From Thirty for Thirty Podcasts. Brian Patter, senior defensive lineman from Miami. Gun down. The key to this case, it's Brian. An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with Tabaki.
This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction. Being placed under arrest. We had to kill our monsters.
Murderer. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody! Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck!
You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show! We've got a podcast, so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part: our YouTube channel.
Subscribe at youtube.com slash rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment.
Now, on with the show. We'd love to have Ken back. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Ken Walker being the MVP. Let's go!
He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. The Rich Eisen Show. Kenneth Walker III is a Kansas City chief. What I was hearing was a rumor.
Today's guest, senior writer for the MMQB, Albert Breer, ESPN, NFL analyst, Marcus Spears. Plus, latest news and more. And now, rich eyes him. Hour number two of the Rich Johnson Show is on the air. Lots going on in the world of NFL Free Agency, as we all know.
Let's make heads or tails of it with our next guest. If you're on hold, 844-204-Rich is the number to dial. We'll take your phone calls. We promise you, Marcus. Spears of ESPN, top of our number three, but joining us right now from Sports Illustrated, our Sports Illustrated, our friend Albert Breer is back here on the program.
How are you doing, Albert? How are you doing, buddy? Hey, what's up, Rich? How are you doing? I'm doing fine.
So. What's the next biggest shoe you're looking to see drop? I mean, there are still some pretty high-profile guys out there on the market. You know, Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals defensive end, Colts, Cowboys, maybe. Romeo Dobbs, I think, was a lot of people across the league had ticketed for the Niners, obviously, with Mike Evans now going there.
That's probably not happening, but Dobbs was expected to have a strong market coming into all of this. Tariq Wollen, you know, a starting corner for the Super Bowl champion. Seahawks would be another name.
So there are still some good names out there. And then I think, you know, you start to cast your eyes towards what could happen on the trade market as well. The A.J. Brown thing is sort of at a standstill, and the Eagles don't seem like they're in any particular rush to push anything across the goal line that they don't see commensurate with his value as a player. All right.
Let's dive into A.J. Brown. Why would he even be on the market? Albert. It's a good question.
So I think part of it is kind of where they are as a team right now. And, you know, some of the bills of the last few years have come due. And so, you know, how they constructed contracts, and this is a credit to Howie Roseman and Nick Siriani and especially Jeffrey Lurie in spending cash over a cap and being so aggressive the last few years. They were priced out on Jalen Phillips, who they really wanted to keep. They dipped their toe in with Max Crosby, weren't all that aggressive.
So there's that part of it, right? Like that eventually they're going to need to flip the roster a little bit. There's also just kind of the general sense of back and forth, and everything that's happened the last couple of years, and even when things have been really good. Are they great personally for A.J. Brown there?
That's always been a question. He's wildly popular in the locker room, so this isn't a bad guy, but obviously there's been some friction there with him. And so they've at least entertained the idea of him going elsewhere. And I can tell you that his camp has done its homework and has kind of figured out what's out there, which I think that piece of it is an important one, too, here, just because. You know, when you're looking at, you know, different options and what's out there, I think that question of whether the grass is really greener, you know, kind of colors how hard you want to push.
You know, like how badly do I want out?
Well, that could be a function of what sort of opportunities are out there for me as well.
Okay, so what opportunities do you think could be out there for A.J. Brown over the next 24 hours? Because I'd imagine the deadline for something like this would be the draft if it doesn't pop. before everybody's got to get their caps locked by four o'clock Eastern on Wednesday. Yes, you would assume that like the deadline would be the draft.
And part of that, of course, is because if the Eagles are going to use picks that they get for A. J. Brown, Then, you know, like that has to be by April, right? Like, if those guys are gonna be on their roster now, that has to be by April.
So, like, I think this is that this becomes over the next 24 to 48 hours sort of you come to us, and if you come to us with something suitable, then we'll listen. You know, but I don't think the interest in AJ Brown out there has been. I don't think there's this hot market out there for him right now. And part of that is his age, part of that's the injury history, part of that's the contract. And like you said, we get to the end of the week, and now all of a sudden, cash and cap budgets have been spent.
And so, like, that. Pool of teams is going to naturally get smaller. But I mean, like, as I see it right now, Rich, like, I don't know that there's more than one team really involved, which I think explains why it's sort of at a standstill. Do you want to name the team, Albert? Yeah, I think it's New England.
I mean, I would just. From my understanding, was and just talking to some people on this whole thing that You know, if you go back a couple of weeks and, you know, like again, AJ Brown's camp doing their research on what teams might be interested, I know that there were four teams at least involved, and just as far as who AJ was interested in. And my understanding is those teams were the Chiefs, the Chargers, the Bills, and the Patriots. And the Bills obviously bowed out of that when they went and traded for DJ Moore. The Chiefs were allocating their resources elsewhere, so they weren't really in it.
And same goes for the Chargers. Like, the Chargers didn't have a great interest in doing anything. They were more focused on, okay, how are we going to manage our edge situation with Khalil Mack and Adafe OA? Obviously, they keep Mack and they lose OA. Then, what were we going to do in our offensive line with Bradley Bozeman retiring?
They get rid of Makai Bechton. They bring in Tyler Biadish from the commander. That really has left the Patriots, and you know, it does feel like a little bit of a staring contest right now. Mike Vrable is a factor in this, of course, because A.J. Brown's got great affinity for the guy who brought him into the league and coached him his first three years as a pro there in Tennessee.
And I think there's differing opinions on his value. You could use a couple comps as far as what the Eagles are looking for. One's the Devontae Adams trade of a few years ago when he went from the Packers to the Raiders. That was two first-round picks. Another is the Quinn and Williams deal, which, you know, Quinnen again is the same draft class as A.J.
Brown. And that was a two this year and a one next year. Both packages had a first-rounder and a second-rounder in them. And that's been sort of the basic ask for the, that's been the basic ask here for the Eagles. You know, on the other side, I think other teams look at it and see an older player who, you know, has had a Little bit of a downturn in his production the last couple of years.
And the comps I heard from other teams, not the Patriots, but the comps I heard from some other teams was the Stefan Diggs trade, not from Minnesota to Buffalo, but from Buffalo to Houston, which was a second-round pick and a pick swap. And so you look at those two like sets of comps, and there's a pretty big gap there. And I think that's where the staring contest comes into play. Albert Breer here on the Rich Eisen Show. What are the Chiefs up to, sir?
They signed Kenneth Walker the third. Um and let Trent McDuffie go. For that, and that's kind of what the Chiefs do, right? They draft, they groom, and then they trade. And they do it at the cornerback spot.
So, what is Brett Veach's plan here? And if you wouldn't mind folding to your answer. Mahomes' rehab and what you know about his knee and when he's in the middle of the day. I think they certainly are very, very hopeful. I hesitate to use expecting.
I don't want to put a timeline on a player without getting his okay, but I think they're very, very hopeful that he'll be good to go and close to being himself by week one.
So that's good news. I think what you've seen is a really interesting allocation of resources here in that they get the first-round pick from McDuffie and he clears, I think it was 13.6 was the option number that he was set to play on this year. And for very close to that number, they get Kenneth Walker. His average per year is just over 14 million. The idea here, Rich, was, and it's like looking at everything as a mosaic, right?
So they had two things that they really wanted to shore up in free agency because they felt like the help might not be there in the draft, you know, just based on the makeup of the draft class. And one was running back and the other was nose tackle.
So they get both those taken care of yesterday with Kenneth Walker and Kyrus Tonga. On Walker specifically, and I think this part is really interesting because it does play into what's going to happen in what is it, six or seven weeks in Pittsburgh, right? When everybody's there for the draft. I don't think that they felt like they could count on Jeremiah Love being there when they get denied. The Saints appear to feel the same way, too, Albert.
That's fair. It can't really count on Jeremiah Love being there at nine. And so the makeup of the draft class, and I'm sure you've talked with DJ about this over the course of that weekend in Indy, right? Is like the running back spot is very top-heavy. It's the two Notre Dame guys, and then it might not be, there might not be another one to go until the fourth round.
So if you can't get love, and then the one guy left is Jadarian Price. That's not a very good position to be in. You know what I mean? And so instead of going through all of that, They signed Kenneth Walker. He's a three-down back, had 133 catches over four years in Seattle.
He's the sort of back they haven't had in a long time in Kansas City.
So that's now taken care of. And now you have the ninth pick. The 29th pick and the 40th pick. To do with that, whatever you want with it, because your biggest needs are taken care of. You still want to go get corner, right?
But Dave Merritt and Steve Spegnol have done a great job developing that position over the years with guys like McDuffie himself, Legerius Snead, Jalen Watson. And so you get So, corner be one spot you could look. You could look at maybe if Carnell Tate falls to you at nine, pairing Tate with Patrick Mahomes for the next decade, you could get the air apparent potentially to Travis Kelsey and draft Kenyon Sadiq there at nine. Point is: like, now that you've taken care of that running back spot. You can really start to replenish your roster with the best players possible at 9 and 29 and 40.
And so I think they've really set themselves up here to. I don't want to make too much of it, but it feels like they've set themselves up here where if they can hit on some picks, this can sort of set the stage for the 2.0 version of the Chiefs Dynasty. I think we're all wondering what this is going to look like post-Travis Kelsey, post-Chris Jones.
Well, they've got a bunch of young guys now that are on big contracts, and Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and George Carloftis, and Nick Bolton. And so now I think this puts them in a position to get some more guys on rookie contracts and really set themselves up for the next decade. Albert Breer here from Sports Illustrated on The Rich Eisen Show. Let's talk about backstories of news that popped over the weekend and then Monday. Um starting with the first one, Max Crosby, who was in how did he wind up in Baltimore?
Yeah.
So, I think a huge piece of this, Rich, was where the first-round pick sat of the contenders that were in it. At one point, about quarter of the league was involved. You know, Philadelphia, New England, Seattle, like, there were a lot of teams that were in it at the very beginning. You know, I'd say, like, as you came down the stretch, what became clear was that. The Cowboys at 12 with the 12th overall pick, and the Ravens with the 14th overall pick held a distinct advantage because of where those picks were situated.
And the reason why is because Buffalo, who was still involved like into the weekend. Buffalo's at 26.
So if you use the old Jimmy Johnson draft chart, right? The difference between the 14th pick and the 26th pick. is the 40th overall pick, right?
So that's a high second rounder.
So now, if you're Brandon Bean and the Buffalo Bills, what you're talking about having to do to get Max Crosby is two first-round picks. And a second round pick on top of that. And so the fact that the Ravens weren't as good as they're accustomed to being this year actually really helped them here and that their pick is much higher in the order.
So the Raiders worked through it, and really it was the Cowboys and the Ravens at the end. The Cowboys weren't willing to go to two first round picks. And for the Ravens, really, this is sort of trying to maximize what they've got on hand, in that there's a core of players there now. Namni Manabuke, if he can come back from his injury up front with Crosby, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, you know, who's a really good young corner. You got this core of players on defense where Crosby could be the guy that turns them from a really good defense into a great defense.
And of course, you got Lamar Jackson on the other side of the ball. It's just for Eric DaCosta, Jesse Minter, it's sort of identifying we're in a window right now with this core of players.
So let's see what we can do to go get after it. And obviously, there's the example from last year of a team with a first-year coach getting all the way to the Super Bowl.
So that's what they're looking to do.
Okay. Why did Alec Pierce get paid all that money? Hmm.
So, like, I look at this as this is interesting because they get rid of Michael Pittman. And I think, like, Rich, would you say, like, at this point, Michael Pittman's probably a better player than Alec Pierce, right?
Well, I mean, again, we're talking production, and you know, when Pierce catches it, he gets the big-ass chunk play almost all the time. And and if you're gonna be spending the amount of money that that uh like this on a receiver, Yep. I'm giving you more of a nuanced answer than you probably asked for. No, you know, you're nailing it, though. I mean, that's what it is.
Like, I think it's like, I think it's Pierce is 25 years old, and what he brings to the table is much harder to find and harder to replace than what Pittman does. And that's not denigrating Michael Pittman, who's tough, reliable, consistent. I think he's going to be a great fit for Mike McCarthy with the Steelers, right? Like, but. What Pierce brings to the table is really hard to find.
And so it's a gamble by Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen on we think he's going to be able to round out his game. And he's the right type of kid and we know what sort of player he is. And there were teams that were willing to spend on him. San Francisco was in it. New England was in it.
Las Vegas was in it. Tennessee to a degree was in it.
So you had a lot of good, smart teams that had thrown their hat in the ring on this and were willing to make a real run at Alec Pierce because he brings a quality to the table that is very hard to find. And so, you know, I think when you're spending $29 million a year, 28 and a half on the base, you're expecting to get more than 47 catches out of a guy. I think the Colt's feeling is that that's naturally going to happen and that they can replace some of the things that Pittman brought to the table with Tyler Warren and Josh Downs underneath, and then they can find a third receiver who can do the job.
So that's sort of the logic on it. What's fascinating about this one to me is, you know, Alec Pierce was telling everybody in his anybody who would listen, his camp was telling anybody who would listen over the last couple of weeks that they wanted to know who the quarterback was going to be before re-signing in Indianapolis.
So they obviously have a pretty good feeling that Daniel Jones isn't going anywhere. What was the market? Albert Brewer here on the Rich Eisen show, the Malik Willis market. I give you the floor on how he wound up in Miami, Albert. Yeah, so Miami and Arizona, I think, were the two teams that were primarily involved.
I think it was going to land always right around that. I look at his deal as a little bit like Justin Fields' deal last year with the Jets, plus a few extra million for inflation. Um, you know, I and and and really, I think for everybody involved, Miami's side and Willis's side, there was, you know, it's just a certain comfort level and a familiarity there. This is obviously going to be a critical couple years for Malik Willis, um, and there's going to be a lot on him, you know. But I think, you know, having that familiarity level with the people in Green Bay, John Eric Sullivan, of course, the GM came from the Packers, as did the head coach, Jeff Hafley.
It gives you the best chance, you know, to make this more than just a two or three year thing if you're Malik Willis. As for the Dolphins, they're undergoing a pretty significant rebuild. And, you know, part of why Stephen Ross. You know, fired Chris Greer and Mike McDaniel and wanted to find guys who are adept in like the draft and develop area, as everybody who comes from the Packers generally is, is because the last four years they've had fewer draft picks than any team in the league, and they have a couple of those draft classes within that window that were complete wastelands, like just no one coming out of those classes, you know. And so they want to turn that around.
And to do that, you got to kind of tear things down to the studs and accumulate picks and do the best you can to try to, you know, try to create an environment for young people where they can grow. And, you know, the obvious thing to do, again, is just flood the zone with rookies, right? And get young players in there as much as you can. But if you're a first-year coach, you also need to do some stuff to create credibility. And so I think going and getting Malik Willis for Jeff Hafley is a credibility play.
It's this guy's going to give us a chance to compete on a week-to-week basis, and we're going to be able to do some unique things with him. And just as far as getting everybody, On board with our program. Yes, we're going to be really young. And yes, we're going to dive in on what could be a two or three year process. But you have to give the people in the building, primarily the players, something they can kind of wrap their arms around and something, someone that gives them hope.
And I think they feel like Malik Willis, at least in the short term, can do that. A couple more for you, Albert Breer, before I let you go on your Tuesday. I'm sure your phone's buzzing, and I appreciate your time that you've given me here on this program, as always. How did Mike Evans, or maybe it's appropriate, why did Mike Evans leave Tampa and wind up In San Francisco? Yeah, there were a couple of stories like this.
I'd mentioned something in my column on Monday that, like, there were a couple of guys that you never thought would leave their teams that it kind of was getting a little different over there over the weekend with them. And one was Cam Jordan. We'll see what happens with him, whether or not he goes back to the States. And then, you know, another was another was Mike Evans. You know, I know, you know, I had said on Twitter that the people in this camp had told people they have a one-year, $27 million offer on the table.
I know there were some teams that didn't believe that to be the truth. But I think it was sort of indicative of what the Bucs were hearing, which is like, all right, well, do you want to come back here or not? And, you know, I think after the way things went over the last week or so, It just kind of got to the point where the Bucs are set up now. They've got Chris Godwin on a bigger contract. Didn't have a great year last year coming back off the injury.
They've got a Mecca Buka, whose production was actually at a much higher level when Evans was out. And, you know, they're looking at it and saying, just how far do we want to go? And then you had a Niners team out there that was highly motivated to address the receiver position. Like I said, they were in on Pierce, they were in on Dobbs, they wind up with Evans. But, you know, after what happened with Brandon Ayuk, you know, Kendrick Bourne is leaving now.
You know, obviously, Debo Samuel was traded a year ago. They've got Ricky Pierce all there, but they wanted to add to the position. And I think just schematically, from a culture standpoint, too, like just how high effort a player he is, how he is as a blocker, he fits Kyle Shanahan in a lot of different ways. And so he's like the traditional X. He'll play the sort of role that Julio Jones played for Kyle in Atlanta.
And he gives him, you know, the sort of guy who I think can draw coverage and who can do some unique things because of his body type.
So that's how it happened. I don't think the Bucs intended to lose Mike Evans, but I'd say things. Certainly got a little weird between Evans and the team. Not that there's any love loss there. I think that they're, obviously, he's a ring of honor guy and everything else there.
And I think everything that they've said publicly about Evans is true. It's just, it seemed like it gotten a little weird and awkward over the weekend.
Well, you and I both know someone's going to try and pin it on Baker at the end of the day. No, I mean, that headline and those rumors, at some point in June, we're going to get bored.
Somebody's going to say something like that. Yeah.
I'm not going to. No, no, no. I mean, he's probably bracing for it. You know what I mean? And I do look forward to see what the Bucs do.
You know, Abuka. Clearly could be like the JSN, right? Yeah.
I remember a long time ago, Rich. I remember when I was new, I was still relatively new covering the league, and the Dolphins let Jason Taylor go, right? And I think he went to the Jets. Is that right? Yeah.
And I was talking to one of their front office guys about it, and he had talked about how Parcells had this thing that he called Progress Stoppers, right? And it's not. A shot at any older player, but it was kind of a thing where it was like, hey, you know, if you have an older guy, sometimes you become so comfortable with that older guy and his production and everything that he's done that it winds up stunning the growth of a younger guy behind him because he's not getting the opportunities. And I wonder if, and I wonder if that sort of happened here. By the way, the guy behind Jason Taylor was Cam Wake, who wound up becoming a really good player.
You know, so I wonder if maybe there's a little bit of that here too, where it's like, well, you know, we don't want to lose Mike, but if we do lose Mike, maybe this, you know, brings the Ameka Abuka that we saw in September and October back into the fold. And he really blossoms in year two. Last one for you, Albert, the quarterback carousel as it remains with the Jets, I guess, at the leaping off point. Brees Hall, this could have been. you know, partly uh him saying, I I want my money and I'm I've got to play on a franchise tag.
Um, you know, watching all money fly everywhere. The Jets also lost Elijah Vera Tucker to the Patriots today, another unkind cut. uh right there for Jets fans to have to uh Um I guess countenance, but uh just the idea uh of Wondering what do the Jets do at quarterback? I guess Arizona has settled on Brissette, if I'm not mistaken, now that we're spinning. And they have, and they signed Gardner Minshew.
And I mean, Jimmy Garoppolo, I thought he might wind up there. You know, we'll see if maybe there's some sort of end around they could run. But yeah, I think the Cardinals are relatively set. And then, so, where does everyone else land and what teams that are looking for quarterbacks? What are they going to do?
I assume the Jets aren't going to go Fields 2.0. Albert. So, yeah, I mean, he's still on the roster. He's still on the roster.
So, I mean, like, I would say. And we'll see how Woody would feel about that after the things that he said during the season. Right. I like I'd say Like Kyler Murray, you know, obviously come four o'clock tomorrow. He'll be available.
And, you know, I think the shot of him ending up in Minnesota is there. I think he's certainly liked to be there. And what he's done, you know, he's in the same spot as Tua. You know, in getting cut, like he's, you know, he's got now an opportunity to just make this a football-only decision. Wherever he goes, it's going to be on the minimum.
The Cardinals are going to pick up the rest of the freight. And if it's a football-only decision, you know, Minnesota naturally would be his number one choice. I also know Kevin O'Connell and his group have looked hard at potential reclamation projects after the success they had a couple of years ago with Sam Darnold.
So Getting Kyler in there, maybe throwing him into a competition with J.J. McCarthy could make some sense. I think Kirk Cousins is a name that you look at. And I've heard he's actually, even though he's in the same sort of offset situation. You know, like I've heard he would like to do something for more than the offset because of everything he's been through.
He'd like a team to show a little bit of a commitment.
So they're invested in him as he's invested in them. Where does that wind up happening? I'm not quite sure yet. You know, Indianapolis is, you know, again, sort of lurking out there as a potential landing spot for somebody like him if there's not a starting opportunity. Because at the very least, if you go to Indy, You can get starter reps, same way as Atlanta in the spring and summer while the injured quarterback heals.
And then if you get opportunity in the fall, you've got built-in chemistry with the players on hand. The Jets are a fascinating one. You know, I still think there's the opportunity that Geno goes back there. I think Geno's still got something left in the tank. I think Minnesota is going to look at Geno too versus Kyler.
And obviously, those will both be minimum situations. But the idea of Geno going back and playing with the Jets is kind of a full circle moment of his career that could be out there. And then Joe Flacco's another one, you know, where he's got the existing relationship with Shane Steichen. Could he go back to the Bengals as a backup? That's possible too.
I thought Atlanta would have been a potential opportunity for him before Tua wound up there.
So those are the names that we're looking at. Yeah, if Geno goes back to the Jets, he should wear the red jersey in the locker room this time, right? I knew. Is it too soon? IKNM Polynesian.
Is it too soon? I remember the name, IKNM Poly. I wonder what he's up to now. Hashtag too soon. We were working together then.
That's how long ago that was. Yeah.
You're the man, Albert. Thanks again. You're the best. Truly appreciate you spending all this time. All right, thanks very much.
Appreciate it. It's Albert Breer. Everyone must read his material, follow him. At Albert, uh at um on Sports Illustrated in all of his platforms. All right, we take a break.
844-204-Rich. Number Dell. All the things Kirk Cousins has been through. Like being paid like Garrett Cole. Woohoo!
Ah. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. If you're ready for an oil change, trust the professional parts people at O'Reilly Auto Parts to recommend the best products for your vehicle. Right now, get five quarts of Valvoline full synthetic motor oil and a Wix filter for $35.99 and receive a $15 O'Reilly gift card after rebate. Upgrade to a Wix XP oil filter for just $2 more.
Limits apply. See store for details. Stop by your local O'Reilly Auto Parts store or shop online at O'ReillyAuto.com. In my line of work, I'm fortunate enough to travel quite a bit covering the biggest moments through the football season. While I'm on the road, I sometimes miss the comforts of home, which is why when I travel with my family, we always check Airbnb for places to stay.
It's our home away from home, providing the comfort and safety that allows us to wind down and relax. Families like mine are looking for homes that fit their needs to make new memories in, and your home may be exactly what they're looking for. If you're looking to save up for a new addition to your house or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see your favorite band in another country, for instance, hosting your house on Airbnb could help you reach those goals. It's easy to list your home for short trips or extended periods of time, allowing your house to earn you some extra money. Make your home work for you while you're away, and enjoy the benefits of hosting on Airbnb.
Your home may be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com slash host. Get into the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event and get away with a deal so right it almost feels wrong. Because right now you can get great deals on our most popular models, including our adventure-ready SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid and the Tucson or Tucson Hybrid. Plus, there's our bold and stylish Elantra loaded with the latest tech, or go all-electric with the Ionic 5 or Ionic 9.
So get down to your local Hyundai dealer and get away with a deal you'll love during the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event. Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. 844-204 Rich is the number to dial take a phone call in a second. Lions, fans. have been sittin' around getting a little nervous.
Because their team, as we all know, has not done very much. It's difficult to do much. when you are uh up against it capwise. The Detroit Lions coming into free agency. Just a mere bag of shells as uh Boy, I'm really going way back.
Ralph Cramden, I'm actually making honeymooner references. Almost. $4 million. That's it, $3.994 million. That's it.
Yeah.
So they have just made a move. Ladies and gentlemen. Oh, we haven't played the breaking news drop just yet today, but let's change that. Go ahead and hit it. Here it comes.
And Maria is seat. Breaking news. All right, Chris, you got something over there? Breaking news on what the Lions need. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
The Lions obviously need some help. They get Isaiah Pacheco.
Alright. Running back. From the Kansas City Chiefs.
So the Pieces on the board, if you will. Lions trade David Montgomery to the Texans way before free agency begins. On the heels of the combine. Where rumors were flying, he didn't want to be there anymore. And he's like, Who told you?
Like, there was somebody who tweeted that out, and he's like, Did you hear that from Demo? Demo. Demo. You know what I mean? Demo ain't told you that.
Yeah.
And so Demo then wound up in Houston. to be teamed up with Woody Marks, The Lions got themselves an offensive lineman for their line and two draft choices. They now have nine going into Pittsburgh. Nine. And The Lions fans who are lamenting the breakup.
Of Sonic and Knuckles that also included Jameer Gibbs, who, if I'm not mistaken. Posted something about that. Yeah, the sad. The sad Sonic and Knuckles.
Sonic and John. The sad cartoon. Yeah.
Gif. I was criticized for saying GIF the other day, but maybe it's just peanut butter on the mind. Listen. I thought it was Jeff. What can you do?
Isaiah Pacheco is a pretty darn good Move, replacement, however you want to put it. Yeah, man. Gonna dig it. Kind of dig it. Because you don't want Gibbs taking those shots running up the middle all the time, man.
Well, certainly inside the 10. Inside the 10, inside the 5. Although he would always get taken out, and Kareem Hunt got put in the game because I would know that because I was the one who picked Kareem Hunt up off the waiver wire last two years. And he would vulture a lot. Again, I hate to bring fantasy into this thing, but it is, in fact, the way that we communicate in this world.
from one fan to another. There's a new Sonic movie coming out next year. Oh, boy. We could do it with Sonic and Shadow.
Okay. You know what I mean? Okay. If we're looking for a nickname for Cheko and I can return to the father of a six-year-old on the site, I'm a little out of that game. Let's try and get it.
I appreciate the knowledge. Move it forward. And the RAS consulting. Ideas are always Welcome, but that's not a bad movie out there. I don't want to go high register.
That is not a bad move. I like the move. It's more than solid. You know what I mean? That's what I'm saying.
And plus, if you have. A seventh-round draft choice running back out of Rutgers. He must play in the NFC North, apparently.
So twice a year we're going to have a You know. Nice little Rutgers reunion. Monongai and Pacheco. Right? Kyle Majunga.
There you go.
So Um I like the move. Lions fans, I understand. They're getting a little lancey. They lost Angelone, too.
So. I I I I get it that This doesn't Give much Uh comfort. To the Lions fans who hear and maybe start believing the narrative. that the window closed. On the bad fourth down decisions two NFC championship, three NFC championship games ago now.
That the window began to close there. despite a one seed, they got one and done. The next year and then last year happened. And they they're getting a little nervous. But listen, Jameer Gibbs is going to have to get paid.
They already paid Jamieson Williams to keep him there. They paid Armand Ross St. Brown. They paid Aiden Hutchinson. They paid Jared Goff.
This is what happens. And if you believe that that is not the core, I mean, would you would you not believe that's a core of a championship team? Wouldn't you believe that? Gibbs Golf. Williams Saint Brown Aidan Hutchinson.
On paper, yeah, I'm putting that up against you know what I mean? Like these are the move this is this is where they're going. Laporta, when he comes back, healthy. Yeah, for sure. The line, though, that offensive line that was road grading.
In uh the years that everyone did believe the Lions had a window opened. That is concerning. You know why you know why you if I'm Brad Holmes, why amass all these draft choices? Because you're going to have to get some rookie contracts with all of these guys who have been pizzaed, including Gibbs Cumming. Plus, you need depth because the football gods see fit to have you get down to cornerback three and safety four every damn year.
You know what I mean? So Let's take a quick phone call, then we'll take a commercial break right here on the program. David in Ohio, you're on the program. What's up, David? But the news that Dak Prescott called off the engagement with his fiance.
I kind of think the Cowboys are going to win the Super Bowl next year. Oh, my God, David. MVP season from Dak. David, we don't usually traffic in these TMZ waters. I like where your head's at.
David, why can't a solid Husband-wife relationship, or more than solid, a Rock solid. Husband-wife relationship be the foundation for a championship. Run. Why why why must a man be single, David? Why must that happen?
I just think he's going to have more time on his hands. And I think TJ's got a lot to cheer about next year. He's going to have a lot more time on his hands. He's going to practice more. And I think they might win it for Jerry over the last 30 years.
Now, that's a rallying cry. Thanks for your call, David. That's a rallying cry I don't think you heard before. Win it for Jerry? Hey, win it for TJ.
I deserve it. How much crap I take sitting here because I'm a Cowboys fan? I deserve a little.
Well, it's because you talk it. I take crap for being a Michigan fan. You are way more obnoxious about Michigan than I am about Dallas. I don't even think that's close. Give me a break.
We didn't give you a break. But as a Michigan fan, I live in such a glass house, I can't even comment about the Ohio State school president right now. I'm like Billy Joel with a rock staring right at that glass house right now. I can't say anything. You should sit this one out.
As a matter of fact, let's go to break. Just a little bit. Although, Yaxel Lendenborg just got named Big Ten Player of the Year. He's great. He is.
Wait till you see him. Oh, man. The NBA draft is going to be lit when that kid gets drafted. He's really good. Yeah, he's got a great team.
The reason why he hasn't appeared on this show yet is because I don't want to bother him. Yeah, how about that, guys? That's Rich's reason for not booking anyone. Have you not seen it? We haven't had Dusty May on at all.
Rich is like, I don't want to bother them.
So he'll bother someone else. But you don't want to bother the mission. It's messed up. Why? Just talk to your coach.
I talk with Dusty Mae, just not in front of the camera.
Well, that seems selfish. That's like a tree falling in the woods, and does anybody hear it or not? Yeah, like, come on. Don't be selfish. I saw what happened when we had Dino Babers on.
I saw what happened every single. By the way, did you see Jerry McNamara's coaching Sienna? He could be the coach of a tournament team if they win. Yeah, yeah, yeah. How about that?
He probably needs to be the next orange coach.
Okay. Then we'll have them on. Then we'll have them on. Okay. We'll take a break.
844-204-Rich. Number to dial. Marcus Spears of ESPN is around the corner. The Rich Heisen Show, the podcast. Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile.
I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same premium wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities, so do like I did and have one of your assistants' assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do at mintmobile.com/slash switch. Up front payment of $45 for three-month plan, equivalent to $15 per month required. Intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.
Feelful terms at mintmobile.com. Rich Eisen Show, we're just talking about all the The cash going out to NFL players in their careers. You mentioned where's Mahomes on the list of active players having made the most in their careers. He's not even in the top six, but he's going to enter it soon. The most cash paid by position in the 2026 season.
Mahomes leads all quarterbacks with $56.8 million in cash coming into his household. Woo!
So he's, if you will, LinkedIn. Hey, everybody. For small businesses, every hire counts, and so does your time. Hiring can quickly become overwhelming from sorting applications to figuring out who's truly qualified. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro helps.
It streamlines the process so you can focus on connecting with the right candidates, not managing the noise. Higher right the first time. Post your job and get $100 off towards your post. Your job posts at linkedin.com slash Eisen. That's linkedin.com slash Eisen.
Terms and conditions apply. I've said it here multiple times about the NBA. I've said it about all professional sports leagues. Um The thing we love the most when it comes to Being a fan. is when we're watching a sporting event And We feel As a fan, it means as much to the athlete competing.
as it does to us. the fans sitting at home. We feel a connection with the athlete. That's why we love the Olympics. I think that's why we love the World Cup, just to name a couple of events.
I said this. about the NBA, where it's just like when players are load managed and things like that. And it just it gives off the impression it doesn't mean as much to you as it does to us, which is why I think part of Wemby's superpowers is that it does appear every regular season game means the life or death to him. And we love that sort of stuff. I said that with the Four Nations with the NHL, right, a couple of years ago.
That was awesome. Right? It means as much to them as it does to us. I feel the same way watching the World Baseball Classic. Gosh, do I love this?
It's so great. And I understand some of these teams. Have Americans with All you got to do is just have a 23andMe strand show up that you're from this country and you're playing for. Which is cool. I'm okay.
I think it's worth that. Right. You know what I mean? But then there are some teams where they're all from the country. Pretty much.
And I and just the the the shots of You know Puerto Rico winning on a walk off and Nicaragua and what, Taipei and Watching Otani Homer in Japan. Uh the Dominican Republic, my goodness gracious, who the hell's gonna beat them? When you're watching, I have no idea. And it just means so much to the players, and the fans are going nuts in the crowd, and it's March. This is March Madness as much as the college basketball, as we're about to see.
It is so much fun. And, you know, even the players playing in it, like Tarek Schudel pitched once, and he's just like, you know. Maybe I should pitch again, even though that would totally throw off his pitching schedule with the Tigers. And he's got a free agency thing coming up, and he's going back to the Tigers in Lakeland. But apparently, he's going to come back to be with the team.
For the semifinals and finals, if they reach it. And that makes sense because you want to be around these. Stars and this environment. Why the hell not? It's electric.
Awesome. And last night. Man. Judge And Bobby Wick from the hole twice. By the way, Machado did it twice.
His typical running towards the third-base coaching box and somehow getting it to first. And Vlad Guerrero. With the splits, it's incredible. It's awesome. Judge hitting a two-run shot.
to put Team USA up on Mexico last night to start after he kept Mexico off the boards with a seed from right field. to peg A third out at third base, all in support of Paul Skeens. And then Roman Anthony damn near hit you in the back of your head where you live here in Salmon, California. Absolutely. I mean, I think Smoltz said he's stupid power was his comment.
Nuke, 21 years old. Stupid power. Paul Skeens wins. Actually, got run support. This is what he had to say afterwards.
How's it feel being out there, right, with USA across the jersey? Hitler's outing, right? Yeah, I think I gave up one hit, but it didn't matter because Judge threw him out at third. One of the best throws I've seen. It was awesome.
Great atmosphere. Nice to feel like I'm doing something rather than just taking up a hotel room and eating all the free meals.
So good to go out there and do my job. Yeah, man. It's just so great to watch all of it. And then you're watching it as a fan.
So you feel pride for your country, you feel pride for your team. You love watching the sport. And all I could sit there and think watching skiings. Get the run support from Judge and also Judge helping keep the bases clear. Stop it.
It sounds like Hey, Paul, how's that feel for you? Oh, gosh. How's it feel to be a teammate of Aaron Judge and watching Judge keep somebody off the base paths for you and then give you run support, huh? How's that feel? Probably as good as watching Roman Anthony and Jaron Duran doing.
No, no, no. Roman got throughout at home at one point. No, no, no. No, no, no. Roman got through out at home by his teammates.
Otherwise, he could have. I get it. Sand? I'm just sitting here wondering Yeah. We don't need it to be.
You know, just keep this in your mind, Paul. Nobody's thinking that. As you win it, I'm thinking it. I'll tell you what. Be a pirate.
That's right. Get that pirate shirt off. We ought to hear him. Show up on the Today Show with your pinstripes one day, but that's down the road. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
There's no dodging. By the way, I'm thinking. You know who Judge threw it to? Guy should have been a Yankee too. Oh God.
Didn't Brighman. The Rich Eisen Show Podcast. Mm-hmm.
