The Herd with Colin Cowherd 3 & Out - Trades in the NFL, true first-round talent in the draft, The Ravens and Lamar
Mar 3, 2026
Mailbag dives into the David Montgomery trade and which teams might move next. A debate over what truly qualifies as first-round talent and why scouts only find 15–20. Discussion on quarterback contracts, team-building philosophies, and whether Baltimore would trade Lamar Jackson. Brief tangents on trades value, coaching perception, and draft strategy.
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Why Elite Receivers Command First Round Returns
- NFL trades for star receivers require first-round capital because teams paid that price to acquire them previously.
- John Middlecoff uses A.J. Brown's value and past trade cost to explain why teams won't accept low picks for elite WRs.
Recognize Playoffs Are Financial Risk For Players
- Players should view playoff pay as a calculated risk since playoff games pay far less than regular-season value despite massive viewership.
- John Middlecoff highlights players lose potential guaranteed earnings if injured in playoffs and unions could push for more playoff compensation.
Quarterback Contracts Can Become Franchise Anchors
- Teams overpaying quarterbacks creates long-term anchors that harm franchises when the QB underperforms.
- John Middlecoff singles out deals like Tua's $55M year as bad business and calls for more patience before huge QBs contracts.