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The 5th Down: NFL FREE AGENCY WAS WILD! · The Poi N Soy Podcast

• Keoni McKeague: Welcome back to the podcast. I'm your cohost, Kearney McKeegan. With me today on the FitDown is my boyfriend, FitDown, Jared Shiraz. Say what's up to the pod, Say what's up to the pot book. Oh, I was like. Anyway, we are here to talk some NFL football free agency, but we are. Yeah, I was like a couple of days past the start of free agency, which are actually not. Technically, it was just yesterday, but the tampering period opened up on Monday. So teams were able to negotiate their deals and they were officially able to sign as of yesterday. So we'll get into some of the moves that were made and some of the moves that were not made. Jared Shirai: Oh, what's that, what's that, what's that? Man, I don't know why it's so loud. Keoni McKeague: We'll get into that drama in a little bit But ⁓ before we do that we have to give a shout out to our partners over at W energy Fantastic tasting energy all of the energy you need to get through your day You head on over to W dot GG or use the W energy app in our promo code, which is boy and soy That's P.o.i.n s o I for 10 % off your order book. Let's talk some NFL football Jared Shirai: Let's do it! Keoni McKeague: So just like well, I like I was just like we did last time but nobody knows about the last time. Yeah, we're going to talk about each of the teams the moves that they made. I'm going to bring up the moves on screen for you here. So we're going to start off in the ASC East and the Buffalo Bills. This is a team that you know, seemingly was a couple moves away from being championship contenders. They have a new head coach in the building. So that's going to be something to work around. But the signings here you see them. got Jared Shirai: Yeah, it'll be last time we're gonna go through each team. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ QB Shane Buccele, which I believe is the third QB because I'm not sure why it's not showing here, but I believe they also resigned Kyle Allen the backup from last year. ⁓ But yeah, so they went out and traded for DJ Moore acquired in the trade with the Chicago Bears along with the 2026 fifth round pick in exchange for a 2026 second round selection. They also signed Dawson Knox to a new three year contract. They signed Connor McGovern to a four year $52 million deal. I also saw a really Jared Shirai: I'm out Alan. Keoni McKeague: cool little video of him handing out pizzas at the conference that they announced his signing. So I was like, look at you using that $52 million already. And then they just signed Bradley Chubb who was released earlier yesterday, I believe. And he signed a three year, $43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. They also signed cornerback D. Alford who signed a three year deal, Safety Sam Franklin who signed a three year deal. Jared Shirai: Hahaha Keoni McKeague: And then of course, Tyler Bass, who was revising his contract and will be playing another year here in Buffalo. So, Boog, ⁓ what do you like about the moves they have made and what do think they still need to do or do they need to do anything? Is this Buffalo Bills team ready to compete next year? Jared Shirai: mean, they went out and they got a top tier receiver who wasn't being utilized in Chicago and DJ Moore. So I think I love that a lot. Dots and knocks, great signing, just a reliable threat for him as well as a blocking threat for him to give him protection as well as give him another sure hands receiver, I guess you would say. I mean, he doesn't do much for fantasy, but for real life football, like he's a reliable player that he has really good rapport with. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Josh Allander, so I think that's a really good bringing back. ⁓ You're signing your center, can never go wrong with that, just because of the rapport that you've built throughout the years. I mean, Josh Allen is successful because of that guy too. So signing Conor McGovern there, it helps a lot. Signing Bradley Chubb, I mean, that's a big one, Really showing up in a defense because we talked about it like you guys don't get to hear it, but we talked about like Joey Bosa That was in the room last year for that one-year contract Filling that that void there for him Hopefully signing another big big name on defense as well to help with that I think that's gonna be one of the big things and then ⁓ Keoni McKeague: ⁓ yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: D Alfred and Sam Franklin. I mean, that's just showing up the like re-signing and showing up little holes in the defense that was there. This is them going all in. I think we've talked about it even on pass pods. Like this is the Buffalo going all in knowing that this might be one of the last years. Josh Allen is not getting any younger. They needed to get him more. Tyler Bass is a reliable kicker. So I love that they brought him back. The only thing for me is just maybe getting another receiver. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: I think that's one of my biggest things, is getting a true one. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: DJ shows that he can be a one, but he's not a true one. We know Khalil Shakir, we know all the others there. But I mean, a true one would be really nice here for Josh Allen, so that he doesn't have to throw the ball. mean, he doesn't have to run the ball. That he can just throw the ball, could serve his legs and run when he needs to. We know what he can do with his legs, but I think a lot of people are kind of like, at least for me now, the more I think about I love Josh Allen. I'm a full Josh Allen supporter, but... I mean, not saying he's this guy, but he's kinda, I know, I know, but not me, not you, but what category he's kinda getting into for me is the Jalen Hurts category of the throwing category. How we dog on Jalen for not throwing as much. Jalen has a, what the difference is, think Jalen's receivers I would rather throw to than throw to these receivers. That's the only thing where Jalen Hurts for me, but. Keoni McKeague: Not me though. I hate this guy. Yeah. Yeah, I think, yeah. That is constantly been the issue in Buffalo. I think they did make up for that by bringing in DJ Moore, but I agree with you. think either whether it's a new rookie in the room or them, which, I mean, historically they haven't been good at drafting rookies. mean, as we saw with Keon Coleman kind of falling out of the rotation last year. ⁓ But yeah, I mean, whether it's bringing in a new rookie to kind of figure things out and then maybe even trading Keon Coleman, I can imagine he's probably still got Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: At least okay value. mean, if you're not gonna use him, you might as well get like a fifth out of him this year. ⁓ yeah, I mean, at the end of the day, I think they shored up a lot of the holes. I agree wholeheartedly on the Bradley Chubb signing. So that was really, really big for them. ⁓ Getting a guy who's younger and probably better than Joey Bosa is at this point in his career. I think that was fantastic for them. So yeah, I'm gonna sign off on the Buffalo Bills, man. They're gonna look pretty scary heading into next year. But can Josh Allen put it together in the playoffs? That's gonna be the last. Jared Shirai: Yes. Keoni McKeague: question they need to answer. yeah, moving on here, we're going to move on to the Miami Dolphins. They had sort of the biggest, biggest peace signing as far as getting a QB in this area because they did also release Tua Taka Wailoa, which we'll talk about where he landed ultimately and after this. But yeah, they got Malik Willis signed him on a three year, 67 and a half million dollar deal. I think that was below sort of the market value for him. So kudos on them. ⁓ And their new head coach, believe it's Jeff Haffley is the name of the head coach But yeah, they also resigned Greg Dulcich on a one-year 3.25 million dollar deal solid sort of signing for them tight end Ben Sims It's blocking tight end. So that's a debt piece for them on a one-year deal edge. Joshua Kay signed on a one-year deal Defensive tackle Matthew Butler resigned with the Dolphins Willie Gay Jr. The linebacker resigned with them. They have two kickers signed for some reason ⁓ not sure if they're just hoping to have some sort of ⁓ battle in camp, we have both Riley Patterson and Zane Gonzalez going at it. ⁓ That'll be an interesting wrinkle to the Miami Dolphins. Not sure why they did that, but yeah. And the other big sort of piece that they obviously let go of was Minka Fitzpatrick, which they traded away. I'm not sure why that's not showing here, but they did trade Minka to the New York Jets for a couple of picks. So ⁓ yeah. Jared Shirai: That's a very interesting... Keoni McKeague: Anyway, Boog, thoughts and opinions on the Miami Dolphins? I think we both agree that this isn't going to be their year. This is probably a year one of a three year retool situation. ⁓ What do you like? What don't you like? What do they need to do? Or if they do, do need to do anything? Jared Shirai: mean, for me, with you, as you said it, this is a perfect destination for Malik Willis, given the opportunity, letting him thrive in that regard, ⁓ pairing him alongside David Neychan, and that just relieves a lot of pressure there. ⁓ Also the pairing with the... the new head coach, is a former Green Bay Packers quarterback coach. I think that's amazing there. The two tight end pieces, amazing. They're just to solidify that position for them, whether it's blocking or like you said, depth pieces. It's great there. I like all their signings actually, to be honest, in year one of a rebuild. I think that'll be great for them. The one thing that's actually gonna kill me though is the two kicker signing when ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yes. Yeah. Jared Shirai: I think that's weird because I'm always going to be like to think about what I said last time. When I said Zane Gonzalez last time, I loved the signing because I think there's a good opportunity for him. He really did well. But for them to go to sign another kicker, I don't know if it's just like, he's. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah, and Riley Patterson was a kicker there last year, so it's weird that they've Jared Shirai: Yeah, so maybe they just, yeah, they signed Zane and then they re-signed them. Maybe they built really good rapport. Maybe they had different conversations. Maybe they have a short kicker, long kicker. Who knows? mean, just to be based off of the consistency of things. at that point, if they have both of them, I am not drafting either Miami Dolphins kickers because I don't know which one's going to kick. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean that that kind of tells you that they don't have confidence in either of them if they're bringing in both. mean, yeah. And there's also a reason that Riley Patterson, I he's the former Lions, so it's like there's a reason why he's not on that team anymore. So they didn't believe in him. Maybe this is just a tryout for both guys, I guess. But yeah, I mean, they moved off of. ⁓ no, I was just going to say them. Go ahead, go ahead, go. You go. Jared Shirai: Exactly. but yeah. Exactly. I mean getting another... ⁓ no. I was just gonna say getting... Okay go go go go! Keoni McKeague: I was just gonna say them moving off of some other veteran guys. mean, to me, I think it's a sign of them trying to get younger. They obviously let Bradley Chubb go and he ended up in the same conference. So I imagine that's going to be a heated game when he does play against them. And then, of course, let him go Minka Fitzpatrick. I think it's just signaling that they're going for a retool. They do stuff, some pieces along that defensive group, but not quite as much as they did, you know, post releasing. But they still have Chop Robinson. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Who's obviously pretty damn good and they also have Zach Seiler who's also pretty good and then Jordan Brooks Who was doing a lot of things so as far as the signings? mean, yeah, the kickers is probably the only weird situation. They could probably do with signing like another Good wide receiver or somewhere in here somewhere throw someone in the mix But yeah, they got some pieces the offense looks like it's gonna be really really good this next year they probably do stuff to figure out that situation with Jalen Wright and Olly Gordon, but I imagine this is going to be one of those weird committee back situations just because all three of them ⁓ were pretty damn good last year. And then of course, they had a budding star in Malik Washington as far as a second receiver. So yeah, we'll see. I like the pairing of Malik Willis with the trio of him, HN and Waddle. I'm very curious to see what the Dolphins do. But yeah, clearly this is going to be a couple years before they're really, really making some noise. yeah, solid signings all the way around. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Love it. Keoni McKeague: We're going to move to the New England Patriots who went on and got ⁓ offensive lineman Elijah Vera Tucker, him to a three year, $42 million deal. They also went on and got fullback Reggie Gilliam who signed a three year deal worth up to 12 million. A wide receiver Romeo Dobbs signed a four year, $70 million contract. Titan Julian Hill signed with the Patriots. And then of course, defensive lineman Jermont Jones from the Baltimore Ravens signed a three year, $39.5 million deal. then safety Kevin Byard. ⁓ Probably on his last legs as far as his career is concerned, but I mean that's a fantastic depth safety who signed on a relatively cheap contract. So, Boog, thoughts and opinions on the New England Patriots? They just obviously were in the Super Bowl and we saw how that worked out, but now they have more pieces in there. They had obviously all the big signings last year. What your thoughts on the New England Patriots and if they need to do anything more? Jared Shirai: I mean, on the rise, looking good. I love that they went and addressed the offensive line help like you talked about with the whole Will Campbell thing. That was the scapegoat of the, I mean, he really didn't play that well either, but it was a scapegoat of the Super Bowl. So they want to make sure that they want to shore up there. If anything, I think they shore up there as well, like by signing another vet piece if possible, or whatever falls to them in free agency. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: The fullback we've talked about, that's more about the protection just for Drake May who you want to have the ball in his hands throwing. We know what he can do. He does what good, what was his legs though. But I do think that you want him to slang and that's why you got, went on and got Romeo dubs. Let me start dubs, dubs, dubs. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. She had Dobby. Nah, we a real Dobsy. Yeah, yeah. Jared Shirai: But he's Romeo Dubs though, and this is where he gets to be a true one here. think ⁓ we talked about it booty to the moon and then Romeo Dubs dropped and ⁓ I mean the more targets you're give Drake May the deadlier this team is gonna be at the end of the day. His sophomore season was a boom and he exploded through it and I love it that they're just trying to get him more weapons. Julian Hill, think signing with Julian Hill is great. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: I think the things that he does in the sense of blocking and receiving, think that's more of the blocking purposes for me that he'll really shore up the offensive line. But, and then really go to the defense side of the ball. And I think they're fine. They had, you got Vrebo over there. You got the mind there. You bring in people. And Jermon Jones is a huge signing for them. It's just a boost. It's a booster, their defensive line there. And then being able to show up your secondary in signing Kevin Baird. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. ⁓ yeah. Jared Shirai: I mean, this is a great offseason for them and the little things that they did with the six players that they got. I think this is great for them. Another run. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They literally filled in all the random holes that they had along their starting lineup. I mean, that's the main thing. We knew that they were going to try to go after a wide receiver. I mean, there's still news that they might be trying to trade for AJ Brown still. And I think if they bring in AJ Brown, mean, jeez. I mean, the Patriots to the moon, I guess, because I mean, their starting lineup is very good. Their backups are very good. I mean, they have a very deep team. And I think They're helping fix those pieces. One of the biggest things I feel like they could stand to do and they're probably going to do, especially with their ⁓ having the second to last pick in the first round, ⁓ is maybe find like another offensive, ⁓ actually probably more of a center. I was just saying offensive guard, but their guards are pretty good. Their tackles are pretty good. I think they could stand to maybe go out and find a center in the draft. And this is a very deep class for that. So. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: And with the way things are shaking out, lot of people, know, a lot of names are falling down the way in the draft. So I think that they could still score somebody at the end of the first round. ⁓ Yeah, all things told, really love the fit of Kevin Byard here. I mean, they had a couple of guys that they released last year who I wouldn't say really changed ⁓ how the outlook of the team was because I mean, they kind of were on last legs and they both ended up with the Steelers. But I would say more just the fact that they need. ⁓ you know, sort of that veteran presence in there. They obviously had all the signings that they had last year with Spillane and all those guys. Milton Williams also, who had a fantastic year for them. So I think they filled in the rest of the holes by bringing in Jermont Jones, bringing in Kevin Byard. Yeah, this team looks scary, man. And they still have, you know, a lot of draft picks to decide on. yeah, New England Patriots, scary times, Yeah. Moving on to the New York Jets. I mean, this is a team that surprisingly has Jared Shirai: There it is, it is. Keoni McKeague: done a lot this offseason. I don't think anybody was really expecting them to bring in as much stuff as they did bring in. But I mean, let's go through this list. Yeah, exactly. I got a slow scroll through this bad boy. yeah, so they went out and acquired their new starting quarterback for at least this next year. We'll see if they draft somebody. But they QB Geno Smith acquired in a trade from Las Vegas Raiders. Jared Shirai: Yeah, you can't even see the whole thing. Keoni McKeague: Along with the 2026 seven-round pick in exchange for a 2026 six-round selection so fantastic value For a at least bridge quarterback, you know, I mean, he's not gonna be the quarterback of the future obviously ⁓ They also put the franchise tag on Bruce Hall. He will Still be negotiating throughout the week on his contract. So we'll see what happens with that situation They reassigned Andrew Beck the fullback. They also resigned Jelani Woods the tight end former Colt Titan, I believe yeah They also brought in offensive guard Dylan Parnham signing on a two year contract worth up to 20 million so replacing the off injured Eliza Verretucker who is now with the Patriots. They brought in Edge Kingsley and Iqbar E signing on a one year 10 million contract. Edge Joseph Ossi from the Cincinnati Bengals on a three year 36 million dollar deal. Defensive lineman David Onyembata signed on a one year 10 and a half million dollar deal. Defensive lineman Tavonjer Sweatt was acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson the second. Linebacker DiMario Davis, former New Orleans Saint, signed a 2 year 22 million dollar deal. Naishon Wright, the cornerback from, I believe from the Chicago Bears, signed a 1 year deal worth up to 5.5 million. Safety Dane Belton signed a 1 year 4 million dollar deal. And then of course Safety Minka Fitzpatrick, who was acquired in that trade with the Miami Dolphins, in exchange for a 7th round pick. And of course, Fitzpatrick signed a 3 year 40 million dollar extension with them. Yeah, the other weird part about this is that there was a lot of... trades or I guess not really trades because one of them was a release and signing but a lot of moves within the division which is kind of funny but Boog I mean they obviously did a lot they are trying to fix the holes that they had last year especially with the defense ⁓ especially after moving on from both Quinn and Williams and ⁓ Suss Gardner so your thoughts on what they did ⁓ and what can they do to continue to you know build towards contention Jared Shirai: Yeah. Mm-hmm. I mean, like you said, they went the right way. They were ranked ⁓ 31st out of 32 teams in points against. So, I mean, that says a lot. They went out and got a lot of good names here. I mean, you went through this. I'm pretty sure we know who it is. I mean, if you don't know for football fans, ⁓ you're on the wrong pod, by the way. I'm going say like they went and they showed up their line. They went and they showed up their secondary like the little things to get more stops here. Then they went and got like you said the bridge quarterback. I love that. Gino Smith here because like we know Justin Fields is probably going to be that he's getting released like this is even more signs told. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: We'll see what Gino does. Hopefully he has a resurgence here, can get back to somewhat of an old form, better than what he did in Las Vegas. But it's just to pass the time to see what they do and who they bring in, if they sign somebody or if they just use him for the year and wait for another year. Because a lot of the quarterbacks did go back to college for one more year. So maybe they just wait a year for that. Breece Hall signing here, great. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: You just, you still have that great running back in that regard. And then you have, I would say Jelani Woods and Andrew Beck, great. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: blocking mechanisms for him. Just to help get protection, keep him in the pocket, because he does have good weapons in Garrett Wilson and Adonainen Mitchell. I think that'll be really good for both of them. For me, the biggest thing that they're missing, I know they did a lot of moves, the only thing is going to be showing up the offensive line, because we saw what Gino does. He's going to need a lot of time because he holds the ball a really long time. So we definitely need to get some offensive line help here. So I think that... Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. I actually have a pretty good line, all things told, I mean. Jared Shirai: Yeah, but I mean, just to show off, know, if Gino is going to hold the ball for like seven seconds, you got to make sure that you have rotational offensive line pieces because. Keoni McKeague: Probably the only thing they really need to look at is probably that center position. They drafted really well. Olufoshanu was an all-rookie type tackle. They also had Armand Membo, who they drafted a few years back. Dylan Parnham they just traded for. Joe Tipman, longtime starter. ⁓ Jared Shirai: A third receiver. Okay. He was a child hit, I think. Keoni McKeague: I mean, yeah, Josh Myers is probably the only real weakling on that offensive line, but they have a pretty good they have a pretty good line. Like I was just looking, I was like, damn, I was like, adding Dylan Parnham. No, I mean, that's a yeah, you're right, though. They could add some depth pieces. They don't really have a lot or long to tackle positions. That's probably something they're going to need to look for, especially with. Yeah, you're right. With Gino Smith moving around in the pocket, you want those those edges to be set and they could stand to maybe as but. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: The two rookies have been, I mean not rookies, I call them rookies because they're still in like their rookie contracts, but Olufoshano and Armin Membo, man, they're both, they both were very, very good last year. So yeah, this is a, yeah, I agree for the most part. mean, like they got everything they need. You're right. They could probably stand to add another wide receiver in this room. Cause even though I like Adonai Mitchell is actually, you know what? They could stand to add somebody that's a like maybe like a veteran piece to throw in there. Jared Shirai: Like first second year, right? Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Similar to like how the Patriots added Mack, Mack, I was just saying Mack Jones, Mack Hollins. ⁓ Somebody like that would be really, really good in this room. Somebody that can just kind of be the third guy, but not need to take away touches from both Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. ⁓ Obviously, we're going to have to see what happens with Bruce Hall, but I'm almost so sure that he's going to be resigning with the group. ⁓ To find your sweat and Joseph Osei. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Call it. Keoni McKeague: fantastic getting for that line because it's going to be yeah I mean between them and Will McDonald I mean this is going to be a very very strong defensive line of course getting Kingsley Enekbara into Mario Davis ⁓ I mean yeah that linebacker group looks really good really I mean the one thing they could stand to get which they don't have right now is probably like a sauce Gartner type you know like a really good like a really good corner that can lock it down ⁓ Jared Shirai: See me somebody that you had? Yeah. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah, that's probably their weakest point, but I imagine they addressed that in the draft. They have a pretty high pick. I know there was rumors that they'd be going out and trying to ⁓ Caleb Downs. So we'll see, man. This is a really good team. They look really good. ⁓ I'm sorry. Let me rephrase what I just said. They had some really good moves and on paper they look a lot better than they did last year. ⁓ We'll see how much of a turnaround they have with the guys that they did get. Let's move on to the AFC North. So we have the Baltimore Ravens who we have to talk about it because it did happen, you know they pulled a shady move and decided to ⁓ renege on that ⁓ Sorry on that ⁓ trade that they had for Max Crosby The two year or the two first round picks in exchange for Max Crosby ended up falling through based on some you know medical stuff that I mean I can't believe they're surprised at somebody who had Jared Shirai: Thanks guys. Keoni McKeague: Issues with injuries at the end of the year suddenly can't pass a physical. I think that's really stupid and kind of shady by the Baltimore Ravens ⁓ to try to pull pull a fast one on this deal and then Surprise surprise go out and sign edge Trey Hendrickson so that they can also retain those first-round picks like a Lot of people are talking about it. I'm sure they're I'm sure they're either gonna lose compensation picks or something along those lines is gonna happen they may get Jared Shirai: You Keoni McKeague: find or they made I don't know something supposedly the league is going to crack down on it because it was a really shady way for them to handle everything. ⁓ Yes he didn't pass the physical but also they knew he was injured so that was pretty stupid on the Baltimore Ravens but it's the Baltimore Ravens they're stupid so nobody's surprised. Anyway they resigned Tyler Huntley on a two-year deal to be the backup for Lamar Jackson. They did also sign Durham Smythe ⁓ on a free agent deal. O-line John Simpson signed a three year 30 million dollar deal. Of course as the aforementioned Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals signed a four year 112 million dollar deal. Cornerback Chadobe Awuzy resigned on a fully guaranteed one year five million dollar contract. Depth Beast there. And then of course Jalen Hawkins signed a free agent deal. Boog. ⁓ You know they don't have Max Crosby who is You know, not arguably he's definitely better than Trey Hendrickson, but they did retain their two first on picks and now they have Trey Hendrickson in the fold. Thoughts and opinions. Apparently they also stated that they were going to try to keep both or get both, but that's probably not true. I don't know why they tried to defend, you know, Max Kraus be backing out deal. But anyway, here we are. Jared Shirai: Hmm. Well, we'll start with Titan Huntley. Great home for him. I think he proved his worth in the time that Lamar was out. Great backup to have in that system. I think he fits perfectly. So I love that they re-signed him for two years for a decent price, know, for 11 mill. ⁓ Durham they signed because they lost lightly. with Mark Andrews being your only Titan, we know how they like to have the two Titan sets, ⁓ not just for protection, but... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: you just to have available receivers. I think that's that's a great signing for them. ⁓ John Simpson showing. Blocking, yeah, yeah, but John Simpson is to be great because they do need to show up that offensive line for for Lamar, get him a little bit more protection than what he already has. I think that would be great just because as Lamar gets older, we know like he's not going to use his legs as much. He's going to want to use his arms. So ⁓ just giving him a little bit more time there. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, and Durham will be strictly a blocking tight end. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Getting Trey Hendrickson, mean, like you said, the chaliness of the deal, but the value of this deal is maybe not as good as Max Crosby, but at least you get to keep your first round picks. I think that was the biggest thing for me out of this. ⁓ We know what Trey does. He coming from Cincinnati, right? He was great there and I think he'll be great here. ⁓ You said, like it's a full, just... Backup piece here, but to bolster it great move on the quarterback. I just want them to do more on the defensive side I think I spoke about this in the past of I hear the Baltimore Ravens I think defense first and I'm not scared of their defense I don't think anybody scared of the defense right now with Max Crosby It was a little bit scarier just because like we knew what what he brought to the table I'm hoping that I know Tray Harington may not have the same reputation as Max Crosby But I'm hoping that with the signing of him people will like, hey, maybe we do want to come play in Baltimore because we want to play with Trey. And if not, I really hope they use those two draft picks to grab at least one like solid defense. Cause I think they are slated to 14. So that's a really good point for like piece for them to get at 14. And then with the rest of their tricks, I would love to see them get a young receiver. Keoni McKeague: 14. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Like for me, that would be a young receiver and maybe late round, late round tight end, late round tight because my orange is not getting any younger. So I would love to see them like not look for his replacement, but like try to give him an opportunity to mentor somebody so that when he has time to go, he's he's shaped and molded this kid to to like step in and take you to take over the reins. So those are the three pieces for me that I would love to see them do. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, mean, I think similarly to like how the Pittsburgh, I mean, most of the AFC North operates. They're they're very good at signing guys in the offseason to the positions that they really need. And then being able to just kind of draft best available. That's kind of been the schtick with a lot of the AFC North teams. Always really good at like filling all the holes during free agency and then just like being free to draft what happens. So ⁓ I imagine they'll be looking at. Jared Shirai: ⁓ huh. Keoni McKeague: other positions but yeah I agree with you on the tight end one like if they can go out and get Kenyon Sadiq if he falls to them I feel like that could be a really good get for them he's tremendously talented tight end coming out of the draft he's you know slated as the number one and on top of that ⁓ yeah you do want to find the replacement for Mark Andrews because it's coming you know the end of that career is going to be coming around the corner whether you like it or not ⁓ and they did lose the guy who probably would have replaced him in Isaiah likely so Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, as far as the rest of signings Tyler Huntley makes sense. I mean he should stay there for life That's I mean that's he's the perfect backup for Lamar Jackson and always performs really well I agree on the wide receiver take they definitely probably could add somebody to this room I still think they're gonna try to sign like a Stefan Diggs or something. You know what I mean? I feel like that's that's one of the guys are probably looking at Yeah, it makes sense as far as like just another name to throw in there and kind of be in the mix They did the same thing with Jared Shirai: Yeah, that would be a really good signing for them. Keoni McKeague: Deandre Hopkins, you know last year so we'll see what happens to that group as far as the defense though They drafted really well last year Mike Green was really solid for them Trying to look down the names Nate or no not a name we can start. Excuse me Malachi Starks Also a really good get that was probably the biggest value grab that they had and then of course you still have the stalwarts in Humphrey Then real Quan Smith. I think my week a who's coming back from his injuries. We'll see how healthy he is, but Really the only thing I think they need to really be looking at is somewhere along that defensive line. They were really bad at stopping the run last year. They had a lot of issues with that. So really in the trenches is going to be where they need to. Hendrickson helps with that a little bit, but he also is more of an edge setter and not really a run stopper. So they could stand to find somebody who's really good at stopping the run at nose tackle or somewhere along those lines in the draft. ⁓ But other than that, yeah, I mean a pretty good off season for them. Still shady that they backed out on the, you know, Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Max Crosby, Dale Bowe, we'll see. Jared Shirai: It's a better off, I mean, it's shady that they did that, but it's better for them that in a situation, I guess you would say. Keoni McKeague: It's better for them. Yeah, for sure. Two first on picks and Trey Hendrickson, I mean, yeah, I mean, it's a step down in talent, but you still got a really good player and get to retain your pick. So pick 14 always felt like and I think we we talked about this on the pod that you'll never hear. But yeah, I think pick 14 was way too high along with another first on pick. Like to me, that's that's a lot to give up for any player. But. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, if you gave up if you give this one of the first round picks and the play. I think that would have been fine. yeah. Yeah, it's wild. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, maybe 14 and a second round next year, but 14 and the first on pick next year. That's I mean, I will say, though, I'm still not expecting much out of this Baltimore Raven squad. They they may get out of the division. We'll see. But there is another team that added a lot more better pieces, but we'll get to that in a second. Anyway. Moving on to the Cincinnati Bengals, who I hate. It's funny as I as we're talking about sort of the pod that nobody will hear. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Hmm, what scene would that be? Keoni McKeague: ⁓ I do think it's funny now that there are more moves that were made that we could talk about because some of these teams only had like two or three signings now they have like five or six so anyway moving on to Cincinnati Bengals they went out and got ⁓ Sorry veteran offensive tackle Orlando Brown jr. Who signed a two-year contract extension? ⁓ Offensive guard Dalton Rizner resigned on a one-year deal edge boy mafia, which was sort of their big big signing this ⁓ offseason signed a three-year 60 million dollar deal Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Cornerback Jalen Davis resigned on a one year deal as a debt piece and of course safety Brian Cook ⁓ also signed a three year 40.25 million dollar deal. ⁓ Boogh, thoughts on the Bengals? mean I think comparatively they probably had one of the weaker off seasons in the AFC North but what are your thoughts on the team and what do they need to add? Jared Shirai: Yeah. I mean, Hendry said, laugh. You got mafia. Great. ⁓ I think Orlando Brown, great signing for them and re-signing. Just trying to bolster the offensive line for Joe Burrow to keep him less injury prone. He has the way we talked about all the time, greatest weapons on the offensive side. For me, it's good that they signed the players that they did on the defensive side. I just think they need to do more. I think that was one of the biggest things. They gave up a lot of points last year. They had a lot of high scoring games because of it. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: 30th. So they were 30 after they're one of the bottom, the bottom three defenses in, in all of NFL. So, I mean, they need to really show up on a defensive side of the ball. They do have pick 10th. So we'll see what they really want to do with that. If they want to look for, mean, Chase Brown came out and kind of did. I think I'm hoping it's defensive, but I mean, if they, if they can, if I don't know. Keoni McKeague: It better be defensive. Jared Shirai: Jeremiah Lav follows them, which he definitely won't, but like it's either going to be a defensive player or it's going to be an offensive lineman. I feel like that's what it's going to turn into. I don't think they need, I don't think they need either anything else. I don't think they're going to get the best running back available ⁓ because Chase Brown is still there. They still have some pieces there. We know Jeremiah Lav is probably never not going to follow them, but if anything, I would love to see them draft a defensive player anywhere. I don't care where it is anywhere. Keoni McKeague: I do agree with that, yeah. Yeah, Pig Ten is a great spot. I mean, if like a Caleb Downs falls to them, that would be really nice. Yeah. Jared Shirai: just somewhere to stop something. And then. Yeah. And so for me, like not the greatest of all seasons comparatively, but I do think they address some things that they really needed to address. And because they have that high draft pick, think they're going to use that well. Hopefully they use that well in the sense of like they're going to draft best available on a defensive side of the ball. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I think I agree with you wholeheartedly on the draft. mean, it's likely going to be an offensive lineman or, you know, if any of the big name, you know, defensive guys fall to them, I imagine they probably are looking at that too. You know, sort of opposite of what both, ⁓ actually all three other teams in the AFC North did. ⁓ They do have some holes that they need to fill that they didn't fill in free agency. So. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: They have a lot more work to do. mean, we've talked about this team at length. I mean, they're really good on offense. But if that defense can't stop anything, it's going to, you know, the bleeding is not going to help for this team. They definitely need to maybe look at the linebacker room. That's something that they could probably add again in the trenches is going to be another thing. Having BJ Hill and Boya Mafia is going to be really good. But, you know, they lost Trey Hendrickson. So he was obviously like a big time game changer for them. They don't have him now. So. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: The secondary was surprisingly pretty good last year. If they do go out and get a Caleb downs, I think that could make this secondary like next year. there's a little. Yes, the run. That's why I was that's why I was saying the trenches and their linebackers, that's that's where they're going to need to be looking now. It's going to be rough for them if they can't do that. And, you know, more teams are leaning heavily on their on their running back. So. Jared Shirai: They couldn't stop the run last year, right? Yeah, I was like, I feel like that's. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, offensive line to me that center position needs to be addressed. They have not figured that out yet. So that's one that yeah, could stand to get fixed. anyway, let's move on to the Cleveland Browns. The Cleveland Browns, they signed tight end Jack Stoll on a one year deal. Offensive tackle tightest Howard acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 fifth round pick. And of course, he signed an extension of $63 million for over three years. Offensive guard Tevin Jenkins re-signed offensive guard Zion Johnson, which was the big get along this line Signed a three-year forty nine and a half million dollar deal. Actually. Yeah, I forgot about that day So they got two really three I guess really good offensive lineman in this draft in this free agency Elton Jenkins who was released by the Green Bay Packers longtime starter for them now signed on a two-year for 24 million dollar deal So fantastic grab for them. That was one of the guys I was hoping we would sign so, you know great for them on the Cleveland Brown side ⁓ Jared Shirai: three. Keoni McKeague: Linebacker Quincy Williams signed on a two-year 13 million dollar deal. He came over from the New York Jets So another great value deal and then of course punter Cory Borg ⁓ Yeah, Borg quit. That's yeah resigned with the team He was really really good actually for them last year was probably one of the best punters in the NFL. So ⁓ had Yeah, no for real though but Jared Shirai: For Hawkers. Well, he had to pundle out, so you know. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean, not a bad off season for the Cleveland Browns and this new front office and new ⁓ coaching staff. So book thoughts and opinions on what the Cleveland Browns did. Jared Shirai: I I love it. I think they addressed the one thing that they needed to. I think like, like this has been a good trend, like you said, in the AFC North, that you guys have really done a really good job of addressing what needs to be addressed. And it's been the offensive line, the defensive side of the ball. We know they were one of the top, one of the top teams in the NFL on the defensive side of the because of Miles Garrett, because of the grit that they give on that side. But the inability to score was the reason why they could not be successful last year. And so for them to give more protection for the whoever whatever quarterback that may be, we still have no idea what quarterback that's going to be. But I mean, once they figure that part out, at least we know they got top tier guys that will give them good protection. That's why they went on and signed them. You got a stud in Quinchon Judkins. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Titan I would say. Fadden really did his job. I'm not mad about it. I think he's, you can always go on and get somebody better. I do think between Jenkins and Fadden's outbursts of ⁓ roles of... I don't think he's as good as like you put him out to be sometimes. Keoni McKeague: man, you really don't like fanning. I was like, he was like, he was damn near elite last year. I was like that kid had a hell of a lot ahead of a late end for sure. Jared Shirai: Well, I mean, okay, so this is my thing. Like he had to be elite because the receivers sucked. So like if they, if they show up, that's my biggest like address is going to be finding a tier one, tier two receiver because Jerry, Judy and Tillman have fallen off into that two, three category. So I would love to have a one, two, one, but it's so hard to do something like that if you don't know who your quarterback is going to be. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Once they figure out the quarterback situation, I think that'll help alleviate. But for me, I Cleveland did an amazing job getting set for whatever quarterback is there and then adding to Quincy Williams to that defensive juggernaut that they have. And then resigning the punter who did a phenomenal job because he had to last year. That's just really rewarding him in a sense of, hey, you're doing your job, we'd love to keep you around. And hopefully you can repeat. Repeat. You don't have to repeat exactly what you did, but you know, if you do have to kick the ball, I would love to do for you to do exactly what you did. Exactly. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, no, yeah, that's a great point. Yeah. I was like, hopefully you don't have to keep punting. But if you do, hopefully you do good. ⁓ I mean, as far as their offseason, I mean, I got to hand it to the Browns. This is one of the, you know, probably one of the laughing stock organizations. But I mean, they did really good this offseason. ⁓ That offensive line group is fantastic. I'm a little jealous because I did want some of any of these. You know what I mean? One of these guys could have came to us. But. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Yeah, I mean that that group looks a whole lot better. Titus Howard really good tackles are assigning for them. But Zion Johnson and Elton Jenkins, I think were the two boons for this group. ⁓ Yeah, that group is going to look really, really good this next year for whatever quarterback they decide to go with. ⁓ We're probably not going to see a release of Deshaun Watson, so he's going to be on the roster, which is really unfortunate for them, because I think he has to. mean, I don't think they really save money by cutting him. So that's. That's a name that's just going to be there. Dillon Gabriel. I don't know if he makes it out of training camp. There's a lot of rumors around them drafting Ty Simpson, ⁓ the quarterback from Alabama. I think that makes a ton of sense. They've done a lot of homework on him. We'll see if he ends up being the weird fourth quarterback. That's the situation they're going to have to figure out. But Quinchon Judkins, they found an absolute diamond with he's going to be really, really good for them into the future. And then, of course, this receiver group, we've talked about it at length. Jared Shirai: Mm hmm. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: I think Isaiah Bond takes another step forward and probably usurps Cedric Tillman in this group. ⁓ He might even usurp Jerry Judy, but we'll see how that all works out. But yeah, all things told, the defense is gonna be just as stout as it was last year, if not more stout, getting Quincy Williams to pair alongside Carson Schwarzenegger, who was the defensive rookie of the year. think great get for them over there. Mason Graham was also a really good snag for them. Wasn't expected to follow them in the first round last year, and he ended up falling to them. Yeah, just a really good ⁓ group that they're putting together. The pieces are there. Everything along the defensive group is already set. So, yeesh. Scary times in the AFC North, man. This is going to be the team I'm looking out for. I do like that they officially released David Njoku. they will be, know, herald fanning to the moon, man. That's the guy that I told Shalimar. mean, he doesn't have a lot of groups, guys to look at. But I told him I was like, Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Harold Fanon wouldn't be a bad keep if you do keep somebody but ⁓ anyway let's move on to the number one team in the AFC North that's the Pittsburgh Steelers. ⁓ We got to talk about all the pieces that they did add because they did add a ton of pieces this offseason. Of course they started off getting the replacement for Kenneth Gainwell in running back Rico Doudel who signed a two-year twelve and a half million dollar deal with the Steelers a twelve point two five million dollar deal excuse me. ⁓ Then obviously a former running back for Mike McCarthy in Dallas who drafted him I believe over there in Dallas so ⁓ They also traded for a wide receiver Michael Pittman acquired in a trade with the Colts for Along with a 2026 seventh round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth rounder I believe the sixth round pick was one of their comp picks. So Fantastic grab for them there Offensive tackle Jack Driscoll who signed on a one-year deal. There was a weird rumor that they signed Jared Shirai: you Keoni McKeague: Brock Hoffman, but apparently that was false and Brock Hoffman came out and denied that so Jack Jisco does join the team and Probably adds to the rotation and we'll see where he ends up fitting ⁓ Especially because I believe offensive tackle Broderick Jones is gonna be dealing with an injury to start the year So defensive lineman Cameron Hayward signed a new two-year deal So they lock up who was I believe he was the second ranked defensive lineman last year As far as like his you know overall rating so really really good of course to lock up their veteran defensive lineman and that he'll retire a stealer. They also went on to re-sign defensive lineman Asezio Temo. A depth piece was really good for them in start spots or spot starts. Linebacker Cole Holcomb re-signed on a two year, five million dollar deal. That's probably to shore up the position considering that there's a lot of rumors around them possibly trading Patrick Queen. And his big contract, cornerback Jamel Dean signed a three year 36 and point seven five million dollar deal with the team. Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. resigned on a one year four million dollar deal. And of course Safety Darnell Savage signed a one year deal. Boog, thoughts, opinions, what do they need to do, what do you like and give it all to us. Jared Shirai: I mean, I like what you guys did offensively getting Rico Dotto. Great replacement. He had a hell of a year. Like just another workhorse for you guys getting Pittman who you guys talk about, like who you talked about, like you kind of really wanted in the value of the trade that you got for him. I think that's great for you guys. I think you guys can use another like I think one more wide receiver like a veteran piece like a Stefan Diggs kind of thing or just another like vet min kind of thing. Like honestly, even bringing Brandon Naik here. you're not going to have to pay him much to be here. That would be great for you guys, like ideally, right? And you think about it. So I think that's great moves for you guys showing up the offensive line and direct your score. But then on the defensive side, I love how you guys resigned Cam Hayward, longtime Pittsburgh Steeler, really deserved it. Like had a hell of a year, not just that he had a lot of career with you guys. think to sign him through to his retirement days, I think that'd be great for you guys. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: And then the rest for me is just a lot of, what is it called? Safety pieces in a sense of being able to rotate people in, rotate people out, ⁓ making sure you have players at that. But I really like what you guys did. ⁓ the only thing I mean, the elephant in the room is always going to be what's your quarterback situation. ⁓ do you guys go out and give Will Howard his opportunity here? ⁓ do you, there's somebody going to be coming. ⁓ I don't know who you want. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: I don't know who you want. I mean, we talk about Kyler, talk about Justin. Like we talk about all these different quarterbacks. But I mean, do they just scratch that and say, hey, well, here's your opportunity. We went and got you to we got we got two good receivers here. You have to find a way to make it work. We got you a running game if we need it. Fire moves sure handed. We got you the protection you need. And maybe they give him that maybe in the draft, they go out and they get an offensive lineman as well to Keoni McKeague: There's a couple of names, yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: to bolster that even more. But I can see you guys signing Yvette for small or I can see you guys giving Will Hart that opportunity that we kind of been waiting for. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, yeah, and I'm firmly on that train. Wilhauer deserves a chance. I really liked him coming out of college. I mean, he's a two time champ in college. So makes sense that you would give that guy at least a shot to start. I'm really hoping they don't go out and draft somebody. That's my biggest hope. But as far as the signings, man, you know, yeah, I agree. A lot of the pieces that we needed, I mean, a lot of the pieces that we lost or whatever, they filled those holes. Darnell Savage is going to be a good depth piece, especially with Deshaun Elliott coming back from his injury. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Jalen Ramsey probably slots into the other starting safety position. So that's really really good for them. Of course, Jamel Dean adding him to a rotation that includes Joey Porter Jr. and Asante Samuel Jr. is going to be really really good for this team. He was very good with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this last year. ⁓ They already had the linebacker room locked up if not the best locker or linebacker group into the entire NFL. ⁓ So whether or not Patrick Queen Queen State sticks around, I mean It's still going to be very good. I mean, even if they do get rid of him, I feel like one of the good parts about that is that they can go out and draft somebody. He obviously had a really bad year last year, but I think that that can turn around if he does stick around. So we'll see what happens with that situation. They're still going to have to figure out the Nick Herbig situation. So that's another one that needs to get sorted out sometime soon. Hopefully they resign him. That's probably the guy that I really want to see them keep around just because he's younger and more affordable than. You know, the other two guys who are getting paid a ton of money and Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt. ⁓ Yeah, love the Cam Hayward signing. There was no reason for him to go anywhere else. ⁓ And of course, on the offensive side of things, I personally, I would rather have them draft somebody than to sign somebody else. think ⁓ Michael Pittman and DK Metcalf, they deserve to get all the touches in this offense, whatever, whoever ends up starting in that group. So I'm really really hoping they go out and draft a third guy that can kind of develop between those behind those two Still would like to see Roman Wilson take a step forward this next year So we'll see how that happens. But as far as the quarterback position, I think Hopefully if it's not Aaron Rodgers, it's like a Kirk Cousins I think he could be a really solid bridge guy who can also be a veteran to help all will Howard There's already been rumors that the Steelers are targeting him ⁓ If Aaron Rodgers does not come back Jared Shirai: Hmm, I like that. Keoni McKeague: As far as the Rico Dotto signings unfortunate for Caleb Johnson, know I had a lot of faith in him being a starter and it sucks that he just got kicked out of the rotation last year that was a fail on Tomlin's part ⁓ Probably should have helped develop that young man. But if you're not gonna play him I mean maybe move him if he's not gonna be part of the rotation and for Will Howard I'm really excited to see Mike McCarthy who's been known as one of the best ⁓ Quarterback developmental coaches To work with well and see what he can do this next year. So we'll see what happens in the draft I'm still hoping that at 21 we draft a wide receiver Just because there are a few that could fall to us But if that doesn't end up happening, you know I'm not gonna be upset because I think that they obviously have dressed that with Michael Pittman who came here on a fantastic deal. So moving on to the AFC South we got David Mont or excuse me. We got the Houston Texans first of all and they went out and Jared Shirai: Yes. Yeah. We David Wendt covered. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, yeah, as I say, they went out and traded for David Montgomery, longtime Detroit lion and former Chicago bear as well. But they acquired him in a trade for offensive lineman, Jush Scruggs at twenty twenty six, fourth round pick and a twenty twenty seven seventh round selection. They also went out and signed former Saint Titan Foster Barrow to a one year deal. I believe Titan Dalton Schultz also signed a one year extension with the team offensive tackle. Trent Brown resigned on a one year deal. Braden Smith offensive tackle signed a two year deal worth up to 25 million offensive guard Ed Ingram resigned on a three year 37 and a half million dollar deal. Of course the big signing was them resigning edge. Daniel Hunter who had a fantastic season to a one year 40 million dollar extension defensive end Logan Hall signed a two year contract with the team defensive lineman Nick Juan Jones resigned on a one year deal defensive lineman Sheldon Rankin's resigned on a two year contract linebacker EJ Speed resigned on a two year contract safety read blank and ship. Big prize again for them from the Philadelphia Eagles signed on a three year 24.75 million dollar deal. Safety MJ Stewart resigned with the Texans. Kaymi Fairburn signed a two year 13 million dollar extension and is now the highest paid kicker in the NFL. of course, punter Kai Kroger acquired and traded with the New Orleans Saints along with a 2028 seventh round pick in exchange for a 2028 sixth round pick. Book. A lot of names. They don't fit on one screen. You know what I mean? So thoughts and opinions on all of the signings and Jared Shirai: Not an Ames. Keoni McKeague: course, I'm just gonna we know David Montgomery's there. So I'm gonna scroll down a little bit just so you can see the other names. Jared Shirai: Yeah, they're Montgomery's fine. I think that's the greatest thing. We knew Joe Mixon on his way out. Phenomenal replacement. We love to see what he's going to do ⁓ as the focal point of their offense. We know how good he can be. mean, had him two years ago. I had him two years ago. And between him and Jameer Gibbs, there are games where Jameer went off and then he went off. And now we get to see him do it full time. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ yeah. Jared Shirai: with Woody Marks backing him up there and seeing what happens in probably like a 70-30 split kind of thing. I love that. ⁓ And then, you know, it's the signing of the two tight ends for blocking purposes. Dalton Schultz, you had to extend him. That guy was phenomenal. When Nico was their only bright spot, Dalton was right behind him. He did a phenomenal job of not just scoring, but helping ⁓ advance the ball, giving CJ Shroud good outlets in that regard. ⁓ They showed up the offensive line by resigning and signing players, which is exactly what they need because we know the more time you give CJ, the better he'll be, more time he has to make good decision making, I will put it that way. And that'll be a good thing for them. I'm not saying that he's the best quarterback, but at least if you give any quarterback time, hopefully they're there. They grant you good things with it. And, he, and with the receiver that he has in like the Neal Collins, Jaden Higgins, and even Dalton Schultz, I think if he can't do it with more protection and more time, then he's just telling you what are you doing with your life? You know? Yeah. You, you, yeah. You're literally just saying like, yeah, you're not that guy and he's living more and more up into that. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ yeah. He's just trash, yeah. Jared Shirai: that side of the conversation than anything else. But ⁓ for me, the defense side of the ball, man, all the re-signings, I'm going to say all the re-signings on the defense side of the ball, they were one of the best defensive teams in the NFL ⁓ in everything that they did. And I love that they re-signed. I love that they signed Reed Blikenship to that secondary. I think that's a huge bolster for them there. ⁓ If this defense wasn't scary before, it's even more scary now. So ⁓ they... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. ⁓ yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: The offense just needs to be the one to figure out, not just the offense. I'm sorry. I'm See, you're sure I just need to figure it out because they got he got they got all the pieces there now, in my opinion. And then you sign the best the best kicker. one of one of the two best kickers, because we'll talk about the other one a little bit later. But Kamei Ferburn definitely, definitely earned his paycheck here. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah, So you just try, I was like. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: He was one of the best, most consistent kickers, the highest scoring kicker, ⁓ what he was asked to do. And he rewarded that man by making him the highest paid kicker in NFL. And that's amazing there. And I love that they got a punter because, you know, we just talked about their offense and why not get a punter to go alongside a struggling offense as long as he doesn't have to kick as many times as, you know, the Cleveland Browns one did. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I grew too hardly. This team is only going to go as far as CJ Stroud can take them because as we saw last year, the defense was elite and it still wasn't enough when your quarterback can't put anything together on the offensive end. ⁓ Yes, Derry had issues with the offensive line. They've addressed some of those, even though they brought back more of the guys that I mean, it's funny because it's like you bring back a lot of guys who probably didn't that didn't deserve to come back. Jared Shirai: Yeah, they'll probably sign one. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: because they were terrible last year. ⁓ yeah, I mean, they also helped, you know, shore up a little bit of that. We'll probably see them draft some offensive line help in this very, very deep class ⁓ in the draft. They have a very good wide receiver core. mean, you look at the names, it's probably five players deep that all deserve to get thrown into the rotation at some point. ⁓ Of course, you see the David Montgomery signing. I think that's a fantastic boon for them. They have a very rock solid guy, probably what. Joe Mixon was for them when he was there and then know the injury thing and all that sort of stuff but good to have somebody in there that can spell that can be the number one and then let Woody Marks you know sort of regain his confidence because there were some moments and then there were some really bad moments for Woody Marks last year and of course along the QB room I imagine at some point Davis Mills is going to be pushing CJ Stroud up a little bit because if he doesn't perform I mean this is a team that's ready-built to try to compete so if he doesn't Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: do well. I Davis Mills is in the waiting and he was fantastic when he finally got starts last year. As far as the defense, mean, geez, it's it's stupid how good the defense is. The two ends with Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. crazy. You got Henry Toto in there. Al Shair, of course, who has been playing outside his mind lately. EJ Speed, Derrick Stingley, Reed Blankenship, Kamari Lasseter. Yeah, they're not hurting on the defensive end at all. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: I imagine they'll be trying to figure the offensive line out in the draft. yeah, CJ, I mean, I wouldn't even be surprised if they draft somebody to put even a little bit more pressure on him because he needs to perform and this team really needs him to do good. Otherwise, ⁓ yeah, they're they're going to fail like they did this last year in the the playoffs. So moving on to the Indianapolis Colts, ⁓ the big signing for them just this morning or yesterday, I believe, or maybe it was this morning, actually. They signed a two year $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million with incentives. QB Daniel Jones, you he got the deal that he wanted or at least that he was hoping to get and you know, of course the transition tag helped with that a little bit. They also re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce on a four year $114 million contract. He obviously steps into the wide receiver one role now with Michael Pittman being traded away to the Steelers. They went on and got Edge, Arden Key who signed a two year deal worth up to 20 million defensive tackle, Colby Wooden acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in exchange for linebackers Zaire Franklin. And then of course kicker Blake Groupie who resigned on a one year deal and was doing really good for them at the end of the season last year. So book thoughts and opinions on the Colts. ⁓ Obviously they're going to be sitting and waiting on Daniel Jones for a little bit. But I mean, do you like the signings? Would you like what they're doing? Do you think that they can, you know, maybe not. Jared Shirai: you Keoni McKeague: repeat the full success of last year, but at least get close to it because they were basically like the top offense all season. And then of course, Daniel Jones went down with the injury. Jared Shirai: I mean, it's going be hard to replicate that, but I do like the signings. You you bring back the guy who helped you have all that success despite the injury. I think that's a great piece. Resigning Alec Pierce because that was his number one target. ⁓ And so you got the two guys that really made your offense go and you gave them what? Almost 200 mil for it. And that's okay because like they really made that offense go with Jonathan Taylor. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: with Tyler Warren. There's still pieces there that I love. As we're talking about the offense, I would love to see them go get a vet piece to wide receiver three. Diggs, I think would be perfect in this situation. I think he would fit like hand glove. So if they can go get him on a vet man, him into this rotation, get him settled and get him ready for when Daniel Jones gets back. I think that's going to be amazing. ⁓ My biggest question is what's going to happen until Daniel Jones gets back because we know Richardson is probably on his Keoni McKeague: Agree. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: way out. I think Riley Leonard can hold it down. But is that really something you want to happen? Or do you want to get a bridge piece like we always talk about bridge pieces? You kind of want to vet bridge piece here to just hold over just like in other situations that we'll get to later that Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: That I think would be great. Kirk Cousins here might be another good piece. If Kirk Cousins does well, then Daniel Jones can take even longer to rehab and come back if need be. Even if he did sign him, like you still want him to be a hundred percent healthy for the two years that you're giving him. So I think that's great there. And then we talk about their defense and ⁓ it wasn't like the most things, but I mean, they're still getting pieces to an already pretty good defense that they were last year. They're pretty solid defense last year and you're just adding more. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: here and I think that's phenomenal for them in that regard. And then you resign a kicker who, I mean, got a lot of opportunities because they scored a lot of touchdowns. They got their offensive moving a lot in JT and when Daniel Jones was there. So I think their signings, mean, as far as few as they may be, they were the signings that needed to happen. The one piece we're looking for is literally that wide receiver piece. And I think they're ready to contend again. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: So I really love what they did this offseason. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. The one thing they're going to have to do is really stay afloat with the quarterback position. And I agree with you. It'd probably be better to go out and get a vet. But the sort of elephant in the room is Anthony Richardson. I know at the beginning of the offseason, they said that they had given him permission to go and seek a trade if there was a trade. But clearly, that market is drying up pretty quickly. And I don't know if anybody really is still looking at Anthony Richardson. But. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: As a placeholder, feel like you just have to go with the guy who at least has a higher ceiling than Riley Leonard. ⁓ We'll see how that shapes out in training camp, whether or not they believe in him enough to actually start him in Daniel Jones' stead. He's obviously still technically dealing with an injury, but I think that he could still be productive and maybe he'll be renewed by the fact that he's been benched ⁓ all last year and all that sort of stuff. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: We'll see what happens. I do like the running back room. DJ Giddens was really, really good get for them a value pick. But of course, this is going to this offense is going to run through John Taylor, Jonathan Taylor. So ⁓ we'll see how that shapes out. Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, two very, very good wide receivers. I agree with you, though, if they bring in Stefan Diggs or if they just, you know, draft really well. I mean, there's more than a few. The unfortunate thing is they don't have the first one pick because they gave away that pick in the sauce gardener trade. So. Jared Shirai: ⁓ yeah, that's right, I forgot. Keoni McKeague: They'll be looking at somebody in the second round. So that'll be an interesting sort of wrinkle to the team. But the defense is very good, very underrated defense. I think they were one of the top five defenses ⁓ finishing last year. So they're really, really good. Laiatu, Lattu, DeForest Buckner, JT Tuamolao, Soss Gardner, obviously. Kam Bynum, Traveria, Swart, Kenny Moore, the second. mean, it's a very, very good defense that maybe could shore up some of the spots in the linebacker room, especially since they traded away Zaire Franklin. But I imagine. ⁓ They're gonna be looking at you know some of the some of the guys here in like the second round or so ⁓ Especially at the linebacker position and that'll probably be a position that they go after I'm trying to think of his name. Maybe it's Jacob Jacob Rodriguez. I think it's his name. I think that sounds like yeah Jacob Rodriguez ⁓ That's one of the guys that's sort of Moving up the draft boards. I'm not sure that he'll make it out of the first round But if he does that's somebody that I feel like that would be targeting in the second round ⁓ Jared Shirai: You Keoni McKeague: because he looks really good and he probably fits the system the best here. moving off of that, let's move on to the next team over here. got, ⁓ sorry, got a lot of windows open. The Jacksonville Jaguars, they they re-signed Running Back DJ Dallas. They re-signed, or they signed, excuse me, Chris Ragia is from the Washington Commanders. I didn't even see that till just now. ⁓ Two year, $10 million deal. Jared Shirai: I don't know that. Keoni McKeague: They signed Tide and Quinton Morris who resigned on a free agent deal edge Dennis Tgardek who resigned as well defensive lineman Matt Dickerson resigned and Cornerback Monterik Brown resigned on a three-year 33 million dollar contract book This was a team that was very close. You know, I mean they had one of the top rated defenses in the NFL They didn't really lose too many people actually they kind of did. I mean they did lose ⁓ Linebacker Devin Lloyd, so that's gonna be a hit for them ⁓ But as far as like the rest of the pieces there's still a lot that they had from last year's success still on this team ⁓ You know, I mean they were a ⁓ good player ⁓ a good play away from you know, having playoff success But obviously things didn't work out against Buffalo thoughts and opinions What did they do that you liked and what can they do to maybe improve even more? Jared Shirai: I mean, first and foremost, you brought it up the whole in that defensive ⁓ is going to be the one place that you want to like shore up. Yeah. You want to address that for sure. ⁓ I really liked the signing of Chris Rodriguez. I mean, I didn't think that ⁓ it's the first time I saw it. So I really liked that they have him in two to now and they probably resigned DJ Dallas because it was like cheap on top of you want that third, fourth, running back in the room as well. Keoni McKeague: address yeah for sure. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: So I really like the running back room now. I would love to see them go out and get maybe a third or fourth receiver, a third slash fourth receiver, because you have BTJ, because you have Jacobi Myers and Parker Washington. But just to have one more threat there, I think that would be great for them. Yeah. Oh, you know, I mean, because they had Travis Hunter in that mix. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. I was just like, geez, they got three really good receivers. They to throw in a fourth receiver? Damn. Jared Shirai: And if Hunter's going to only play defense this upcoming year, I think you want to have like a decent rotation of where, hey, maybe BTJ is having a game. You want to be able to address it like it was last year where they didn't really have anybody. Exactly. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. And we're still waiting to see if it gets traded. Yeah, so that's another wrinkle here. Jared Shirai: I mean, all signs kind of being told that he's going to stay, but if he does get traded, we'll see what he gets traded for and who he gets traded for. But at the end of the day, think that just to add depth to that room would be great. Whether it's a late round receiver pick, we don't need somebody that's going to come in and take over, but you kind of want that leeway to play with. And then for me with them, think it's just, I think they're still ready to compete. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: the end of the day. They don't have a first round draft pick. I kind of just looked at it. ⁓ It might have been in, was it that Jacobi trade? Keoni McKeague: Yeah. No, they would not trade it first on pick for Choco-Bee. It was probably. Jared Shirai: Who was it? ⁓ When did they give that away? I can't remember when it was. because they don't have it, I can see them just showing up. Like you said, deep draft class for the offensive line, getting a late-mound receiver. ⁓ For me, those are two things. But next year, it's just going to be Trevor Lawrence, Trevor Lawrence, Trevor Lawrence. It's the first year that Trevor Lawrence... Yeah, that's why I was wondering. I'm trying to think... Keoni McKeague: Yeah, why don't they have a first on pick? I can't think of... It definitely wasn't the jacobis right there ain't no way they traded a first for jacoby Jared Shirai: Yeah, that's, that's what I was just trying to think. Like what's, what's a big name that would have got it, you know? And, but I have no idea. We'll figure that out later. But, but yeah, for me and Trevor Lawrence, Trevor Lawrence, it's like last year was the first year he had the ability to show exactly what we expected of him all those years, you know, every year from the first year that we've been doing this four or five years in now, I've been writing Prince of promise every year. And this is the first year that he's come to fruition and I love it. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: I don't know if it's just because of the new head coach and Liam Cohen there, but I do think it's because he's been getting more time and protection to make better decisions and not rush the ball out of it. Keoni McKeague: It was the trade to get Travis Hunter. They moved up in the trade in the draft last year. Yeah. Jared Shirai: ⁓ that's okay. You know what's funny? I literally just, my eyes went straight to Travis Hunter. was just saying, was like, did they have the hunter trader? they? Keoni McKeague: Yeah, because it was they were slated to grab Mason Graham and then they traded to get Travis Hunter. So they moved up and they to give up. That's all I was like. Yeah, how did they lose their first? That's right. OK, there you go. Travis Hunter. The you know, it's funny too, because on the depth chart, Travis Hunter, for some reason, is not even like because he's injured. So they have him like listed behind everybody. So I was looking through the team and I was like, what did they trade for? I was like, hello, Travis Hunter is here on the injured side of the list. So Jared Shirai: Yeah, because it was, yeah, perfect. But yeah. Yeah. Yeah Keoni McKeague: Anyway, yeah, I mean, I grew to wholeheartedly. mean, I think Trevor Lawrence took a step forward last year, which was really big for him. And I think that hopefully that confidence continues into this year. He has a really good receiving core. Brenton Strange, Brian Thomas Jr., Jacobi Myers, Parker Washington. I mean, that's that's a fantastic four to, you know, be throwing to. I really like Byshell Tooten. So he's one of those guys to the moon, man. There's a reason why they were able to let go of Travis Etienne. And I think that he's the reason. And on top of that, Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: I agree with you Chris Rodriguez Fantastic depth piece man as a number two running back. I think that's really really good Obviously, you're not gonna start on like the Washington commander should to do last year But as a rotational guy, especially with Laquint Allen who I also really really like as the third running back That's really really good for them ⁓ Defensively all the Star Wars outside of Devin Lloyd are there so I'm hoping they address that in the second round ⁓ Kind of similar to the Indianapolis Colts Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Ironically, Jacob Rodriguez would make a ton of sense in this group as well. ⁓ But yeah, somebody who could be a playmaker in that linebacker group, I think that would really help. But they still have Olo Kun, have Trayvon Walker, Eric Armstead, Devon Hamilton, Josh Hines Allen. mean, that front line is crazy and they were really good at stopping the run last year. And then of course, that secondary that's been improving all year. So we'll see, you know, I don't think they have any glaring needs, ⁓ but they could stand to just kind of draft best available talent. So ⁓ yeah. We'll look at, what they do in the draft. So moving on to the Tennessee Titans. They went on and got a backup QB in Mitchell Trubisky, who signed on a two year deal. Wide receiver Wondell Robinson signed a four year, $78 million deal that includes $38 million guaranteed. And of course, pairs and backup with his former head coach and Brian Dabal, the offensive coordinator for this team. Titan Daniel Bellinger signed with the Titans. Also, this was something that somebody pointed out that I didn't even realize until I looked at everything. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Lot of these guys are former Jets or Giants. So ironic that you have both, you know, the former Jets coach and the former Giants coach that brought other guys back together. So I was like, ⁓ that's weird. ⁓ Yeah. Anyway, Titan, Titan, Daniel Ballinger, former giant ⁓ offensive guard, Cordell Volson signed a one year, two and a half million dollar deal. Center Austin Schlattman signed a two year deal worth up to nine million dollars. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Smart. Keoni McKeague: They traded for Jermaine Johnson in that New York Jets trade ⁓ where they sent Tavondra Sweat to the Jets. They got Edge, Jacob Martin who signed a two-year, $11 million contract. Defensive lineman Jordan Elliott signed with them. Defensive lineman John Franklin Myers, big time get for them on that. In the trenches signed a three-year, $63 million deal. Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas acquired in the trade with the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round pick swap. ⁓ With the Tennessee Titans, this is the Tennessee Titans. Somebody messed up there with the wording Solomon Thomas came from the now I got a double check Oh from the Cowboys, okay, cuz I was gonna say I was like wait They didn't trade with themselves for Solomon Thomas from the Cowboys. Yeah Another big gift for them Cordell Flott signed a three-year 45 million dollar deal and of course a lot a Taylor another great cornerback signed a three-year deal worth 60 million dollars cornerback Joshua Williams signed a two-year deal kicker Joey slice resigned on a one-year deal Jared Shirai: Yeah Yeah, they did. Keoni McKeague: Morgan Cox resigned on a one year deal and of course, puncher Tommy Townsend signed a free agent deal. So Boog, I mean, this is a hell of an off season for Robert Sala and offensive coordinator, ⁓ Brian Dayball. I mean, they got a lot of pieces to add. I mean, they're going all in on their rookie guide. This is similar to what the Patriots did last year. Thoughts, opinions, what do you like? Do they have any other holes that they need to fill? Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. I I see a trend when you hire a defensive coach. I don't care. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, for real though. I mean, Aaron Glenn with the Jets and all the defensive guys he signed. Yeah. Now this too. Jared Shirai: Exactly. I don't care if they played for him in the past, like the trend is great. They were one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They were one of the worst offenses in the NFL. like just the fact that they they went and they were able to get all these players on the defensive end. I mean, you went over how great the signings were. I don't want to like beat a dead horse. So I'll talk about the offensive side of things. I mean, for me, signing Mitch Chibitsky ⁓ terrific, phenomenal. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Back up, we know what he brings to the table. If Cam Ward can't do it, there's no second guessing that this guy can go in and produce for you or at least help mentor him through the rough times because he's been through it. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: I love the sign of Wanda Robinson with the falling off of Calvin Ridley. We talk about Eri Omenor and ⁓ Shemiri Dike. We know the struggles on the receiving end. ⁓ They're there, but they're not quite there yet. You kind of bring in a guy who had to step in for the number one in Malik Labors last year and did a phenomenal job and he's getting paid to do it now. Hopefully he can re- Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: He can do it again this season with a different quarterback. He can help mentor Cam Ward into it as well. But I do see them, with signing of him, it's great. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: And then they tried to like help the line in signing Bellinger, signing Volson, in signing Schlottmann. Like, you know, like that's, that's, that was one good thing to address. I don't think they're done. ⁓ the draft that we talk about heavy draft class offensive line, you're going to go address it more in the line. I would love to see them get ⁓ a, receiver here, a vet piece here. Salah, I don't know. See, this is the crazy part. I don't know if he's going to take the swing on him because of the things that he had to deal with, but. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: If Brandon Ayuk decided to follow him here, I think this could be a nice revitalization for him because of familiarity with the coach, maybe because he wasn't the head coach or the offensive coordinator. Like this could be some kind of different. ⁓ rejuvenation project for him and it's cheap for him to bring in. It's a top tier receiver when he is available and does play. I think that would be a great one-two punch in Wanda Robinson and Brandon Ayyoke. It'd be a 1A, 1B. It wouldn't be like you're the top tier guy, you're my number one. It's just whoever builds a better rapport with Cam Ward at the end of the day. And I think that could be really good for this offense going forward. But this offseason, we said it before, the Padre will never hear. This is the best team Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: in the offseason so far that's made the best moves. They are the A++++ of everything. ⁓ They addressed a lot of ⁓ things. Not to say a lot of holes because everywhere was a hole for them, but they addressed both sides of the ball and where they need to be and where they want to go. And it's a phenomenal start to the reign of Robert Sala. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Biggest winners for sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, he knew what he wanted to do this offseason. I think he did very well covering all the holes here. ⁓ I will say I'm going to call my shot here. I think this is where Jeremiah Love ends up. Their running back room is not great. They have the fourth overall pick, so they're very, very high in the draft. I think Jeremiah Love is coming here, and that's going to be the one guy that I feel like that's the final piece that this offense needs, pairing him with a young Cam Ward. Jared Shirai: Yeah. ⁓ yeah, I agree. Keoni McKeague: I mean, you obviously shift down both Tony Pollard and Ty J Spears, but neither of those guys has any ties to any of these head coaches. So they don't really have to be loyal to either of them. I think Jeremiah Love would be fantastic for this offense. ⁓ Sounds like Kelvin Ridley is going to get cut sometime here soon. ⁓ So I don't imagine he's going to be on the day one roster, but Wandel Robinson, a perfect get. He obviously was very good with Brian Dayball. He had a really good season this last year. I think him stepping into wide receiver one makes a ton of sense. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: And then of course, Elek and Shimbri Dike who are both still developing and both were rookies last year. ⁓ Or maybe Dike wasn't, but anyway, ⁓ those two guys developing very, very good in the two, three role. think, yeah, you're right. They probably could stand to maybe go out and find another cheap veteran guy, but those two guys are also really good and could step into both the other. ⁓ Jared Shirai: ⁓ Deek was, he was a fourth round 103rd Yeah. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Also, okay, so they were both drafted. I was like, I couldn't remember if Deke was on his second year or not. But and then of course, Gunnar Helm, that was the other big because I know and we'll talk about it a little bit, but Chigokunquo was signed away to another team. We will get to in a second. But a lot of people would believe Chigokunquo was going to be the guy. But Gunnar Helm ended up being the biggest surprise for them, even though O'Kwonkwa was really, really good. Gunnar Helm being the rookie and Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: stepping into that starting spot. mean, out of Texas ⁓ for college wise, he was really, really good. So I like what his fit is here with the team. Daniel Bellinger, another supremely ⁓ athletic tight end who came over from the Giants. I think he's going to be really good in the system. Yeah, so they did a lot. think the tackles is probably going to be the one position they really need to address, especially with Dan Moore Jr. being such a bust this last year. I don't know why they signed a dude to it. Jared Shirai: Yep. Keoni McKeague: four year, $82 million deal last year. ⁓ Especially because he wasn't very impressive with the Steelers and then they just decided like, ⁓ he's the guy that we're going to throw a bunch of money at. But JC Latham was really good, took some steps forward. Peter Skoronsky, obviously, longtime vet. And then of course, Ossie Schlotman, I think, will start for them. So he's very, very good in there. I mean, that defensive group is crazy. Now adding John Franklin Myers to a group that has Jeffrey Simmons and Jermaine Johnson. That front line is going to be stupid. ⁓ I mean, of course, they could. maybe address the linebacker group, but that front line is crazy and their secondary is even more stupid. Allante Taylor, Ligeria Snead, Kevin Winston, Amani Hooker, Cordell Flott. That's a stupid five right there. So shout out to Robert Solomon. I knew he was going to do some big moves. was the guy I wanted as a head coach over here in Pittsburgh, but a fantastic get for them and fantastic signings for them thus far. moving on to the... ⁓ yeah, go ahead. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Their secondary is crazy. Mm-hmm. Side note, side note, Elminore, Deke, and Helm were all fourth round picks for them. And they all were like 103, 120, and 136. So I mean, they got a steal in this last draft in a sense of that fourth round for them and how they developed and what they did for them this year. I think that's why they moved on. They put a lot of faith in Gunnar Helm this upcoming year. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Okay, so I was like I said there was like something interesting with them Wow, that fourth round was great for them now. Yeah. Also some breaking news we got since we already talked about the team the Cincinnati Bengals did go out and get veteran veteran Jonathan Allen on a two year deal after he was released by the Vikings. So again we talked about them needing some help in the trenches and they went on and got a very good defensive tackle in Jonathan Allen. I think he could play nose tackle for them and we literally just talked about how they needed help in that run stopping. So ⁓ that's a great get for them but we're going to move on so we don't linger too long on that one. But the AFC West. Jared Shirai: Hmm Nice. Yes, sir. Keoni McKeague: Denver Broncos the you know, I mean the division leading Denver Broncos I should say They resigned QB Sam Ellinger on a two-year or on a one-year two million dollar contract They resigned JK Dobbins on a two-year 20 million dollar deal wide receiver little Jordan Hemphrey resigned with the Broncos as well defense tight end ⁓ Adam Troutman resigned on a three-year contract linebacker Alex Singleton resigned on a two-year deal worth up to fifteen point five million That was huge for them because they needed him to come back And of course, linebacker Justin Shanad, we signed on a three year deal that is worth a maximum 19 and a half million book. ⁓ Not a lot of moves, but you know, a lot of the ones that needed to get done, they did lose a big piece in Jonathan Franklin Myers, but ⁓ you know, that was expected. They weren't gonna be able to pay everybody. So thoughts and opinions on the pieces that they added and what do they need to do to stay at the top of this AFC West. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. I I like what they did resigning Ellinger because you know, with the bone-next injury, know, the stability of everything, make sure you have the two quarterbacks to fight through for that number two spot. JK Dobbins, we talked about it in pass. He had a phenomenal year up until his injury. Having him in, RJ Harvey as a one-two punch, because we know RJ Harvey, as good as he was, I don't think he's a true one yet. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: He still got a lot of growing pains to go through. Um, I want to see what his sophomore season brings. Hopefully he breaks out of that and it's a 50, 50, like a Sonic and Knuckles kind of thing for them in that regard of like how good that returning back, that backfield can be. Um, but for me, um, it's about the wide receiver, the wide receiver one. think, uh, quite a sudden he holds it down. I think Troy Franklin had a good breakout season for them. But, uh, if the, I, if I'm. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: If I am a quarterback, I don't know if Courtney Sudden is my number one guy. You know, it's like. Keoni McKeague: Do they remind you of like the Green Bay Packers where they have like a bunch of guys who are like right there but not quite? You know what mean? Jared Shirai: Yes, yes. Yeah, you're Sutton, Franklin, Mims, Pat Bryant, they re-signed Humphrey. Like you got like five, six, all six receivers can be a one on a different day. And that's just the wild part about it. So, I mean, for me, I do think they need to find a true one. Romeo Dobbs would be prior to his signing. I would have thought this would have been a phenomenal home for him. But. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I agree. Jared Shirai: Shining Chapman, I love it because him and Ingram, I thought they did really good things at the tight end role for them. He really solidifies that line and he helps him out. And then signing the two linebackers, it's great because their defense was already really good. Like you said, not everybody was going to get paid this off season and they really did. They really made sure that they got a two for one deal rather than taking the one big name. So I do love how they went and they did that. I do think for me, it's... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: This team is only going to go as far as Bo Nix is going to go. We've seen that and it's kind of like, I'm not putting it on the same level as CJ shroud, but because like he has like, I think he's the better quarterback period, but, but I just think he needs to live up to it. And I said this and I want to say it again, because I said it last time. ⁓ It's not fair in how we judge Bo Nix because Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly, Jared Shirai: He's in the same draft class as Drake May, who had a phenomenal, outstanding, like record breaking year. And I don't want to. Yeah. Yeah. And so I really don't want to take away from how good Bo Nix was. So I personally would say then we talked about it where we unfairly judged him this past season for the phenomenal year that he had. And I don't want to take away from that. So we're sorry, Keoni McKeague: Yeah. That entire draft class, I mean, they had all very good QBs come out of that draft class. Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah. I agree with all the points. I think that they're pretty much ready built already. I don't know that they have a whole ton of holes to fill. They were very good on defense last year. Obviously losing Jonathan Franklin Myers is going to hurt a little bit, but I feel like they have a lot of pieces along that line. If anything, they might address it in the draft. I do like, I just looked at the mock draft for them because they have round one pick 28. And I think. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: them grabbing Omar Cooper Jr. would actually be a very good get for this group. I like him as a wide receiver. think he's a physical wide receiver. think throwing him in that group makes a ton of sense. mean, honestly, that would be a guy that I would like to see them go after because I really believe in his talent. And at that pick, that's a fantastic value for them. So ⁓ yeah, outside of that, this team is going to probably be at the top of the division again, just with the Chiefs obviously waiting on. ⁓ Pat to come back and then of course, as we'll talk about in a second, you know, a whole new team over in Las Vegas and then of course the Chargers still figuring things out. So let's move on to those teams right now. Let's, again with the pages. Moving on to the Kansas City Chiefs. Obviously they will be waiting on their quarterback to return. We'll see how quickly or not quickly he returns. But they went out and signed running back Kenneth Walker on a three year deal worth up to $45 million. There was a weird report that came out this morning that said that the Kansas City Chiefs believe that Kareem Hunt is going to be handling a majority of, again, the same stuff that he was handling this last year, which signals that this is going to be that weird split backfield that Kenneth Walker was dealing with in Seattle. Because they said that they like Kareem Hunt being the short yardage guy and the touchdown, the goal line guy. So again, Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Fantasy wise, that's gonna be terrible for Kenneth Walker, because he's gonna get his touchdowns poached like he did this last year with Charbonne. ⁓ But great fit on the field in real life. So anyway, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton resigned on a two year, $11 million deal. Tight end Travis Kelce ⁓ is returning to the team on a one year, $12 million deal. There was a weird report that he was gonna sign elsewhere. That was stupid. We already knew he was coming back to the Tennessee Chiefs. Jared Shirai: See you. No. Keoni McKeague: Defensive lineman Kyrus Tonga signed a three-year $21 million deal. Safety Elohi Gilman signed a three-year $24.75 million deal signed away from the Baltimore Ravens. And of course long snapper James Winchester resigned on a one-year $1.75 million deal. ⁓ thoughts and opinions on what the Kansas City Chiefs did. ⁓ I mean obviously they're going to be waiting to see what happens with you know Patrick Mahomes. We'll see what happens with the quarterback situation but your thoughts and opinions on what they did and what they... you know, need to do to continue to contend. Jared Shirai: mean, we started at the quarterback position, they just need to get a quarterback in there that's gonna literally keep them afloat until they get there. And that's what they're hoping, I believe, the signing of Kenneth Walker will do. Having that solidification piece of a Super Bowl champion, I mean, the report with Kareem Hunt, that's really gonna suck. ⁓ Hopefully it doesn't change the morale of what Walker's bringing to the team. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: He thought he was going to be that guy and now they're saying that he's going to have the same role that he did with Charbonne. But I mean, you're still getting a quality running back in Kenneth Walker the third. Keoni McKeague: The other weird part is that that report came out, but Cream Hunt is not even on the roster yet. So he hasn't been re-signed yet. So I don't know why that's... Anyway, Jared Shirai: Yeah, he's Yeah, well it's like maybe you saw the same place that Travis Kelsey was gonna sign somewhere else, you know? ⁓ jeez. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, but that came out from Travis Cussey himself. Like, guess there was like a weird quote where everybody was just like, oh, OK, he's just playing around with the media. Jared Shirai: Okay, yeah, but yeah, I mean for me the resigning of Tycon 13 I think is just to solidify the wide receiver room that people who that haven't resigned and you only have received Rice and Xavier Worthy they're basically technically as of right now as of right now I'll get to the other stuff and you know what it's gonna be Travis Kelsey resigning is just that vet piece one more year run it back Pat, you know Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: You're biting Kenneth Walker. They're trying to rejuvenate everything. I think waiting on Pat to come back. Also holding the team afloat as far as like ⁓ a veteran piece for them is going to be really key for him on the offensive end. then Tonga, Gilman, that's it, man. That's just two huge signings for them. To an already really good. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: defense out in Kansas City. Just crazy. then you sign, um, Jim Winchester. Yeah, exactly. Like we said, they're, uh, unassumingly young when you really think about their defense, which is kind of crazy, but it's great. And, and so the biggest horse in the room is of course, is going to be the Pat Mahomes return. But I mean, if this doesn't point to a Tyree care, we do re returning. I mean, the biggest horse in the room, the biggest elephant in the room. Sorry. Keoni McKeague: and young Yes. the biggest horse in the room. Jared Shirai: The biggest horse in the room is an elephant. didn't know that? Whatever. You know how many teams we went through already? Calm down. The biggest horse is going to be Tyree. Tyree kale because he's a big horse, you know. But no, he I he's a big race horse when you really think about how fast he is. But. Keoni McKeague: I never I never heard that one. The biggest horse in the room is going to be that. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Him and Pat Mahomes, both coming off injuries, probably get him mid-season as he goes through his rehab and gets back into it. And to get them both back at the same time and sign him on a smaller deal, ⁓ man, what a great homecoming. And this is just going to be crazy for a division that is already star-studded. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: Like this division might be one of the toughest divisions to play in right now because of how everybody signed and who signed where and how great everybody did last year and into this upcoming year. So, Kansas City, well done to try and keep it afloat. Let's see what you guys do with your quarterback. That's the only thing that's really missing for me as they move forward into this upcoming season. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly on the division thing. This might be have put them like maybe second or third because there's two other divisions. Obviously like the. ⁓ not our division. I'm not going to say our division because last year there was. That's true, there was there was a lot more. Jared Shirai: I mean, your guys divisions are tough. ⁓ yeah, I guess so. Yeah. I think your division is pretty tough after what you guys just did. And then we know what and we know what division is is the one that we're going to get to. Keoni McKeague: I'll just say the Bills division actually looks pretty good this year with the Jets adding all that they added. The Patriots, the Bills, and the Jets, that's a pretty good... They're gonna be a lot better than they have been, you know, the last few years. So, ⁓ I mean, the Dolphins are just there, but you know... ⁓ Anyway, as far as the Kansas City Chiefs, mean, yeah, of course, Kenneth Walker's gonna help them stay afloat. That was a fantastic snag for them. I agree with you, O'Reilly. Tyree Kill mid-season makes a ton of sense for both parties. I feel like... Jared Shirai: Mmm. The three. Yeah. Yeah Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: That would be great for this team, especially if we get news on Patrick Mahomes coming back a little bit earlier than expected. ⁓ The defense is getting more stupid. Kyrus Tonga was one of the better free agents out there, so him signing here. It's great for them. Malohi Gilman, another one. That was another snag for them. That was really, really good. Shout out to the Hawaii boy. ⁓ Their offensive line, still crazy. They got probably the best value guy in Josh Simmons last year, so that was great for them. And of course Tyquan Thornton I really liked as a third wide receiver so I think they're still waiting on to see if Hollywood Brown's gonna resign but All signs are pointing to him. Maybe going to like the New York Giants So we'll see if that even ends up panning out ⁓ if not I mean they Tyquan Thornton was fantastic in that role when he was given a chance So yeah, this seems gonna look stupid. I'm still gonna call my shot I said this in the other pod that you'll never hear Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs to spell Patrick Mahomes Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: until he comes back. So I think when he gets released, he's going to take a long hard look at the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chiefs are going to be doing the same thing to him. ⁓ yeah, and if a vengeful, you know, Justin Fields will be crazy for this Kansas City Chiefs squad. So ⁓ anyway, let's move on to the Las Vegas Raiders. ⁓ You know, this is another one of those big win teams. We'll see. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Completely what happens with them, but I believe if I'm not mistaken there was some sort of reshuffling of the contracts and all that sort of stuff so they were still able to do the moves that they initially did before the Max Crosby trade that fell through so I mean right now technically speaking they have all of these signings plus Max Crosby, which is crazy so Moving on we got wide receiver Jalen Ayler who came over from the Minnesota Vikings He signed a three-year 35 million dollar deal with the team Jared Shirai: Yes. Keoni McKeague: They made center Tyler Lindner bomb all pro center the highest paid center in all of the NFL signing a three-year 81 million dollar deal Edge Malcolm Kuntz he resigned on a one-year 11 million dollar deal edge quiddity pay signed a deal worth 60 million dollars a year linebacker and a Kobe Dean signed a three-year 36 million dollar deal and came away here from the Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Quay Walker signed a three-year 40.5 million dollar deal cornerback Taryn Johnson one of the better cornerbacks in ⁓ know, all football last year was acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills along with the 2026 seventh round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth round pick. So they moved up one round and gave away their starting cornerback. So cornerback Eric Stokes also re-signed on a three year deal reuniting with his Georgia teammates in Quay Walker and the Kobe Dean. ⁓ And now they, and then of course kicker Matt Gay signed a free agent deal. So Boog, I mean the Raiders, they obviously similarly to like the Jets. ⁓ and the Titans had a lot of holes to fill, but they went out and filled a lot of those holes in free agency. And of course they got the biggest ⁓ boon for this team, which is new head coach Clint Kubiak. So thoughts and opinions on the moves? What did they do? What can they do? And what did you like so far? Jared Shirai: I I love the signing of Jayley Naylor. We talked about it just being that third guy in Minnesota. This is really his time to shine. Him and Trey Tucker. ⁓ No real true number one here. So kind of 1A, 1B for them sharing that wide receiver one role. Phenomenal. Tyler Linebaugh was just a steal. ⁓ The fact that you can get an all-pro, like all NFL type center, making him the biggest. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: paid center in all of NFL, basically tells you how good he is and how good he's going to be for the writing on the wall being Francisco Mendoza. It's bringing in the pieces here to help that kid succeed ⁓ from day one. picking somebody like Lindner Baum is only gonna help the growth of ⁓ Mendoza, so I love it there. Man, you re-sign an edge. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: You got your sign an edge, you get Max Crosby back like this front line is going to look ridiculous. It's going to be stupid. They can probably line up anywhere they want on that front line as well, which is going to be even more deadly. Filling in that line backer role to help them against the run. mean, you talk about the trenches like they really address that whole front line. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: And then to get the secondary cornerbacks that they got, they resigned one and they got one in the trade with the Bills. mean, you Taron Johnson, who was phenomenal for Buffalo last year. I mean, they're really making great moves in every way possible, offensively and defensively, putting them in a great spot to contend. You have Brock Bowers, have Ashton Gentry. You're going to have your quarterback of the future. You're really set. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Now it's just about the growth pieces of how they grow and then if the offense doesn't do it You've got in a phenomenal kicker in Matt gay We know what he does what he's done in his career and he's very sure-footed in the hand in the ways of he'll score for you give you good consistency and Now Las Vegas did a phenomenal job in everything they did they lucked out in the sense of the Max Cosby returning and still Ability able to sign all these players Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: So they're going be a scary one in this division. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean, I've been calling it, been saying that they're going to be one of the most improved teams in the NFL. I'm still expecting that same exact ⁓ thing to happen because, they went on and got all the sort of playmaker pieces that they needed. ⁓ That secondary looks now a lot better than it did last year with Jeremy Chin, Paul LaMau, Stokes and Johnson all on board. And of course, Darian Porter, who was also much improved this last year, adding that Jared Shirai: Yes you did. Hmm Keoni McKeague: to that linebacker room, Koy Walker and Nicole B. Dean is going to be really nice for them. Two guys who can play a sideline to sideline. So that's really good. And then of course, having Max Crosby back in the room. Still ⁓ news on whether or not he's going to be moved. So we're still waiting on that. ⁓ I'm not going to lie. The only thing I was going to say is that I'm kind of sad that they no longer have that first round pick because pick 14 would have been able to maybe snag them a really good wide receiver along with. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Fernando Mendoza, ⁓ one of the other things that I'm looking at and hoping that if it doesn't happen, like I kinda just mentioned earlier where I was like, Omar Cooper Jr. would be a fantastic fit. If Omar Cooper Jr. does fall to them in the second round, that would be great because obviously he will reunite with his college quarterback and on top of that, he's a fantastic wide receiver and I think he could step into, if not a wide receiver one, a wide receiver two role with his team. ⁓ I think Jaylen Naylor is gonna be competing with Trey Tucker for that wide receiver one. ⁓ Tremendously talented but just had to sit behind two also tremendously talented wide receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. So Looking at this group I mean adding Fernando Mendoza is obviously gonna be the big boon for them and hopefully he ends up panning out the way he is expected to They could probably stand to add a running back to this room because right now it's just Ash and Gentie and then a couple of guys who nobody's heard of And then as far as their offensive line, they're gonna get Colton Miller back He was dealing with an injury last year. They're going to get Jackson Powers Johnson back. So that's going to be another guy that they're probably sliding over to the guard position ⁓ because they now have Tyler Lindabombe who is the best ⁓ center on this team. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jordan Meredith, who is a longtime starter, ⁓ get moved over to a guard position. But if not, mean, Colton Miller, Tyler Lindabombe and Jackson Powers Johnson. That's a trio that was injured. But coming back into this year is going to be much improved offensive line. So yeah, interesting and fun times for Las Vegas Raiders fans. And I'm pretty excited to go watch that team play if they do have a preseason game around the time that we're down there in Vegas. But moving on to the next team we got here, we got the Los Angeles Chargers who ⁓ did make a move just this morning. They went on and signed running back Keaton Mitchell away from the Baltimore Ravens on a two year, $9 million deal. Fullback Alec Engel signed a two-year seven and a half million dollar deal. Tida and Charlie Kohler signed a three-year 24 million dollar deal. Offensive tackle Trevor Penning resigned on a one-year three and a half million dollar deal. Guard Cole Strange signed a two-year 13 million dollar contract center. Tyler Biots signed a three-year 30 million dollar deal. Offensive line Trey Pipkins as you can see there's a trend here a lot of offensive line help here resigned on a two-year 10 million dollar deal. Defensive tackle T.I.R. Tartt signed a three-year extension worth up to 37 and a half million. Jared Shirai: Yeah Keoni McKeague: Edge Kaleo Mack will be back with the team on a one year $18 million contract. Linebacker Dean Leonard resigned on a one year $2 million deal. Pease. Linebacker Del Sean Phillips resigned on a two year $7.5 million deal. Again, Dep Pease. And long snapper Josh Harris resigned with the team. Boog, thoughts, opinions. What did they do that you liked and what can they do to improve even more? Jared Shirai: I I like the signing of Keaton Mitchell. ⁓ Cheap deal, good depth. We know Hampton and Vidal are there, but I think a third is never a bad thing. They add Engel, Kollar, and a ton of offensive linemen, literally just for the Justin Herbert protection. That's literally what it comes down to. You just need to have more protection ⁓ to give him more time to give make him more of a threat. So I love that. And then. They show up on the defensive side of the ball. feel like they started off, was it last year or I think the year before? They started well on the defensive side of the ball and then it kind of faltered through the season. Not sure if it was through injury or whatnot, but I know they started off hot and then all of a sudden they kind of fell out. So the re-signings here ⁓ just to kind of give the familiarity of everything. Keoni McKeague: It was last year. Yeah. Jared Shirai: I think that's one of the biggest things for me, but now it's just kind of like addressing where the true holes were. I feel like it was against the run. Was it against the run? Like their trenches? Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. That, yeah, they were terrible against the Rund, yeah, for sure. Jared Shirai: So for me, I think that that's kind of where they need to address that just a little bit more, but I love what they did on the offensive side of the ball. I think you still have great, great running weapons. You still have McConkie Johnson and Trey Harris there as receivers who have been phenomenal in the three headed horse that they are. Justin Herbert still has the weapons going forward. It's just going to be the defensive if they can stop anybody and what they do in that regard. So. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: I do like their offensive line help that they really did get for him. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I think they have some pretty good depth along this defensive group, but it's like there's not a lot of ⁓ sort of big time playmakers and they lost probably their biggest one in Odafe Owe. He was never going to be here for long. I mean, they got him from the Baltimore Ravens in a pretty solid trade, but he I mean, he was going to play his way out of here just because they couldn't afford to resign him. So that's an unfortunate thing for them. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: I believe they'll address that in the draft. I think in most monk drafts have them ⁓ grabbing Keljic Falk so that could be their new future starter for them. ⁓ And you know obviously much younger so that's going to be great for them. As far as the offense is concerned, very very good for them to go out and retain the guys that they wanted to retain. think getting Tyler Biaz ⁓ makes a ton of sense especially because really their offensive line just needed to get healthy similarly to ⁓ Who were we just talking about? ⁓ the Las Vegas Raiders. Like they had a couple of guys who are big time playmakers, but were injured all of last year. So this one is a similar thing with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater coming back. ⁓ Two guys that they definitely needed the bookends for that group. The wide receiver group really, really good. So I like I said, I expect Trey Harris to take a step forward if not into that wide receiver to maybe even wide receiver one. I think he does usurp Quentin Johnston, who's Jared Shirai: ⁓ the Raiders, yeah. Mm-hmm. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Again, always dealing with sort of these, what do we call it? Like the consistency issues. yeah, I mean, other than that, they probably could stand up, maybe get another quarterback in this room. Even though I do like DJ, ⁓ I think that's a group that they probably should address if not, you know, in the draft maybe as, ⁓ you know, somebody in the free agency market. So ⁓ anyway, I think that'll do it for the AFC West. So let's move on to the NFC East. have... At the top, the Dallas Cowboys, did sign QB Sam Howell on a one-year deal. Running back, Javonta Williams, re-signed on a three-year, $24 million deal, well-deserved. Wide receiver, George Pickens, still sitting on the franchise tag, has not yet ⁓ re-signed an extension or any of that kind of stuff. Defensive end, Sam Williams, re-signed on a one-year deal. Edge, Rashawn Gary, who was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. ⁓ Fantastic pickup for them, especially because they... Also had Quinn and Williams that they got from the Jets. yeah, defensive lineman Otiro Ogbonia signed a one year, three million dollar contract. Safety PJ Locke signed a one year, five million dollar deal. Safety Jalen Thompson signed a three year deal worth a maximum of thirty six million dollars. And then, of course, probably the biggest piece for this offense kicker, Brandon Aubrey received a second round five point seven six million dollar restricted free agent tender. So if he does get signed to another team, they're going to, you know, match that. If they don't match that they're stupid but they're going to match that. ⁓ anyway, Boog, Dallas Cowboys thoughts and opinions on the moves and what do you like? What do you not like about their, you know, team heading into next year? Jared Shirai: Yeah. I mean, I love the three offensive signings. Sam Howell, great back-up piece, Gervonta had a hell of a year, needed to give him his dues. And George Pickens had a George Pickens type of season that you kind of expected him and wanted him to have there. And that's why they tagged him. ⁓ Hopefully they make it work and everything works out fine because having him in Lamb as the one-two punch, I mean, that's one of the best in NFL. It's crazy how good that they are. ⁓ Our biggest concern with Dallas for all last season was the defensive side of the ball, which it kind of shored up with with after the Michael Parsons, but I love how they address it even more going out and get more defensive players here that that really puts them in great contention. In my opinion, it really solidifies the defense. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: ⁓ yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: It really locks up that side of the ball to give more opportunities for Dak and that offensive ⁓ unit. And then to top it all off, you signed, like I talked about Kamey Fairburn, this was the other guy I was talking about, Brandon Aubrey, the next best scorer in all of football. And you just had to pay this guy. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: He does so much for you. He's the reason why you win games. He's the reason why he keeps you in games because yes, they're not always going to score down there, but he converts for you. His conversion ratio is crazy. His consistency is crazy for them and so pertinent to their success that you can't say enough about how important Brandon Ovary is to this organization in general. So for me, I think they did a phenomenal job in what they did. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I'm gonna agree. I think that they might be the top team in this division next year. Their offense was carrying them pretty heavily last year and they didn't really need the defense to do too much. But now this year it might be like a more 50-50 split. Getting Quinn and Williams last year was really, really good for them. Getting Kenny Clark in that ⁓ Michael Parsons trade was a kind of a hidden gem boon for them. Rashaun Gary this offseason was really, really good. Demarvin Overshone, we already know he was really good. Ezraku was really good. They drafted Siobhan Revo last year who ended up being really good for them this year as well. Of course, there's Malik Huker and Daron Bland who's returning from injury. yeah, I mean, they could probably stand to add another piece in the secondary just to really, really lock things up on that side of the ball. Maybe even address the linebacker room just a little bit just because there is a couple linebackers that You know, aren't super really good in their depth as far as the team is concerned. But from the offensive standpoint, there's really not much that they have to add. Jake Ferguson was really good last year as ⁓ a tight end. And then, of course, CD Lamb and George Pickens. I mean, you don't really need much to throw in there, but you're going to have a Cavante Turpin who is ⁓ doing a lot of things for them, especially in special teams. Their offensive line is going to be much improved just because of health. Again, Tyler Smith coming back, Cooper Bibi. was really good for them Tyler Booker. mean, yeah, if they do do anything in the first round, probably could stand and maybe look at the offensive line a little bit. But I mean, other than that, man, this this team is ready to go. Now they have three capable quarterbacks. So that's another thing. Just more Dak Prescott insurance just in case. mean, but I like Joe Milton a lot. Sam Howell as a third is even crazier. So yeah, man, this team is this team is ready built to go. So we're going to see what they do. ⁓ I'm predicting they might be the team that surprises and comes out at the top of this division, especially with the way that they ended the year last year. let's move on to the New York Giants. ⁓ Obviously, biggest boon for them. They got head coach John Harbaugh with the team. They signed fullback Patrick Ricard on a two year, $7 million deal. Obviously, long time Baltimore Raven coming over to join his former head coach. Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins resigned with the Giants. Wide receiver Gunnar Olselsky resigned with the Giants. They got tied in. Isaiah likely brought him over away from the Baltimore Ravens as well who signed a three year $40 million deal. ⁓ Offensive lineman Jermaine Illuminaur resigned with them. Offensive lineman Evan Neal resigned with them. Linebacker Tremaine Edmonds another big get and steal away from the Chicago Bears signed a three year $36 million deal. Jared Shirai: you you you Keoni McKeague: Linebacker Michael McFadden re-signed an old one-year deal. Cornerback Greg Newsome signed a one-year, $8 million deal. And of course kicker Jason Sanders signed with the Giants. And Greg Newsome obviously coming over from the Browns, I believe last year. But yeah, I mean, very familiar with John Harbaugh. So, both thoughts and opinions on the moves that they made and what did they need to do to really shore things up here in New York. Jared Shirai: Thank For me, would say I really like what they did. ⁓ Patrick Ricard is basically, it's going to be protection based mainly, you know, to help Jackson's art and whatnot. ⁓ I like the signing of their wide receivers just because they're young-ish. I would say one's young, the other one's like gonna be in his seventh season. I think Gunner's in his seventh season, Isaiah Hodgins. They resign him. It's good debt pieces for them as they needed to resign people because they did lose Wanda Robinson, right? ⁓ And then Malik coming off of his injury, like you're gonna need that depth and see who prevails through training camp and things like that. So having that debt pieces there is always gonna be great. Isaiah likely is a phenomenal signing. We know how good he can be. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: and how good he is ⁓ coming out of Baltimore where he served, ⁓ what, I served Mark Andrews for a good amount of time. He was that guy. Yeah. And so that's going to be phenomenal for them. Exactly. This team to the moon and showing up the offensive line. Just, you know, I think that's what the fullback and literally the two offensive linings, re-signings are. It's just to help. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Especially as a receiver, yeah. To the moon. Yeah. Yeah, Patrick Card is one of the best blocking fullbacks ever. So that was a great grab. Jared Shirai: And that's why, and that's why, and that's why I like their, they, they gave them a pretty good deal for a fullback too. Right. So, and, and so that, that's really going to help the growth of Jackson Dart in a sense of giving him more time and protection. And I love their, their defensive signings. They only signed three of them. One was a re-signing, but the two that they signed, like it's only going to bolster a defense that, that is, was already pretty good. If not, uh, one of the, I wouldn't say one of the top tiers, but they were. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: They were above average for sure. One of the better defenses in the NFL and just the fact that they're giving that opportunity there to Jackson Dart to be more explosive on the offensive end is really going to help them. And then Jason Sanders signs with the Giants. I think that's good move for them. Sanders has been pretty consistent for the majority of his career where he's been. And so I do think this would be good for them in that regard. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: And then they, think there's still, there's still some things to address, you know, a good ride receiver too, behind Malik, Scadaboo, we just need a running back there. think one of our, one of your shouts, um, I was probably on the pod not to be heard was Alvin Kamara coming here and telling him that he doesn't have to put his head down every single time and give himself concussions. Like that might be the next best thing for everything, but, uh, Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Well, my initial one was James Connor, you know, yeah, yeah, weird, weird scenario over there in Arizona, which we still have yet to get to. Yeah. Yeah, we will get to. But yeah, I mean, I agree with you wholeheartedly. This team much improved. mean, the head coach alone, that was a big boon for them. You know, it's funny, I was going to say that they need a wide receiver three or whatever. But to be quite honest, knowing John Harbaugh, knowing the system she likes to run, I think this is going to be a too tight end system. And of course, with Jared Shirai: ⁓ that's right, it James Connor. That's right, that's right. Yeah, which we will get to. Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: the fullback Patrick Ricard being in there in the mix. I mean, you're probably going to have Scadaboo Ricard in that backfield and then you're going to have Isaiah Leckley and Theo Johnson lining up opposite each other. ⁓ And of course, then you only need two receivers because you won't have any other space for any other. So running out running out of the two tight end set, I think that they it makes a ton of sense that they will just stick with Malik neighbors and Darius Slayton. Wouldn't be surprised if they go out and try to sign somebody or trade for somebody. The heavy rumor right now is Brian Thomas Jr. So. Jared Shirai: Yeah Keoni McKeague: If they do trade for Brian Thomas Jr. him and Malik neighbors together. mean, if I'm was Malik neighbors and LSU guy. Can't remember if they were teammates in college, but. OK, so they were teammates in college, so even more so reuniting him with his former teammate. I think the two of them together would be just nasty. So if they somehow pull that off, it'll probably cost him that second round pick at the. I'm assuming I don't know that his value has dropped far enough or he'll be. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Hoo! He is an LSU guy. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: fourth on pick that's the only unfortunate thing with the Giants is they don't have a ton of picks this year ⁓ especially in day two they're gonna have a lot of their picks in day three which is gonna be unfortunate but I mean they don't have a lot of holes that defensive side is crazy looking I mean Ju Phillips, Greg Newsome, Javon Holland, I Kavon Thibodeau, Tremaine Edmonds now in the room which is even more stupid that linebacker group is crazy Brian Burns as well Dexter Lawrence of course I mean yeah defensively they're set offensively I mean there's not a lot that they have to do but Jared Shirai: Uh-huh. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Of course, showing up to offensive line will probably be something they'll address. ⁓ I did see that they're probably going to be targeting Cardinal Tate if he falls to them in the first round. So if that happens, won't have to trade for Brian Thomas Jr. and can use some of those selections to fill out the rest of the team. And I think that would be fantastic for them at pick five if they could grab Cardinal Tate. I think that's a wide receiver of the future for them. So scary times, giants, man. They look really, really good. That's another, this might again be one of those divisions that keeps. you know, popping off. So Philadelphia Eagles, ⁓ of course, is a team that's a little bit in shambles, you know, I can't say they're in shambles because they still have, you know, they technically still have, you know, one of the better offenses with A.G. Brown still on the roster and still trying to figure things out with the trade scenario. But ⁓ yeah, I mean, they're they're a little bit. Kind of stagnant right now, ⁓ still trying to figure out the situation with tight end. ⁓ Why did I just forget his name? Dallas Goddard ⁓ or Godair as Jared would say during the off season. But yeah, they did go out and sign tight end Grant Calcutera, resigned him on a short term deal I believe. Tight end Johnny Munt as well on a one year deal and then of course defensive tackle Jordan Davis signed a three year, $78 million contract extension and cornerback Tariq Woollin signed a one year deal with a max value of 15 million. The unfortunate part about this is the signings that they made Jared Shirai: Bye Scotter. Go there. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ I'm sure I'm sure how he's figuring things out over there the GM but he's one of the best out there so I can imagine he's figure things out but I mean with the signing of Jordan Davis the writing might be on the wall for ⁓ Their other fantastic player in Jalen Carter. So I'm curious to see how that all plays out There's rumors that he might get traded. So we'll see if that happens And of course this scenario with Dallas Goddard, I mean, it's not going away They got two tight ends in the room. So maybe they won't bring him back but Neither of those tight ends really moves the needle for them as much as Goddard does so You know, maybe they're just in the draft. I don't know but book I mean, it's not a ton of moves But you know, what do think they need to do to continue to contend this next year? Especially as that division gets stronger Jared Shirai: Yeah. Not to worry, mean with the Jaylen Carter thing worries me on their defensive end But I'm not super worried about their defense just because they were one of the best and the youngest in the NFL So not super worried on that side of the ball for me. It's the offense side of the ball the AJ Brown That's the elephant in the room Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: It's going to be the AJ Brown part of things. And figuring out what's going to go on with him. And man, it's kind of sad that when you think about ⁓ when I think about Philly, I think about Dallas Goddard because I've had him for what, two, three years. And he's been so good for me in that regard of what he does. He blocks well, he receives well. He's a really big part of their offense. A really good ⁓ glue piece for them. And to not see him get like to see them. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: possibly moving on for them. I mean, there's a lot of teams that could be benefiting from him, but it's just like, when you think about him, like you really think that he's a Philadelphia Eagle and the fact that it's, they had to sign. Calcutta was great. I think he did a, he does a really good job in his role, but I think he put it perfectly. They don't move the needle like he does. I don't know if it makes him a contender. So for me, that's kind of one of the biggest pieces. And then anything past Jalen hurts. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: It's like, you know, Tana McKee, like, like, do we move on from her? It's like, what are we going to do? Granted, like we talked about, they were surprisingly, a lot better than we put them out to be last year. Like they were 11 and six, but I think because they were coming off their Super Bowl win, we all had high expectations. We had all high expectations. We wanted them to return to the caliber that they were, and they weren't quite that caliber. But I do think it was more from what it seems like now, it's way more locker room noise that Keoni McKeague: And they still want the division, Jared Shirai: prevented them from being so successful. And hopefully they're addressing that in this off season in Brown and Goddard. And from there, they can just move on, move forward with the team that they have. if they move on from AJ Brown, I would love to see them go get somebody good. Like somebody who's going to be that 1A, 1B with Devontae Smith. Not saying Devontae can't be the 1A, but he'll be the 1A in general. I think they were so good 1A, 1B. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. ⁓ he's a one for sure. I agree horribly. He's a one. Jared Shirai: But I think with AJ Brown in that room, they were like 1A, 1B. I think you kind of want that because you need Jalen Hurts at the end of the day really needs a threat, those type of threats. Exactly, exactly. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah, that wide receiver group is terrible right now. mean, yeah, I mean, obviously, once they trade away AJ Brown, they're going to have to address that somehow in the draft. I think that's one of the main things. I'm kind of surprised the New England Patriots haven't pulled the trigger on it already. They have a very, I mean, they've picked 31 in the NFL draft. So I'm kind of surprised they didn't give up the first round pick. mean, I know it's technically a first round pick, but it's picked 31. So feel like that's basically a second round pick. Yeah. I mean, it feels like you might as well. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. What are you getting at pick 31, buddy? Keoni McKeague: I mean, I guess maybe they feel confident enough that they won't have to like, you know, pay or overpay for AJ Brown, which is probably the consensus considering like DJ Moore's trade wasn't very high draft capital. A second round pick all things told is not that bad. And maybe I mean, obviously their second round pick is probably like pick 63. So again, not very high. But yeah, surprised that hasn't happened yet. Well, I mean, I think the Eagles are just waiting and holding out for really good value, I'm not sure what other team outside of like a Patriots squad is really going to be looking to trade for him, especially if they're asking for a first round pick. Like I would not give up a first round pick. Our pick 21, maybe before we got Michael Pippen, but not now. ⁓ Anyway, ⁓ all things said, yeah, agree with you. It's going to be like this. weird combination of like the running. Obviously they're going to have to get back to that. mean, they, was what they were known for for very long time. They were one of the most run heavy teams in all of the NFL. So Jalen Hurts and Seguon need to kind of pick things up on that end. They're going to need to at least find somebody who's a threat in the wide receiver room. I'm not sure that Johnny Wilson, Darius Cooper, Britton Covey or Danny Gray or anybody that's going to be really making anybody shaking their boots. ⁓ Calcutta, I agree with that take that he's good in his role, but not going to be moving the needle. So then as far as Jalen Carter, that situation, I think you just run it back. But I mean, maybe they're worried that he's going to sign elsewhere at the end of this deal. Not sure what's going on with that one. But I feel like Jalen Carter should stick around if you're going to be if I'm being completely honest, he's he's more than a needle mover. That is a game changer. And they saw that when he came back from his suspension injury situation. So, ⁓ yeah. Still a very good team. The secondary only got richer with getting Rick Willen. ⁓ We'll see what they do in the draft, but yeah, I'm still got stock in on the Philadelphia Eagles. They're not gonna go away anytime soon. Moving over to the Washington Commanders. This is a team that also made a ton of moves this off season. They had a lot of cap room and they made a few big time signings ⁓ to sort of shore things up because obviously they were pretty terrible this last year. They re-signed quarterback Marcus Mario on a one-year deal. Trelaun Berks re-signed on a one-year deal. Tight end Chegosium. We're gonna just say Chico Conquo. That's much easier. Chico Conquo signed a three-year contract worth up to 30 million. So he is replacing Zach Ertz in that offense as far as like a playmaker on the offensive side. Offensive tackle Laramie Tunsell signed a two-year $60 million deal. Offensive lineman Nick Allegretti signed a new two-year deal. Offensive lineman Trent Scott resigned with the commanders offensive lineman Andrew Wiley resigned on a free agent contract edge Kate Kalei von Chasen signed a one-year 12 million dollar deal edge Charles Omeni who signed a one-year four million dollar deal edge of Daphne Owe the big signing of the offseason signed a four-year 100 million dollar deal with the team ⁓ Edge Dietrich wise resigned on a free agent deal defensive tackle Tim Settle signed a three-year 24 million dollar deal cornerback Amique Robertson signed a two-year 60 million dollar deal Linebacker Leo Chanel another one surprising stealing him away from the Kansas City Chiefs signed a three-year 24 million dollar deal Safety Nick cross signed a two-year deal worth of the 14 million dollars put to trust way resigned a contract and of course kicker Jake Moody former San Francisco 49er and former Chicago bear I believe after he got cut from the Niners ⁓ Resigned on a free agent contract book I mean this is a team that needed to improve and boy did they improve. So thoughts, opinions, what do you like? What did it need to do? Or is this enough to get them back into contention next year? Jared Shirai: That's a lot of names that you just went off of it's it's a it is I think it's a lot No joke, yeah, I agree a hundred percent agree with that ⁓ I Love the signing of my Riotta with the unshariness of how Jaden Daniels has been injured ⁓ I think he did a phenomenal job. He's one of the best backups in the league Keoni McKeague: That is a lot of names and a lot of hard to pronounce names. I will also say, and it happened this morning and I forgot because it dropped on my phone. They also did side Rashad White. He's coming here on a one year deal. Yeah, I was like, I forgot to. It wasn't on the list. It wasn't on the list, but they mentioned I got a text about it. But yeah, so Rashad White is also being added to this running back room. Jared Shirai: ⁓ huh. I was just about to ask you. Cause I'm looking at the depth chart, that's why. Yeah. Yeah. Yep. Which makes a lot of sense with Chris Rodriguez ⁓ leaving the team. Keoni McKeague: And he's a, I believe he was a college teammate with Jaden Daniels as well. you know, reuniting the pair in the NFL now. Jared Shirai: Hmm. Yep. So yep, Mariota, mean, great, great running back signing. were wondering where Rashad Wright would end up. ⁓ We've talked in length about this running back room after they gave up Brian Robinson Jr. And now that they have Rashad Wright, I think that's going be phenomenal. They're using probably him and Jacori together. Trelawn Burke's great signing because anybody in that receiving core basically can be a one. because we don't know about the Terry McLaurin thing, know, Deebo is on his way out. So, just to short up. Yes. Yes. Like they're not ones. Yeah, they're not true ones, but it's like they all give something different and it helps Jayden Daniels in every regard. even Mariona, like it helps whatever quarterback is behind center in every regard because they're very different types of players. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Underratedly talented wide receiver room. Yeah. I liked what Luca McCaffrey brought this last year too. Yeah. Yeah. I would argue they have seven guys who could rotate in and be very good because I like Jacoby Jones, Sha'Corey Brooks, Nick Nash came out of college from San Diego. I mean, they have a lot of good depth in their wide receiver room. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Yeah. and then I can't go early. That's going to be amazing for them. Like you said, to just replace Zach Ertz in that regard. And then because you have Sinet that's still there, who's a great blocking, tight end. You have tight ends that are going to be blocking, and you have their big play players. And he's going to just fill into that big play players. And then ⁓ adjusting the offensive line a little bit, like resigning, but then signing that two-year deal for Nick Algarati. I think that's going to really help ⁓ bolster that line and lower armitude. So those two signings alone are going to be phenomenal. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: shoring up a lot of questionable Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: areas for them that they had to and on the defensive side man they just went out and got everybody that's that's gonna help them you know what mean like that's just it's just ridiculous how good they got on the defensive side and then to bring in a a sure kicker like jake moody who ⁓ yes he had his fault he's a little bit at the ending of his tenure with the 49ers but for for so many years jake moody was that guy like you wanted to draft him for for fantasy you knew that he was going to be consistent and get you a lot of points and put the ball through the uprights and i i hope Keoni McKeague: Jeez, yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: This is a rejuvenation thing for him ⁓ with Washington because he'll get a lot of opportunities to kick the ball out there. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean, I agree wholeheartedly. I mean, up and down, this team did really, really well. I mean, now that offensive line is set, they got both tackle positions being very good. I like Josh Connelly Jr. as well. And then, of course, that center and Nick Allegretti. mean, that's three guys that at least you know are going to be good. Probably could stand to look at some of the guard options that are out there. I mean, yeah, Chigokunco really like to fit here, ⁓ especially because the Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Titans clearly had a vision of somebody else stepping in and they got that guy in Gunner Helm. ⁓ Yeah, and then of course adding Rashad White, I think that at least put some ⁓ real pressure on Jacori Crossing-Berit to perform because I mean, now you have a guy who can usurp you as the starter. ⁓ We've seen him be very good in spot starts over the last couple of years, especially since he got usurped by Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay. ⁓ The defense is stupid. Owe, Ken Law, Payne. Louvou, Chanel, Chaison, ⁓ Amis, Cross, Amique Robertson, like this, mean, yeah. The secondary is probably the only thing that they could stand to add a couple of pieces there, especially the safety positions. But I mean, jeez, yeah, they're they're a team that's going to be to the moon if Jaden Daniels is fully healthy and plays like he did in his first year. So let's move on to the next division here. We got the NFC North, the Chicago Bears ⁓ at the top of this division last year. And they added Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: QB Case Kingdom, or excuse me, resigned QB Case Kingdom on a two year, $4 million deal. Wide receiver Khalifa Raymond coming over from the Detroit Lions signed on a one year, $5 million deal and he's likely going to be their special teams guy. ⁓ Offensive tackle Braxton Jones resigned on a one year contract. Guard Jordan McFadden resigned on a one year contract. Garrett Bradbury ⁓ came over here in exchange with the New England Patriots for a 2027 fifth round pick. So they found their center now. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Defensive end Daniel Hardley resigned on a two-year contract defensive lineman Neville Gallimore signed a two-year $12 million contract Devin Bush coming over from the Cleveland Browns three-year $30 million linebacker DeMarco Jackson resigned on a two-year $7 million deal safety Kobe Bryant the Super Bowl winning Kobe Bryant signed a three-year $40 million deal and of course safety Elijah Hicks resigned on a one-year contract book. I mean risk get richer I guess. know what I mean? The Chicago Bears did a lot of moves last year and then did even more to shore up those holes again this year. So thoughts and opinions on Chicago Bears. Jared Shirai: I mean, love it. ⁓ Case Keenum, he's been phenomenal as a backup. Just resigning him. mean, he's suing. Yeah, he's still he's still doing it. So, I mean, it's nice because Kayla Williams had a great ⁓ last year and between Badgen and Keenum behind them, like it'll be a great battle for number two just to see where it goes. Like you said, for Raymond, he's going to be the kick return guy, which is great because they all like Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I feel like he's like super old, but he's somehow still just Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: When I think of Kick returners, I think of Devin Hester. He's going to be very Devin Hester-ish, so it's going to be great for them having him there. They showed up that offensive line that we talked about in the pod that we didn't get to pose. ⁓ You talked about Garrett Bradbury being phenomenal, and he's going to be that center of the future. So they really set on the offensive side of the ball, from the line to the backfield to their receivers and whatnot. Keoni McKeague: Jeez, yeah. Jared Shirai: Even in their tight end rows, know, Courtney Loveland and, ⁓ sorry, Colston Loveland and Kokomet, the two of them are going to be phenomenal for them and not just for receiving purposes, for blocking purposes. And then they went and they got stronger on the defensive side of the ball, which is amazing. This is another team that won the division. ⁓ And like you said, the rich get richer. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: When you're playing for Ben Johnson or people that want to play for Ben Johnson, I think that's going to be one of the biggest things he's allowed. He's not allowed. He's able to bring in the type of players that he wants to, to help them succeed in every way. And man, Chicago is going to be scary moving forward. My biggest concern is not just, ⁓ I know Adunze and Burden killed it last year, but I would say the only thing to address is maybe a wide receiver three in this offense. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: And other than that, I think, man, they're set. The way they looked out of year one under Ben Johnson, moving forward, it's going to be a scary, scary thing to watch the Chicago Bears hopefully come back to glory. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah, they're taking the division again next year, man. I mean, the offensive line was already much improved last year, adding Garrett Bradbury is even more stupid. I mean, now you have all five positions being very good. Joe Tooney was an absolute boon for them. And then, of course, Jonah Jackson was added last year as well. mean, this yeah, it's it's a scary looking group. Yeah, I agree with you. They probably could stand to sign. I mean, I imagine like the Stefan Diggs is of the world are probably going to be looking at this team thinking about like Jared Shirai: Yeah, for sure. For sure. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Can I find a role here because yeah, they need to find maybe that third veteran guy. I imagine they might even draft a couple of guys, if not one guy or two guys somewhere in the draft, but offense, set. Defense, set. Montez Swett, Grady Jarrett coming over in the, I believe at the trade deadline for the Atlanta Falcons. mean. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: That was a big boon for them. course, getting Devin Bush, who's had like a resurgence with the Cleveland Browns. He's going to be really, really good for them in coverage. And of course, Jalen Johnson and Kobe Bryant again, another big addition. So honestly, they could add probably something in the secondary just to really, really make things look stupid. their depth is stupid. Both sides of the ball are going to look really good. So scary times for that division, man. And we'll talk about a team that's doing kind of the opposite. Jared Shirai: crazy. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: of that one in the Detroit Lions. This is a team that I mean, they kind of needed to do a lot because they kind of lost a lot this offseason. This is not good for them. They had another offensive lineman retire this offseason, ⁓ which is unfortunate for them. They lost David or they traded away David Montgomery. So there's that's part of it. Right. But anyway, Detroit ⁓ signed QB Teddy Bridgewater to a one year deal, I believe. ⁓ which made a ton of sense. was here a couple of back ⁓ and spots started for Jared Goff. Running back Isaiah Pacheco signed a one year vet minimum deal basically with them to replace the aforementioned David Montgomery. Center Cade Mays signed a free agent deal with Detroit. Offensive tackle Larry Borum signed a deal with the team. Offensive lineman Ju Scruggs was acquired in that trade for David Montgomery. Rakya Singh resigned on a one year, million dollar deal and then safety Christian Ezean signed a one year deal. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: I mean, obviously this is a team that had a pretty good defensive resurgence once they got Aiden Hutchinson back from that injury. But as far as improvements, there weren't a ton. They're going to be basically relying on the same group heading into this year minus a few of their big name guys. But thoughts, opinions, what do you think about the Detroit Lions in this division especially? Jared Shirai: Yeah. ⁓ I think they've fully fallen off. ⁓ It's tough because I mean people retiring people leaving it just It's a total sign. Maybe like we always talk about it's a maybe it's a training regiment and whatnot by always trying to go 120 % And it's just breaking guys down and causing them to leave or retire early ⁓ Defensive resurgence, love it, I agree 100%. Hutchison definitely rejuvenized them ⁓ offensively. They just need to get a lot more, not just healthy, but they need to get a lot more ⁓ offensive line help to give golf a little bit more time. They still have weapons. mean, Jamiro Gims and Isaiah Pacheco are going to be great together. They still have St. Brown and Jameson Williams. James Williams had a really good year, right? ⁓ And you had Tesla. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: And then you have sound the porter who's still there. So, I mean, you still have the offensive unit, but you just need to give Jared Goff a little bit more time. You just need to be healthy. You need to keep everybody on the same page. Cause when you keep rotating things out, that's when it starts to get ugly for Detroit. And the missing of their OC and DC from the past years was very, ⁓ very, it was very telling this year in, on both sides of the ball. And you could tell that they struggled on both sides. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: and maybe there's just a year of growing pains, but not having healthy top tier players doesn't help your cause in any way either. So I think for me, that's where the Lions have fallen off to. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah, you know, they brought in offensive coordinator, Drew Petsing from the Arizona Cardinals. They wanted ⁓ name. ⁓ Mike, Mike McDaniels. Why am I? Yeah, Mike McDaniels from the Miami Dolphins. I don't know why that name sounded weird to me for a second. ⁓ they got Ju Petsing. I mean, we saw kind of what he was able to do with Arizona Cardinals. You know, there are some interesting plays in there. They got ⁓ Michael Wilson really involved. think Michael Wilson kind of comps well to Amon Ra as far as like a route runner. He's really good at doing that. So Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: things could pan out for them. I'm not gonna say they felt they're falling off necessarily. They do still have a lot of guys and, but really it's, I mean, it's gonna come down to injuries, man. I mean, they, is a team that's always dealing with injuries. I agree. I mean, we talked about it on the pod that's, sorry about that. ⁓ Jared Shirai: It's funny, use Michael Wilson. Michael Wilson plays for the Cardinals, he? Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I said that because he was Michael Wilson was the or this offensive coordinator was Arizona Cardinals offense. Yeah. ⁓ So that's what I'm saying. Like I'm not saying I was saying that he could have a similar role to what Michael Wilson had in Amon Ra here just because they're similar in route running. But ⁓ yeah, I mean, I feel like. Jared Shirai: Oh, Arizona Cardinals one. I thought you were talking about the period. was like, oh. Mmm. Keoni McKeague: The thing with this team is that training regiment man, it's gonna be one of those things where I'm like maybe you need to pull it back a few reins. We talked about it at length in that other pod that it's just you're running your players into the ground. Clearly people don't want to still play in this. ⁓ Yeah, mean culturally you like that there's guys who are like like Amon Ra. He's like nah, I want to give 200 % and so is Jhomir gives. But when your team is always injured, that's the best ability, right? Best ability is availability and you don't have that with your team. So... I mean, how many questionables do you see on this ⁓ depth chart, which is crazy. mean, even last year they were without their main secondary guys in Brian Branch and Terry and Arnold. Hopefully they come back fully healthy. mean, yeah, I mean, you had some guys step in, but those are your two big playmakers. And when you throw that in with Kirby Joseph, who was also injured, ⁓ I mean, and then Aiden Hutchinson coming off that injury from the other years, I mean, it's still a really good group, but. Jared Shirai: That's wild. Keoni McKeague: Can they stay healthy? And honestly, I think the Bears are much improved and are going to be a lot scarier than this team heading into next season. So we'll see how far the Detroit Lions fall. just don't think they're going to be as strong as they were in years past or even as ⁓ intimidating as they were in years past. So moving on, we have the Green Bay Packers. Not a lot of moves here. Offensive lineman Sean Rand, we signed on a three year $33 million contract. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: They did pick up Javon Hargrave who was released from the Minnesota Vikings. So that was great for them. Inner division kind of move and also got him on a really good deal signed two years, 23 million. Linebackers, I hear Franklin acquired in that trade with the Indianapolis Colts. So another really, really good swing for them. And then of course, cornerback Benjamin St. Just signed a two year, $10 million deal book, thoughts and opinions on the, you know, list of moves that the Green Bay Packers did. Jared Shirai: Playing is simple. ⁓ Good to send offensive line. think they still have everything they need ⁓ in receiving. Kraft and Josh Jacobs was phenomenal. Jordan Love, phenomenal. ⁓ But then the defensive side, they signed Michael Parsons and the biggest thing for us is like, ⁓ first two games are great. Everybody thought, ⁓ there's a team to beat. And then it kind of just fell off. So the fact that they went and they got Hargrave, they got Zierer, Franklin, and they got St. Joseph, like, I think this is... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: them addressing the needs that they truly needed to. Very eye-opening on where they lacked. And I think for me, this is one of the really good, it's short and simple, like only got four players, they're probably not done. See what falls to them, if you can see also the draft, because they don't have a first round draft pick, so they're probably late picks. But I do think they'll address whatever they need to in the draft, in the sense of like building. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean, really, they don't have a whole ton that they need to do. mean, defensively, they still have a really, really good group. mean, getting back Michael Parsons is going to be the main thing and also Adrian Cooper as well. But yeah, I agree. Javon Hargrave shored up one of the main issues that they had when they made the trade for Michael Parsons was that their trenches became a lot ⁓ more of a hole for them, especially once they lost Kenny Clark in that trade. So like I said, that was a Probably an overpay for them to bring in Michael Parsons. mean, giving away a guy who was really, really good for them at Nozco and Kenny Clark. Terrible idea. And now Kenny Javon Hargrave fixes that little hole that they had last year. So other than that, man, they just need to get healthy. Again, similarly to the Lions here. mean, just really solid team just needs to be healthy. Let's move on to the Minnesota Vikings now. ⁓ So they did. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: have a thing where they cut Aaron Jones and I guess he's coming back on a revised contract that lowers his base salary from nine million to five and a half million. So they are keeping Jones for the season. Linebacker Eric Wilson resigned on a three year deal worth 22 and a half million. Cornerback James Pierre signed away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two year eight and a half million dollar deal. Fantastic value for that young man. Safety Tavir Thomas resigned with the Vikings and of course long snapper Andrew DiPaola resigned with the Vikings. are rumors that they're saving what is left of their you know Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: majority cap space for Kyler Murray. So we're still waiting for that news to drop, but it has not yet happened. I believe he's meeting with teams this week. So we'll see what happens, you know? ⁓ There's also a rumor that Kyler Murray might ⁓ or has interest from the Rams to be their backup and sort of learn the system so that he can be their starter in the future, which I'm like, if the Rams get him, that will be just a rich getting. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: way richer. But anyway, Minnesota Vikings book thoughts and opinions on the move so far. Jared Shirai: I mean, I like it that they were able to bring back Aaron Jones because between Jones and Mason, I think they did a phenomenal job ⁓ in the backfield for them. So it's very telling that he likes the organization, otherwise he wouldn't take the pay cut. Because I think he could have paid other places, right? We talked about ⁓ Waiting on that quarterback news whether it's Kyler whether it's Kirk like whether it's somebody else like I think they know that JJ is not that guy yet and they need to bring in somebody to either compete with him or Take the job for him and let him hold the clipboard again kind of like the Bryce Young situation of two years ago But and then their defense I think like we talked about their secondary. I think their secondary was their Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: their bright spot, right? Was it this team? Yeah. So, I mean, there's just the fact that they're resigning players and then bringing in James Pierre, like James Pierre, like you said, came from you guys was a stud there and they just like they just get even stronger there. I think that's phenomenal for them. For me, it's it's more like in the draft addressing the offensive line help. Keoni McKeague: I mean, their entire defense was really good. Yeah, their whole defense is really good. yeah. Jared Shirai: which is a great draft for them to do it because it's so deep that it'll give more protection and whatnot. The other thing I'd like to see them address is maybe their wide receiver three, just because they did lose Naylor, who was a big part of their offense behind the one and twos. But I think just getting a young receiver that you can throw into that mix to learn from JJ and Addison is going to be phenomenal for them as well. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah, I mean, truthfully, I feel like the reason why they were able to let go of Jalen Naylor is because Ty Felton was very good for them. And I really like his fit there. But they could stand to add somebody else to that room just to throw into the mix here. ⁓ I'm still predicting that Kyler Murray ends up here. mean, it's the Sherlock starting position for him this year. So I mean, to me, they make the most sense. You have one of the best ⁓ quarterback coaches in all of the NFL here. So. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: I don't know why you wouldn't come here. They also have pretty much everything you need. All you need to do is step in and be pretty good for them on the offensive end and the defense and this team can kind of help carry you a little bit. ⁓ I will also say, you know, a lot of hate towards Jadriam McCarthy came out. I mean, it was his first year. mean, if you really look at it, it was his freshman year as an NFL quarterback. So I think we got to give a little bit of leeway to the young man. So with that said though, Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: agree that he's not ready. He probably should still hold the clipboard. I think they still need to find somebody to start. And yeah, whether it's Kyler Murray or Kirk Cousins, agree, both of those could be great grabs for them defensively. They did lose a little bit in the trenches by releasing Jonathan Allen, but obviously they save a bunch of money and he was getting a little bit older. They also released Harrison Smith. So long time starter, probably going to retire. We'll see. I don't know. Haven't heard anything ⁓ regarding that whole thing, but Yeah, so the veterans are out but now they have you know a lot of guys who are stepping in for them They could probably stand to add maybe something in the safety position, especially once they let go of Harrison Smith So we'll see but ⁓ they don't have a ton of big holes that they need to Fix and I think that they can I mean they're one of the better drafting team So I'm not super worried about them moving on to Atlanta Falcons of the NFC South ⁓ This is the team that Jared Shirai: you Keoni McKeague: had some minor holes, I guess. I won't say that a lot, because I was one of those firm believers that the Falcons were really, really good. Their defense was popping last year. And then, of course, it really just came down to the quarterback issues that they were having. anyway, the Atlanta Falcons, they added QB to a talk of Iloha was released from the Miami Dolphins and signed on a one year deal worth the veterans minimum wide receiver, Johan Dotson came over here for a two year, $50 million deal. And of course wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus signed a free agent deal as well. Titan Austin Hooper signed a one-year 3.25 million dollar deal and came over here from the New England Patriots. I believe you said that the last time we recorded this pod. Titan Kyle Pitts received the franchise tag and they'll likely be retaining him throughout the season. Edge Aziz Ojulari signed a one-year contract. Defensive end Cameron Thomas signed a free agent contract. Defensive tackle Laquale London resigned with the Falcons. Linebacker Christian Harris signed a one-year deal worth up to three million. Jared Shirai: you Keoni McKeague: And of course kicker Nick Folk, longtime veteran, signed a two year contract with the team ⁓ and adding some stability to that kicker room. So Boog, thoughts, opinions on the Atlanta Falcons. Jared Shirai: They're ready to compete. Like they were, they were a team that was already kind of made, but I think we're adding to, uh, adding Dotson, adding Zacchaeus. And then you have Hooper and Pitts at the, at the tight end rows, like offensively to add to Drake London and Bijan. I mean, that's just, that's crazy tandems, you know, like, like that's a great offensive side of the ball. And they already had, like you said, they had a really good defense last year and they just shored up everything. And the biggest, the biggest question mark for them. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: was their kicker and you went on and you got Nick Folk who was a long time Pittsburgh, what is it called? Philadelphia Eagle, right? And he was so sure-footed there, he was so successful. Was he? Was he? He was... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. No, the ego skicker is ⁓ what's his name? The one that the kind always likes to draft that Matt always likes to draft Jake Elliott. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Oh, Jake Elliott. That's right. Oh, the Jets kicker. There you go. Yeah. I was just looking. been kind of everywhere, but I feel like he's been super like consistent. mean, a career 85 % last year. He was 95, 96, 95, 96. Like you can't complain about that. I mean, and compared to what they were getting. Keoni McKeague: Nick Fulk was a Jets kicker, I he's been all over the place, yeah. He's consistent. Yeah, I mean. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Before that, I mean you bring in a guy who can actually put a ball through the up rights there were so many games last year that they should have won just based off of their kicking and Like this the fact that they bring him in it's it's great, you know, so Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jeez, Young-ho Ku really screwed the pooch over there, because they had more than a few games where it came down to him, and he messed up. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Well, and then they signed, what's his name, Zane. his first kick, he blows the first kick and that didn't help their cause or the reassurance of everything. I think for them to sign Nick Foulke is great. Also, I just think to a stepping in, whether it's to start or to help here, I think that's going to just help the offense phenomenally. they're going to really be... top two probably they're gonna fight actually I was a top two because there's three teams in this that are going to fight for it ⁓ and I think but I do think they could possibly have the most potent offense now Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. said that last year and I'm gonna stand on that hill that this is going to be one of those teams that everybody needs to be looking out for because really they're they're up and down roster wise. Very, very, very good. Defensively much improved. They got some of the best. Actually, they had probably if not the best, maybe the second best. I can't remember. I'm trying to think of the other team, but they had probably the best draft class from this last year. Xavier Watts was fantastic. Jaylon Walker was fantastic. James Pierce Jr. Probably was very close to winning offensive or defensive rookie of the year. I mean, adding that to Jesse Bates, Billy Bowman. ⁓ Billy Bowman was also the draft pick from last year. So I mean, yeah, AJ Terrell, obviously very, very good. They don't have a first round pick this year. So that's unfortunate. But I mean, they're usually pretty good at drafting. I mean, look at the guys they drafted this last year. The offensive line is set. Jared Shirai: Junior. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ really liked the addition of the Han Dotson, John Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. think that's really, really good. Cause we said they had a bunch of no names at wide receiver. I also liked that addition of two Otago Vailoa. mean one, he can mentor Michael Pennex as a left-handed quarterback. But on top of that, he puts some pressure on him for starting. And I think that's the main thing. Cause I personally would like to see two Otago Vailoa start the year. but you know, Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: I wouldn't be surprised if they ride out with Michael Pinnix and try to figure things out there. But obviously that's going to be a good ⁓ training camp battle for them heading into the year. So great things for the Atlanta Falcons. So moving on to the Carolina Panthers. They went on and signed QB Kenny Pickett on a one year deal. Wide receiver John Metchi signed here. Wide receiver David Moore also signed here. Offensive tackle Stone Forsythe signed with the Panthers. Senator Luke Fortner signed a one year deal. Edge, Jalen Phillips, big time deal for them, stealing him away from, ⁓ I believe the Miami Dolphins this last year, signed a four year, $120 million deal. Linebacker Devin Lloyd, another big grab for them, signed with the Panthers on a three year, $45 million deal. Isaiah Simmons, resigned with the team. Cornerback, Caleb Evans, resigned with the team. And of course, long snapper, J.J. Jansen, resigned with the team. Bogue, thoughts and opinions of the Panthers. We saw them take a big step forward this last year. Can they take another big step forward heading into the year three of this sort of big time rebuild? Jared Shirai: 100 % believe so. They went from being the worst defense in the league to be one of the better defenses in the league and that's why they resigned a lot and then they added a lot to it. ⁓ Getting Jalen Phillips is going to be huge for them on the front line. Devin Lloyd coming in and showing up the linebacker roles as well. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: I think that's going to be phenomenal for them. Bringing in Kenny Pickett as a backup. We know Pickett could start if he needs to be. ⁓ We know the struggles of Bryce Young and where that goes. So who knows what happens in that quarterback battle. I know they're going to roll out with Bryce Young because he did get them to the playoffs for the first time in many years. ⁓ He did struggle throughout the year too, and Andy Dalton did get a little bit of playing time. So now Kenny Pickett gets to step in and who knows, maybe he usurps him at some point, even though they, I mean, he is a bigger quarterback, so that might help his cause. And then adding to the already great, I thought great wide receiver room in in T-Mac, in Jalen Coker, in Xavier Leavitt. And then you add John Metchie, who's phenomenal in his role, is what he does, and adding even more to it, a little bit more depth piece. And then you go and you show up that front line, that front line just to give a little bit more time, a little bit more ease of mind. Keoni McKeague: I agree with that. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Did really good with the jets last year too. Yeah. Jared Shirai: ⁓ in getting your offensive tackle in Forsythe and your center in Fortner. I think that's going to be great for Bryce Young moving forward. ⁓ Just because he won't have to scramble, he won't have to freak out as much and we know when he freaks out, he tends to turn over the ball a lot. So I think as they move forward, they upgraded this year more than anything else and I think they're ready for another run. This was one of the other teams I was talking about moving forward with Atlanta. Keoni McKeague: Defensively, I mean, this group is probably one of the top three defensive groups. mean, there is not even really a hole on this defensive group. ⁓ Latham Ransom was really good for them. ⁓ Jaycee Horne, obviously one of the top corners in the league. Jaylen Phillips now adding to that linebacker room along with Devin Lloyd. I mean, that was probably their biggest weakness. And now they have both of those guys in that room. That's crazy. Nick Skorton was another really big grab for them in last year's draft, I believe. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Bobby Brown, Derrick Brown. mean that front line is looking really really nasty. Yeah, and the wide receiver group is deep. This is the team that's gonna take a step forward and this is gonna be a very competitive division man. I was like, I mean probably one of the more underrated competitive divisions. But moving on to the New Orleans Saints. They went out and signed Travis Etienne. So four year, $52 million deal. Obviously, know stealing a warrior from Jared Shirai: Yes. Keoni McKeague: the ⁓ Jacksonville Jaguars and adding to a room that's going to be awkwardly figuring out what's happening with Alvin Kamara. So we'll see what happens with that one. Tied in Noah Font added to the room with a two year deal. Offensive guard David Edwards signed a deal. Defensive lineman John Ridgeway also re-signed on a two year contract. Linebacker Kaden Ellis signed a three year for $33 million deal. Safety Julian Blackman re-signed on a one year contract and of course punter Ryan Wright. signed a full year, $14 million deal and did really good for them in that role last year. Boog, thoughts and opinions on the New Orleans Saints and this uptick that they're going on, especially with the improvements they made last year with Tyler Schuck. Jared Shirai: Tyler shark phenomenal. love I love that they're trying to get him help a little bit here. Travis Etienne. I think the main signing for Travis Etienne was the unsureness of what they were going to do with Alvin Kamara kind of points to come our one foot out the door in that regard. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: think they're going to release him. I mean, I think they save money by doing so. I think that's coming soon. Yeah. Jared Shirai: Exactly. And that's why they signed here at TN2 a four-year deal, good money. I would say pretty decent deal as well like for value-wise for them moving forward. And then ⁓ Noa Fahd is just more like to shore up that offensive line which they also got Edwards which is great because like Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: The more time we gave Tyler Schuck, the better he was able to slang the ball and the better that that team looked. On the offensive side of the ball for me, it's just fighting a bit more wide receivers. I think ⁓ you can't just rely on a lava here. Velle was okay, but past that, mean, you don't really have a whole lot. I mean, they have Polk, which is, I did not know he was on their roster. Who is... Keoni McKeague: Yeah. I actually liked Bob Means. Bob Means was really good for them. again, injured. So, you know I mean? Jared Shirai: Yeah, and that's the hardest part, right? So for me, just getting another maybe an event that you can get for cheap here. And then on the defensive side of the ball, I do like that they went and they resigned Ridgeway and they're getting an LSU to kind of show up that linebacker role for them. And Blackman, we know what Blackman kind of gives. He's very... very reliable in what he does and it's great for them. And then of course you need a punter because his team does punt a lot sometimes, you know, they did in the very beginning half of the season. And so just to sign Ryan Wright or resign or give him that extension, I think it'll be, it's just amazing that you can rely on somebody to do their job. But I think they're taking, they're taking steps in the right direction, not saying they're there yet, but definitely. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Jared Shirai: They turned around the season halfway through when they put Chuck in there as we were asking for all season. And I think now they're trying to get him just a little bit of help. I hope more dominos will follow the later we get into the free agency and get him a little bit more help. Keoni McKeague: Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. mean, again, wide receiver definitely needs to get addressed. I mean, I don't think I'm super confident in any of those guys past Chris Olavi. Running back room is very deep. So that's very good for them. Obviously, Tyler Schuck taking a step forward was a big boon for this team. Their offensive line looks really good. They drafted really well the last couple of years. Kelvin Banks Jr., Taliwiz Fuagha, and Eric McCoy coming in here. I mean, it's just really, really good. Three guys to. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: build your offensive line around. Jawan Johnson, I think is going to be a bigger, have a bigger role in the offense this year, especially if they can't find a number two receiver. ⁓ And as all things are pointing to in the draft, they're probably going to be grabbing somebody to replace ⁓ Cameron Jordan, who they did release this off season. So long time vet for the team. Sounds like they're probably going to be drafting his replacement in Ruben Bain. Which I really like fit wise. mean him next to God child is gonna be really nice So yeah, I mean defensively they have pieces in there. I like chase young Kool-Aid McKinsey has been pretty good Justin Reed as well Julian Blackman also Probably if they add Ruben Bane and maybe you know a couple other pieces along that group especially in the Linebacker room some of the things that could really help them take the next step ⁓ So that they don't have to rely so heavily on the offense, you know doing things even though that wasn't really the case this last year, but ⁓ Yeah Anyway, all things told, much improved team. Going to be exciting to see what they happen. Biggest thing is they have Kellen Moore. So, you know, shout out to the playmaking from last year. It was really, really good doing that last year. So moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they went out and signed quarterback Jake Browning away from the Cincinnati Bengals. They also signed running back Kenneth Gainwell away from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two year, $40 million contract there, especially with Rashad White leaving in free agency. Titan Kate Otten resigned on a three year, $30 million deal. Defensive lineman Aishon Robinson signed a one-year $10 million dollar fully guaranteed contract and of course linebacker Alex Anzalone signed a two-year $17 million deal away from the Detroit Lions ⁓ and also they added I mean this is kind an underrated move that was announced this morning but they signed Miles Killibrew the all-pro special team player from the Pittsburgh Steelers so he's on a one-year vet minimum deal but he's one of the best special teams players out there so makes a lot of sense I believe Tampa Bay also signed former special teams head coach or former special teams coordinator from the Pittsburgh Steelers so makes a ton of sense but both thoughts and opinions on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Will we see them you know come back into the fold as far as contending next year? ⁓ especially with you know Baker a year removed from his injuries and ⁓ Now it's a sort of new wide receiver group that they have and sort of the young guys coming in here Jared Shirai: Yeah, I think so for me with Baker sorry with Baker it's it was the injuries I think that's why they did bring in Jake Browning to just to like ⁓ Kind of just in case something does happen they bring in a capable ⁓ Backup quarterback who's kind of been through many systems, right? But very reliable when he does get the opportunity to and I love the signing our Kenneth Gainwell We we already had kind of talked about Rashad white being on like one foot out the door Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: And of course, we already talked about where he went. Gainwell was, it's a great pairing with Bucky Irving. So I think that would be a great one-two punch here. Not needing to do a lot because Bucky does do a lot of the heavy lifting sometimes for this team. And then the wide receiver room for like you talked about losing Mike Evans is one thing, but the comp for Mike Evans was Ibuka when they talked about Ibuka in the draft. Ibuka had a breakout year. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: He kind of fell off as the season went on because he was asked to be the wide receiver one with all the injuries. But now that Godwin will be back, I do believe that Godwin will be that one. Ibuka will be back to being that two, ⁓ being that second, not second option, but he'll be less as important where he won't be covered by the best cornerbacks in the league, where he will thrive a lot more. And that's amazing there. I think their wide receiver room has already shown that they're all really good. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: in Tej Johnson, in Cameron Johnson, in J. Lee McMillan, like all the receivers there, Baker makes them all look good when he is healthy and they are rolling. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: And then to resign Kate Otten, think that's just a veteran piece that they needed to resign to keep the rapport between him and Baker, as well as the offensive line and what he does, as well as the receiving room in the help in that regard. And then the two signings of the defensive line and the linebackers, I love it because I feel like Tampa Bay's defense kind of falling off. At least this way, they kind of shore up the holes there in the front line. like you always talk about in the trenches of the line. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: and that linebacker role. So signing Azalone will definitely help the clutter in the middle and hopefully defer the run to where their secondary can thrive. So I really like what they did. I don't think it's the biggest of moves, but I do think they just addressed whatever they needed to in the regards of what they could. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, there's nothing splashy or, you crazy about this offensive or about this offseason for them. But Alex Anzalone does a great add to that linebacker room. Yahya Diaby took a step forward. So that's another big ⁓ sort of boon for them. But getting Alex Anzalone away from the Detroit Lions was really good. Jacob Parrish was one of their draft picks from last year. He stepped in and was really good. Probably why they felt OK letting go of Jamel Dean, even though it feels like Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Jamal Dean could have also made this group even more ⁓ good in the secondary Antoine Winfield Jr. Another guy who stepped in really, really well for them. Yeah, I mean, really wasn't really splashy, but they added a lot of good pieces. Their offense is still going to be very good. So I expect that they'll still be up there in the mix. ⁓ But you know, the Falcons and the Panthers are improved. We'll see how much of an improvement the Falcons make with the quarterback room. So that's going to be their biggest, you know. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: I guess next year if there is a crutch for that team. So moving on though We got the NFC West which is probably the vision we agree that it's going to be the toughest this year, you know ⁓ You got the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks, of course the Ram switch will get into a second and of course The San Francisco 49ers were also improving and added another piece today ⁓ former piece that's coming back to the team, but anyway Jared Shirai: Yessir! Keoni McKeague: Let's talk about the Arizona Cardinals first. got Gardner Minshew signing on a one year $5.7 million deal to back up. ⁓ Geez, why I just forget his name. Jacoby Percett, the quarterback starting for the Arizona Cardinals after they struck out on the Malik Willis deal. running back Tyler Algeyer signed a two year $12.25 million deal. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne signed a two year deal, $10 million. OG Matt Pryor. Jared Shirai: Jacobi preset. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ OG Matt Pryor. Offensive guard Matt Pryor signed a one-year deal. ⁓ Guard Isaac Shomalu signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal away from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Defensive lineman LJ Collier resigned on a one-year deal. Defensive lineman Roy Lopez signed a two-year contract, $11 million worth. Long snapper Casey Kreider signed with the Cardinals. Punter Blake Gillican resigned on a one-year deal. of course, kicker Chad Ryland resigned on a one-year deal. So, Boog, thoughts and opinions on Arizona Cardinals. ⁓ Yeah. Jared Shirai: OG. Keoni McKeague: What do you like about it and what can they do to, you know, really compete in this division? Cause it's going to be tough. Jared Shirai: It's definitely gonna be tough. I love how they brought in Gardner. He's coming off the injury too, right? Yeah, but I mean I do like them signing him because Jacoby will see how Jacoby fares as a starter, you know? That's why they brought in Gardner because Gardner is a capable person to step into that role should they need him to. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Tyler, Joe coming in, I think it's kind of writing on the wall where James Connor is going to be on the way out. They're going to release him as they go through because I think between him, they can't have the three running backs there. They can't have Connor, they can't have Benson, and they definitely can't have him there. And I think that's where it's going to be the struggle, the most struggle. Them getting Kendrick Bourne, I think is huge for them. They already have Marvin Harrison Jr. They have Michael Wilson who came into his own. And now they're bringing in a third receiver to give Jacobi Reseta another ⁓ great person out there in that room on top of. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ sorry. I was freaking out because I was like hearing something, but I was like, I thought it was out here, but there's like an ad playing on the screen. I was like, what the heck am I hearing right now? Sorry. Sorry. I know. was like, I was looking super confused. I was like, I thought I was hearing something out here. And then I was like, what the hell am I hearing right now? Yeah. But I just realized that there's an ad playing. was like, ⁓ that's why I'm like, what the heck? Jared Shirai: You I thought you were freaking out over there. I this all out scene. Now you're chilling. And then the biggest piece, Terry McBride, he had an outburst season because he was so successful with what he did. ⁓ So offensively, I love that. And then they went and they got Matt Pryor and they got Isaac Simomalu. And I think this really shows up that offensive line ⁓ to help even more so for Jacobi Brissette. Give them a lot more time. He is a throwing quarterback and when you give him the weapons that they have now, I think it's going to make him even more deadly ⁓ in a division that's already super tough to play in. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: trying to set him up for success by getting him offensive line help. And on defensive side, know like, I feel like Arizona was actually a pretty good defense last year. They did a lot of good things. They're pretty strong. And so that's why they resigned a lot of the players. And then when they got out Roy Lopez, which will help with that frontline, that frontline clogging. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: to help the trenches in that regard. And then resigning your punter because when they did struggle with Kyler before he did get hurt, they punted a lot and Chad Rylan was a really good kicker for them. So of course you're going to bring him back in and just keep him within the system. I think they're moving in the right direction. It's just playing. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Any other division, I think I really like what they did. This division is just tough because of how tough the division actually is and the opponents that they have to play. So I really like what they're changing into and seeing what they do with Connor, if they can trade him away or if they just release him. Let's see what happens with that aspect of it as well. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. I think a lot of people are writing this team off because of the division being so tough. But to be honest, the defense is, I mean, they're one of the sneakily better defenses in this division. ⁓ They're actually very, very good. They picked up Will Johnson last year, who was an absolute boon for them. Of course, you got Walter Nolan, who is also really good. And then they picked up Josh Swett last offseason. So I mean, they have a lot of very good pieces. mean, health is probably going to be the biggest concern for them. ⁓ Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I mean, they're ready built. think adding Isaac Simalo was very good for them. Jacoby Percet is going to need that help ⁓ as much as he can because obviously he's not super mobile. So he's going to need as much time as he can to throw the ball. And he was very good at doing that this last year. And they do have them drafting an offensive tackle with the third overall pick in Francis Mawigoa. So that to me makes a ton of sense. ⁓ Whether. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Nice. Keoni McKeague: Whether it's for Jacoby Percet or whoever you end up drafting in later drafts as your future quarterback, ⁓ that makes a ton of sense. You're gonna add them to a group that's already much improved and probably gonna make them take an even further step forward. yeah, Cardinal's gonna look pretty damn good heading into the season. So moving on to the Los Angeles Rams. ⁓ sorry, we'll also shout out, we also agree with you, really like the Kendrick Bourne signing. As a third wide receiver, that's a perfect signing. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yes. ⁓ Keoni McKeague: Los Angeles Rams. went on and resigned Tyler Higbee to a two-year deal worth eight million dollars. Offensive tackle David Questonberry resigned on a one-year contract and then the big moves started happening. So they traded for cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for pick 29 in this year's draft fifth round pick and a six round pick as well as a 20-27 third round pick and agreed to an extension with him for four years. $124 million. They also went on to sign cornerback Jalen Watson on a three year $51 million deal ⁓ and resigned safety Cameron Curl on a three year $36 million deal as well as long snapper Joe Cardona. ⁓ I mean, they had issues with the secondary, they went on to address those issues in free agency and by trade. So Boog, thoughts and opinions on the Los Angeles Rams and their moves. Jared Shirai: So their offense, already, I don't even have to talk about their offense. We know how good their offense is. The signing of Tyler Higbee, I think is phenomenal. He's really done his job ⁓ blocking and receiving the little things that he has to do as a tight end for that already potent offense. So I love that they were able to bring him back as well as signing Quentin Berry on the offensive line to bring familiarity and short. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, I was like that. Jared Shirai: and ensure like Matt Stafford doesn't have to run as much. And then of course, like you talked about it perfectly. They needed to address the cornerback role and they went out and they got two super good quality guys. And ⁓ if this isn't them going all in for Super Bowl and Matt Stafford is most likely last year or last run with this team. ⁓ I don't know what else they're gonna, they gotta do. What are they gonna get? Another. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: star-studded wide receiver like a Stefan Diggs here or something or in a yoke or like you know what I mean like somebody crazy that's gonna add to Stafford already but definitely on the defensive side of the ball they knew what they needed to address they went out and they they went out and really got it and it's gonna be crazy man literally if they don't if they don't win this year it's gonna be kind of crazy because I think they have all the pieces at every at every position Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Mm-hmm. I just... Yeah, I've I would be very surprised if they do not. ⁓ Yeah, if they do not win this year. But ⁓ yeah, they have them drafting Jordan Tyson, who is, you know, probably the second best wide receiver in this class. And some even feel like the first the number one receiver in this class. ⁓ He's coming out of Arizona State where he is being coached by Heinz Ward. So one of the other big things is that he's very good in the blocking game. And I think Geez, if they get Jordan Tyson in this group, I think that alone could be the number three guy that they're looking for. They don't even have to worry about ⁓ free agent picking up anybody. Because Pukka Nakua, Devontae Adams, and Jordan Tyson would be a stupid trio, especially when you add into the fact that your future tandem of Pukka Nakua and Jordan Tyson would be pretty crazy. So offensively, very stout, still continuing to be stout. Defensively, they had questions in the secondary. They fixed that. Jared Shirai: Yeah. Yeah. Keoni McKeague: I mean Trent Mcduffy, I don't know Trent Mcduffy and who's the other one that I'm looking at the wrong list. Sorry. I was like Trent Mcduffy and I'm on the wrong screen. Jalen Watson. mean two really big pickups for them in the cornerback room. So geez. Yeah. Shout out to the Rams, man. They better win it this year. You know, I almost say I mean, no, I mean, it's no pressure on the team, but I'm just saying that they're ready built to win. So Jared Shirai: Yeah, I did definitely. Sorry, I just, I literally just, yeah. Yeah, they definitely are. Keoni McKeague: Moving on to the San Francisco 49ers your team went on and find found a wide receiver one You know wide receiver Mike Evans signed a three-year deal with this team Offensive tackle Vidarian Low signed a two-year deal worth up to 12 million dollars defensive tackle Osa Odezuas acquired in the trade with the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick long snapper John Weeks resigned on a one-year contract and kicker Eddie Panero resigned on a four-year 17 million dollar contract well deserved for the him And of course, the one that dropped this morning was that they did bring back Drake Greenlaw, who was released by the Denver Broncos. So Boog, thoughts and opinions on the San Francisco 49ers and their moves. Jared Shirai: They back? No, I'm just kidding. They kind of might be. I like the signing Mike Evans. We all talked about the wide receiver one. I think they still need a little bit of help in that wide receiver room. Past Mike Evans, I Pierce all stepped up. But then, know, Joanne Jennings is gone. Aiyuk is gone. Demarcus Robinson kind of fill it in. But I really don't know who would. Keoni McKeague: My B. I mean, with the one Jennings is market drying up, he might end up back here. Who knows? Jared Shirai: I mean, if he does end up back here, then I'm not worried about it. I think that's a great one, two, three, even four with the Mark adding the Marcus Robinson into that. And then, you know, he still have Jordan Kittle and he can't go wrong with McCaffrey, right? So with that being said, that's easy. On the defensive side, you literally got, I don't even, you got Osa. I'm not even going to attempt his last name, man. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: Yeah, that guy. I think getting him to help the defense side of ball. think the biggest thing for me when it came to the Niners defense last year was just the injuries and how many they had. Keoni McKeague: or diggizoo off. Jared Shirai: And I feel that's why they kind of fell off as well. bringing him in and then getting Dre Greenlaw back, I'm super happy about that because he is such a big part of that defense as well. I think that'll hopefully bring them back to where they were and the comfortability. You know, got Bosa, Greenlaw, Warner, and then now you bring in Osa as well, like into that mix. It's going to be amazing to see, hopefully see the San Francisco defense get back to where they were. And Eddie Pinero, Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Jared Shirai: He signs a four year, $17 million contract, which is a hundred percent well deserved because after Jake Moody, right. And they moved on from that, Panera really just came in and he, was clutch for them in so many different ways that I believe they're, right back in that direction. ⁓ another reason why this division is so tough because they, they teams in this division just keep rebuilding or working their way up, not like staying stagnant in where they are. So. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: Great job to the Niners in doing what they needed to do. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Truthfully, the biggest hole they're going to have heading into this next year is that secondary. They're not really good there. They're definitely going to need some help there. ⁓ Where the draft pick ended up, probably not going to get any of the top guys. So I imagine they'll be looking for some value guys in the second and third rounds or whatever of the draft just to figure that situation out. ⁓ They do have them grabbing an offensive tackle. That makes a ton of sense considering some of the other guys who are on this team, like Colton McKivitts. I'm not really super bought in on him. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: But of course you have Trent Williams who's going to be here and there were rumors about him getting traded, but I don't think that's happening with the way that the team is building around ⁓ or the building right now. ⁓ Of course, you're going to wait for George Kiddor to come back healthy, but I really like Mike Evans in this room. I thought that made a ton of sense. Still waiting to see if yeah, you're right. If they go out and get somebody else because I'm not super confident in Demarcus Robinson or Jordan Watkins or Jacob Cowling or Malik Turner or any of these other names that are on here. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. Keoni McKeague: ⁓ Of course, they got rid of the big elephant in the room in Brandon Iuke. So he's out the door and we'll see what happens with that, you know, cap space that they're opening up there. ⁓ I still really like the running back room. You know, Jordan James came in and sort of took away the role from Isaac Arendo as the number two. So that was really nice. Of course, have Christian McCaffrey who I mean, he's always going to be your top guy. So you don't need to worry about that. Mac Jones, also very good whenever Brock Purdy goes down with the injury if he does. Defensively, yeah, just a secondary man. That's gonna be the last thing that really puts them over the top ⁓ Moving on so on to the final team of the division and of course your Super Bowl winning team from less last year the Seattle Seahawks Not a ton of moves. They lost a good amount of guys So there is that ⁓ kind of working against them But they brought back wide receiver Rashid Shahid on a three-year 51 million dollar contract offensive tackle Josh Jones resigned and of cute and cornerback Joshua Joe signed a three year, $24 million deal. Boog, thoughts and opinions on the Seahawks? Can they repeat? Can they get back into contention again this year with only so few moves and losing some of their guys like Kobe Bryant and Tariq Wolin this year? Jared Shirai: The defense kind of worries me a little bit just because their defense are so good. Like they were so potent. ⁓ I think they were probably the best defense in the league. And to lose those two, mean, that hurts Kobe Bryant losing. I mean, that's why they were able to resign Josh Job because they needed to in that regard. ⁓ For me, losing Kenneth Walker is one of the biggest things. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yes, by far. Yeah Jared Shirai: in my opinion of how they're going to repeat. Because that one-two punch of Walker and Charbonneau were just phenomenal. Yeah, it sucked because Walker didn't get touchdowns, but either way, they put the ball on the back of the end zone and that's all they needed to do. And now you're asking Charbonneau to be that guy and I don't know if he's going to be that guy if they have to go out and get somebody ⁓ to fill that void. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Jared Shirai: But I mean, Shining Shahid, great as a third, receiver on top of a phenomenal kick returner, ⁓ special teams guy. I think that's, that's always been his bread and butter. So I mean, he's done so much for them there. And you still have a Sam Darno that's there as well as a JSN and a Cooper Cup. And the two of them, that, that, Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: That tandem of receivers as well as that quarterback, I think you can never count out Sam Darnold because he'll slang it until he can't slang it anymore. And he's got two great receivers to slang it to and JSA has really proved himself to be one of the best receivers in the league. And when you have that kind of ⁓ reputation to not be afraid of because he has that, think Sam Darnold, you can never count this team out with the way Sam Darnold can go for 500 yards. We've seen him do it with multiple teams. Keoni McKeague: Yeah. Jared Shirai: It's not far and few that they have the ability to. It's whether they're able to replace the irreplaceable, as I guess you would say. Keoni McKeague: Mm-hmm. Honestly, I was thinking the same thing until I looked at who they had and I realized they had an embarrassment of riches. Losing Kobe Bryant is probably the bigger of the two because Tariq Wollin was not the best one in this group. I just realized they still have Devin Witherspoon, Ty Okada, Julian Love, Josh Jobin, Nick Imanwari, who was by far one of the best players coming out of the draft this last year. ⁓ So he's a monster. mean, he's one of the best. Jared Shirai: Mm-hmm. and worry was a yeah he's he's ⁓ Keoni McKeague: one of the best safeties in the league right now at his very young age. looking at the draft, they only have four draft picks, a first, a second, a third and a sixth. So they'll have to address everything that they need in those four picks, ⁓ which really isn't much. mean, their wide receiver room is locked. The running back. mean, you finally giving Zach Charbonne, you know, his chance at the starting position. They really liked what they got out of Holani. So I imagine he'll be in the mix there ⁓ along with McIntosh. I mean, their tight end group is set with a Barner and a Royal offensive line. They addressed this last draft as well as, you know, the last couple of years ⁓ getting a bunch of good ⁓ value guys like Gray Zabel, who was really, really good for them. And then, of course, in this this defensive group, I mean, the all the main guys are there. Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy, the Marcus Lawrence, that front line that was stopping everybody. Ernest Jones is going to be in that linebacker. I mean, Dave. They really don't have any holes. mean, they could easily get right back into the top of this ⁓ playoff run this next year and be at the top of this division again, ⁓ even with the improvements made and some of the other teams. I think the Rams is probably going to be the closest to giving them a run for their money. ⁓ But yeah, even in the draft, they have them grabbing another corner. I mean, that makes a ton of sense. But I mean, they actually don't really need it if they don't want to draft it. So Jared Shirai: Yeah. Keoni McKeague: Yeah, Seattle looks very, very good heading for heading into the future. And they, of course, have one of the best kickers in Jason Myers as well. So yeah, man. I mean, shout out to the Seahawks and shout out to their big victory this year. Congratulations on winning the Super Bowl. But I think that will do it for this free agency pod, which if you rode with us all way to the end, I mean, you know, good for you because, yeah, we appreciate you definitely because we had tried this, you know. Jared Shirai: We appreciate you. Keoni McKeague: a days ago and then the file got corrupted and here we are. But thankfully a lot more news dropped in the last couple of days. So we were able to really flesh out the ones we wanted to talk about and get all that stuff out to you guys at home. I think that'll do it for this episode of The Fifth Down. Thank you for joining us on this very special free agency and very long free agency pod. ⁓ I believe next week we're to try to jump in. with our fantasy expert in Nolan Chang to kind of talk about some of the fantasy impacts from all of this. But anyways, with that said, it has been a pleasure. It has been a joy from all of us here at Poinsettia. Good friends and love. Bang, bang. Jared Shirai: Shoots!