3 & Out - NFL Annual League Meeting Reaction + NFL Offseason Mailbag

The Herd with Colin Cowherd1h 6mMarch 31, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlecoff delivers a sharp, energetic reaction to the 2026 NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix, focusing on key coaching and front-office developments. He dives deep into Sean McVay’s admission that the Rams were actively exploring a trade for A.J. Brown, ultimately backing off due to medical concerns, and praises McVay’s transparency with Devontae Adams despite the controversial decision. Middlecoff critiques the NFL’s growing trend of international games—particularly the Australia matchup—as disruptive and out of touch with player welfare. He also analyzes quarterback situations, including Kyler Murray’s move to Minnesota, Tua Tagovailoa’s potential role in Atlanta, and Kirk Cousins’ looming backup decisions, highlighting the strategic value of experienced veterans. The episode features a lively mailbag segment where Middlecoff answers fan questions on draft strategy, team rebuilding, and even parenting tips—offering a humorous yet insightful take on burping infants. Throughout, he blends sharp football analysis with personal anecdotes, cultural commentary, and a healthy dose of skepticism toward league politics and media narratives.

Key Takeaways
1

Transparency in player negotiations, like McVay’s direct talk with Devontae Adams, is a sign of mature front-office leadership.

2

The NFL’s international scheduling, especially the Australia game, prioritizes revenue over player health and competitive fairness.

3

Aggressive roster moves should be balanced with long-term player health and team culture—especially with high-priced stars.

4

Quarterback decisions are increasingly influenced by age, contract status, and organizational culture, not just on-field performance.

5

Parenting insights can be surprisingly relevant to professional life—like the subtle art of burping a baby with gentle taps.

Chapters
0:00
27 min

NFL Owners Meetings & Coaches' Reactions

Why would you mess with something good? Like clearly, Devontae, from a leadership standpoint, from a production standpoint, from a scoring point standpoint, doesn't get much better.

Highlight
27:29
31 min

The NFL's International Expansion & Player Welfare

It does feel like this is one of those that it's like, are we kind of crossing the line here?

Highlight
58:40
27 min

Quarterback Shakeups & Backup Strategy

If I'm the 49ers, I think long and hard. If I'm not comfortable with any of the running backs on my roster, I'd draft a guy in the second round...

Highlight
1:25:10
27 min

Mailbag: Draft Strategy, Rebuilding & Parenting

Middlecoff answers fan questions on the Vikings’ draft outlook, Bengals’ Super Bowl potential, and whether Garrett Nussmeyer is a steal. He also shares a personal parenting tip about burping infants with gentle taps instead of forceful slaps. The segment blends football strategy with relatable life advice.

1:51:40
17 min

College Football & NIL Impact

Middlecoff challenges the narrative that the SEC is still dominant, arguing that NIL has reshaped the college football landscape. He points to the Big Ten’s three straight national titles and a projected NFL draft dominated by Big Ten talent as evidence that the balance of power has shifted.

High-Impact Quotes
Why would you mess with something good? Like clearly, Devontae, from a leadership standpoint, from a production standpoint, from a scoring point standpoint, doesn't get much better.
John Middlecoff6:45
Viral: 85.0
You don't have to hit very hard on their back to get them to burp. It not only not working. It was probably driving the gas bubbles into a spot that couldn't go out either end.
John Middlecoff53:33
Viral: 80.0
It does feel like this is one of those that it's like, are we kind of crossing the line here?
John Middlecoff14:52
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Host

John Middlecoff
Topics Discussed
NFL Front Office Strategy90%Quarterback Market & Backup Planning88%Player Contract Negotiations85%NIL Impact on College Football85%College Football Power Shifts82%International Games & NFL Expansion80%Coaching Culture & Leadership75%Parenting & Life Hacks70%
People & Brands

John Middlecoff

person

50xPositive

Sean McVay

person

18xPositive

Devontae Adams

person

15xPositive

NFL Draft

other

12xPositive

A.J. Brown

person

12xNeutral

Kirk Cousins

person

9xPositive

Kyle Shanahan

person

8xPositive

Tua Tagovailoa

person

7xNeutral

Kyler Murray

person

6xNeutral

Ohio State

other

5xPositive

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