Garrett prior than that? That would require
a change of thinking here. But you're talking about maybe
the biggest trade chip you could have if you're willing
(12:46):
to use that trade chip, And oh yeah, you have
a quarterback situation right now that is as influx as
you could possibly imagine.
Speaker 4 (12:56):
Well, there are a whole lot of minds that could
change here, right, I mean, Miles Garrett's month mind could
change as well, and certainly the team's position could change
as well. And maybe if that were going to happen again,
maybe that would start to happen as conversations happen at
the combine next week again, I would expect that every
team would.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
At least place a phone call.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
You'd be crazy not to place a phone call for
a Miles Garrett. He is of all the people we
talk about going into the offseason who could change teams,
he is the franchise changer, right, I mean, this is
a person who if you drop him on a team
that is already winning games, you elevate to become a
championship caliber teams. He's that good. He is a perpetual
(13:40):
Defensive Player of the Year candidate. You could make an
argument he could win it every year and you'd be
just fine with that decision. So we will see if
the Browns start to shift off their position and their
position has been steadfast that they're not going to trade him,
and we will see if there is anything that Browns
could do that maybe could change Miles Garrett's mind. Clearly,
him asking for a trade has made clear he does
(14:01):
not believe that this team is anywhere close to winning
right now. He wants to win. He presumably would want
to be with a contender immediately. Is there anything that
Browns could do this offseason again in terms of getting
a quarterback that could convince Miles Garrett that they are
close to contending and maybe then he would change his mind.
We will see a lot of time for this to
(14:22):
play out too.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
An reminder, they are still tied to Deshaun Watson contractually
for two more years. Ninety two million dollars fully guaranteed
his status for twenty twenty five. After a second Achilles
tear clearly up in the air. But this is the
first time since that trade that they've had their full
complement of draft picks, an opportunity maybe to get younger,
bringing a new influx of talent. Is that enough to
sway Miles Garrett? We shall find out.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Welcome back to the Insiders, Gudy Batista. That is my
colleague Jane Slater and joining us. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Cooper
de Gene. Welcome, congratulations and before we even start, I
should correct myself. Super Bowl champ the end, Cooper de Jeene,
how does that sound?
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Sounds amazing? Thank you guys for having me walk us through.
Speaker 7 (15:06):
We listened to that NFL films as you miked up,
and you know I love it. They said that Patrick
Mahomes hasn't been in a lot of these situations before,
but neither had you, I would imagine.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
I mean, we talk.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
About playing one a football playing at Iowa. I went
back and looked at your scouting report. They said you
were going to eventually make a big impact in the league,
but expect you on special teams as having more of
an impact. On your birthday, you pick off Patrick Mahomes,
you get that NFL films that you guys are going
to be able to have in your family forever. Walk
(15:38):
me through that moment being on the field and just
replaying what.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
You saw in your head.
Speaker 8 (15:44):
Yeah, it was a crazy moment, crazy moment, you know.
Just I was just playing off off with the guys
in front of me, you know, we were playing zone
and Zach Bond in front of me had ran to
the flat allowed me to fall back inside and step
right in front of the.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Past you know.
Speaker 8 (15:59):
Cute you have picked it off if I didn't. Luckily
I caught this one. I had dropped a couple earlier
in the season and was able to find my way
into the end zone.
Speaker 4 (16:11):
It's been about ten days since the Super Bowl. Obviously
you had the big parade. You're back home in Iowa.
What has the last ten days been? Like?
Speaker 2 (16:20):
What have you been doing? Have you gone to sleep yet?
Speaker 8 (16:24):
Yeah, I've gotten I've gotten very little sleep. A lot
of a lot of celebrating, which has been uh, which
has been great, you know, with the parade and everything else.
So it's it's been a crazy last week and a half.
But uh, I've just been taking it all in, trying
to trying to enjoy it and celebrate as much as
(16:44):
I can.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
I've got a little bit of a soft, small saw
spot for the small town guys. I grew up in
a small town. We still had homecoming parades ahead of
the football games. What's it like, I know you're back
in Iowa. Now, what's it been like to come back
into that community and your rookie season be such a footprint,
not only in the super Bowl, people now know your
community and your town that has less than a thousand people.
Speaker 8 (17:10):
Yeah, it's it's awesome to to be able to represent
where I'm from and represent Odiebuld, Iowa. You know, my
my small town and the communities around it. It's it's
just amazing, you know. That's what I've I've been I've
been trying to be a good role model for for
the kids, you know, back here and just inspire them
to to chase their dreams like like I did. And
(17:31):
you know, being able to to come back here, you know,
it feels like it feels like everything just slows down
a little bit. When when when I'm back home, you know,
less less chaos when when you're out of the out
of the city of Philly. So it's it's nice to
come back here and to be able to relax a
little bit and you know, be around people I've I've
been around my whole life.
Speaker 7 (17:50):
We talked about in this leading up to the Super Bowl,
and I had to laugh when I'm watching the parade
and read Blake and Ship is sitting there going, I'm
not Cooper. Uh how much do you guys get mistaken there?
And as you talk about inspiring young kids, you're kind
of inspiring one of these white kids that they can
play a quarterback.
Speaker 8 (18:12):
Yeah, it's uh, we we've gotten mixed up. You know,
a couple of times. I've I know, there's there's been
a couple of times where I've been I've been uh
I've been taking pictures with people and they'll they'll say
to me, you make sure you tell make sure you
tell Cooper.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
I said, what's up?
Speaker 8 (18:29):
And I just I just walk away. I don't even
say anything.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
I just laugh. Uh.
Speaker 8 (18:33):
So it's uh, it's been that that whole you know,
exciting white thing. It's it's been hilarious just to see
how it's it's.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Caught on and everybody.
Speaker 8 (18:43):
Everybody knows us, so a lot of people know us
as the exciting Whites, I guess so, uh, it's it's cool.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
I want to take you back to when you first
got to Philadelphia at the start of the season, because
things were a little bit up and down there those
first few weeks. Then you had the bye week and
you guys really got on a roll. I know you
were a rookie, but at what point did you start
to think this might be a special team, this could
be a special season.
Speaker 8 (19:12):
Yeah, I think I think really when I first got.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
There, like you just you just see the guys that we.
Speaker 8 (19:17):
Have in our locker room and all the talent that
we have, and walking into a locker room with Saquon Barkley,
Jalen Hurts, a J Brown, those guys, you know, you
realize you have all the pieces to do it. It's
just about putting those pieces to the puzzle together. And
you know, we we got off to a little bit
of a rocky start there in the beginning of the season,
and then we kind of put it all together and
(19:41):
got hot there, you know, and towards the end of
the season, we were playing our best ball. And I
feel like we played our best game in in in
the Super Bowl, which was which is which is how
it's supposed to work out. So yeah, it's it's been.
It's been amazing just to be surrounded by such such
great players and you know, you we put the pieces
(20:01):
together to be able to make it run and you know,
ended up winning Super Bowl.
Speaker 7 (20:07):
When you guys think about what Philadelphia and the Eagles
and body, it's really kind of this city of brotherly love.
The one thing that I've enjoyed about you guys as
a locker room is the way that you guys played
with one another, get along, build each other up. When
I look at this roster, it's full of guys like
Chauncey Gardner, Johnson and sa Quon Barkley who we're looking
for that second opportunity, that shot to prove themselves. How
(20:30):
special was this locker room for you as a player
to come into, just even as your rookie season, not
being around other locker rooms.
Speaker 8 (20:38):
Like this, Yeah, it was awesome just to walk in
and see the way everybody connected. It's like a college locker.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Room, you know.
Speaker 8 (20:47):
So that's what I tell everybody, And you don't really
see that a whole lot in the NFL, and everybody's
got kids and families, But I feel like our locker
room connects, you know, really well. You know, from from
offensively to defensively. Everybody in the locker room gets along
and loves playing for one another, you know which is which.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Is the best part.
Speaker 8 (21:07):
You know when when you don't want to let the
guy down next to you, you know, it's it makes
it a lot of fun, and you know you want
to win for for those people, you know, not only
the players, but the coaches who pour into us all
all season.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
Cooper, we see wearing the hat for Renfo. I know
you're a brand ambassador for them. Tell us what you're
doing for them and what they do.
Speaker 8 (21:30):
Yeah, Refos Renfos an amazing company that I've been with,
you know for for a little while now, you know,
just just helping me keep my body ready and recovering.
They got a lot of great equipment that that allows
me to you know, keep my body healthy throughout the season.
I like using this this massage gun that they have.
(21:52):
It's got hot and cold on the end of it,
you know which which helps me, you know, keep my
muscles right. This is my favorite. I'm a saga. You
got a nice little eye massage that I use and
helps he helps you relax. And you know, when when
you got a lot of stuff going on, you can
just put those on and give you a nice little
massage on around your temple. And they've been, they've been,
(22:14):
they've been amazing.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
You know.
Speaker 8 (22:16):
That's one of the biggest things I've learned since being
in the NFL is taking care of your body. And
Renfos help me, help me do that.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Yeah, I could use that.
Speaker 4 (22:25):
You definitely have earned a good long relaxation period in
your first off season in the NFL. Congratulations again, Cooper,
thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 8 (22:35):
Thank you guys, thanks for having me.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
We're not done with eat Eagles quite yet. A. J.
Brown is going to join the Insiders tomorrow, but tonight,
Jane is going to be back in a few minutes
and we're going to talk about the Dallas Cowboys and
their off season of big change in Big d when
we return.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
HBCU Legacy Week continues.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
In New Orleans with players from historically black colleges and
universities ahead of the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday at
four pm Eastern. Right here on NFL Network, our guys
Mike gam Steve White, and Bucky Brooks are there.
Speaker 9 (23:22):
Well, day two of practices at the All State HBCU
Legacy Bowl. Officially in the rearview mirror, we take for granted. Look,
we work for NFL Network, We go to a lot
of these facilities. This is a meaningful experience for a
lot of these players.
Speaker 6 (23:33):
It really is. I mean, the rain of the weather
took them inside here to the Saints indoor facility, and
James Burgess, an All American cornerback from Alabama State, was like, man,
this is real. Like I am practicing on the same
field where Drew Brees used to practice. I'm starting to
kind of get it now.
Speaker 10 (23:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (23:49):
It is nice to see these guys really embrace this experience,
and I think all of us were happy it got
moved indoors. It's a little bit warmer here. But we'll
get back to this defense in a minute. Some of
those offensive players who popped on day two, who cut
your eye?
Speaker 10 (24:02):
Oh, so let's start with the quarterbacks. Miles Crawley from
Rambling has certainly stepped up last two days. He's been
terrific throwing the ball. You didn't see that during the
regular season, but here he's been outstanding. It kind of
sets up for him to have an outstanding game. Eric
Phoenix is someone that we've talked about since we've been here.
MIAC Offensive Player of the Year from South Carolina State.
He continues to deliver the ball on point and then
we had a Jada Buyers sighting the Virginia Union standout.
(24:24):
Not only was catching kickoffs and punts, but he broke
out today on a run. You could see why he
was such a dynamic player this season.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Yeah, you talk about Phoenix, you know, the quarterback rarely
was able to make plays because once again Elijah Williams,
a defensive lineman out of Morgan State, the MEAC Defensive
Player of the Year, he ruined practice. I mean, but
there were other day, two days, you know, second day,
and clearly he is he is the player who has
shown to be like the most next level ready, not
(24:51):
necessarily a processed guy. He looks ready to a lot
of these scouts that I've talked to here. But the
other quarterbacks we've seen four you know, we've seen guys
like Dreylene, Elis Chramelo, Williams. Again, they looked very capable
out here and hopefully Saturday during the game they get
some opportunities to make some plays.
Speaker 11 (25:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (25:06):
One other note, by the way, on buyers, I know
you were behind him as he was fielding punts yesterday
and the colds and a little bit drizzle. You were
impressed by his hand skills.
Speaker 10 (25:14):
Yeah, he has this opportunity to make it as a return.
Speaker 9 (25:16):
Yeah. Just one other note here, some of these corners
also have popped.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (25:19):
Well, James Burgess, like I talked about the All America
from Alabama State strong practice again today. The scouts are
all over him. They know his capabilities. The Nis Williams
Award winner, the best dB in HBC football, that's him
right there.
Speaker 11 (25:31):
Now.
Speaker 9 (25:31):
We will continue to monitor all these players in their
progress getting you set for Saturday. You do not want
to miss this game at four eastern right here on
NFL Network.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
That's right Amber, the best draft eligible players from historically
black colleges and universities put on the pads one last
time to show the world they are worthy of getting drafted.
The fourth annual All State HBCU Legacy Bowl Saturday, four
pm Eastern, exclusively on NFL Network and streaming on NFL Plus.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
Could the next T Higgins be in that game? You
never know. Got to tune in to find out for now.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
The real T Higgins played out his franchise tag last year,
the only one of the nine players tagged you did
not agree to a new deal. Now he's likely going
to be tagged again if the Bengals cannot work out
a long term contract, which has been their priority. That
still leaves open the possibility not just of tagging him
to eventually resign him tagging him, to have him play
on a second tag, maybe even a tag and trade.
(26:30):
What's the best scenario for T Higgins? For more on that,
Let's bring in our guy and Michael Florio for all
things NFL and a course of fantasy spin at times
as well. Florio t Higgins, whether he's with Cincinnati or not,
Let's talk about just some of the free agency benefactors.
What do you see as the best case scenario here?
Speaker 11 (26:50):
I think there's thirty one other teams that would argue
the best case scenario is T. Higgins comes and joins
them and gives their quarterback a.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Great wide receiver.
Speaker 11 (26:58):
But I believe the best case is for him to
stay put in Cincinnati. Look, Joe Burrow put up video
game numbers last year, but he averaged thirty more passing
yards per game when T Higgins was on the field
versus when he was not. He also t Higgins all
but five of his career touchdowns have come from Joe Burrow,
And for that fantasy spin, Burrow in his career averages
(27:19):
two more fantasy points per game, Higgins three more per
game when they are both playing once with one another.
And then you add in if they had to pay
him and Chase and Burrow doesn't leave a bunch of
finances for your defense. So that's a great thing for
fantasy as well, because they'll have to throw a bunch
just like they did this season. So stay put, keep
the band together. I think it's the best case for
(27:41):
everyone involved.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
Last year, the Patriots were trying to bring in receivers
via free agency via trade. They missed out on Calvin Ridley,
they missed out on Brandon Aiyuk. Now those free agents
and guys who are available have seen Drake May play.
What type of benefit could free agency be for May
and his young career.
Speaker 11 (28:00):
I think May stands to be one of the biggest
winners in free agency and draft season this year because
to your point, we've all seen him play.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
I am enamored with Drake May. He is all of
the tools.
Speaker 11 (28:11):
I think he has that playmaking gene that you just
can't teach, and he has a very bright future ahead.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But Tom, he did all of that this year with.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
PFF's worst rated offensive line, and his pass catchers were
bottom seven in terms of separation created and how often
next gen stats deemed them open. But the Patriots now
have by far the most cap space. There's only one
team within forty million dollars of them. So if May's
situation is not drastically better come next year, then I
(28:40):
think it's fair.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
To say that Patriots have failed him.
Speaker 11 (28:42):
But I am expecting him to have better protection and
better pass catchers, which means better things for Drake May.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
If t Higgins does indeed either get a new deal
or get tagged, the top receiver quite possibly could be
Chris Godwin, who, of course missed time last year. Mike
Evans missed time last year. We saw glimpses of Jalob McMillan,
And what could all this do for McMillan in twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 11 (29:03):
Yeah, Look, it was early in his rookie year when
he shared the field with Chris Godwin and he wasn't
fully healthy either, but he was averaging just fifteen yards
per game when Godwin.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Was out there.
Speaker 11 (29:15):
Without Chris Godwin, though he was on a seventeen game
pace for over eight hundred yards and fifteen touchdowns. He
in his final five games had seven touchdowns, and if
you take that final five games, he was on pace
for over one thousand yards. We have seen Chris Godwin
excel and that number two role opposite of Mike Evans.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
But Jayleen McMillan, who had a lot of hype.
Speaker 11 (29:37):
Coming out of college, could play out wide, could play
in the slot, could be a similar type receiver in
a Bucks offense that has just been getting production out
of everyone for years now.
Speaker 1 (29:48):
One of the most frustrating fantasy situations last year, or
for those of us who had Jalen Warren and not
Najie Harris and then realizing it was never going to
come back to Jalen Warren, he wasn't going to be
the guy that he'd been the previous year.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Here, Naji's a free agent. What does it mean?
Speaker 11 (30:02):
Yeah, like he said, Warren has been amazing as a
number two running back, but the thing we always wanted
was more work to go his way. Naj has not
missed time in his career, so we don't know what
Jalen Warren without Naji Harris would look like. But in
his one career game with over fifteen carries, he turned
that into a hundred yards. And whatever you think about
Naji Harris, he is the best free agent running back
(30:25):
on the market. And the Steelers they are ninth in
cap but they may opt to spend elsewhere. They have
to figure out their quarterback situation. So if Naji walks,
whether the Steelers sign another running back or they draft
someone in this deep class, I still believe Warren gets
more of a share next year, maybe even a chance
to start, and he could shine if he's given most
(30:46):
of that work to himself.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
We've also seen changes already in the Dolphins backfield with
the release of Raheem Moster.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
Who benefits there Jalen Right.
Speaker 11 (30:56):
I believe Jalen Wright was drafted last year to kind
of get ready for this year because he is that
one quality that you need to play for the Dolphins,
and that is speed. He ran a four to three
to eight forty last year, was the second fastest amongst
running backs and the Dolphins. We know they like to
utilize two running backs, that's what they've done for a
while now.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
But also partly.
Speaker 11 (31:16):
Because Devon h Chan is closer to my size than
he is like uh like Derrick Henry, so like you
kind of need to spell some touches for him. And
write has home run hitting ability, so I think he
could play that raheem most at role, and in the
one game in his NFL career with double digit carries,
he turned into almost ninety yards and average set nearly
(31:37):
seven yards per carry, So a lot of upside there.
He just needs the opportunity and it seems like he
might get it next season.
Speaker 1 (31:45):
The ever rare my size reference for running back. Will
you listen to you right now, Michael lef what do
you what are you tip of the scales at these days?
Speaker 2 (31:53):
Five to nine, about one to ninety, something like that.
One eighty five. That's very solid. You're in shape.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
It's only February, and I can see the wheels turning
two When you're figuring out how you can say these
things without putting the value on a guy where you're
not going to be able to get him in your
fancy dress six months, that's a different story, much more
from you very soon. Thank you very much, Michael A.
Speaker 4 (32:13):
F It's already been a very interesting off season for
Dak Prescott. He's going to have a new head coach
and that also means he's going to have a new
play caller. And it's only February whatever today's date is.
There's a long way to go for the Dallas Cowboys
and Dak Prescott. Brian Schottenheimer, the new head coach, is
(32:34):
going to be the play caller. Here is Jane Slater returning.
Thanks Jane, to talk more about the Cowboys off season.
All right, tell us what we should expect from the
offense with Schottenheimer calling the plays.
Speaker 7 (32:46):
I too don't know what day it is, Judy, so
don't worry. It's we're in those dog days of the
off season. But fear not, we always find a way
to talk about the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
Here on the NFL Network.
Speaker 7 (32:58):
As you know, Brian Shotanheimer named the head coach of
the Dallas Cowboys after he was the OC of the
last couple of years. And while he and Mike McCarthy
will tell you that the play calling in the playbook
was collaborative, you get the sense that there's more than
he wants to show. Entering his first year as a
head coach, he made it clear he will and wants
to call the play.
Speaker 2 (33:18):
So what will it look like.
Speaker 7 (33:20):
Expect pre snap movements, shifts and motions to stort things.
He wants to marry the run and pass, so essentially
they look the same.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
So think of San Francisco.
Speaker 7 (33:28):
But the tempo variation is what got some of us
listening saying, quote, there's a tempo element we're excited to
mix in. But one thing is clear after last season, Judy,
and that's that that running back by committee thing, it
doesn't work. Dak Prescott's first season featured an exciting back
in Ezekiel Elliott. And there is one that went to
high school just down the street there in Frisco, and
(33:50):
I'm talking about Ashton Genty. He's made it clear he
would love to play in Dallas, and he checks two
boxes already. If you know anything about the Dallas Cowboys
and how they like to draft, they love Boise State guys.
And with twenty six hundred rushing guards this season, it
was good enough for the second highest single season numbers
and n C double a history, and so certainly one
(34:12):
that I think the Cowboys would be interested in going
after a lot of good things happened for the Cowboys
when they picked high are running back Dak Prescott's rookie year.
Let's see if they do it again.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
All right, change on the defensive side as well, Matt
Iberflus in as the defensive coordinator.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
What do we expect there?
Speaker 7 (34:33):
Well, iber flus is at least familiar with this building, Judy,
if you'll remember, he was on the staff when it
was Money Kiffen here, Rod Marinelli, even Rex Ryan. So
he's come back as the defensive coordinator and he told
me he's excited to be here. But there are two
areas the Cowboys struggled last season. The first one is
concerning one given the confidence and efficiency of Saquon Barkley
(34:53):
this past season, and that's stopping the run. Now, they
did have a lot of injuries last year. Keep in
mind they lo Micah Parsons for four games. De Marvin
Overshown got hurt. But it didn't help that they finished
the season twenty ninth out of thirty two, and that's
something they don't want to hang their hat on. The
other area takeaways, they were leading the area in that
particular spot from twenty twenty one to twenty twenty three.
(35:16):
This season, they had the six fewests. Now, as I said,
injuries didn't help. I think one of the big issues,
if you talked to Mike Zimmer, was the buy in
last year from these guys. So Matt Eberflus is going
to have to do that and get these guys to
buy in early. But he did say quote, it's pretty simple.
We will take the ball away, we'll stop the run,
and we want to make exciting plays for our football team.
(35:37):
He also made a point this week to say to
Brian Schottenheimer, Look, I've been a head coach. I know
what it takes to do this job. This will, of
course be Brian Schottenheimer's first time.
Speaker 2 (35:46):
So I do think a.
Speaker 7 (35:47):
Lot of people in the building like the infusion of youth,
the drive of these two guys, and two guys that
are very familiar with the inner workings of the Dallas Cowboys,
which I told you guys all last season when they
looked at the staff, I thought familiarity was going to
be a big part of this.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
That's why you didn't.
Speaker 7 (36:03):
See a whole lot of outsiders come into some of
these Roles.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
Jane, thank you.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
I am sure.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
We are going to resume this conversation next week in
Indianapolis in person.
Speaker 2 (36:14):
Look forward to that.
Speaker 1 (36:15):
The twenty twenty four NFL season was one two remember,
from the thrilliing NFL kickoff game in Kansas City to
the eagles dominant Super Bowl fifty nine performance in New Orleans.
Here's a look back at the unforgettable storylines and moments
that made this season so special.
Speaker 7 (36:33):
We can't stop talking about what transpired because it's a
new season.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
It's almost time. It's a wait that guy is on
that team?
Speaker 4 (36:40):
Which rookie are you absolutely dying to see out there first?
Speaker 1 (36:44):
Any times?
Speaker 2 (36:44):
The time?
Speaker 8 (36:45):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (36:46):
Everybody in this fight for this moment.
Speaker 9 (36:48):
Let's come out, show the law exactly who we are.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
It's the season opener.
Speaker 1 (36:52):
Get any better than this.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
Time has expired?
Speaker 10 (36:54):
Lamar to the ends up, runners, toe, get out of bounds,
exchange squit on opening night, Hackers and the Eagles in
South Hollow.
Speaker 2 (37:03):
Brazil's looking to the bird. I'm excited as well. It's
gonna be a lot of fun. That is unbelievable. I'm
going away. He's the offensive loo through the year.
Speaker 6 (37:14):
If you're a bad boy to Greyo Becker John's touchdown.
Speaker 1 (37:19):
They got me pumps, It's just straight up Shenanigan's right there,
interceptor tabar Hamlet.
Speaker 9 (37:25):
Wow, how about this.
Speaker 11 (37:29):
Summer soul to the edge back.
Speaker 6 (37:32):
To copout out the Pinko bar.
Speaker 2 (37:38):
He's gonna take it to the intel.
Speaker 9 (37:42):
Out here.
Speaker 11 (37:44):
Yeah, right, a London game right now, boots nothing, tell
me Jim I know pantuskving in this Munich game bubbles him.
Speaker 9 (37:53):
He comes hard, absolutely amazing, amazes you beer.
Speaker 11 (37:58):
Did get some Oxygi get time.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
The best celebrity of course, and over here is so passionate.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
Yeah, got me the app world Jason attended to break
two world records.
Speaker 9 (38:19):
Oh steps up, fires.
Speaker 8 (38:23):
It.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
He's a national tight ends day. Take a discobery in
our holiday with promo what head attached? He's going deep,
brought it in. He hurdles a guy backward.
Speaker 9 (38:36):
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 5 (38:37):
Who's the.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
Chickaway?
Speaker 3 (38:40):
It is up good?
Speaker 11 (38:42):
Hey, got it? Water football game?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
This is what breaks you do? You find a way
man the NFL. This is really an NFL fan format,
the pinnacle for the family of football coaches. John Man, thanks,
is he.
Speaker 10 (39:00):
Gonna take it to the house?
Speaker 2 (39:02):
Talent La tret saying leaf for Dad mcdonze. Here's going
up top touchdowns. Jeffrey Boy's last company. It's playoff season.
Bring away.
Speaker 10 (39:23):
William he got it going to the game.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
We've never seen.
Speaker 5 (39:28):
Anything like this, so that's what I'll want to see him.
Speaker 3 (39:36):
We go get half.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
I think dot touchdown.
Speaker 6 (39:41):
My Eagles fine to super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 4 (39:44):
Berna bit bag is a.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
Catch by Worthy out for the touchdown. We're about to
head a new one on Champs at three. I don't
know if it's the Chief Deep.
Speaker 11 (39:54):
Welcome to the NFL honor as the Chiefs go for
history super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 9 (40:01):
Here we go the hold question again, sept again, Hey
two sector picked out the.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Cooper Degain Hurts. Lets it go touchdown dat owl or
maybe sold the dagger.
Speaker 10 (40:15):
The Vincelabardi Trophy is headed to Philadelphia.
Speaker 1 (40:21):
Eagles fly in super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
He like that. That'd be nice.
Speaker 5 (40:29):
That'll be nice.
Speaker 1 (40:34):
Ft The Eagles took home some confetti from the Superdome
in New Orleans.
Speaker 2 (40:38):
A J. Brown took home more than that. We'll explain
after this on the incentive.
Speaker 1 (40:52):
It's not every day that you score a touchdown in
the Super Bowl So why wouldn't you bring home your
game word uniform and without washing it, put it on
a mannequin that now just lives in the room where
you got your black felt pool table and your reformer Judy.
Do you have any anything you've worn on Insiders laying
(41:12):
around on a mannequin around your office there?
Speaker 4 (41:17):
No, but I did just take off my socks, which
I won't show you, but I did just take off
my socks. Here I am interviewing along with Mike G. A. J.
Brownmoorro and I'm hoping he brings the mannequin with him
because I've got so many questions about this.
Speaker 1 (41:33):
Maybe the manneque could do the entire interview. We'd see
what happens. It might be a Fury eight minister, so
we shall see it tomorrow
It's been a strange twelve months for the Cowboys and
is the strangest still to come. Our Jane Slater will
be here to break down the offseason priorities for America's
team as they try to climb back to the top
of the NFC East. Through that they have to get
by the Eagles, who will have a new man running
the offense. Not that guy, not a quarterback. That's Jalen Hurts.
(00:30):
Just won Super Bowl MVP. He's pretty good. Even Philly
fans aren't going to run him out that fast. He will, though,
have yet another new play caller. We will tell you
what it all means. Did we mention that the Eagles
just won the Super Bowl? Cooper dejene had a big
hand in that. On his birthday? What do you know,
we got a belated gift, really more for us than
(00:50):
for him. He's coming on the show, and so is
Cooper Dejean's hair. Welcome inside with the Insiders alongside Judy Battista.
I am Tom Peliicero. Three weeks from right now, the
Governor will be off duty. We will be in the
thick of the free agent signing period, which means that
(01:11):
most of the top free agents already will have agreed
to terms like two days before, but it's much easier
to say three weeks as opposed to nineteen days. The
point is, we've got a ton to resolve, We've got
a lot of action, so much to cover, and let's begin.
How about that in Brazil where the Eagles did last season,
Because the NFL is going back to Sul Pollo, that's right,
(01:31):
on Friday, September fifth, the Chargers are the designated home
game for a week one game back in Brazil.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Again.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
The Eagles beat the Packers there set themselves what is that?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Key?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Man?
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Is that what we're doing here? I'm not sure. It's
got some stuff written on it in Portuguese. I'm not
even gonna try to translate. I'm gonna go with that team, man.
The point is Week one game Chargers in Brazil. You
can't beat it. There's a lot of money for the
Chargers and everybody else to spend prior to that happening.
Because the NFL informed teams earlier today, once again we're
(02:08):
gonna have a record salary cap and it's even higher though,
teams are budgeting for According to a memo that went
off to all thirty two clubs. The projected salary cap
range between two seventy seven point five and two point
eighty one point five million dollars. That is well over
double what the salary cap was a decade ago. It
is higher judy than what En and I had reported
(02:29):
back in the summer. The teams are budgeting somewhere in
the two sixty five to two seventy five range. There
have been indications it was going to come in even
higher than that, in part because we got more and
more international games.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
There's more and more revenue streams here.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
But certainly just from a budgeting perspective, this is something
that teams took notice.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Of today, certainly, and it's good news. It's good news
for everybody. First of all, when the salary cap jumps,
especially when it jumps this much in one fell swoop,
that tells you how much money is being made by
everyone that gets spread around. This is all being driven
by revenue. Why is this good news that it went
(03:06):
up even more than the teams know we're calculating when
they were doing their back of the envelope math. Well,
it gives them more breathing room when they have to
deal with free agents. And it also is great news
for players because, as we know, when there is more
money available under the salary cap, players can ask for
more money on their contract. So everything is going to
(03:28):
rise here. That is very good for everybody in the league. Again,
keep an eye. They have not set the final final number.
We will see where that comes in, but it is
going to be a big jump.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Whatever it is.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
That final number probably going to be set in a
couple of weeks here. It's based on a bunch of
stuff that's minutia we don't need to get in too,
but basically it has to do with money that the
union's been paying back from the COVID year that helped
boost the salary cap back in twenty twenty.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
At any rate we will have fur answers.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
But teams needed to begin budgeting, and as you said, Judy,
this causes every to rise up. So a reminder when
I see all thirty two teams, fans go, we got
more we can spend. Everybody else has more money. Everybody's
got more spending power. Now those top free agents just
going to make that much more. Egos has some free
agents on their team. They also had a big loss
(04:16):
on their coaching staff, with Kellen Moore headed to become
the Saints head coach this time around, the latest stuff,
it's a coordinator. It's going to be a promotion from within.
Kevin Petullo, who has a long relationship with head coach
Nick Sirianni. They were together in Indianapolis, brought him along
to Philly. Patullo is going to be the guy, and
(04:36):
Jalen Hurts already knows him well.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
Kevin Petula has never been a I mean, he'd have
a different role, so it's hard to compare, you know,
that road to this role because his job is gonna
demand something totally different of him, and I have a
lot of confidence in him and what he's shown. However,
I know, you know, over the years, I've learned that's
(05:01):
out of my jurisdiction and so kind of just taking
things as they come and trying to go out there
and be the best I can be and just learn
and evolve.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
Ken Batullo expected to call the plays for the Eagles.
That's been how they've been set up since Nick Sirianni's
first season, when midway through he turned the play caller
over to Shane Steich. And you look through the course
of Jalen's career. He has had a few different play
callers here. It'll be interesting, Judy just to see this year.
They clearly took on a very run dominant offensive scheme.
(05:34):
Sakwon Barkley was the centerpiece of that. That was not
really Kellen Moore's history.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Here.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
There is an adaptability of the coaches to the players
and the play style. In the fact that Betullo has
been there in Philly, you would anticipate, as much as
you can get here, some level of continuity for Philadelphia.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Right.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
This is clearly a move to bring a measure of
continuity to that offense. He has been there with Nick Sirianni.
He saw Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore worked together to
sort of put together a playbook that would take advantage
of having a runner like Saquon Barkley available to them.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
This is a good.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Thing again in terms of continuity. He knows what Nick
Sirianni likes. Sirianni made a point of saying like he
would turn to him with all kinds of decisions, the
in game decisions, game management decisions.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Here's the thing to keep an eye on.
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Though.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
The last time Sirianni turned to an in house candidate
in the name of continuity. Is when Shane Steiken left
to become the Colts head coach. He elevated Brian Johnson.
And then, frankly, the offense grew stale. Sirianni himself said it,
and he then decided he needed to go outside the
organization to bring some life to the offense, to bring
(06:44):
a spark to the offense. Enter Kellen Moore, and again
they had to sit down and sort of piece together
their philosophies to come up with the offense that we
saw last year that worked a great effect with Saquon
Barkley in it. It was not the most dynamic passing attack,
Let's be honest. They did have to be because Saquon
was running all over the place. But you'd hope, obviously
(07:05):
that we will not see that same sort of pattern
repeat itself, that it's not going to get stale that again.
This would just be a smooth continuation of what we
saw last season for the Eagles.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
I imagine Howie Roseman right now, is it a teky
bar somewhere watching the insiders a chorus putting some ice
on that gigantic gash from the parade on his forehead
and looking through thinking about who's he going to sign
this year? Because you go back to last year, Saquon
Barkley the biggest free agent signing. He also got a
guy named Zach Bond who turned into a Defensive Player
of the Year finalist, and he's now back out there
(07:39):
after playing last year on a one year, five million
dollar deal. You see some of these other names. Of course,
there can be franchise tags applied. It's likely with T
Higgins if they cannot work out a long term deal.
Tray Smith is a candidate. Sam Darnold remains a candidate
as well. Not a candidate and headed nowt to free
agency is Bucks wide receiver Chris Godwin. The Bucks and
(07:59):
god And agreed to push back the void date on
his contract. This is more complicated than it needs to be. Basically,
what this means is they cannot tag him because the
deadline will pass before next year, which was a fake
year on his deal, ends up voiding and disappearing. So now,
if T Higgins is not as we anticipate on the
free agent market, Chris Godwin now sets up as quite
(08:21):
possibly the number one wide receiver in free agency coming
off of an injury. He's already been paid on a
second contract here, but he should find a very strong market.
What's the market going to be for Deebo Samuel? He
is still under contract to the forty nine Ers do
about fifteen million dollars this season. As our Ian Rappaport
first reported on Super Bowl Sunday, the forty nine Ers
(08:43):
are exploring trade options with Debo Samuel, and Debo and
his agent have permission to go out and seek a trade.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Nothing imminent at.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
This stage, but the likes of George Kittle have begun
to at least contemplate the reality of moving forward without Debo.
As kittled today on USA Today's Sports, Seriously, you.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Can't really replace Biebo. I think he's one of the
most unique players in the NFL because of what he
can do well. One, he's like the greatest. He's the
best yat guy besides myself. I will hype myself up.
I'm pretty good at that too, But he's so good
at when he gets the ball in his hands, and
the fact that you can line him up in the
thought out wide in the backfield and do all the
fun stuff with him and he breaks tackles. He runs
(09:27):
like a running back, and he has the burst, he
has the speed, he has the agility to get away
from guys too. Like He's just such a unique player.
So I don't think you can really replace him now
there are We're just gonna have to build our outfits
a little bit differently to not because we don't have
that available to us. But Deeble's a hell of a
football player. I've loved being his teammate. I've love sharing
the field with him, I love going to war with him.
If that is what happens and he is traded, I'll
(09:48):
be very sad. But at the same time, I'm always
happy for guys to get opportunities, and that's that's all
you can ask for in the NFL. But yes, Diebo
is one of my guys and I always love playing
with him.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Wide receivers obviously a position, Judy where guys can produce
well into their thirties, but Debo is twenty nine.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
He's got a very physical play style.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
He does miss if you just look over the years,
a couple of games every year he's battling various injuries
are really unique. Weapon won the forty nine ers had
interest in before the draft last year. They wanted at
that time a first round picked to even consider it.
He didn't get offered anything close to that. It'll be
fascinating to see what the market is here for Deebo Samuel,
who oh yeah, probably wants a.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
New deal too.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
Yeah, and let's be clear about this. I mean, his
production has declined. Twenty twenty one is a few years ago. Now,
that was the really headline year for Deebo Samuel, but
he has come back since then, and especially last season,
he was just not as productive. He didn't get into
the end zone as much as he had in the past,
and so you do wonder what kind of market is
(10:51):
going to develop here. Again, they wanted a first round
last season, and they didn't get it last season, and
he was coming off at that time a more productive
year than he is now. Look, it's still early. We
haven't even gotten to the combine yet. That's when conversations
like this start to happen. So we'll see what comes together.
But you know, the Niners can sit there and wait
(11:13):
and see what the market is. But you do wonder
if if an attractive offer is going to come in
at all for Deepot Samuel.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
And I couldn't help.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
But notice, I mean George Kittle is basically talking in
the past ten so I mean they have come to
grips with the fact that they're almost certainly going forward
without Deepo Samuel. It is just a question of how
he is off the roster.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Now.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
We were talking about Brandon Ayuk in the past, tense
with the forty nine ers last year too.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
In some way somehow that deal got done.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
Difference, of course, is Debo is an older player at
this point. What's his future in San Francisco. Those things
remain to be seen. We know also the Miles Garrett
is coming up on a new contract, but he has
made clear he does not want to get it in Cleveland.
He officially requested a trade after several weeks of trying
to resolve things behind the scenes.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
My understanding has been.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Teams are calling about Miles Garrett, they are not necessarily
getting calls back. The Browns have made clear to this
point that they do not intend to trade Miles Garrett.
So we still maybe days, weeks, even months away from
having resolution. We do know the Browns currently sitting on
the number two overall pick in the NFL Draft, which
(12:24):
is just a shade over two months away. A lot
of things can play out here, Judy, prior to us
getting to the NFL Draft, including could the Browns sign
a quarterback? Could they trade for a quarterback? Could they
even trade Miles Garrett prior than that? That would require
a change of thinking here. But you're talking about maybe
the biggest trade chip you could have if you're willing
(12:46):
to use that trade chip, And oh yeah, you have
a quarterback situation right now that is as influx as
you could possibly imagine.
Speaker 4 (12:56):
Well, there are a whole lot of minds that could
change here, right, I mean, Miles Garrett's month mind could
change as well, and certainly the team's position could change
as well. And maybe if that were going to happen again,
maybe that would start to happen as conversations happen at
the combine next week again, I would expect that every
team would.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
At least place a phone call.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
You'd be crazy not to place a phone call for
a Miles Garrett. He is of all the people we
talk about going into the offseason who could change teams,
he is the franchise changer, right, I mean, this is
a person who if you drop him on a team
that is already winning games, you elevate to become a
championship caliber teams. He's that good. He is a perpetual
(13:40):
Defensive Player of the Year candidate. You could make an
argument he could win it every year and you'd be
just fine with that decision. So we will see if
the Browns start to shift off their position and their
position has been steadfast that they're not going to trade him,
and we will see if there is anything that Browns
could do that maybe could change Miles Garrett's mind. Clearly,
him asking for a trade has made clear he does
(14:01):
not believe that this team is anywhere close to winning
right now. He wants to win. He presumably would want
to be with a contender immediately. Is there anything that
Browns could do this offseason again in terms of getting
a quarterback that could convince Miles Garrett that they are
close to contending and maybe then he would change his mind.
We will see a lot of time for this to
(14:22):
play out too.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
An reminder, they are still tied to Deshaun Watson contractually
for two more years. Ninety two million dollars fully guaranteed
his status for twenty twenty five. After a second Achilles
tear clearly up in the air. But this is the
first time since that trade that they've had their full
complement of draft picks, an opportunity maybe to get younger,
bringing a new influx of talent. Is that enough to
sway Miles Garrett? We shall find out.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Welcome back to the Insiders, Gudy Batista. That is my
colleague Jane Slater and joining us. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Cooper
de Gene. Welcome, congratulations and before we even start, I
should correct myself. Super Bowl champ the end, Cooper de Jeene,
how does that sound?
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Sounds amazing? Thank you guys for having me walk us through.
Speaker 7 (15:06):
We listened to that NFL films as you miked up,
and you know I love it. They said that Patrick
Mahomes hasn't been in a lot of these situations before,
but neither had you, I would imagine.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
I mean, we talk.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
About playing one a football playing at Iowa. I went
back and looked at your scouting report. They said you
were going to eventually make a big impact in the league,
but expect you on special teams as having more of
an impact. On your birthday, you pick off Patrick Mahomes,
you get that NFL films that you guys are going
to be able to have in your family forever. Walk
(15:38):
me through that moment being on the field and just
replaying what.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
You saw in your head.
Speaker 8 (15:44):
Yeah, it was a crazy moment, crazy moment, you know.
Just I was just playing off off with the guys
in front of me, you know, we were playing zone
and Zach Bond in front of me had ran to
the flat allowed me to fall back inside and step
right in front of the.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Past you know.
Speaker 8 (15:59):
Cute you have picked it off if I didn't. Luckily
I caught this one. I had dropped a couple earlier
in the season and was able to find my way
into the end zone.
Speaker 4 (16:11):
It's been about ten days since the Super Bowl. Obviously
you had the big parade. You're back home in Iowa.
What has the last ten days been? Like?
Speaker 2 (16:20):
What have you been doing? Have you gone to sleep yet?
Speaker 8 (16:24):
Yeah, I've gotten I've gotten very little sleep. A lot
of a lot of celebrating, which has been uh, which
has been great, you know, with the parade and everything else.
So it's it's been a crazy last week and a half.
But uh, I've just been taking it all in, trying
to trying to enjoy it and celebrate as much as
(16:44):
I can.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
I've got a little bit of a soft, small saw
spot for the small town guys. I grew up in
a small town. We still had homecoming parades ahead of
the football games. What's it like, I know you're back
in Iowa. Now, what's it been like to come back
into that community and your rookie season be such a footprint,
not only in the super Bowl, people now know your
community and your town that has less than a thousand people.
Speaker 8 (17:10):
Yeah, it's it's awesome to to be able to represent
where I'm from and represent Odiebuld, Iowa. You know, my
my small town and the communities around it. It's it's
just amazing, you know. That's what I've I've been I've
been trying to be a good role model for for
the kids, you know, back here and just inspire them
to to chase their dreams like like I did. And
(17:31):
you know, being able to to come back here, you know,
it feels like it feels like everything just slows down
a little bit. When when when I'm back home, you know,
less less chaos when when you're out of the out
of the city of Philly. So it's it's nice to
come back here and to be able to relax a
little bit and you know, be around people I've I've
been around my whole life.
Speaker 7 (17:50):
We talked about in this leading up to the Super Bowl,
and I had to laugh when I'm watching the parade
and read Blake and Ship is sitting there going, I'm
not Cooper. Uh how much do you guys get mistaken there?
And as you talk about inspiring young kids, you're kind
of inspiring one of these white kids that they can
play a quarterback.
Speaker 8 (18:12):
Yeah, it's uh, we we've gotten mixed up. You know,
a couple of times. I've I know, there's there's been
a couple of times where I've been I've been uh
I've been taking pictures with people and they'll they'll say
to me, you make sure you tell make sure you
tell Cooper.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
I said, what's up?
Speaker 8 (18:29):
And I just I just walk away. I don't even
say anything.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
I just laugh. Uh.
Speaker 8 (18:33):
So it's uh, it's been that that whole you know,
exciting white thing. It's it's been hilarious just to see
how it's it's.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Caught on and everybody.
Speaker 8 (18:43):
Everybody knows us, so a lot of people know us
as the exciting Whites, I guess so, uh, it's it's cool.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
I want to take you back to when you first
got to Philadelphia at the start of the season, because
things were a little bit up and down there those
first few weeks. Then you had the bye week and
you guys really got on a roll. I know you
were a rookie, but at what point did you start
to think this might be a special team, this could
be a special season.
Speaker 8 (19:12):
Yeah, I think I think really when I first got.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
There, like you just you just see the guys that we.
Speaker 8 (19:17):
Have in our locker room and all the talent that
we have, and walking into a locker room with Saquon Barkley,
Jalen Hurts, a J Brown, those guys, you know, you
realize you have all the pieces to do it. It's
just about putting those pieces to the puzzle together. And
you know, we we got off to a little bit
of a rocky start there in the beginning of the season,
and then we kind of put it all together and
(19:41):
got hot there, you know, and towards the end of
the season, we were playing our best ball. And I
feel like we played our best game in in in
the Super Bowl, which was which is which is how
it's supposed to work out. So yeah, it's it's been.
It's been amazing just to be surrounded by such such
great players and you know, you we put the pieces
(20:01):
together to be able to make it run and you know,
ended up winning Super Bowl.
Speaker 7 (20:07):
When you guys think about what Philadelphia and the Eagles
and body, it's really kind of this city of brotherly love.
The one thing that I've enjoyed about you guys as
a locker room is the way that you guys played
with one another, get along, build each other up. When
I look at this roster, it's full of guys like
Chauncey Gardner, Johnson and sa Quon Barkley who we're looking
for that second opportunity, that shot to prove themselves. How
(20:30):
special was this locker room for you as a player
to come into, just even as your rookie season, not
being around other locker rooms.
Speaker 8 (20:38):
Like this, Yeah, it was awesome just to walk in
and see the way everybody connected. It's like a college locker.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
Room, you know.
Speaker 8 (20:47):
So that's what I tell everybody, And you don't really
see that a whole lot in the NFL, and everybody's
got kids and families, But I feel like our locker
room connects, you know, really well. You know, from from
offensively to defensively. Everybody in the locker room gets along
and loves playing for one another, you know which is which.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Is the best part.
Speaker 8 (21:07):
You know when when you don't want to let the
guy down next to you, you know, it's it makes
it a lot of fun, and you know you want
to win for for those people, you know, not only
the players, but the coaches who pour into us all
all season.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
Cooper, we see wearing the hat for Renfo. I know
you're a brand ambassador for them. Tell us what you're
doing for them and what they do.
Speaker 8 (21:30):
Yeah, Refos Renfos an amazing company that I've been with,
you know for for a little while now, you know,
just just helping me keep my body ready and recovering.
They got a lot of great equipment that that allows
me to you know, keep my body healthy throughout the season.
I like using this this massage gun that they have.
(21:52):
It's got hot and cold on the end of it,
you know which which helps me, you know, keep my
muscles right. This is my favorite. I'm a saga. You
got a nice little eye massage that I use and
helps he helps you relax. And you know, when when
you got a lot of stuff going on, you can
just put those on and give you a nice little
massage on around your temple. And they've been, they've been,
(22:14):
they've been amazing.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
You know.
Speaker 8 (22:16):
That's one of the biggest things I've learned since being
in the NFL is taking care of your body. And
Renfos help me, help me do that.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Yeah, I could use that.
Speaker 4 (22:25):
You definitely have earned a good long relaxation period in
your first off season in the NFL. Congratulations again, Cooper,
thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 8 (22:35):
Thank you guys, thanks for having me.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
We're not done with eat Eagles quite yet. A. J.
Brown is going to join the Insiders tomorrow, but tonight,
Jane is going to be back in a few minutes
and we're going to talk about the Dallas Cowboys and
their off season of big change in Big d when
we return.
Speaker 2 (23:05):
HBCU Legacy Week continues.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
In New Orleans with players from historically black colleges and
universities ahead of the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday at
four pm Eastern. Right here on NFL Network, our guys
Mike gam Steve White, and Bucky Brooks are there.
Speaker 9 (23:22):
Well, day two of practices at the All State HBCU
Legacy Bowl. Officially in the rearview mirror, we take for granted. Look,
we work for NFL Network, We go to a lot
of these facilities. This is a meaningful experience for a
lot of these players.
Speaker 6 (23:33):
It really is. I mean, the rain of the weather
took them inside here to the Saints indoor facility, and
James Burgess, an All American cornerback from Alabama State, was like, man,
this is real. Like I am practicing on the same
field where Drew Brees used to practice. I'm starting to
kind of get it now.
Speaker 10 (23:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (23:49):
It is nice to see these guys really embrace this experience,
and I think all of us were happy it got
moved indoors. It's a little bit warmer here. But we'll
get back to this defense in a minute. Some of
those offensive players who popped on day two, who cut
your eye?
Speaker 10 (24:02):
Oh, so let's start with the quarterbacks. Miles Crawley from
Rambling has certainly stepped up last two days. He's been
terrific throwing the ball. You didn't see that during the
regular season, but here he's been outstanding. It kind of
sets up for him to have an outstanding game. Eric
Phoenix is someone that we've talked about since we've been here.
MIAC Offensive Player of the Year from South Carolina State.
He continues to deliver the ball on point and then
we had a Jada Buyers sighting the Virginia Union standout.
(24:24):
Not only was catching kickoffs and punts, but he broke
out today on a run. You could see why he
was such a dynamic player this season.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Yeah, you talk about Phoenix, you know, the quarterback rarely
was able to make plays because once again Elijah Williams,
a defensive lineman out of Morgan State, the MEAC Defensive
Player of the Year, he ruined practice. I mean, but
there were other day, two days, you know, second day,
and clearly he is he is the player who has
shown to be like the most next level ready, not
(24:51):
necessarily a processed guy. He looks ready to a lot
of these scouts that I've talked to here. But the
other quarterbacks we've seen four you know, we've seen guys
like Dreylene, Elis Chramelo, Williams. Again, they looked very capable
out here and hopefully Saturday during the game they get
some opportunities to make some plays.
Speaker 11 (25:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 9 (25:06):
One other note, by the way, on buyers, I know
you were behind him as he was fielding punts yesterday
and the colds and a little bit drizzle. You were
impressed by his hand skills.
Speaker 10 (25:14):
Yeah, he has this opportunity to make it as a return.
Speaker 9 (25:16):
Yeah. Just one other note here, some of these corners
also have popped.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (25:19):
Well, James Burgess, like I talked about the All America
from Alabama State strong practice again today. The scouts are
all over him. They know his capabilities. The Nis Williams
Award winner, the best dB in HBC football, that's him
right there.
Speaker 11 (25:31):
Now.
Speaker 9 (25:31):
We will continue to monitor all these players in their
progress getting you set for Saturday. You do not want
to miss this game at four eastern right here on
NFL Network.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
That's right Amber, the best draft eligible players from historically
black colleges and universities put on the pads one last
time to show the world they are worthy of getting drafted.
The fourth annual All State HBCU Legacy Bowl Saturday, four
pm Eastern, exclusively on NFL Network and streaming on NFL Plus.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
Could the next T Higgins be in that game? You
never know. Got to tune in to find out for now.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
The real T Higgins played out his franchise tag last year,
the only one of the nine players tagged you did
not agree to a new deal. Now he's likely going
to be tagged again if the Bengals cannot work out
a long term contract, which has been their priority. That
still leaves open the possibility not just of tagging him
to eventually resign him tagging him, to have him play
on a second tag, maybe even a tag and trade.
(26:30):
What's the best scenario for T Higgins? For more on that,
Let's bring in our guy and Michael Florio for all
things NFL and a course of fantasy spin at times
as well. Florio t Higgins, whether he's with Cincinnati or not,
Let's talk about just some of the free agency benefactors.
What do you see as the best case scenario here?
Speaker 11 (26:50):
I think there's thirty one other teams that would argue
the best case scenario is T. Higgins comes and joins
them and gives their quarterback a.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Great wide receiver.
Speaker 11 (26:58):
But I believe the best case is for him to
stay put in Cincinnati. Look, Joe Burrow put up video
game numbers last year, but he averaged thirty more passing
yards per game when T Higgins was on the field
versus when he was not. He also t Higgins all
but five of his career touchdowns have come from Joe Burrow,
And for that fantasy spin, Burrow in his career averages
(27:19):
two more fantasy points per game, Higgins three more per
game when they are both playing once with one another.
And then you add in if they had to pay
him and Chase and Burrow doesn't leave a bunch of
finances for your defense. So that's a great thing for
fantasy as well, because they'll have to throw a bunch
just like they did this season. So stay put, keep
the band together. I think it's the best case for
(27:41):
everyone involved.
Speaker 1 (27:43):
Last year, the Patriots were trying to bring in receivers
via free agency via trade. They missed out on Calvin Ridley,
they missed out on Brandon Aiyuk. Now those free agents
and guys who are available have seen Drake May play.
What type of benefit could free agency be for May
and his young career.
Speaker 11 (28:00):
I think May stands to be one of the biggest
winners in free agency and draft season this year because
to your point, we've all seen him play.
Speaker 2 (28:08):
I am enamored with Drake May. He is all of
the tools.
Speaker 11 (28:11):
I think he has that playmaking gene that you just
can't teach, and he has a very bright future ahead.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But Tom, he did all of that this year with.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
PFF's worst rated offensive line, and his pass catchers were
bottom seven in terms of separation created and how often
next gen stats deemed them open. But the Patriots now
have by far the most cap space. There's only one
team within forty million dollars of them. So if May's
situation is not drastically better come next year, then I
(28:40):
think it's fair.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
To say that Patriots have failed him.
Speaker 11 (28:42):
But I am expecting him to have better protection and
better pass catchers, which means better things for Drake May.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
If t Higgins does indeed either get a new deal
or get tagged, the top receiver quite possibly could be
Chris Godwin, who, of course missed time last year. Mike
Evans missed time last year. We saw glimpses of Jalob McMillan,
And what could all this do for McMillan in twenty
twenty five.
Speaker 11 (29:03):
Yeah, Look, it was early in his rookie year when
he shared the field with Chris Godwin and he wasn't
fully healthy either, but he was averaging just fifteen yards
per game when Godwin.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Was out there.
Speaker 11 (29:15):
Without Chris Godwin, though he was on a seventeen game
pace for over eight hundred yards and fifteen touchdowns. He
in his final five games had seven touchdowns, and if
you take that final five games, he was on pace
for over one thousand yards. We have seen Chris Godwin
excel and that number two role opposite of Mike Evans.
Speaker 2 (29:36):
But Jayleen McMillan, who had a lot of hype.
Speaker 11 (29:37):
Coming out of college, could play out wide, could play
in the slot, could be a similar type receiver in
a Bucks offense that has just been getting production out
of everyone for years now.
Speaker 1 (29:48):
One of the most frustrating fantasy situations last year, or
for those of us who had Jalen Warren and not
Najie Harris and then realizing it was never going to
come back to Jalen Warren, he wasn't going to be
the guy that he'd been the previous year.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Here, Naji's a free agent. What does it mean?
Speaker 11 (30:02):
Yeah, like he said, Warren has been amazing as a
number two running back, but the thing we always wanted
was more work to go his way. Naj has not
missed time in his career, so we don't know what
Jalen Warren without Naji Harris would look like. But in
his one career game with over fifteen carries, he turned
that into a hundred yards. And whatever you think about
Naji Harris, he is the best free agent running back
(30:25):
on the market. And the Steelers they are ninth in
cap but they may opt to spend elsewhere. They have
to figure out their quarterback situation. So if Naji walks,
whether the Steelers sign another running back or they draft
someone in this deep class, I still believe Warren gets
more of a share next year, maybe even a chance
to start, and he could shine if he's given most
(30:46):
of that work to himself.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
We've also seen changes already in the Dolphins backfield with
the release of Raheem Moster.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
Who benefits there Jalen Right.
Speaker 11 (30:56):
I believe Jalen Wright was drafted last year to kind
of get ready for this year because he is that
one quality that you need to play for the Dolphins,
and that is speed. He ran a four to three
to eight forty last year, was the second fastest amongst
running backs and the Dolphins. We know they like to
utilize two running backs, that's what they've done for a
while now.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
But also partly.
Speaker 11 (31:16):
Because Devon h Chan is closer to my size than
he is like uh like Derrick Henry, so like you
kind of need to spell some touches for him. And
write has home run hitting ability, so I think he
could play that raheem most at role, and in the
one game in his NFL career with double digit carries,
he turned into almost ninety yards and average set nearly
(31:37):
seven yards per carry, So a lot of upside there.
He just needs the opportunity and it seems like he
might get it next season.
Speaker 1 (31:45):
The ever rare my size reference for running back. Will
you listen to you right now, Michael lef what do
you what are you tip of the scales at these days?
Speaker 2 (31:53):
Five to nine, about one to ninety, something like that.
One eighty five. That's very solid. You're in shape.
Speaker 1 (32:00):
It's only February, and I can see the wheels turning
two When you're figuring out how you can say these
things without putting the value on a guy where you're
not going to be able to get him in your
fancy dress six months, that's a different story, much more
from you very soon. Thank you very much, Michael A.
Speaker 4 (32:13):
F It's already been a very interesting off season for
Dak Prescott. He's going to have a new head coach
and that also means he's going to have a new
play caller. And it's only February whatever today's date is.
There's a long way to go for the Dallas Cowboys
and Dak Prescott. Brian Schottenheimer, the new head coach, is
(32:34):
going to be the play caller. Here is Jane Slater returning.
Thanks Jane, to talk more about the Cowboys off season.
All right, tell us what we should expect from the
offense with Schottenheimer calling the plays.
Speaker 7 (32:46):
I too don't know what day it is, Judy, so
don't worry. It's we're in those dog days of the
off season. But fear not, we always find a way
to talk about the Dallas Cowboys.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
Here on the NFL Network.
Speaker 7 (32:58):
As you know, Brian Shotanheimer named the head coach of
the Dallas Cowboys after he was the OC of the
last couple of years. And while he and Mike McCarthy
will tell you that the play calling in the playbook
was collaborative, you get the sense that there's more than
he wants to show. Entering his first year as a
head coach, he made it clear he will and wants
to call the play.
Speaker 2 (33:18):
So what will it look like.
Speaker 7 (33:20):
Expect pre snap movements, shifts and motions to stort things.
He wants to marry the run and pass, so essentially
they look the same.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
So think of San Francisco.
Speaker 7 (33:28):
But the tempo variation is what got some of us
listening saying, quote, there's a tempo element we're excited to
mix in. But one thing is clear after last season, Judy,
and that's that that running back by committee thing, it
doesn't work. Dak Prescott's first season featured an exciting back
in Ezekiel Elliott. And there is one that went to
high school just down the street there in Frisco, and
(33:50):
I'm talking about Ashton Genty. He's made it clear he
would love to play in Dallas, and he checks two
boxes already. If you know anything about the Dallas Cowboys
and how they like to draft, they love Boise State guys.
And with twenty six hundred rushing guards this season, it
was good enough for the second highest single season numbers
and n C double a history, and so certainly one
(34:12):
that I think the Cowboys would be interested in going
after a lot of good things happened for the Cowboys
when they picked high are running back Dak Prescott's rookie year.
Let's see if they do it again.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
All right, change on the defensive side as well, Matt
Iberflus in as the defensive coordinator.
Speaker 2 (34:30):
What do we expect there?
Speaker 7 (34:33):
Well, iber flus is at least familiar with this building, Judy,
if you'll remember, he was on the staff when it
was Money Kiffen here, Rod Marinelli, even Rex Ryan. So
he's come back as the defensive coordinator and he told
me he's excited to be here. But there are two
areas the Cowboys struggled last season. The first one is
concerning one given the confidence and efficiency of Saquon Barkley
(34:53):
this past season, and that's stopping the run. Now, they
did have a lot of injuries last year. Keep in
mind they lo Micah Parsons for four games. De Marvin
Overshown got hurt. But it didn't help that they finished
the season twenty ninth out of thirty two, and that's
something they don't want to hang their hat on. The
other area takeaways, they were leading the area in that
particular spot from twenty twenty one to twenty twenty three.
(35:16):
This season, they had the six fewests. Now, as I said,
injuries didn't help. I think one of the big issues,
if you talked to Mike Zimmer, was the buy in
last year from these guys. So Matt Eberflus is going
to have to do that and get these guys to
buy in early. But he did say quote, it's pretty simple.
We will take the ball away, we'll stop the run,
and we want to make exciting plays for our football team.
(35:37):
He also made a point this week to say to
Brian Schottenheimer, Look, I've been a head coach. I know
what it takes to do this job. This will, of
course be Brian Schottenheimer's first time.
Speaker 2 (35:46):
So I do think a.
Speaker 7 (35:47):
Lot of people in the building like the infusion of youth,
the drive of these two guys, and two guys that
are very familiar with the inner workings of the Dallas Cowboys,
which I told you guys all last season when they
looked at the staff, I thought familiarity was going to
be a big part of this.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
That's why you didn't.
Speaker 7 (36:03):
See a whole lot of outsiders come into some of
these Roles.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
Jane, thank you.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
I am sure.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
We are going to resume this conversation next week in
Indianapolis in person.
Speaker 2 (36:14):
Look forward to that.
Speaker 1 (36:15):
The twenty twenty four NFL season was one two remember,
from the thrilliing NFL kickoff game in Kansas City to
the eagles dominant Super Bowl fifty nine performance in New Orleans.
Here's a look back at the unforgettable storylines and moments
that made this season so special.
Speaker 7 (36:33):
We can't stop talking about what transpired because it's a
new season.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
It's almost time. It's a wait that guy is on
that team?
Speaker 4 (36:40):
Which rookie are you absolutely dying to see out there first?
Speaker 1 (36:44):
Any times?
Speaker 2 (36:44):
The time?
Speaker 8 (36:45):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (36:46):
Everybody in this fight for this moment.
Speaker 9 (36:48):
Let's come out, show the law exactly who we are.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
It's the season opener.
Speaker 1 (36:52):
Get any better than this.
Speaker 2 (36:53):
Time has expired?
Speaker 10 (36:54):
Lamar to the ends up, runners, toe, get out of bounds,
exchange squit on opening night, Hackers and the Eagles in
South Hollow.
Speaker 2 (37:03):
Brazil's looking to the bird. I'm excited as well. It's
gonna be a lot of fun. That is unbelievable. I'm
going away. He's the offensive loo through the year.
Speaker 6 (37:14):
If you're a bad boy to Greyo Becker John's touchdown.
Speaker 1 (37:19):
They got me pumps, It's just straight up Shenanigan's right there,
interceptor tabar Hamlet.
Speaker 9 (37:25):
Wow, how about this.
Speaker 11 (37:29):
Summer soul to the edge back.
Speaker 6 (37:32):
To copout out the Pinko bar.
Speaker 2 (37:38):
He's gonna take it to the intel.
Speaker 9 (37:42):
Out here.
Speaker 11 (37:44):
Yeah, right, a London game right now, boots nothing, tell
me Jim I know pantuskving in this Munich game bubbles him.
Speaker 9 (37:53):
He comes hard, absolutely amazing, amazes you beer.
Speaker 11 (37:58):
Did get some Oxygi get time.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
The best celebrity of course, and over here is so passionate.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
Yeah, got me the app world Jason attended to break
two world records.
Speaker 9 (38:19):
Oh steps up, fires.
Speaker 8 (38:23):
It.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
He's a national tight ends day. Take a discobery in
our holiday with promo what head attached? He's going deep,
brought it in. He hurdles a guy backward.
Speaker 9 (38:36):
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 5 (38:37):
Who's the.
Speaker 2 (38:40):
Chickaway?
Speaker 3 (38:40):
It is up good?
Speaker 11 (38:42):
Hey, got it? Water football game?
Speaker 2 (38:45):
This is what breaks you do? You find a way
man the NFL. This is really an NFL fan format,
the pinnacle for the family of football coaches. John Man, thanks,
is he.
Speaker 10 (39:00):
Gonna take it to the house?
Speaker 2 (39:02):
Talent La tret saying leaf for Dad mcdonze. Here's going
up top touchdowns. Jeffrey Boy's last company. It's playoff season.
Bring away.
Speaker 10 (39:23):
William he got it going to the game.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
We've never seen.
Speaker 5 (39:28):
Anything like this, so that's what I'll want to see him.
Speaker 3 (39:36):
We go get half.
Speaker 2 (39:37):
I think dot touchdown.
Speaker 6 (39:41):
My Eagles fine to super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 4 (39:44):
Berna bit bag is a.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
Catch by Worthy out for the touchdown. We're about to
head a new one on Champs at three. I don't
know if it's the Chief Deep.
Speaker 11 (39:54):
Welcome to the NFL honor as the Chiefs go for
history super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 9 (40:01):
Here we go the hold question again, sept again, Hey
two sector picked out the.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Cooper Degain Hurts. Lets it go touchdown dat owl or
maybe sold the dagger.
Speaker 10 (40:15):
The Vincelabardi Trophy is headed to Philadelphia.
Speaker 1 (40:21):
Eagles fly in super Bowl fifty nine.
Speaker 2 (40:25):
He like that. That'd be nice.
Speaker 5 (40:29):
That'll be nice.
Speaker 1 (40:34):
Ft The Eagles took home some confetti from the Superdome
in New Orleans.
Speaker 2 (40:38):
A J. Brown took home more than that. We'll explain
after this on the incentive.
Speaker 1 (40:52):
It's not every day that you score a touchdown in
the Super Bowl So why wouldn't you bring home your
game word uniform and without washing it, put it on
a mannequin that now just lives in the room where
you got your black felt pool table and your reformer Judy.
Do you have any anything you've worn on Insiders laying
(41:12):
around on a mannequin around your office there?
Speaker 4 (41:17):
No, but I did just take off my socks, which
I won't show you, but I did just take off
my socks. Here I am interviewing along with Mike G. A. J.
Brownmoorro and I'm hoping he brings the mannequin with him
because I've got so many questions about this.
Speaker 1 (41:33):
Maybe the manneque could do the entire interview. We'd see
what happens. It might be a Fury eight minister, so
we shall see it tomorrow
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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