Best of The Herd

Here we go on a Tuesday, and yesterday’s wild NFL trades are exactly why this league is the country’s favorite show. Football keeps the rules flexible and the deals simple, so fans can follow along and have fun, unlike the NBA’s maze of aprons, exceptions, and swaps.

Miles Garrett to the Rams was easy to grasp and electric to watch unfold, with Jared Verse and picks to the Browns—no cap contortions required, just big talent changing places and everybody getting the point.

As good as Jared’s been, adding a superstar like Garrett says the Rams want to win right now and keep winning later.

Then came AJ Brown to New England, a move I’ve argued should happen for years because the fit finally matches the player. Philly will be fine with their depth and run identity, while AJ lands with a real pocket passer and an offense that shifts the whole defense his way.

He’s been top-tier despite two run-heavy teams and average downfield passing, so with Drake May he unlocks the whole Patriots operation, from tight ends to the ground game.

On a day the Rams look like clear favorites, the Eagles lose a top receiver and get nothing immediate—feels rough for Philly.

It’s a scheme fit thing; they struggled to feed him anyway, like Saquon looking different in a better context. In the AFC against Josh Allen, New England will have to throw, and AJ’s numbers should surge with May.

Do the Eagles reach another Super Bowl soon without him?

Health will decide, and Philadelphia has shown they’ll pivot fast if needed, even on successful coaches and quarterbacks, so Jalen Hurts’ runway is not endless.

I rolled through my favorite offseason moves headlined by Garrett to the Rams, AJ to the Patriots, and Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders, with nods to Jalen Waddle in Denver and Mike Evans in San Francisco. The through line was fit and opportunity—Garrett gets more late-game rushes, Brown finally pairs with a big-armed passer, and a smart center settles a young quarterback.

Julian, you lived the Randy Moss effect; what changes when a true number one walks into that room?

With a generational presence, everyone straightens up because the standard is right in front of you. AJ’s not Randy, but a star like that makes every job easier the moment he arrives.

Are you good with the Rams paying big and moving picks and a blue-chip kid for Garrett to align with Stafford’s timeline?

That strategy only works if your draft hits keep coming, like Puka and Kyren, which build the capital to chase elite vets. When you nail the pipeline, you can buy exactly what you need to go win a title.

What do practices feel like when you stack Hall of Fame-level guys and add Garrett and McDuffie to that defense?

It injects instant belief and turns practice into iron-on-iron work where everyone’s level rises; I saw it firsthand when a superstar walked in and not a ball touched the ground. Garrett’s the closer now—think Mariano at the end of games.

Aaron Rodgers says this is his last ride; does declaring that change how a veteran plays?

For most, yes; for Aaron, no—he’s still surgical and can coach the game from the pocket like Brady did late. He looked sharper last year and might even choose to run it back again.

I’d start Fernando Mendoza Week One with Linderbaum handling protections against Miami, because he’s played a ton and the setup is friendly.

I’d sit him early behind Cousins so he learns how to operate the system and lead the room. There’s huge value in watching, and you avoid yo-yoing a young quarterback’s confidence.

AJ choosing number one to honor Julian fits the vibe, and with Josh McDaniels drawing it up in a calmer market than Philly, I expect a monster year and immediate chemistry.

It’s a cool gesture and shows he’s bought in, and Josh has a track record of first-year explosions at receiver. AJ’s versatility lets them dictate coverages and keep defenses guessing.

Bottom line, the league stayed fun, the stars found homes, and AJ in New England should click fast and loud.