3 and Out with John Middlekauff Rams Chiefs makes MASSIVE trade, Latest with Max Crosby, Lou Holtz passes away
Mar 5, 2026
A blockbuster Rams–Chiefs trade and how it could reshape NFC and AFC landscapes. A look at why modern teams are trading more and the Rams’ roster and cap ripple effects. The Maxx Crosby saga and why he draws intense interest around the league. A brief note on Stefon Diggs’ release and reflections on Lou Holtz’s legacy in college football.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Offseason Trades Are Now Year Round
- NFL trading culture has shifted to aggressive, year-round wheeling and dealing.
- John Middlekauff ties it to bigger franchise valuations and GMs who think like Howie Roseman and John Schneider, making big moves common.
Slot Value Clashed With Premium Pay
- The Trent McDuffie trade reflects salary-versus-role economics: elite nickel value versus premium boundary money.
- Chiefs traded him because they were uncomfortable paying top-tier outside-corner money for a slot-centric player.
Turning Unpaid Players Into Core Draft Capital
- The Chiefs converted a player they wouldn't re-sign into high draft capital to reset the roster.
- Middlekauff sees pick 9/29 and future assets as a chance to target a core impact player like an elite lineman or pass rusher.