About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff reacts to one of the wildest days of the NFL offseason. The Los Angeles Rams make a blockbuster move by acquiring Myles Garrett, instantly changing the outlook of the NFC and adding another superstar to an already talented roster. John also breaks down the not so stunning A.J. Brown-to-Patriots trade and what it means for both franchises. How did New England pull it off, and what does the move mean for the Eagles moving forward? Plus, the New York Giants bring Odell Beckham Jr. back to the Big Apple while concerns continue to swirl around Malik Nabers’ knee. John discusses what both developments mean for the Giants as they look to build a competitive offense. The episode also features another installment of Dad Diaries , as John shares his experience surviving the dreaded four-month sleep regression and the realities of life with a young baby. To wrap things up, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag , with John answering your questions and covering the biggest topics from around the NFL and beyond. From blockbuster trades to personal stories and everything in between, 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 Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow - for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode summary
What a wild NFL day. Miles Garrett to the Rams, AJ Brown to the Patriots—two blockbusters that change the map, so let’s dive in, hit the mailbag, and I’ll close with a quick dad diary.
Q: Did the Rams overpay for Miles Garrett, and was it worth it? A: You pay premiums for true greatness and sleep fine—Garrett’s a plug-and-play wrecking ball who can tilt games, and swapping a very good young edge for a Hall of Fame-level one plus picks makes sense when you’re in a win-now window.
Q: Why would the Browns move an all-time defender? A: Andrew Berry held firm until he got a tangible replacement in Jared Verse and real ammo; it’s smart asset work for a roster that still needs a quarterback and wants flexibility to move up when the right guy is there.
Q: Are the Rams instant favorites and any risks here? A: On paper, they’re loaded and Garrett raises everyone’s ceiling, but football isn’t played on paper and you are trading out a beloved locker-room dude for a megastar—chemistry matters even when the talent bump is massive.
Q: Where does the Ty Simpson pick fit into this? A: Separate lane—I didn’t love the valuation, but McVay and Snead clearly saw a developmental starter they won’t pick high enough to draft again, and if he hits, it smooths the post-Stafford handoff.
Q: How should we read AJ Brown to New England? A: Bizarre timing but logical outcome—the Eagles had already moved on and took a discounted first in 2028, while Vrabel’s belief in Brown drove a calculated swing that could re-energize the Pats if he’s healthy.
Dad Diary: Sleep’s a roller coaster, mornings are coffee, stroller, and survival mode, and yes, I managed a bathroom break with a passed-out baby on my chest—parenting is just finding a way.
Q: Will the Niners answer the Rams’ move with a splash of their own? A: I doubt a big swing—past trades that backfired tend to make you cautious, and their front office has learned that lesson the hard way.
Q: Build your all-time Staff and QB from my lifetime. A: Give me Brady, Belichick, McDaniels, and Bill running the defense; runner-up is Mahomes with Andy Reid and Spags.
Q: I’m a Browns fan and gutted—talk me off the ledge on Verse. A: He’s a legit edge who consistently affects run and pass and is entering his prime; he’s not Garrett, but he’s a real cornerstone and that matters when you’re retooling.
Q: Who owns the NFC West now? A: It’s a cage match—Rams feel like the best roster, but Seattle’s the defending champ and the Niners aren’t going quietly, so expect bruisers every week.
Q: Where do you rank Kellen Moore? A: High—I like the Saints to win the South with his play-calling juice and a solid set of weapons.
Q: Any tricks for the four-month sleep regression? A: No secret sauce—hang on, trade shifts, and remember billions of parents have muscled through this.
Q: Should the league fight to keep the Bears at Soldier Field? A: The NFL chases suite revenue and modern domes; iconic or not, money wins, so expect a shiny new cash machine.
Q: What’s dinner like at your place? A: She’s the chef, I’m the grill and dishes guy, we define roles, and when life smokes us, we press a button and let takeout travel well.
I’m off to throw filets on the grill—what a day for the NFL, and we’ll be right here when the next shockwave hits.