The Herd with Colin Cowherd
--% time saved
PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
Shortcast updated
About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff continues to break down the blockbuster Myles Garrett trade and what it means for both the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns moving forward. John explains why Rams GM Les Snead has never been afraid to take major swings, how that aggressive philosophy has shaped the franchise, and why adding a player of Garrett’s caliber fits perfectly with the Rams’ approach to team building. On the other side of the deal, John examines why Browns GM Andrew Berry ultimately decided to pull the trigger. Was it about maximizing value, resetting the roster, or recognizing where the franchise stands? John breaks down the difficult decisions that front offices face when moving elite talent and what this trade says about Cleveland’s future. To wrap things up, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag , with John answering your questions and offering insight on the biggest stories across the NFL. From front-office strategy to roster construction and the fallout from one of the biggest trades of the year, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out . Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to the original episode
Loading episode data...
Episode summary
Wild June curveball, man. One of the biggest NFL trades I’ve ever seen just dropped, so I’m hitting quick reactions, then diving into a loaded mailbag.
Q: What’s the Rams’ mindset here? A: Les Snead and Sean McVay live for bold swings; they don’t operate scared, they’re relentless, and they’ll pay premiums to chase wins because nothing’s guaranteed in this league.
Q: Did they overpay? A: They’ve shoveled out multiple firsts and premium pieces before, and they’ll do it again if the return is blue-chip talent; that’s their playbook.
Q: Does this make L.A. a lock? A: Expectations go through the roof with an MVP and the reigning defensive monster together, but paper rosters don’t hand out rings.
Q: Why did Cleveland finally say yes? A: They weren’t shopping him; the Rams just kept calling until the offer checked every box, and adding Jared Verse at that spot made it too good to pass.
Q: How’s Andrew Berry look in all this? A: He’s proving he knows players, works deals, and times markets; ownership drove the Watson saga, and the real fixes left are coach and quarterback.
Q: Browns fans hate losing Miles; is this still smart? A: Yes—he’s elite, but converting one star into an ascending, cost-controlled edge plus draft ammo fits where the roster’s headed.
Q: Verse versus a mid-first rookie dart? A: Give me Verse—pro-ready traits on a rookie deal beat a hope-and-see pick.
Q: Could teams even prefer Verse to pricey vets? A: Depending on age and cap, the room might lean Verse even if the vet’s peak tape is nastier.
Q: Why doesn’t “super team” chatter ding Stafford like it does others? A: He earned his rep grinding in Detroit, and the recent Rams weren’t stacked until now; this year’s the true all-star build.
Q: Do GMs deserve credit for drafting no-brainer greats? A: Not really; the credit comes from flipping a legend at peak value to improve the whole timeline.
Q: Is Verse the next T.J. Watt? A: More likely a Brandon Graham type who crushes edges, pressures nonstop, and changes first and second down as much as third.
Q: Could Verse refuse to report? A: He’d light money on fire and lose leverage; better lens is the team just proved how much they value him, and the fifth-year option moves with the contract.
Q: What goes into changing an O-line’s culture, and why move Tunsil? A: Cap math, availability, and daily standards matter; culture is the people plus an O-line coach who demands it, and sometimes you make a hard trade to fund the core.
Q: How do you handle having no grandpas for your kid? A: We’ll share stories and values when he’s older; right now it’s bottles, sleep, and surviving the baby phase.
Q: You in on the World Cup? A: I’m a casual who locks in for USA games and big moments, low expectations but all-in if they make a run.
Q: Who’s on the 2027 hot seat, and where could Tomlin fit? A: Jets and Browns feel volatile but talented; if Tomlin ever moves, I could see Tampa, and Washington only if it goes sideways there.
Q: With a new OC, will the offense go under center and run more? A: The roster and health argue for more balance, but the play-caller’s DNA skews pass—watch how the personnel drives it.
Q: One title and then stink, or steady contention with no ring? A: Give me relevance every year; in football and especially baseball, months of meaningful games beat empty seasons.
Q: What’s practice squad life like? A: Weekly checks, zero guarantees, tons of scout-team reps, and you’re one injury or great week away from a Sunday call-up.
Q: First-year coach bump versus a ring-winning coach arriving? A: Champions already know how to run the whole year and odd trips; first-timers juice the room but are still learning the calendar.
Q: Are people too hard on J.J. McCarthy? A: The Vikings bet huge and it’s messy fast, and the front office has already paid a price.
Q: Reasonable to feel bullish on the Eagles? A: The roster’s loaded, the scheme should help, and Hurts getting back to using his legs unlocks the top end.
Q: Can you re-teach a young QB like Rodgers once tweaked his mechanics? A: Rodgers was already carving up college defenses; rebuilding a third-rounder’s foundation is a longer shot, even with a good coach.
More coming—appreciate you. Talk to you tomorrow.
Ready to save time?
Download Shortcast and get started today