3 & Out - Cowboys Draft Room REVEALED, Aaron Rodgers Wants a RAISE + Rookie Mini Camp Takeaways + NFL Offseason Mailbag

The Herd with Colin Cowherd1h 12mMay 5, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlecoff dives into a wide array of NFL offseason developments, starting with a deep analysis of the viral documentary on the Dallas Cowboys' draft room. He challenges the common perception that Jerry Jones is the central figure in team operations, arguing instead that his son, Stephen Jones, is the true decision-maker running the draft and trade negotiations. The discussion shifts to Aaron Rodgers' free agency, where Middlecoff argues Rodgers is justified in seeking a $25 million per year deal for his final season, especially given the Steelers' reluctance to meet his market value. He explores potential landing spots, including the Arizona Cardinals, who have cap space and a connection to Rodgers through Nate Hackett. The episode also covers rookie minicamp observations, highlighting Fernando Mendoza’s transition to under-center play and the challenges of adapting to NFL structure after a shotgun-heavy college career. Other topics include the fallout from Brendan Sorsby’s gambling scandal, the passing of legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, and personal reflections on fatherhood and parenting in the digital age. Mailbag questions touch on draft picks, coaching prospects, and the NFL’s financial structure compared to the NBA’s luxury tax system.

Key Takeaways
1

Stephen Jones, not Jerry Jones, is the real architect of the Cowboys' draft and trade decisions.

2

Aaron Rodgers is justified in demanding a $25 million per year contract for his final season.

3

Rookie minicamps are chaotic and often ineffective due to players being out of their routines.

4

The NFL’s hard cap provides owners with more financial flexibility than the NBA’s luxury tax system.

5

Parenting in the digital age requires balancing technology use with real-world interaction and emotional development.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Sponsor & Intro: The Enhanced Games & Podcast Promos

The episode opens with multiple iHeartRadio podcast promos, including 'Superhuman' (an Olympics documentary on performance enhancement), 'Stuff to Blow Your Mind' (Star Wars science), 'Look Back at It' (1979/1984 retrospectives), and 'Learn the Hard Way' (therapy for Black men). These are followed by a promotional segment for 'The Clifford Show'.

10:00
10 min

The Real Power Behind the Cowboys: Stephen Jones vs. Jerry Jones

Stephen Jones might as well be the GM. He's running the trade chart. He's running the calls.

Highlight
20:00
15 min

Aaron Rodgers' Contract Standoff: A Final Push for $25M

If I was Aaron Rodgers, I'd go, well, if I played for $20 million, that would essentially be giving you guys a two-year, $15.5 million a year.

Highlight
35:00
10 min

Rookie Minicamps: Chaos, Injuries, and the Mendoza Transition

You go to rookie minicamp, most of the guys you drafted are not going to be in shape. So you got to be very careful about pushing it too hard because they get injured.

Highlight
45:00
10 min

Brendan Sorsby’s Gambling Scandal & NCAA Integrity

Middlecoff discusses Sorsby’s legal troubles for betting on his own team, calling it a 'slippery slope' that threatens league integrity. He notes the NCAA’s vulnerability to lawsuits and the potential for a supplemental draft, though he doubts Sorsby will be drafted due to the messy situation.

High-Impact Quotes
If I was Aaron Rodgers, I'd go, well, if I played for $20 million, that would essentially be giving you guys a two-year, $15.5 million a year.
John Middlecoff18:55
Viral: 88.0
Stephen Jones might as well be the GM. He's running the trade chart. He's running the calls.
John Middlecoff10:58
Viral: 85.0
The NFL’s hard cap provides owners with more financial flexibility than the NBA’s luxury tax system.
John Middlecoff107:00
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

John Middlecoff
Topics Discussed
Cowboys Draft Room Power Structure95%Aaron Rodgers Free Agency90%NFL vs NBA Financial Systems88%Rookie Minicamp Chaos85%Draft Strategy and Player Evaluation80%Parenting in the Digital Age75%Coaching Prospects in the NFL72%Player Gambling Scandals70%
People & Brands

Aaron Rodgers

person

18xPositive

John Middlecoff

person

15xNeutral

Stephen Jones

person

14xPositive

Jerry Jones

person

12xNeutral

Puka Nacua

person

6xNeutral

John Sterling

person

6xPositive

Brendan Sorsby

person

5xNegative

Fernando Mendoza

person

5xNeutral

Will Howard

person

5xNeutral

Nate Hackett

person

4xPositive

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