NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Free Agency Frenzy Day 1 Recap: Willis to the Dolphins, Raiders Spend BIG, Evans to 49ers, Walker III to KC and More!

Episode Date: March 10, 2026

Gregg Rosenthal is joined by Jourdan Rodrigue and Steve Wyche to recap a jam-packed first day of Free Agency Frenzy. Malik Willis is the new quarterback of the Miami Dolphins. The Raiders spent big-time money while locking up center Tyler Linderbaum to anchor their offensive line. Mike Evans swaps coasts and will now be catching passes for the 49ers. Alec Pierce got paid to stay with the Colts. Michael Pittman Jr. was traded from the Colts to the Steelers. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III is the new running back for the Chiefs. Travis Etienne Jr. will be running the ball for the Saints next season. The crew reacts to all that and much, much more!NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I am Greg Rosenthal. I know that, Greg. We're teaming up on 40s and free agents, the podcast that owns the NFL offseason. This is where teams are built.

Free agency, combine, pro days, trades. Every move matters. From my draft boards and mock drafts to my vaunted top 101 free agents and how rosters come together. Quarterback movement. Surprise signings. We'll tell you what it means. And who really.

really wins. Open your free IHeart radio app, search 40s and free agents, and listen now. Welcome to NFL Daily, where more news happened on this day than will happen for the entire months of May, June, July, and August. But we're still going to have great daily shows then, too. I'm Greg Rostob here in the Chris Wesleyan podcast studio, live on YouTube, live on the NFL channel. And of course, in your ears. I'm with Steve Wife and Jordan Rodry. What a day this is maybe the longest rundown we have ever made in the history of the show. I mean, it just started out with gangbusters. I mean, okay, you know, wake up, you know, two has been cut by Miami, you know, all this stuff.

Malik Willisick, Willis, like, out of the gate. I'm like, wow, I thought this quarterback market was going to be a little slower. And then Kenneth Walker, oh, the running back market, get a running back off. I thought that was going to be a little slower. So teams showed you what they think of some of the draft prospects coming out by how quick. And it just kept going. Jordan, I know you liked it that I keep updating, like how many are less. of my original top 50, like 35 out of the top 50 are gone.

We're taping this for everyone that's listening as a podcast at 4 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Eastern. And the Raiders just signed two more big linebackers and more deals keep happening. So let's just get right into it. You started with the quarterbacks. I wanted to. And I'll go to you on this, Jordan, to start. Malik Willis, my number one overall free agent, signs with the Dolphins, $67 million, $47 million, $45 million. guaranteed to a, you know, we heard earlier that he was going to be released. He's going to the Falcons.

We'll get to him in a second. I heard some, you know, a little titterine out there of like, oh, Malik Willis didn't get maybe as much money as some of the people who are big fans of him said he was going to get. I took personal offense to that. It's not about the money. It's about making us happy. And Malik Willis is going to entertain the hell out of Miami Dolphins fans and me in 2020. I just love this.

This is a fit that a lot of people, ourselves included, predicted. where Malik Willis. Colleen got it right. Our queen got it right on free agency matchmaker earlier in the week, last week. And I just love this fit because it's very clear by taking on as much dead money as the dolphins now have to and the rest of to a tuggo by lowest contract and how decimated their defenses. This is a team that's basically going to have to overhaul and rebuild many parts of its defense, but has its quarterback, has its top receiver in Jalen Waddle, has a great center in Aaron Brewer, has a top running back in Devon A chain, just signed great. Greg Dulcich. Let's go.

And so I think they're just saying, okay, we are going to score a lot of points or work to score a lot of points and figure out defense as we go along draft and develop those guys. I think Malik Willis steps in day one. He's the best running quarterback in the league. I just think he's that dynamic as a runner.

You combine him and A. Chan, no excuses for Bobby Sloak, who's their offensive coordinator, not to make this work. But what I think is really interesting about the overall picture, is that this contract and kind of this situation They're kind of threading the needle in a way that the Cardinals, for instance, aren't trying to,

where they're paying all that dead money to Tua, $99 million over the next two years, but they still are putting some money in at quarterback. And the contract is such that if it works out, great. We have a great value, and he probably gets a new contract like Sam Darnold did in Seattle. And if it doesn't work out, we'll revisit that in a couple years when we're really ready to kind of take the next level in the team. Right. When two is dead money comes off the cap and everything. So they set themselves up and they also structured it where basically the new money of this contract doesn't kick in until after this season. He's only making about a million and a half in base salary this year.

Now, he's got cash guarantees up front. But that's where you structured over the course. You do some, as we call, cap gymnastics here. But $45 million is fully guaranteed. It is significant. And it's a lot more than Justin Fields, for instance, got a year ago. Correct. It's on the same terms with basically a couple million dollars more.

year with an added year on to it. But it's kind of the same structure. But I'm with you in terms of Malik Willis because here's somebody who came in in in Tennessee, terrible situation, got better in Green Bay than the people who saw him get better and know how decent of a human being he has said, we want him because we have to reshape the culture here in Miami. He's a guy we can do this with because we know who he is. And I think that's important.

If they didn't go after him, everybody would have been like, oh, the guy would have been a little worried. It would have been a red flag. And when you started to hear at the combine. Because athlete knows him so well. Right. And the GM. John Sullivan, yeah.

Exactly. And when you started to hear at the combine, maybe the dolphins weren't going to go crazy money for Malik Willis. I started getting a little worried that that was a red flag. But in the end, they didn't have to go crazy money because the Cardinals showed us. They didn't really want to spend that quarterback. We'll get to them. But they signed Gardner Minchu. And there wasn't like a huge other market.

I don't think for Willis. And that's fine. I saw what the network was doing. You did a great job on free agency. frenzy. You were on there for three hours live. There's a big buck coming. You know, they were putting up the top 101 free agents. And a lot of them, they just say, oh, this is NFL.com's like fourth free agent. They're not, they're not saying, you know, who made the list. But when it was Malik Willis, they were like, oh, that was Greg Rosenthal's number one free agent. They almost wanted to get

the stink off them that Malik Willis was the number one overall guy. But I'm with you, Dolphins fans. I'm now a fan of your team and me and Malik are going to ride. Well, they've positioned you as the person to blame, obviously, if this. all goes south. I don't believe it will. I think that we talked about the contract earlier in a very, very low 2025 number for Malik Willis relative to a much larger contract in the next couple of years. When you pair that with the dead money, as you said, Steve, if you are going to, I call it a sprint rebuild. What it is is a competitive rebuild. If you're going to believe that you are competitive, at least in the offensive phase, and you have to rebuild so many other parts, including a culture

with front office that's being overhauled as we speak under John Eric Sullivan. And, and the new coaching staff, you have to have cost control at quarterback. And that's what they have while still thinking that they can be competitive because of the quality of that quarterback. So part two of all this. And I think that's all really well said. Because if for some reason it went really poorly, look, they just showed they can take a $99 million cap hit in 2O while going for a quarter.

If for some reason they're in the top six or whatever it is of next year's draft and they like a quarterback, like this is not crossing that off. Let's talk about the Falcons though, which were in a really interesting. situation. I wasn't expecting to go so high on the Falcons on our show today. But Tua's going there. Your guy, he's essentially signing for a minimum contract. A million three. A million three because the

dolphins are paying him, whatever it is, 36, something like that, guaranteed. And he's going to be their lefty starter to hold the fort for Michael Penex. Or is it just holding the fort? I think it could be more than holding the fort. And here's the main reason why, first off, Tua's trying to resurrect his career. Right. Here's

somebody who's also an ideal scheme fit for what Kevin Stefansky does, right? This is a timing offense, get the ball out, West Coast offense, let the receivers make the run after catch. That's what he will do well. Okay, plus, if Michael Pennix is still rehabbing all offseason, two is taking all the snaps, right? He's getting all of the run. People are going to make, okay, this guy's moving our offense. We were able to set it. So if Pennix

can't get in there by training camp and get reps in, and they look like it's something Kevin Stefansky, who's been through like quarterback hell the past couple of years. It's like, I'm cool with this guy. That's what they're going to do. And he's essentially Stefansky's guy in a way that Michael Pennick is not. And when I think of what Stefanski likes, quote unquote, you know, I do think of like a point guard type of quarterback,

a Kirk Cousins type of quarterback, and that can be to a Tunga Vailoa at his best. So we'll see. It's an interesting balance that they're doing. And real quick to add to that, I mean, who was a decision maker in this? Ryan was. Right? So Matt Ryan probably was like, oh, yeah, Tua is a guy who can come in.

Ian Cunningham erasure. Well, no, no, I'll give Ian Cunningham credit. What about the theory that Matt Ryan is setting up a situation? You know, Tua's missed some games. Obviously, the concussions are a big part of the risk. That Matt Ryan is setting up a situation where the weak one's starting quarterback is Matt Ryan. Wow.

Wow. That's how you know it's the regular season. Not that crazy. They've got dead money. They've got dead money. you know, flashbacks with Matt Ryan. They actually still owe him that money. That's why they brought him back.

It's on his current contract. What I really like about this, one is the, I'm a huge geek about lefty quarterbacks. You guys know this. And you don't really have to change anything about your offense in terms of just the way that you have, first of all, the way your tackles play. On side tackle. And then also the way that you layer out like your splits for your receivers,

you don't have to change the math or the formation to flip the sides on that. So that's great. I loved our friend Mina Kimes's tweet about how if you combine the two quarterbacks, you'd actually get someone who throws to all parts of the field because Mike Penix only throws to the perimeter. Tootoganyahuah loves to throw over the middle. And the thing that I like the most about this is that good football teams understand that there is so much value in being in the quarterback rehabilitation market. Because no matter what happens this season, however much he does or does not play or however much Mike Penix does or does not play, there is future value in one of those two players.

By-Low, like, it's the same thing as fantasy football, the same thing as stock, life, whatever. Yes, Tua Tunga Vyla was, in the end, incredibly overpaid by the Dolphins. But if you find a quarterback that at one point was valued enough to make $50 to $60 million a year and you can get them for one, that's generally just good business to do. The Falcons were very active today,

signing kind of lesser free agents. Nick Foke got a two-year contract. Austin Hooper, who was a backup tight end. Full circle. He was full circle. Get it? Yep. Hoop.

He gets $3 million. It was a good. backup for the Patriots. Alamedias Zakias, Zakias, another full circle guy who started with the Falcons is going to be a depth receiver. Jahan Dotson got two years, $15 million. So just some depth. I don't think they're done there. Interesting. Okay. Rashid, man. Don't, don't. He's got he's been. You got. You got you got started. You know, Steve has been on the air. He goes down. He takes like

a powder break. He's going to be with the Seattle Seahawks. Good tease for later in the show. There we go. The Las Vegas Raiders. I had to drive our, our producers a little crazy. Yeah, baby. The last second, you know, I saw them down in the rundown, and I thought, has a team ever spent more money in one day than the Las Vegas Raiders spent today? I'm sure our research department could get on that. I don't know.

The Patriots last year went kind of hard. They did, but let's make the list here. Tyler Linderbaum is the highest paid center in the league now by 50%. Love it. $60 million guaranteed. It used to be, who was it? Creed Humphrey at $18 million a year was the highest. Now Linderbomb is $27 million a year.

And the fact that was a $1 million. A three-year deal was apparently where the Ravens just weren't even going to come close to that. Because, like, they wanted some long-term security if they're going to be giving that much money. But Linderbom's thinking, I can get back to the open market again in three years, and he gets it. Monster deal. Quitty pay goes to the Raiders for $16 million. The edge rushing market went crazy today, and he actually ends up being about where he was in my ranking. The edge market kind of went almost in order of my rankings today.

And May was, yeah, that's the most important thing. Pay was like in the middle for 16 per. Right before we go on air, Nicopi Dean signs for three years, $36 million, $20 million, guaranteed to be their offball linebacker. But not the only one. I was like, well, maybe if, okay, they signed Nikobe Dean. That was the first one I heard. That means maybe the Cowboys are going to sign Quay Walker because our friend Jane Slater was saying, they're going to sign a name brand off ball linebacker soon.

And that was about an hour before this happened. But no, Quay Walker signs with the Raiders too. Quay Walker and Nkobie Dean for a combined $76 million. Quay Walker gets $4 million overall and about $6 million more guaranteed, so he gets valued more. But that's not all. Jalen Naylor, the wide receiver from the Vikings who made it into my top 75 free agents, good middle tier guy.

$23 million guaranteed for Jalen Naylor to be a key piece of their offense, three for 35 overall. And then they also re-signed a guy I liked as kind of a guy. reclamation project for another team, but actually Malcolm Coontz, who is coming off a torn ACL, gets $11 million. And our guy, John Spitech, who was trying to act cool. Yeah, trying to act all cool that like, you know, we're going to do things the right way and we're going to build it up slowly.

I think this could be doing things the right way, but no one spent more money on Monday than the Raiders. Do you think it was money well spent? Well, I mean, we'll see once they get on the grass, right? That's not an answer. It is an answer because we thought the. Raiders were going to be much better than they actually were this last season. Here, here's what I like and am wary of about what the Raiders have done. I think that a lot of these guys are floor

raising players, particularly on the defensive side. I think you could say Jalen Naylor is a Jacoby Myers replacement, right, in terms of what they want them to do in the offense. But a lot of these defensive guys will raise the floor of that defense while you draft and develop behind them. That is the point of spending this much money in free agency is to set the table, not. just not for this year's draft specifically, but for the next two years of draft classes for this team. Now that they have stockpiled picks and gotten rid in part by getting rid of Max Crosby, then also they have so many draft picks and you need to rebuild this team in a big way.

The Linderbom signing, I think we can look at in a vacuum here. Because I look at it as, yes, it's an overpay, right? Yes, it's an overpay born of desperation to fix that offensive line that was a disaster last season and to get a couple of other players, including Jackson Powers Johnson, kicked outside to guard where he's better. But also, at the same time, it's a necessary ad for them because you're basically paying this guy to do two jobs. One, protect your rookie quarterback and reset the identity of the offensive line.

And two, work in tandem with the play caller, Clint Kubiak, to develop this offensive scheme and to say the things that the quarterback just doesn't know yet. Fernando Mendoza, future number one overall. pick. You need a, even more than a top receiver, you need a great center to settle in a rookie quarterback in this way. And I think that's an outstanding guy to do it. And you help a rookie quarterback with a great run game, which I think whereas Linderbom really fits with Kubek and you can do everything that Kubek wants to do with Linderbom. If there was any criticism in Baltimore, it maybe was, not just the past pro, but maybe the communication and like there were a lot of free rush. He did not have

his best year. You did hear a little bit of pushback on how Linderbom was viewed. But the The Steelers, I mean, the Raiders had to go so high because the Ravens were willing to pay a lot of money, too. Reportedly, they went up to $4 for 88, which is a pretty big difference per year, about $5 million per year. But they obviously believed in them that much to give them that much money. And to me, it's kind of like the Patriots a year ago. When they made all those deals, I like, if they can hit half of these, that's a win. And that's how I feel with this. The Patriots ended up hitting more than half.

Yeah. But ultimately, like, between Quay Walker and Kobe Dean, if one of those hits, great. Quitty pay and Coons, if one of those two hits, great. And then Linderbaum, you got to be right about it. Well, Linderbaum, I mean, like you said, it was born out of competition in terms of just, you know, who was bidding for him. We know how effective he can be. But your point about this being a floor raising group, look where these guys came from. I don't think there's one guy on this team that came from a team with a losing record or historically has lost.

That's what the Raiders have to get out from. They've got a mindset in that building we're losing is okay. Good point. Right. So you've got to bring in. Remember, they traded for Taryn Johnson, too, you know, who is one of my favorite slot defenders in the secondary. So got guys who've won. There's going to be some player accountability in there, which is something that the Raiders, like Max Crosby was the one driving that, but about the only one driving that with the Raiders.

So I think that's the part. They've got to nail the draft. I love that. That's the most important for the draft. I do love that idea, and I'm glad you brought up Theron Johnson, who we did a show Sunday night. And at that point, we thought he was cut. But right after we finish, he ended up going to the Raiders for pick swap, and they're paying a lot of money. And they did, they were like a lot of teams, but they were the most extreme.

You have to hit a floor, like you said raising the floor as a team, but literally a salary cap floor. Yeah, 80% of how much money they had to spend. And they had $120 million. They had to spend all this money, but man, they took some big risk. Quitty Pay and Quay Walker were guys, I think that ultimately disappointed their previous teams, that have high ceilings and our big boomer bust type players. but what a mix. The Raiders fans out there,

including, yes, Stephen, can be a lot more excited about their team in 2026. All eyes were on indie today because that's where our guy, Alec Pierce,

was. Top five free agent available, my favorite wide receiver available, and he ends up staying put. Like we predicted on this show, four years, $114 million to stay with the cults, depending on how you want to do the math.

He's a, He's around a top 10 wide receiver right now in terms of average value, $60 million, fully guaranteed for Alec Pierce. We're going to get into the Michael Pittman trade, but I do want to just even mention it before we get into Pierce because to me, they're combined. They decided to keep Alec Pierce, and then they trade Michael Pittman for essentially nothing to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was kind of like a salary cap dump of Michael Pittman, but you decide to keep Alec Pierce. and I have talked so much about Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones on the show that I want a fresh voice

on this. And he might be Patrick Claibon's favorite player just in the whole league. Yes, he is. 20, what, two yards per catch over the last two years, just absolutely outrageous. Putting up 1970s like, you know, Don Corrielle Chargers numbers in terms of those yards per catch. Do you think not only is he worth this, but like, do you expect to see maybe a different Alex Pierce, a bigger role with all that?

Well, that's the main part. I mean, they did not sign him to this type of. of money to make him be a part-time D-threat. You know, he's going to have to be much more of a joker in terms of intermediate route. He can run all the routes. You're seeing him right here, just hit him on this quick, you know, kind of flag route to the back of the end zone, but they just, they need to use him more.

And they paid him to get rid of Michael Pittman. I mean, Pittman, his production was twice of Alec Pierce's in terms of, you know, overall moving the sticks and the catches. So that's what Alex Pierce is going to become. But they're also a tight and heavy offense. I mean, so that's what they're, you know, they're part of. but they've got to draft and develop. This is part of the salary cap shell game.

This also tells you they're saving some dollars to pay Daniel Jones. So that's what part of this is about too. And they did. They've shown at receiver. Jordan's mentioned sometimes a team like the Rams will trade or sign, you know, position maybe they haven't been able to draft and develop. Well, who drafts and developed receivers better than the Colts? Pitman, Pierce, down.

T.Y. Hilton. I mean, guys. Who's still there. But like Chris Ballard drafted all of those guys. And so ultimately, you trade Pittman with one year left on his contract. But I think Pierce was the more unique skill set and was just starting to reach his peak. I mean, a thousand yards on 47. Yeah, that's crazy.

Yeah, I think you look at this particular move with three interconnecting mechanations with it. One is that the Colts obviously needed to buy themselves a little bit of time. And that's why they put the transition tag on Daniel Jones. They needed to see his touch points in coming back from this injury. those needed to be kept internally so that the team has full view and sort of quote unquote control over the rehabilitation process versus an external unknown. And then they also needed other teams to tell Daniel Jones what his market really is relative to. Or isn't. Or isn't relative to the Achilles tear, unfortunately for him.

That's one mechanization. The other one is this move plus the combination of getting rid of Michael Pittman tells me that they are ready to build a complementary route tree around. Tyler Warren specifically and Alec Pierce Josh Downs obviously in the mix as well. But having those guys and the emergence of Tyler Warren and all the things he can do in the seam and in the underneath and intermediate parts of the field, Alec Pierce expected to do a little bit more of those things too. You can see what their vision is. And of course, once again, we have the question about the quarterback to start the cold season. I love Michael Pittman, but he is such a rugged player.

and he's only 28, 29 years old, but Pierce's pure speed and size is just more unique. Now, he fits Pitman as a Pittsburgh Steeler. And it is funny to think about him with the Steelers because they didn't used to want to be spending any money. First of all, on day one, a free agency that they were not that theme. And then at the receiver position, they've been, you know, anxious to do so in recent years.

And now here they are with D.K. Metcalfe in Pittman. That is a tough, rugged. not, you know, in Pittman's case, particularly fast, like, duo, but a group that, you know, can take your lunch money here. And then they give him three years, $59 million, like a contract extension. He had one year, $22 million left. So his average actually goes down. It's a reasonable deal, I think, for what they got.

We don't know the guarantee. Yeah, look, you've got, and then darnow Washington, you know, and the rest of their tight ends to it. I mean, they've got some dudes who will steal your lunch money. And so that's how they want to play football. They clearly have identified how they want to play football. Aaron Rogers, you know, we're all expecting him to be back. So they're like, forget the deep ball.

Okay, we want guys who are going to catch the ball. Good point. 10 to 18 yards and just move the chains. And dig you out. Yeah, that's exactly. That's exactly what they want to do. And to me, with the Colts also, what the Colts identified by getting rid of him, is they're going to pick up another receiver in the draft to develop, like you said.

And it's funny how you imagine, you know, here's the Colts developing receivers. That's what we always said about the Steelers for years. True. I mean, they were always drafting guys against. Antonio Brown in the third round and developing them in the Pro Bowl players year after year. And now it's the Colts who are doing. So Daniel Jones. With significantly less

known issues. Yes. Good point. Daniel Jones, by the way, according to Albert Breer, I thought this was interesting. It was asking for close to $50 million per year. And the Colts were offering close to what Sam Darnel got a year ago, which was about three for 100. While we're here, the Steelers also active in terms of their

secondary. Add Jamel Dean for $36 million over three years. years, good zone corner. You know, their dynamic there in the back end with Joey Porter Jr. Assante Samuel Jr. also signed on day one, a little surprising there. That makes me feel better because I always like it. Santi Samuel Jr. One year, four million dollars.

And then Arden Key also went to the Colt. And Cole Holcomb went back to the Steelers. So there's your Steelers and Colts news. Let's get to Mike Evans. I mean, I almost feel like we've insulted him in the same way that the Bucs and assaulted him. He has to go to San Francisco to get his top dollar. And soon after that, you know, the glazers, the ownership sends out this long thank you about they want to honor Mike Evans in the Hall of Fame. And that's all great. It was just, look, if you wanted to show the respect,

show the man is money. But he's heading out to the most fascinating division in football, the NFC. West. What do you think? And you guys know that I've loved watching Ricky Pierce all develop, but Mike Evans is the ex-receiver, the number one receiver on the San Francisco. Francisco 49ers, as dominant a player as we've seen in recent years at the position, year over, year over year, minus the injuries recently, really consistent player and wants to go try to win a Super Bowl. And the 49ers are ahead of scale. It's funny, though, because in theory, the Bucks, I don't know, have as much of a chance

to win the Super Bowl as the 49ers. Maybe not. The 49ers gained steam last season where the Bucks fizzled out. And Mike Evans, I will never forget how frustrated he was at the end of that season. It's not to say that he holds any hard feelings of. of course not to the organization that he loves so much. But this change of scenery, a famous landing spot for a West Coast receiver in the NFC West. I cannot love this anymore.

If he's not going to be with my beloved Buccaneers, I love that he's going to the NFC West. I love that he's going to the 49ers. I cannot wait to see what Kyle Shanahan does with him. It's such an arms race of what you're seeing in the NFC West the past couple days. You know, you look at Mike Evans, who you saw, okay, we're. watching James Wins and throw him balls. This is almost a Larry Fitzgerald situation with Mike Evans. He's going into the Hall of Fame probably on the first ballot Mike Evans is, but just imagine if he had a consistent quarterback. Like Larry Fitzgerald, he had a couple years with Kurt, a couple years of

Carson Palmer, one or two good years of Kyle Murray. Everybody else, he's kept Max Hall. That's what Mike Evans was doing. Now he's got Brock Purdy in an offense that's going to get him the ball. Thank you for taking the indirect. He now throws to the perimeter. Yeah. Thank you for taking the indirect shot at Baker Mayfield that I usually take it. I mean, it is what it is. I mean, it is what it is. I mean... How dare you? So the lack of respect thing, I think, is interesting because the way I watched this unfold,

it kept being his agent, you know, talking to the insider. And they credit him, so I'm not like, source outing. And they were like, hey, he's really got to go to free agency this time. And then, like, a month later, hey, we really mean it. He's really going to go to free agency this time. And they're trying to, like, drum up this market. And then, you know, right before free agency starts, like, we mean it. guys, he's not going to sign with the bucks. And then I see something that it could get upwards of $25, $27 million per year. And I'm like, wow, this is a lot of Mike Evan stuff.

And then he settles, quote unquote, for like a three year up to $60 million contract. I'll be very interested to see the actual numbers. But do the math. That's a lot less than 27 a year. And ultimately, but he kind of did feel disrespected. Like if the bucks were willing to go to the mat for him financially, I bet he'd be a buccaneer. And they didn't. And now he's a 49er.

And I love it because all I want is entertainment. Me. Here's the other thing. While we're on that line, would a Florida team's love to tout is there aeathe's in the hole? Yes. No state income tax. Yeah.

He's like, I'm going to take less money and go to California where they pick your pocket with taxes. So you talk about disrespect. But at the same time, I don't blame the bucks. This is the, let's get rid of a guy a year sooner than a year later. Right. This might be their win. Yeah.

And it's a great. I'm glad you brought that up, Steve, because it's not, they've been preparing for the possibility that Mike Evans retires for years now with the way that they've drafted and developed receivers that are currently on the roster. So I think it's hard to blame them for saying, hey, man, we thought that it was maybe going to be over by now. The only blame you could give him would be they kind of in the end chose Chris Godwin over him. And he didn't look 100% back for much of life.

I think it would have been very tough to justify. I agree with you, Jordan, that it would like to pay him and Godwin that much money at that salary. Period the lead, man. What? They re-signed KDOT. That's why they did it, baby. That's coming up later in the show, little buccaneer stock.

Let's take another break and we'll be back in just a few minutes here on the NFL channel. I'm Luke Wilson. Join me each week for Film Never Lies. Since retiring from the NFL, I've had a lot of my mind and now, I've got my own show.

If you're tired of lazy takes, if you want honest conversations, join us each week. Film Never Lies available on all TSN platforms and the IHeart Radio app. I'm Daniel, Jeremiah. And I'm Greg Rosenthal. And this is 40s and free agents. The games may be over, but the NFL never stopped. This is my favorite part of the calendar. Yeah, mine too, Greg,

free agency, the combine, the NFL draft pro days, trades. This is where teams reshape their future. This is where Daniel Jeremiah makes his money. On 40s and free agents, we break down every move that actually matters. From my draft evaluations, mock drafts, and team fits to my top 101 free agents and how real rosters are built, cap space, contracts, and all the tough decisions included. You got quarterbacks on the move. We got teams rebuilding. It's hope season.

Yeah, absolutely. It's hope season. We'll tell you what's real, what's noise, and what it means for your favorite team. Smart analysis, real conversations every week. I don't know about the smart, but definitely analysis. Listen to 40s and free agents on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Back on NFL Daily. it's time to start talking about that edge room. Yeah. Teased it a little earlier. One of the big memories I had from Free Agency last year was when Milton Williams was a Panther for like 25 minutes, at least according to some of the reporting that was out there, and then suddenly he wasn't because the Patriots paid him more money.

Well, this time the Panthers went even bigger on the defensive line. They end up getting Jalen Phillips and no one's coming over the top, although technically we've seen over the years, Steve, occasionally some of these free agency deals get ripped up before Wednesday. And then you just never know. But I think Jalen Phillips is joining the Panthers for $120 million, four years. So 30 per year, 80 million in quote guarantees.

And we almost could do a whole podcast and actually figuring out what these contracts are in reality later in the week. Because some of them are going to be really inflated and some of them are not. And so we don't know that. But this is a monster contract that Jalen Phillips ended up getting. Just a perfect example of a guy timing free agency at the exact right time. He finally was healthy. He got out there. The Eagles were trying to keep them, but they weren't trying to pay him $30 million.

Well, you see the players that they're going to lose because of it. I mean, this is where they are. He's an edge rusher. He's a premier edge rusher. This is why Miami traded him last year because they knew the market was going to be like this. and they couldn't pay these types of dollars. Great pickup for Carolina. I mean, he's someone who's very good against the run.

You saw he only generated two sacks with Philly, but man, he was one of the most disruptive front four guys. You know, in the NFL, you pair him with Derek Brown, who's just as disruptive as an Interior Five technique. Play them on the same side a lot. Like our guy, Edger O'Iviro, is going to have some things happening there because they've got some guys in the secondary. They still need to fortify that second level a little bit.

But that defense is this is a step on how you get better by showing players around the league. You're willing to do what it takes. I don't think it's a risk for like the talent, but I think it's a risk because he's been healthy one out of the last five years. Yeah. And one's really significant injury. Or two out of the last five years. Yeah.

Which was the Achilles. But he has so much pop coming back in the, you know, as late as he did come back from that, shows so much pop. From week five to the end of the season per next gen stats, Jalen Phillips has the sixth most pressures in the NFL. and obviously the injury history is a red flag, but at the same time, his age is very much a green flag. He will only be 27 this summer.

And I love, to Steve's point, the idea of overloading that front with Derek Brown and then also Nick Scorton really showed some stuff at the end of this past season. And I know that organization is so high on him. So getting him a rushing partner and getting interior, really dynamic interior players such as Derek Brown, an outside rushing partner. And like you said, Steve, they have the perimeter corners.

I love how those guys play. The entire middle of their defense from the inside linebackers to the safeties, this is where I would like to see them turn their attention to. And there's two more waves of free agency to go where I do think the Panthers are going to be active guys like Devin Lloyd still available, who I think would be a great fit for them. Kate and Alice would be a better. Yeah, there are linebackers out there. Devin Lloyd is one of the highest rank, maybe the highest rank player I have left.

I guess Kyler Murray is out there, too. I love Phillips, and I misspoke. I should have said one of the last three years. It was those back-to-back just devastating Achilles and ACL injuries. But he was healthy and a really improved player in his second season as a dolphin, where I thought, oh, that's a top 10 edge guy. And then to have those two massive injuries back-to-back seasons and then come back and by the end of this season,

looking exactly like that guy. I don't think it's a risk. I think in terms of the talent, I think this is the type of player that you do, quote, quote overpay in free agency because they're so rare that they get to the market. You do just get concerned where him versus say a Milton Williams or even a Brian Burns who they decided to trade away, you know, he was coming off in an injury. It's just the injury situation that like a guy with those two major surgeries,

you're taking a little bit of a risk, but that's what you do when you're trying to get over the hump. Good move by the Panthers. Let's talk Kenneth Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. somehow, I just assumed we had that in our matchmaker. We kept talking Walker and E.TN was going to go to the Broncos and Chiefs, but no one actually picked that. The three-year deal is up to $45 million.

He gets $28.7 million fully guaranteed, though. Without seeing the particulars, it's probably a two-for-30 million-dollar contract, basically, and it's like a team option for the third year. And look, I just think they needed to find big plays somewhere, and Kenneth Walker is a walking big play. And I love him there more because Eric Bianamy is back there. Like I have more faith that they'll actually know what to do with Kenneth Walker than maybe the version of the Chiefs we saw the last year.

Yes, I agree with that point. 100%. I think that is a crucial sort of, you know, hinge hiring or rehiring of this offseason if you're the Chiefs. And Kenneth Walker isn't just an explosive play waiting to happen in the run game. He's an explosive pass play. Screen. Green guy.

waiting to happen our screen king and Andy Reid, who you kind of have a play sheet that looks a little bit like Andy Reid's in front of you right now, Steve. But I cannot wait for Andy Reid to find joy in his screen game again. And Kenneth Walker is one million percent the guy that brings this to life in such a cool way, such a creative runner after the catch with the ball in his hand. It's just so beautiful to watch and creative. And it fits right in with that sort of half scheme, half, freestyle that Andy Reid loves to love to execute. Okay, so here's one that we

should have said before the show. Let's find a pairing of Eric Bienimi when he played and put it next to Kenneth Walker and they look like clones of each other. Physically, how they look facially like everything, but Kenneth Walker was a lot more productive. Here's a couple of things I like about Kenneth Walker. Besides the explosiveness, over four years, he has

only about a thousand touches. There's not a ton of wear and tear on him. So he can be used in a lot of different ways, but Kansas City needed to get speed. They still need to get speed on the outside at receiver. I mean, like, a reliable speed person. They've got to play catch up with a lot of these other teams in their division.

Kenneth Walker is going to help. Still worried about some things on the offensive line. They got the right tackle together and some other things on the offensive line. But this is a nice start getting the explosiveness. It's very incomplete. I don't like to kind of look at the team as a whole, certainly after day one of free. Maybe not even day three. You have to with the chiefs.

The chiefs have lost so much defensive. That's going to do that to the Raiders at the top of the show? Well, I mean, how much more money can they spend? I just mean that we have to see kind of parts two and three to this off season. Today, it was about, you know, moves with Kenneth Walker, adding some explosiveness, saying goodbye to a lot of great 2022 draft picks. You already said goodbye to McDuffie. You're saying goodbye to two more members in the secondary.

You bring back Travis Kelsey for one year, $12 million. It was funny that, that, like, hour when there was a report that, like, no, he's going to talk to other teams. He's going to talk to other teams. No one really bought that. Travis Kelsey back with the Chiefs. That's great. And then Kyris Tonga.

What a come up for him. Gets three years, $21 million, $14 million guaranteed. He's your age back as well. I don't. For one. The thing I really like him. And yet. Don Terry Poe.

You're so mad that he left. Terry Poe. I am. So, because he played well for the page. He's a by high, though. You always worry a little bit about, okay, he could have been freely available the last couple of years for anyone to grab, and now you're paying 700% more than the last couple of teams. They had to. They were

They have to be right about it. Yeah, but they were so vulnerable on the interior last year. They had to get something. And there also kind of tips, you know, where they're picking their offensive line and why I receive, where their two first round draft picks. Is there any thought that like, like, it's paying Travis Kelsey $12 million on your cap, you know, in a year where you're really up against it. You know what, though? I have to tell you, like, maybe in terms of, like, pure team building on a roster construction, maybe not the best idea.

In terms of an overall brand and organization, that guy plus his beautiful fiancé, Taylor Swift, have brought the chief's organization revenue beyond their wildest dreams. So I'm pretty sure $12 million against the cap is going to be just fine. That's fair. I thought Roger Sherman had, you know, one of the posts of the day on Blue Sky where he said, Like, you know, he didn't know if it was a great investment either. He said, has Kelsey's play dropped? He thought Kelsey maybe should retire.

Has Kelsey's play dropped off? Yes. Is Kelsey good enough to keep playing in the NFL? Also, yes. Should Kelsey keep playing football after the world's wealthiest, most popular musician wrote a song about his penis? No. Like, I think that's a no.

At that point, let's just enjoy life. Let's go on tour. Let's just chill. Football is hard. It's hard to talk about football and get a reaction from the group of the back here. For a minute on Monday, I thought the Titan were going to be the team that really kind of got all of our attention of just spending a ton of money before the Raiders went over the top. It shouldn't be that surprising. These two teams at the top of the draft with the most amount of cap space are spending a lot of money.

Let's talk about how the Titans went ham on Monday. Titan. Wondell Robinson, four years, $78 million, $38 million, guaranteed. Indeed, one of the only two matchmaker hits that we had. It's absolutely outrageous. Colleen and I, right now after day one, or at least as we're taping this, are tied one-to-one. Jordan and Patrick have a goose egg. But one is not great, but at least I got Wondell Robinson to the Titans back with Brian Dable.

Jonathan Franklin Myers, a guy who we thought would go to different places. We should have known. He's going to Robert Sala. Three years, $63 million, $42 million. million dollars guaranteed. And in fact, we actually did talk about that connection quite a bit this off season. Just wasn't part of that particular game. Cordale, a guy, you know, I wasn't sure how high I should put up on the 101, but I was like,

he was really good last year. I'm going to put him pretty high. And you know what? The Titans agreed with me. Three years, $45 million, $32 million guaranteed. Alante Taylor gets $60 million, $42 million. Good player, man. He is.

And he clearly had teams. When I saw that deal compared to a lot of these copy and paste cornerback contracts where he got another $10 million guaranteed than Flaught and what is it, $20 million? I was like, oh, he had a market of three, four teams that just kept pumping it up, pumping it up. Maybe they were all the other teams that we predicted it to go to. But also, by the way, we had them surrounded. I stand by Jonathan Franklin Myers had a great market. Oh, yes. I stand by that.

I reported that out of the combine. And the 49ers and Bengals were both reportedly included in that. And the 49ers were in on him. And so I'm like, I stand on it. I know I didn't get a point tally. Okay. But I stand on the table. Oh, yeah.

And I love this fit for him. Obviously, the connection on most of these players, not all, but most of them are either Brian Dable or Robert Sala. Right. Rebuilding the, you know, Giants doesn't seem that exciting to me. You get Wondale. You get Daniel Bellinger for three years, 24. million dollars it's okay i i did like him but then i saw the money and that actually was the first

contract of the day that i was like wow eight million dollars for daniel bellinger uh michael tribisky by the way is also a member of the the titans and cordial flat was another dable so it's a lot of it's a lot of giants it's a lot of familiarity that's how free agency goes this was a team that also needed to get to the salary cap floor and spend some money but it's almost like mike ravel the old titan inspired some of uh his old friends tom brady and then and then the titans to be like like spending crazy on day one of free agents. Well, Alante Taylor is the only signing that they made today that wasn't touched by the Brian Dayball or Robert Sala.

You know, earlier, you know, I talked about how the Raiders, they brought in guys who came from programs who've won, where there's been locker room accountability. When you're coming from the Jets, when you're coming from the Giants, those are programs that haven't won, and we've seen there's dysfunction. So let's see the character of the guys. That's what Brian Dayball and Robert Sala are hoping to do.

But that's why getting the guy like Jonathan Franklin Myers who came up the hard route. And a great locker room. Great locker room guy. Like if that's what he can do. Plus he can be paired next to Jeffrey Simmons. Have fun with that one. I mean, those two dudes are going to knock the snot out of people.

Yeah. It's a great combo. And they didn't sign like an edge today. And so you think, okay, well, you got that number four overall. Yeah. You're right in the sweet spot for a pass rusher right there to put next to those guys. And then suddenly you have an identity on defense with Robert Sala that you can be excited about. Speaking of identity, Rashid Tahit.

he's back with the Seahawks. I do love a little Seahawks keeping the guys that they wanted at their price. They had to say goodbye. Kobe Bryant is going to be with the Bears. We'll get to that. We haven't heard about Reekwollen,

but not expecting him to come back. But Rashid Jihad is back three years, $51 million. So that's $18 per year. And then Josh Job, what a come up for him. A guy that essentially didn't make the Eagles roster and now gets $8 million a year.

I like the moves. I like the discipline. I like the price there. Shaheed's market maybe wasn't quite as big as you would have thought. Like you would have thought he would get more money than Wendell Robinson for him. And he got significantly less. But I think that worked out well that the Seahawks had a price for him. They stood to it and it ended up being the best price.

And now you have a really nice secondary piece behind Jackson Smith and Digba. Yeah. A team that has felt so complete over this last season is able and smartly decides to be, to your point, disciplined enough to stick to being super selective. The R guys, guys that they wanted to bring back in, the guys who they clearly have committed to in this first wave of free agency and read their markets correctly as well. They don't have a lot of places to fill this roster on free agency. In fact, the only things I really see for this team is that they can continue to add via the draft specifically. Some of these young players to be behind the stars that are on this roster. You got a running back.

Exactly. And I think that this John Schneider team is a team that's like, yeah, I could get one of those third or fourth round or maybe a late free agency pickup. This is still such a smartly run and complete team that I think they were allowed to be super selective with the specific guys that they wanted to identify. and target early. I think they still need a member of the secondary or two, but they've shown that they can identify maybe some cheaper guys in free agency. And develop. And develop.

Drake Thomas, their linebacker, comes back for a small deal. Tai Akota, he's going to have a bigger role probably. They liked him after what he did last year when Kobe Bryant or when some of the safeties were out. And I love to. I want Shaheed to make more big plays for the Seahawk.

You know? He will. Remember, he had half a season load of the system. He'll make more. And he does. did it as a returner. He's now going to do it as a receiver. Sam Darnold is smiling somewhere. I got to say something on Monday on NFL network that I don't know if I ever got to say before, which was, how about those Bengals on day one of free agency making really smart moves? Steve thinks that Bois Maffei got a lot of money, and he did $60 million for three years, but I'd rather

have Boeemaffe 3 for 60 than the Adafé O'A contract out there? Oh man, that's the one. Maybe even the Jalen Phillips contract considering the money. I like Boie Mafei a lot. It's the type of player I want to bet on in free agency. 20 a year seems fair. And then Brian Cook, the safety from the Chiefs, a really aggressive fun player goes

to the Bengals 3 for 42. They obviously need help on defense, but it's not it's not old money. It's not bad money. I think it's good money that Bengals fans should be excited. They have needed a safety ever since they led Jesse Base. And so getting someone like Brian Cook, who played collegially at Cincinnati after starting his career at Howard University,

can really run. You know, he's got a lot of good coverage skills. I think that's significant. And look, William I face someone with a lot of talent. And that is an affordable edge rush or contract. We know they didn't want to pay Troy Hendricks. And so we'll see. My whole thing with the Bengals is they've yet to develop.

They've attracted that position. And they haven't developed anyone. to maybe Boy A. Maffei with his ability can figure something out. Joseph Fasai just got a big contract from the Jets that will get to. Trey Hendrickson, they had to trade for before he really exploded. Maffa, to me, is

he's different than Jalen Phillips, but to me, pressure is production, and he's always provided a lot of pressure. And so I'm just, I'm excited about that. I'm excited just for a little optimism in Cincinnati. Well, what I liked is they did sort of a tandem approach, which is the rush and the coverage, because, you know,

Brian Cook mostly has played like that deep safety role. He can be used as a blitzer when necessary. But he's really been strong, especially in his vision and limiting that explosive play rate, which is what the Bengals we know struggled with so much last year. And they also added a pass rusher too. So it's kind of like this complimentary. They need help everywhere on their defense, obviously. But I like the approach that they, very methodical, sort of like, okay, we have part to

hole here and we can't really have one without the other on this defense. Bengals and methodical. That is a parallel. It left a weird taste in my mouth. You mentioned it, Jordan. In Indianapolis, I have a feeling, Zach Taylor and Duke Tobin, they know that they got to push forward.

This whole show has just been prelude to talking about the New Orleans Saints. And a nice day one for the New Orleans Saints. I think. Maybe you guys disagree. Big money for the guard, David Edwards, four years, $61 million.

Travis E.T.N. is a member of the New Orleans Saints, four years, $52 million. I thought it was very interesting that rap sheet on NFL Network said that there are some that believe that Alvin Camara may be ready to hang them up and start sipping my ties.

And if you look at the contract that he signed just a couple days ago where he restructured it, it was the type of contract that you would sign right before retiring to help your team out in terms of dead money. I don't know if that decision has been made, but it sounds like there's belief with the Saints

that there may be no Alvin Camar. He's someone I'm going to be pushing for the Hall of Fame someday. How about that? Well, I mean, if they go and make a move for Travis E.T.N. this early. Right. They must have some indication he's not going to be there because they are similar types of backs. Clearly E.T.N. is younger.

And E.T.N. is as much as we may think of him as kind of a change of pace back, look at his workload. He is a bell cow back. Look at the number of touches he's had. He's twice in his four-year career. gone over 300 touches in a season. That's rushes and catches. Alvin Camara has not been asked to do that. He's been mainly a split-back guy. So I think this is a signal that Camara could be gone. I'm not saying that he is. But, you know, the Saints, the Saints made some moves that they had to make

to open things up for Tyler Shuck a little bit. I think defensively, they also could be making some moves to Mario Davis has gone at lineback. We don't know Cam Jordan's future is. He's a free agent. If he'll be back or not. But these are some moves in terms of getting used. and competitive players in here that you, they kind of, they kind of foreshadowed last year with some of the movies that they made. Well, they love, they love Danny Stutzman. And I'm not saying it's a one to one replacement, but they drafted him last year.

And that coaching staff was so high on him. But obviously with DeMarro Davis is playing, it's such a high caliber clip that he has been for, you know, his entire career. And he's such an emotional leader, too, on the team. And it's hard to take him off the field. But, man, they love this guy, the second year linebacker out of

OU. And they have a lot of young guys on that defense all over that need to take a step forward in order for this team to be creditable, Greg. But I do like that they beat. Yeah, that's tough. I don't think they wanted, you know what's crazy is? I agree. I think he's a really good player. He started

his career so well. But you cannot find a Saints fan that is unhappy about Alante Taylor leaving. He had a very up and down career for them. And in general, like both both his coaches and the fan base were very up and down with him. But I think he could be great in the right spot.

Good point on ETN being a Belcalf. 1,39 yards from scrimmage last year. That was actually the third most that he's had in the season. He's had two seasons more than that. Yeah, look at the touches. And yeah. He's a Louisiana native, right? Yes, he is.

The Saints have, for all, we give them a lot of crap on this show and have for a few years, but they do know how to play to their fan base. They really really, really. really do. Trevor Lawrence, by the way, and Travis E.TN, this is breaking up. One of the best romances in football. They played together for eight straight years. Trevor Lawrence and ETN both sent tweets, you know, back and forth after this happened.

We've come a long way, going to miss you, said Trevor, been a hell of an eight-year run. It's them with their kids. And I love that. And ETS maybe wasn't a perfect fit, I guess, for what Liam Cohen want to do. But I think he's going to be great with. Kellyn Moore. And the bigger news is David Edwards, like, that's a big time contract to get in free agency. I thought he might go to the Texans. They end up spending more money elsewhere, but 15 a year for a guard, who really rebuilt his career under another former offensive line coach that the Saints once had,

Aaron Cromer, who's now not in Buffalo. They're trying to rebuild that offensive line. And I like that move. All right. Let's go to the Giants. I was really curious what would happen on day one of free agency with the tight end. they fly off the board. They did. Giants bringing Isaiah likely for three years, $40 million, very similar, almost identical to the contract that their right tackle Jermaine Illuminaur got to stay with the Giants. He went and looked at free agency. It ended up staying with the Giants was the best deal for him. And then Tremaine Edmonds, the former Bears linebacker, gets a big deal. Three for 36. Let's talk about likely. You know, John Harbaugh, he knows him well, brings them in.

You already have a tight end there in Theo Johnson, but they kind of do different things, fun tandem there. Yeah, I think you're going to see, I mean, it seems very obvious. A lot of 12 personnel, two tight ends, two receivers on that team, particularly when you look at the receiving core there. And like you mentioned, he's a Harbaugh guy. John Harbaugh is in control of this team. And he knows exactly who Isaiah likely is.

and he knows exactly how they want to use him. So this seemed like, I mean, honestly, did someone matchmake this one? Please tell me one of us did because this seems too obvious to have us overlooked it in our free agency matchmaker game. But yeah, it is, it is, I think, really interesting because Harbaugh had the Mark Andrews Isaiah likely pairing for a while. Now he's going to the Theo Johnson, Isaiah likely pairing. I, you know, I like they do different things.

And I just think this is going to be really interesting. It makes me hate the Andrews contract. Why did they give Mark Andrews that contract? That's a weird. Because he didn't get that much less than Isaiah Likeley got. It was a weird extension. And at the time they did it in the middle of last season, that kind of tip that Isaiah Likeley would be gone.

They were sticking with Mark Andrews. And of course, they blow the staff out. John Harba is like, don't mind if I do. Yeah, you know, Todd Monk has gone. Like I thought likely was a candidate to get to Cleveland with them getting rid of Injoku. I know they've got fan in there. But I think, you know, those two, because Likeley's an ascending player, he's become a very reliable blocker.

And I think that's where Harbaugh is like, this is a guy with the type of quarterback we have who's mobile on the move, like Lamar, that knows how to deal with that type of quarterback. I think this is an excellent pickup again because Isaiah likely is an ascending player. And I know Germain Illuminaur, you know, maybe he didn't get like the peak value

that he wanted in free agency, but he's kicked around the league a lot. You know, born in England, came over, learned the game late, and I went and looked. Like, you know, he's made something between $20 and $30 million his career. He's a 31-year-old player and bounced around. This is a life-changing

contract for him. So it's like, it's kind of a reward for a career that's been slowly building over the last eight or nine years. And I think it's really good value. There were not many tackles out there. Rashid Walker still has not signed, by the way. And the tackle market hasn't, like, totally developed. And I think

Illuminawer and the Giants, I think this is going to age well, unlike that Edmund's contract. I thought that was one of the most surprising worst contracts of the day. Don't get it. I don't get that he made almost the same amount of money as Quay Walker and especially Nkobi Dean with the Raiders.

Like he's a guy that just got cut, who was kind of declining, who's played a lot, entered the league at age 20. I don't know. They felt like they tried to get some other guys today and maybe the Titans out spent them for a couple of them and then they were like spending bad money after good.

I will not say that this was the right move for them to make, but in terms of the blueprint of what they were trying to do here at this position, I can kind of see what they were actually trying to do. And that is one of my big gripes about the way that Joe Shane had previously built this roster was there are a lot of parts and no connective tissue or identity. There's a lot of high traits players. There's a lot of players who were either high draft picks or they, you know, they traded in the case of Brian Burns, guys who in a vacuum are really,

really, really solid players, but nothing connecting them all in terms of an identity. I think they were looking for a linebacker specifically to try to help bring all of the different parts and pieces of this defense together in a functional way. They couldn't, I don't think they, this is not reported, but I don't think maybe they could get some of the players that they were thinking of if they were in the market on some of these players. And then so what happens then you have to pay higher price for a player who still is supposed to fill that role with you?

All I see is a bunch of really good inside linebackers still out. Right. DeLoy's out there. Here's the biggest thing for me. The Bears didn't want him. And the Bears needed an inside linebacker. Yeah. That worries me.

The Bears signed an inside linebacker. Devin Bush will get to it for less. I don't get that one either. For less money. At least he's coming off his best season, a good season. And they have like a vision for him. Dernard Wilson, like I was trying to think of the connection. I don't know if there is one.

He's the defensive coordinator. he was in Baltimore, then Tennessee, Tremaine Edmonds, obviously in Buffalo and Chicago. We'll see. You know, they all can't be winners, and neither can our pick. I mean, it might be down to communication style. Who knows? We don't know. We're not in the helmet with these guys.

We're not on the field with these guys. That's the thing. And when I talk about connective tissue, you're looking for like something, someone who could just glue all of the pieces around that are moving parts around that are very high quality players in some cases, but don't have a cohesive identity.

You're just looking for, like, someone to set, like, a solid floor or to reset what a position is going to look and feel like and then around sort of build the solar. And they need another linebacker. They don't really, they now only have one. So I do get that it's a position that they have to add, like, a couple guys. They think they need help in the secondary. They have an incomplete as obviously. I think he could play the Ocarickees roles with their looking at him. Yeah.

I'm Luke Wilson. Join me each week for Film Never Lies. Since retiring from the NFL, I've had a lot of my mind. and now got my own show. So if you're tired of lazy takes, if you want honest conversations, join us each week. Film Never Lies,

available on all TSN platforms in the IHeart Radio app. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I'm Greg Rosenthal. And this is 40s and free agents. The games may be over, but the NFL never stopped. This is my favorite part of the calendar.

Yeah, mine too, Greg. Free agency, the Combine, the NFL draft, Pro Days, trades. This is where teams reshape their future. This is where Daniel, Jeremiah makes his money. On 40s and free agents, we break down every move that actually matters. From my draft evaluations, mock drafts, and team fits to my top 101 free agents and how real rosters are built, cap space, contracts, and all the tough decisions included. You got quarterbacks

on the move? We got teams rebuilding its hope season. Yeah, absolutely. It's hope season. We'll tell you what's real, what's noise, and what it means for your favorite team. Smart analysis, real conversations, every week. I don't know about the smart, but definitely analysis. Listen to 40s and free agents on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So I mentioned on Sunday night how Rishan Gary almost got hacked. You know, he said he got hacked. Yeah.

Well, he didn't get hacked. Well, he did get hacked. I mean, let's be honest. Rishan Gary sent that out. And then his agent probably told him, hey, man, take that off, especially because you use the same AI that other players used to write their own goodbye and have the same graphics or the agency is making the format for them. I can't really tell what's going on. Either way, it was like the exact same as a couple others that I saw around the league. He deletes it. Then he gets traded. This happened

early Monday morning. The Cowboys now have Rashon Gary. They send a fourth round pick in 27, a little higher than I would have expected. They also signed safety Jalen Thompson later for three years, $36 million. Overall, I thought like kind of the cheaper positions in free agency normally safety off ball linebacker running back safety got a little more respect than usual starting to bump up like the safety's actually got paid today just like an overall point i had uh rashan gary though you know he was a guy that the packers were ready to cut was do 18 million dollars so what the cowboys do is they just say looking at the edge market out there 18 million dollars for gary we're okay with that do you agree that's clearly it came out economics you know

because they did swing for Max Crosby. And once he didn't get that, they were like, you know what, we got a chance to get Rishon Gary. And I think he's somebody who could be a good, complimentary, effective player. And when I say that, when you line him up next to Kenny Clark or Quinn and Williams in tandem, he can work better than maybe be an overall winner.

And there's a lot of scheming that's going on in the NFL right now. We know Christian Parker is a big mangyo disciple, and they love to scheme their outside linebackers off the guy next. to him. That is a trait that Vic Fangio likes to do. So I think they're hoping that Gary, who's not known for having a ton of rush moves, but a great power player, athletic guy, that in tandem with the Quinn and Williams or something, they can work well together. So I think that's why they made that type of acquisition. Yeah, they're not chasing an outlier twice, right? They chase Max Crosby, huge outlier player, which is asking for outlier figures to actually make that

happen. They weren't willing reportedly to give, give the second first round pick. Jane Slater was reporting day of or day before that it was like they weren't quite willing to go up that high, but they were very much in the mix on this. Reportedly, they were willing to give a first, a second, and a player. So it was just they wouldn't give that second first. Sure. Yeah. And so, but I think what to credit to them, they didn't then chase another outlier. Instead, they went for the math equation of their front. Like Steve just pointed out, this is all about like parts to hole within the front structure of a defensive line. If you can't have the outlier, they don't just pivot to another outlier pie in

the sky attempt. They're instead going a little bit more meat and potatoes on it, which I think is a smart plan. I just think the reading the market aspect and they did it before free agency open, I'd rather have Boy Maffy. Now, maybe he doesn't fit. I mean, Christian Parker coached Rashon Gary. Am I right?

I mean, wasn't he his coach? Yeah. So that's the familiarity. He knows what he can do. I love, different player. I love that Rashon Gary. I want to see that Rishon Gary. I love it too.

Again, he just wasn't that guy the last year or so. Real quick, what's interesting, the more this goes along, though, let's see what the market is for Trey Hendrickson. It might not be nearly as big of an apple. It's not. It can't be. Otherwise, it would have happened already. Yeah, it can be.

So maybe Dallas is still in play with that mark. I saw. I think he ends up in Tampa Bay. I think he ends up in Tampa. That would be a big hit for me on the old matchmaker show. I had that one. Yeah, I saw something. It's like, Trey Hendrickson's waited a long time.

to be a free agent. He's not going to rush himself. Like, yeah, he would. If he was getting the amount of money, some of these other guys are getting or at least what he hoped to get. Like, maybe he'll get the Adafioi money. I kind of doubt it at this point, which is crazy. Adafioi, let's go to it. $68 million guaranteed.

Yeah, I agree. Age for head. Age relative to cost specifically. For sure. Yeah, yeah. We kind of talked about that too, because I wanted to defend myself in terms of the ranking of Hendrickson. Some people thought I had a little too low, like below, you know, some of the younger players in free agency. But I still am ahead of Owe and Maffey.

And even then I thought, I don't know if he's going to get as much money as those guys because I think it's going to be like a two-year, $55 million contract, which is great money. But you're 32 years old coming off an injury. You're not going to get $68 million guaranteed like Adafay-OA. Oh, my God. The commanders spent a lot of money on Monday. $68 million guaranteed on $100 million contract for OA.

No one made himself more money at the end of the season. than O.A. and Jalen Phillips. $68 million guaranteed. A lot of that money, especially for O.A, is off of what he did down the stretch for the Chargers. You're shaking your head. It's a different scheme. I mean, you go into Dan Quinn's scheme. Now they're going to be running.

Now, the new D.C. Durante Jones comes in for. He's a Brian Flores guy, right? So a lot of mixed match stuff is going to ask some versatility. but that type of number to a defense that's got a lot. I mean. Reminds me a little bit of old Dan Snyder commander's day. It's just, I mean, they've got so many issues on the back end. They had to play Frankie Louvo out of position last year.

Oh, that was our beef the whole year. It was a beef. They put them on the edge and people just were like, okay, he's taking himself out of the play by alignment. And that's not his fault. So maybe this is something where they try to buoy things because, oh, it was really good for the chargers last year, but they had some freaking dogs all over that defense at every level.

I mean, on the edges, you had flex players. Yeah, my guy Tuli, Tuiopalotu, see I said it, like, you love it. At every level, they had guys who could spring him. Yeah. He was not the priority. You look at that commander's defensive front. Last year, they stacked it to be good on first down, stopped the run. That did not work out.

And now they're trying to be a little more prevalent against pressure, or to create pressure. We'll see. I don't want to be too critical because I just think it's like it's a lot of money. But ultimately, I still had him as like a top. He's a good player. And like I said, these are the types of players coming into their second contract. They get paid a lot of money in free age. They're absolutely paying for potential.

I like that they're paying a younger player. That's a nice change for them. But Odafei was in a math front. And it was a highly productive one, Jesse Minter. But he had, you know, Khalil Mack and Tui-Tui-Pilotu. There you go. They were just kicking butt all up and down in rotation with you. other and it was fantastic to watch, but again, it was a math front.

And this is not a math front. This is a pure rush front, essentially. And Durante Jones, I think is going to be really exciting as this defensive coordinator. I don't know how much we're actually going to veer from Dan Quinn here. But one thing about a Flores guy is that the pressure is going to come a lot from the secondary. And so while I love that for our guy, Frankie Louvo, who's already on the roster, I'm not

quite sure what it looks like for a front that is not necessarily going to be able to spring him loose the way that he's. And what's on the back end? I mean, they'd be getting cooked for two or three years on that back end. It doesn't work without guys in the back end of Brian and Flores defense. And we'll see what they do in the coming days. And, yeah, if you're watching us on YouTube, let's throw up that graphic again of all the Washington signings. Because Laramie Tunsell is back there.

And he doesn't technically count as a signing. But you bring back Mariotta, who one year $7 million compared to some of the deals out there. Good for him. Looks good to me for the commander. One of the best backups in the league. I like the Traillenberg's coming. They had re-signed a couple of players before we got to Sunday. And then Amique Robertson, who Patrick randomly took very early in our matchmaking draft,

he actually goes to the commanders for $9.3 million guaranteed. So that's just like a solid depth piece that they add. Here's my question. Great side story real quick on Larry McDonnell. The guy who negotiates his contract, guy named Lalo Sani, I used to coach him in Youth League football. Wow. By starting wide receiver.

He's buying dinner next time. I love, I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud of him. Yeah, he's Robert Kim D.J.'s cousin, so that's how he met Laramie and Ole Miss. But Lalu, I am proud of you, my man. I'm happy for you, and I love it. Yeah, I wanted to mention when we talked 49ers earlier, there is more chatter that Trent Williams really could be up for grabs.

He's looking for more money. Laramie Tunsel, who's younger, gets more money, a two-year $60 million. He's at the top of the Contract Hall of Fame, negotiated a lot of them. Oh, yeah. Yeah, no, you're absolutely right. And like Trent Williams is going to want that money. But right now I think Tunsell's a more valuable player. Let's move on to the Rams who just kept spending in the secondary.

Jalen Watson, $34 million guaranteed from the chiefs, one of the top cornerbacks available. They essentially import the chief secondary. I guess they didn't bring in Brian Cook. He goes to the chief, the safety. But they have Trent McDuffy. They have Jaylen Watson. I remember watching them, you know, in the Super Bowl when they were such young players,

is the 22 draft glass playing right away. And now here they are transplanted and getting paid a lot of money by your RAM. Yeah, it's combining two recent blueprints for the Los Angeles Rams by the Los Angeles Rams. When, by the way, remember when they imported the Florida State pass rush in the draft? That's the type of chemistry that they like to see.

And then again, with these two chiefs corners, they really appreciate guys who already know how to play off each other, not wasting any time in a team that is absolutely believing it is bound for the Super Bowl this coming season. And then again, the other blueprint is the F them picks era. The dawn of this era did not just start with the Jalen Ramsey trade. It also was Marcus Peters. So they didn't just go for one corner.

They went for two plus multiple corners that really overhauled their secondary in that sense. Now they're back in a previous era of that same Rams team with the same leadership and very, very similar players on both sides of the ball. If you don't talk about blueprints, what the Rams just did is they took a blueprint from the Seattle Seahawks. Okay, when I say this, you get Trent McDuffie. He's Devin Witherspoon, right? He's your triangular corner. Inside, outside can rush off the edge.

Quentin Lake is your Nick Eamon Worry. Deep safety, strong safety can rush off the edge. So now you've got these two triangular guys. Then you add Watson on one outset. Now you can move people all over. You can play a big nickel. You can play a true nickel. You can do all kinds.

I've talked to people with the Rams about this. There's so many things you could do now with those guys at front because you can show a heavy look, but because Quentin Lake can cover, yes. You can't out schema. And they brought back Cam Curl too, who they know. That was the other part.

Rock solid there on the back end. Man, this is, I like the moves because I like the players. Great moves. I do think process-wise, you know, half to more of these moves that we talk about and we like today, they're going to be bad. Yeah. Because that's just how free agency goes.

Process-wise, I feel like cornerback is as risky a position as there is to spend. And Steve Spagnolo and the Chiefs, like, their secret sauce is they take these middle-round guys and they develop them and they bring in and they kind of make it work. At one point, people were like, you're really going to start Jalen Watson in the Super Bowl? Are you kidding me? And it worked. And McDuffie turns into a superstar as a late first pick and you're paying, you know, top-tier money for them. Chris Chula has got to deliver.

My somewhat hot take is that Chris Shula and Rahim Morris have gotten like a little too much credit for a pretty average defense over the last few years. They faded at the back in last year. Like an okay defense, but they get a lot of pop for an okay. There's a lot of okay defenses out of there. They got to be better than okay. They got to be getting led by their defense. They're cooked in the division. And I think their defense underperformed expectations most of the year last season.

And so to your point, yes, Chris Shula, a big year for him has to take a step forward. with that group, that young group that's still mostly cost-controlled, by the way. They're spending big on the Trent McDuffie contract, obviously, but this is so interesting to me as well because, Greg, to your point, the inverse about the Rams is true. They can't draft corners. They are aware of this at this point. But what can they do and what have they done very, very well,

which is pay and invest in proven players, players with professional data behind them that they know they can see where they fit, they can see what the puzzle is and exactly what that return on investment should look like. It's really interesting that Spagnolo can do the opposite and has done the opposite. He's bumming right now. A few years later, the Rams less need and the Rams are the ones that are the profit. The chiefs are really asking a lot out of Spagnola. He's the meme.

He's the meme of Spider-Man holding the train. Yes. From like straining. He's not happy. It is great. It is great how like great he has been for that. and that he gets his players paid. Like, think of how much money Steve Feignola has helped to generate.

Kingmaker. For players. But, man, they are asking a lot. And the Rams, it just makes this division so fascinating. All right, we're going to pick up the pace down the stretch here at the show. Steve has been on air for about seven hours today. I'm not like shingles on. We asked if he wanted out.

You know, it's like he's got a play sheet. It's like Tatum coming off his Achilles on a minutes limit. There's no minutes limit for Steve Weiss. We're going to talk about a trade that happened very. very early. The New York Jets acquired Minka Fitzpatrick. They give up a 2027-7. So the dolphins, based on that return, were ready to cut Minka Fitzpatrick, but instead of getting cut, he goes to the jet, signs a new deal. Then they signed to Mario Davis, $15 million guaranteed two years, $22 million. Another former Aaron Glenn guy, down New Orleans.

Comes in. David on Yamada gets $10 million. He's been just kind of, kicking, you know, the can forward. And, man, it's a lot of different players. Kingsley and Iqbari gets one year, $10 million. I mentioned Joseph Asai from the Bengals, three years, $36 million. Remember that they brought in Tavondri's sweat in the trade. This is a totally revamped defense. I'm not sure about the process, Jordan.

Why'd they pay Minka, too? I think I know what this process looks like to me. It looks like, and I saw your post. about it earlier, Greg. I want to hear about your thoughts on this here in a second as well. You don't just, you're not just setting us up for success, Greg, as the host. I'd like to also hear your take on this. Well, someone needs to be set up with success when it comes to the jets. This is, but um, this is very, uh, patriotsy light. This is very panthersy from a couple of years ago when, or excuse me, last off season and the one before that when they're basically making up for

just decimated side of the ball, in this case, multiple, both sides of the ball, decimated roster, failure to draft well to replace guys, to develop players into roles that could give this defense, especially I'm looking at some of these signings, an edge, and also trading away your stars in this regard. This is basically a floor resetting. Most, if not all of these guys, will be replaced by draft picks in two years or less. So, at least when you, when you sign guys like this, when you sign this, this volume of

players like this to these prices and this amount and the, and at the ages and all of that stuff, this is a team that absolutely knows that it has to be competitive this year. It's trying to walk the line between you. They got my tweet. That is 100% correct. Yeah. I said it feels like they're trying to get over the top, that they're trying to win a title. This, what are they doing? The moves they made made it seem like they feel they're right there. You fire your entire coaching staff. Yeah, this is why you should have fired all of the coaching staff and the front off. Just blow them all out.

You just waste another year doing the move like this. What is the plan? Maybe I'm just a silver linings person where I'm like, yeah, I think that this is following, almost like copying pacing a different version of what some of these teams that had to rebuild, like multiple draft classes. I get it. But like if they're 0 and 5, they're all getting blown out of the building, And DeMario Davis, I mean, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mugi,

and you have a 36-year-old linebacker, like a 35-year-old defensive tackle. You have to make of Fitzpatrick who was about to get cut and is on the back end of his career. Look at all their draft picks. That's all I'm saying is all the other teams when we're talking about like the floor raising, like those were still guys in the middle of their career. What I mean is like when you look at teams who have to make up for the fact that they've either had a disaster of a team build for a couple of years in a row or they are just decimated in terms of their drafting. These guys are not making it to their rosters, all other Patriots for a couple of years

in a row. You have to at least pay higher money to patch areas of your roster and then replace them as quickly as possible with the plethora of draft picks that they have available. While I don't think that this necessarily is a set of decisions that commits to Aaron Glenn by any means, I do think it is a set of decisions when you factor in the draft picks as well that says, hey, Darren Mugi, let's see what you. got here. They better get Kyla Murray. I mean, I mean, who's their quarter? I don't think that they're going to be competitive with it. I mean, that's, I don't think they're even thinking they're going to be competitive.

I mean, these guys, these guys, these guys, I have no idea what they're doing. Like, absolutely. Well, it is committing to Aaron Glenn because you're signing all his old players. No. He's, I mean, he's committing, he's committing to himself. I just don't, I just don't think that the act of signing these players. Yeah, sure, you're seeing what he's got in this year. Absolutely. Beyond this year, I don't think that any of these, I don't think that any of these guys, you could say, in stone are going to be there in 2020. This literally looks like an NBA. Oh, I sure. But this almost looks like an NBA, like Washington Wizards, like cap clearing,

who you're signing all these guys to one-year deals and stuff. So when you blow everyone out after the year, you can have a clean slate. And you hope you have draft. All right. I'm going to quote Ali Connolly. I did ask him for permission when he saw some of these signings. And if I could quote him on this, he said absolutely preposterous. being the grandpa saints, and this is the key part,

running a style that the architect of the defense has ditched himself. And that is the key part. Can Aaron Glenn coach defense? He's taking himself back from the – he was – like, they underperforms so poorly running kind of an old defense. And the defense he's talking about is really the Dennis Allen defense, who he's evolved with the times. Has Aaron Glenn evolved with the times?

We will see. I think Osai, like, makes some sense. and I don't doubt that they'll be better because they can't be worse. It can always get worse. It can always get worse. They can't get much worse. It can always get worse.

Anagbarre just own you on it. Like when a guy who's like, good player. Good player, but keeps coming at a certain price and you're paying double that. They're just burning Woody Johnson's money. Let's move on to the bucks. We said we were going to pick up

and then we went way slower. That's on me. The bucks, they prioritize my guy, Kate Otten over Mike Evans. My guy. Who's the real franchise legend? It's Kate Otten. $20 million guaranteed three for 30.

I mean, obviously, that wasn't going to get Mike Evans in the building. So I have a tongue in cheek when I'm saying that they prioritize them. But they did have to pay him pretty good money. Kenneth Gainwell got a nice contract with the bucks, replacing Rashad White, two for 14. And then Alex Anzolone, very differing views on this contract when I went around with it, canvassed it because like the athletic had it as one of the best signings in all of free agency. Two years, $17 million. He reportedly took less money.

money than the Giants offered according to NFL Network, although there is like the income tax. Yeah. They always love advertising that. To me, he's a limit. He's kind of a limited player, but I like the, and I like the gain well move. And I do wonder if they're sitting out there, Jordan, maybe looking at the edge market still, including Ray Henderson. Yeah, 100%.

Although I'm thinking about the Bucks history at the position, and I just don't, I think the age would probably be a factor here with, with Trey Henderson relative to the cost. but I love pairing Bucky Irving with Kenny G. Oh, my God. Bucky and Kenny. I just, I absolutely love this tandem here. And I, I, you know, this is a, you know, Zach Robinson's there now.

So they're going to do a couple of different things in the run game. They're not just going to be, uh, one dimensional there. And hopefully not run a ton of pistol. We'll see. He's a fun combo with, uh, it's just, it's just really fun. I think they just need to get back to, to what they do well, running the ball well and setting up shots for their receivers and have Chris Godwin, hopefully, who's healthy, carve up the middle of the field and have K. Dotton block his butt off.

That's basically what I fix the bucks. If Zach Robinson doesn't change his ways, K.D. And it's going to be catching a lot of stuff on the sideline. He's more of an across-the-middle guy. He's got to change that from some of the issues that they had in Atlanta. But look, I think you go for Trey Hendrickson. I think this is a big year for Todd Bowles and that staff in Tampa after the way they collapsed last year. I mean, I think they've got to get something done. You go for, like,

you make some of the moves this year for Tampa like the Jetsmate, right? You get some veteran players, even if they're on short-term deals because you get Trey Hendon this year. You win. You buy yourself some more time. You get a contract and you sense as a coach. And then you draft and develop, you know, Jason Light, some of these young edge players. But you get a Trey Hendon to get you over the top. And they've tried. They draft Chris Braswell in the second round. He hasn't really worked out. Yeah, yeah, Diabee was a big hit. Hassan Redick, who was kind of similar to Trey Hendrickson as a free agent in terms of an older guy that you brought in. So you could spend more there.

Logan Hall is a free agent. And at receiver where you don't have Evans, you do still have Jalen, McMillan, Abouca, and Chris Godwin. And some good backups in Cam Johnson and Ted's Johnson. So I do just think Evans got boxed out a little by that Chris Godwin contract in particular, but also they just have good young talent. The Bears got on the board with a couple of defensive signings. Kobe Bryant is leaving the Seahawks. He's going to Chicago. We heard that Kevin Byard might be the priority there over Dequan Brisker.

Both of them remain free agents. Bristker's got the injury stuff. But Bryant would be a good combo, I think, with Byard. And then Devin Bush at linebacker, $21 million guaranteed three years, $30 million. Like I said, the off-ball linebackers got paid coming off a career year, an interesting two for there for the Bears on defense. Yeah, I think it's interesting because they, this is. Kobe Bryant especially was one of the signings that I got really pretty excited about for the bears

and seeing what Dennis Allen and the denisance can do in activating him. And we're looking at these moves in a vacuum. And the bears have already had quite a, quite adventurous free agency period slash enter to free agency period with your domen firing. And then some of the shuffling on the off-tried to get Crosby reportedly. They were going to give up a first for him, but it was a late first. so that kind of killed them. Yeah, it was the Ravens picking higher than the Bears, which almost never happens, guys.

So that's like pretty incredible. And then I, you know, I think it's interesting because this is a Bears team that needs, needed to get a little bit more of a pass or a lot more of a pass rush going. So that's still something that I'm interested in seeing how they do. But it looks like if I read my very quick notification correctly, Braxton Miller is going to be coming back. So while they wait for Ozzie Trapilo to recover from that injury,

he might give them a little bit of insurance. We can cut that if I read that wrong. Bragton Jones. Baxter Jones. Excuse me. Baxter Miller. That was a player. Yeah, Baxter Jones.

That was a player. Name a guy. Name a guy. Yeah. And also wanted to shout out my dear friend, Kevin Fishbane and his wife, Annie, who at the start of free agency. And on the day, Drew Dalman retired, gave birth to their first girl. Oh, wow.

Their first of three, or excuse me, their third of three children and their first girl, Gracie Mae, Fishbane. Congrats to the Fishbane's. Kevin, your girl, dad. Don't be scared. Well done. Real quick on the Devin Bush thing, this kind of caught me a little bit. They came off the market as quickly as he did.

Clearly, they feel he is a scheme fit. He doesn't fit a lot of the linebackers that Dennis Allen typically has at that spot. He's got some of the guys. You know, you think about some of the guys. Actually, I thought about Kate Nellis. Couldn't he do, didn't he kind? I know he's not that big of a guy. I would love him.

I was a big dude. I know, but didn't Bush kind of last year be that guy. Now, he was very lucky to be playing next to this question. Correct. But he was that move guy that you could rush and was fun. So let me tell you this. You have two inside linebackers who are high volume tacklers. What does that tell you?

The guys up front weren't very freaking good, and these guys had to make a ton of plays. They put a beating on their bodies, one. Okay, too, they've got great instincts, and they know how to play their football players, right? They've got that fuel. So that's one thing I really like about Bush right here. It's just when you look at bad teams, that's where you're high. high volume inside linebacker. Tacklers are. Every year your leading

tacklers would be on bad teams because teams don't have to throw the ball on them because they're jamming them. You know, down, I'm not necessarily saying I don't like this. It was just a different... I was surprised. It wasn't a fit that I was expecting for...

I wasn't sure what to think about Devin Bush in terms of like ranking them and putting him against the other offballing rate because if you just watched just last year... He was a fun player to watch. Devin Bush was fantastic. And he had been more or less a bust before then. I was like, what do you trust?

They were trusting last year. They have a vision. For some reason now, this Ryan Poles, Bears, like situation, just everything just feels like it's going to go well. And I'm like, well, if they like Devin Bush, they must have a vision for him. I see it, Ryan Poles. Anyone that comes on our show, two straight years at the scouting combine, you're going to get better coverage on the show.

So just a thought for everyone out there. The Patriots, they get a lot of coverage. They won't get much in this show because I think they were in on Alex Pierce, didn't get him. They do get Dremont Jones three years, $39 million. Not sure if I'm in love with the whole, like, hey, let's keep bringing in, you know, like these big edges. They had Harrow Landry, which is a different type of guy from the Titans, Dremont Jones, at one point with the Titans and everything. And three years, $39 million. That's the scheme.

It's an edge-setting scheme. Sure. They want to set the edge, collapse the pocket more than they want a guy who win. That's just how Mike Vrable coaches. That's how he played. And he played well last year, Draymond Jones. I guess what I'm saying is, and of course he started with the Titans. So there wasn't a carryover.

I mean, with the Broncos. I misspoke there. He was with the Titans very briefly in 2025 before he went to the Raven. A long day. So he gets a lot of money. That means they probably won't resign Caleb on Chase on. They did sign Reggie Gilliam, who's one of the most fun fullbacks in the league. I know Bill Spans won't like that.

at him going to the Patriots, and then they cut Delani to Vi. Cade Mays is an interesting offensive lineman. They probably had never been mentioned on NFL Daily until recently. And we put them pretty high in the top 55 or so, free agents, gets $14 million guaranteed from the lions. They start to remake their offensive line. And I feel like this was going to be very popular with Brandon Thorne and his substack, the trench mob.

I feel like this is going to be the hipster. Oh, that's the pick of the year. Yeah, you said that off air. I was glad you also said it on the show because it's a good line. I think that's true. I think that's the one where all of the, you know, the film watching community

will sort of be like, oh, we, you know, we said this back in free agency that this is going to pop. It's him and Drew Petting paired together now, which I really like. I think that Drew Petting, working with a good center, has some potential.

And the Lions struggling to replace why can I Frank Ragnow they cut Graham Glasgow they cut Taylor Decker so they have a lot of spots to fill they filled one

There's a lot of names going around You know what and I and I love it because it re-anchors them in a way He was a player who I mentioned a couple shows ago I really wish the Panthers would have kept I think that he is super super talented and this is going to be a fun ad for the Lions getting their offensive line back

That's the thing with the Panthers they signed away as a flashy move I'm really curious to see the rest of their free agency because they have a lot of rosticles. The Browns. We're all doing it. We said it was going to be five five free agent spots. I mean, five offensive line spots that the Browns need to fill. Yes. Right? And they got one done the other day.

With Titus Howard. And now, Zion Johnson. They're at two years. Forty nine million dollars. 32 million dollars guaranteed. That's a lot of money for Zion John. He, I could make, we could do a show on who made themselves the most amount of money like in the back end of 2025. Oway, Jalenfield, Zion Johnson, all very high in the way. Well, that's because Zion Johnson was the last man standing on that Chargers offensive line. But look, the one thing I do like with the Browns, they're showing their

identity. They're going guard center guard. Right. You put two guards at your priority that is telling you how you want to build your offense. And a lot of teams, and Sean Payton started this years ago, guard center guard, we'll get two very functional athletic tackles or one athletic tackle and then one kind of stonewall tackle but guard center guard because we had a shorter quarterback is where we want to handle our business and that's clearly how Todd

Manken is trying to shape this offensive front of Cleveland and he wants to run the ball and Quintan Junkins obviously has a long road of recovery pretty gruesome injury that he experienced but man was he special like such a special draft pick for them prior to that and they want to run the ball and Zion Johnson could

absolutely grade a road and he was really the only one left doing it was a little bit of a red flag though that Jim Harbaugh after saying he was the greatest player of all time when he was really struggling to even get playing time and then lets him go. That's concerning when they... And you're letting your other card

go too. Like you absolutely need them. The Chargers talk about setting an identity. They give $24 million to your hipsters favorite friend and by that I mean Ollie Connolly, our friend. Three years $24 million, $17 million guaranteed for the Ravens'

third tight end last year. year, but known as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. And you combine him with a Ronde Gadsden. And then you add Alec Engel, the fullback from Mike McDaniel with him in Miami. I mean, I don't think Scott Matlock's playing fullback anymore. But man, you also re-signed Trevor Penning as a swing tackle, which is a little surprise there. Tyler Biotto, you signed at Center. Yeah, smart move.

And, you know, the interesting thing with, oh, wait, depending on how they handle the rest of free agency. and I suspect they're cognizant of this, Joe Hortez, they're going to get a third round pick for Adafé OA. Yeah. Pretty good business, a compensatory pick. So how it works is it gets matched up based on the signings that you have, but assuming they don't sign anyone at the super top of the free agency market

that would block out that OA signing, they got them for eight weeks, got a ton of production out of them, and they're going to get like a third round compensatory pick back, and they're showing you who they are by just finding blockers. They're showing you they're going to play 22 personnel. You get a fullback, two tight ends. And look, getting Charlie Kolar. How about two fullbacks and two tight ends?

What would that even be called, I guess? No, 22. Yeah, same. But, you know, the thing. Fullback should have a different. I know. I want 44. I want this to be 44.

44. Let's carve it. Let's carve it. But the one thing I like in Kolar there is the injuries to the tackles, you've got a monster tight end who can maybe offset, you know, or Slater when they're coming back or to help them come along. certain formations because it's not like they play in a division where there aren't a bunch of jackhammers on the defensive lines like up in Denver and Kansas City. One thing I really love about this is, you know,

when it was Greg Roman, I think we'd be like, yeah, that'll be, you know, he wants to load up heavy and whatever, whatever, right, we know what they want to do. This is Mike McDaniel at OC, which means that, yes, he wants to load up heavy and do really interesting run formations and all of those types of things with the different personnel. But it also gives him such a lot of. a blank canvas for all the different like scheme looks and different sort of fake you out thinking it's one personnel and it's another person oh by the way Justin Herbert is back there like there's just such a ground for creativity with this personnel and it's I love the sort of duality of it where like you look at these like massive blocking like fullbacks and and Charlie Kohler is the blocking

tight end and these guys and you think like oh old school but no you look at these and in tandem with Mike McDaniel and you think, we're going to see some really interesting stuff this year. So you're saying it's kind of like Greg Roman wanted to do it, except this time it'll work, you know? Like, it'll actually be a... I don't... I don't know that that's actually what I'm saying.

The Ravens bring back John Simpson, who went to the Jets. He was a guard for the Jets for a while. They're trying to replace their interior offensive line. They lost Linderbomb. Three years, $30 million. That's good. He's kind of going to help replace Daniel.

Falilele. Fa'a Lele. Fala Lele. Folle. Although, who knows? Get your policy vows right, right, right? Maybe Falae will return.

See, I fixed it. The Texans have re-signed Ed Ingram, who made himself a lot of money last year. Three years, $37 million. They also brought back Sheldon Rankins, who signed a two-year,

$12 million contract. Reed Blankenship was added late in the day. Three years, $24 million, $16 million, guaranteed to not quite as much as some of the other safety on the market.

Again, maybe they were looking at my rankings because he was kind of towards the bottom. Congrats, Greg's. Some concern. It said Greg's rankings. On point. They had it pulled up on one, like, dual monitors, one whole monitor was just Greg's rank. They've made so many resignings and moves. They still will have more to go, but I know you're a big read, blank, and tip believer.

No, I actually am not, I'm sort of neutral on him specifically. I said I like that the Texans went out and got it. Because the physicality potential here, I like the fit within this secondary. Obviously, he's a player who works the best when he's not asked to do everything, similar to the last secondary that he was just a part of. He's not even going to be close to the star in this secondary, but he's going to need to play a role. He's going to have to be physical.

And that's what he can do. So I like this as sort of a part to whole move. The Texans obviously very clearly can think about that in this defense because they have stars all over the field. Shout out to Sheldon Rankin. He signed sick NFL contract. He is. He's maybe at the base.

And he had a torn Achilles in his career. You know, he was a first round pick that the Saints fans kind of were like, I like them, but a nice career. I'm Luke Wilson. Join me each week for Film Never Lies. Since retiring from the NFL, I've had a lot of my mind, and now got my own show.

So if you're tired of lazy takes, if you want honest conversations, join us each week. Film Never Lies, available on all TSN platforms and the IHeart Radio app. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I'm Greg Rosenthal. And this is 40s and free agents.

The games may be over, but the NFL never stopped. This is my favorite part of the calendar. Yeah, mine too, Greg. Free agency, the Combine, the NFL draft Pro Days, trades. This is where teams reshape their future. This is where Daniel Jeremiah makes his money. On 40s and free agents, we break down every move that actually matters. From my draft evaluations, mock drafts, and team fits,

to my top 101 free agents and how real rosters are built, cap space, contracts, and all the tough decisions included. You got quarterbacks on the move? We got teams rebuilding. It's hope season. Yeah, absolutely. It's hope season.

We'll tell you what's real, what's noise, and what it means for your favorite team. Smart analysis, real conversations every week. I'm not about the smart, but definitely analysis. Listen to 40s and free agents on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Tyler Al Jir signs for the Cardinals two years $12 million. And then.

I don't get it. One of the most depressing signings of the day. That's not it. Okay, I'll stop with Al Jir before getting to MNU. What didn't you get about Al Jir? Well, first off, it's what a two-year 12 point? 25, yeah. Okay, why rush for that?

You're going to get that if you wait. I don't think so. I think that's a good contract for Tyler, Alger, getting six years. He's so similar to James Connor. Okay. if he got that in Denver. I think with RJ Harvey, you could have that kind of that Mark Ingram,

Alvin Camara type of combo. They re-signed J.K. Dobbin. I don't get that. I don't get why other teams wouldn't spend more. Michael Flour just came from a team where they signed basically identical running backs for their one and two. So he's doing the same thing.

That's exactly the Kiren Williams. They also have Trey Benson just sitting there. That's not going to happen. I like that move for the Cardinals. To me, I'm not surprised. I think Alger is a good player, but he's a 1B. that isn't incredibly explosive.

That guy doesn't, yeah. He's the same guy. But like you said, it's just like, you know, Kyron Williams and Blake Quorum. I'd like him in Denver better. Kendrick Bourne, who was on our air as free agency started. I thought that was interesting. Really good, like, camera president.

Oh, yeah. He could be a good NFL network guy in the future. Two years, $11 million with Michael Fleur returning to his old buddy. So you know what that tells? tells me if you're with Michael Floor. Mac Jones is headed down to Arizona. I don't think so because they've got their starter and his name is Jacoby Brissette. They cannot.

Back up is Gardner Minshu. So when they signed Gardner Minchew, I thought him getting $5.75 million was one of the most surprising contracts of the day. No other contract. I don't think Patrick will feel like I'm betraying his trust. Made Patrick Claibon more mad. He could not believe that Gardner Minchew got a 500% rate. when we thought he tore his ACL. And then quickly after Minchu signed,

multiple insiders, including Tom Pellisero said, the plan is clear. Jacoby Brissette is the one. Minchu's the two. Here's my theory. This is a theory. I'm not an insider, and this is not a reported

piece of thought for me. This is my theory, is that they wanted, if they were going to go after a guy who they thought was a starting caliber, quarterback that could edge out Jacoby Brissette in their minds, specifically with this new staff, they were going to go for Jimmy Garoppolo. Gropolo does not want to leave Los Angeles.

Jimmy Gropolo is so happy in L.A. even as the backup after he's made all of his money. Right. And he's Michael Fleur's guy. I saw that as a match that could potentially happen if they were to spring. You're just mad. You didn't get it on a match. No. This one hurt. This one is, this one to me is very legit.

Still going to happen? No, no, Greg, listen to the words. I'm listening, I'm saying, but it didn't work out, so you're mad. I'll finish the thought. So, he, they didn't get him. He wants to stay in Los Angeles. My theory is that they're like, okay, we didn't get the guy that was going to be our bridge, that we, that would have edged out Jacoby. So now we're going with Jacoby and a backup.

Money talk, though, and he's making more money than Jacoby. So, I don't, I mean, I, I, you can't do that. It's tough. It does feel. I feel, I'll outline all of that for any curious listeners later who missed it. because Greg Rosenthal's voice in the middle of seven. I got it. I'm just saying it's unfortunate.

Jimmy loves L.A. so much because he burned you. You needed that for the matchmaker. They got a draft quarterback then. I mean, I'm kind of like you cannot, you cannot as a new head coach, say this is the freaking plan. I don't think I don't think teams tank in the NFL. I don't think it's a bridge. I don't think teams tank in the NFL, but I think they're aware that next year's class is

good. they did spend some money. Isaac Sayamalu is what you had to do. That's a good. That's a nice pickup. Three years, $31 million. Kendrick Bourne,

who I mentioned was with Michael Fleur in San Francisco at one point. Like, they're adding some people. I just don't think that Mike Lafleur is going to force the quarterback position. I just think he's going to be more patient. If it's not the guy he wants, then they're just going to bridge it. I've seen some I just love that.

I just love that. I've seen some hurdles coaches who tried to be patient last one year. Not that workout. Pretty often. Montaric Brown is returning to the Jaguar three years for 31. $3 million. Really nice re-signing. He obviously had a market to get that kind of deal.

Eric Stokes went to the Raiders three years for $30 million, $20 million guaranteed, kind of had a big comeback season. Man, I forgot to mention that earlier, but that was part of the whole Raiders spending spree. Eric Wilson is back with the Vikings three years, $22 million, $12 million guaranteed. Both him and Justin Strunad kind of set the market of the surprising kind of rushed linebackers early. so a nice deal late in his career for one of Brian Flores's favorites. And then to get to the Broncos, they didn't sign Alger. I would have rather that Alger than J.K. Dobbins.

They do bring back J.K. Dobbins. They bring back J.K. Davenz. Maybe they're going to trade here at Stiddam. That's why I mentioned that. You know, bring back Ellinger and maybe Stidham or Jacob. Maybe Jacoby Reset's a candidate for Frank Raken in New York. Gino Smith is reportedly a candidate. That's one open quarterback job.

And then they cut Dre Greenlaw while resigning Alex Singles. That's an interesting one because I say it's the engine. Because Greenlaw, we know how good he could be. I think he's either going to be back in San Francisco next to Fred Warner or down in Tennessee with Robert Sallick. Because Greenlaw, when healthy, very good player, it just did not work in the Anciosa system. Plus he was injured most of the time in Denver. But that's a dude. If he gets back next to Fred Warner.

Just a health thing, I think. Yeah. I think you're right. The fact that the 49ers last year gave up on him a little bit, too, is a little concerned. Couldn't say healthy, quads. Wow. I, Sala's really bringing back all of the, all of his like core guys. If it happens.

His like soul guys is his, his, his heart heartbeat guys. I think that's tricky is got to get to that new stadium. You got to have more. Make it to there. Like you want to have someone that has contacts throughout the league, but you also have to have more ideas than just like bringing back, bringing back your old guy. Because it didn't, it didn't work from last time.

I think we got to the end here. There were a couple other minor things. You don't want to, your guy. You're a forever guy that you'll forever believe in. Jake Browning. You don't want to check. Jake Browning was non-tendered. How about that?

There has been over $2.3 billion, by the way, in total contract given out. It's the regular season. That is, according to NFL research, the Raiders have spent the most amount of money, $281.5 million. Remember, that's a totality. Yeah, half of that. We'll never be spent. Exactly. nine players so far have signed a contract with over $20 million a year average.

And then Jalen Phillips, Alec Pierce, Linderbaum, and of all people, Alante freaking Taylor, have all set records for the most average per year of a player that hits free agency. Obviously, they're not the highest paid players ever at the position. Although in Linderbom, you are by quite a bit. But the other players for guys that actually get to free agency, It's been a little bit of a record. How was the first day of the official regular season for you, Greg?

It felt good. I like to call it Gregmas, you know. I feel like the thing is it's not over. Even as we were taping, there were more moves. Like Rico Dowdle to the Steelers. I love that. I love that. I love the Rico Dottle to the Steelers.

They lose gain well to get Rico Dout. We have a huge group. Full range to the Chargers. Yeah, who's helping us out on NFL channel and on YouTube. And they're like, can we get out? out of here. Quincy Williams is going to the Browns for two years in $17 million. Don't really love that, especially surprised by the way. He didn't go back with Robert.

Can I say one thing about the Brown? It's your time. About the NFL that's just driven me crazy. How the hell is Jim Schwartz not employed by somebody? Ooh, that's probably Jim Schwartz's question, too. I just don't get that. Maybe he doesn't want to be a coordinator out there or just was the timing? It's a good question. Yeah, that's, you know, I'm hoping it's, it's, it's, it's voluntary. Terry on his call. One of the best defensive coordinators in the league.

Maybe he'll be added at some point. Okay, so once we get off here, we'll start building the document for Tuesday's show. 4 o'clock, check us out Pacific time. Tuesday, Wednesday this week. We'll be live on YouTube and the NFL channel. I don't think we're going to have Steve Weish on Tuesday. Steve, get some sleep, buddy. I've got a topic for you, the most nervous incumbent, J.J.M. McCarthy or Michael Pennix?

Chop it up. Chop it up. I want to hear it. That's coming on Tuesday's show. We will see you that. I'm Daniel Jeremiah. And I am Greg Rosenthal. I know that, Greg. We're teaming up on 40s and free agents, the podcast that owns the NFL off season. This is where teams are built. Free agency, combine, pro days, trades. Every move matters. From my draft boards and mock drafts to my vaunted top 101 free agents and how rosters come together. Quarterback movement. Surprise signings. We'll tell you what it means. and who really wins.

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