June 14, 2025 • 23 mins
Ryan Coyle and Nick McClay discuss Aaron Rodgers heading to the Steelers in the NFL's worst-kept secret, and other OTA storylines around the league.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back, everyone to another episode of Football is King
here on Fox Sports and Gambler Ryan Coyle and Nick
McLay as always on our Wednesday night show.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
If you're listening to this on the.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Radio streaming Tuesday Night Live eight o'clock. Philly's just went
down three to two against the Cubs. We'll see if
they have a little comeback in them, just like they
did last night.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
But Nick OTA's Mini camp this week.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Within the past few weeks, teams that have been gathering
for some organized team activities. Teams are on the field
for mini camp this week. Then you get about a
five week break where teams kind of go away for
the rest of the offseason until training camp and then
we're full steam ahead. But the big news last week
and on the field today at mini camp with the
Pittsburgh Steelers was Aaron Rodgers, a move that has been
(00:46):
rumored speculated for most of the offseason. You and I
have talked on here a bunch about how Will Howard
might not even have been a bad option potentially for them.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Obviously it's an.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Upgrade with Aaron Rodgers here, But how much does this
move move the needle for you in terms of the
Steelers maybe making a run at something this year. That
win total, unsurprisingly still sits at eight and a half.
At minus one's head, I don't really think it moves
the needle that much, but interested to hear your.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Thoughts, Yeah, I'm with you on that. I think with
the team total at eight and a half, I think
we're still sitting right around there. So they had like
the tenth hardest schedule in the NFL, so it doesn't
make it easy on him obviously playing the Ravens and
the Ravens and the Bengals, so that doesn't make it
any easy. But they start out the season against the Jets,
(01:32):
can get some nice revenge early on with Rogers under center.
But like I said, it's gonna be a tough AFC
North Division with the Ravens and the Bengals. I think
it most likely ends with the most Mike Tomlin season
ever in classic fashion, hovering right around five hunds are
probably just right over five hundred, But I don't think
that really moves a needle too much for the Steelers.
(01:54):
But also on the other side of the ball, TJ.
Watt is still holding now. I know he skipped Mini camp.
According to Adam Schefter. He's still working on some contract
extensions from the one he's signed and I think twenty
twenty one, it was a four year deal. But he's
gonna be looking to get a huge contract with what
Miles Garrett just got at forty mili a year, he's
gonna be right around thirty five to forty million year.
(02:17):
He's he's gonna turn thirty one right when the season starts.
So I think, you know, there's some frustration there with TJ. Watt.
The in the Pittsburgh locker room. Another GM said that
they want to keep him in the steel uniform until
he retires. But I think up until they get him
to that point, they're going to be, you know, pretty
worried about where TJ. Watt's gonna go.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yeah, Steelers plus one thirty to make the playoffs. Now,
I'm not.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Sure how much or if at all, that moved with
Aaron Rodgers. If you said that a couple of years ago,
you know, with with the hype of him going to
the Jets, people were all over that. I still never
bought in that was more so a Jets thing. I
think he'll be fine with the Steelers. And you talk
about the TJ. Watt contract situation, Rogers, you know, it
took a discount. I think he's able to earn up
(03:03):
to twenty million and incentive, So hopefully that's a part
of the reason why you know that TJ. Wibb will
be in a Steeler uniform next year. But they go
out and make the trade for DK Metcalf this offseason.
He gets the new deal as well. So a team
that is usually behind the scenes, like does most of
their business, not very flashy, flamboyant out in the headlines.
(03:25):
Much a little bit of a different offseason here for Pittsburgh,
you know, bringing in a guy like Aaron Rodgers, bringing
in a diva receiver type. With DK Metcalf from now
dealing with TJ wat contract issues, it'll be interesting to
see if mediocre MIC's able to keep them around that
nine win.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Marker or so.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
But sitting there at plus one thirty right now, I
don't know if I really see this as a playoff team.
It's interesting, like a team with very compatible odds to them,
the Pittsburgh or excuse me, the New England Patriots at
plus one thirty as well. I mean that's a team
from last year that was in last place in their division.
Very interested to see what happens with Aaron Rodgers and
the Steelers, but any other kind of big picture thoughts
(04:05):
on them as ahead into the season. I know Nijie
Harris leaves in the off season outside a DK Metcalf,
What does that receiver room really even look like?
Speaker 3 (04:14):
Yeah, honestly, not too good. I know they just drafted
Caleb Johnson. They got dude from Michigan, Roman Wilson last year,
who didn't play anything from last year with the injury.
Maybe they hope he can do something. Pat Fryermuth, I
guess is another option. But really that offense isn't really
you know, scary. You look at that offensive from a
defensive perspective. You you say that you can you can
(04:36):
beat this team. So I don't like. I like we both.
I think we're on the same page. I don't think
these this signing really moves a needle at all. I
think they still have around five hundred and still fighting
for a playoff spot. Tough AFC North. Speaking the AFC North,
with Bengals Trey Hendrickson still holding out and that doesn't
seem to be getting any better. He's in the same
(04:57):
boat with as TG I get it. I don't think
it's as bad, all right. I don't think TJ's is
as bad as hendrickson situation right now. But he said
he has no intention of playing in the final year
under his of last year of his current contract, so
he wants a long term deal and the Bengals kind
of want that short term deal. He's given permission to
(05:19):
look at trades, which that really hasn't really spiked up
at all since that he's gotten permission to do so. So,
I mean, he's one of the top players in the
NFL in sacks and pressures. He also played over seventy
percent of their defensive snap So putting up that production
with you know, the the volume, I think it's he's
well deserved of getting a contract. Then to speak again
(05:42):
on the Bengals, Shamar Stewart's the whole Now that situation
doesn't look to be you know, good at all. I
was really high on Stewart. I was really hoping he
could get past this you know, off the field issues,
but seems like he can't really do that. I saw
a quote, Oh really, here is one of the weirdest
quotes from a rookie who hasn't proven anything even in college.
(06:02):
He said, In my case, I'm one hundred percent right.
I'm not asking for nothing that's been done before. In
their case, they just want to win an argument instead
of winning more games for a rookie who didn't produce
even at Texas A and M. That's insane to say,
But I think that the Bengals situations right now on
defense is a big deal right now.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah, and the Bengals are a weirdly ran team. They're
notoriously cheap, I think like them and the Chargers have
been always known to, you know, try and get the
biggest bang for their buck and not in a good way,
but more so to save money. I mean, you look
at even last year with Jamar Chase, like it was
a no brainer that he was going to be re
(06:45):
signed and why delayed a season and make him, you know,
upset t Higgins the same thing. They're able to get
both those guys back in the building, but now that
that causes.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Them to maybe potentially lose Trey Hendricks in.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
It's a it's a weirdly run organization, the like owner
the GM type of situation.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
It's a family ran thing.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
It's not really like how the Eagles at least have
it separated with Jeffrey Lourie and Howie Roseman. But no,
there's always kind of middling in between, like with the
Cowboys too, and that goes back to like the owner
and GM being separated helps with, you know, trying to
save every penny on players and whatnot. It's pretty crazy
to me that, you know, when you have a quarterback
(07:25):
like Joe Burrow that's constantly in the top five conversations,
that you're not trying to absolutely do what you can
to maximize those windows of.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Winning an opportunity.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
But another team that is looking to save some money,
it sounds like Green Bay Packers. They go out this
week and release Jay Alexander, who when he's been on
the field in the NFL has been one of the
top five to ten corners I think, but he struggled
to stay on the field. He was in a contract
negotiation pretty much the entire offseason. They can't come to
an agreement and they just agree to outright release him,
(07:55):
not even a trade situation. Interested to see what you
think his market is. Do you think he gets you know,
like a one year, ten million dollar deal, type of thing,
or maybe takes a one year less money, but on
a on a really good squad with a chance to
earn up some incentatives, incentives improve that he can stay
on the healthy and be the top corner on one
of the best teams in the league. What do you
(08:16):
think his kind of outlook is over these next couple
of weeks before he.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Finds a team, hopefully before training camp.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Yeah, I mean, he's gonna have to prove that he
can stay on the field. He's gonna have to convince
some team that he's gonna be able to play more
than seven eight games. I don't think he's passed eight
games or seven or eight games in the last two
seasons each. So I think no, in this situation, both
sides just couldn't really agree to a deal. There wasn't
gonna be any deal at the end of it. None
of them were on either. They were not on the
(08:42):
same page. But I think, like you said, if you
can stay on the field, he's a great lockdown corner.
Just hasn't been the case the last few years. I
think some teams, like you said in the top of restaurant, like,
I mean, I don't know if the lease teams. Two
teams are gonna be battling. But I think the forty
nine Ers or Rams could go after him. I know
that often are looking to get ready Ramsey. Maybe he
(09:02):
goes to the Uh he goes there, maybe the Vikings,
but I think they're looking at like a a one
year just under ten. I would say maybe less to
go to a higher team where he wouldn't play as much.
But I think he's gonna have to really, you know,
swallow a pill here and say, you know, I'm not
the player that I really was. I know that I
can't see the field. I think he's gonna have to
(09:22):
look for a role like that if he wants to
be on a good team and a contender.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Yeah. I mean goes back to one of my points
about him at the beginning, like do you think that
the Eagles are a fit with him, with Quinion Mitchell,
with Keeley Ringo, with you know, going out and to
signing and signing a Dori Jackson, obviously Cooper Degen.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
But it's kind of a question mark of what his
role is going to be on the team next year.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
You know he'll be on the field, but kind of
where What do you think about Jagger Alexander potentially come
into Philly.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
I wouldn't be surprised, knowing the Eagles, you know, background situation,
bringing in vets for our young upcoming, you know, offensive group.
I don't really think we will, though I'm not dying
to do it. If we do it on a good deal,
I'd be happy. But if we do it and we overpay,
obviously wouldn't be too happy. And if it's only for
a year, I guess it's only for a year. Whatever
(10:14):
can come in be that vet for our young guys.
But if he comes in, I want to run with
group of Mitchell and Cooper and this young crew. Maybe
get Ringo in there. Because Ringo has just sat there
and not been able to see the field. We still
need to see his development. Now. I'm not going to
say he's a guarantee hit, but I think that he's
someone that is work. He's due for a shot at
(10:37):
least as showing his ability, showing his potential. He sat
two three years waiting in the staff just to see
the field. So I think instead of signing a guy
like Jall Alexander, I would like to see Ringo more.
I'm not even coming close to saying that Ringo will
turn into him. That's an obviously crazy thing to say,
but I just want to see him on the field,
(10:59):
see what he can produce, and if not, you know,
so be it. But I don't think we go out
there and get Alexander.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Yeah, it's gonna be interesting.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
I just feel like anytime a player, a big name
player at least is rumored in a trade or gets
released free agency, at least signs somehow gets tied to
the Eagles in some sense. Like you said, I could see,
you know, come training camp, if he still doesn't have
a team and the Eagles don't like what they've seen
out of Dori Jackson, out of kil A Ringo at
(11:27):
that CB two outside spot, and they want to keep
Coop in the nickel or have Coop play at safety.
I could see how Ero's been going out there and
making a move. You have to expect, especially with all
the cash.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Space that they have.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
I think, off the top of my head it was
like thirty six million, maybe even forty six million. I
know they're trying to save that for future seasons, but
with a win now team, a super Bowl team, and
you feel like he could be an immediate upgrade at
that spot, something to keep an eye on, I think
for sure, but to stay in the NFC East real
quick too. Another player that's been holding out of mini
(11:59):
camp otthing in between with the Commanders Terry McLaurin. I
think in my mind going into last year, he was
one of the more kind of like overrated receivers in
the league. Everyone always tried to put him in this
group and I was like, I never really saw it
with him, But he also never really had great quarterback play.
Last year he had great quarterback play and he has
an awesome season. Now he's due for a big time
(12:19):
contract extension. Commure thoughts on mclauren, where does he deserve
to kind of be paid in that upper echelon of
receivers and Commanders are.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
A popular team.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
I think people are picking the potentially have a bounce
back or excuse me, a drop off this season after
the season they might have played a little bit over
their head. Thoughts on the Commanders made some big moves
this offseason going out and getting a guy like Deebo
Samuel thoughts on them going into twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Yeah, I mean, he's McLaren's coming off one of his
most productive season's career wise. Obviously, we talked about the
quarterback play. I think he had a crack ton of
quarterbacks before Jaydon Daniels came in. I don't know what
the number is, but it's a lot of just revolving
door in Washington, so he never had anyone throwing him
the ball. But, like I said, coming off one of
(13:03):
the most productive career seasons of his career, eighty two
receptions over a thousand yards, thirteen touchdowns, which is one
fewer touchdown than he had the previous three seasons, which
is crazy. I think I saw he had ten red
zone touchdowns, which is insane. But he attended all the
offseason workouts before the end of May, so I think
(13:24):
the team there will get a deal. I think he
wants to stay in Washington. Dan Quinn didn't seem too
concern when they talked about him. They said he's had
a great offseason so far, so I think this is
it's gonna I think there'll be a deal done soon now,
depending on the price, I'm not really sure. I think
he's in that tier end of Tier two, top of
(13:47):
tier three kind of paygrade. But we with Debo coming
in we saw, we've seen Debo hold out, so I think,
you know, he's got the Debo talking in his ears,
seeing how he can leverage some things. But I think
there will be a deal done with mclauren in Washington.
But also I don't I don't think Latimore shown up
to any OTA practices either. I know he has done
(14:09):
that in the past, so I don't know if that's
you know, he can take that with a grain of salt.
But he just came to Washington last year, only played
five games, two regular season, three playoffs, and he still
hasn't really played in OTA, so I'm interested to see
what he kind of brings at the table now.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yet another player too that he did report to minie
camp today actually, and he said basically they asked him why,
He's like, well, I like my money, he doesn't want
want the fines. But James Cook at the running back spot,
and we saw last year with Saquon and what he
did getting paid in the offseason but then also getting
(14:47):
rewarded with an extension this offseason, and then Derek Henry
got the extension from from the Ravens as well. Do
you think teams are going to be more inclined to
step up and pay these running backs or do you
think that's really for you know, the two three four
elite guys, and James Cook doesn't deserve that, you know,
big time extension because we saw it even with his
brother Dalvin, Like these guys could have really good, you know,
(15:10):
two three year spurts but then fall off after that.
James Cook too, more of that not scap back type,
but more of your receiver back. I don't think he's
a guy like Sakwan or Derrick Henry that you can
confidently give the ball to twenty twenty five times a
game and trust him to stay healthy.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Yeah, I think that's more. The bigger contracts are more
towards like the top four, Like we said, Henry Sparkley
like those guys like that. I don't think James Cook
Ganner is that that list, but I think he still
deserves to get paid. He's shown to be productive. But
I honestly was kind of surprised that going into the
draft that they didn't even look to move him, look
(15:46):
to trade him and run with you know, Ray Davis,
or run with someone that they draft leading into the draft.
But I think he should get paid obviously not that
top tier, but you know, he's been he's been productive.
I think he's a player that, you know, Josh Allen
likes to have in the backfield, likes to have that
familiarity in the backfield. So I think he's someone that
(16:08):
will get paid sooner or later. I would say, I
think the deal deal cup sooner or later.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
All Right, here's something that when we were just watching
the Phillies, I heard John Kruck talk about it, and
then I did see it on Twitter earlier today. But
it was like a bold take thing on Get Up.
But Bart Scott basically said that the Chargers are the
Eagles of the AFC, potentially even better. And you know,
I'm the Justin Herbert guy, the Justin Herbert stand but
(16:35):
even I think that's a pretty wild statement. But I
kind of see the vision in terms of what he's saying,
like how the team is built necessarily where the defense
I think is going to be really good. The quarterback
they're not asking him to do too much. We saw
Jalen was kind of, you know, throughout the season last
year not protected by Saquan, but there was issues with
the passing game, and obviously the passing game took off
(16:55):
a little bit there down the stretch, in the in the.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Playoffs, in the NFC Championship, in the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
But I kind of see what what Bart Scott is
saying in terms of just the way the team is built.
I mean, I think what Jim Harbaughs want to build
has wanted to build over the past two years. And
I know you said, you know one of our first
few episodes, do you think the Chargers are going to
dethron the Chiefs in the AFC West this year? Do
you think the Chargers are a legit threat to potentially
(17:20):
win the Super Bowl this season?
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Yeah? Yeah, I would say so. I think the way
their rosters constructed, I think so. I think they do
need to still get that chemistry. They're a young team,
young growing team with a new coach, so I think,
you know, they still need some you know, to grow
together a little bit more. We need to see more
out of Herbert. Herbert's got to prove himself a little
bit more. We know the talent is there, it's just
the production and the you know, the head scratching plays
(17:45):
that sometimes he makes. I think, like you said, if
he don't if you don't ask him to do too much,
just you know, manage the game and even do a
little a little more manage the game. You know more
than that, you know, you bring in Trey Harris. I
think Trey Harris is one of the most more underrated
lot receivers of this bunch. I think he comes into
a great scenario where he can get fed the ball
(18:05):
a lot. I know they're gonna go to lad a lot.
Quentin Johnson hasn't really He's had you know, spurts, but
he hasn't really shown to be reliable. So I think
Trey Harris comes into this new young corps. I think
this this is a young team that can grow a
Marion Hampton. I think he's gonna have a great year
and a good offensive line, good young offensive line. So
that's a team that can really I wouldn't say they
(18:29):
are locked to get to that AFC Championship game, but
I think they're They're gonna be fighting for it definitely.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah. I think there's a lot of pressure on Herbert
this year, you know, the get the monkey off the
back in the playoffs. There's no doubt in my mind
that he's a very good football player, very good quarterback.
But it is time to you know, step up and
take that game to the next level. Same thing with
a guy like Trevor Lawrence. I know Lamar Jackson has
won the MVP before, but I think there's a lot
(18:56):
of pressure on him this year, like get over the
top and get to the super Bowl, dude, Like if
you want to be talked about in that upper echelon,
like Joe Burrow has got there, Josh Allen, same thing,
Josh Allen, get there over the top, take down Mahomes.
So I do think we've seen I'm not sure if
it's the skill set around him, but I do think
Mahomes's play overall has kind of decreased in the past
few years with that Tyreek Hill, with Travis Kelcey aging
(19:19):
as well. I saw even Chris Simms like put out
his top four quarterbacks today and I think it was
Lamar one Alan at two, Burrow at three, and Mahomes
at four. And you know, for the past three to
four years now, it's been synonymous that Patrick Mahomes would
be what would be at number one on everyone's top
quarterback list, And you know, I think this offseason is
(19:40):
the first year we're starting to see that. So do
you think that there is a potential changing of the guard,
you know, in just the big picture rise in the
AFC this year.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
I think there is. I think they do kind of
take a step back the Chiefs, I think, you know,
but the thing is with a step back for them,
and still I feel like eleven twelve wins maybe you know,
if they get I think ten is kind of their floor.
But I think, like you said, Mahomes has decreased his
play the last couple of seasons. He they don't really
have that many weapons to throw to. Kelsey's on the decline.
(20:10):
Rashie Rice has been banged up. He I do love
him when he's healthy, but you know, he's got to
stay on the field. Uh. They draft Jalen Royals. I'm
not too you know, bought in on him. I think
he's a good player. I don't think he can really
change that offense or be you know, that reliable target there. Uh.
They do increase their offensive line, which was obviously a
problem in the Super Bowl, So I think they they
(20:30):
addressed an issue there. But I still think they the
Chargers take over that that division, they win the division,
I think, Uh. And also I think that Chargers take
over the a f C. So in my eyes right
now gone to my head, I'm taking the Chargers to
win the AFC.
Speaker 1 (20:46):
Wow, I'm gonna have to send that one. Yeah, he's
gonna be especially with the uh all right, last question
before rehead out of here. And like like we said
in NFL OTAs mini camps are are wrapping up this week,
(21:07):
and then you're gonna have that nice little break for
training camp. Will probably on some more college stuff over
the next few weeks and then dive more NFL over
the course of July.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
But what have you seen or heard from about Travis.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
Hunter so far in training or in OTAs in mini
camp where they have him lining up is he's been
playing fair share of both sides. I think I saw
you had a it was a crazy catch, I forgot
a touchdown or interception.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
But what does he look like or what have you heard.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
From where he's been lining up down there in Jacksonville
after that, I've heard.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
The start of it. He was mainly lining up at
wide out, I would say, just because they kind of
want to get him more in that offensive mindset because
they know what he can do and on defense. On defense,
you just go out there. You you stick to a
guy and he's capable of doing that. He can do
that with anyone. On offense, you kind of really got
to learn a system, kind of learn the what situation
(21:59):
you're you're going to be playing in. All the different
type of you know, gadget plays and all the you know,
outs and inns and slants and drags. You got to
you gotta know everything. Every offense is different. So I
think they started him out at offense wide receiver just
to make them learn that offense, just to make them
get a connection with Trevor, and then they'll throw them
in on defense every now and then to face you know,
(22:19):
get you know, Brian Thomas on one of the better cornerbacks,
you know, Iron Sharpen's Iron. So I think they're going
to start him out at receiver a little bit more
because they know what they have as defensive back. He
was coached by dionce so that was already insteeled in
his head to be a cornerback. So I think he
comes into a Jaguars, you know, team that needs an
offensive spark, So they set him at offense, send him
(22:42):
on on the outside and kind of make them learn
that before you know, dishing them off to the defensive
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Yeah, you look at the DraftKings odds for Offensive Rookie
of the Year, he's ten to one.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
You go over to the defensive Rookie of the Year twelve
to one.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Pretty pretty wild to see that a possibility. You got
Ashton Genty at plus two to fifty and Cam More
to plus three fifty ahead of them, Apple Carter plus
two fifty, Jalen Walker all the way to ten to one.
So Abdul Carter pretty substantial favorite there. But uh, that'll
do it for our little you know, ota wrap around
talk about some of these these rookies, some of these
(23:19):
these holdout situations, and some situations to keep an eye
on as we head for this little NFL break You
know that. I'm sure there'll be some news some notes
as always in between this time in training camp. But
as always, everyone, thank you for tuning in here on
Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Make sure to keep it locked.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
We'll be back once again next Wednesday, six o'clock backbreak,
probably breaking down some college stuff and starting to take
a deeper dive into two big picture conferences and everything
in between.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Soevers.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
As always, everyone, Thank you for tuning in. We talked
to you next time here on Fox Sports.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
The game wither
Welcome back, everyone to another episode of Football is King
here on Fox Sports and Gambler Ryan Coyle and Nick
McLay as always on our Wednesday night show.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
If you're listening to this on the.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Radio streaming Tuesday Night Live eight o'clock. Philly's just went
down three to two against the Cubs. We'll see if
they have a little comeback in them, just like they
did last night.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
But Nick OTA's Mini camp this week.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Within the past few weeks, teams that have been gathering
for some organized team activities. Teams are on the field
for mini camp this week. Then you get about a
five week break where teams kind of go away for
the rest of the offseason until training camp and then
we're full steam ahead. But the big news last week
and on the field today at mini camp with the
Pittsburgh Steelers was Aaron Rodgers, a move that has been
(00:46):
rumored speculated for most of the offseason. You and I
have talked on here a bunch about how Will Howard
might not even have been a bad option potentially for them.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Obviously it's an.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Upgrade with Aaron Rodgers here, But how much does this
move move the needle for you in terms of the
Steelers maybe making a run at something this year. That
win total, unsurprisingly still sits at eight and a half.
At minus one's head, I don't really think it moves
the needle that much, but interested to hear your.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Thoughts, Yeah, I'm with you on that. I think with
the team total at eight and a half, I think
we're still sitting right around there. So they had like
the tenth hardest schedule in the NFL, so it doesn't
make it easy on him obviously playing the Ravens and
the Ravens and the Bengals, so that doesn't make it
any easy. But they start out the season against the Jets,
(01:32):
can get some nice revenge early on with Rogers under center.
But like I said, it's gonna be a tough AFC
North Division with the Ravens and the Bengals. I think
it most likely ends with the most Mike Tomlin season
ever in classic fashion, hovering right around five hunds are
probably just right over five hundred, But I don't think
that really moves a needle too much for the Steelers.
(01:54):
But also on the other side of the ball, TJ.
Watt is still holding now. I know he skipped Mini camp.
According to Adam Schefter. He's still working on some contract
extensions from the one he's signed and I think twenty
twenty one, it was a four year deal. But he's
gonna be looking to get a huge contract with what
Miles Garrett just got at forty mili a year, he's
gonna be right around thirty five to forty million year.
(02:17):
He's he's gonna turn thirty one right when the season starts.
So I think, you know, there's some frustration there with TJ. Watt.
The in the Pittsburgh locker room. Another GM said that
they want to keep him in the steel uniform until
he retires. But I think up until they get him
to that point, they're going to be, you know, pretty
worried about where TJ. Watt's gonna go.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Yeah, Steelers plus one thirty to make the playoffs. Now,
I'm not.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Sure how much or if at all, that moved with
Aaron Rodgers. If you said that a couple of years ago,
you know, with with the hype of him going to
the Jets, people were all over that. I still never
bought in that was more so a Jets thing. I
think he'll be fine with the Steelers. And you talk
about the TJ. Watt contract situation, Rogers, you know, it
took a discount. I think he's able to earn up
(03:03):
to twenty million and incentive, So hopefully that's a part
of the reason why you know that TJ. Wibb will
be in a Steeler uniform next year. But they go
out and make the trade for DK Metcalf this offseason.
He gets the new deal as well. So a team
that is usually behind the scenes, like does most of
their business, not very flashy, flamboyant out in the headlines.
(03:25):
Much a little bit of a different offseason here for Pittsburgh,
you know, bringing in a guy like Aaron Rodgers, bringing
in a diva receiver type. With DK Metcalf from now
dealing with TJ wat contract issues, it'll be interesting to
see if mediocre MIC's able to keep them around that
nine win.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Marker or so.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
But sitting there at plus one thirty right now, I
don't know if I really see this as a playoff team.
It's interesting, like a team with very compatible odds to them,
the Pittsburgh or excuse me, the New England Patriots at
plus one thirty as well. I mean that's a team
from last year that was in last place in their division.
Very interested to see what happens with Aaron Rodgers and
the Steelers, but any other kind of big picture thoughts
(04:05):
on them as ahead into the season. I know Nijie
Harris leaves in the off season outside a DK Metcalf,
What does that receiver room really even look like?
Speaker 3 (04:14):
Yeah, honestly, not too good. I know they just drafted
Caleb Johnson. They got dude from Michigan, Roman Wilson last year,
who didn't play anything from last year with the injury.
Maybe they hope he can do something. Pat Fryermuth, I
guess is another option. But really that offense isn't really
you know, scary. You look at that offensive from a
defensive perspective. You you say that you can you can
(04:36):
beat this team. So I don't like. I like we both.
I think we're on the same page. I don't think
these this signing really moves a needle at all. I
think they still have around five hundred and still fighting
for a playoff spot. Tough AFC North. Speaking the AFC North,
with Bengals Trey Hendrickson still holding out and that doesn't
seem to be getting any better. He's in the same
(04:57):
boat with as TG I get it. I don't think
it's as bad, all right. I don't think TJ's is
as bad as hendrickson situation right now. But he said
he has no intention of playing in the final year
under his of last year of his current contract, so
he wants a long term deal and the Bengals kind
of want that short term deal. He's given permission to
(05:19):
look at trades, which that really hasn't really spiked up
at all since that he's gotten permission to do so. So,
I mean, he's one of the top players in the
NFL in sacks and pressures. He also played over seventy
percent of their defensive snap So putting up that production
with you know, the the volume, I think it's he's
well deserved of getting a contract. Then to speak again
(05:42):
on the Bengals, Shamar Stewart's the whole Now that situation
doesn't look to be you know, good at all. I
was really high on Stewart. I was really hoping he
could get past this you know, off the field issues,
but seems like he can't really do that. I saw
a quote, Oh really, here is one of the weirdest
quotes from a rookie who hasn't proven anything even in college.
(06:02):
He said, In my case, I'm one hundred percent right.
I'm not asking for nothing that's been done before. In
their case, they just want to win an argument instead
of winning more games for a rookie who didn't produce
even at Texas A and M. That's insane to say,
But I think that the Bengals situations right now on
defense is a big deal right now.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah, and the Bengals are a weirdly ran team. They're
notoriously cheap, I think like them and the Chargers have
been always known to, you know, try and get the
biggest bang for their buck and not in a good way,
but more so to save money. I mean, you look
at even last year with Jamar Chase, like it was
a no brainer that he was going to be re
(06:45):
signed and why delayed a season and make him, you know,
upset t Higgins the same thing. They're able to get
both those guys back in the building, but now that
that causes.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Them to maybe potentially lose Trey Hendricks in.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
It's a it's a weirdly run organization, the like owner
the GM type of situation.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
It's a family ran thing.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
It's not really like how the Eagles at least have
it separated with Jeffrey Lourie and Howie Roseman. But no,
there's always kind of middling in between, like with the
Cowboys too, and that goes back to like the owner
and GM being separated helps with, you know, trying to
save every penny on players and whatnot. It's pretty crazy
to me that, you know, when you have a quarterback
(07:25):
like Joe Burrow that's constantly in the top five conversations,
that you're not trying to absolutely do what you can
to maximize those windows of.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Winning an opportunity.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
But another team that is looking to save some money,
it sounds like Green Bay Packers. They go out this
week and release Jay Alexander, who when he's been on
the field in the NFL has been one of the
top five to ten corners I think, but he struggled
to stay on the field. He was in a contract
negotiation pretty much the entire offseason. They can't come to
an agreement and they just agree to outright release him,
(07:55):
not even a trade situation. Interested to see what you
think his market is. Do you think he gets you know,
like a one year, ten million dollar deal, type of thing,
or maybe takes a one year less money, but on
a on a really good squad with a chance to
earn up some incentatives, incentives improve that he can stay
on the healthy and be the top corner on one
of the best teams in the league. What do you
(08:16):
think his kind of outlook is over these next couple
of weeks before he.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Finds a team, hopefully before training camp.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
Yeah, I mean, he's gonna have to prove that he
can stay on the field. He's gonna have to convince
some team that he's gonna be able to play more
than seven eight games. I don't think he's passed eight
games or seven or eight games in the last two
seasons each. So I think no, in this situation, both
sides just couldn't really agree to a deal. There wasn't
gonna be any deal at the end of it. None
of them were on either. They were not on the
(08:42):
same page. But I think, like you said, if you
can stay on the field, he's a great lockdown corner.
Just hasn't been the case the last few years. I
think some teams, like you said in the top of restaurant, like,
I mean, I don't know if the lease teams. Two
teams are gonna be battling. But I think the forty
nine Ers or Rams could go after him. I know
that often are looking to get ready Ramsey. Maybe he
(09:02):
goes to the Uh he goes there, maybe the Vikings,
but I think they're looking at like a a one
year just under ten. I would say maybe less to
go to a higher team where he wouldn't play as much.
But I think he's gonna have to really, you know,
swallow a pill here and say, you know, I'm not
the player that I really was. I know that I
can't see the field. I think he's gonna have to
(09:22):
look for a role like that if he wants to
be on a good team and a contender.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Yeah. I mean goes back to one of my points
about him at the beginning, like do you think that
the Eagles are a fit with him, with Quinion Mitchell,
with Keeley Ringo, with you know, going out and to
signing and signing a Dori Jackson, obviously Cooper Degen.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
But it's kind of a question mark of what his
role is going to be on the team next year.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
You know he'll be on the field, but kind of
where What do you think about Jagger Alexander potentially come
into Philly.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
I wouldn't be surprised, knowing the Eagles, you know, background situation,
bringing in vets for our young upcoming, you know, offensive group.
I don't really think we will, though I'm not dying
to do it. If we do it on a good deal,
I'd be happy. But if we do it and we overpay,
obviously wouldn't be too happy. And if it's only for
a year, I guess it's only for a year. Whatever
(10:14):
can come in be that vet for our young guys.
But if he comes in, I want to run with
group of Mitchell and Cooper and this young crew. Maybe
get Ringo in there. Because Ringo has just sat there
and not been able to see the field. We still
need to see his development. Now. I'm not going to
say he's a guarantee hit, but I think that he's
someone that is work. He's due for a shot at
(10:37):
least as showing his ability, showing his potential. He sat
two three years waiting in the staff just to see
the field. So I think instead of signing a guy
like Jall Alexander, I would like to see Ringo more.
I'm not even coming close to saying that Ringo will
turn into him. That's an obviously crazy thing to say,
but I just want to see him on the field,
(10:59):
see what he can produce, and if not, you know,
so be it. But I don't think we go out
there and get Alexander.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Yeah, it's gonna be interesting.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
I just feel like anytime a player, a big name
player at least is rumored in a trade or gets
released free agency, at least signs somehow gets tied to
the Eagles in some sense. Like you said, I could see,
you know, come training camp, if he still doesn't have
a team and the Eagles don't like what they've seen
out of Dori Jackson, out of kil A Ringo at
(11:27):
that CB two outside spot, and they want to keep
Coop in the nickel or have Coop play at safety.
I could see how Ero's been going out there and
making a move. You have to expect, especially with all
the cash.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Space that they have.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
I think, off the top of my head it was
like thirty six million, maybe even forty six million. I
know they're trying to save that for future seasons, but
with a win now team, a super Bowl team, and
you feel like he could be an immediate upgrade at
that spot, something to keep an eye on, I think
for sure, but to stay in the NFC East real
quick too. Another player that's been holding out of mini
(11:59):
camp otthing in between with the Commanders Terry McLaurin. I
think in my mind going into last year, he was
one of the more kind of like overrated receivers in
the league. Everyone always tried to put him in this
group and I was like, I never really saw it
with him, But he also never really had great quarterback play.
Last year he had great quarterback play and he has
an awesome season. Now he's due for a big time
(12:19):
contract extension. Commure thoughts on mclauren, where does he deserve
to kind of be paid in that upper echelon of
receivers and Commanders are.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
A popular team.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
I think people are picking the potentially have a bounce
back or excuse me, a drop off this season after
the season they might have played a little bit over
their head. Thoughts on the Commanders made some big moves
this offseason going out and getting a guy like Deebo
Samuel thoughts on them going into twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Yeah, I mean, he's McLaren's coming off one of his
most productive season's career wise. Obviously, we talked about the
quarterback play. I think he had a crack ton of
quarterbacks before Jaydon Daniels came in. I don't know what
the number is, but it's a lot of just revolving
door in Washington, so he never had anyone throwing him
the ball. But, like I said, coming off one of
(13:03):
the most productive career seasons of his career, eighty two
receptions over a thousand yards, thirteen touchdowns, which is one
fewer touchdown than he had the previous three seasons, which
is crazy. I think I saw he had ten red
zone touchdowns, which is insane. But he attended all the
offseason workouts before the end of May, so I think
(13:24):
the team there will get a deal. I think he
wants to stay in Washington. Dan Quinn didn't seem too
concern when they talked about him. They said he's had
a great offseason so far, so I think this is
it's gonna I think there'll be a deal done soon now,
depending on the price, I'm not really sure. I think
he's in that tier end of Tier two, top of
(13:47):
tier three kind of paygrade. But we with Debo coming
in we saw, we've seen Debo hold out, so I think,
you know, he's got the Debo talking in his ears,
seeing how he can leverage some things. But I think
there will be a deal done with mclauren in Washington.
But also I don't I don't think Latimore shown up
to any OTA practices either. I know he has done
(14:09):
that in the past, so I don't know if that's
you know, he can take that with a grain of salt.
But he just came to Washington last year, only played
five games, two regular season, three playoffs, and he still
hasn't really played in OTA, so I'm interested to see
what he kind of brings at the table now.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yet another player too that he did report to minie
camp today actually, and he said basically they asked him why,
He's like, well, I like my money, he doesn't want
want the fines. But James Cook at the running back spot,
and we saw last year with Saquon and what he
did getting paid in the offseason but then also getting
(14:47):
rewarded with an extension this offseason, and then Derek Henry
got the extension from from the Ravens as well. Do
you think teams are going to be more inclined to
step up and pay these running backs or do you
think that's really for you know, the two three four
elite guys, and James Cook doesn't deserve that, you know,
big time extension because we saw it even with his
brother Dalvin, Like these guys could have really good, you know,
(15:10):
two three year spurts but then fall off after that.
James Cook too, more of that not scap back type,
but more of your receiver back. I don't think he's
a guy like Sakwan or Derrick Henry that you can
confidently give the ball to twenty twenty five times a
game and trust him to stay healthy.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Yeah, I think that's more. The bigger contracts are more
towards like the top four, Like we said, Henry Sparkley
like those guys like that. I don't think James Cook
Ganner is that that list, but I think he still
deserves to get paid. He's shown to be productive. But
I honestly was kind of surprised that going into the
draft that they didn't even look to move him, look
(15:46):
to trade him and run with you know, Ray Davis,
or run with someone that they draft leading into the draft.
But I think he should get paid obviously not that
top tier, but you know, he's been he's been productive.
I think he's a player that, you know, Josh Allen
likes to have in the backfield, likes to have that
familiarity in the backfield. So I think he's someone that
(16:08):
will get paid sooner or later. I would say, I
think the deal deal cup sooner or later.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
All Right, here's something that when we were just watching
the Phillies, I heard John Kruck talk about it, and
then I did see it on Twitter earlier today. But
it was like a bold take thing on Get Up.
But Bart Scott basically said that the Chargers are the
Eagles of the AFC, potentially even better. And you know,
I'm the Justin Herbert guy, the Justin Herbert stand but
(16:35):
even I think that's a pretty wild statement. But I
kind of see the vision in terms of what he's saying,
like how the team is built necessarily where the defense
I think is going to be really good. The quarterback
they're not asking him to do too much. We saw
Jalen was kind of, you know, throughout the season last
year not protected by Saquan, but there was issues with
the passing game, and obviously the passing game took off
(16:55):
a little bit there down the stretch, in the in the.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Playoffs, in the NFC Championship, in the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
But I kind of see what what Bart Scott is
saying in terms of just the way the team is built.
I mean, I think what Jim Harbaughs want to build
has wanted to build over the past two years. And
I know you said, you know one of our first
few episodes, do you think the Chargers are going to
dethron the Chiefs in the AFC West this year? Do
you think the Chargers are a legit threat to potentially
(17:20):
win the Super Bowl this season?
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Yeah? Yeah, I would say so. I think the way
their rosters constructed, I think so. I think they do
need to still get that chemistry. They're a young team,
young growing team with a new coach, so I think,
you know, they still need some you know, to grow
together a little bit more. We need to see more
out of Herbert. Herbert's got to prove himself a little
bit more. We know the talent is there, it's just
the production and the you know, the head scratching plays
(17:45):
that sometimes he makes. I think, like you said, if
he don't if you don't ask him to do too much,
just you know, manage the game and even do a
little a little more manage the game. You know more
than that, you know, you bring in Trey Harris. I
think Trey Harris is one of the most more underrated
lot receivers of this bunch. I think he comes into
a great scenario where he can get fed the ball
(18:05):
a lot. I know they're gonna go to lad a lot.
Quentin Johnson hasn't really He's had you know, spurts, but
he hasn't really shown to be reliable. So I think
Trey Harris comes into this new young corps. I think
this this is a young team that can grow a
Marion Hampton. I think he's gonna have a great year
and a good offensive line, good young offensive line. So
that's a team that can really I wouldn't say they
(18:29):
are locked to get to that AFC Championship game, but
I think they're They're gonna be fighting for it definitely.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Yeah. I think there's a lot of pressure on Herbert
this year, you know, the get the monkey off the
back in the playoffs. There's no doubt in my mind
that he's a very good football player, very good quarterback.
But it is time to you know, step up and
take that game to the next level. Same thing with
a guy like Trevor Lawrence. I know Lamar Jackson has
won the MVP before, but I think there's a lot
(18:56):
of pressure on him this year, like get over the
top and get to the super Bowl, dude, Like if
you want to be talked about in that upper echelon,
like Joe Burrow has got there, Josh Allen, same thing,
Josh Allen, get there over the top, take down Mahomes.
So I do think we've seen I'm not sure if
it's the skill set around him, but I do think
Mahomes's play overall has kind of decreased in the past
few years with that Tyreek Hill, with Travis Kelcey aging
(19:19):
as well. I saw even Chris Simms like put out
his top four quarterbacks today and I think it was
Lamar one Alan at two, Burrow at three, and Mahomes
at four. And you know, for the past three to
four years now, it's been synonymous that Patrick Mahomes would
be what would be at number one on everyone's top
quarterback list, And you know, I think this offseason is
(19:40):
the first year we're starting to see that. So do
you think that there is a potential changing of the guard,
you know, in just the big picture rise in the
AFC this year.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
I think there is. I think they do kind of
take a step back the Chiefs, I think, you know,
but the thing is with a step back for them,
and still I feel like eleven twelve wins maybe you know,
if they get I think ten is kind of their floor.
But I think, like you said, Mahomes has decreased his
play the last couple of seasons. He they don't really
have that many weapons to throw to. Kelsey's on the decline.
(20:10):
Rashie Rice has been banged up. He I do love
him when he's healthy, but you know, he's got to
stay on the field. Uh. They draft Jalen Royals. I'm
not too you know, bought in on him. I think
he's a good player. I don't think he can really
change that offense or be you know, that reliable target there. Uh.
They do increase their offensive line, which was obviously a
problem in the Super Bowl, So I think they they
(20:30):
addressed an issue there. But I still think they the
Chargers take over that that division, they win the division,
I think, Uh. And also I think that Chargers take
over the a f C. So in my eyes right
now gone to my head, I'm taking the Chargers to
win the AFC.
Speaker 1 (20:46):
Wow, I'm gonna have to send that one. Yeah, he's
gonna be especially with the uh all right, last question
before rehead out of here. And like like we said
in NFL OTAs mini camps are are wrapping up this week,
(21:07):
and then you're gonna have that nice little break for
training camp. Will probably on some more college stuff over
the next few weeks and then dive more NFL over
the course of July.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
But what have you seen or heard from about Travis.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
Hunter so far in training or in OTAs in mini
camp where they have him lining up is he's been
playing fair share of both sides. I think I saw
you had a it was a crazy catch, I forgot
a touchdown or interception.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
But what does he look like or what have you heard.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
From where he's been lining up down there in Jacksonville
after that, I've heard.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
The start of it. He was mainly lining up at
wide out, I would say, just because they kind of
want to get him more in that offensive mindset because
they know what he can do and on defense. On defense,
you just go out there. You you stick to a
guy and he's capable of doing that. He can do
that with anyone. On offense, you kind of really got
to learn a system, kind of learn the what situation
(21:59):
you're you're going to be playing in. All the different
type of you know, gadget plays and all the you know,
outs and inns and slants and drags. You got to
you gotta know everything. Every offense is different. So I
think they started him out at offense wide receiver just
to make them learn that offense, just to make them
get a connection with Trevor, and then they'll throw them
in on defense every now and then to face you know,
(22:19):
get you know, Brian Thomas on one of the better cornerbacks,
you know, Iron Sharpen's Iron. So I think they're going
to start him out at receiver a little bit more
because they know what they have as defensive back. He
was coached by dionce so that was already insteeled in
his head to be a cornerback. So I think he
comes into a Jaguars, you know, team that needs an
offensive spark, So they set him at offense, send him
(22:42):
on on the outside and kind of make them learn
that before you know, dishing them off to the defensive
side of the ball.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Yeah, you look at the DraftKings odds for Offensive Rookie
of the Year, he's ten to one.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
You go over to the defensive Rookie of the Year twelve
to one.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Pretty pretty wild to see that a possibility. You got
Ashton Genty at plus two to fifty and Cam More
to plus three fifty ahead of them, Apple Carter plus
two fifty, Jalen Walker all the way to ten to one.
So Abdul Carter pretty substantial favorite there. But uh, that'll
do it for our little you know, ota wrap around
talk about some of these these rookies, some of these
(23:19):
these holdout situations, and some situations to keep an eye
on as we head for this little NFL break You
know that. I'm sure there'll be some news some notes
as always in between this time in training camp. But
as always, everyone, thank you for tuning in here on
Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Make sure to keep it locked.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
We'll be back once again next Wednesday, six o'clock backbreak,
probably breaking down some college stuff and starting to take
a deeper dive into two big picture conferences and everything
in between.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Soevers.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
As always, everyone, Thank you for tuning in. We talked
to you next time here on Fox Sports.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
The game wither
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The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.