The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 2 - NFL team reviews have leaked, live from the NFL Combine, Robert Mays
Feb 27, 2026
Robert Mays, NFL reporter for The Athletic who covers the Combine and team analysis, joins to break down leaked team report cards. They discuss surprising Steelers grades and travel issues. Conversation covers Cowboys’ spending habits, Lamar Jackson’s contract outlook, Malik Willis’ market, and which teams might move in the draft.
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Report Cards Force Owner Accountability
- NFL team report cards hold owners accountable by publicly grading travel, facilities, and treatment of families.
- Colin highlighted the Steelers' surprising F grades across travel, locker room, and ownership as an accountability mechanism for frugal, old-school owners.
Cowboys Lost Their Bargain Advantage
- The Cowboys historically got bargains but now pay market rates, making sustained windows harder without creative spending.
- Robert Mays noted Dallas once benefitted from discounted contracts like a cheap Dak, but now they rarely get players at a discount.
Use Restructures To Buy Roster Flexibility
- Restructure big contracts to create cap wiggle room instead of refusing to spend.
- Mays recommended the Cowboys will restructure Dak, CeeDee, and Tyler Smith so headline numbers shrink and allow adding pieces.