Maxx Crosby to the Ravens, Eagles Questions, Kelce’s Future & NFL Contract Boom

0:00This is an iHeart podcast, Guaranteed Human. Hey, this is Lovarian to hear from Up On Game. This message is brought to you by AppleCard. AppleCard members can earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases wherever they shop. This means you could be earning daily cash on just about anything like a slice of pizza from your local pizza place or a latte from the corner coffee shop. Apply for AppleCard in the wallet app to see your credit limit offer in minutes. Subjected credit approval, AppleCard issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch, terms and more at AppleCard.com. The best moments aren't always about where you're going. They're about who's with you on the way. That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. The Toyota RAV4 is built for busy days and spontaneous plans. From practice runs, the last minute road trips and everything in between. With space, comfort and flexibility, it helps turn everyday drives into quality time.

1:02Because when the right people are riding with you, every trip matters. Learn more at toyota.com and find the vehicle that fits your people. Today's podcast is brought to you by Ferguson Home, where it all comes together, whether you're a homeowner creating your dream space or a pro managing multiple projects. Ferguson Home is where you're find the top products by brands like KitchenAid. Visit your local showroom or visit FergusonHome.com. Can I tell you about my friends at reef reef has taken the same comfort they are known for and built it into everyday men's shoes. You know what I walked around in what I wore to fly in and what I took to San Francisco this week? My reef Del Mars works for commuting, travel, casual, it looks fantastic. It's really comfortable. It's pearly white. I also got a pair of blue ones. I cannot endorse this product enough. They are going to be my go-to shoe moving forward. So check out the shoreline Del Mar on reef.com and redeem 15% off your first purchase.

2:15What is going on everybody, John Mittlecoff, three and out podcast. Hopefully everyone is doing well out there in the real world. And today we're going to react to a trade that is now, I don't know, if you listen to this on Monday, it's a couple of days old. But the Raiders have traded Max Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for a haul. Pick 14, pick 2021, which on paper right now is more than what the Cowboys got for Mike Parsons. So we will dive into every angle. Starting with Max, the person, the player, his loyalty to the Raiders, spy tech pull in the trigger. The Ravens doing something that's a little abnormal from historically, they've never traded a pick that high. The Eagles, there's some rumors right now about Jalen Carter, Travis Kelsey is potentially going to sign with another team.

3:17Not named the Kansas Chiefs Khalil Mac has resigned with the chargers. So we will have the next couple days, the free agent frenzy, the free agents aren't great. But I'm sure we will get more trades, we will get more action. So this is a busy, busy time for GMs, assistant GMs, pro scouting directors, coaching staffs, this fun. So buckle up, we will have you covered all week long, talking football, talking free agency and love this time of year. So it gives us a little couple of weeks to, you know, react to stuff before we get into the stretch of the draft, which is fun too. But you know, by the time we get to the middle of April, we're ready for the draft. So this is, this kind of sets the tone for what teams like, oh, maybe they won't pick, you know, a running back or maybe they won't pick a linebacker. So it's fascinating team building exercise. Obviously a lot of teams have money and some teams don't.

4:18So we will dive into it all today. And tomorrow we'll dive back into it. We'll also probably do a mail bag sometime this week for sure. At John Middlecoff at John Middlecoff is the Instagram fire in those DMs questions answered here on the show. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast if you listen on Collins feed as well as the run Netflix. So check us out on Netflix. All of our videos up on Netflix never miss an episode. Appreciate everyone that watches and listens. You guys are that you know what? Stiving to the pot. And I want to start a big picture on the player. Because I do feel for Raider fans. This is a franchise, especially if you are an older fan that was once as good as it got. I mean, historically they've had John Madden. They've had countless Hall of Famers. They had one of the most legendary owners in the history of sports. They once were bulls in the 80s. They resurrected the franchise with John Gruden.

5:21And then once they made the trade over the course of the last 23 years after they made the Super Bowl in 2002. It has not been good. And in 23 years, they have made the playoffs twice and obviously have not won a playoff game. It has been a lot of ugly. And during that time, especially during the, you know, Postal Davis era, which was like 2011, 2012, I thought they had two guys who were just all in. Who the Raiders meant everything to. And, you know, Cleo Mack, Amari Cooper, were both traded. But to me, Khalil, not that he wasn't passionate about a Raider. But listen, he's a modern day athlete who was going to pay him the most. The Raiders weren't see a later, Adios. Amari kind of laissez-faire didn't give a shit. But Derek Car was all in. Now we can argue if he was good enough. I do think in 2016 before he had heard his ankle, you know, he was competing to, you know, win the MVP that year. They were going to beat the number one seed. And after that happened, it was kind of hit or miss for the rest of his Raider tenure.

6:22Obviously ended weird with Josh. But I, Derek was very solid player for the Raiders for a long time. Max to me is a Hall of Fame level guy. And his passion for the brand, his passion for the team. If you haven't got a chance, his 10 to 12 minute, uh, goodbye is one of the cooler, more genuine things I've ever seen. I mean, the modern day athlete just has their agency or their manager. Take some picture of them, put it on some cool backdrop and then write words in the middle of thank you. And goodbye and I love you and it's, it's somewhat hollow. And listen, in fairness, maybe those guys don't care. They're just businessmen, which I'm totally okay with. It did feel that Max was much more. He loved being a Raider. It meant everything to him, the organization, the effort sometimes. Not to get sentimental here, but I'll, I'll just be sitting there in silence looking at my eight week old or seven week old or over all these. I'll just be staring at Jack and I'll think, God, I got, there's a lot of pressure on me to teach this guy some just core value life lessons in life.

7:31And you spend a lot of time in any father knows thinking of, you know, what are the things that I'm going to would still in this human. What are going to be some of his, uh, his core values that are not negotiables. And I, I do think Max kind of encapsulates a couple of things that I am 100% which I would have done this, whether I was thinking about it over the last couple of weeks or not of like passion for what you do. And I think most of us are walking to rooms with smart people and are never going to be the smartest guy in the room. And you can go a long way. I can only speak to America, but in this country in all in the world that we live in by just giving all out effort in what you do all the time. Consistently go hard and in football, that means physical energy in some of our professions. It could be mental energy, but give all you have. When you're going to do something, go all in. What, what did they say in, uh, what was the movie called with Mark Wahlberg?

8:39It's, uh, I want to say American sniper, but it's not. It's loan survivor that moderation is for cowards. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. And I, I think Max Crosby represents whatever coach really values in a guy whose effort is just great all the time. And to have great effort, you've got to be in great shape. You got to be prepared. This was a guy that after his rookie year checked himself into rehab. And anyone that's followed his career, you're just like, this guy's just to certify bad ass, change his life, cleaned up his life, and absolutely dominates on the field for mostly an awful organization. So if I, I totally understand radar fans, even if you go, which will dive into the compensation, being bummed, because this guy wasn't just a bad ass on the field, he wanted to play for your team. I mean, how many players in football and basketball and baseball, Cosbyk Stinks, forced trades, want somewhere else, I do believe that up until the end of the year, the max would have been very cool being a writer for life.

9:45And I think when he said it, he meant it. And when they benched him or forced him to get knee surgery, like it was the right move. It was the proper business move. And I think it also represents why Max Crosby is who he is, that he was like, fuck you. I don't give a shit about the number one overall pick. I want to play because in this team, it's not like we're playing a lot of playoff games. The only thing I have to hang my hat on is our regular season games, whether we're winless or whether we're going to win eight games. I'm giving everything I have and you taking that away from me and he was pissed off. And I think the respect around the league even went up. And I've been saying this over and over and over again. They were going to get two first round picks. I did not understand when people like, I don't think they're going to get the micahall. I'd argue right now they got more now both teams have picks in 2027.

10:46I think the Cowboys traded one of them. It's going to be the higher version that's going to go to the jets for Quinn Williams. So they might end up with the Packers pick, but the Cowboys got pick 20 this year for Mike Parsons. And let's be real. They are lucky a shit to have that pick. If Micah doesn't get injured, if they don't implode in that playoff game, that picks like 2425 hell could be 2829. The Raiders just got pick 14 into months pick 14. If you're a bad man, you'd say the Packers and the Ravens more than likely will have similar seasons next year. I can see both their picks being in the middle of 20 of the 20s. But you would rather have pick one and 14. Then you rather than pick seven and eight. I mean, getting the 14th overall pick when you have the number one pick and also the top pick in every round is a very, very powerful thing. I think Warren Sharp tweeted this out. He's the analytic gambling guy. This is the most draft capital. A team has ever had just because of the power of that 14 pick along with their top picks in every round.

11:51And I they have multiple picks in some rounds as well. But this was there were other teams sniffing around right like the Cowboys, the Jags and these teams. It's like they were not going to get this type haul from anyone else because all the good teams, either the Lions or the Bears or the Niners or some of these other teams that would be interested. Their picks are going to be in the 20s. So they got to the point. And this is why I think this trade was announced so far ahead of free agency. Where's like, there's no way we could do better than this. I'm sure some people offered a one and two twos. Maybe potentially two first round picks, but they were in the 20s. Like it doesn't get any better than pick 14, even if next year is pick 30. I mean, you have the chance. Cow Hamilton was once the 14th overall pick. That is prime, prime real estate. So I think John Spite Tech deserves a lot of credit. I do believe that they weren't just dead set on trading Max Crosby, given what he brings their team on and off the field.

12:58But they got it off for they couldn't refuse. No different when the chiefs traded McDuffie. I don't think there was any other team in the league that would have thought even contemplated for more than a second, giving the chiefs the first round pick for Trent McDuffie. Then if you look in the second round, you know, bad teams, if you're drafting in the 30s aren't going to give up their pick 30 for Trent McDuffie and they give them $30 million. It's going to be the good teams. Well, their picks don't come to like the 50s. So you could argue that the chiefs probably went into this. Okay, with like, there might be a chance the best we can do is like pick 49 to get rid of Trent McDuffie. And then a couple of weeks later they they're a couple of weeks past the combine. They get picked 29. When John Spite Tech and they had the meetings at the end of the season once Max causes stink like, hey, we might have to trade this guy at the combine your they probably thought, hey, what's our goals going to be two first round picks. Then once you get enough teams involved, probably going to happen. You're probably think it's going to be two picks in the mid to late 20s.

13:59And then when the dust settles, you have a pick 14 for a team that kind of needs everything is is an incredible hall. I mean, it truly is. And as someone that thought they would get two first round picks, I never for a million years thought that one of the picks, especially the pick going into this draft would be this high. Now, it's also an outlier situation. You know, the Ravens had never given up a first round pick for a player. And they historically have acquired a lot of good veteran players, most recently, Rowquan Smith, when we when I was younger, you know, Steve Smith senior and Juan Bolton, they've done it with countless players. Colay is Campbell, but Shannon Sharp once upon a time, you know, Ozzy News is big thing was play like a Raven that they have a certain type and Max Crosby falls right under that Derek Henry falls right under that. But I think they had to have these long conversations like this is a bold move that this is going to be a big swing.

15:01And I appreciate anyone in life. And this is one of those other things you think about teaching your son of like sometimes in life, most people, you know, the action is on the edges. The reason the fruit grows at the edge of the branch, the most sturdy part of the tree is the middle. So you want to get the fruit. You kind of got to climb out there a little bit to do it. You got to put yourself out there. And listen, just because you take big swings doesn't guarantee anything Chris Ballard went all in for sauce gardener. It blew up in his face immediately. We're all going to make mistakes. And I'm not trying to shit on Chris Ballard here. He made a calculated move. It was a calculated risk. And it did not pay off. And it is something I think clearly today several months away from the move. He regrets doing given the information that he has. But that's not how life works. You make decisions based on the information you have at the time. You don't get to go six months in advance and go what's is going to look like that. This could be a disaster. This could be a problem eventually for the Ravens.

16:09But for a team that I would say mostly has been extremely conservative with their draft picks been extremely conservative with how they do business. They have notoriously let guys walk over and over in free agency because they love these comp picks that they get. And they are drafted and developed franchise. Well, their owner put as you know what on the table and said, you know what John Harboh your gone fired his coach and something that I honestly I thought was a pretty shocking move. But it does feel like he's kind of given some life to this organization of like let's put our nuts on the table a little bit more here. Let's stop being so goddamn conservative. We have a two time MVP winner at quarterback. We have one of the best players in the league on defense at Kyle Hamilton. We have one of the best cultures in the league in our locker room in our facility where the Baltimore freaking Ravens. Let's go for it. And this is a go for it move. And Max Crosby to me when you close your eyes you go what type team does he feel like he feels like a Baltimore Raven feels like he could have been on the Pittsburgh Steelers 15 years ago.

17:16That that's the type player that he is. And I commend the Ravens for making a bold move. Now here's the thing. I said when they made the DJ more trade that the bills are aFC championship or bust. The Ravens making this trade is the same thing. And obviously if you make the aFC championship at either one of those teams not being in the Super Bowl as a disaster. So I think both the bills and the Ravens who were the betting favorites last year in August to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens didn't make the Super Bowl or I mean didn't make the playoffs clearly and when it ate games and the bills lost in the second round. Both of them should can their coach because it was like the expectations couldn't have been any higher and the chiefs didn't make it. So I think they're both well-run organizations. They both have Hall of Fame quarterbacks, but it's now or never. And these moves like you're living in these next short windows. Why did the Rams make their move? Because they've been living you know year to year with mass effort. So last year when they booted Cooper Cup and went to get Devonte Adams.

18:23They're not thinking five years from now that there's no guarantee they're going to figure out their quarterback. There's no guarantee McVey might not take a couple years off. Like you're living in the now and that's the way the NFL is like especially when you're good. You got to take advantage of every single year and I think people that have been critical the bills of like they haven't been aggressive enough. You know the Ravens that's never been their style and it kind of backfire this year because they didn't feel quite as talented. And they made a massive move. There's a ton of pressure. And this is what is cool about the NFL. You know Sean McVey they have a Super Bowl level mindset and you could argue a Super Bowl level team. But if they don't win it, Sean McVey and Matt Stafford have one. They have a ring. They're champions. So whether they win it or not this year, you can never take that away from them. If they win a second one, you go from from being viewed as a champion to being viewed as a legend. To be viewed as a historic individual in the history of this sport.

19:28The Ravens and Josh or the Ravens in the Mar and the bills in Josh are looking to just throw their hat in the ring in history. We've seen a lot of guys win MVP's and never win a Super Bowl. Help in recent memory. Stafford did it, Cam Newton did it. These guys had great individual seasons. Now I think Lamar Jackson and Josh Hound are better at those guys. But like, are you going to put a ring on your finger? Are you going to get to a Super Bowl? The Ravens had an incredible opportunity two years ago when they hosted the chiefs. And they blew it. They shit the bed. This year the bills, they played both freaking nicks. You got to win that game. And they didn't do it. But Josh had a weird game. Their defense didn't come through. Coach got fired because of it. So I think the bills and the Ravens, all their chips are in the middle of the table. Well, they play in the same conference. Well, it's not like they both can win the conference. And you would say historically, the conference is really good at the top. It's going to be very difficult.

20:32But I do respect both teams doing everything possible, even if trading all this for 28, 29 year old guy that's had some injuries. Like I get the skepticism. But I also can overlook that for the type guy. Doesn't booze. All he does is football. All he wants to do is win, plays his ass off. Will immediately be a plug and play guy in big games is tailor made for this stuff. And like I understand it, because like what about four years from now? What about four years from now? Who cares? What about 2026 and 2027? And that's what the Baltimore Ravens kind of showed you, which they don't typically operate that way. Today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor hard rock bet. Florida's sports book March is officially here. And that means more college hoops and it takes center stage, baby. Stakes are rising. The shots are falling. And now is the time to hit the hardwood with hard rock bet.

21:39Side up the day and double your winnings on your first 10 bets max $50. That's right. Your winnings are doubled on your first 10 bets. So if you would have 100 bucks on your bet, that makes 200. That's how you start March hot. And the welcome offer is just the tip off all tournament long hard rock bet is rolling out daily dance and boost featuring a live profit boost and a parlay profit boost every single day. More ways to shoot your shot more ways to cash in with the boosted odds. So don't sit this one out on the bench. Download the hard rock bet sportsbook app today and let's get the party started, baby. Payable and bonus bets, not a cash offer offered by Seminole tribe of Florida in Florida offered by Seminole hard rock digital LLC and all other states. You must be 21 plus and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia to play turns and conditions apply concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1833 play wise in Indiana.

22:49If you are someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help call 1 800 9 with it gambling problem call 1 800 gambler Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia. Cold days, big goals, no time to cook. Factor makes healthy eating easy with fully prepared meals designed by dieticians and crafted by chefs. So eat well without the planning or cooking. I've used factor meals for a long time. They have no refined sugars, which is big when trying to lose some LBS quality functional ingredients, including lean proteins, colorful veggies, whole food ingredients and healthy fats. They have a ton of varieties easy to find whatever you're looking for. Plus the new muscle pro collection supports strength and recovery always fresh, never frozen, no prep, no stress. How do you beat that? You don't. Head to factor meals dot com slash John 50 off and use code J O H N 50 off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year.

23:51Eat like a pro this month with factor. New subscribers only varies by plan. One free breakfast item per box for one year while subscription is active. Life moves fast, work, family, friends, weekend plans, and somewhere in between you find the moments that really matter. That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. It's not just about where you're headed. It's about who's beside you from early mornings to late nights, from pack schedules to spontaneous adventures. The Toyota RAV4 is built for real life. Whether you're heading to a game meeting friends for a watch party or chasing the next big moment, it gives you the space and comfort to enjoy the ride no matter what the day brings. When people are the destination, ordinary drives become shared memories. Learn more at Toyota dot com and find the vehicle that fits your people. Today's podcast is brought to you by Ferguson home, whether you're a homeowner creating your dream space or a pro managing multiple projects. Ferguson home is where it all comes together. Ferguson home is designed for the way you want to shop.

24:53Experience today's top products by brands like KitchenAid firsthand by visiting a Ferguson home showroom where you'll explore stunning displays featuring today's latest products and innovations or browse their extended selection of products online. Ferguson home understands that every project is made up of countless decisions and that's why their expert consultants are committed to helping homeowners, builders, contractors and designers bring all the details together. You can count on support from them start to finish from choosing the right products to coordinating deliveries with your project schedule. Book a one-on-one consultation at your local Ferguson home showroom or shop online at Fergusonhome.com. Whether you're working on a new kitchen, a new bathroom or a whole home remodel, you'll find the latest designs and technologies from the brands you trust at Ferguson home. And last but not least on the on the Raiders, you get these opportunities with these picks. And I saw it when I was doing radio and they traded Cleo Mack and they traded to Mari Cooper.

25:56So they traded Cleo Mack right before the regular season started the regular season and then they traded to Mari Cooper in the middle of the year in the Cowboys. They had three first round picks in one draft and they blew it. Right. Josh Jacobs, I think was there in last pick, but they took, I think David Arnett or Leatherwood and Cleveland Farrell. It was a disastrous draft. Part of once you make one of these big trades is you got to nail the pick. Like the Micah Parsons trade looks a lot better if at pick 20 they get a high end starter. So it's easy to do these and we constantly are evaluating these trades when the trades made. Then when the draft picks happen and then as the draft picks plays and how the veteran does. So it's a fluid process. But there is a lot of pressure on Spike Deck with pick 14 and he has an opportunity if he does it right. If Mendoza becomes, if he becomes Jared Goth and they get an impact player at 14, they already got powers.

27:01You know, genty should be a solid player. They can find other offensive linemen eventually build up this defense within a couple years. They could be a good team. They could be a really, really good team because they already have a couple core pieces and it all comes down to nail in the pick 14. Like do you get a pro bowl level guy or you just get like okay starter and we'll find out. I guess we won't know in a couple months, but we'll know in a couple years, which is not the business I'm in. We'll be talking about it the whole time. But that this is the NFL's fun trades are fun. Did these last, you know, from DJ Moore to Trent McDuffie to Max Crosby to hopefully Jalen Carter and AJ Brown. Sign me up for this stuff. Speaking of trades, potentially, Jalen Carter. When the headline came out that they had extended Jordan Davis, I went, whoa. Because there had been some rumors on the old interweb of the other Raiders or excuse me, the Eagles.

28:01You know, are they going to pay 40, 45 million to Jalen Carter, who clearly is one of the most talented players in the league. Just like, ah, not quite comfortable doing that. And then they extend Jordan Davis. And you go, would they be better off if they're uncomfortable doing this, giving Jordan Davis and Jalik's hunt a bunch of money and getting two players. They feel good about on and off the field. Then one of the biggest wild cards in the league. And then there have been some stories that Jeremy Fowler who is not the combine super nice guy reported they're already getting calls about Jalen Carter. Here's what I would tell you. If you are an opposing general manager and you were talking to how he rose been on the phone about Jalen Carter, hang up the phone. You should not be interested in acquiring Jalen Carter. Because you tell me it's one thing if you can't afford a player. That's why Khalil Mack was traded once upon a time. The Raiders did not have the financial wear with all to give him the contract.

29:02The Bears did that they couldn't give him the signing bonus. It was a financial situation. It had nothing to do with the player or the person. It was 100% money. Well, I know money's not an issue with the Eagles. Their owner fucking gives it out like it's growing on trees. So you go is how he'd not into sweet defensive lineman. Well, that's definitely not the case. Never forget he fell to nine for a reason. He was the best player in his draft by a country mile. We've seen him when he's healthy on the field. He is a dominant NFL player. So why wouldn't they resign him? Rudd. Do you have big dom? Do you have four or five Georgia defenders on your team? That played with him in college? Because if you don't, you should not be interested. It's really that simple. And if how he is able to unload Jalen Carter for a haul? He is, he's truly one of the great general managers in the history of the league.

30:02And I get it, talent trumps all. But these teams, I just think most of these teams would have no shot with the infrastructure to handle what they'd be getting in business with, especially given that part of trading for him, which would not be cheap, you know, in terms of draft capital, would then force you to give him a historic NFL contract. So I, I, I just think that some of these teams, if he's able to offload them, that should tell you everything you need to know. It really should. I mean, look, look at what the Eagles do. When you're good, they retain you. I mean, obviously, if they draft you, lane Johnson, Kelsey, Devonte Smith, you know, Jordan Davis, they will Quinn and Mitchell and Cooper to Jean will both get big contracts. If they sign you as a free agent and then you're sweet, like the linebackers act bond immediately give you a sweet extension,

31:04sake one, Barclay, give you throw more money at you as a thank you. They take care of their guys that ball. So if they are open to trading you and you're balling, man, red flag. Some stories coming out right now, because Travis Kelsey is a free agent for the first time, a true free agent, like going to free agency in his career, that he is going to talk to multiple teams. And I talked to Colin about this. The NFL is very difficult. It's a salary cap league, even when you have legendary players, like Ronnie Lot did not finish his career on the Joe Montana, Tom Brady. Peyton Manning was cut. The NFL, the Seattle L.O.B. led by Sherman, that crew, are still bitter about the way it all ended. Like, guys, welcome to the NFL. Like that's just kind of the way it goes. Most people do not go out like John L. Way,

32:04you know, on the stage, winning his back-to-back Super Bowl in retire. That's not usually the way it works. Usually people play on another team. That's the way sports work. It's very, very rare for a guy to just run it out. Michael Jordan played on the Wizards. So Travis is not only going to get his number retired one day in Kansas City. He along with my homes and Andy Reed and Chris Jones, like these guys are going to get like statues. But he's one of the most legendary figures on the field in the prime of his career in the history of the league. I think he's the greatest pass catching tight end I've ever seen. And big game player. He's just, he's the ultimate winner. But there comes a point. We saw this. It's different because Cam hasn't had the same level of success. But Cam Jordan missed two games and 15 years for the New Orleans Saints. Two games and 15 years. He's given him everything he's had on and off the field from a leadership standpoint. Team captain standpoint, production standpoint.

33:06Comes a point in time like listen. We appreciate everything you've done. But we got to move in a different direction. And I think the chiefs, it's one of those like listen Travis. Here's our number, which is going to sound like a, you know, a slight to you, right? Three, four, five million dollars, which we basically know you're going to say no to. So of essentially what you do is like, you almost don't even offer him a contract. And I do think that Travis, one team that makes a ton of, if I was a betting man right now, a team that I'd be stunned if he not only is, you know, there was a story today that at the start of free agency or the tampering period in the middle of Monday, you are allowed to have five zooms. Because before you could just talk to the agent and negotiate the contract, but you couldn't talk to the player until the free agency officially started a couple of days later. You're allowed to do up to five total zooms with players. So you can get your head coach, your GM, your coordinators,

34:08and zoom a guy, almost like a pitch meeting like you would do in college. One team to me that makes a ton of sense is the New York Giants. They have a young core of offensive guys, quarterback, wide receiver, running back. You bring in a guy with pelts on the wall rings on his finger who knows the offensive coordinator. Naggy is known this guy since he was drafted and then spent the last however many years around him, you know, winning these suitables. So the coordinator knows who's calling the offense. The head coach really, really values championship mentality, championship habits. One thing about Kelsey is a fantastic practice player. To me, if you're the Giants, like, is it worth overpaying? Now, it's a little risky for Kelsey, right? You're going to a team that's not guaranteed to be good next year, especially if there are talented teams like playoff contenders or teams that are locked to be in the playoffs that are interested in your services, like what if the charges call?

35:09And you're like, hey, I could live in LA. Play with golf, play with Harba. But I do think New York, especially if you factor in, right, Taylor has an operation there. I think she lives there. Technically, when you have a jet as big as hers, you can, it's like, I just drove two hours somewhere. That'd be the equivalent of me flying from Scottsdale to Dallas. So it's like, when you have jets, you driving three or four hours is no different than me hopping in the planning going across the country. Like, we're operating at different levels. And we're not caring about the fake tree planning thing that Kauai invested in. We're just hopping in that jet and doing another fuck we want to do. And I think that Travis and the New York Giants make a lot of sense. Now, I do wonder if some of the good teams would be interested, but usually the good teams, you don't have as much money to deal with. There are price points on how much you can spend. Some of the teams with a lot of cap space, even like a Seattle. And I was like, are you going to give Travis Kelsey $2,000,000 or something?

36:10Probably not. Would Travis want to go live in Seattle? A little doubtful. I mean, let's face it. It's kind of a celebrity. He's kind of like, you know, famous NBA players, like the market kind of matters. That's where I think the Giants make a ton of sense. And if I was a betting man, I have no inside information. I would say if Travis Kelsey is not a chief, which I kind of don't expect him to be a chief, I would expect him to be on the New York Giants. And I also, listen, it's not like Vich or Andy would ask advice for me. I just think it's time. And that's sometimes just time to move on. And it's hard. It's not easy. But it's, when you get to the point, like, you have to make tough financial decisions. And this is a tough financial decision given that his play is not quite the same. And I also think sometimes with an older player, when you go somewhere new, it's no different than an individual like myself or yourself listening to this, you can get kind of stuck in a rut. Even if you're having a lot of success in a job and a profession,

37:11life can become kind of monotonous, right? You ever change a job, do get a new role. It kind of sparks a fire of just creativity, of passion, of just like ambition. I don't even know how to quite describe it, but there's like an edge brought back to you that sometimes can leave you after a while. And I think it's no different with players, especially older players that get to go to a new spot. It's like, hell yeah. Almost like I get to prove people wrong all over again. And if I was on Travis's side, I'd be like, now we got to be careful about where we pick. I wouldn't just go play for the Arizona Cardinals or Seattle, not the Seattle Seahawks, but I think they're going to be very brand conscious of putting in like, he's not going to play for the Minnesota Vikings, right? There's certain markets is like he ain't going there. Would he go to the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants? Like you can kind of see there's be some spots like, I can see that. I don't picture him going to like the Atlanta Falcons, you know?

38:13And these are no shots at any of these individual teams, but we just got to be real. I mean, there's probably a small, small list of organizations that he would even retained, you know, playing at. And listen, he's, you know, if you're just listing the free agents, he's not one of the top guys. And this is not some class that is great, right? Who's the best free agent in this class? Tyler Lindemom? I saw some lists with Daniel Jones like a top five. If Daniel Jones a top five free agent in a given class, it's a bad class. It is a Kenneth Walker excellent end of the season. Like he's had a meh career. You know, when I see some of these people, like you're going to give them 13, 14 million dollars a year. Pretty risky. It's pretty risky. Now maybe he's gotten over the hump and he's going to be a good player for the next several years. But there were some years you watch Kenneth Walker, like this is the guy that I loved at Michigan State. This is that guy. What's going on here? Can I tell you about my friends at Quince, a well built wardrobe is about pieces that work together

39:16and hold up over time. I've known as I've aged. I've needed to get some stuff that, you know, I can wear to a high level event that I can wear to a nice dinner with my wife. Look at me. I'm wearing a cashmere sweater. If you would have told me that five years ago, I never would have believed you. But that's where my friends at Quince comes in. Because they work directly with factories and they cut out the middleman. So you're not paying for brand markup just quality clothing. Everything is built to hold up to a daily wear and still good season after season. This is going to last me for years. I really like it. I'm going to take the San Francisco for the Super Bowl. So here's the thing. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to quince.com slash three and out for free shipping on your first order in 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E. .com slash the number three and out. Free shipping in 365 day returns. Quince.com slash three and out.

40:16Life moves fast. Work, family, friends, weekend plans. And somewhere in between, you find the moments that really matter. That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. It's not just about where you're headed. It's about who's beside you from early mornings to late nights. From pack schedules to spontaneous adventures. The Toyota RAV4 is built for real life. Whether you're heading to a game, meeting friends for a watch party or chasing the next big moment. It gives you the space and comfort to enjoy the ride no matter what the day brings. When people are the destination, ordinary drives become shared memories. Learn more at Toyota.com and find the vehicle that fits your people. Today's podcast is brought to you by Ferguson Home. Whether you're a homeowner creating your dream space or a pro managing multiple projects. Ferguson Home is where it all comes together. Ferguson Home is designed for the way you want to shop. Experience today's top products by brands like KitchenAid, First Hand, by Visiting a Ferguson Home Showroom.

41:16Where you'll explore stunning displays featuring today's latest products and innovations or browse their extended selection of products online. Ferguson Home understands that every project is made up of countless decisions. And that's why their expert consultants are committed to helping homeowners, builders, contractors, and designers bring all the details together. You can count on support from them start to finish. From choosing the right products to coordinating deliveries with your project schedule. Book a one-on-one consultation at your local Ferguson Home Showroom or shop online at FergusonHome.com. Whether you're working on a new kitchen, a new bathroom, or a whole home remodel. You'll find the latest designs and technologies from the brands you trust at Ferguson Home. Hey, this is Lovarianton here from Up on Game. This message is brought to you by AppleCard. AppleCard members can earn unlimited daily cash back on everyday purchases wherever they shop. This means you could be earning daily cash on just about anything, like a slice of pizza from your local pizza place or a latte from the corner coffee shop.

42:18Apply for AppleCard in the wallet app to see your credit limit offer in minutes. Subjected credit approval, AppleCard issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City branch, terms, and more at AppleCard.com. In last but not least, these guys, Linda Mom, Alec Pierce, whoever, Max Crosby, we're all, listen, who our parents are in when we're born as clearly out of our control. But there has never, ever, been a better time to play in the NFL. Forever, even like 10 years ago, it was like, God, you know, the NFL might be more popular, but look how much more of these basketball and baseball players make. And obviously, you know, we got Kyle, Kyle Tucker, make it $60 million a year with player options after year two. And the NBA money is just funny money. Now granted, there are only 12 guys on a roster,

43:20and only five guys on the court, and really only two guys on a team that matter. And if you're an individual that does matter, your level of importance is such a outweigh so many other guys on the roster that you make an absorbent amount of money. Forever is like these NFL guys are way underpaid compared to these other guys. Now we're going to see some of these quarterbacks over the life of their career make $450, $600 million. Right? Derek Carrer, who knows if he's going to unretired, come out, made $200 million playing quarterback in the NFL, $200 million. Kirk Cousins made over $300 million. Now, they were the quarterbacks, but what about the other players? Khalil Mac just got a one year, $18 million contract for the Chargers. So I was like, you know what? How much Khalil Mac made in his NFL career? I would have guessed like $150 million. And I googled it like, what did JJ watt making his career? Cause Hall of Fame level guy, great player. It's kind of a pretty big contract at the end of his career with the Cardinals.

44:22JJ watt made $130 million, which don't get me wrong. Is an astronomical amount of money. Khalil Mac at the end of this year, and listen, if he stays healthy, he's gonna get another contract at the end of this year. We'll have made almost $220 million. Now, Brandon, he's played Illinois, and he's played in California, and he's played at California again. He's played Nitex, so it's not like he's pocketed all this money. But he's made a lot of money playing defensive end and pass rusher in the NFL. And these guys now at these premium positions, pass rusher, you know, Max Crosby, when it's all said and done, he was a late round pick. So those first several years, he didn't make any money, but he's 28 years old right now, for example, Khalil's 35. If you assume that Max Crosby can maintain a high level play till he's Khalil's age, he'll make $250 million. So the timing of being a good player, Khalil Mac, pretty sure, there's a little off the cuff here. I didn't do my research on this one.

45:23I don't think he's ever want to play off, okay? Didn't obviously didn't win one with the Raiders. The weird Derek got hurt they lost. When a couple times in Chicago, they never won one, right? The one year of the doink and then a couple years later, they were at eight and eight team and lost. And it's Chargers career. They have not won a playoff game because Herbert, it's right, it's one of the main talking points. He's been terrible in the playoffs. They haven't done anything. Well, you look at Khalil Mac, you go, that's incredible. Now granted, football, lots out of, listen, Max Crosby's a winning player. It's not his fault that he's played with a bunch of scrubs. You know, lots out of your, this is a basketball, where you can be LeBron James, even your playing with scrubs in the prime of your career. Your team's going to win 50 games. But I just, some of the money getting thrown around, and you're going to see this, like, the center. Historically, getting a guard or center, you wouldn't, unless they're like an all-time great player, you wouldn't give a huge contract, too,

46:24because it was easy to find those guys. You could always find a Kelsey, he's best case scenario. But a guy like that in the fifth round, a good guard in the sixth, a random, you know, seven-year starter in the fourth. That has become a lot more difficult with the spread offices in college, with the transfer portal. It is much more difficult to find guards and centers who are going to translate to the NFL, which I think has led to a lot of guys once they established their decent NFL players, getting overpaid in free agency. I mean, last year the 49ers let Aaron Banks, the guard from Notre Dame, who had been, you know, he had started the whole time. I think he was pretty marginal at best. Get a big contract from the Packers. I was like, God, that's pretty bold. And I think a year in, they clearly regret that deal. So, but you gotta be aggressive. And that's part of free agency, is you typically have to pay a tax, right? A premium to acquire a player in free agency.

47:26This is back to the Crosby thing. Well, why do you have to do that? Because typically you have multiple teams bidding on a guy's services. Right, if I said, hey, is the 10th pick in the draft? And whoever has the 10th pick, the 11th pick, and the 12th pick, all have access to that 10th pick. And whoever wants an individual player can get the 10th pick. They just have to give up other ones of their picks in the draft. Well, teams would get aggressive and be like, hey, we'll give, we really want this guy 10. We're willing to give up our 4th round pick to make sure we get him a 10. If we have to bid against these other two teams, because we all get this slot. But when you just have to pick, and you don't have to bid against anybody, you can just pick wherever you want. It's no different when you're negotiating with a guy and extending him early on your team. Well, some guys have the balls and the nut sack and the agent to kind of convince them, like, hold out for a couple more years, and get you the biggest contract in history league.

48:27Or the team throws, hey, listen, yeah, that could go that way. Or in the middle of the season, you could shatter a limb, never be the same, never play in the NFL again. I'm currently offering you $78 million guaranteed. And total value of a contract worth $130 million. And if things go well, more likely you will see every penny of this contract. Or we'll negotiate in a couple of years, and extend the thing again. So listen, I know you're a third round pick. I know you've banked $2.5 million in your career. We're offering you close to $80 million the moment you put pen to paper. So if you got the stones to hold out a couple of years to maybe make that number be 105, you got balls, kid. But if you want to do business, we're willing to do business right now and make you the richest man in the history of your family. And a guy that, you know, set yourself up and your kids up for life,

49:28which I always push back against now having a child. You know, it's not like my dad left me a big pot of gold. But if he did, like let's just say my dad had been some super rich guy, it just left me $50 million when he died. What I've been doing this right now, would I be working on a Sunday afternoon while my eight week olds inside, my wife's just hanging out, like eating some snacks, watching TV, or would I be in there with them? So I never quite understand of like this generational wealth to give my kids, you're just gonna give your kids a bunch of free money. It's always, it's like a little pet peeve of mine because everyone celebrates it on social media. Like isn't part of it, but then they also like crushing nepotism. Like don't we want to teach our family members, or our children, like the proper way to, you know, be ambitious to go your own path. You just give people free money. Fuck, why do you do anything? I've never quite understood that. But when you're making this much money, it's like you can spend it all on a lifetime so you're gonna give a bunch of your kids. And if you have pretty good financial advisors

50:29and the market keeps ripping over the course the next 20, 30 years, you're gonna make that decent amount of money, which is a lot of money, into a lot more money. But fascinating times. It's one thing that's always stood out to me because the media, who in a weird way, like hates business, right, like politically, like they're on the side, very anti-business, anti-big money people, yet anytime that an athlete makes like some huge deals, like generational wealth for this guy and his family. So you're just telling me, like his great-grandkids are gonna have to do dick. Like they're just, what are they gonna contribute to society? Just sitting at home, caching their dividends. You know, like, is that good? That's just random rant. But it's something that is really kind of, I've noticed this for a long time. It's always stuck out to me and I've always wondered, uh, listen, I wouldn't have turned down if my dad would have been like, you know, before I, before I passed down, I just want to let you know, get $75 million

51:29with Billy at Wells Fargo. So just, you go to, you go tomorrow and it's, it's all yours. I don't know, like, damn. Thanks. But I'll promise you this. I probably wouldn't have done much since. Right? I would, some of these guys that have made, just, I mean, especially basketball or baseball, like, what are they gonna do with it all? What are their children gonna do? Listen, I've seen Tom talk about this. You know, Tom clearly grew up like his dad was a successful businessman, but I don't think he was multi-millionaire as a kid. It's like, you know, it's a challenge raising my children, trying to teach them to kind of be normal humans in society when they just, all they know is like, they don't know what Southwest or American Airlines is. They won't know what that is. Think about that. You just don't know what American Airlines is. It'll humble you, right? When I was flying back from the combine and I missed my flight and had to like, change the next flight and they threw me on the back of the bird.

52:30I'm in the middle, middle seat with two smelly kind of, one guy's kind of fat. I'm like, oh, I'm like, oh my god, I'm hungover. I haven't slept. But sometimes, you gotta just put a little shock to the system. Like, John, just don't get fat and happy here, buddy. This is, this is it, baby. Ah, NFL free agency. It's here. Let's go. The volume. The best moments aren't always about where you're going. They're about, who's with you on the way? That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. The Toyota RAV4 is built for busy days and spontaneous plans. From practice runs, the last minute road trips and everything in between. With space, comfort, and flexibility, it helps turn every day drives into quality time. Because when the right people are riding with you, every trip matters. Learn more at toyota.com and find the vehicle that fits your people. This is Sophie Cunningham

53:31from Show Me Something. Okay. ArtBreeze just casually pulled up with the deal that feels a little too good. I've got this new meat and three box for $7.99 and honestly, it's stacked with Arby's quality favorites in a way that feels kind of ridiculous for that price. Here's what you're getting inside. You pick one sandwich, the classic roast beef, the crispy chicken sandwich, or the crispy fish sandwich. Then it just keeps going because also comes with melty mozzarella sticks, crispy curly fries, and a peach collar roll, which is a little sweet treat and so good. And you get a small drink to round it all out. So yeah, it's called meat and three, but you're actually getting five items all for only $7.99. Pick the sandwich you want, make it your own, and get it your way. Available for a limited time at participating locations while supplies last. Prices may vary, get your meat and three box at any Arby's near you today. Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT&T or T-Mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in, run in, pogo, stick in, teleport if you can. Right on the back of a rollerblading yacker, fly in on the wings

54:31of a majestic Falcon. Any way you can, bring your AT&T or T-Mobile bill to a Verizon store today. And we'll give you a better deal on the best network. Based on root metrics, best overall mobile network performance, US 2nd, half 2025, all rights reserved. Must provide a very recent post-paid consumer mobile bill and the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. At CVS, it matters that we're not just in your community, but that we're part of it. It matters that we're here for you when you need us. Day or night. And we want everyone to feel welcomed. And rewarded. It matters that CVS is here to fill your prescriptions. And here to fill your craving for a tasty and, yeah, healthy snack. At CVS, we're proud to serve your community. Because we believe where you get your medicine matters. So visit us at CVS.com or just come by our store. We can't wait to meet you. Store ours very by location. This is an I Heart Podcast. Guaranteed Human.