The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, and tackle the ins and outs of roster building. They meticulously follow the details of why we all love this sport and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. You want year-round draft coverage? You'll get that here, too, with draft expert Dane Brugler. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 3min
Building the Beast: How free agency affected the 2026 NFL Draft
They debate how free agency upended draft board assumptions and reshaped team priorities. Conversations jump from which teams need edge rushers, corners, or offensive tackles to how multiple first‑round picks alter strategy. They map specific team scenarios — from Miami’s teardown to Detroit’s tackle vs edge dilemma — and preview how trades and signings changed the 2026 draft landscape.
28 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 22min
NEWS: Broncos trade for Jaylen Waddle
A blockbuster wide receiver trade shakes up two rosters and future draft plans. Conversation centers on how the mover's skills fit a quick-release, RPO-heavy offense. The price paid, contract and cap implications are unpacked. The trade's ripple effects on quarterback futures and one team’s deliberate rebuild are explored.
30 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 19min
How much better—or worse—is each NFC team after the first wave of free agency?
A tour of how each NFC roster shifted after the first wave of free agency. They grade defensive overhauls, offensive uncertainties, and teams leaning into rebuilds versus cap preservation. Conversations spotlight big secondary upgrades, quarterback moves, and teams trading short-term wins for future draft capital.
55 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 10min
How much better—or worse—is each AFC team after the first wave of free agency?
A fast tour through how the AFC changed after the first wave of free agency. They grade which clubs gained youth, lost key veterans, or traded for draft capital. Specific team swings get quick takes — who dipped by design, who added short-term help, and who may have traded immediate wins for future flexibility.
35 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 27min
Vikings swing for the fences with Kyler Murray
Alec Lewis, Vikings beat reporter for The Athletic who covers roster moves and scheme through team reporting and tape study. He breaks down Minnesota signing Kyler Murray, the cap and contract math that made it possible, how this affects J.J. McCarthy’s timeline, schematic fit with shotgun vs under-center tendencies, and roster and draft implications for the near future.
30 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 4min
Free agency wrap: Taking stock of a busy start to the new league year
A rapid tour of the busiest start to the new league year, spotlighting surprise fits and value signings. They debate risky contracts, market shocks at cornerback and interior defensive tackle, and moves that reshaped player trajectories. The conversation closes by naming notable unsigned players still worth watching.
36 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 4min
Free agency day three: Maxximum Chaos
A chaotic free-agency day centered on Maxx Crosby's failed trade and Trey Hendrickson landing in Baltimore. Quick breakdowns of Daniel Jones' Colts deal and betting on his recovery. New defensive additions for Washington and Tariq Woolen landing in Philadelphia. Notes on Jets and Saints roster moves, offensive line signings, and surprising contract values around the league.
32 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 11min
Free agency day two: Perhaps you can go home again
A rapid rundown of day two free agency chaos and the big midweek swings. They cover Geno Smith returning to the Jets and the Patriots adding Romeo Doubs. Discussions include offensive line upgrades, savvy contract moves around linebackers and edge rushers, and why speed and special-teams value mattered in several re-signings.
12 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 49min
Free agency day one, part two: The edge and DB markets fall into place
Matt Harmon, receiver-market analyst and charting creator, breaks down landing spots for pass-catchers. Sam Schwartzstein, former broadcaster turned scout, analyzes positional fits and scheme value. Trevor Sikama, analytics contributor, connects signings to draft implications. Mike Sando, NFL reporter, offers front-office context. They focus on receiver fits, edge rusher and defensive back market shifts, and how deals reshape draft plans.
59 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 2h 56min
Free agency day one, part one: Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers, Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders, Alec Pierce stays in Indy, and more
Mina Kimes, ESPN analyst offering sharp reactions to major signings. Ben Solak, ESPN reporter tracking market impacts and team spending. DK (Daniel Kelly), draft and NFL analyst on draft implications. Nate Tice, football analyst on OL moves. Deontay Lee, Ringer writer on scheme fits. Jordan Roderick, team reporter with roster context. Bill Barnwell, ESPN analyst on roster construction. They hash out big signings, cap drama, and positional market shifts.
