THE HERD - Hour 3 - Brian Baldinger joins The Herd, Tomorrow's Headlines Today

The Herd with Colin Cowherd32mMay 1, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger joins the show to break down the latest NFL draft, team strategies, and player evaluations. The conversation dives into the Cowboys' defensive overhaul, the impact of losing Micah Parsons, and the importance of playing time for young quarterbacks like Ty Simpson and the Raiders' rookie. Baldinger shares his real-time insights from mini-camp, emphasizing how quickly he can assess a player’s work ethic and professionalism. The discussion expands to the Steelers' controversial decision to retain Aaron Rodgers, with Cowherd and Baldinger debating whether the 41-year-old quarterback still has value despite his declining performance and off-field distractions. They also analyze the draft classes of the Rams, Eagles, and Jets, praising Howie Roseman’s strategic moves. The episode closes with a lighthearted snorkeling segment and a preview of upcoming NBA playoff matchups, including the Lakers vs. Rockets and Spurs vs. Nuggets. The tone balances sharp analysis with humor and personal anecdotes, reflecting the show’s signature blend of sports insight and cultural commentary.

Key Takeaways
1

Early assessments in mini-camp can reveal a player’s professionalism and potential better than any draft ranking.

2

Playing time is essential for quarterback development—especially for rookies like Ty Simpson and the Raiders’ new signal-caller.

3

The Steelers’ decision to keep Aaron Rodgers is a high-risk gamble that may not align with long-term team building.

4

Howie Roseman’s draft strategy with the Eagles—acquiring Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Wicks—shows a masterclass in roster construction.

5

Teams like the Rams and Cowboys are rebuilding with depth, but the Cowboys’ defense remains a major concern without significant upgrades.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
4 min

Sponsor Segments & Podcast Teasers

The episode opens with multiple iHeartRadio podcast promos, including 2%, The Clifford Show, Look Back At It, Learn the Hard Way, and Stu Gadsden Company Live. These segments promote diverse content ranging from mental toughness and resilience to sports commentary and cultural retrospectives.

4:00
6 min

Brian Baldinger Joins The Herd

NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger joins the show from the NFL offices in Jersey. He brings his 13-year NFL playing experience to discuss the Cowboys’ defensive rebuild, the impact of losing Micah Parsons, and the importance of early evaluation in training camp.

10:00
8 min

Draft Analysis: QBs, Depth, and Rookie Potential

Cowherd and Baldinger break down the 2026 NBA and NFL drafts. They debate the value of playing young quarterbacks like Ty Simpson and the Raiders’ rookie, emphasizing that experience is the only way to develop at the position. They praise mid-round picks and highlight players like Emmitt Johnson and Riley Nowakowski.

18:00
8 min

Aaron Rodgers & the Steelers' Controversial Decision

The Steelers were led in catches last year by a running back. Some of that is Aaron dumping it off and some of that is they don't have any pass catchers.

Highlight
26:00
6 min

Final Draft Picks, Playoff Preview & Snorkeling Fun

You never know what you're going to see. So sometimes we grab some lobsters. Sometimes we spear some fish. And sometimes you just go down there for just the clarity of the mind.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The Steelers were led in catches last year by a running back. Some of that is Aaron dumping it off and some of that is they don't have any pass catchers.
Colin Cowherd41:06
Viral: 88.0
The only way you get better at quarterback is by playing quarterback. It's not Magic Johnson working on the junior sky hook in one offseason.
Brian Baldinger6:29
Viral: 85.0
I think this is a really good Eagles team. I even like what Howie Roseman did losing Jalen Phillips... Grenard's not $30 million less than Phillips. He's a proven commodity.
Colin Cowherd37:09
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Brian Baldinger
Topics Discussed
Aaron Rodgers & Steelers Controversy92%NFL Draft Analysis90%Player Evaluation & Early Assessment88%Quarterback Development85%Team Rebuilding & Roster Construction80%NBA Playoffs Preview75%Sports Media & Podcast Culture60%Mental Toughness & Resilience55%
People & Brands

Colin Cowherd

person

45xPositive

Aaron Rodgers

person

22xMixed

Pittsburgh Steelers

other

18xNegative

Brian Baldinger

person

15xPositive

Dallas Cowboys

other

12xNeutral

Eagles

other

10xPositive

Clifford Taylor IV

person

8xPositive

Howie Roseman

person

8xPositive

Jets

other

7xPositive

Rams

other

6xPositive

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