PMT DB
PMT DB
Dianna Russini on NFL Free Agency, Russ Wilson Cut, and Jason Kelce's Legacy
The NFL landscape shifted beneath our feet this week with the Denver Broncos finally pulling the plug on the Russell Wilson experiment. Big Cat didn't hold back on the legacy of the move, labeling it a complete disaster for Denver. Between the draft capital surrendered and the massive contract extension, the math just doesn't add up for anyone involved in that front office.
Big CatThe Russell Wilson trade is one of the worst in sports history
Russell Wilson's trade, when looking back on it, the Broncos gave up two first round picks... two second round picks a fifth round pick Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, Noah Fant. And they got back Russell Wilson in a fourth round pick. And then they signed Russell Wilson to a $242 million contract. And he played for the Broncos for two terrible years. And yeah, I think it might be one of the worst trades in sports history.
While Big Cat thinks the Russ era as a viable starter might be over, PFT is taking the over on his longevity. The market for a veteran who effectively costs nothing due to Denver paying his salary might be more robust than we think, even if the "Let Russ Cook" days are a distant memory.
PFT CommenterRussell Wilson will start at least 18 more games in the NFL
I think you asked me at the end of the season, like over under Russ Wilson starts 16 or 17 and a half more games. Yeah. I still take the over on it. I think that there's gonna be a team out there that's gonna sign him to be a starting quarterback next season.
The Kelce Era Ends and the QB Carousel Begins
Jason Kelce called it a career in a way only he could: shirtless, emotional, and referencing Nick Foles' legendary anatomy. Max was visibly shaken by the news, mourning the loss of the heart and soul of the Eagles. Beyond the stats and the All-Pro nods, the leadership void in Philadelphia is going to be massive.
MaxJason Kelce's retirement is a major problem for the Eagles' locker room
He was Philadelphia. Like he is the most Philadelphia athlete I think that there's ever been... And I think that like him being gone is a real problem for the locker room. Like he was the leader for so long.
With free agency looming, the focus shifted to Kirk Cousins. He is the first major domino in a series of moves that will determine how the draft plays out for teams like the Commanders and Falcons. Big Cat is already eyeing a divisional crown for Atlanta if they can lure Kirk to the South.
Big CatIf the Falcons sign Kirk Cousins, they will win the NFC South
If they [the Falcons] signed Kirk Cousins, I would definitely pick them to win the NFC South.
Hot Seat/Cool Throne and Hank's Patriot List
Hot Seat/Cool Throne featured a special investigation into Charlotte the Stingray, who PFT remains convinced is pulling a long-con on the aquarium world. Meanwhile, Big Cat expressed serious concern about the Timberwolves' maturity after Anthony Edwards managed to miss the tip-off because he lost track of time.
Big CatAnthony Edwards missing the tip-off is a sign the Timberwolves aren't ready to win a title
Anthony Edwards lost track of time and he missed the tipoff of the Timberwolves game... This is the kind of thing that you point to when it's like, yeah, the Timberwolves are good, but your star player lost track of time.
Hank also continued his controversial countdown of the Top 10 Patriots of all time. He landed on a legendary receiver for the number ten spot, citing the sheer dominance of the 2007 season despite the lack of a ring.
HankRandy Moss is the 10th best Patriot of all time
Number 10? Randy Moss. Yeah. Only, only player on this list to not win a Super Bowl. But he was, he was that good, that exciting record breaker... When he came to the Patriots, they got him for nothing.
Dianna Russini on the Inside Scoop
The Athletic’s Lead NFL Reporter Dianna Russini joined the show in person from the Combine. Before getting into the X's and O's, she had to address the elephant in the room: sitting next to a hungover, farting Max on a cross-country flight to the Super Bowl. After the air cleared, she provided some actual insight into the Bears' plans for the number one pick and Justin Fields.
Dianna RussiniThe Bears will move on Justin Fields very soon
I think Chicago's gonna get moving on this for sure with Fields. Yeah. I've been stalking their people all week... I'm expecting definitely some action there.
Dianna also defended her reporting on the Jets' dysfunction, explaining the rigorous standards she has to meet at her new home. While Jets fans (and memes) might want to call it fiction, Dianna has the receipts to prove the culture in Florham Park is as messy as reported.
Dianna RussiniI verified over 30 sources for my report on the Jets' organizational dysfunction
At the Athletic, because the standards are outrageously high, we're owned by the New York Times, you have to supply the editors with your list of the people that you're speaking to. And we had a list together after putting together the piece... it was actually 30 plus.
Finally, the conversation turned to the post-Belichick era in New England. Big Cat argued that the "Patriot Way" was a myth fueled by having the GOAT under center, while Dianna maintained that the culture Bill built was a real, tangible thing that players and coaches still carry with them.
Big CatThe 'Patriot Way' was actually just having Tom Brady
I think they finally realized that the Patriot way is just having Tom Brady on your team... my counterpoint to that would be if the Patriots decided to answer all the questions and be like gregarious with the media, it wouldn't matter. 'Cause they still have Tom Brady.
If the Bears trade Justin Fields before the next episode, just remember that Dianna told you so while Max was likely ordering another burrito.
