The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 2 - Where Colin was right and wrong, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record deal
Mar 23, 2026
Matt Hasselbeck, former NFL quarterback turned analyst, offers quick takes on player value and team construction. He breaks down Seattle signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a big early deal and why maturity mattered. They debate Denver’s cost for Jalen Waddle and how veteran additions shape quarterback rooms and culture.
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NIL Is Reshaping Conference Power
- NIL deals concentrate power with wealthy conferences like the Big Ten, boosting their tournament performance.
- Six of 16 teams left were Big Ten and those schools' deep-pocketed boosters and endowments drove roster advantages.
Veteran Coaches Gain In The NIL Era
- Older, experienced college coaches benefit from NIL because recruiting became administrative and money-driven.
- Colin cites Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo and John Calipari buying top talent rather than chasing high school/AAU hustle.
Seahawks Paid Early For Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Character
- Colin and Matt discuss the Seahawks signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba early to a record WR deal as a bet on maturity and character.
- Matt says Seattle likely planned it and views JSN as top-five among young receivers on and off the field.