PodcastFrom NFL: The Insiders
The Insiders Podcast: Miami Extends LB Jordyn Brooks and Seahawks Rookie Jadarian Price Joins the Insiders
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44 min
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Jul 22, 2026
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Wed, July 22, 2026
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Episode Transcript
0:00This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed Human. He's sure about for this season.
0:04Welcome to another edition of the Insiders. I'm Patrick Claiborne in our Los Angeles studios.
0:08I'm here with Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofalo. And guys, five more teams had their rookies report to training camp today.
0:15The Panthers, the Patriots, the Bills, the Dolphins and the Texans.
0:18You see their veterans will be joining them in a couple more days, but more and more rookies are in camps.
0:25But guys, we're going to start in New England where the Patriots placed linebacker Harold Landry on the physically unable to perform list today.
0:32Landry was dealing with a knee injury last season and missed team activities in the spring.
0:37And guys, another thing we're keeping our eyes on with the Patriots is cornerback Christian Gonzalez and his next contract.
0:43So Ian, where do things stand right now with the cornerbacks potential extension?
0:47Yeah, no doubt one of the biggest storylines out of the New England Patriots.
0:51I got a lot of young stars on this team.
0:54A lot of guys are going to be up for new contracts in the coming years.
0:59But certainly Christian Gonzalez right now comes to the forefront.
1:02One of the best corners in the NFL has in fact been seeking a new contract.
1:07The two sides have been in negotiations for some time.
1:10And yes, obviously the Patriots wants a new deal for Christian Gonzalez and he wants a deal.
1:15And if he gets one, would no doubt make him one of the, if not the highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
1:22But it is really not that simple because there's another cornerback situation going on in Seattle with star corner Devin Witherspoon.
1:28They also, by the way, have the same agent at Wynn Sports.
1:32The two negotiations have been going on concurrently. Certainly seems like Witherspoon is further along in his negotiation than Gonzalez is in his negotiation.
1:39The Seahawks have, my understanding, made an offer upwards of $30 million.
1:42One that would make Witherspoon among the, if not the highest paid corner in the NFL.
1:47No resolution yet on that deal. But wouldn't be surprised if Witherspoon gets done first and then Gonzalez gets done at some
1:54point shortly after with the market set, Mike. Yeah.
1:57Seahawks and Witherspoon have had a widespread for a while here.
2:00We'll see about Gonzalez. You're right. Some of these deals being done running backs as well.
2:05Looking at one guy who's going to go first and who's going to go second.
2:09So we'll see what happens with Gonzalez, who, by the way, had allegedly poor pre-draft visits a couple of years ago that
2:16led some teams to say, no, we're not going to take them.
2:20Those teams surely regretting not taking one of the best corners in the game right now.
2:25As for the Patriots, I'll be up there early in training camp and I'll be just looking forward to the overall vibe
2:31because we know how hard it is when you lose the Super Bowl to shake that vibe and to not let it hang over your season.
2:39Combine that with the fact that Mike Rabel, he had his off field situation, which led him to miss time around the
2:46draft with his involvement with Diana Rossini, the reporter that he had to address during the spring.
2:51So I just feel like once training camp officially opens for the Patriots and once the practices start to get stacked, there's
2:58going to be this feeling of finally looking forward and getting to week one where they'll have to face the team that beat them in the Super Bowl.
3:06So sorry about that guys, but eventually you will be able to move forward.
3:10Yeah, Mike, you know, once the teams take the field, it gets all about football, but that Christian Gonzalez, Devin Witherspoon kind
3:17of jockeying for the next contract is going to be interesting because like you said, Ian, they're represented by the same agency
3:24and that $1 more thing tends to be something that plays with the egos of players.
3:29Now let's take it on to Arizona where the Cardinals are back in action Wednesday as rookies and vets report to training camp.
3:36There is still no resolution, though, to quarterback Jacoby Brissett's contract situation as we wait to see if he reports tomorrow.
3:42So, Ian, do you expect Jacoby Brissett to be with the team tomorrow?
3:46And what more can you tell us about the status of his contract dispute?
3:50We've seen very, very few holdouts over the last several years.
3:53The CBA has made it incredibly punitive for a player to hold out, and honestly, it just doesn't make a ton of sense to give up guaranteed money.
4:02What we might see, though, is for players who do not have new contracts and make the mistake, Jacoby Brissett due to make about $5 million or so.
4:10He wants a new one. We see more likely as a hold in, which is a player saying, you know what?
4:17I'm under contract. I'm going to be here. I'm not giving up my guaranteed money, not putting myself at risk.
4:23But you can watch me just stand there until you get a new deal done.
4:27My understanding of the situation is the Arizona Cardinals are in agreement that Jacoby Brissett deserves more money.
4:33The two sides have been negotiating for several months.
4:36They have not yet agreed on a number, but they do believe that he is due a new deal and deserves one.
4:42Their starter going into the season. But the fact that he was there at mandatory minicamp certainly makes me think like holding
4:49out is probably not in the card for Jacoby Brissett.
4:52Yeah, and hold ins. We've seen a lot of hold ins with non quarterbacks.
4:56It's hard for a quarterback to hold in. We talked about this potentially with Baker Mayfield.
5:01You got to get in there. You've got to get the reps.
5:05And at some point, Jacoby Brissett, though he has that experience, has to get those reps and has to start working with
5:11this Cardinals offense to put his stamp on the fact that, yes, I am the starter here with Gardner Minshew also in the building as well.
5:19So Jacoby Brissett and this situation feels like at some point in the near future.
5:24I can't tell you exactly when, but it's a couple of days or a week or whatever.
5:29But it feels like it will eventually be resolved here, especially because, as Ian pointed out, the Cardinals have been clear.
5:35We want to do something for you. The problem is when you get to the quarterback market, the numbers tend to get
5:42so big and you say, OK, we're going to be our starter, but we can't all of a sudden vault you up to where these other guys are.
5:51So they got to figure this out and get this done.
5:54I believe something happens in the near future, but I can't tell you exactly when.
5:58Well, we'll see. You know, first year head coach Michael Flora wants to get his quarterback situation stabilized as much as possible.
6:05And nobody would be happier to have Jacoby Brissett back than tight end Trey McBride, who put up big numbers with Brissett last year.
6:12All right, really good stuff, guys. We'll be back to you later.
6:16Well, the Dolphins and linebacker Jordan Brooks agreed to a three-year, $51.3 million deal with 35-laying guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
6:23Now, Brooks recorded an NFL-high 183 tackles last season and was named first-team All-Pro.
6:27So with that, let's welcome in our Cam Wolf for more on the Dolphins and that Jordan Brooks extension.
6:33Cam, how important was it for Miami to get this deal done?
6:36Yeah, this is huge, Steve. Another example of Miami's new brass taking care of one of their core pieces.
6:42As you mentioned, three years up to $51.3 million for their All-Pro linebacker coming off a career year.
6:48And I texted one Dolphins player about this Brooks deal earlier today.
6:51He told me nobody in our locker room deserves to be paid more than JB.
6:56And that speaks volumes to me because it goes into the offseason plan.
7:00Some may ask, why is a rebuilding team like Miami paying big money for a vet?
7:05The old saying is players pay attention to the players you pay and the leaders you pay.
7:10And that's what this guy is, Jordan Brooks, a leader, a core guy they want to build around, along with Aaron Brewer, along with Devon A.
7:18Chan, two guys they already paid earlier this offseason.
7:20He's tough, he's physical, and he sets a tone for them going forward.
7:24And for the first time in a long time, this Dolphins team is going to go into training camp with no drama, with no contract questions.
7:32And it really is a sign of their new GM, John Eric Sullivan, backing up his word.
7:37He said that he was going to prioritize paying the core players.
7:41I mentioned it. A. Chan, Brewer, and now Brooks.
7:44He did that, and now it's time to see how quickly this Dolphins team can become the one they hope to be in the years ahead.
7:52Wow, no drama in Miami. Very, very interesting, Cam.
7:54Well, it's been okay, I'm also the Dolphins' rookies reported to training camp today.
7:59Who's someone you're keeping your eye on? Yeah, rookies back, and I can't wait to see their first-round corner, Chris Johnson, from San Diego State.
8:06He was actually their second first-round pick. Caden Proctor, who will play left guard, is the other guy.
8:12But Chris Johnson is a guy who is very smart.
8:15And Jeff Halfley said he was one of his favorite players in the draft.
8:19We got to talk to him on NFL Network earlier this offseason, and he told me, I know the pressure that comes with my spot.
8:26I was drafted, essentially, with the compensation that came from the Jalen Waddell trade.
8:31And I know I can be a foundational player here.
8:34I can be a guy they build around. And I want to be here forever.
8:38And that's the type of confidence I want to see from a number-one corner.
8:42And the reality is, he's immediately the number-one corner on a team that is trying to rebuild.
8:48And so, he may see a lot of A.J.
8:50Brown. He may see a lot of D.J. Moore.
8:53He's going to get thrown in the fire, and we get to see how he responds.
8:58What's really cool about his game is he plays inside and slot corner, which is usually a lot for a rookie.
9:04But his intelligence is something they really loved coming out of the draft.
9:08And maybe a dark horse, their third-round pick, Caleb Douglas, who's a wide receiver, that wide receiver room is wide open.
9:15Somebody's got to be a guy that Malik Willis can throw the ball to.
9:19Chris Bell, their other receiver they drafted, starting on non-football injury list, coming off a torn ACL from college.
9:25It may take him some time to get up.
9:27So, Caleb Douglas has a chance to maybe earn a starting role and earn himself an opportunity catching passes from Malik Willis.
9:34It's going to be fun to watch those two guys.
9:37Yeah, Cam, they've got to be with that wide receiver group.
9:40And like you said, Johnson moving in right to the starting lineup at corner.
9:45That was a position of need. By the way, Cam, nice combo with the sport coat right there.
9:50We're going to be back with you just a little bit later on.
9:54Good stuff. All right, Willis Texans quarterback CJ Stroud do to reestablish himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL and earn a big payday?
10:02Our Jane Slater has more. Plus, we sit down with a rookie that's expected to put on a show in 2026.
10:09Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price joins the insiders next.
10:12Hello? Jadarian. Yes, sir. How you doing, bud? John Schneider with the Seahawks.
10:16Yes, sir. Hey, man, we're getting ready to pick you right here, brother.
10:20Yes, sir. We're really excited for you, man. All your stuff throughout the spring was outstanding.
10:24It's so fun watching you play. And, man, we can't wait to make you a Seahawk, bud.
10:30Yes, sir. I appreciate you. All right. Hey, here's our head coach.
10:33Congratulations, brother. Thank you. Yes, sir. Hey, you're a Seahawk, man.
10:37Let's go, man. First round pick. Congratulations, brother. Thank you so much.
10:40How you feeling? I'm feeling great, man. I'm ready to ball, man.
10:44That's awesome. Who are you with right now? I'm with the family.
10:47Everybody. Oh, that's great, brother. That's great. Congratulations. The draft call that made Jadarian Price get it right.
10:53Jadarian Price, a Seattle Seahawk. Because you're going to hear that name a lot this year.
10:58You're going to say that name a lot this year.
11:01He's going to get the football a lot this year.
11:04And hopefully he's going to join the Insiders a bunch this year.
11:07So we appreciate your time here, Jadarian. Getting ready to really get into training camp here and really get your rookie season going.
11:14I know it was a busy spring. How was the spring for you?
11:18Because everything we heard out of Seattle was how impressive you were from that running back position.
11:24Yeah, it was everything that everybody told me it was going to be and what I expected.
11:29But even more, to be honest, being on the spotlight in many, many areas, it was a lot to handle.
11:35But understanding that this is a dream come true.
11:37And when I finally stepped into the facility, I realized it's time to work.
11:42You know, it's been a long offseason for you, as it is for all of the drafted players.
11:47You know, you get done with the bowl season.
11:50You got the combine. You go really right into rookie camp.
11:53Then you got OTAs and mini camp and all.
11:56And it can really be a grind, especially because guys are training so hard for the combine and beyond.
12:02Now that the summer is, sadly, basically over, how do you feel?
12:05And were you able to get your body back to a point where you can kind of hit the ground running for the next four or five months?
12:14Yeah, considering I haven't really played a football game since December of 2025, yeah, I'm super healthy and just continuing to, you
12:21know, learn the game of football and learn how I can improve my position.
12:25But also, you know, being a better person and involved in the community and things like that.
12:30And just, you know, as I step into this new role and journey in life.
12:34Jadari, we know what the Seahawks running back depth chart looks like.
12:38I mean, Kenneth Walker now in Kansas City. You've got Zach Charbonnet working his way back as well.
12:44You're going to, like I said, you're going to get the football a bunch.
12:48You're going to get it early. I know we talked a lot coming into the draft about your workload.
12:54And if you weren't at Notre Dame, that workload would have been a lot higher because Jeremiah loving that backfield with you as well.
13:01How ready are you to take the football, to take the brunt of the work if called upon early in this season?
13:08Yeah, I'm ready. This is everything I've been asking for since I started playing football.
13:12And now that I'm a part of a great team with a great offensive line, great offensive group led by, you know,
13:19the offense coordinator and then led by Sam, you know, it's a great situation to be in.
13:24And I'm just super blessed to be a part of it.
13:27But I'm ready for any challenge that comes at me.
13:30And, you know, whether it ends up being 30 carries a game or 15, you know, I'm ready for it.
13:36You know, I'm looking at that schedule, Jadarian, right over your shoulder.
13:40We're showing it. And week two, the Arizona Cardinals.
13:43And obviously, you're going to be facing the defense of the Cardinals.
13:46But on the other side of the ball, your old college teammate, Jeremiah Love, who, you know, it certainly seemed like from
13:53the outside looking in, you guys had a great working relationship in the room, sharing carries.
13:58He's just really existing to be, I think, probably the best backfield in the country.
14:02As the Cardinals get ready to report, and it's going to be, you know, imminently, have you heard from him?
14:08What are your thoughts on his situation? And then, you know, I also want to ask, like, are you guys going to be competing?
14:16Yeah, of course we'll be competing. You know, we've always been competing at Notre Dame.
14:20But we also helped each other succeed and get to where we're at now and being able to face each other twice a year.
14:28And that first jersey swap is going to be pretty fun, as we already did a couple weeks ago.
14:33But yeah, we still got a group chat with our Notre Dame running backs that's still live, and we're talking in and every day.
14:41So just hearing what's going on with him in Arizona and what's going on with me in Seattle, and everyone's excited for this matchup.
14:48So I'm ready. He's a TV professional. He saw the show in the jersey swap, so he's explaining in the middle of his answer what was happening there.
14:56Pretty good. Yes. Yes. Jadar, when a team is coming off a Super Bowl win, you come in as a rookie.
15:03I was curious whether it's a rookie or a free agent.
15:06You weren't there for this past year. Are you kind of looking at them and saying, oh, I can see that hunger
15:13that they want even more, that it's back to work for them, and they've got their eyes forward?
15:18Give me your view as sort of an outsider who's got an inside view here.
15:23As an outsider coming in, you know, I've always been a part of a program that had the highest expectations of yourself.
15:29You're expected to win every game in the college level.
15:32NFL level is different, but these guys won the championship.
15:36They won. They're the best football team in the world.
15:39So just being able to come in and open arms and accepting me and, you know, guys in the running back room
15:45giving me tips and teaching me the ways and everyone else.
15:49You know, it's really—it's not intimidating at all. It's something that I'm really grateful for because you walk into a culture that
15:55really, you know, understands process over results, and that's how I've always been driven with my mindset.
16:00So— Yeah, I wanted to ask you a little bit about Notre Dame sort of as they compare to the Seahawks.
16:07I mean, you guys had a ton of success in South Bend.
16:10Now you come to, as you said, the best team in the NFL.
16:14Culture-wise, coaching-wise, has there been anything you've noticed where you're like, all right, like, this worked in college and this same philosophy
16:21or whatever it is works here in this organization?
16:24Any similarities between the two? Yeah, one thing that I really noticed was the importance of getting the guys together, whether that's
16:30a team event outside of the facility like we did in offseason or what we do, like, walking talks where we have
16:37a vet get, like, ten guys and we all—like, ten guys in each group with the vets.
16:42And we just talk about your life, talk about where you're from, what's your motivation, what's your why, and really getting to know everybody on your team.
16:50I think that's important. It starts from the ground up, you know, just being able to plant those seeds and get to
16:57know each other and build that foundation together. Oh, it's late July, early September.
17:01September 9th, we'll be here before you know it, Jadarian Price and his Seahawks teammates getting ready for the title defense.
17:08Get your rest, pal. I'm telling you, that workload is coming.
17:11We appreciate you taking some time out to join us.
17:14And don't be a stranger. Come back to the insiders.
17:17Yes, man. I appreciate y'all. Thank you, man. All right, one of the teams gunning for the Seahawks throwing the Houston Texans,
17:24and they are back to work ahead of the 2026 season.
17:27As rookies reported to training camp today, the veterans are scheduled to report on July 28th.
17:32And let's welcome in Jane Slater for more on the Texans heading into 2026.
17:36And Jane, we know that the Texans picked up C.J.
17:39Stroud's fifth-year option, but they haven't signed him to an extension.
17:43How much of a prove-it year is this for Stroud?
17:46It's a big prove-it year. And look, we talked about this and had a little fun with it last week.
17:52It's just a haircut, but it's showing you that he's trying to do something a little bit different.
17:57And by all accounts, that sounds what he's doing this offseason.
18:00You know, the big topic was obviously that perplexing and frustrating game in New England.
18:05If you're a Texans fan and you've buried that one, a quick refresher.
18:09Four interceptions, a pick six, completing just 43% of his passes.
18:12His QBR was 22.2, fifth lowest in the playoffs last season, third worst in the Texans' playoff history.
18:18And for context, if you just spike the ball in every snap, your QBR is 39.6.
18:23Now, I asked a few folks in Houston how Stroud has responded this offseason, particularly with the contract situation.
18:28And they said he's responding well. In fact, reminder, last offseason, I was told he was dealing with some shoulder soreness.
18:35So that hampered him a little bit in the offseason.
18:38This offseason, he's been working out with Higgins and Jalen Knoll.
18:41And I was told he's looked sharp. In fact, one person told me this is the best offseason he's had.
18:47So they're really hoping that that translates into training camp.
18:50It's also helped a little bit, Steve, that they're at least putting some attention on that offensive line.
18:56Now, his numbers for getting sacked were, I think, in the 23 area compared to 56 the year before.
19:01So small improvement for him there. But he looked like he was under duress at times.
19:06And he does need to make some better decisions in the pocket.
19:10That was also an issue for him. Yeah, there were times last year, especially late last season, he looked bamboozled.
19:16Didn't quite look like the same guy. But I'm hearing the same things you are, Jane, about the work that he's putting in.
19:23But one thing that can also help him is improving the running game.
19:27That has been an emphasis with Houston. What steps have they taken to do so?
19:31Well, they went out and got David Montgomery, which is huge.
19:35And I've told that he's already been so big for that running back room.
19:39In fact, he's been having dinners over at his house.
19:42And he's really been a resource for these guys off the field.
19:46But I was told, look, they went out and got David Montgomery, but don't expect him to be their lead back.
19:52Their goal right now, the vision, is to have him and Woody Marks split those reps.
19:57And why wouldn't you want that? Last season, Woody Marks, you see the numbers right there.
20:02He led the team with 703 rushing yards. Nick Kaley, this will be his second year as the OC.
20:08And so I've told everyone's a little bit more comfortable with him and they're settling in.
20:12So hopefully some of these pieces around CJ Stroud are going to step up.
20:17But, you know, when you look at this defense, Steve, they cannot waste what they've got on that side of the ball.
20:23They absolutely need not only CJ Stroud, but the rest of this team to step up.
20:28Because it's just unfortunate when you look at some of their effort and the play of this team that they're finding themselves
20:35in back-to-back seasons eliminated in the divisional game. Yeah, that offense can catch up just a little bit.
20:40That defense has got their backs. All right, Jane.
20:43Really, really good stuff. Thanks for that insight. Look at Bill's quarterback, Josh Allen, as they try to get back to the top of the AFC East.
20:51Their rookies reported to camp today. The veterans will join them a week from today.
20:56Welcome back to the Insiders. And we are back with Ian and Mike.
21:00And Ian, the Bills have a first-year head coach in Joe Brady, a really good play caller.
21:05But we know there's more to being a head coach than just a play caller.
21:09What does he bring in his first year there in Buffalo?
21:13Yeah, I talked to several people who have known Joe Brady for a long time, people who coached with him at LSU
21:19and people who coach with him at Buffalo. The word juice comes up a lot for Joe Brady, really a fascinating situation for the Buffalo Bills.
21:27I would say somewhat shockingly, fired Sean McDermott, did a thorough search, talked to a lot of people, and then decided to
21:34hire one of the hot, young head coaching candidates around, someone who's been an offensive coordinator a couple times, someone who has
21:41worked with excellent, excellent quarterbacks, got the most out of them, someone who has had multiple interviews in multiple years and various opportunities to become a head coach.
21:49The fact that it was Joe Brady, the fact that it was in their building, I don't know if it changes things,
21:56but it just doesn't happen very often because rarely do you get a situation where you move on from a coach and then promote his successor from within.
22:04But that was the situation that the Buffalo Bills had.
22:07They had a lot of opportunities to hire a lot of really good coaches, even though they came along late in the process.
22:14They decided that one of the more coveted candidates was going to be, was in their building and was going to be their hire.
22:22The players are familiar with Joe Brady. The defense obviously changes with Jim Leonard, but everything Josh Allen does is going to be the same.
22:29What they hope, what they hope is that he's a couple plays better.
22:33And that excitement, that new energy, that juice is the thing that puts them over the hump, Mike.
22:39That day when we reported the news of Sean McDermott's firing, we went right to, okay, well, who do they hire?
22:45Because only a couple really made sense, and it had to be somebody that jibed with Josh Allen, whether it was going
22:52to be Ryan Dable or, in this case, Joe Brady, and that's where they wound up going after a thorough process in which Josh Allen was involved.
23:00Now, speaking of Allen, DJ Moore comes in at the wide receiver position.
23:04Stephon Diggs has been gone for a couple of years now.
23:07Moore steps in as that high-volume guy. And I know Khalil Shakir had a bunch of catches over the last couple of
23:14years as well, but didn't really have the same kind of a feel of who's a number one high-volume type guy.
23:20That's what DJ Moore is expected to be. That's why they went out and got DJ Moore, who wasn't that last year for the Bears.
23:28I mean, Roma Dunze gets there. He starts to emerge, so Moore's not that guy anymore.
23:33Chicago says we can make the move and we can trade him to Buffalo.
23:37So I fully expect DJ Moore maybe not to match the production that Stephon Diggs had a couple of years ago.
23:43But to be that, again, high-volume guy is the phrase that I keep using and keep hearing out of there because they
23:50feel like they really needed that and I expect him to be that guy.
23:54I love that, Mike, because DJ Moore, to me, has an opportunity with Josh Allen to really put up big numbers.
24:00As we know, the Bills, they've been trying to get some consistency from that wide Y or X wide receiver.
24:06All right, thanks, guys. We're going to have a little bit more from you later.
24:11But let's take a look at this Bills draft class.
24:14You're looking there. TJ Parker was their first pick in the second round.
24:18They draft two linebackers in the draft. Even drafted a punter in the seventh round.
24:23And now it is time for the Wolf of Ball Street.
24:26Cameron Wolfe, take a deeper look at this Bills draft class.
24:29All right, Cam, tell me one guy that you really think will stand out in 2026.
24:34Steve, I can't wait to see TJ Parker, their second-round pick, the edge rusher.
24:38The Buffalo Bills problem late in the season has often been getting off the ball on third down, getting off the field,
24:45being able to get to the quarterback. So they added a pass rusher who had an excellent 24 season, took a step back in 25.
24:53He could have been a top-10 pick if he repeated his 24 season.
24:57They think they can unlock that version of him.
24:59And this is a guy that is powerful, can be a three-down rusher, plays the run well, which was obviously a big weakness for this Buffalo Bills team.
25:08He gets into a group with Bradley Chubb, with Greg Rousseau.
25:11And I talked to their general manager, Brandon Bean.
25:14He said, we think Parker can help us a good bit this year.
25:18This isn't going to be a ease him in.
25:20He could potentially be that third rusher and really help a Buffalo Bills team with a new defensive coordinator in Jim Leonard.
25:27They're going to be a little bit more pressure-oriented.
25:30So that was where Parker comes in. A dark horse I am looking at also, fourth-round receiver Skylar Bell.
25:36He's a guy that was extremely productive at UConn, a guy that was a finalist for the Belitnikoff Award.
25:41The only knock was he was 24 coming into the draft.
25:45That's why he fell to the fourth round. But he can play inside and out.
25:49We heard Ian talk about DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir.
25:52That's receiver one and two. But who is going to be that next guy?
25:56Keon Coleman's coming off a strong spring. Can he turn it into a stronger fall?
26:01You also have Josh Palmer. But could it be Skylar Bell, a guy who, like I said, has only produced, I can't
26:07wait to watch and camp his chemistry with Josh Allen.
26:11See, this is why you're the Wolf of Ball Streets.
26:14You're talking about Skylar Bell as we're getting ready to bring this into a fantasy segment.
26:18Cam Wolf, good stuff. All right, now it's time for a look at the Bills fantasy-wise.
26:23Nobody circles the wagons quite like Michael F. Florio.
26:26All right, Mike, tell us about some more rookies to keep an eye on for the Bills.
26:31Yeah, I'm going to pick up where Cam left off and just talk about Skylar Bell, who last year, 101 catches, nearly
26:381,300 yards, and 13 touchdowns at UConn. That was top three in the FBS in all three categories.
26:43And like Cam was saying, he can line up all over the field, inside and out.
26:48He has the ability to win downfield, excels on slants, and he can win after the catch.
26:53And that's why I think he's going to be a very pivotal depth piece for the Bills wide receiver room that is
27:00largely the same as last season outside of DJ Moore, who we're going to talk about more in a little bit.
27:06I think Bell is more of a contributor and injury depth here.
27:10I don't think he is going to have like standalone fantasy value in redraft in year one, but an injury could open up that path.
27:18And he, being so ready and so experienced in college, would be able to step right in.
27:23And then dynasty is where I think you want to try to take a shot on him because I do think long
27:29term he could continue to develop with Josh Allen and be a useful fantasy piece in the future.
27:35Okay, okay. All right, now head coach, we were just talking about him, Joe Brady.
27:39He moves from OC to head coach. Who are some guys who are likely to see a fantasy uptick under him this season?
27:46Yeah, I think Keon Coleman is one for sure because he was coming off of a disappointing start of his NFL career.
27:53But do not forget that he looked the part as a rookie until he injured his wrist and he wasn't the same after that.
28:00Last year, it was more off the field stuff than on the field.
28:04And when Joe Brady got hired, he said the best thing about him being the head coach is for Keon Coleman.
28:11But more so, I think DJ Moore helps a ton because Coleman was often tethered as the X wide receiver there.
28:17And now there's a lot of talk of having the Bills receivers play all over the field.
28:22And I think that would help Keon because I think he could excel as a big slot receiver.
28:28And then he has all the physical tools. His one issue has been creating consistent separation.
28:32But he has been in the lab with the space creator, my boy Stevie Johnson.
28:37And I asked Stevie, he said he expects Keon to take a big jump this season.
28:42And then Khalil Shakir, who we know has been Josh Allen's go-to guy.
28:46But similar to Coleman, Shakir was often tethered into one role right in the slot.
28:50He became basically a screen merchant in recent years.
28:53Last season, just 3.5 air yards per target. That is running back-esque.
28:57But Brady has been talking about having Shakir line up all over the field and using him more aggressively downfield.
29:03We know his best trade is winning after the catch.
29:06But he can win in other ways. And I am hopeful we see that this year.
29:11And while I do think DJ Moore will be the top target for Josh Allen, Shakir is still Allen's safety blanket.
29:17So I think he will have a lot of safe volume for fantasy purposes.
29:21You know, Michael F and everybody, the F stands for Frank.
29:25We both share the middle, same middle name right there.
29:28Anybody who works with your boy Stevie Johnson is going to be in for a big year.
29:33Hey, man, we really appreciate you joining us again, Michael F.
29:36We'll see you a little bit later on. And the Panthers, they get ready to have the full squad back in camp on Wednesday.
29:43And our guy Cameron Wolfe, he's going to be with them on Thursday.
29:47So he'll be back after the break to let us know a little bit more about the NFC South champs.
29:53Oh, yeah, the Panthers rookie feeling good reporting to camp today.
29:57You're looking at Monroe Freeling and some of his rookie teammates showing up in Charlotte, getting ready to do some work.
30:03But it wasn't all good news coming out of Carolina.
30:06They placed cornerback J.C. Horn and right tackle Taylor Moten on the reserve non-football injury list today.
30:11So for more on that, let's bring back Cam Wolfe.
30:14We'll be at Panthers camp on Thursday. Cam, first off, a couple big injury notes early on.
30:19Yeah, Steve, the big one is their right tackle Taylor Moten being placed on the non-football injury list with that blood clot
30:26they found in this lung three weeks ago. From what I'm told, obviously a scary situation with any blood clot, but he's been recovering well.
30:34They put him on blood thinners. The expectation is he's going to miss some regular season time, but they believe he'll play at some point in 2026.
30:42Focus right now is just getting him healthy. So now that makes the starting right tackle and their left tackle, Iki Akwanu,
30:49who is dealing with a serious knee injury. From what I'm told, he won't be expected back until late in the season, potentially.
30:56Now they're down both of their starting tackles. So luckily for them, they drafted a left tackle in the first round and
31:02Monroe Freeland, who can play both sides. So maybe he ends up filling in for Moten.
31:07They also signed a free agent in Rasheed Walker to a really value deal.
31:11He has played left tackle for most of his career.
31:14So they have guys they could potentially plug in as starters in those roles until their guys get healthy.
31:20That's a credit to Dan Morgan really filling that role, right?
31:23But it is not a secret that the offensive line is really important for Bryce Young.
31:28And so these are two injuries I'm going to watch.
31:31How do their replacements play in camp? Can they keep upright Bryce Young, who is entering a very important year?
31:37And I'll tell you this. Three things I'm really watching for this Carolina Panthers team going into training camp where I'll be there Thursday.
31:45Bryce Young, he is going into a pivotal year.
31:47I talked with Dan Morgan this week and simply asked him, what does Bryce have to do to separate himself, earn that contract?
31:54And he's like, look, I've had a lot of real conversation with Bryce.
31:58He is not afraid of the pressure. He's not afraid of what comes with sort of a prove-it year on this deal.
32:05They believe in him. They know that he is their guy.
32:08And they believe that year three and Dave Canale's scheme with the continuity will unlock the best version of Bryce.
32:14He's had a really strong spring. Now they translated into pads with a new play caller and Brad Isik.
32:20So I can't wait to watch that. Second thing, the running back room.
32:24Jonathan Brooks has been a buzzy name for me all spring.
32:27Finally healthy. He looked excellent in the spring. Cutting, moving.
32:30Can they trust him to stay healthy? Morgan told me, look, I can't wait to see him in pads and finally get some pop out there.
32:38That's the one thing he has to do left.
32:41If he's healthy, they believe he can form a really good one-two punch with Chuba Hubbard.
32:46And the third thing, that Panthers defense. Can they take that next step?
32:50They got a couple of blue chip defenders and Jalen Phillips and Devin Lloyd in free agency.
32:55Dan Morgan went out there and paid big money for guys he believed in.
32:59Jalen Phillips, a guy that can maybe help their biggest weakness, getting off the field on third down, getting pressure on the quarterback.
33:06And Devin Lloyd, who is going to be that signal caller and middle linebacker.
33:11Those two guys, can they help this defense compete with teams like the Rams that they just fell short on in the playoffs?
33:17Yeah, Cam, real quick, too. Also, the Offensive Rookie of the Year, Ted Arroyo McMillan, coming back for year two.
33:24What are some things you're hearing about him coming to the season?
33:27Yeah, keep an eye on Ted Arroyo McMillan playing more in the slot this year.
33:32Obviously, they used him in the second half of the year at times there.
33:36But they believe their young receiver, Chris Brazel, will be able to play a little bit outside, which will give T-Mac an opportunity to really thrive inside.
33:44They think his size will be a big asset.
33:47From what I understand, he put on about eight or nine pounds of muscle this offseason.
33:52Gives them a lot more physicality to the lineup in that slot where they can use his skill set to take it to the next level.
34:00A thousand-yard receiver last year, can he be a 1,500-yard guy in this season?
34:04Can he be one of the best receivers in football?
34:07They don't think that is too much to put on his plate.
34:11He wants to be great, and he has a chance to be great in this new scheme or this new play caller with Brad Izzik.
34:18So I can't wait to watch him when I get into camp on Thursday, too.
34:23Yeah, excellent insight. We can't wait to hear your reports after you've been in camp on Thursday.
34:28Well done. It is time for Florio's flag plants right there at the top of the mountain.
34:33That's where you plant the flag. And you plant it where you say, this is my take on fantasy football, that you're
34:40going to look back in six months and be like, Florio was right.
34:44Planted the flag. There it is, still flying in the breeze.
34:47Speaking of flags that fly in the breeze, we're going to start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
34:52They have a giant flag, a huge Buccaneer flag outside their facility.
34:56So go ahead, plant the flag there. Believe it or not, people don't come to tell you you're right.
35:01Only when you are wrong. But I think Emeka Abuka proves that the first half him last year was the real him.
35:08Because if you remember, he was the wide receiver six in weeks one through seven, and then the wide receiver 47 from then on.
35:15But as we now know, Emeka Abuka himself was playing through injury.
35:19If you've watched quarterbacks, you know Baker Mayfield was extremely beat up.
35:23It led to Abuka last year having the second lowest catchable target rate in the NFL.
35:28But New Bucs OC, Zach Robinson said he plans to use Abuka as the primary Z receiver, which means more in motion,
35:34more detached plays from the line of scrimmage, and less number one corners.
35:38And look, Abuka was fantastic in college and to start his NFL career.
35:42I think he proves this year that is the real him, and he has wide receiver one upside.
35:48But you could get him at a wide receiver two price in fantasy.
35:52But it's not all good for the Bucs, because I don't think Bucky Irving is going to be a top 20 fantasy running back this year.
35:59Look, he was awesome as a rookie, not so much last year.
36:03And I know the foot injury definitely had a lot to do with that.
36:07But I think so did the loss of Liam Cohen.
36:10And last season, he averaged the fewest yards per carry in the NFL.
36:14But what really worries me is the Bucs paid Kenneth Gainwell, and it was not a small deal.
36:20And Gainwell excels as a receiving back. He could steal some carries away.
36:24And last year, Bucky did not have a single goal line carry, but Sean Tucker was highly effective in that role.
36:30So if Bucky isn't getting receiving work or the bulk of it, and he's not getting goal line work, that is going
36:37to really drive down his fantasy value, because those are the most valuable touches a running back could have.
36:42If he's just a between-the-20s runner, that's going to hurt a lot.
36:46Yeah, listening to you talk about the foot injury, yes, a foot injury is real.
36:51And for running backs especially, that can slow down.
36:53A guy's going to be really nice when he is fully healthy.
36:57This year, to show you, Florio, that he can be a very good running back as far as a top 20.
37:03You're right. If he's not getting the goal line carries, I think that makes it a little bit of a challenge.
37:10All right. Not done yet. Plant your flag. Tell me about DJ Moore.
37:14Look, I think people are going to call me a homer, but I think DJ Moore is going to return to be a top 15 fantasy wide receiver.
37:22I just did not think he was a good fit for the Bears' offense last year.
37:27For one, Caleb has been bottom four in catchable pass rates each of the last two seasons.
37:32And Moore struggled on the quick stuff last year, but when the Bears held the ball for more than 2.5 seconds, he led them in yards and touchdowns.
37:41And Josh Allen, well, he holds the ball. He's always averaged 2.9 or more seconds to throw.
37:46And Moore is a great improviser, as is Josh Allen.
37:49He has a history of success with Joe Brady.
37:52And DJ Moore was the Bears' leading receiver in yards and touchdowns in the playoffs when the games mattered most.
37:58So I think he could still play. And if you're going to put that guy with Josh Allen, yeah, I think he
38:04could return to be a top 15 fantasy wide receiver.
38:07Yeah, I said that earlier in the show, but you had already planned it.
38:12It's not like you stole my idea. We're just in lockstep.
38:15Mike and Mike on the same page on this one.
38:18All right. So let's get to Jaden Daniels because, frankly, I don't know where I stand on this one.
38:24You may convince me that this new offense for Jaden Daniels got the verbose play calls, all this stuff, that it's going to be a good thing.
38:32Is it? I think it's going to be a great thing.
38:35Look, you know I love Jaden Daniels. I told you to draft him on The Outsiders every year.
38:41And look, do not let the injuries from last season lead you to forget just how good Jaden Daniels is.
38:47He had the second most fantasy points ever by a rookie quarterback.
38:50He averaged 20 fantasy points per game in the four games that he started and finished last year.
38:56Yeah, I know it's only four. But again, if you watch quarterback, you reminded it was three different injuries.
39:02That was more bad luck than it was like a reoccurring nagging injury.
39:06And he has scored 19 or more fantasy points in 80% of the full games he's played in his career.
39:12The only concern there is is health. But we know that quarterback is the deepest position in the game, so you could
39:18take a safe backup later and just cover your bases that way.
39:22Always frustrating to see people talk about a guy like he can't play anymore when he had a couple of random nagging
39:29injuries that all collided in on him. And, you know, that certainly to me seems like the case with Jaden Daniels.
39:35We're looking forward to watching him in this new offense for the Washington Commanders prove to everyone that he is still really, really good.
39:42All right, Florio, what about one of the top free agent signings of this offseason, Isaiah Likely?
39:47Yeah, I think Isaiah Likely is going to be a top 10 fantasy tight end this year.
39:53And I might argue that as the floor. Because, look, we've seen flashes.
39:57Remember the Fab Wars week one, 2024, that everyone was willing to blow their budget to get Likely on their team?
40:03In that season, he was top seven in fantasy points per target, yards per catch, and end zone targets amongst tight ends.
40:10And last season, Jackson Dart was featuring the tight ends a good bit.
40:14And if there's no Malik Neighbors to start the season, he could be the top go-to target for the Giants.
40:20I think even if Neighbors is out there, Likely is probably the number one option in the end zone.
40:25I have him ranked in the top 10. And let's not forget, the coach picked him to come along with him from Baltimore.
40:32So I expect to see a whole lot of Isaiah Likely for the New York Giants this year.
40:38And top 10 might be the floor. I think he has top five upside at the tight end position.
40:44All right, take a break. Rest your voice. Take a drink of water.
40:48Get some water. Whatever you got to do. Because I'm going to plant a flag now.
40:52Ian and I are going to plant our own flags.
40:55I didn't have a flag around the office, although I sort of do.
40:59I have a golf training tool here. What the heck is that?
41:03Like every training tool that's ever been bought, I've used like twice.
41:07Get that off an info or something? I don't even know how to use it.
41:11I don't know the point of the flag. So I'm just going to plant it here.
41:16Okay? I'm planting the flag. My flag is Ashton Gentry.
41:19And I know you sort of at least agree with this a little bit here.
41:24Ashton Gentry, top five running back. Tier one. Or maybe it's tier two.
41:28It depends on how many you put in your tiers when it comes to running back.
41:32But I am. I'm telling you, I'm setting myself up to look like an idiot because there's plenty of Ashton Gentry commentary that I put out there.
41:41But Ashton Gentry, big bounce back in Clint Kubiak's offense.
41:44Tyler Linderbaum, the center there. That offensive line is going to be plant that flag and keep the hands and the path
41:50inside, which I think is what the flag is.
41:53They want the path inside. So you want the flag inside.
41:56So I don't have a flag, but I do have water for for you.
42:01Oh, I needed it. Gentry's my RB3, by the way.
42:04I feel so much better. Hold on. I'm not done yet.
42:07All right. Here's my flag planting. Cam Ward is a top 10 fantasy running back.
42:12Yes, I think he is this year's version of Caleb Williams.
42:15It's not apples to apples. It's not exactly the same.
42:18But here's what I see. A running—I said running back.
42:21I meant quarterback. Here's what I mean. A quarterback who's got a new offensive coordinator, who's got an increased, a much improved
42:28set of skill guys, and who is really ready to kind of hit the ground running in a new system.
42:34Cam Ward, top 10 fantasy quarterback. Not running back.
42:36Sorry, Cam. I love the Jensie call. He is tier two for me, but he is my RB3.
42:42And Cam Ward, I do think, breaks out. I don't have him ranked that high.
42:46But if you like Cam Ward with Brian Dable and everything, you should also really like Carnell Tate, who I am very in on this season.
42:54You have only two running backs in your top tier?
42:57Is that what you're telling me? Yeah. All right.
43:00Gims and Bezos. We're waving the flag. We'll get back to that later.
43:04We're waving the flag, the white flag on this segment.
43:07Speaking of flag, how about this one? Flag football is the fastest growing sport in the world.
43:12Oh, you guys planned that in the control room, didn't you?
43:15Good job. And the third annual NFL Flag Football Championships will be on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN 2 this week, July 24th through the 26th.
43:23ESPN Deportes and the Disney Networks will have additional coverage each day with all games on the ESPN app.
43:29For more information, go to NFLflag.com. Here's one more look at the rookies that reported to training camp today.
43:35And as of tomorrow, the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers will have both their full squads in the building.
43:41Of course, they play in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game August 6th.
43:45I'm Steve White for our crew here at NFL Network.
43:48And the insiders, have a good night and let's be better tomorrow.
43:52This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.
