NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Russ to New York, Diggs to New England and NFL First Dates

Episode Date: March 26, 2025

Gregg Rosenthal is joined by Colleen Wolfe and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic to take on the roles of NFL figures sitting down for a first meeting. Before the first dates, Gregg reacts to Russell Wilson signing with the Giants (00:40) and Stefon Diggs signing with the Patriots (03:45). Then, the crew plays the roles of Jameis Winston meeting with the Giants (18:00), Cam Ward meeting with the Titans (29:40), Aaron Rodgers meeting with the Steelers (30:25), Pete Carroll meeting with Geno Smith (34:30), Sam Darnold meeting with Cooper Kupp (37:25), and the new Bears offensive lineman getting together (40:40). Note: time codes approximate. NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. Okay, so we taped a great show, myself, Jordan Rodriguez, the Athletic, and Colleen Wolf today. And you're going to hear that show in just a little bit, but I'm driving away. from Englewood and I get a text that Russell Wilson

has signed with the Giants by the time I get back to the studio just about 10 minutes later Stefan Diggs has signed with the Patriots and it really bothers me when we're not as up to date as humanly possible

on NFL Daily so I wanted those to be part of this show so I'm just going to talk about those two moves quickly and then we'll get to the rest of the show where we're really trying out our acting chops doing some role playing. Okay let's start with the Rust deal.

one year, 10.5 million to join the New York Giants in one of the wildest quarterback rooms in recent memory, Russell Wilson, James Winston, and Tommy DeVito. I love it. And I don't think they're done there. More in a second. 10.5 million dollars for Russ. And James, two for eight million, means they are paying a combined roughly $14 million this year to James Winston and Russell Wilson. That is the same amount of money that the Colts are paying Daniel Jones. That is significantly less money than the Raiders paid Gardner Minchu last year. That's actually good business. I got no jokes for the Giants. Everyone's making fun of what are the Giants doing? What are they doing? They're paying two quarterbacks who can play well enough, $14.5 million, which is combined

to make an average backup quarterback contract. I don't mind that at all. The more I thought about this, the more I think it doesn't change anything for them on draft day. They will likely draft Shadur Sanders if he's there, I believe. That's just my guess. Maybe they'll take a quarterback in round two, and I'll be wrong,

and this is allowing them to draft Travis Hunter with the third overall pick, and they won't take Shadur Sanders, and all the connections between Shadur and the Giants are just people making stuff. stuff up. What I think this was about was that A, they like Russ better than James, and then B, they don't know that Shadur Sanders is going to be there at number three overall. We've gone in circles with this draft and we'll go in a few more before we get to April, late April with

the draft, but it's possible that the Browns take Shadur Sanders at number two. And I don't think the Giants wanted to be in a position where they absolutely had to trade up to get Shadur Sanders. maybe the Browns were going to drive a hard bargain and they don't really want to move down. But either way, the Giants right or wrong feel like if we have to go into 2025 with Russ and James as our two quarterbacks and maybe we add a second round pick like a Jackson Dart or something like that, then we'll take a shot on that. Ultimately, I always was in the camp like just keep drafting quarterbacks every year. And when it comes to free agency and quarterbacks, just try a couple. I think James,

is a better option than Russell Wilson. The contracts don't reflect that. So Russell Wilson will definitely be ahead of him in the pecking order. But I do think Brian Dable is one of the better quarterback whispers out there and can maximize these guys. And ultimately, as Darius Slayton put out on Twitter on Tuesday, Giants Country, let's ride. It'll be fun if nothing else.

Russ, James, and I think it's going to be Shadur adding to that mix. But maybe this is a little bit of the Giants reading the tea leaves that it was going to cost way too much to get to one and get Cam Ward at one with the Titans and that that just was never going to happen for them. They didn't want to give up the cost. A little more on that later in the show. All right, Stefan Diggs.

He's joining the Patriots. He was my second highest receiver available that was still in free agency. He was one of my higher players available in free agency. So I can't really bang on my team here for signing a guy at a position of need and then I saw the money

and it's three years, $69 million and I see there's $26 million guaranteed. That's the first reporting. What I'm guessing, after I look at that money, that he's getting $26 million in 2025. And to me,

that is a premium because they're having a hard time giving away their money and signing people to go to Foxborough. I saw the immediate reaction. Oh, we got a new. wide receiver one in New England. And the money would definitely say that. I like Stefan Diggs as a player. I like him as a role player. But go back and watch that Texans film. He is a nice

slot receiver now at this point of his career. And he's coming off a torn ACL. He was 10, 10, 11 yards per catch. He was a high volume receiver. Catch and pass over the middle. He's very crafty. I think he can have a good back half of his career, back a couple years of his career doing that. But you don't pay a guy like that $26 million. You pay a guy like that $26 million when you just need to upgrade the room and you're a little desperate and you have too much money and you can't spend it all. And it's fine. It's not a long-term risk. So you might as well spend that cap space. He will make them better. I just warn Patriots fans and fantasy owners and all this stuff. Like keep the expectations in check for Steph Diggs. Like if they got something approximating Jacobi Myers production

from Stefan Diggs in the year 2025. And I'm talking Jacobi Myers when he was with the Patriots when he's with the Raiders. That would be a huge win. And I just am thinking about how Bill Belichick refused to pay Jacobi Myers $13 million a year,

three for 39. They let him walk out the door, didn't replace him at all. And they're playing twice as much in terms of what Stefan Diggs will make this year compared to what a younger guy like Jacob Myers. And they're obviously different players,

but they're both guys who I think are going to be predominantly slot players in the year 2025. But a guy that was really appreciated by the Texans for his leadership and I think is coming into a part of his career where he can be more crafty than explosive and I still think he's going to make them better. So you might as well spend that cap space. Let's just not expect them to be the Steph Diggs of old. All right, let's get to the rest of the show. I feel better. I'm going to sleep easier tonight knowing Russ and Steph were in it. Let's get to my friends, Colleen and Jordan. Welcome to NFL Daily, where we're really not sure

how this show is going to go. I'm Greg Rosenthal. I'm in the Chris Wesleying podcast studio with Colleen Wolf and Jordan Roderig. I feel like there was a lot of cramming and anxiety before today's show. Is that just because I'm here? No, it's me too. So our great producer, Eric Roberts, came up with the idea of doing some role playing. And having some NFL first dates, great idea, came up with a lot of fun scenarios.

Maybe we'll mention some of the ones even that we didn't do. But it's put us into like left brain thinking and I feel like it's stressing all of us out. Maybe not Jordan. She seems chill. No, I, something in my brain broke earlier this week, actually. So I feel loosey goosey and like ready to go. And I kind of leaned into the weird here, which was, uh, it's like the reverse of how I'm normally feeling.

So who knows what the hell could happen. Okay, good. Yeah. We're like the kids department for Jordan. She's got like 15 other jobs that stress her out even more. No, usually this one's. No, I'm just kidding. You do have some athletic profiles coming up.

Oh, don't you? Thank you for the plug. Just a little bit of a team there. Thank you for the plug. That's what I was saying. So yes, we're going to do some NFL first dates, which is maybe a sign that the news tap has run a little dry this week. It's a quiet time before the.

draft but also there's no league meeting that's next week as well it's often a week I take a vacation I remember last week is yeah it is but I'm going to try to take some time in a couple weeks just quickly the draft hasn't totally ramped up yet but

you know so the news today it's a little different but I think it's interesting J.J. McCarthy was on Kay Adams's show Up in Adams on Fandall TV. Let's listen to the Viking starting quarterback at At least we think he's the starting quarterback. They haven't told me, and I'm happy they didn't

because I try to earn it every single day. And I never want that to be given to me. And it's such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance. And I'm just going to make the most of it every single pay. He's like added some golf course. They're in Mexico. Good kick for K there and for the players. Is that like the NBC thing?

I don't even think of that a vacation tournament or something. It's like a charity thing. Okay, that makes more sense. What did you think about that comment? I saw like an immediate reaction on blue sky where it was like it was like a meme back in the day where it's like the guy says I actually raised my rent just because I wanted to, you know, grind that much harder. I told my landlord. It's like that was the kind of comment that that was from J.J. McCarthy. I would want him to tell me I was the starting quarterback if I was J.J. McCarthy. Is there anything to read into there? No, I don't think so because I think that like you kind of want your quarterback to be a little chippy. You kind of want him to have a little. you know, chip alert happening on the shoulder right now. And I think, honestly, after last year

with Kevin O'Connell, nothing surprises me about the psychological techniques that they use or that he uses to develop a young quarterback. And J.J. McCarthy has some stuff to him, too. I mean, you hear it top people in that building talking about this. He got a little stuff to him where, like, he's not, he wants to raise his rent, essentially. Like, he's that guy. And I think that's fine to be, if you're a quarterback, us normies do not know what this means. Yeah. The tweet, by the way, I think it's okay.

Was last night I asked my landlord to increase my rent. That's how much I believe in my grind. Yeah, I think, listen, I, I, it's pretty good. The rest of us on planet Earth cannot, cannot understand or comprehend that. I think if you're a quarterback, you kind of want to be that meme. Yeah. You know? For the Vikings, it's like actions.

speak louder than words. They don't really have to say that right now based on what they did. They didn't pursue any other quarterback. They don't have Sam Darnold there anymore. They don't have Daniel Jones there anymore. Who knows what they did. They did pursue those two. Yeah. It should be said. But they had like a ceiling of how much they would pay. Exactly. They weren't like giving them an entire ransom to stay. Who knows what they're going to do in the draft. But right now it's J.J. McCarthy. I think it's the news desert that we're in. But now I'm sort of buying that like is there something here is there like a little redraft you can't believe in anything plus when they had the report about rogers that they're not doing it at this time but you know maybe later and they did

they did try to get daniel jones back by according to multiple reports it was about the same offer he just thought i could go play with the colts and i probably can't what are the chances he's not the starting quarterback week one i think he will be very low i think he will be i think honestly i think this is all a tactic I don't think any of this means anything other than this is all a tactic of if you are sitting behind a guy and you're recovering from an injury for an entire year and they saw

that you can get a little spicy at the end of the preseason which he did. He sort of took that next step. Everyone, all the beat writers who are watching practice every day all said this last year at the end of the preseason. He definitively took that next step forward right before he got hurt. And if you're trying to pull that out of him

again, then sure, you're going to leave it open with Aaron Rogers. Sure, you're going to not like overtly like present him with a plaque that says hello starting quarterback congratulations you're going to raise his rent a little bit it's on my radar so it's a little it's a little there's something not right there's so it's we'll see uh pukunakua was speaking to the join the lobby podcast uh our friend of the show pukunakua we we had him on at the super bowl he just loves being on podcasts he talked about his future in the NFL I want to retire at the age of 30. I'm 23 right now I'm going into year three I think of Aaron Donald like man like to go out at the top I think it would be super cool but then also be like yo like I want to I want to have a big family just like I want to have at least the starting five like I came from a big family so like he said he won't five I need five boys I need five boys for sure that's cool but also be like man I want to be man I want to be man I want to be like the rest of career go healthy but like man like I want to be as active as I can with them so I'm like I don't want to be the injuries are something that you can't control part of the game so like I'm man like you never know hopefully like the rest of career go healthy but like man but like man

You have shoulder surgery, you have knee surgery, you have ankle, and be like, yo, like, by the time my kids could be 18, I'm like, I could be barely walking. You know who that's not cool for, though? The women? His daughters. His daughters. Like, hey, Puka, like, what about that quote of you on the Join the Lobby podcast in

2025 14 years ago? That wasn't cool. Starting five. No daughters in the starting five. I think that it would be, it's overall, like, such a healthy thing for him to be thinking about, like to be physically able to participate. in raising his family, you don't realize until you kind of go through it after a year, and he's spoken about this before, what everyone was gifted by watching Aaron Donald get

the healthy ending to his career, watching Aaron Donald go out on his own terms, previous to that, watching Andrew Whitworth go out on his own terms, plus a championship. Like, there's a couple people in that organization who now are like, it's possible you have to set your own boundaries for it, though. Um, and I think it is interesting to me that it's so young, his body's already been through so much that he's already thinking about this. Um, but overall, I do think it's like, oh, okay, well, you know, sprinkle a girl or two and they're great. But also like, hey, um, that's really cool that you want to run around with your kids, like, when you're 30. I mean, I'm 33 and I'm like sitting there thinking like retiring at 30.

That's exactly what I'm thinking. What a insane alternate, you know, universe this would be if any of us were actually gifted athletes and football players that we could potentially retire at the age of 30 and then have an entire other life, an entire other career, an entire other anything we want. It's like, can you imagine being in that position? And also he's going to have an army of children. Yeah. Like, think about, he comes from a big family. His brothers are big, you know, big time players. The most positive, athletic, happy army of kids. ever. That's Puka Nakuwa's family, an incoming family. Like, that's just, that's a delight. And not to take the dark side of this slightly, but he's had another model ahead of him in the

organization more directly in Cooper Cup in that offense, which asks their wide receivers to block a lot and be a really physical receiver. And Pooka Nakua in many ways is kind of the next gen Cooper Cup. And he's seen what Cooper Cup's body went through. Now, Cooper Cup made sure to get that huge life-changing contract and that monster season. And I believe Puka Nakua's best years are still in front of him, and that will all happen for him. But it's also a reminder that, like, you don't necessarily stay at the top forever in terms of your health and your production. I don't know, actually, that I've heard a lot of other players his age, like actually vocalizing this or thinking about this right now. Like I said, I think he's looking at it from a pretty healthy person.

No, Andrew Luck stayed quiet about it. And many other, I mean, there have been football players overtime, Chris Borland. And certainly it happens that players just retire early. Forget who was just recently retired after six years in the NFL. And he could have kept playing. Like he didn't have like a superstar career, but it happens. And man, it's a sport like no other. It's a tough one.

Last little item of news. I just thought it was interesting. Really hot news day. Yeah, the Raven signed Chinobe Awusier, who just a couple of years ago was a top tier cornerback. When he actually played for the Titans last year, played pretty well, but just hasn't been able to stay healthy. And it's just a very typical Ravens signing.

I believe it's out of the compensatory pick window and it's just a veteran who's had a level before and maybe he ends up contributing. I am ready to get to this exciting first segment. Yeah. Blah, blah, blah, blah. That's it. There's nothing more. There's nothing more for today.

Maybe more will come later this week. There will be no more news. There will. I do like some news. That's my background. But I do like pretending to be NFL figures and that's what we're going to do in this segment. So we're going to go around the room a couple times. We're going to play different roles.

Everyone had a different idea of how they were going to envision this, whether it was like improvised or whether it's scripted or what. It wasn't just me this time. No one really. No one really. We didn't all talk about it as a group, which we should have earlier than this morning. But I think we're going to nail it. Let's start.

I like seeing the anxiety pour out of Colleen. Let's start with Colleen. There is no anxiety in the off-season. No, she's a performance. I've started the Summer of Connie already. Hell yeah. That's right. You did Wine Country with your...

I did. I took my dad and my sister to Wine Country. It was awesome. We had so much fun. It rained the whole time, but it wasn't even an issue. It was like, it was the best. My dad said it was the greatest time of his life. Oh, my God.

I know. I was like... That's so nice. I don't know if that's good or bad. But no, it was good. It was great. Loved it. So, yeah, Summer of Connie is in full swing.

At least in my mind, it is. Once I get through 10. Axes, we are full send. Shout out to Healdsburg. Beautiful place. My friend Matt Casey got married there. Really? It was beautiful.

All right. Let's start. Here we go. Set it up for us, Colleen. All right. So, first dates. So for this first date, James Winston takes the Giants to an escape room.

What? And the escape room is called the NFC East. A buzzing neon sign hangs precarious. in a dimly lit alley we've arrived James whispers in a hush tone to his date the giants look at each other eyes wide hearts racing

one by one they step past the iron clad door Brian Dayball quickly sends his location to his wife but soon he'll realize there's no service inside the NFC east a large antique clock ticks ominously over the faint

hum of a generator the space is cramped with a single flickering bulb overhead. Here, Jamis and the Giants will be briefed on the challenge ahead. The Game Master enters the room from the back. He's young, he's spry, cutting effortlessly through the cramped room.

He and James lock eyes. I always knew James would be a giant, the Game Master quips. We spoke about it at Super Bowl Media Night. The Game Master reveals his identity to the room and cackles with, delight. A slightly too enthusiastic Saquan Barclay explains the rules of this escape room. Wow. After all, he knows what it's like to be trapped as a giant.

A collective anxiety washes over the room as the air becomes thick with concern. What kind of first date is this anyway? And how did they even get here? The room goes dark. Joe Shane screams. Malik neighbors shakes his head for no one to see because the room is dark James opens the door to the escape room and leads a mix of nervous coaches and management inside

they haven't won the NFC East since 2011 and James knows this James is focused yet playful and calms the nerves of the room with some lighthearted jokes and a pregame pump-up speech giving a full Sunday gospel auntie energy his ability to work on depression

is on full display in this moment and together, James and the team test communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills one puzzle at a time. But time is running out. An urgency begins to suffocate the room. Will they escape?

Will the clock run out? Tick. Tick. Tick. Oh, wow. What the fuck? I don't know if I'm going to be able to leave any of these conversations with a better sense of dread. I want to see episode two.

You are such a good writer, Colleen. Oh, my God. Like, legitimately, I'm, like, enthralled by this right now. Oh, my God. Yeah. So I, that's why I haven't quite come up with a second one yet. I was like, where else should I taste this? Not necessary.

She's clearly. haven't been on a first date in a very long time. I also like that every time you give Colleen a chance to make a decision in a segment, she just buries the Giants. That's basically it. You know what? Your story, though, made me think actually a real football nugget, like a takeaway from it, which I guess that's how my mind works. What do you mean? That was very real. Yes, that's true. It's happening. They're still in the escape room. that James is is just the right character to somehow unlock like the the scary situation that he's a vibes guy he's a vibes guy in a place that desperately desperately needs it yeah i would like

to pitch a story in this moment to the giants PR staff uh i would like to clock brian dable's blood pressure starting right now and keep track of it through the course of working with james because I would suspect that it would lower, right? Wow. You would just get a little happier, you know, just vibes. And then we could just sort of chart it. Just keep an eye on it, you know, not judging, just noticing. I like that idea.

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, and maybe over the next month as he's reading these different draft reports and I saw Jeff Darlington was on the radio and was saying, hey, don't still rule out the giants for Aaron Rogers. I was like, oh, is this never ending? Is it not going to stop? But as we get closer, it does feel like with, you know, there's, supposedly Dion Sanders was thinking Shadur, you know, set at an event that he thinks he's going to New York

and he famously wore some Giants cleats at the Alamo Bowl, I believe, Shadur Sanders did. And so who knows? Maybe James will just be the backup for Shadur who gets everyone out of the escape room, escape with their jobs. And their lives. And their fives. All right, what should we do next? Let's do Cam Ward. We'll do Cam Ward.

Okay, wait. I have a part in this, right? You do. We have a bunch of parts. Table read. I like this. Jordan will be playing the role of Cam Ward. It's an honor.

I'm thinking about who are the other two. Colleen, you are Mike Borgonzi. And I am Chad Brinker, the head of football operations. Okay. Again, Jordan, Cam Ward, Colleen, Mike Borgonzi. I'm Chad Brinker. Okay. Hey, good to see you again.

Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker. Hi. I appreciate you coming out. So I've brought you here just to thank you for that dinner the other night for sending your entire organization to watch me throw. And I'm just wondering if you're ready to commit to me as the number one overall draft pick. Well, you see, Cam, we can't just tell you that here.

Yes, there is a process that we must follow. And what is it exactly that? each of you do with the organization? Oh, well, I am the general manager. And I am the director of football operations. So you're Mike's boss, right? Yeah, you could say that. And how would you say you got that job? Well, Cam, I won a power struggle over the last general manager, Ran Carthon, who lasted two years after winning a power struggle over his coach Mike Ravel, who won a power struggle over his former general manager, John Robinson, who won a power struggle over his coach, Mike Mularky.

I see. Who are your quarterbacks again? Well, Will Levis and a man by the name of Brandon Allen. Okay. And what would you say people think about first, when they think about the Titans? We've got a new stadium coming. Brian Callahan's dad is here.

We've got a left tackle Dan Moore paying him $82 million. We finished exactly 27th or 28th and points scored for three straight years. Awesome. Awesome. This has been great, guys, really. And yeah, about that number one pick thing,

maybe I was getting a little ahead of things. I totally get it. We could keep it casual. If someone wants to trade up, I would not be offended if you take the call. Or if you just want to pass, totally get it. It's not you. It's me. And scene. Great job, everyone. New stadium. Chad. Chad Brinker. I just think it's the name. The power struggle was good. There's a lot of power

struggles going on. It got me thinking. And we could talk a little Cam Ward news now that we're out of our Thespian rules. It got me thinking. Let me take off the character. Because, because I was immersed. Cam Ward had his pro day. And there was the report that they took them out to dinner the night before. And they're going to have a private workout with him in a couple more days. And our Cam Wolf and Brian Baldinger got a great sound bite from Cam Ward where after one of the nice throws, he kind of points over at Brinker and Borganzi and Brian Callahan is there. And he's just like, you know, basically saying like, look what I'm doing. And he said, I'm solidifying myself.

I'm like, did he really yell out? I'm solidifying myself? I think he just said, let it fly. Yeah, I think that was what he was saying that he meant, but I think he said something different. But everyone took it literally that he said, I'm solidifying myself. Oh, that's awesome.

Which is stupid and funny. I would say that every time I threw the ball. Not to put on my Patrick Claibon hat here, but I just started thinking, like, in what world is this great young prospect that 10 teams would love to have around the league have to kind of impress this Titans organization? It should be the other way around.

The Titans should be trying to impress him, because it's been a little rocky lately. And I think that's honestly to have so many of these meetings and like the overt presence. And we're bringing the entire house to come and see you versus sending just the GM or just the senior scout or whatever. Even when it is so obvious that he's going to be the pick, this is the thing with Caleb Williams too.

When an organization, even when it's so obvious, you still have to basically show up. So that is what they're doing. I feel like they're trying, there are just as much. trying to tell him, hey, we've got you, you've got us, like buy into us too, just as much. It's interesting to me, this entire process is seems like it's very much like, hey, here's who we are too, just as much. So I think you kind of nailed it with your script.

So now that's a fair, smart football person type of answer where I was just being like smarmy and being like, kind of look at what's happened with the Titans. It's, I love when you're smarmy. Yeah, that's the preferred bread. It's just been a little. hockey. I have thoughts on Cam Ward. I've started studying, but now this is not the show for it. Okay. But I'd like to see him with Brian Davel. I don't know if Brian Callahan is the right guy for him, but ultimately it's not going to be up to Cam Ward. You know what? I would like to see either Cam Ward or Shadour with Brian Daibu. I would like to see what Brian Daibble is still capable of.

And if, and by the way, if Shadur, if that staff, if they pick him and that staff for some reason is not intact, whatever in New York, go get a McVeigh. Shanahan guy, because I think Shadur Sanders is a perfect fit for that system. Do you think the Giants are going to move up? So there's been reporting about the Titans and their interest in Kim Ward. You're saying how it seems so obvious. And I agree with you, Jordan. And yet two weeks ago, I don't think nationally that was necessarily the feeling. They knew what they wanted to do in the Tennessee building. But now it really feels like they're locking in on him. And the latest bit of evidence for that is Adam Schaefter reported on Tuesday that they're increasingly impressed. And

While they're expected to listen to offers, it would now take an even stronger package to acquire the drafts top selection. Now, if you really just were trying to get the biggest package possible, this would be how you do it. They're trying to get the biggest package possible. Speaking of dating. First dates. You don't always find that out on your first date.

Sometimes you do. Sorry. I was going to do something about offensive lines and protection. And I was like, you know, it's too much. It's too much. There is like an increasing belief. that you know that it's going to be hard to trade up to them uh our guy rap sheet pointed out the teams most likely to do that the teams that had the biggest presence at cam words pro day and i think

this is pretty telling where the titans the giants and the saints and there is a pretty the saints being the hey just in case yeah there is an undercurrent and and it's it's been out there kind of like the saints might be the team to give the godfather offer now would the tennessee you want to go all the way back to nine, you know, probably not. I wouldn't think. But Cam Ward said some nice things about the Saints and, and, uh, they are desperate to change the Saints were there too. Yeah. I'm just saying they, they might be, could they give away every first round pick and second round pick? Then maybe Tennessee would do it. I don't really do. All right. Let's go on to, uh, to Jordan. Sorry. Okay. We're going to, I'm going to start me and

Eric are going to do this one. I'm going to start with, uh, the inside look at the meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rogers, their first date that lasted, you know, six or seven hours, if you will. Okay. Eric, are you ready? Oh, yeah. Okay. So I'm Aaron.

Okay. And Eric is our lovely narrator. Okay. Hi, Mike. Hi, Omar. Great to see you guys. Thanks for the kombucha. Not sure how you knew that this is my favorite kind.

Anyway, listen, guys, I don't want to take too much of your time. time today, maybe just five, six hours. I have questions. As you know, I like to do my own research. So I'm glad we're sitting down. I'm a little nervous about joining a new team for the first time, especially after what happened in New Jersey. I want to go out a legend. But I got to ask, Omar, first and foremost, how much are you willing to pay me? Omar Khan silently reaches for a framed photograph under his desk and holds it up to Rogers. It's D.K. Metcalfe in his full Steelers uniform and pads with a blacked out helmet. advisor.

That is so cool. I mean, can you imagine me slinging it to Medcaf, who just runs past and through people, putting the fear into defenses? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Are you trying to distract me here? Mike, let me try you. Why should I come to the Steelers who haven't broken through past okay and just not bad over the last several seasons?

Mike Tomlin silently reaches for a framed photograph under his desk and holds it up to Rogers. It's D.K. Metcalfe. his full Steelers uniform in pads with a blacked-out helmet visor. Okay. I mean, that's pretty freaking cool, man. Throwing the ball to that guy. It would be so fun. Almost could make me forget about everything else. No, no, no, no. Focus, Aaron. I have to think clearly. Let me just FaceTime my dude, T.J. Watt. T.J. Hey, man. Listen, I'm trying to get these questions about the organization answered, but Mike and Omar keep distracting me and clouding my brain waves up with the potential of throwing to one of the most badass receivers in the

So I need to hear it from you, Teage. Why should I come to Pittsburgh? Watts silently flips out his phone to show Rogers a framed photo on his hockey table. It's D.K. Metcalfe in his full Steelers uniform and pads with a blacked out helmet bites. I love it. Okay, fuck it. I'm in. Oh, wow.

That was almost like an alternate history because he decided to join the Steelers. I need to see the picture. I wish that you all of a sudden pulled one out from under the desk. Just wordlessly showed the photo. How badass is that going to be, though? I mean, I think it's going to happen. Now I'm starting to... I'm convinced now.

Now we just... Yeah, now I am. Now that he said it there. He did meet with them for six hours and then not sign afterwards. They let him out of the building. So I just mean like, clearly they're not like putting any huge pressure

that he has to right now. And maybe there is an understanding there. but maybe, maybe not. It's interesting too because to me, and part of the reason I wrote it like this is because it very much is a duality with Aaron Rogers here where an organization that he didn't necessarily make his first choice

has to convince him why they would be so great to come to and that's obviously part of the joke here. But then also Aaron kind of focusing on the optics of a situation and focusing on how cool it might be or it could be and really needing to take some time and think about what's actually the right way for him to go out into the sunset. I mean, that's a pretty good looking depth chart. It's a pretty good organization.

I mean, they're not going to be taking a quarterback number three overall, like the Giants. They're actually interested in him, unlike the Viking. So what are you waiting for? I can't wait to do these last three. Let's take a quick break. We'll be right back. Hey, this is Matt Jones.

Now, I'm Drew Franklin. And this is NFL cover zero. We're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different. Did you see the Colts pretzel? That was my other big takeaway from that game. What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining.

And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development

to team-building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision-makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups,

and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year. Whether you're a diehard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box score,

this podcast is for you. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Six podcast on the IHeart Radio app, podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael F. Florio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?

Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL fantasy football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. Back on NFL Daily.

Having a weird day. With the hottest new segment in the game right now, it's NFL first dates. Yeah, it is. We're just around the room once, and already we've, we've, we, We've received word that it's a hit. Smashing hit. We're coming back for season two. But before we do that, we've got to listen to Colleen.

Okay. Set it up for me. All right. So this one is remarkably shorter. Oh, okay. My first. So Pete Carroll and Gino Smith. Oh, wow.

They're going to the Catalina Wine Mixer. And on the way to Catalina, they're just continuously finishing each other's sentences. Like, it's almost like. they've known each other forever. And I know that this is a first date, but a lot of times it's like, oh, have I known you in a past life? Something like that?

And that's the vibe that I'm getting here. And Gino, he had never been to Catalina before. And Pete Carroll, he's been there just a couple times, not terribly long, and assured him that this would be a perfect scenario for Gino, that there's great weather, there's incredible wine there, and people to talk to,

the vinters are all very experienced on staff and they have food protection from hangovers. That's kind of where I ended this and then we started the show. I love it. I love it. Yeah. I don't know what happened there, but I love it. Me either. I've never been to the Catalina wine mixer.

So I'm not even really certain what goes on there. I've never been to Catalina Island. It's a little island in Los Angeles. Her mind and her heart is still in James's escape room. It's right. I mean, I could continue with that one. I feel bad for even forcing you to do that. But yeah, maybe I'll

maybe I'll come up with some terrible scenario that happens once we get to the island and dock. Speaking of which, I do want to give some credit to our guy, Eric, who had a lot of fun just setups. These were great. And like in his Carol and Gino's setup, they were both sharing a piece of gum. Like Lady in the Tramp style.

And Pete had the quote, Pete had the quote, I know you texted late last night, but I heard you don't write back. Thanks for writing back to me. So corny. So corny. Eric.

That's pretty good. And there was a Jason Light and offensive coordinator, Josh Grizzard, meet up, but Liam Cohen didn't show up to it. He stood them up. He was supposed to be there. He stood them up. Well, yeah, they're in Tampa,

and they're all meeting together. They're thinking they're all getting together. And it's not happened. And then I do like, my favorite one was the, idea of Shane Steichen and Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson speed dating, that he essentially benched Richardson mid-date for Daniel Jones. So appreciate you. Nicely done.

Creative juices, guys. Yeah. That's some time this week. All right. He's a star. We're going to wing this one. I'm going to be Sam Darnold. And Colleen will be Cooper Cup. And we are at a sushi restaurant in Venice. The combined beard power. by the way, of that collection. That's very Venice. Yeah. Hey, Cooper. So awesome to meet you, man.

Finally. Yo, I've been waiting for this moment, man. It's like, it's so cool to just get a teammate that's like totally on the same page as me. Like, don't you just like love hunting and fishing? I mean, I really love volleyball. So beach volleyball is kind of my jam. You play, bro? Do you want to do singles?

I love volleyball. That's why I spend my summers down here just dig set spike. I love that Pearl Jam, vintage T-shirt. Yeah. We're at the press conference. Yeah, that's my jam. That's my favorite. That's my go-to.

You know what else I love? Like, beards. Beards and baseball. And beer. I love beer. So much. But sometimes, like, do you ever just feel like you aren't good enough? No, man.

And I've, no. I always feel good enough. Like, do you ever just, like, wonder if sports are just the best distraction we have from the overwhelming sense that we're all going to die someday? Bro, what are you talking about? Do you ever, like, make a decision? And, like, immediately after you make that decision, you start asking yourself questions. Like, why does everyone give Clint Kubiak so much credit for the year that got my

like Zimmer fired in those two games that were good for the Saints? I haven't, no, I have not considered that. Like, did you ever actually watch any of the Seahawks tape from last year and like how well Gino managed to survive in front of that offensive line and just like worry a little bit? No, I just went surfing, bro. Like, did you ever think what would be better than me and you and JSN would be me and you and JSN. At stagecoach. And D.K. McAfeeff. At Coachella?

Oh, shit. There's Sean McVeigh and Devante Adams and Matthew Stafford. Let's get out of here. That's stage coach. I don't know. You did great for no clarification. I'm just channeling people that I unfortunately know. May they never hear this episode. I just like that, you know, beneath the, beneath the bro veneer is real, real existential. Got real dark there, Sam. My job is beach. You're up with the last one, Jordan.

Somehow made it about Gino, though. Yeah. Oh, my God, I need a minute. Oh, my God. Okay. So everyone has a part. Okay. Here's the setup.

The Bears' new offensive line has its first get-together. Joe Tuny, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson are carpooling to Darnel Wright's house for drinks and dinner. Or so they think. I am the narrator. I am also Drew Dalman. Colleen, you are Jonah Jackson. All right. Greg, you're Joe Tuny.

And Eric, you're darn all right. Okay. Everyone ready? I'm so ready. The new offensive linemen of the Chicago Bears, Joe Tunney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. are in the process of carpooling to Darnall Wright's house for dinner and drinks. The small talk amongst the brand new teammates is a little awkward. Nobody wants to take control of the music as they drive.

Tuni is at the wheel. So, guys, like, what are you most excited about this spring? Chicago, am I right? Beef sandwiches, like the bear. I love beef sandwiches. Drew, what kind of sandwiches do you like? I prefer pancakes. Hell yeah.

You guys got any ideas about, like, how we're going to turn this offense around? Teamwork. Good blocking, staying healthy, getting the ball out fast, running the damn ball. Yeah. Hell yeah. Um, also, there's this one thing we could try. He's sitting in the back and his voice trails off. Tune looks at him in the rear view mirror. He thinks he knows where Drew is going with this. Go on, Drew. Safe space. I mean, we could do the coup thing. Oh, yeah, like Detroit, Gibbs, 2023? I still have my shift from that, made it out of an old crock shoe with a whittled face mask.

Bro, I signed one of the bricks we used to wall Terry and Arthur in his office for Rahim and Zach to make the call to get Mike last year. Gave it to Mike for his birthday. I've been there. Ah, memories. People thought we were crazy. Lineman always know, man. We know what to do. Tune pulls up to the curb in front of Wright's house and shuts off the car.

He locks the doors with an audible click. The linemen all look at each other, silent for a moment. Okay, boys, we can't leave this car until we swear to each other. Ashton Genty at number 10. We need this running back. Ryan Poles is a big dude and we like him. But can't we all take them the three of us? We need to be prepared to take command if he tries to pick someone else.

Suddenly, there's a tap. on the passenger window. It's Darnel Wright. Hey, new friends. We talk in coup. Ooh. Nice. Great job.

Yay. We talked in Q. You guys killed that. I love you taking a break from your serious football work just so happy it makes you. We need to do this more. Script it out. I love character work.

I love the idea that they could take over because Ryan Poles is a big guy. we sat next to him at the combat. Really? And they're not a, oh, he was an offensive lineman as well. I would say he's as big as these guys, although they're in their plain, plain shape and plain weight. So I think they could, they could absolutely take them. I also think there's something there to the bears kind of doing this, a similar thing that the lions did, really, in all seriousness with going high with a running back, especially a premier running back. And they need that. They need, I mean, it's a position of need. They have other

needs. But these linemen, they always know. If the Raiders let them get there all the way to 10. Ashton Jente. Raiders could pan. If not, they have the beef sandwiches. I, Chicago. Is that what Chicago's most known for now is the bear? I don't know. I'm surprised Deep Dish didn't make it in there. Beef sandwich. You know what city is underrated? I'm not going to lie. Jonah Jackson just didn't, you know, Philadelphia. New Orleans. Like, New Orleans is well known for roast beef poboys. And I feel like. Really? The out of towners don't know. Parasals, come on.

Why are you telling us this now? I know. We blew it, but we nailed it with our... We blew it, but we nailed it. We nailed it. Colleen, how is life with Kima going before we say goodbye? Oh, gosh, guys. Kema came back from good girl school, and she's not really a good girl yet, but I tried

to take her to a doggy daycare. And there was an audition process, and so it's very excited. Your dog had to audition. to be led into the daycare. Yeah. So they do like temperament checks and stuff like that. And she's great with other dogs. So I'm like,

oh, this is going to be so nice. Now I can like drop her off at doggy daycare and like actually like run errands and stuff because her separation anxiety is like out of control. So I drop her off and not even 20 minutes later. I get a call from the place. And they were like,

yeah, I know you just dropped off chema, but she jumped a pretty high fence. and we got her. She's still here, but yeah, it's not going to work out. We need to be able to contain her.

So I had to go back and get her. And now I don't know what I'm going to do because she can jump like six and a half foot fences. Have you ever thought about steeplechase? Would dogs do that? Yeah, dogs do that. Yeah, you know, like the competition where you can take advantage of that height.

I know. Someone else was mentioning this to me. We're like, okay, so where do you do, this at? Who can take my dog and train her? Should we build an obstacle course for Kima? Yes. This is the NFL daily summer challenge. She's very athletic. What I've been doing is taking her on bike rides with me. So I ride the bike and then she runs next to me. And she only pulled me down three times yesterday on the strand. So she probably could jump over you too. I'm covered in bruises. My my legs are covered in bruises right now. I hope you didn't take that too hard. I'm sure it's

frustrating but the good thing is like any mild you know shame or disappointment that you felt like she didn't feel that because she's a dog she has no idea not at all like bike is on top of me it's it's going so smooth she's so athletic that one of these days we're just going to see like a silhouette of Colleen on her bike against the moon it was Kima who has jumped and carried the bike with her ET style very ET style I know it is a beautiful thing to have you guys back in the studio. We don't need no stinking news today. A beautiful I love a no news day. See you next Tuesday show.

That's right. We are keeping rolling this week. Patrick Claibon's in the studio next. We're going to be going through screaming needs for every NFC team. I would say when we're just talking chema like for a good chunk of the show, football is not back.

But if James Winston is stuck in a freaking escape room, let's go. You know football is back. Hey everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move to Six, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies to evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.

It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sundays. miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie

manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help and crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL fantasy football podcast on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL, visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. This is an IHeart podcast.