PodcastFrom NFL: The Insiders
The Insiders Podcast: Baker Mayfield and Christian Gonzalez's new contract extensions, Aaron Donald not playing in Australia for season opener
STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this podcast and kept the full transcript here for context.
56 min
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Sep 9, 2026
Published
Wed, September 9, 2026
20
Player insights
17
Players mentioned
Topics
Baker MayfieldGeorge KittleAaron RodgersBreece HallCooper RushDK MetcalfGeno SmithJeremiyah LoveJosh AllenJustin HerbertKenneth Walker IIILamar JacksonMichael Penix Jr.Michael Pittman
Player analysis
Player insights
Aaron Rodgers
NegativeProjection46:40
Judy Batista notes that Aaron Rodgers is not the same quarterback he was during his time with Mike McCarthy in Green Bay; he averaged a league-low 5.8 air yards per pass attempt last season and has diminished mobility.
Insight pageBaker Mayfield
PositiveValue7:09
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with $110 million in additional guarantees, securing his status as a franchise quarterback. Ian Rappaport notes this deal allows Mayfield to enter the season without contract distractions, which is viewed as a win for both sides.
Insight pagePositiveValue23:16
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million contract with the Buccaneers, cementing his status as a franchise quarterback with $110 million in additional guarantees.
Insight pagePositiveRole45:51
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Buccaneers, averaging $55 million per year, marking the most lucrative deal in franchise history.
Insight pageBreece Hall
PositiveInjury52:57
Breece Hall appears likely to play on Sunday, with the team hoping the running game will lead the way for their offense.
Insight pageCooper Rush
NegativeDepth Chart46:26
Cooper Rush will serve as the backup quarterback for the Falcons in Week 1.
Insight pageDK Metcalf
NegativeDepth Chart47:29
DK Metcalf is part of the improved offensive firepower surrounding Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
Insight pageGeno Smith
NegativeProjection52:54
The Jets are looking for consistency and competence from Geno Smith as a key stepping stone toward a successful season.
Insight pageGeorge Kittle
PositiveInjury21:40
George Kittle is expected to play in the season opener barring any setbacks, with Brock Purdy noting that Kittle has appeared explosive on the field since returning from his season-ending Achilles injury.
Insight pagePositiveInjury35:40
George Kittle is optimistic about his availability for the season opener following his recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury, according to reporting from Lindsay Theory.
Insight pageJeremiyah Love
NegativeInjury48:07
Jeremiah Love, the number three overall pick, is dealing with a high ankle sprain sustained in the preseason game against the Raiders; his status for Sunday is uncertain but progressing.
Insight pageJosh Allen
PositiveRole50:29
There is speculation that first-year head coach Joe Brady may implement a more aggressive offensive scheme for Josh Allen.
Insight pageJustin Herbert
PositiveUsage48:28
Ian Rappaport expects Justin Herbert to thrive under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, predicting that Herbert will stretch defenses vertically and horizontally in ways not previously seen in this offense.
Insight pageKenneth Walker III
PositiveUsage36:34
The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker as a free agent to provide balance to the offense, anticipating that Patrick Mahomes would not be at 100% mobility to start the season.
Insight pageLamar Jackson
PositiveUsage30:29
Lamar Jackson expects a high success rate for the Ravens' offense this season, emphasizing that the team has many moving parts and can put players in different positions to win.
Insight pageMichael Penix Jr.
NegativeDepth Chart46:28
Michael Penix will be inactive for Week 1, which is not the role he desired.
Insight pageMichael Pittman
PositiveDepth Chart47:25
Michael Pittman has joined DK Metcalf in the Steelers' offense, providing Aaron Rodgers with improved weaponry.
Insight pageMike Evans
NegativeDepth Chart39:10
Mike Evans has been added to the 49ers' offense, providing a new weapon for the team as they look to maintain their brand of football.
Insight pagePatrick Mahomes
NegativeInjury34:44
Patrick Mahomes is expected to start the season opener against the Broncos, but Mike Garofalo notes it is unrealistic to expect him to be 100% mobile immediately following his ACL/LCL injury.
Insight pageTua Tagovailoa
NegativeDepth Chart46:23
Tua Tagovailoa is confirmed as the starter for the Falcons in Week 1.
Insight pageFull transcript
Episode Transcript
0:00You know the feeling, you make a pick in your fantasy draft and the entire room groans because they wanted that player.
0:07Or you grab a small school rookie off waivers and you start him right before he goes off in primetime.
0:14There's no better feeling than crushing your fantasy football league.
0:17I'm JJ Zacharyson, host of the late round fantasy football podcast.
0:21Before your draft, our players to target and players to avoid episodes tell you exactly who to circle and who to cross off.
0:28We've got data driven analysis, historical trends and the strategies that separate winners from the rest.
0:33And your dominance doesn't stop with the draft. All season long, we have our 15 transactions, 10 trends, sleepers and the mailbag
0:40data driven quick hitting episodes to help bring home that league trophy.
0:44Listen to the late round fantasy football podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
0:51I'm Brett Coleman and I'm Trevor Sikama. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score?
0:59That's exactly why we created NFL Pro. Got a man wide open.
1:03Seahawks. Every week, we use exclusive next gen stats, insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups and moments from around the league.
1:11We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies and details that help explain what actually happened on the field.
1:19Fires it out in the flat to Barkley who beats one man, spins past another, leaps over a third.
1:25And don't worry, this isn't just a show for stats experts.
1:28We use advanced analytics to help tell the story behind the game, turning the numbers into insights that every fan can understand and enjoy.
1:36So whether you're a casual fan learning more about football or a hardcore fan who can't get enough analysis, our goal is
1:43to help you see the game in a whole new way.
1:47If you've ever wanted to know why a play worked, how a matchup was won or what most fans missed on Sunday,
1:54NFL Pro delivers insights you simply can't get anywhere else.
1:57Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
2:02The new NFL season is here and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
2:10Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnold on the field after the game, but that was last year.
2:16If you're a football sicko like me, NFL Daily is your kind of show.
2:20It is in the name, NFL Daily, fresh content in your feed every day, all season long.
2:26Matthew Stafford coming off his MVP season. On a dazzling dart from Madden.
2:30Big time trades that shake up the NFL. A.J.
2:33Brown is loose. And of course, those Seahawks trying to run it back and win another Lombardi trophy.
2:39The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60. They are bringing the Lombardi back to the Northwest.
2:44If it's happening on a football field, NFL Daily will cover it.
2:48Listen to NFL Daily on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
2:53Hey everyone, I'm Mike Yam. And I'm Trevor Sikama.
2:56And together, we host the NFL Fantasy Football Show.
2:59Fantasy season is upon us. Are you ready to dominate your league?
3:03Because if you aren't locked in with us on the NFL Fantasy Football Show, you're already playing from behind.
3:09Every episode, we're going to dive into the biggest fantasy headlines.
3:13Injury updates that you'll need before kickoff. The best starts and sits across every position.
3:17And matchups you can exploit to destroy your league mates.
3:21We're talking sleepers, breakout stars, and the guys you cannot afford to bench.
3:25From rookies on the rise to longtime stars still at it, we cover it all.
3:30Whether you're a first-time player or a grizzled vet chasing another championship, we give you the advantage and the confidence you need to make every move count.
3:39Weekly analysis, hot takes, and unique insider knowledge all in one place.
3:43Does fantasy dominance sound appealing to you? Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
3:51Well, it turns out that game day eve is payday for Christian Gonzalez in New England, but most surprisingly for Baker Mayfield in Tampa.
3:59We'll also take you down under today on the Insiders, where I guess it's yesterday.
4:04We'll figure that out as well, or today. Maybe it's tomorrow.
4:07We know Aaron Donald is out right now as the Rams get set to kick off the regular season and head to Australia to battle the 49ers.
4:16Welcome, everyone. This is the Insiders presented by Progressive Insurance.
4:19I am Rhett Lewis here with Ian Rappaport, Mike Garofalo, Judy Batista, and Jeff Darlington back with us as well.
4:26Friends, 25 hours to kick off, and we have news.
4:29And this is what is new today. Baker Mayfield, despite the self-imposed deadline for contract negotiations before training camp opened, has now
4:36agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension that will pay him $55 million in terms of annual average value, putting him
4:43on par with the likes of Joe Burrow and Josh Allen amongst the highest-paid quarterbacks in football.
4:49All right, let's kick this thing off, Ian. You kind of said that this was done under the cloud of darkness.
4:56How did it ultimately come to be here ahead of week one?
5:00Well, as soon as Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached his deadline of training camp starting, negotiations were essentially off.
5:07And what everyone did after Baker Mayfield's press conference and after his interview, he was clearly frustrated with the team and the
5:14offer they made and all of that. Everyone just went quiet.
5:18He went to work, and the front office essentially just watched it all play out.
5:23Then the last couple days, what they did was re-engage very quietly, as you mentioned, under the cover of darkness to say, you know what?
5:31We weren't actually that far off. Really, this deal can get done without headlines, without anyone talking about it publicly, without all of the angst.
5:39They made a strong offer, and there were different times, and you wonder, was it going to be a two-year deal?
5:46Was it going to be a three-year deal? They got to that $55 million per year number that franchise quarterbacks, really good franchise quarterbacks, want to get to.
5:55In the end, three years, 165, 110 additional guarantees on top of what he's going to make.
6:00This year, Baker Mayfield now paid like a franchise quarterback.
6:04Ian, that word that we got that they weren't that far apart when things broke down was around the Jets-Buccaneers preseason game,
6:11which was a couple of weeks ago. And I remember after that game, I took a video of Vida Vea, who was
6:18signing the signs that people had in the end zone that were waiting for the Buccaneers to leave the field.
6:24One of them said, sign Baker and Vida. Vida, the other one saying, you know, Vida better not go.
6:31He better stay here, whatever. I mean, they signed Vida Vea, and then they signed Baker Mayfield.
6:36So at the time, both looked pretty dire. And then here you go, which is more proof that you've got to let these things play out, number one.
6:45And number two, that the start of the season is really a pressure point to help get numbers where they need to get to that weren't previously there.
6:54And for Mayfield to lift the ban on negotiations.
6:57Again, we've talked about it. So there's nothing to say that he can't just say, you know what?
7:03Let's just re-engage. And they did it. They did it quickly.
7:07It needed to get done quietly. It did get done quietly.
7:10They had countered at the time with two and three year proposals.
7:14So they were open Mayfield's camp to a shorter term deal than we usually see.
7:19A lot of times you see four or five year deals for quarterbacks.
7:23But in this case, a three year deal that gets done, which is on par with starting quarterback money, shows him the respect he felt like he deserved.
7:32And it's a done deal. He's locked up for now 12 NFL seasons.
7:37This always made sense. But also, you always had these sort of very natural, instinctive issues along the way.
7:43And that is the chip on Baker Mayfield's shoulder.
7:46He was not going to be slighted. But as we know, guys, Jason Light is not the type of general manager who's going to slight anybody deliberately.
7:55And you always felt like, despite that deadline that Baker put in place, that the more time he spent around Jason, that
8:02they would eventually get to this deal. It always felt like they would get to this point.
8:07But you also have to understand Jason Light's situation in this.
8:11He hasn't had to pay a quarterback in forever, whether it was Jameis Winston on a rookie deal, Tom Brady on his
8:18sweetheart deal, or basically pulling Baker Mayfield out of the sale bin.
8:22I think that he now understands, like, I'm going to have to pay $55 million.
8:27Baker deserves it. He kind of always saw that coming.
8:30But the reality of it was something that, you know, I think eventually was something he had to swallow.
8:36And now they're here. Baker can play the way that Baker plays.
8:40He can go into the season not worrying about the contract.
8:44I think this is a total win for both sides.
8:47Yeah, so he's finally proven it in terms of landing this big deal.
8:51Yet the Bucs will head to Cincinnati as the underdog, which should be right up Baker's alley in week one.
8:58OK, let's get to the most anticipated return from retirement since Brett Favre.
9:02But it's going to have to wait at least a week.
9:06Adam Schefter, Ian Rappaport reporting the three-time defense player of the year.
9:10Aaron Donald won't travel to Australia with the Rams tonight and will miss the opener against the 49ers.
9:15Head Coach Sean McVay on the decision. He's doing a great job.
9:19You know, I think he'll be ready to go sooner rather than later.
9:24But we're making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team.
9:29And I think what's cool is you have such confidence in the group that we do have.
9:34With Kobe, with Fisk, with Puna Ford, with Tyler Davis, you know, Ty Hamilton has done a really good job.
9:41And so, you know, he's going to be a big part.
9:44You know, Aaron will be, you know, it'll add value when he's ready to go.
9:49But, you know, being two years off retirement, he's attacked this the right way.
9:54But it would have been a really quick turnaround.
9:57And so, we feel like he can manage, you know, being able to get himself ready to go.
10:03And he won't make the trip. And he'll be able to take good care of himself in terms of getting himself ready to go whenever that time comes.
10:12So, Ian, it really sounded like this has been a true day-to-day type of deal for Donald in his return to the ramp.
10:19Is it just as simple as the ramp-up needed more time?
10:23He is just simply not ready. And this really did feel, Rhett, like it came as a surprise even to me and
10:30Adam Schefter as we were reporting earlier today. Everyone kind of just thought Aaron Donald is not human.
10:36He is not like anyone else. He is just going to roll out of bed after two years off, ramp up a
10:43little bit, do some football stuff, and just go out and play an NFL game.
10:48The reality is he is human. I know it's strange, but he is human.
10:53Needs a little more time, and this is not someone that the Rams signed for week one or week two.
10:59Yes, they would love if he played week two.
11:02They signed him for week like 17, 18, into the playoffs, and maybe into the Super Bowl.
11:08This is a long-term play. Just needs a little bit more time.
11:11And as Sean McVay, very expertly described, he is a luxury.
11:15They have an already awesome defensive front, and they are going to be just fine this week without him.
11:21And we've got a lot more coming up on this game.
11:25Lindsey Theory is going to join us live from Australia on a few players for the 49ers, who we are expecting to play.
11:32That's coming up here in just a little bit.
11:35Now we'll get to a story that was at one point the lead on this program here on The Insiders, and that's
11:42Christian Gonzalez agreeing to terms on a four-year, $135 million contract extension.
11:46Mike Garofalo told us that this was a deal that was still possible yesterday before kickoff, and it gets done in a
11:53historic way, surpassing the deal done by a corner who he will share the field with tomorrow night, Devin Witherspoon.
12:00Just barely, about $800K on the average annual value and a couple million bucks in guarantees as well going Donzo's way.
12:07Also passes Spoon, as you see there, with the average annual value, and then he'll get a chance to prove his worth
12:14against one of the best receiving cores in the game with Jackson Smith and Jigba, Cooper Cup, and more as we get back to Ian on this deal.
12:23So how did it all come together in time before kickoff here for Christian Gonzalez?
12:28You know, right, there's so many times when deadlines are coming and the season's coming and people say, this is just going to get done.
12:36This is one where I really felt the entire way it was unlikely to get done.
12:41The two sides never quite seemed like they were on the same page.
12:46The Patriots made offers, really strong offers, to make them the highest paid with a huge guarantee, with a huge signing bonus.
12:53And each time the bar kept getting raised in the corner market, then the offer kept getting higher.
12:59It just never really seemed like it was anything that Christian Gonzalez would really consider.
13:03And then when the Patriots flew to Seattle a couple days early, they upped their offer just a little bit, but enough.
13:11And that became time for Christian Gonzalez to say, you know what, I'm already the highest paid with the highest signing bonus ever, highest guarantee ever.
13:19All the metrics, this deal is getting done, agreed late, late last night, now officially locked in.
13:25Four years, $135 million, $102 million guaranteed. Christian Gonzalez is the first Patriots first round player to get a second contract from the Patriots since Dante Hightower.
13:33And he was drafted in 2012. That is quite a streak.
13:37Now, Christian Gonzalez is certainly worthy of the contract.
13:40But that does tell you, as clearly as it can be, how much the Patriots have struggled to draft at the very top of the draft.
13:48It does go a long way to explaining why depth has been an issue for this team and continues to be an issue for this team.
13:57And it also goes to show what we were saying all along in Tom Brady's final years, how very much Tom Brady
14:04was covering up a lot of holes on the Patriots.
14:07And they were still winning when Tom Brady was there.
14:11It also explains why they went all the way down before they have now come all the way back up.
14:17This also sends a pretty important signal to the locker room and to one person in particular, Drake May, who just saw
14:24a premier player at a premier position get a premier contract.
14:28Drake May will be extension eligible next year. Christian Gonzalez got his deal without a holdout.
14:33That is a very important signal to everybody else in that locker room.
14:37Devin Witherspoon, check with the Seahawks. That deal done first.
14:41Christian Gonzalez, check. Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers.
14:43That's the last cornerback, last big cornerback one that we're looking at here to say, is it going to get done before week one?
14:51Unlike the Patriots, this one has a deadline. The Steelers will not negotiate with Porter during the season.
14:57General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear. Now, we have said that there hasn't been an offer made.
15:03Update, there has been an offer made. I am told via sources that the Steelers have made an offer.
15:10It is not good enough for this one to be deemed close, but the Steelers are showing a willingness to engage, which
15:17means we've got a couple of days for both sides to figure out what are the right numbers to get a deal done.
15:24There is a lot of work to be done from my understanding.
15:28I would not call it imminent. I would not call it close.
15:32But I will call it an actual negotiation now that the Steelers have made an offer.
15:37I just love that we wait until this moment to do these negotiations.
15:41We spend the entire offseason talking about the ridiculousness of when are these going to get done, and now they get done.
15:49Deadline spur action. I love hearing Devon Witherspoon, by the way, as well, talking about the fact that he is happy to
15:56see Gonzalez getting his deal done as well. Witherspoon last month breaking the record, and then Gonzalez taking him just inches over that mark.
16:04So we've got deals getting done everywhere. Who knows?
16:07Maybe the Cowboys will get one done soon. Another one we're going to be watching.
16:11But certainly a fun week in the NFL, just as action is about to get started.
16:17Yeah, and I imagine we'll be talking about a shot on Wednesday night pregame of Witherspoon and Gonzalez, you know, kind of
16:24hanging out, talking about the deals getting done, right?
16:27Pregame. I assume that'll be part of the broadcast as we get ready for kickoff from Seattle in the rematch of Super
16:34Bowl 60 to kickoff this regular season. A lot more on the way.
16:38Let's keep it rolling, shall we? The Denver Broncos racked up a league-high 68 sacks a season ago and opened the year
16:45trying to harass Patrick Mahomes on that surgically repaired knee.
16:49How does that factor into Casey's game plan? Just a heck.
16:52It is currently around 9.15 a.m. on Wednesday in Australia.
16:55But don't tell that to Kyle Shanahan, who is currently having an existential international dateline crisis, which we can confirm is equivalent
17:03to Friday of a normal game week. What that actually means for the Niners coming up live from Melbourne.
17:09Next. This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed Human. I'm Brett Coleman.
17:12And I'm Trevor Sikama. If you love football and want to understand what's really happening on the field, check out our show, NFL Pro.
17:20Every week, we break down the biggest plays, trends, and matchups using exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content you will not find anywhere else.
17:28Whether you're new to football, a fantasy football fanatic, or a diehard fan, NFL Pro will help you analyze the game like a pro.
17:36Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
17:41The new NFL season is here. And you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
17:49It is in the name NFL Daily. You'll have fresh content in your feed every day, all season long.
17:55That game-winning drive. Maybe it's Herbert. Maybe it's Gino.
17:58Maybe it's Mahomes. We'll have the highlights. If Fernando Mendoza or any of the rookies are balling out, we'll break down the tape.
18:05Join me, Greg Rosenthal, and an all-star cast of co-hosts as we preview and recap every game.
18:11Listen to NFL Daily on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
18:16Hey, I'm Mike Yam. And I'm Trevor Sikama. And together, we host the NFL Fantasy Football Show.
18:21Are you ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?
18:25Because if you aren't locked in with us on the NFL Fantasy Football Show, you're already playing from behind.
18:31Whether you're a first-time player or a grizzled vet chasing another championship, we give you the advantage and the confidence you need to make every move count.
18:40Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
18:46The entire draft room groans because you just took the guy they wanted.
18:50There's no better feeling than crushing your fantasy football league.
18:53I'm JJ Zacharyson, host of the award-winning Late Round Podcast.
18:57Before your draft, our players to target and players to avoid episodes tell you exactly who to circle and who to cross off.
19:04Listen to the Late Round Fantasy Football Podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
19:11Sunday is game day on NFL Network. Game day morning kicks it all off with four hours of pregame coverage for you starting at 9 a.m.
19:19Then game day live. All day long highlights starting at 1 p.m.
19:23Game day highlights at 7.30. And game day final wraps up your day on NFL Network.
19:28Well, here's a fun inception-like international dateline situation for the 49ers.
19:32As Adam Schefter pointed out to us, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris turned 50 on Thursday, September 3rd, which happened to be the
19:39day the Niners were traveling to Australia. They left Wednesday night, but I guess arrived on Friday morning, which means I guess Morris is still 49.
19:47And he talked about it this week. I've been missing birthday for years.
19:52You know, football comes with that, especially when you're Virgo and you get into this business.
19:57You probably haven't had a birthday either. So we're always doing something, whether we're getting ready for the first game, no matter
20:04what's been going on for the last 20 or so years.
20:08Obviously, you guys know I'm old because it's Jeff T.
20:11Tell everybody I'm 50, what a jerk he is.
20:14But it is what it is. Well, Nick Bost is really easy.
20:18You know, you watch this guy do it over a span, a long time in his career.
20:23Been able to do it at different levels, a lot of different questions than what we just talked about with Melo, where
20:30we haven't seen him do it yet. Bost knows his body as well as anybody.
20:35He'll be prepared and ready to go as well as anybody, whether it's from a conversation to point, from meetings, from a
20:42conversation to point, from what he needs to get ready for his body.
20:47Very high confidence level in what he's going to be.
20:50And joining us now live from Melbourne, Australia, Lindsay Theory is with us.
20:54Lindsay, we know Aaron Donald not set to go for the Los Angeles Rams, but it sure sounds like the 49ers are
21:01getting some good news on the availability front from some of their stars.
21:06Hi, Rhett. Absolutely. You just heard Raheem Morris there.
21:09He spoke about Nick Bosa, but I just wanted to make very clear that Nick Bosa would be playing.
21:15I asked him a follow-up if he is indeed playing.
21:18And Raheem Morris tells me, absolutely, we're not trying to hide anything.
21:22Nick Bosa is going to go. We've seen him out there at practice for the Niners, really getting back into the groove of things.
21:30Obviously, since that ACL injury, he was a full participant or getting back to practice last week, I should say, and has
21:37been really working back as they have been here in Melbourne.
21:40Also good news for them, tight end George Kittle coming off that season-ending Achilles injury.
21:45He expressed a lot of optimism before traveling to Australia that he would be available to play.
21:51And Clay Kubiak says, indeed, barring any setbacks, that George Kittle also will be out there.
21:56I asked Brock Purdy what that really means for his offense.
22:00Purdy really emphasizing how explosive Kittle has appeared to be since being back there out on the field.
22:06And just emphasizing really how good it has been to have him back.
22:10As you guys have mentioned, no Aaron Donald. And that is a big surprise for everyone, including the 49ers.
22:16Kyle Shanahan was pretty adamant that they believed that Aaron Donald would be in the lineup when they faced him.
22:22He said there was a lot of relief when Donald retired.
22:26Cheers, in fact, throughout that building for the 49ers.
22:29I can only imagine what that hotel room sounded like when they learned this morning that Aaron Donald wasn't making the trip.
22:36Trent Williams also was telling me about trying to prepare for that two-headed monster of Donald and Miles Garrett.
22:42So the 49ers' offensive plan surely to have some changes now, knowing that Aaron Donald will be left back in the United States.
22:50Okay, and we are looking forward to that conversation that you had with Trent Williams, which we'll have coming up here on
22:57The Insiders in just a little bit. Live from Melbourne, Australia, Lindsay Thierry getting it done for us.
23:03Thank you very much, Lindsay. Still to come on The Insiders.
23:06Getting closer to the debut of Dallas' new-look defense featuring the rookie Caleb Downs.
23:11What kind of improvement is on the way? And are there more reinforcements on the way?
23:16Owner Jerry Jones sounding off next. From a one-year prove-it deal for $4 million for Baker Mayfield to initially sign with the
23:23Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he now signs the most lucrative or has agreed to terms on the most lucrative contract in Buccaneers franchise history.
23:31Three years, $165 million at $55 million average annual value, which is right in line with guys like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow.
23:38Back here with you on The Insiders, welcoming Ian Rappaport back here.
23:42Ian, what were the sticking points that kind of got undone to allow this deal to move forward?
23:48Really what it seemed like it needed was just time and a little bit of space.
23:53And when Baker Mayfield took to the microphone at the start of the training camp and expressed his frustration with a two-year
24:01deal at that time, at a level that he just felt was disrespectful to him, everyone needed a break.
24:07So he played. That was the deadline. We all kind of thought that this thing was over.
24:12The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were not going to re-engage.
24:15And they let a bunch of time pass, several weeks.
24:18And then quietly over the last several days, they got to work.
24:22They made him a stronger offer. And a couple points, it's going to be a two-year deal.
24:28Then it was going to be a three-year deal, which of course is what it ended up at three years.
24:34$165 million, $110 million in additional guarantees. And once they got to the threshold of really good franchise quarterbacks, which is $55
24:42million per year new money, you just felt like this was getting done.
24:46And earlier this afternoon, Baker Mayfield finally paid like a franchise quarterback.
24:50You know, you can understand why Baker felt disrespected in the early parts of this negotiation.
24:55He had to be thinking in his head, like, what else do I have to do here to get the respect of a team?
25:03Consider his career arc, right? He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, then pushed aside in favor of Deshaun Watson.
25:09He gets traded to the Carolina Panthers. They let go of him after a few months.
25:15He gets picked up off waivers by the Rams.
25:17And that's when things started to reignite, that brief stay with the Rams.
25:22And then he goes to the Bucs under impossible circumstances.
25:25He has to replace Tom Brady. And he's done it with no real drop-off from the team.
25:30They've been to the playoffs two seasons with him.
25:33Last year, they were injury-ravaged. Think of what that team looked like in the first half of the season, though, before all of the injuries set in.
25:42That is what they think that team can be this year.
25:46They believe they can sort of pick up where they left off in the early part of the season before the injuries.
25:53And now, finally, with this contract, finally the acknowledgement that Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback, and he is being paid like
26:00a franchise quarterback, and he deserves the respect that franchise quarterbacks get.
26:04And with 27 touchdown passes this year, he will become the franchise's all-time leader in that category, illustrating the impact he has
26:11had in these first three seasons in Tampa. Thanks, everybody.
26:14The Seahawks, they're bringing it home again! All right, it's time for good coverage, presented by Progressive Insurance.
26:20The Patriots made cornerback Christian Gonzalez the highest-paid corner in NFL history with a four-year, $135 million deal.
26:26Gonzalez, worth every penny, of course, ranking second in the NFL in yards per target allowed with a minimum of 150 targets.
26:33That's since 2024, according to NextGenStats. Okay, let's get into the rest of the Week 1 slate, which will feature the Cowboys
26:41taking on the New York Giants in the Sunday night football debut this 2026 regular season.
26:46Cowboys busy trying to improve their defense this year, also kind of creating some additional cap space that Jerry Jones has talked
26:53about, giving them some flexibility should they need it come this season.
26:57We could use it for this year's team, but that thing is fungible.
27:01The cap's fungible, and it laps over into multi-years at least two, conceivably three or four, on parts of any money you make available.
27:09Now, I know that's hard to put your finger on, but it is hard to put your finger on.
27:15But that does show that we have really viable, serious room financially to make a trade if we wanted to right now.
27:22Jerry, you're talking about trades right there. You mentioned in Oxnard about having substantive talks, that that's what was important to you
27:29with other front offices in pursuit of improving the team.
27:33And you even mentioned you had been on a call the day before.
27:37Are you still having those sort of substantive talks right now around the league?
27:41Not timing-wise, right on something this morning or this week.
27:45But if you looked at it, generally speaking, we're in play.
27:48And that's the best way. What area of the team would you like to improve most on?
27:54Again, that's as deep as I'm going to go here.
27:57And I know it's too broad for this answer, but I'm going to make it anyway.
28:02You could look for it to be defensively. Okay, Jeff, colorist intrigued.
28:06What do you make of Jerry's comments there, right?
28:09Yeah, I'm not going to try to decipher Jerry Jones.
28:12That is a cruel task. But I will say that I do think that this is Jerry saying, not saying that we're
28:20making a trade, but implying that we have the room and the ability to make one if we want to.
28:26He sends messages through this program quite frequently. And I think, to me, this is one telling the rest of the league
28:33that, yeah, we're open for business if anybody's got it.
28:36The only thing that I would say to this is, why now?
28:40Why not earlier this offseason? The defense needed these weapons then, too.
28:44And they did have a really good offseason. I really do think that they bolstered themselves.
28:50They made themselves better. They stand to be better.
28:52They stand to compete for the division. I just find it so peculiar that at the start of the season, we've got
29:00Jerry Jones talking about potentially making trade. Pure entertainment.
29:03Entertainment is right. The hope, though, is that this defense, Jeff, goes out there and shows them that they do not need
29:10to make a trade, that they are good enough.
29:13And it is a rejuvenated, much more talented defense than last year, which, let's be real, not really a high bar there.
29:20They're going to be better. Again, not a high bar.
29:23But listen to the names of the guys they brought in, from Rashawn Gary and Dee Winters and Kobe Durant and Caleb
29:30Downs in the draft and all of that. What that does not include is the name Christian Parker.
29:36And that is going to become a very important name in the NFC landscape.
29:41That is the Dallas Cowboys' young defensive coordinator who is really promising.
29:45He is really creative. The kind of guy that people around the NFL believe is going to be a future head coach.
29:52And they're going to have some answers on defense in a way that they have not over the last several years.
29:59The offense is going to be probably what it is.
30:02The fact that this defense could be really, really good puts the Cowboys in a much different level, trade or not, than
30:09they were at any point last year. Okay. Can't wait to see them open it up against the Giants on Sunday night football.
30:16Get our first look at that new and improved Cowboys defense.
30:20Ian and Jeff, thank you very much. Another team kind of dreaming of the Super Bowl.
30:25Certainly the Baltimore Ravens. They head to Indianapolis in week one.
30:29Heard from Jesse Mentor yesterday talking about the two running games in this matchup and how difficult they are to deal with.
30:36And Lamar Jackson is certainly a big part of that.
30:39Talking about what he expects from this offense this year.
30:43I believe we have a lot in store. You know, a new season, feel like a new breath of fresh air.
30:49I feel like my guys are just ready to get out there and just start flying.
30:55What excites you about this offense that maybe hasn't in the past?
30:59From what I see, it's a lot of moving parts.
31:02We can put guys in different positions to win.
31:05I feel like the success rate should be high.
31:08That's what I'm expecting. But, you know, we'll see.
31:11And Lamar, what will make this season personally meaningful to you?
31:14I was winning it all. I was winning it all.
31:17But, you know, it starts week one. We got to just stay dialed in.
31:22It actually starts today in practice, you know. But we just stay dialed in day in, day out.
31:28Whatever day we play, just let the chips fly.
31:31All right, Jeff, back here with us. Jeff, I keep coming back to it.
31:35I've said this before. But that moment when Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Ravens.
31:40And one of the first things he said is, You're going to get a Super Bowl out of me.
31:46Right? Because you could feel it, right? That it meant something to him there.
31:51How do the Ravens feel about where they're positioned to cash in on that and to make that come true here for Lamar this year?
31:59Well, I mean, I find those words. I find his willingness to just state what he feels and the idea of the
32:06threshold of success being a Super Bowl and nothing else.
32:10I'm not saying this was intentional. But there is some poetry in the fact that John Harbaugh made it pretty known over
32:17the years that the idea of suggesting a team is only successful if it's winning the Super Bowl is a suggestion that
32:24all 31 other teams have failed entirely. And he would defend that failure in some sense.
32:29And he's a Super Bowl winning coach in his own right.
32:33But the idea to hear Lamar Jackson the year after Harbaugh is no longer with the Ravens saying, success is only measured
32:40in Super Bowls, to me, again, is a little bit poetic.
32:43And I think it speaks to his intentions here.
32:46Lamar Jackson knows that he holds multiple MVPs in his trophy case.
32:50He knows that what he needs to secure his legacy is a Super Bowl.
32:55And this team feels like it is constantly so close.
32:58But kind of like the Bengals, kind of like the Bills, it's enough talking about them.
33:03It's enough preseason hype. Lamar Jackson knows the only form of success is a Super Bowl.
33:08Well, look, and he'll have a lot to say about it.
33:12But certainly on the defensive side of the ball, if we look at Jesse Minter's record, going back to when he came to L.A.
33:20with the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh, that defense is in for some improvement as well and should be fun to watch against the Colts in week one.
33:29Jeff, thank you. Still to come here on The Insiders, we keep it moving with a look at Monday Night Football.
33:36Chiefs and Broncos, what a way to open it up from Arrowhead in Kansas City.
33:40We get ready for that one with Mahomes. Clear to go, but is he 100%?
33:45And if he's not, what does that look like for that offense?
33:49Next. Are you ready for some football? Monday Night Football is back.
33:53It's open the season. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs hosting Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
33:59Monday, September 14th, 8 p.m. Eastern. Primetime showdown that you don't want to miss, and you can watch it on ABC, on ESPN.
34:06ESPN to Port Tentis and stream it live on the ESPN app.
34:10But before we get there, here's a look at this year's Phil Collins-inspired Monday Night Football Open.
34:16New season, new faces, only one Monday night. What you doing?
34:20Warming up. Yeah, I can feel it coming in the air tonight and in the morning.
34:25Good morning football, hitting the road, kicking off the new Monday Night Football Roadshow.
34:29Crew broadcasting live from KC ahead of MNF. Bringing you the storylines, the buildup, and everything you need before kickoff.
34:36Straight from the host city. Good morning football, live from Kansas City, Monday at 8 on NFL Network, and now also streaming on the ESPN app.
34:44Patrick Mahomes, of course, set to return to the field for the first time since tearing his ACL last December.
34:51Head coach Andy Reid giving us an update on his QB before the season opener against the Broncos.
34:57Pretty good chance that Patrick will go ahead and start unless something were to come up here in the next couple days.
35:04But most likely he'll be the guy that's out there.
35:07He has missed a day, as you know, and you guys have seen him out there.
35:12So you know what it looks like him running around and doing his stuff.
35:17You know, rather than having a brace on his leg and everything, it looks normal.
35:22I mean, he's running around the same way he's always done and throwing the ball like he's always done.
35:28So I think you're fine there. All right, Mike Garofalo back here with us.
35:32Most likely pretty good chance. I mean, he's starting, right, on Monday Night Football.
35:37But what does that look like for the Chiefs with where he is in the recovery?
35:42He's going to be able to move enough to protect himself.
35:46If he wouldn't, they wouldn't have given him the green light to do this.
35:50So Patrick Mahomes has done a great job of getting back to this rehab.
35:55But for Andy Reid to say he looks like normal, he's not going to be as mobile as we've seen him before.
36:02Remember that Super Bowl game where he was under constant duress and he was throwing while sideways, basically horizontal, trying to escape
36:09the rush and throw in midair and all this stuff.
36:13You're not going to see that fully. You may see it as we get later in the season, and you may see
36:20a couple of flashes of it here and there.
36:23But to expect that Patrick Mahomes is going to be 100% at the start of the season, it's just unrealistic at this point.
36:30That's why the Chiefs wanted to be more balanced coming in this year.
36:34They want to run the ball a little bit more.
36:38They signed Kenneth Walker as a free agent, knowing that Patrick Mahomes, if he returned, was not going to be at 100%.
36:45So I do expect that they're going to find ways to protect him and put him in a good situation.
36:51It's football. He's going to have to move, and he's going to have to get away from pressure.
36:57I just don't think it's fair to put on him that, oh, we're going to see 100% Patrick Mahomes right off the gate, because I don't expect that.
37:06You know what's interesting to me, Mike, is how kind of nonchalant Andy Reid dropped what should have been in any other
37:13world a major news story that Patrick Mahomes, eight months plus back from a torn ACL and LCL, is going to start the opener.
37:21That is a crazy story and a dramatic recovery, except because Mahomes has been on the field every single day in camp,
37:28didn't start on the PUP, has basically been 100% since then.
37:32And it's kind of just, yeah, of course, it should be acknowledged an amazing recovery for Mahomes.
37:38What we also need to acknowledge is that it does not seem that Mahomes' left tackle, Josh Simmons, a franchise-caliber talent who
37:45really should be one of the best left tackles in the NFL just based on what he brings to the field, is unlikely to play.
37:53Now, he has been dealing with a back injury, something the team has been very out front about.
37:59He has been seeking opinions. It is something that is going to keep him out this game, likely.
38:05We'll see what it means moving forward. But with this injury that the team is describing and has described over the last
38:12several weeks, what it means is that either Jalen Moore or Khalil Benson is going to be left tackle.
38:18It means a retooling of the offensive line. It means this group, which the Chiefs have put so much resources into to
38:25try to make sure Mahomes is fully protected, is going to be shorthanded once again as they were at times last year.
38:32Mahomes being back is great, but this is not a great outcome.
38:36Yeah, but what a story it would be if you get a player in Khalil Benson who was not just an undrafted
38:43free agent but a mini-camp invite and then won a contract and then continued in training camp and played well enough to
38:51be considered a starter there in Kansas City. But as you guys know, coming from Indiana, he's got a champion's mindset right there, that Khalil Benson.
38:59All right, moving on to the 49ers and Rams from Australia.
39:03Thursday night, 8.35 Eastern time. Fired up for that one.
39:06And the 49ers fired up to have some reinforcements back with him.
39:10Guys like George Kittle coming back from injury. Nick Bosa coming back from injury.
39:14Lindsey Theory talked about that prospect and some of the new faces that they'll see with their left tackle, Trent Williams.
39:21You guys on offense have a lot of continuity returning.
39:24Obviously, George Kittle coming back from an injury is a boost.
39:28Plus, you add Mike Evans. What do you expect to see from your group out there?
39:33You know, hopefully we just play good sound football and just play our brand of football.
39:38You know, I think everybody right now has the highest hopes for their team.
39:43Everybody's 0-0. Everybody has Super Bowl on the whiteboard.
39:46So, you know, I think you just got to understand that with that being said, we still got to go out there and play.
39:54And we still have to go out there and execute and play mistake-free football.
39:58It's the only way that we can even compete in this division that's, you know, pretty stacked.
40:04All right, on the other side of it, we know Aaron Donald won't go.
40:08Not making the trip to Australia. Miles Garrett, though, will make his Rams debut after that blockbuster trade this offseason.
40:15Sending him from Cleveland to join this Rams defense already stacked on the defensive front.
40:20Miles talking about this opportunity with the Rams and his goals for this season.
40:24So, I'll go out there and do what I know I can do.
40:29So, I think I'll be able to play off with some great teammates.
40:33You know, we have a strong defense all around.
40:36And they'll make it easy. You know, even if I am a touch-off of what I usually am.
40:42I don't suspect I will be, but, you know, they have plenty of support.
40:46That's all I'm saying. What's the Super Bowl? Super Bowl.
40:49Winning again. Win DPOY again, obviously. But I think those are the two main things on my mind.
40:55And going around just being the best player I can be.
40:59I think there's a whole bunch of opportunities out there for us as a D-line to be something truly special.
41:05And I just want us to be able to realize that and never go into the locker room after a game feeling
41:13like we could have achieved more and done more.
41:16All right. Still to come on the Insiders. Getting ready for round two for Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
41:22Reunited once again with Mike McCarthy. Will it look like it did when those two were running through defenses as members of the Green Bay Packers?
41:31That's just ahead here on the Insiders. You know the feeling.
41:34You make a pick in your fantasy draft and the entire room groans because they wanted that player.
41:40Or you grab a small school rookie off waivers and you start him right before he goes off in primetime.
41:46There's no better feeling than crushing your fantasy football league.
41:50I'm JJ Zacharyson, host of the Late Round Fantasy Football Podcast.
41:53Before your draft, our players to target and players to avoid episodes tell you exactly who to circle and who to cross off.
42:01We've got data-driven analysis, historical trends, and the strategies that separate winners from the rest.
42:06And your dominance doesn't stop with the draft. All season long, we have our 15 transactions, 10 trends, sleepers, and the mailbag.
42:13Data-driven, quick-hitting episodes to help bring home that league trophy.
42:16Listen to the Late Round Fantasy Football Podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
42:23The new NFL season is here, and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
42:30Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnold on the field after the game, but that was last year.
42:36If you're a football sicko like me, NFL Daily is your kind of show.
42:41It is in the name. NFL Daily. Fresh content in your feed every day, all season long.
42:46Matthew Stafford coming off his MVP season. On a dazzling dart from Matthew Stafford.
42:51Big-time trades that shake up the NFL. A.J. Brown is loose!
42:54And of course, those Seahawks trying to run it back and win another Lombardi trophy.
42:59The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60! They are bringing the Lombardi back to the Northwest.
43:04If it's happening on a football field, NFL Daily will cover it.
43:08Listen to NFL Daily on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
43:13I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikama. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score?
43:21That's exactly why we created NFL Pro. Got a man wide open!
43:25Seahawks! Every week, we use exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups, and moments from around the league.
43:33We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies, and details that help explain what actually happened on the field.
43:40Fires it out in the flat to Barkley, who beats one man, spins past another, leaps over a third.
43:47And don't worry, this isn't just a show for stats experts.
43:50We use advanced analytics to help tell the story behind the game, turning the numbers into insights that every fan can understand and enjoy.
43:58So whether you're a casual fan learning more about football or a hardcore fan who can't get enough analysis, our goal is
44:05to help you see the game in a whole new way.
44:09If you've ever wanted to know why a play worked, how a matchup was won, or what most fans missed on Sunday,
44:16NFL Pro delivers insights you simply can't get anywhere else.
44:19Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
44:24Hey everyone, I'm Mike Yam. And I'm Trevor Sykema, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Show.
44:30Fantasy season is upon us. Are you ready to dominate your league?
44:34Because if you aren't locked in with us on the NFL Fantasy Football Show, you're already playing from behind.
44:40Every episode, we're going to dive into the biggest fantasy headlines.
44:44Injury updates that you'll need before kickoff. The best starts and sits across every position.
44:49And matchups you can exploit to destroy your league mates.
44:52We're talking sleepers, breakout stars, and the guys you cannot afford to bench.
44:56From rookies on the rise to longtime stars still at it, we cover it all.
45:01Whether you're a first-time player or a grizzled vet chasing another championship, we give you the advantage and the confidence you need to make every move count.
45:10Weekly analysis, hot takes, and unique insider knowledge all in one place.
45:14Does fantasy dominance sound appealing to you? Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
45:22All right, getting ready for kickoff 2026 in Seattle.
45:25First official injury reports are out, and so is Travion Henderson for this game.
45:30Did not practice all week. It's been since late August that we saw Travion Henderson practicing with the ankle.
45:36So that's a big one. Ty Okada is out on defense and special teams for the Seahawks.
45:42Torrey Horton, the receiver, is questionable, as is the second-year defender.
45:45Do it all safety, Nick Iman-Warri. Keep an eye on those ahead of kickoff on Wednesday night.
45:51Well, we haven't really been keeping an eye on the contract situation for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs.
45:57Remember, he had the self-imposed deadline for training camp, shut everything down.
46:01But Ian Rappaport, Mike Garofalo, they were on it.
46:04And they find out it's a three-year, $165 million contract extension worth $55 per year for Baker.
46:09Most lucrative deal in Bucs franchise history as Tampa gets set to head to Cincinnati to open the season.
46:15The Falcons will head to Pittsburgh to open the regular season.
46:19And on week one, they turn to Tua Tungavailoa as their starter.
46:23Cooper Rush will be the backup. Michael Penix will be inactive, not where he wants to be, as he told Kevin Stefanski this week.
46:31Okay, Judy Batista back here with us on the flip side of that matchup.
46:35We get to see Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers reunited at long last once again.
46:40Didn't see him in the preseason. Seven 4,000-yard passing seasons, Judy, for Aaron Rodgers under the direction of Mike McCarthy.
46:47Are we right back there again here for this year?
46:50I don't think so. We've all indulged in the nostalgic part of it during the preseason.
46:55But the reality is Aaron Rodgers is certainly not the same quarterback he was when he and Mike McCarthy were together in Green Bay.
47:03For example, last season, he averaged just 5.8 air yards per pass attempt, which is obviously very low.
47:09As a matter of fact, last season it was the fewest in the entire league.
47:14So he is not that kind of quarterback anymore, and he maybe doesn't move quite as well as he once did.
47:20He can still move, though. And they did put better weapons around him.
47:25They got Michael Pittman to join DK Metcalf. They've got Rico Datil.
47:29So they've got a little bit more offensive firepower.
47:31I am very curious to see how Mike McCarthy designs an offense for Aaron Rodgers' last ride here, given the limitations that
47:39Aaron Rodgers has right now, but also given the desire to get him and the Steelers into a playoff run.
47:45Yeah, pretty good offensive lineup there in Pittsburgh that they have kind of continued fortifying over the last couple of years.
47:52We'll see if it all comes together starting week one against Atlanta.
47:56For the Arizona Cardinals, they'll be taking on the L.A.
47:59Chargers in week one. And in week one of the preseason, we got a glimpse right of the flash that Jeremiah Love can provide.
48:07The number three overall pick, though, had a high ankle sprain in that game against the Raiders.
48:13Status uncertain on Sunday, but is progressing as we get closer to kickoff on Sunday.
48:17And Ian Rappaport back here with us as we look at Mike McDaniel now as the new offensive coordinator for the L.A.
48:25Chargers and loves the weapon he has at quarterback in Justin Herbert.
48:28What's that expected to look like here as we get closer to Sunday?
48:33You know, there's so many fun headlines of the offseason.
48:36I mean, Mike McDaniel hired by the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the more dramatic in the coaching cycle.
48:42Former head coach, offensive guru, lands with Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh.
48:46There's just so much to like. And now we finally get to see it.
48:51And among the things I'm excited about for this season is seeing Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel team up and really see
48:58Herbert make McDaniel's plays be what they should be.
49:01He is going to stretch a defense vertically. He is going to stretch a defense horizontally.
49:06He is going to make throws that this offense has really not seen any quarterback make.
49:11It is going to be legitimately, legitimately fun to watch.
49:15The Chargers have talent all over. They should be really, really good.
49:19And on offense, especially with McDaniel running the show, essentially he is head coach of this offense.
49:24With him running the show, this is going to be extremely, extremely entertaining.
49:28Yeah, and there's certainly some familiarity, you know, in this matchup, right?
49:32With Mike LaFleur as the head coach, shared a coaching staff with Mike McDaniel in San Francisco for Kyle Shanahan.
49:39So we'll kind of all see it unfold on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
49:43Thanks very much. Ian, still to come. There's some influx of young talent from the draft on the offensive side of the
49:50ball in New York, but a steady hand returns to pilot the ship at quarterback and Geno Smith ahead with the expectations
49:57are for gang green opening this season. Next. Building Buffalo premieres September 17th, 7 p.m.
50:02Eastern time here on NFL Network and the ESPN app.
50:06It's ahead of the first Buffalo Bills home game against the Chargers in the new Highmark Stadium.
50:11The series follows laborers, tradespeople, architects, and contractors who work through extreme conditions to build the new state-of-the-art stadium.
50:17Episode 2 airs and streams on September 24th at 7 p.m.
50:21Eastern time. All right, Mike Garofalo back here with us as we get ready for a marquee game in the early window slate on Sunday.
50:29Bills and Texans down in Houston. A lot of talk about Joe Brady, first-year head coach, maybe a little bit more aggressive
50:36on the offensive side with Josh Allen. But defensively, we're talking about Jim Leonard running this defense now.
50:42A guy who began his career, his playing career in Buffalo, now calling the plays there for that defense.
50:48What are our expectations for that unit? Yeah, a lot of talk about Houston's defense as well.
50:54How about Buffalo's defense? And Leonard bringing a scheme that's going to be reminiscent of what Rex Ryan used to run.
51:01He was, Leonard was a player under Rex Ryan.
51:04And a guy just went out there and went about his business and was quiet, didn't talk a whole lot.
51:10That's sort of what he's like as a defensive coordinator.
51:13Usually during training camp, you see animated coordinators. And if the defense is winning the day, they're yapping nonstop.
51:19That's not Jim Leonard. He's been a calm, cool customer, acting like he's been there before.
51:25There's a lot of excitement for what he's going to do with this defense.
51:29Create a lot of pressure, a lot of exotic blitzes, just like Rex used to do.
51:34This is going to be a fun defense to watch, I think.
51:38Yeah, looking forward to that. Rex Ryan just glows with praise about Jim Leonard from their time together.
51:44Excited to see him now leading that Buffalo defense.
51:47Let's get to the Jets, also in the AFC East, of course.
51:51But taking on the Titans in Nashville week one, also part of that early window slate as we open the regular season.
51:58Geno Smith back to lead the Jets on offense.
52:01And Aaron Glenn's goal for week one is pretty simple.
52:04It's a game that we're going on to win.
52:07And it doesn't matter who it is. I mean, that's the mindset of these players.
52:12That's the mindset of this coaching staff. That's the mindset of this organization.
52:17Our job is to go out there and play this game and be the best that we can be on every play.
52:24And to go out there and win a game, hands down.
52:27Nothing else is to be thought of. And that's how I look at it.
52:32What would a successful season look like in your eyes?
52:35Successful season? Obviously winning. Winning. I mean, hands down.
52:38Effort. Discipline. Judy, it is clear that winning is, in fact, the goal for Aaron Glenn.
52:43But how close they are to consistent winning is the question.
52:47Well, there are a few stepping stones along the way toward winning.
52:51They would like to see competence from Geno Smith.
52:54That's the word that Aaron Glenn has used. They'd like to see the running game with Brees Hall.
53:00It looks like he is going to go on Sunday.
53:03They'd really like the running game to lead the way here.
53:06And they'd like to see their young players develop.
53:09They have some good young talent on the team.
53:12They need to bring it along. Those would be stepping stones toward success this year.
53:17Okay. Mike, any final thoughts? I just, you know, you were here.
53:21So, it's good to see you. I co-signed. That was great, Judy.
53:25That was awesome. I agree. I agree. That's exactly what we needed to finish off this regular season.
53:31Speed, Red! Of the Insiders. We are back with you on Friday.
53:35We've got two game days to get to on Wednesday and Thursday.
53:39And then look forward to being back with you then.
53:42See ya. I'll be here. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sykema.
53:46If you love football and want to understand what's really happening on the field, check out our show, NFL Pro.
53:52Every week, we break down the biggest plays, trends, and matchups using exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content you will not find anywhere else.
54:00Whether you're new to football, a fantasy football fanatic, or a diehard fan, NFL Pro will help you analyze the game like a pro.
54:08Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
54:13The new NFL season is here. And you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
54:21It is in the name NFL Daily. You'll have fresh content in your feed every day, all season long.
54:27That game-winning drive. Maybe it's Herbert. Maybe it's Gino.
54:30Maybe it's Mahomes. We'll have the highlights. If Fernando Mendoza or any of the rookies are balling out, we'll break down the tape.
54:37Join me, Greg Rosenthal, and an all-star cast of co-hosts as we preview and recap every game.
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54:48Hey, I'm Mike Yam. And I'm Trevor Sikama. And together, we host the NFL Fantasy Football Show.
54:54Are you ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?
54:57Because if you aren't locked in with us on the NFL Fantasy Football Show, you're already playing from behind.
55:03Whether you're a first-time player or a grizzled vet chasing another championship, we give you the advantage and the confidence you need to make every move count.
55:12Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
55:18The entire draft room groans because you just took the guy they wanted.
55:22There's no better feeling than crushing your fantasy football league.
55:25I'm JJ Zacharyson, host of the award-winning Late Round Podcast.
55:29Before your draft, our players to target and players to avoid episodes tell you exactly who to circle and who to cross off.
55:36Listen to the Late Round Fantasy Football Podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
55:43This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.
