Scoop City: Inside The NFL

The Athletic
undefined
Mar 5, 2026 • 37min

Why Daniel Jones’ Future Isn’t Settled And Malik Willis Could Cash In

The NFL offseason quarterback carousel is heating up, and the stakes are massive as the new league year approaches. Why did the Indianapolis Colts use the transition tag on Daniel Jones, and could another team still pry him away? Will the Green Bay Packers watch Malik Willis cash in on the open market after his growth behind Jordan Love? And what does Buffalo’s trade for wide receiver DJ Moore mean for Josh Allen and the Bills’ Super Bowl push?James Palmer opens the show with Colts beat writer James Boyd to break down Indianapolis’ decision to place the transition tag on Daniel Jones. What does the tag reveal about Chris Ballard’s long-term plans at quarterback, and was there any real risk the Colts could lose Jones in free agency? The conversation also explores the financial chess match the Colts are playing as they try to keep their roster competitive.The Colts’ offseason questions don’t stop at quarterback. Boyd and Palmer examine the growing market for wide receiver Alec Pierce and why teams around the league could drive his price sky-high. They also discuss the uncertain future of Anthony Richardson and whether another team might gamble on his rare traits despite his struggles in Indianapolis.Next, Palmer is joined by Packers writer Matt Schneidman to dive into one of the most fascinating names in free agency: Malik Willis. After developing under Matt LaFleur and learning in the same quarterback room as Jordan Love, what type of starter could Willis become for a team willing to bet on his upside?The show then shifts to the league’s biggest roster moves, including Buffalo’s trade for Chicago Bears receiver DJ Moore. Palmer explains why Joe Brady and the Bills believe Moore can elevate Josh Allen’s offense and how Khalil Shakir could see an expanded role in Buffalo. Plus, a look at how quarterback decisions around the league — including Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, and Kirk Cousins — could reshape the entire free agency landscape.Tell us your thoughts. Which quarterback landing spot are you watching most closely this offseason? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Mar 4, 2026 • 49min

Eagles Offseason Chaos: A.J. Brown Rumors, Another New System For Jalen Hurts

Brooks Kubena, Eagles reporter and analyst, breaks down Philly’s A.J. Brown drama and what a new scheme means for Jalen Hurts. Jesse Newell, Chiefs beat reporter, weighs the rare top-10 pick and whether tackle, edge, or receiver fits at No. 9. Zac Jackson, Browns beat reporter, maps Cleveland’s quarterback chaos, collapsing offensive line, and why tackle plus receiver feel unavoidable.
undefined
Mar 2, 2026 • 59min

QB Crisis: Would Vikings trade for Kyler Murray or sign Kirk Cousins?

The NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and now it’s time to check the notes. Scoop City returns to dissect the combine, preview the franchise tag market, and discuss free agency possibilities. The Dallas Cowboys have officially tagged WR George Pickens, but what will the Indianapolis Colts do with theirs? Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce will have to wait and see.Meanwhile, the trade market is already heating up. On Monday, the Detroit Lions traded RB David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider, Dianna Russini, shares updates on other possible moves. What is the latest with the Philadelphia Eagles and WR A.J. Brown? Would a team like the Buffalo Bills try to add a weapon for Josh Allen? And are the Las Vegas Raiders ready to deal All-Pro DE Maxx Crosby? Russini shares the latest intel on which teams could be in the mix.Plus, what will the Minnesota Vikings do at quarterback? Are they willing to give J.J. McCarthy another chance, or will they pursue a veteran? Could a reunion with Kirk Cousins be in the works, or would they trade for Kyler Murray or Mac Jones? With the veteran market flooded, James Palmer and Chase Daniel offer insights on where the puzzle pieces might fit.Finally, we look at which quarterbacks impressed in Indianapolis. What do we make of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza post-combine? Where did Alabama’s Ty Simpson stand out most, and would the Los Angeles Rams target him in the first round? We also discuss whether a team will take a flyer on Arkansas QB Taylen Green after his impressive performance.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Join the conversation: Which veteran QB should the Vikings add this offseason? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 26, 2026 • 39min

Are the Steelers trapped waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide his future?

The NFL Scouting Combine is quarterback chaos season — and Scoop City breaks down the biggest dominoes in Pittsburgh, New York, and Cincinnati. Will the Steelers get a faster answer from Aaron Rodgers this time? Do the Jets truly have a quarterback plan, or are they waiting for 2027? And is this finally the “now or never” year for Joe Burrow and the Bengals?We start in Pittsburgh with Mike DeFabo unpacking Omar Khan’s comments on Aaron Rodgers and why the Steelers believe this timeline won’t drag like last offseason. Is Mike McCarthy’s arrival about developing the next franchise quarterback or quietly aligning with Rodgers? The guys also hit Pittsburgh’s biggest roster needs — a true WR2 behind DK Metcalf, cornerback help, and how Jalen Ramsey could fit into a modern “big nickel” role.Next, Zach Rosenblatt joins to dissect the Jets’ quarterback mystery and Aaron Glenn’s “superpower” moment at the podium. Is this a bridge year with eyes on the 2027 draft class, or does New York swing for a stopgap like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones? They also debate Breece Hall’s future, the franchise tag value, and whether the Jets can afford to lose one of their few proven offensive weapons.Then Paul Dehner Jr. steps in to break down the Bengals’ defensive overhaul and the pressure mounting in Cincinnati. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins locked in, can Duke Tobin finally fix the defense with pass-rush help and veteran “force multipliers”? They also explore the No. 10 pick — including the possibility of Caleb Downs — and why this season feels like a defining crossroads for Zac Taylor.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Get in on the debate: Which team needs to address long-term plan at quarterback more — the Steelers or the Jets? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 25, 2026 • 41min

Will Raiders gamble future and deal Maxx Crosby & what’s A.J. Brown’s future in Philly?

The NFL Scouting Combine is officially trade season — and Scoop City is live in Indianapolis where Maxx Crosby rumors, A.J. Brown questions, quarterback chaos, and a new Giants power structure are dominating the league. Will the Raiders actually move Crosby if he wants out? Are the Eagles quietly preparing for life after A.J. Brown? Where does Kirk Cousins land in a weird QB market? And can the Giants’ John Harbaugh era reshape New York fast enough to maximize Jaxson Dart?James Palmer and Dianna Russini kick things off from Indy, where every elevator ride feels like a Super Bowl reunion and every dinner turns into a front-office summit. They break down why the combine is the league’s negotiation ground zero, how agents float interest without showing their hand, and why next week is when the real movement begins.One of the biggest storylines: Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders publicly insist they want to keep their star pass rusher, but teams are already checking in with his camp to gauge interest and price. James and Dianna unpack what a Micah Parsons–level trade package could look like, why Baltimore and Dallas are fascinating fits.Then it’s Philadelphia and the future of A.J. Brown. The Eagles say they want him back, but conversations are happening, and the possibility of a clean, drama-free split is very real. The guys debate whether Devonta Smith is ready for a full-blown leap, why Philly trusts its ability to draft another impact receiver.Quarterback intrigue follows with Kirk Cousins re-entering the offseason spotlight. Minnesota may not be as obvious as it seems with J.J. McCarthy’s development a priority, and teams like Cleveland or others needing veteran stability could emerge.Charlotte Carroll joins to break down the New York Giants’ new era under John Harbaugh, the power structure with Joe Schoen, and what the No. 5 pick could mean — including buzz around Caleb Downs, Malik Nabers’ recovery, and building the right support system for Jaxson Dart.James Boyd closes the show with a deep dive on the Colts’ quarterback dilemma: Daniel Jones leverage, franchise tag strategy, Anthony Richardson’s alarming vision injury, Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. contract math, and mounting pressure on Chris Ballard.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.Get on the debate: Which domino falls first — Maxx Crosby, A.J. Brown, or a surprise quarterback move? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 23, 2026 • 40min

Why Patrick Mahomes may not be enough to turn around the Chiefs in 2026?

It’s NFL Scouting Combine week — and Scoop City takes you inside the most important evaluation stretch of the offseason, from quarterback interviews to roster shakeups that could reshape 2026. What do the Chiefs do next around Patrick Mahomes? Can the Ravens unlock another level with Lamar Jackson? Are the Broncos headed for regression after a magical run? And which teams are quietly setting themselves up for a bounce-back year?James Palmer and Chase Daniel open with a firsthand look at the combine grind, breaking down what quarterbacks really face in Indy — from uncomfortable team interviews to throwing sessions that can change draft stock in a single rep. Chase explains how coaches compare QBs side-by-side, why mental toughness matters as much as arm talent, and how teams evaluate everything from body language to leadership between drills. It’s a rare inside look at how prospects are judged long before draft night.From there, the conversation turns teams that can bounce back in 2026. Kansas City will head into the offseason with Patrick Mahomes rehabbing an injury. The guys also discuss  Travis Kelce’s uncertain future and how the Chiefs may attack the draft to counter deep coverages and rebuild explosive playmaking.Next up: Baltimore as James makes his case for the Ravens as a major 2026 bounce-back team. With Lamar Jackson facing a massive contract moment and a new offensive staff pushing for near-perfect offseason attendance, the pressure is on to elevate chemistry and consistency.Then comes the flip side — which contender might take a step back — with Denver landing squarely in the spotlight. James explains why fourth-quarter magic, elite defensive health, and favorable breaks are hard to replicate, especially in a tougher AFC West. They also touch on Bo Nix’s development, roster needs, and what Sean Payton must add to keep the Broncos from sliding backward in 2026.The show wraps with Chase “breaking the internet” over a backwards hat debate that somehow turned into a full-blown social media momentDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a Scoop City drop.Let us know your thoughts in the comment: Which team do you think is most likely to bounce back in 2026? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
8 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 54min

Cowboys Biggest Offseason Problem: Keep George Pickens in Dallas

John Machota, a Cowboys insider at The Athletic, and Dan Popper, an NFL analyst who ranked the top 150 free agents, join to map the free-agency landscape. They debate quarterback market intrigue and Malik Willis’s climb. They dig into running back value, trench-building trends, and why interior defensive line and tackle scarcity reshape bids. They close by weighing Dallas’s Pickens situation, tag realities, and defensive priority targets.
undefined
Feb 18, 2026 • 44min

Inside John Harbaugh's frantic start at Giants head coach

What was John Harbaugh’s start like as head coach of the New York Giants? Why will Fernando Mendoza succeed in the NFL? And which position group is worth watching at the NFL Combine?Scoop City takes you inside the Giants’ facility as Harbaugh begins his next chapter as the face of the franchise, alongside The Athletic’s Ian O'Connor. We dive into the process of Harbaugh becoming the next head coach. Plus, O’Connor shares why Harbaugh is confident in the staff he has built in New York.Next week, the Giants will be among the teams scouting prospects at the 2026 NFL Combine. The Athletic’s national college football insider, Bruce Feldman, previews this year’s event. How did Indiana’s Mendoza go from a two-star recruit to the projected top pick in the NFL Draft? Which QB will be taken off the board after Mendoza? And which position groups will be the most interesting to watch at the combine? Feldman shares insights on the top prospects the college game has to offer.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.How many games will Harbaugh win in his first year with the Giants? Leave us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
9 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 52min

Why Fernando Mendoza is the clear No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

A deep scouting-room breakdown of Fernando Mendoza and why evaluators view him as the clear top prospect. A quarterback market primer with trade and free-agency scenarios for names like Kyler Murray, Tua, and Mac Jones. Draft-camera focus on Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, and pre-draft preparation dynamics. A backstage look at NFLPA facility report cards and their impact on team operations.
undefined
10 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 43min

Patriots Cinderella Story Turns To A Reality Check For a Super Bowl Return

Mike Jones, NFL reporter and analyst who ranks non-playoff teams and evaluates coaching moves. Chad Graff, veteran Patriots reporter who provides roster and locker-room context. They discuss the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade and its meaning. They analyze New England’s offseason priorities like offensive line and weapons for Drake Maye. They rank which missed teams, including Baltimore, are best set to rebound.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app