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
36 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 1h 2min
Ravens Maxx Crosby trade highlights a busy weekend on the eve of free agency
A blockbuster trade sending Maxx Crosby to Baltimore and the price paid in two first-round picks. How the move reshapes a defense and the Ravens’ roster construction. A flurry of OL and linebacker signings and trades that hint at market trends before free agency. Big-money extensions and strategic depth moves that set the tone for the coming frenzy.
26 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 16min
2026 Free Agent Superlatives: Favorite Fits, Buyer Beware and more
A lively rundown of 2026 free agency superlatives and which player-team fits make sense. They debate trade implications, contract guarantees and market quirks shaping signings. Lists include favorite fits, value bargains, cheap flyers and risky big-money targets. The conversation highlights finishing pieces contenders should consider and warning signs teams should avoid.
11 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 7min
2026 free agency doppelgängers
They map 2026 free agents to past signings, using historical comps to predict market fits and risks. They dissect recent moves like Trent McDuffie and Stefon Diggs’ release and what those mean for cap space. Position-by-position comparisons cover centers, safeties, receivers, edge rushers and linebackers, weighing best- and worst-case archetypes for players like Jamel Dean, Alec Pierce and Trey Hendrickson.
13 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 8min
Strengths and weaknesses of the 2026 free agent class
They recap sudden roster moves and a surprising retirement that reshapes one team’s plans. The conversation breaks down which positions are deep this year and which are scarce. They highlight bargain areas like running backs, interior offensive line, linebackers and safeties. They also flag trouble spots at wide receiver, tackle and interior defensive line.
18 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 11min
Free agency mailbag: New staffs, Tyler Linderbaum's catbird seat, the cap space tipping point, and more
They tackle how new coaching and front office staffs approach free agency and roster building. They debate whether cap space still matters in modern NFL team-building. They size up Tyler Linderbaum's strong positioning and how teams might rebuild interior lines. They discuss recent Texans moves, tackle market trends, and projected contracts for key players.
19 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 1min
Takeaways from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
They break down which linebackers and edge rushers rose or fell in stock after testing. Cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends who impressed in drills get highlighted. Running back and receiver workouts that surprised scouts are discussed. Quarterback throwing sessions and offensive line measurements and concerns are debated.
22 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 59min
The Jets-Titans trade, the Malik Willis market, and the rest of the news from combine week
A lively roundup of combine-week headlines, including the player-for-player swap that shook up two defenses. They track the surprising Malik Willis market and which teams could actually pay big for a quarterback. Conversation jumps to the wider QB carousel, potential Murray and Richardson moves, cap-driven roster decisions, and trade chatter around stars like A.J. Brown and Max Crosby.
Feb 26, 2026 • 1h 10min
The most interesting teams of the offseason, part 3: Bengals, Ravens and Eagles
Paul Dehner Jr., Bengals beat writer who breaks down Cincinnati’s defensive urgency and roster math. Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens reporter who explains the coaching change, cap crunch, and Lamar Jackson decisions. Zach Berman, Eagles beat writer who outlines staff shakeups, AJ Brown’s impact, and Philly’s roster construction questions. They discuss pivotal offseason choices, cap strategies, and positional priorities.
19 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 1h 5min
The most interesting teams of the offseason, part 2: Chiefs, Vikings and Colts
Jesse Newell, Chiefs reporter: concise analysis of KC’s roster construction and cap puzzles. Alec Lewis, Vikings writer: brief cap expert weighing QB timelines and roster gaps. James Boyd, Colts beat writer: quick take on the QB room, roster choices, and OL development. They discuss Kansas City’s offensive priorities, Minnesota’s quarterback and cap crunch, and Indianapolis’ post-2025 roster roadmap.
43 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 8min
The Chargers, Commanders and Steelers kick off the annual TAFS Most Interesting Teams of the Offseason Series
Mike DeFabo, Steelers writer analyzing Pittsburgh’s coaching hire and roster strategy. Nicki Jhabvala, Commanders reporter on roster turnover and cap decisions. Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer on cap flexibility and scheming changes. They debate coaching fits, quarterback plans, cap moves, draft positioning, and which roster areas demand urgent attention this offseason.
