The Herd with Colin Cowherd 3 & Out - Massive Mailbag
Feb 24, 2026
Mailbag tackles whether quarterback max contracts are due for a shakeup. Trade vs rebuild debates surface around a star defensive end. Financial realities of college sports and how football funds other programs get unpacked. Stadium relocation rumors and local sports culture questions pop up. Parenting, golf tips, and reflections on recovery add human moments.
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Quarterback Contracts Need Tiered Valuation
- The NFL may be moving away from blanket max quarterback contracts toward tiered valuations.
- John Middlecoff argues only truly elite QBs deserve max deals and teams should avoid overpaying second-tier passers like those paid heavily but not dominant.
Rebuild By Prioritizing The Trenches
- Build through the trenches first when reconstructing a roster.
- Middlecoff recommends doubling down on offensive and defensive line upgrades for teams like the Patriots rather than chasing expensive skill players.
Trade Wisely For Proven Impact Players
- Trade for immediate-impact defensive players if they fit a rebuilding timeline.
- For a team like the Patriots, Middlecoff would trade a late first-rounder and next year's pick for Max Crosby but thinks A.J. Brown would cost too much.