NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - Top 101 Free Agents of 2023

Episode Date: February 27, 2023

A room filled with some heroes - Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler, and Gregg Rosenthal bring you all the latest NFL news, starting with reports that it's "very likely" Jalen Ramsey is traded (7:28). The Rams have released Bobby Wagner (10:55), Lamar Jackson reportedly never asked for a fully guaranteed contract (14:12), the NFL's competition committee is reviewing the 'Tush Push' (19:52), Russell Wilson reportedly tried to get Pete Carroll and John Schneider fired (24:43), and we hit 8 o'clock delight (30:08). Then, the heroes dive into Gregg's Top 101 Free Agents list (33:59), breaking down the top ten guys (43:44), other key players including some intriguing quarterbacks (41:29) and running backs (51:17), and we spin the Wheel of Destiny to hit a bunch more names from the list (55:23). Note: timecodes approximate.NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. The Around the NFL podcast is now less successful than Ricky Hollywood. From the Chris Wessling podcast studio, it's Around the NFL. I'm Dan Hansis. Got all the heroes back together, Greg Rosenthal. We back.

Mark Sessler, Combine Week. We're holding it down from Los Angeles this year, but the coverage will be just as good, if not better. Mark, welcome back. How is your time away? There's a lot of mystery whenever Mark's away. Oh, really? Where is Mark?

Is he coming back? The man deserved a vacation, and he took that vacation, and now he has returned. Well, I pulled the old trick that Greg used to do, which I think I've learned is quite valuable, which you often would do the right after Super Bowl, do the thing. I'd wait until May or June and roll in like a car. that rolled off the road. So it's like, this was actually a next level move by myself for myself.

Smart. Got you. I am with myself now. Got you two weeks off, so you are fully refreshed. I feel great. I understand that you were on a cruise during what is some of the most unfortunate wintry weather in this region's recent history. How did that go?

This is an accurate audible soundblight. It was one of these cruises that you can get on for very little amount of money. Right. And I thought, well, listen, I have low expectations. By the way, just not for nothing. You're a successful media personality. I found a parking.

Yeah, but I found a great deal. Allotted to you. I just found a great deal. So it was like it had everything you need. But like when we got on, we were initially supposed to go to Catalina Island. Right. Which is, yeah, it's a nice thing. And then down to like Ensenada, Mexico.

And the first announcement, because if you go on these ships, like they just pound you with these announcements left around. It was like, especially if you pay like 300 bucks. Right. It's like, we are white. Piping Catalina Island off the schedule right away. So there were no stops, essentially. And I think they spent, the one thing you could do in a boat.

Now get back to work as Mark shovels coal into the engine. They just spent most of the time on board, I think, trying to steer around inclement weather out and sea. To keep you alive. It went from a vacation paradise scenario to get everyone back to shore without water in their lungs. To some degree. I mean, you could always see dangerous clouds in the distance. But, I mean, I would say otherwise it just was fantastic.

And you know, it's the only thing worse, perhaps, than going on a cruise during the worst California winter storm in 25 years, moving. So, and that was Greg's weekend. That was, that was unfortunate. It was, I didn't, at first I was like, do I use an umbrella? I mean, it was a lot of rain. It was a lot of rain and a lot of moving.

Ten years in that place. You know how much junk piles up over 10 years? A lot. You know how much I shouldn't have left a lot of the work to the last minute and did? That's what you do. That's a lot. Most of them is wet. Well, it's good to have everybody back together.

And this is a big app. We feel like a real man, though. You're doing a lot of lifting. You were doing most of the man work. Well, there was just like a lot of extra stuff on top of the moot. We had movers, of course. But, you know, there's a lot of extra stuff in the scene. Find your tool set and all of that leftover.

Had your wrench work go. Emica's more of the handy woman around the house. You're doing so well there. Yes, this is a very important episode in the offseason for us. It's Greg Rosenthal's Top 101 Free Agents is out. Hit me with a little celebratory horn gesture, Justin. Now, give me the other one. I want more.

I want bigger. Give me it now. There is the top 101. He put a lot of effort into it. Maybe not as much just here because he was moving. So we'll go through Greg's 101. Both the good and the bad. And I did study it at great length this morning,

and I do have some issues. Okay, great. I'm looking forward to those issues. I mean, it was published about 25 minutes ago. Right. It was. Right. You know, I got some Intel inside info had the list.

Well, I mean, I had the list, but I like to read, the one thing I like, and I'm starting out, I'm bathing it now, the little, the nuggets, the little write-ups that Greg does. I just chew those, and I just stick to the hard data. Player, number. I've got some, I don't know if it's breaking news or even developing news. You got mad at me last time, but I just have an update for you.

For the first time ever, my byline on NFL.com says around the NFL podcast co-host. Yeah, I didn't like that. I just saw that too. I didn't make that. But who at this point did? I think they were tired of, it said editor for a long time. I mean, I got to see what mine is now at this point because I guarantee this was a bang job. You guys know this doesn't sit well with me.

No. It's not worth it to a time. us to name ourselves that. Hugely important roles on this podcast. It doesn't exist unless we're all pulling our weight. I am the host of the podcast. I don't like the co-host thing. Oh, wow.

I didn't know what this was about you. It is. It's about me. We've talked about this before. I don't remember it. You're not going to like this. It's about me. They actually went completest and gave me the same title as yourself and Greg here.

I hope so. I hope so, actually. Well, that would have been upset. It's been a long time. I will do radio hits and they'll be like around the NFL editor and I you know it's not worth correcting it's not worth correcting what if it was just in all caps for you talent whoa this is weird they updated Dan's too and it actually says around the NFL assistant I wouldn't be here if that was the case that would be instant strike material um all right so anyway greggie top 101 we're going to get to it um But first, let's do some news and get caught up. I have seen the future of horror.

Yes, Pelraiser. Beyond any terror you have imagined. I mean, we don't have a real relationship with Tom yet, but at some point, when we, as we continue to build out his nickname, which I think is going to have grassroots positive ramifications for the man down the line because it's about branding, it's all about branding. This is coming from the new old blue eyes. This could really help Tom, but maybe we need to connect with him and see if he's cool with Pelraiser. I think we've rolled out the red carpet.

for a potential, you know, association connection. Should we perhaps set up something where we have Tom on the show to talk about, Pell Razor? I don't know. Or is this something, an offline situation? Either right, it starts to feel weird if we have this home run nickname and we have yet to even, you know, speak with the man. These are just things to think about.

Yeah, I mean, I'd say this is why you're one of the around the NFL podcast co-host. Exactly. 98% of the time we just connect with the co-worker directly. This time we've taken a different route, but maybe we just explore it further than, you know. We got maybe we got a, yeah, we got a meet on the road of communication. Tom Pelliser, the Pellraiser, reports first news item, transition. The Rams have had trade talks about six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, Jalen Ramsey. League sources now believe it's very likely Ramsey is dealt in the coming weeks.

Ramsey's due 17 million this upcoming season on a front-loaded deal. according to Pell Razor that averages 20 million and L.A. is in clearing cap space mode. So, Mark Sessler, would you pay, would you give up a first round pick for Jalen Ramsey? Tell Razor. In 2023.

I think if I were the type of team where you're lower down in the draft order and you feel like you're a Jalen Ramsey away from having a defense that goes from good to great, I think he can still be that player. I certainly get why the Rams are in the mode of moving on from a number of veterans, considering their cap space, which is a mess right now, their lack of draft picks and just where they kind of sit in the universe.

Right. I threw out the Patriots number 14 overall. I threw Kendrick Bourne in that deal just for fun. I know Bill. I know Bill doesn't like Kendrick-Born. And this was before this report was out, and now there's actually rumors that the Patriots could be in the mix for it. And I would give up the 14th overall pick.

I don't think draft picks are overrated because you have that contract and it's the best chance you have. Basically, those rookie contracts are what makes paying for all these veterans possible. But that's a bird in the hand. I think Jalen Ramsey's still great. And I was confused, like, why is this so certain? And then there's been further reporting that Jalen Ramsey is looking for more money. And that's the key to all this. You have to give them a new contract and that the Rams want to and are willing to get out in front of this

because they're like, we're not going to give you that new contract. Let's just like nip this in the bud. This is how we got you in the first place. You did great for us, but we don't want to give that contract right now. So let's just trade you while your values high. And on the subject of the Patriots, remember, it used to be actually a trope during the Brady era that any time a big time player was out there as a trade possibility. It was always immediately connected to the Patriots.

And they do have a history of, you know, collecting high profile guys. So it makes sense. Jonathan Jones, they moved to the outside last year. he's a free agent and I think he's on your list, Gregie, in a prominent spot. So they do have somebody that that slot could be vacated and filled with Jalen Ramsey. But I'm sure there are many other teams that would be interested at the right price. But that is, that's true. It's two things.

You're going to probably give up a first round pick, right? And then you got to pay him top of the market. And then you have to think about it. And we're going to get into it the top 101. With these veterans, are you paying for their prime years? Yeah. And I don't know if you're paying for Jalen Ramsey's prime years when you give him a top of the market salary

and then it turns into a two-year deal typically. They're allowing some of their top performers of the position to move on in for agency a year ago, this year potentially. Then you're going to give up a first and then pay him that contract. That's a little atypical to old-school Patriots moves. The whole new contract thing, that's if he can get it and he probably can, that's probably where the Patriots bow out. They like to get the guys when they're at a lower value.

Look, if he was a free agent, he would be number two on my list. Certainly better than your current number two. I mean, he would be the best defensive player available, maybe two or three. In other Rams news, Los Angeles has parted ways with Bobby Wagner. This happened after we recorded on Thursday. Always annoying. Wagner's release will free up at least $5 million in caps savings. And it could be more depending on if it's a post-June 1 situation.

Anyway, Gregi, this is a very interesting free agent because Wagner was everything the Rams could have asked for in his one year in Los Angeles. He was still Bobby Wagner, graded out very high on PFF and other metrics and he will get a job, obviously. Then it becomes what kind of contract he gets. He will be 33 in June. This was wild.

He was a second team all pro. Like he was the best move they made last offseason. And this really signified to me more than anything. that winning in 2023 is not like the only or number one objective by the Rams. They're definitely doing a reset here because there's no way they're better. And they're only saving five plus million. By the way, he's not on the free agents list now because they're doing this thing where they're going to cut him on March 15th. But I think they're trying to help him out.

And his agents are wanting it out there like, hey, save your money. Bobby will be available every eventually. Where would he be on your? He'd be in my top 20. Levanti David is right around 20 and he'd be ahead of him. It's a good position in free agency, the off ball linebacker to some degree.

And like I think that Wagner, I mean, it was framed by Schaefter sort of being a mutual party. And I kind of get it. Do you want, if you were Bobby Wagner, and it's clear the Rams are,

you know, shifting down from the worst title defense ever to what is kind of a change in philosophy for them. It's not just, hey, we're one or two major swings away from adding this veteran or that to win the division and go into the playoffs.

It's like they feel like, I'm surprised that Sean McVeigh actually signed up for this after all the hemmy and hawing about coming back at all. Everyone should read our friend Jordan Rodriguez wrote a really interesting piece about Sean McVey on the athletic and how he, the soul searching and kind of the collapse mentally he had last year. And they tied it together that he's like got his mojo back essentially and he's excited about the challenge. But I don't know.

I don't like this. I mean, I get the changing direction from the front office, but it's weird to me. Well, look at it from a different perspective. Maybe him coming back and we're seeing some of the results of that. Maybe he was like, I don't want to play that game anymore. Like you were going to give up more first round picks for a pass rusher last season when we weren't even in contention.

Like we need to start building this a different way. And if I'm a Ramsent, I know we're probably not winning the Super Bowl this year. But, you know, if they kept on going on that path that they've been on, they were going to be a three and 14 team a year or two from now. We just can't keep doing it over and over. And, like, McVeigh, one thing in that article, I thought that was kind of self-aware was he talked about, like, the good version of Sean McVe can tug everyone along with him. Right. But he's got this other, and he knows that he's got this other McVeigh kind of energy.

And it comes from times when he says nothing to people around the building that can take them in a totally different place. I guess my thought is, like, why isn't that McVeigh going to come out again if they're three and seven and looking at, you know, they have a lot of challenges. They're losing free agents like Aishon Robinson, Greg Gaines, Nick Scott, Taylor Rap, Troy Hill. not all, like, huge players, but those are all starters. I think it will come out. That's a problem. In other news, the increasingly muddled Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens situation, Lamar Jackson has not come out publicly and talked.

But Stephen A. Smith, a very prominent personality for ESPN, said on first take that Jackson's camp reached out to him with the following information. And it's important information, if true, Jackson's camp claims that Lamar Jackson has never demanded a fully guaranteed deal from the Ravens. That's been widely assumed during this whole process that that's the holdup, that Lamar wants all his contract guaranteed and the Ravens aren't willing to go there. It's been reported that the Ravens' initial offer or current standing offer is only 133 million guaranteed, which seems like a lot, but considering what the top of the market guys get, it's not.

Where are we standing on this, Gregi? It does feel more and more like a possibility of divorce is happening here. I just thought this is the first time they've come out publicly his team. And by his team, it's his mom. He is a lawyer. The NFL P.A. is helping him. But I think with endorsements and stuff like that, it's been his mom and him running negotiations for them to come out publicly and say,

we didn't ask for a fully guaranteed contract. To me, he just was noteworthy. And I'm with you. It feels like a public back and forth now. to the point where it's almost like the Ravens are laying the groundwork with like, see, it's not totally our fault. We got to trade him. I mean, the NFLPA has advised Lamar Jackson to some degree and reporting out there.

I mean, DeMora Smith also said at one point that he was trying to get a fully guaranteed deal. So it's some back and forth, and I know, Dan, you're a little tired of the mechanics around the whole thing. I'm ready. I think everyone's kind of ready for this to be resolved one way or the other. But as a Jets fan, I mean, I'm with you that I feel like what felt to me like this will get settled. The Ravens will franchise him and they'll find a way to get a deal done. I don't know. More and more.

Like I said, it all feels a little bit muddled and, you know, much has been made about Lamar Jackson doesn't have an agent. And his, but then you hear his mother's prominently involved. And I just, I wouldn't say an alarm bell went off a week or two ago when I read it. But I was just like, this is kind of strange. Like, so it's his mother. And then he's the NFLPA, the union, is directly involved. in some capacity as well as an advisory role and I'm just like at some point I'm just thinking to myself like you have all these different cooks you know why don't you just have an agent like a high power agency that knows how to handle these situations

but I can't say how whether he's doing it right or wrong until we see how this ends it's just interesting to me that the union is involved and the union also for what it's worth filed a grievance last season accusing teams of colluding to not give quote certain quarterbacks fully guaranteed contract. So they have a stake in it. So it's gotten kind of bigger than your typical negotiation. No doubt. And here's the thing. I think them holding a hard line and wanting a fully guaranteed contract

or something close to it makes total sense. We talked about this a year ago that like the only way for the quarterbacks to actually get close to what they're worth were to be to play it out like Kirk Cousins because we've seen it. The only time an actual decent like above average starting quarterback got to free agency, Kirk Cousins got at then a record-setting contract got guaranteed money. Last year, the only time we can think of lately were a young player who's in the ballpark of Lamar Jackson's talent was available, and that was via trade, got not only a

fully guaranteed contract, he did it while he was about to be suspended by the league for like terrible off-field behavior, and he got it. So because you had four teams bidding. I think if Lamar Jackson was a free agent, he would get a preposterously big contract. so why not push for that? I do too, and I do think it's a situation a little bit where if the Ravens, there's not a question about Lamar Jackson and the talent and what he's brought to Baltimore,

but like that relationship, maybe they would be willing to part with them where another team's like, I don't really care if we have to pay him that kind of money or what we have to give up. If you're the Jets, for instance, where the owners come out and said, we are going to get this guy and maybe you're shooting a little higher than Derek Carr. If you really want to become a Super Bowl contender, then it's like the picks, the money make a lot more sense to another team that has had no in-house experience

with Lamar Jackson or this drama. And the one thing I've learned from this process personally is don't let the wool get pulled over your eyes when the team sends their coaching GM out there and tells you everything's fine because that's not the case with this situation even though that's exactly what happened with Harbaugh and DeCosta last month.

And I thought it, I think it's interesting that, for instance, the hiring of Todd Monkin. Remember how much was made of like, you know we want to keep Lamar happy we want him involved with the process and then it's also Stephen A. Smith also came out and say and this is a quote from Smith

Lamar Jackson was never consulted or talked to or asked what his opinions would be about the play caller he was informed this is your new boss at the offensive coordinator spot who will be calling plays for you okay I mean there's a lot of writing on the wall the Ravens are like

that's a gripe from his camp from the campers the campers let's send the campers home soon enough What was your camp? Sunnyside Acres. Camp happiness. That's what we call it on this show. We can call it.

Before the world. Well, I would say that I would actually counter that things were impure at times. That's part of what made it so pure for you. Yeah. Sicko. It's a life experience. In other news. The competition committee.

They're at that stage of the league year where they're talking about potential rule changes for 2023. How about the push play? Also known as the the quarterback QB cheek QB cheek and then the extra gross one No I stole that from Reddit

The Tush push Which I hate Tush is something like your Your aunt says At Thanksgiving Like oh let me Let me pinch that tush We didn't need to bring it back

Into this Don't need it Don't want it Yeah Don't need it Why is your aunt such a freak She does Aunt Logie pinches the Tush

She's just like running around pitching everyone's dish. Hello boundaries. Fair, fair. Anyway, so the committee is talking about whether to outlaw that play, which has become Mark a really effective play. We saw it with the Eagles all season long, including the Super Bowl. And now they're thinking, do we need some legislation?

So this isn't like rugby? Are you kidding me? Yeah, Dean Blanino mentioned that it has too much of the aura of a rugby scrum and that the NFL's, the NFL wants to promote. I saw Dean. Love seeing Blandino. Yeah.

Because nobody dresses, nobody dresses more different than you would expect than Dean Blandino, okay? Whenever we see Dean at the Super Bowl, it's cool jeans, it's big leather boots,

high, it's a shirt that costs a good amount of money and then maybe like a bitch and leather jacket. And it's always like, Dino. I had that experience of the owners meetings.

Yeah, like he had an entourage, but you've seen him around. That's true. Yeah, with kind of like a hard... Not dressed to impress though when he's with the kids, I would imagine. He's picking up the kids.

But yeah, it's like it's still... He presents... Can I... Is he allowed to have a personal style outside? Can I say something? Yeah, I kind of like you. I think he... I like it.

What's the word? I believe he surpasses the idea of cool dad. He's actually existing in a plane where I just... I dress cool. That's me. Yeah. And I think that's just surprising. And it was actually the same party.

that we talked about me trying to get the attention of the RAMC-O. I mean, this party had some heavy hitters. What we're talking about, the tush push. I think the Eagles are getting punished for being so good at it a little bit. Entirely. Like Sean Payton's like, well, if everyone could go do it, like we're going to install that and every team around the league is doing it. Well, why didn't they do it?

They couldn't do it. They don't have Jalen Hertz in that offensive line. Like, I do think everyone is crying poor a little bit because you have maybe the strongest running quarterback alongside Cam Newton in the history of the NFL. His quads are bigger than most of your quarterbacks put together. Like, you don't have that offensive line. You're not as like daring do in terms of how you call it. You're not as well-coached.

I don't think everyone would do it or will do it because they would be doing it. No, you're right. It's a little annoying to me. They're getting punished for being so good. They only allowed it to become, they had a rule around it until 16 years ago. you couldn't. And then for the past 16 years, you could. And until this season, when was it an issue?

How about, like, why isn't the response? We're defenses. We'll catch up and figure your way to stop it. We have to go rule change it. I mean... Well, that's a great point, Mark. I got, all right, Justin, I got our June 18th show. We open with Tom Pellcero.

Okay. And we have a frank conversation about his nickname. Nice. Then we bring in Dean Blandino. And we just talk. Sartorial choices It's just Dean on fashion And then maybe if we can get him

Sharing some maybe gossip nuggets Beachside town rumors About Greg Rosenthal That maybe he's heard Warm him up with the I don't think he's aware of my existence And then we close with Kavon Roll him in

Hannibal Lecter style I believe that is the week of the NFL Media Summit All right let's make it 25th I think I've That's a good June episode. I literally would be at a loss on how to follow up with Kvon at this point.

I think two out of three of those are very realistic gets for us. Which one? Which two are... Which one do you think is not realistic? The one who's been on the pod many times, three times. I feel like he'd be the one

that was the most realistic. We'll see. I don't know what our booking department would say if we requested him again. I don't think he'll remember, but not when they ask him. He'll remember once the conversation there. The minute he sees us on screen,

he might remember our antips. The Athletic, moving on. Great publication. Do nice work. Purchased by the New York Times. A year or so ago. Nice investment. Goodbye.

By the great lady. They reported that Russell Wilson last February asked the Seahawks the ownership specifically to fire head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider. If this is to be believed, The Seahawks then said, okay, bro, thanks for the input.

And then they turned around and traded him to the Broncos. And here's how Russell Wilson responded to this report. I love Pete. And he was a father figure to me, and John believed in me and drafted me as well. I never wanted them fired. All any of us wanted was to win. I'll always have respect for them and love for Seattle, focused on moving forward, best is ahead. Who do you believe?

Who you got? I mean, are you kidding? Come on. Kalen Kaler, Mike Sando, and Jason Jenks, who wrote this article, are all, like, incredible reporters. They don't put something that big without knowing for a fact that that's what happened. There's no question. He wanted him gone. Good retort.

Good retort. I'm Russell Wilson, and I throw a sexy deep ball. Also good. How would any of that just bubble up out of literally thin air? I mean, there was reporting around how unhappy it was for you. years. Pete Carroll was at the center of it. I just think it shows because the one thing that was the best part of the Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll's stuff out of the gate, was that Pete Carroll and John Schneider went atypical in the draft to find a quarterback that once Russell Wilson succeeded, changed the way we draft quarterbacks and think about quarterback's stature. All of that was great. In the end, I think it unmasked Russell Wilson as where he is now and it went all through last season in Denver as someone overtaken entirely by hubris, who literally forgot what Pete Carroll did I'm not saying it was a perfect relationship. It ran its course, it got ugly, it needed to end.

But the idea that Russell Wilson is putting a statement out and had nothing to do with this and never said any of this or try to wield his power to me as utter nonsense. Yeah, lawyers contact the athletic. Oh, with a statement, I don't think they were going to, like, fire him or anything. Most of the article is more about how much he dominated Nathaniel Hackett, though, in their relationship in Denver. Which I didn't love to hear, considering he's now employed by the Jetropolitans.

Well, he's back in the Peter Principal good spot, though. I hope so. Down where he should be. We can only hope that. We can only hope. Right. The idea of what Russell Wilson was doing, they were having these Tuesday meetings that he had all the players attend.

Okay, that part makes sense. But then he started just like showing plays of like when he was playing well in Seattle. And they were like, what's going on here? You're just like showing us like, hey, I used to be good. Well, there was also, for what it's with in there was also, there was a lot of people on record saying he worked hard. Sure. Clearly he was plugged in.

No one doubts that. And it wasn't necessarily that he was like aloof and detached. It was just it wasn't working. They did also have the, he had his office, which was on the second level. Like we talk about shadowy league figures on the show a lot. And a lot of the disconnect is just about office layout sometimes where, you know, we would be down in the newsroom with everybody else down there. Then you had these people making decisions that we never even really saw.

The fact that the quarterback's office was where all the other, the way it was put in the article and was put well. like usually when the players are up on the floor where Russell Wilson's office was, you're usually like being cut or like your career is taking a terrible turn. He was up there with those people and then his entire wall was filled with play designs and also motivational scrawl, which totally checks out. We also had a staff up there. He had three people that he brought along that he essentially made them higher. And Sean Payton said to all that, they go.

Well, that was my, come on, Russell Wilson. Holy shit. The whole thing that he... Very exciting. He wanted Sean Payton as the replacement in Seattle. And so there's the, you know, the... That's almost the good spin on all this one. Right. Or the joke out there that he subconsciously tanked last year to get Sean Payton into Denver.

But the first thing Peyton said when they had kind of the meet and greet with him was like, wait, so Russell Wilson has got his own coach. He's got all this extra stuff adorning him on the day to day. Will he, will any of that be allowed? And Sean Payton was like, absolutely not. We don't do that. Right. He'll be coached by my staff. He hired a new publicist, and none of it would matter if he could, you know, play the guitar, as Dan would say.

That's the thing is he couldn't play the guitar, and it was like this unmasked situation where, yes, Hackett got run over a little bit, and that's not what you needed. But I don't know if he had been a great coach, whether it would matter that. I was going to say, and this isn't really defending Hackett because he played it wrong ultimately, but the whole idea was Wilson was getting this fresh start, and he always struggled with the power. dynamic and being used. He always thought he could be used maybe more aggressively as a passer and as a leader of the offense. And now he was getting this chance and Hackett went all in on the quarterback. You can hear it in his voice in that press conference.

Like, I'm okay with this kind of being a co-CEO situation where it's me and Russ because I know he's a stud. And then when he couldn't play in Denver, that was catastrophic for everyone involved. And nobody. I know, Greg, you were on record that you saw him as maybe in. decline. Nobody saw him doing what he did in year one. No, that's why I wanted this article pointed out. Just because I think now we've just accepted how this all happened and you just adjust and get used to it, but it is one of

the crazier stories we've ever seen. Eight o'clock delight. Widely presumed first QB off the board, Bryce Young, he will not throw at the combine, which starts later this week. Ohio State's C.J. Stroud in Florida's Anthony Richardson will the Lions cut ties with veteran Michael Brockers add him to the top 101, or do you? No, he didn't make it. He gone. Jags re-signed Roy Robertson Harris

and Sam Hurd. Remember Sam Hurd? Yeah. Sam Hurd is out of prison after a 10-year bit. Sam Hurd was a major trafficker of cocainea, but also was a special teams player for the Cowboys, one of the craziest sports stories in recent memory. In that order.

I remember covering this for PFT and it just was wild because it was like you used to hearing little off-field stories and then you found out that oh, being a special teamer was just a little side hustle as he was moving at least like when he got caught by federal

agents five to ten kilos at about $25,000. That's a lot of booger sugar. Per week though, per week. So that's a multi-million dollar operation. Bougar sugar. That's a ton of blow, bro. I just looked at Dan's face after uttering that phrase. I just wanted to say bugger sugar.

But I hope he's learned from his transgressions and lives a clean life on the outside. He served 10 to 15 years. It just was like a sort of fascinating NFL story back in the day that I feel like it was forgotten. Yeah. They should have made, they would have made like a Netflix movie about that if that was a thing at the time. Never generated more than 314 yards in a season, but he did generate other transactions from what we understand. Perhaps some addictions.

We got moved a lot of product. All right, that's what's happening in the news. We'll take a break and we will hit the top 101. Welcome back Every year at this time Greg Rosenthal sits down and looks at all of the available free agents

both the guys that are out there right now and the guys that will be out there effectively I don't know what is it March 15th or thereabouts started the new league year they are his top one-on-one free agents Why is it 101? Remind the audience.

Just settled on that as just a little something extra. A little land yap for you. Asymmetrical. Your basic sites, 100. We're going to give you a little something extra. Right. It shows that you're just grinding a little bit harder. One year we did 99 and no one liked that.

Didn't grind is hard. That show the work wasn't being done. But now it is and we'll get to who number 101 is because that's part of the fun. You always want to have a bit of a name brand there. And you do again this year. So we're going to get into this, and Mark and I will share things that we agree with. We will share disagreements with you, Gregi.

But I guess a good way to start here is, and first of all, and this is in Greg's setup blurb, just so everyone knows. When we talk about their listed age, it's where they'll be week one. And you see that on the website where you can find it at NFL.com slash 101. Top 101. And the ranking will be updated as players are released and become unrestricted free agents. So this will change. But this is where it is right now. What did you kind of big picture thoughts, Gregi, before we dive into this, this list compared to recent years.

Is it a stronger class, weaker class? Anything else that kind of stood out to you as you did this exercise? I feel like it was a bad, it's a bad class. That the drop off around 25 was even greater than normal. There's always plenty of players. It's like a one-year contract league. So it's not hard getting to 100, but I thought there were fewer above-average starters available than ever, and especially pass-risher, wide-receiver, you just couldn't find anyone.

There's no one available. The NFL is showing you what they value in who they won't even let get to free agency. Pass-rushers, wide-receivers, offensive linemen are not getting to free agency, especially tackles. Do you think teams have gotten better about with their contract structure, in the cap of not letting these guys get to this point to get to this list. It's easier. I think it challenges like the better team. If you're one of these, remember the Dolphins teams of old that would throw a ton of money

at a bunch of players that we're just like shaking our heads, like this is sort of for savvier teams to dig through this list and find the guys that are the gems. Yeah, now you find like the one year $9 million contracts like James Bradbury was for the Eagles last year and like those are the nice deals. They slip through the cracks, but it's not a lot of great value. Overall. It's the whole thing I would slap on the entire exercise is buyer beware. And just like you're saying, there's a reason a lot of these guys got to free agency,

why they were allowed out the door. And in many cases, these are guys that are closer to 30 in many cases than their prime seasons. And the wide receiver group, I think, is a good, a very good example. And there aren't a lot of good wide receivers out there. But like, if you're a team builder now, are you going to go? go pay for a 28-year-old, 29-year-old wide receiver and give him good money when, A, there's a chance that he's not the guy that you think he's going to be, and B, we're seeing increasingly that you can go get a wide receiver in the draft that could impact your offense immediately and be

cost-effective at that. That was a, and there's one wide receiver that really got on my nerves that you had him so high, but we're going to get to it. I think I have an idea. I think it was. Why do we have Why is Odell 15 on your list? How is that happening? So position scarcity matters. Quarterbacks are higher, wide receivers are higher, pass rushers are higher than they probably would be because I think they're worth more.

And unlike the rest of the receivers available, Jacoby Myers, Juju Smith-Schuster, DJ Chark, eventually Michael Thomas, OBJ, I think, has a potential to be a bigger difference maker than those guys. So you get them on a one or two-year deal, We'll see how much he costs. I don't think that's that crazy high.

You do? 15. I mean, listen. I struggled with him versus Jacoby Meyer. So I think it's a really good player. You could drop him into any offense and he's going to help you. He's a good route runner. But would you rather have him or OBJ?

I mean, I wouldn't take either of them. Why not? I think Myers is fine. I mean, it has to be a very, we don't need this music, Justin. Very ominous. Yes. No, like, I would, I'd be okay with Jacobi Myers on a short-term deal. But everything you're hearing about Odell for.

instance is that he's looking for a multi-year deal and he wants security and he wants a true home. And it's like, am I going to roll the dice on a guy? I don't even know the last time he had a 1,000-yard season. I know he looked good in the playoffs, but then he didn't play last year. And I thought his whole like free agency tour that he went on late last season was a bit of a la Raville Magnifico in its own right. I just, I don't need that guy around when I can just get a younger player in the draft. I think it's like he's the kind of guy where it's not like any team should come after him and you should have these self-awareness to know that He doesn't really fit who we are right now.

But you are months more removed from the injury. If he's healthy, someone like the bills that was sort of in the air as courting someone like O'Dell Beckham. I could see that differently than if like the Titans went and tried. I mean, not aiming that at you, Graver, but just like a team that's like in rebuild mode, losing a ton of guys. Do you build that team around O'Dell? No, he's like, he's a little cherry on top maybe. I'm very easily swayed. You know, I could just move him down.

Although at this point. But 15 just seems so. I know there's a position scarcity, but that doesn't mean like. I think it's because get to 20. But look at 20, 25, and like, where would O'Dell fit in there? Like, I think it's more of a name thing, too. He would not drop below 30 in any scenario for me. Whether you would put him below Myers, Smith-Schuster, who are contributors, I could go either way.

This is why I need Wes pushing back. Wes and I did this list, of course, for years and years. I'm curious where he would have had, Odell, he was always a huge fan. But I do think some of these guys, like big-time veterans who've had a really high level of production, and they're coming off injuries. Those are actually the guys that end up becoming good values. Why was James Bradbury on the market and no one wanted him? I understand the Giants traded him, cut him late in the offseason,

but he still was like a very high-level player, had shown it at certain points. And so those guys get a little extra for me. I think OBJ could matter. Yeah, Odell had, I mean, 1,000 yards nearly on the nose in 18 and 19, but that's averaging like 60 yards a game. His last big time year where he was a guy that mattered was 2016 during the regular season. And it is fair.

He was very good for the Rams down the stretch and in the playoffs before he blew his ACL. Interesting guy. He will get a job. I just thought he was a little high. How about you, Mark? One thing, though, while we are on receivers, like last year everyone mocked the Jags for going huge on Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Like, oh, my God, you paid Kirk $17 million a year. I think that's like what Jacobi Myers is going to get.

oh my god you paid zade jones seven to eight million dollars years like you need receivers teams needs like four receivers each and those guys ended up being good and the jacks weren't getting the benefit of the doubt coming off what was a clown car season now feels a lot different mark uh something that stood out to me well first of i think jacobby mears if i'm the patriots just keep them like find a way to resign him because i don't know who else that they who where else they're going on that position uh i always struggle with like the placement of derrick car but i want to tell you one guy because i think it's a good it's a good safety class better than cornerback. But like, Chauncey Gardner Johnson

at number seven is probably where he's not landing on a lot of other people's lists. I know you like him, but I like him a lot too. And I think he's the kind of guy, when I talk about this free agent class in general, it's like, do you swing for the fences for someone who might not give you the money you give? But this guy, I think, changes, literally

like, sea changes the attitude of a defense. And I thought he did that for Philadelphia. It was awesome with the Eagles when he was healthy. And if the right team adds him, he's the kind of guy that you look back in January, be like, that was an absolutely key ingredient. and to our defensive building. Safety's get no love,

but it just feels like every team could use a guy like that that can play Slot Corner that can play safety that can hit. He got fine for that hit. He made in the Super Bowl. They didn't even penalize him. Remember that? That monster hit on the last drive of the game.

So many safeties are available. Jordan Poyer, I think, sounds like he kind of wants out of Buffalo. He was talking about the state tax and that it's too cold. Some guys just want to play in Miami. I mean, he's been there. Well, Jesse Bates is out.

there. Von Bell, Donovan Wilson, Jimmy Ward. So you can find safeties and that might depress some of their values. But I appreciate that Dan asked you to come after me with something you didn't like and you didn't even do that. Well, I know, I said that Derek Carr number six. I have an issue with Derek Harb with teams labeling as like he's going to take us to the next level. He's going to keep you adequate. See, this is what happens when we're handing out, you know, co-host titles like lollipops. You could just disregard my setup.

I'm just a co-host, you know? You like to be in control. You really bothers you. You have a real control thing, and we're pushing against you on that. No, I just, I would like to hear, though, Mark. What is something that you disagreed with? I kind of don't think that I don't like where Derek Carr is. I just don't like him in number six.

And I think the problem is that he's a quarterback, so he's going to give you more than a safety or a cornerback, and it's not a great, like, market in general for these free agents. But the whole landing spot of Derrick Carr is the thing. of the offseason that I struggle with, the way he's going to be marketed to us until real games occur. We don't have to do with that.

He's asking for about $35 million, which sounds right to me. That's about the level I think Carr would get it. And I struggled. Both him and Daniel Jones, they're 5 and 6. I couldn't decide. Who do you put higher? Daniel Jones or Carr.

And I have to admit, they were both around 14, 15 initially. And then I started going through it, and I'm like, I'm really going to have them lower than Mike McGlinchie, who's like a good starting tackle, but not like an amazing one. These aren't great names. Duran Payne, who had a big season for the Washington Commanders,

but ultimately is like their third best defensive linemen, a good player. They're close enough to the level at their position that Derrick Carr is at quarterback, that you got to move them up to me. If you put them on the Jets, they're just a better team. I think above average or even average starting quarterbacks are just worth the premium.

I don't, yeah, I don't understand how you could have them out of the top 10. I mean, if you look at this exercise and in years past and you look at the raw numbers, and I know that doesn't mean everything, and there are reasons why Derek Carr makes you scratch your head with some of the mistakes he makes and the fact that the Raiders have never really had a big run. But that's not just on him. They've never had a half decent defense when he was there. And you look at his production. His raw production through the seasons is excellent, especially for a guy that's still 31 years old.

he's going to be 32 in week one. Absolutely. Like you have Gino at two. Let me just say the top 10. I'll go top 10 here. Let's give a little context, even though you should check it out on NFL.com. Lamar 1, obvious.

Gino 2, Jason Hargrave, Javan Hargrave, the defensive tackle for the Eagles 3, Orlando Brown, tackle, Chiefs, 4. You have Jones 5, Daniel Jones, you have Carr 6, you have Gardner Johnson 7, James Bradbury, 8, Jesse Bates, nine and then Sequan 10 like Carr for what he's

proven and his durability and his ability to produce he's so far ahead of all the other quarterbacks to me including Gino Smith that I would have him at two personally and I would I know Gino has coming off a great year but I would have Gino maybe I would flip him probably

I'd probably have Gino behind Daniel Jones and Carr too I don't agree but I but I also think that Derek Carr's been a lightning rod for debate for his entire career because you can frame his production from certain angles

because every time you tweet about Derrick Carr, Raiders fans come out he's like, oh, the comeback drives but then from another angle it's like he's just Derek Carr and I just don't see how he's going to be more than that. He's adequate.

It's also not a great list for quarterbacks so him being second on the list doesn't do a lot for me. I think Gino's ceiling is higher sealing being kind of where he was last year but I think he can get better. Maybe it's a type of quarterback I like.

I think he really did learn a lot because I think he is similar to Eli and Philip Rivers to me in that he can play a style that some years is going to have a lot of turnovers but I think he can do everything he can see the field so well he can make next level throws

Derek Cardi to me is like a little more mechanical so is Daniel Jones but they're all in the same ballpark Jimmy G is the next one down at quarterback and that is one of the defining traits of this free agency class there's way more quarterbacks Those three top ones, Daniel Jones, Gino, and Lamar aren't, I don't think they're going to be free agents.

They're going to get tagged and maybe in Lamar's case traded. But there really will be free agents. So Jimmy G's going to be a free agent. He's down at 29. You have Garoppolo at 29. And I think that's good. I think that that's one of my takeaways when I looked at this with these teams that are looking for a quarterback. And there are a few where it's very obvious that they need QB help and they want to go get a veteran.

And if you don't end up with Aaron Rogers and if you don't get Derek Carr and Lamar Jackson doesn't head your way and you're settling for Jimmy G. I think that's bad news. I think Jimmy G is a guy who is always hurt and I don't think he'll ever produce at the level he's produced with Kyle Shanahan with that team.

So I think the team that ends up getting him is going to sign up thinking we might get that great looking or very good version that we've seen flashed in the last couple of years but what you'll probably end up getting is a less productive but still injury prone dude

that's who I don't want the Jets to end up with and I think other teams that are in the market for a veteran quarterback feel the same way so I like where he is on the list here. It'll be telling if they don't really go after considering their institutional knowledge

that they've had over the years. I know Lafleur is not there but Jacoby Reset at 44. It was hard to rank these guys. Teddy's down at 63. That felt high to me. Still put him in. That does feel.

I mean, I know who we go. When we go to 101, I don't have a problem with being far ahead of that guy. But Teddy up where he's done, we're like talking, we're talking about durability. His durability hurt the dolphins a lot this past season. And his on-field performance is a B. I value these quarterbacks highly. It's one reason I don't think it'd be crazy for the Bears to like consider, you know, drafting a quarterback to upgrade or have both and then see what happens.

Andy Dalton's 883. I just feel like those guys are ultimately more valuable than the players around them. You know, you have to do it in context of, like, Teddy Bridgewater or Kaiser White? Like, do you want your good enough starting off-ball linebacker? Or do you want, like, a really high-level backup quarterback, which is what I would consider. Well, remember we, they used to have us. I'd rather have the backup quarterback. They used to have us craft the top 100 lists for the summertime filling stuff.

and like I would put eight quarterbacks because it's like I don't value any of these guys so I get where you're coming from but like I guess it's like if you're looking to fill certain positions an average quarterback overtaking like a star offensive guard or tackle

I think that's where it's a tough debate There's no stars like where there are really stars on this list it's not a star driven list it's role players guys who will help you out and hopefully can start for you Javon Hargrave though is an example by the way of a guy who was a free agent we say buyer beware, that contract he signed with the Eagles last time around looks incredible.

I don't think he was in our top 20. He signed three for 45 and he was one of the best players in the league, so it can't happen. Just cycling back to Teddy, I like there's a little butternifing going on with the stats here with Teddy in your blurb. Teddy two gloves had career highs in yards per attempt, 8.6 and touchdown percentage, 5.1 on just 79 pass attempts for Miami with both of his starts cut short by injury. The last part of the sentence is the most important part of it. can't stay healthy either. I, like, give me Andy Dalton, who's 20-some-odd spots lower. I mean, he did start 29 games.

He started every game, no, he started 29 games the two previous seasons. And the reasons he didn't start the other games was he was benched, right? Well, that's not a huge selling point, but okay. I'm just saying he's coming, he doesn't have a long history of being injured. At least the last three years, he's been pretty hell. You know, with the Teddy thing, and I know you're riding high after the Gino victory, But I even went and looked up Like, I just think he's a good quarter

When we talked about like his Carolina year And how the Panthers should have just kept him Like his last 10 starts with Carolina Nine touchdowns and 10 starts They went one and nine in the starts He's pass a rating was below league average I'm not box score a scout And I think he watched him

He had his shortcomings for sure But he was a guy who was moving the football He was the only person who ever moved the football And Matt Rule's offense Okay you don't it's not The Bronco season was no treat They lost every game. He started down the stretch and he didn't score a lot.

Why are we talking Teddy? I'm just saying, you know, you have him so high. It did get on my radar. What else? What else for you, Mark? I would ask one question, though, about the whole this. Would you ever flip the draft and free agency? I would love to.

Because, see, we're talking about like, like, what if you, what if you, what if you, right, I think it would hurt veterans, obviously, because a lot of these guys would not be needs, but you could fill in all these big spots, especially a quarterback. Well, right. But the union wouldn't want it. but it just seems like it would clear up a lot of the weirdness around a free agency and the deals that don't make sense at this point because it's like my issue with these quarterbacks is if you go get a Jimmy G,

like you're selling that and then maybe you don't do that in the draft, you don't trade up for the right guy in the draft or something, and you're stuck in middle tier mezzanine level. I think it'd be better for the league. The NBA has their draft first. It just makes more sense. I don't think it would actually hurt the players necessarily because I think it would create like ultra needs.

It just doesn't make logical sense to me. Maybe it would hurt the players. I don't really know. But like these running backs, for instance, there's such good running backs available. But I do think like depending on the class that's out there in the draft, like that'll diminish the spending because people feel like we can fill those holes. I have a good value at running back.

Yeah. There's a lot of them. And I think maybe he's a little low. Maybe I have him a little higher. But I can't really quibble because running backs obviously they have a different value in the open market. because of their position. But Miles Sanders is a 56 for you. And I was thinking about one team in particular.

Everybody's been connecting, oh, the bills, they've got to add some more talent, you know, oh, maybe they'll get Sequin. Oh, maybe they'll get Derek Henry. How about Miles Sanders to a team like the Bills? And he's coming off a season where he was kind of back to himself. He had a lost 2021 and he had nearly 1,400 total yards this past season. he was a very big contributor to one of the best offenses in the league

Miles Sanders at 26 years old in week one give him to me especially if the price is right right his question will be like is he a difference maker he put 1,300 yards up in his rookie year he did it last season but he was in the best situation ever and is he much different than a Damien Harris yeah let's look at the rest of the running backs David Singletary, who I like.

These are all lower on the list. David Montgomery and Rashad Penny. You have Montgomery outside your top 100. I think that I'd have a gripe with that. To me, he's kind of just a guy. But he does make a miss. Let's look at what's happening down in that 80s and 90s. I just think he fits in that world.

I had so many running backs there, too. Jamal Williams is there. Rashad Penny, who was hurt last year. There's just so many guys available. But to me, there's three difference makers. I think running backs have been underrated on some level. And I think Saquan and Josh Jacobs and Pollard, to a lesser degree, well, it'll be interesting to see.

Pollard, I might have had above Sequan, and I certainly would have had above Josh Jacobs. Raiders fans won't like that, but he's coming off of a really serious broken leg and ankle injury. But those three guys, to me, are difference makers. You can't tell me they're worth less than, like, a slot receiver, or Roy Robertson Harris just got three for 30. I just can't buy it at they're worth less than Roy Robertson Harris.

Going back to the first name, I can't be on board with Josh Jacobs being behind O'Dell Beckham on this list. Jacobs, I think, had an excellent season, had a lot of touches, but I think he's somebody, he's still just 25 years old. He's a guy that I would, that's the type of deal I would do in free agency, guys that are in their mid-20s at running back. I'm okay with that. You have Sequin at 10.

He's obviously your highest running back. I'm kind of fascinated to see what kind of deal Sequin gets if he doesn't come back with the Giants. And I know Pollard, who you have, what do you have, Pollard here? 23. How much should the leg injury effect in his ranking? Would he be significantly higher?

Yeah, he'd be in the top 15. Okay, that makes sense to me. As long as the rehab goes right, I would be stunned that the Cowboys didn't bring them back and then just ask Zeeke to take a massive haircut. Zee could use a haircut. I mean, also, like, let's move on from Zique. And I understand, the Tony Pollard, I think you could,

these guys are all franchise tag, clear-cut tag candidates, I think for each of those running backs. That's true. Sequan might not get the tag just because they have to use it for Daniel Jones. Josh Jacobs would be interesting. I mean, he was another guy. They didn't give the fifth year option.

That came back to haunt the Giants with Daniel Jones. The Raiders are sitting out there with no quarterback right now. Here's what I'd be a little worried about with Jacobs, though. 393 touches last year. By far the most of his career. He's been pretty durable as a pro, but did the Raiders get his best years? You know, that is easily leading the league.

That's the whole thing in a lot of ways with these free angels. Let's take a break and then we'll do something fun. All right, we are back. Justin Graver, the Grave Digger. What's up, buddy? Hey, how's it going? Hey, what's up, buddy? Just keep your finger above that button the whole show.

I don't care what else you're doing. Let's do something here. Let's spin the wheel. destiny with the player we're going to talk about we've got the 101 the top 101 here eliminate the guys we've already talked about spin the wheel and wherever it lands we're going to have a conversation about that player hit it all right here we go god i hope it's someone someone interesting it's good back well you can always like to spin off to a side conversation that's part of the fun we got number 98 larry oganjobie that's great

Go ahead, Greggy. So he's a guy, though, that everyone gets excited because he makes those couple of splash plays every year. But then you see, like, oh, the Browns kind of didn't really want them back. And the Bengals, I think we're happy. I mean, the Bengals were happy with him, but not as happy as they were with BJ Hill. And, like, he's one of those guys.

When you keep coming back to Free Agency, to me, that's a little bit of a red flag. Sign that huge deal with the bears that fell through because of the physical. Spin it again. Nice little combo. I thought we were going to just, like, have some Steelers, like, defense doc. Oh, I'm sorry. 40.

Ben Powers. Segment is dying. I like the getting the random names because. Offensive guard, age 26. Okay, so this. Week one. This gets to why, you know, when you peek behind the curtain, sometimes the 101's a little dicey.

Where am I really coming from grading all these guards? Of course I talk to some people. I look at PFF and you try to like put them. But like how do I grade and put Ben Powers for instance versus Jacoby Brissette or Brandon Graham? I could give you a suggestion. You didn't ask me before. Tape dog. Just do the work.

Grind it out. Hours and hours and weeks and weeks of dogging. That's not what Greg was looking for. Even then it's like what exactly am I looking for totally? Like I do talk to people who know more And trust people that know more ultimately But I struggled with these guards For instance, Powers

Was fighting for a training camp spot At this time a year ago Or going into the season Was not even a locked in guard Then ended up having a season that PFF won crazy for The Raven said he was their best offensive linemen He has position versatility He kind of came out of NOR

And so I actually put him I think first among all the guards but it's like him, it's Nate Davis, your guy in Tennessee, who I was pumping you for information throughout the year. It's a year-long process. But these guys who are, like, slightly above average guards, but do you really want to, like, spend a lot of money? To me, like, I'd rather spend my money at other positions.

Get an offensive line coach. Oh, I'm with that, but I think if you're, like, let's say you're the Rams and you don't have a lot of draft picks, and you have to fix that line. Like, someone like Ben Powers becomes the guy that 12 articles are written about a week in the summer if he becomes a figure, Do those guys pay off that much, though? I feel like if you can just have a good coaching staff and you develop your own guys,

that's why I have him low as, like, the best guard available. Yeah, and some would say, you know, the wheel segment of this conversation is not going well, but that was the number one guard on the market. So you tell me, was it not a bad place for us? So how would you rank Nate Davis, Isaac Solomalo, Dalton Reisner, Ben Powers, and let's throw on Ethan Pochick, who's, you know, really more. of a center here. I would go 16, 24, 38, 40.

You had powers right. How about this? In the order that you just said the names. Alphabetically. Yeah. That also. Scatter them through the list. No one's going to notice the guards are alf, just simply alphabet.

Should we spin it one more time? I mean, is one guard changing your life? I want multiple more spins. One more time. All right. Spin it again. This needs to be something, someone that everyone knows. Yeah.

Why? I don't know. Just more fun. This is the time for Ben Powers to get his airtime. This is great. Number 70. Damian Harris. All right.

We did touch on Damien, though, didn't we? Barely, though. Damien was on your fantasy team, though, Dan. He was once upon a time. He's a good, I think he's better. But he kind of fell out of favor, maybe not favor with Belchick. But he certainly, Remandre Stevenson, kind of became the guy there. But Harris, I think, is a good one-two punch type dude.

I don't know if I want him leading my backfield. I think he's down at 70? I think it's a nice value. I think he's an amazing free agent pickup. Like, I'd actually rather have him than Miles Sanders maybe now that I think. How about both? How about those guys? guys is a tandem that would perfect like just as a pure runner explosiveness making

him a mess he's one of the best pure runners i think the patriots have ever had but he's been hurt and a little limited in passing game i'm going to just do a little uh little wiggle here a little audible i'm going to talk about the guy ahead and below damien harris fletcher cox how about that fletcher cox will be 32 um was a major part of what was until super bowl 57 a dominant defensive line for the Eagles. Brandon Graham is also in the mix here. These pass rushers, Greg, they're not going to get big deals, but they should get those one, maybe two-year deals as a rotational type guy.

Yeah, I had Cox almost off the list because he was at first, and then I looked and at the end of the year, he was really playing well. Graham is going to be in the top 40? Is Graham on the list? We've had these debates with guys who are voided or not because technically, I think Graham is. At some point, he will be there. he will he is there at 45 uh there's different variations um and then we have at number 71

alan lazard interesting uh Aaron Rogers as you wrote Greg he was big last season off season before the season started out this is the dude he's my number one receiver um what kind of market would he have uh would the Packers want to bring that guy back he said he was going to be Aaron Rogers or Jordan love he said he was going to be bougie about where he where he went just had a great experience great experience in Green Bayes I don't to go to some half-peaked operation. Like, I kind of qualified it as, like, every team needs three or four receivers. How many that are available you can put into one of those rotations,

and he's going to be a good player for you? Lazard was kind of my cutoff. Yeah. I like Darius Slaten a lot. I like that in the 50s. I like DJ Chuck. Like, they can be in that rotation. After that, then you're kind of guessing.

There's Matt Collins, there's Jarvis Landry, if he can stay healthy, Nelson Aguilar. A bunch of guys. Sterling Shepherd, I'm waiting for to get healthy. Just a bunch of guys. I want to spin the wheel again. I don't care what Dan says. Let's go. I didn't say we shouldn't spin the wheel.

Oh, good. Let's get a higher number. I said, let's get a name that matters. They all mad. They're human beings, you know. Just going to spin the wheel 150 times. Like, what are we doing here? 31.

Mike has to talk about this. Giseki. I think Mike Gaseki, who was, you know, talked about last summer is like, oh, he doesn't fit into the Mike McDaniel offense. Like, Mike Gaseki, there are a couple interesting tight ends in general in this whole free agent crop and I think he in the right offense is a difference maker. I like him. I don't know why in Miami. Some people say he's like

a suckie. I don't think that. I don't know who would say that. Stop. You just said it. Well, some people thought that when he wasn't producing but yeah, maybe he just needs a fresh start. Beyond, is he your second tight end after Schultz? Ingram is right above him. So there are three good tight end. Schultz

got franchise tagged last year. It was very productive. Once he was back from injury with Dak Prescott, like I think they kind of have to keep him. And then Evan And Ingram had a nice season. I think they will franchise tag him. But Gaseki is a good example of one of my things is people just make these rankings and they just talk about the previous year and they don't look at the whole body.

When they were just using him as a slot receiver, he's a great tight end slot receiver, which to me is a very useful trait. You know who could use him? It's your New York Jets because they have a lot of tight ends. We have so many. But they don't have one that matters to me. That like is a plus starter. They're fine.

Tyler Conklin. They improve greatly from, like, one of the worst groups in the league to, like, now we're okay. And maybe they're a team that should draft someone with... They have Osama? I mean, I think they don't have a quarterback is more of the issue than the tightness. To me, I think they would be... They have a perfectly servicels title set up. That would be an insane.

They could run, like, three-todend sets with those guys. How many of those guys are making big play? I guess Conklin was insane. Osama has in the past. Isama is not a pass catcher. You know, he's a blocking guy. How many yards did he had 200 yards? Yeah, they were using...

I don't know if they, I don't know if he's got a future with the team. I know he probably didn't sign up for the role he ended up having. Maybe that's where the wrong choice. You know, I like Kevin Ingram, by the way. I think you have Ingram one spot ahead of Gasecki. And I think the Jaguars would be crazy to let him get away because I thought. They both seem like they want each other. Yeah, that feels like a thing where if he ever got to the open market and you had an offense that could use him the right way,

aka don't ask him to be a, you know, a blocking type tenant. let him be a playmaker. I think he's an ascending guy that's gotten out of the Giants mud and found his way with Jacksonville. One of the types of guys that I actually, you can find value in free agency,

it's possible. They signed him last year for one year, $9 million. I mean, that was a nice deal. Now they're just going to tag him for a similar amount. He was number 50 on my list

a year ago, and I'm looking at this list. And, you know, I underrated him. And then I'm also seeing Hassan Redder wasn't even in the top 30. Well, that's like they're guys like that.

It happens. It happens. All right, who in this list, Greg, are you most worried about becoming the Hassan Reddick of 2023 because there will be somebody. So anybody that you really, you had them lower and you're like, oh, am I way off on this one? I got to roll forward. I got a, I got the movers come in.

I got a bunch of boxes. I mean, I had a list. My wife's got to do the plumbing. There was a lot of issues this weekend that we were. Who do you worried about? that can greatly exceed in terms of value based on where you have them. I say a win is at 51. He's a Patriots first round pick that at times showed a very high level of play.

Those are the types of players that worry me. But he's coming off some injuries and was definitely out of favor with the Patriots. But like he's shown it. Maybe in the right system. He could do it. He's won. Did I underrate some of these pass rushers? I don't know.

Samson, Ebacom was pretty good last year. What if you get like a late career or a latter career, like latent Vandrash explosion with the right team? I like Vandrish. Poor Jamal Williams, 17 touchdowns this year, and he's at 78. Our friend, Jamal Williams. He was one of those where I was like doing the third pass and I was like, shoot, I don't even have Jamal Williams on this ranking at all. I got to after he came on her show. Right.

He's got to come on. Let's zoom him up to 78. Julian loves an interesting safety. You kind of came out of nowhere for the Giants last year. Had a nice season. So many safeties. A lot of safety Robert Woods made the top 100.

I was shocking. Like an old guy there. Bobby Trees. How about this? If you've been on the Around the NFL podcast, you get preferential treatment.

All right, that's fair. It only makes sense. Or if we think you're coming on the around the NFL podcast and then a safety shows up instead. Roll out the carpet for you. Is it the way to judge whether or not you

got it right, quote unquote. Is it how the guy plays in the upcoming season? or is it when let's say I'll throw a name out there if Justin Houston ends up getting a nice deal for instance

only is too old let me go with Tyler Rap ends up getting a much bigger deal than you thought he would does that mean it's already the your list was off based on what teams think I think if you I mean if you really wanted to do it

you'd have to like look a year from now and compare it to other lists who I was higher on versus them and how those players did. Like, Zach Allen was one, as I did the list, Cardinals, and no one benefited more from Hard Knocks than Zach Allen. I know and no one watched Hard Knocks. He's at 14.

Yeah, he's at 14. He kept us sneaking up the list, higher and higher, higher and higher. And I was like, that's who I would want in free agency, a guy like Zach Allen. The roughly 800 million people that didn't see it, what did Zach Allen do on Hard Knocks that impressed me so much? He just seemed like a good guy to have around. He was like, you know, trying to be the next JJ Watt, and he played really well.

He was one of their few players and he had a monster scene. Vance Joseph also, to me, was highly impressive. I think if you were an owner and you watched them, you're just like, that's a freaking dude

that I would want in front of my players. We did the rare thing where he went back to the team where he failed his head coach. You don't see that. I kind of dig that. Lobbing for that. This was Mark's take.

You got to be open to go back to the old employer. I remembered this take of yours last week when we mentioned the Vance Joseph news and he said, That was Mark's long-standing take. And both Dan and I didn't remember. We just said it again. Multiple times where it's like you go and you, it's a Peter principle and you

fail as the head coach, but there's that opening. You go back to a place you know, come back home. I was impressed with his leadership. But Zach Allen, let's go, Zach Allen. Dreymont Jones, let's go. Those are guys, I'm pretty high. I like, since I'm looking at it, Levante David at 19, 33 years old. But I could see him having, even though it didn't work, again, it didn't work out with

the Rams and Bobby Wagner. If you're a team that's looking for a veteran that could come in and deliver some high-level play for a year or two, Levante, Dave, you can do a lot worse than him. Right, that's the thing is, like, people are always looking for the young guys that can spend huge money on.

But Bobby Wackner was a great deal last year. Ultimately, like, he performed for more than he was worth. Right. Now he's not on the team anymore. It's very strange. Greg, number 24. Marcus Davenport. I feel like that's a tough guy to know,

like to spend a lot of money on, because he seems like he could be awesome, but then he's also unavailable half the time. He would have been in the top 10 if it was a year ago. I've always been a huge fan of Davenport. He's the kind of player I like. He's like a poor man's Jedevian Clowny. He's just so strong and he creates pressure

and he's just like doesn't need to be subtle because he just makes other guys look, but he never stays healthy and the saints were very up. I'm glad to see you finally took Deidion Clownie off this list because. No, he's there. He's at 41? What is this? I can't shout out.

I can't shake my fists anymore about this one. I think it's too high. He had a season last year. He'll also walk down on the team at the end of the year. Well, that's why I put him down at 41. I think that's lower. That only, how much did it deduct that he quit on the team?

Let's check some other list. I haven't yet. How much did that drop him? Now it's time for me to check him because I don't want them get. Where does PFF have clowning? Let's just find him. What is this? What does this mean?

At 31. Okay. I'm just saying like, am I crazy? But he's always been like a PFF darling, that guy. I think also it's a lack of edge rush and maybe you're just taking the position and moving it up a little bit

because they have only Davenport ahead of them. It's rough out there. If you're looking for an edge rusher, you're looking to the draft. Or trades. There's going to be some good names being cut that I'll make this list look a little sexier. You do have Unique and Gokwe at 33.

That's a pretty good edge rusher. Good point. I forgot about him. Spin the wheel again. Oh, good. As we wrap this up. We're bringing it in for a landing. Caleb McGarry.

Let's get Caleb McGarry in there. Number 30, oh, well, I just brought him up. That is Caleb McGaerick. Wait, who is it? I landed on Yanikin Gakwey, who I just... Oh, that's Bridget again. He blew it. One more time.

It's a little worrisome. He's, like, going to be on his fifth team in the four years, but he does produce. 53. Marcus Peters. Oh. Marcus Peters. Is that a nice career? How old is he going to be?

Is he tempted to put him higher? I just wanted to see how long could we stay silent and Dan just talk about Marcus. Oh, he's only 30. Okay, well, he's back from the ACL and he's a starting corner. Okay. I think he's a starting corner. Good spot.

Good spot. And actually, the fact that he stepped in last year, it was like immediately back to being solid enough. He just seems like one of those guys so you can kind of like, I don't know. They age really well until they don't and then they're done. but he's just like a player. You know, I'm not saying it right,

but he's kind of like a dog. He knows how to play. You could put him on any team and he can take up snaps for you. There's actually some decent cornerbacks available above him. Jonathan Jones, I mentioned. Jamel Dean is a good starter who's in my top 20 for the bucks. He's a solid player, Bradbury.

And now, without further ado, we discuss, as he does every year, he likes to have a name brand, Gregi, at 101. And this year is no different. Drum roll, please. This was too easy. The number 101 ranked player in Greg's NFL free agents' countdown is Baker Mayfield. I mean, isn't he a perfect 101? Ideal.

He is. Not accurate, but it is perfect that you want to have. Why do you mean it's not accurate? I think it's perfect. What if I told you that there was another quarterback in his last. 17 starts when you measure the two QBs last 17 starts I did think about this guy too that this quarterback has more touchdown passes fewer turnovers a higher pass rating more passing yards a higher completion percentage fewer sacks less drama which you know who I was talking about yeah I don't know come on I'm just saying those are all facts that's not my opinion all the all that data favors darnald I'm I'm a huge human all of it absolutely right and if he just hadn't made that last start of the season which i happened to watch i'm a human and sometimes the last i'm a human he says sometimes the last thing you saw

weighs too heavily i will admit to having that problem like miles sanders was a kind of a problem for the eagles in the super bowl a couple bad runs couldn't keep him in bouncing to the outside that hurt him sam darnold had that great run where i'm like wow this is everything we ever wanted out of sam darnall He's really better than ever. And then he showed up in week 18. I think it was against the Saints. I watched that game. And he was a total disaster.

And it was just like, I can't trust this guy. Can't trust him. I think he saved his career, though, as like a number two. I don't think you can go in with the starter if you're Sam Darnold. But I think Baker Mayfield, too. At midseason, we had a conversation that Baker Mayfield may never play again because of the Baker Mayfield experience on top of the bad play. The Rams thing was kind of a blessing.

It was, I think, saved his career. and got him another number two contract. The Saints are talking about him as a potential starter, which sounds like Fool's goal. Well, so did you see like Baker's last start of the season, for instance, against the... Yeah, Baker's had some ugly starts. My point is not, I don't want to get to go down this road.

By the way, he'll hate when I do this. He has five for 15 for 43 and three turnovers. And that was after hitting, like, his last two or three passes. I think he had like 11 yards. He had the Christmas Day start where he was like 22 for 25. And that was Sam Dardo, I'm talking about. Yeah, Mayfield. So let me just say this, that I'm just say this, that I'm,

I'm not saying that Sam Donald should be 101. I'm saying, I think I saw your raw list and you had Donald at 114 or so. I think that's where Baker should be as well. I think they're basically the same, like if you want a guy who's a backup. But if you want a little more sizzle on your steak, put Baker 101. I thought about Minchu because he felt like a nice one-o-one. That's who I wrote. I haven't written right here.

And then I was like, you know what? I'm going to give Minchu some credit. I'm actually going to just, I would rather have Minchu than Baker. You got him in 95. I got him a little higher up. For this exercise, Baker's the perfect 101. You go to Sean Gibson? I don't have an issue with.

I just was pointing out that statistically, and it's not just staring at box scores or whatever, it's, you know, Baker would give you some moments. I'd take Mayfield's highs over Darnold's highs, but I'd take neither of them as a starting quarterback. I think Baker could be like a Fitzpatrick type guy where he can come in for three or four games and give you some juice. I mean, I say.

The Saints are talking about making him the starter potentially? Because the Saints have no, the Saints are out of options in general. There was interest in Baker Mayfield. Like, I think I had to do a James Winston. I think I had to do a top 25 free agents of 22, like before the season started. And, you know, Baker was in the top five. So it wasn't that long ago that I had a completely different opinion. I'm not blind to.

I think there's something about Baker that people gravitate towards. And it's when he has. those games, people get excited about him. I think he might be the best 101 ever in the sense that like... Well, Gino's rocketed all the way up from 101 to number two. Well, I mean, no, I just mean in juice. And just like, I like the idea

of having someone in there that spurs debate. I think he's limited. Yeah, I think... And maybe you think I overrate Gino and I definitely have a certain type. I like the quarterbacks that are really quarterbacking out there. And I feel like that's where Baker, I don't know if he's ever going to

get there in terms of like making full feel reads and like in but he can give you a juice give us some juice but you know like i i i disagree with you that i i think derrick car is better value but i have gno right around top five as well at six or whatever actually you know what i'd have gino over daniel jones i got to be honest of you so i would i would have him at maybe five on this list but otherwise greg you've done great work mark do you have any final thoughts i am bold over by the work greg has done it's been excellent yes it continues to be you know what it doesn't bowl me over. Is that one extra week that we work now because of the 18th season? Yes.

You feel it. One-on season really start, you know, it's there's no cruise for me anymore. I, that, it's ruined my that little spot. That's a toughie. That is, I just got to get in there. It's a bad beat. But you're also extremely fortunate. Incredibly fortunate. We are very lucky to do what we do. Yeah, I think we're, you know, we're still talking about the 18th, week of the season maybe we need to table that combo it's not changing it's going to get longer so we're all we're basically the only people left still talking about it's not guaranteed um this is continuing

all right justin uh do you have any thoughts before we say goodbye wow robert woods on the list come on it's personal for you taylor lewan not on the list yeah that was great great great breaking news last week on that i mean this is a guy when taylor lewan said like he doesn't know if he can like fun in his everyday life and he's not sure if he ever wants to play football. That's a gots to go off the list situation. He was on it until then. He's also got a hit podcast of his own, by the way.

Oh, yeah. That's where we got the quotes from. And then he was like, yeah, like, I don't know if I'm ever really got to be able to. Did you dig into all the other players that have podcasts on this list to see where their mental. Patrick Peterson, for example. He's a sharp. Let's get to a one on the list.

Woods is another year removed from that surgery, which is a hard one to recover from. and he had a couple moments where it's like, I think you could, he passed my, like, can you throw him into a good team as your third or fourth receiver and he's going to get you 600 yards and help your team? I think he could do it. See the Rams bringing them back. Yeah, Cooper Cuppel is already out there.

Lockroom leader. Making it, making noise about it. Bobby Trees. Also, he took a picture with my son. Oh, that's nice. That colors your ranking. No, De Tatelewan is 31. He's three-time pro bowler. Yeah, but he hasn't literally been able to stay on the first. And he was saying, that doesn't hurt, you know, Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy Bridgewater's played football in the last few years,

and he wasn't saying that he might not be able to continue to play football. Taylor Luan, two out of the last three years, played five games or less. And it's coming up. It might not play. It sounded like he was going to retire. That was part of the reason. I agree with that. It did sound like.

It sounded like he doesn't want to play football anymore. He's got a thriving podcast. Can always add a... How popular is this podcast? It's come up multiple times. Is it... Bustin with the Bulls? It's pretty popular.

Bustin with the bars is his? It's doing very well. It's doing very well. Good. That's good. It's he's driving. The Pat McAfee. I've yet to catch an app.

Will Compton is also like a major, him and Taylor LeWan did this together. And Will always gets offended because everyone just says it's Taylor's podcast and like Will does a lot of the legwork. But tough stitch. I'm sure he's thrilled or discussing that. Right. I'm, uh, it happens on, on all podcasts. even to all three co-hosts of this one. It's not good.

It bothers me. But why is it so important to you? I'll talk to my agent about it. Host is... You understand the agent. Greg and I did not engineer that. We just discovered that. I don't want that as my title necessarily.

I feel like host... You are the host of this podcast, but when you think of host in the traditional sense, that's sort of like an old media thing where it's like the host doesn't have their own opinion. necessarily. They're just like setting people up and this and that. And that's not you either.

So you want to be putting that box? I think I'm a new age host. I think innovator. That's strong. New age is not, it wouldn't. That's, these are all terms that people have thrown out.

Where did we start? How long is this podcast? What is the appropriate term for what Mark and Greg do on the show if it's not co-hosted? I would ask that. Can you give me one? show like a day to think about it and then I'll throw out some ideas.

Analyst. But that feels... They're too important for that. Side kick. No, I think, yeah, I think what's crucial is you need to make a line of demarcation, Justin, that shows

that we are lesser than and it makes Dan feel better. Yeah, Justin throwing out sidekick. That would work. That would work. Feeling himself. That would work. I think he would like that. What if I run an analysis on all the minutes that each of you have spent talking on this show. Well, that would be, I don't

want to find out. I don't think that would help anyone. All right. That's it. Good stuff. Check it out, Gregi. Excellent work. Top 101. We'll be back on Wednesday and we're going to start digging into the coaches, GM's press conferences,

the news, maybe Lamar Jackson gets traded. That would be nice. A lot coming up. He'd the call. You know, This is an IHeart podcast.