The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

The salary cap, uncapped

<p>Even the most plugged-in, tunnel-visioned, 99th percentile football fan can turn into an ineffectual puddle of nothingness when trying to explain the salary cap. And yet, we all understand that the cap plays a huge part in how teams are build and championships are won. So how can we untangle the complexities of the cap? Well, we can start by talking to an expert. Former agent and current CBS Sports contributor Joel Corry, who's major negotiations include John Randle's deal in 1998 and Patrick Surtain's deal in 2005, joins Robert Mays to uncap the mysteries of the salary cap on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Joel Corry</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Joel on X: @corryjoel</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFC QB supporting cast rankings

<p>If the AFC is defined by the league's superstar quarterbacks, then the NFC is where the meticulously constructed offenses and elite playcallers can be found. That means the exercise of ranking the supporting casts in the NFC is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, we've got Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen at our disposal. The pair ranks the NFC's supporting casts from worst to first on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag Monday: A shifting of the QB age cliff, a longer leash for GMs, and a new occupant of the Derek Carr line

<p>Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Michael Beller went back out to the TAFS mailbox and found another stack of great letters. On this edition of the Mailbag, Robert and Derrik answer questions on the possibility of the QB age cliff shifting (in the wrong direction), whether GMs should get a longer leash before losing their jobs, their ideal—and financially feasible—offensive lines, the new occupant of the Derek Carr Line, and much more.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

AFC QB supporting cast rankings

<p>The NFL is a quarterback driven league, there's no doubt about it. But do the Eagles win the Super Bowl last year without their offensive line? Do the Chiefs establish a dynasty without Andy Reid? Are the Rams and Bengals playing in Super Bowl LVI without Cooper Kupp, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? The supporting casts around quarterbacks matter, too. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen rank the supporting casts in the AFC on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>1:25 Intro</p><p>7:10 Jets</p><p>11:02 Patriots</p><p>15:06 Browns</p><p>18:56 Titans</p><p>22:23 Texans</p><p>29:21 Chargers</p><p>34:34 Steelers</p><p>38:32 Jaguars</p><p>43:06 Dolphins</p><p>48:43 Raiders</p><p>54:00 Colts</p><p>59:01 Chiefs</p><p>1:04:42 Bills</p><p>1:08:50 Broncos</p><p>1:09:46 Bengals</p><p>1:12:46 Back to the Broncos!</p><p>1:16:17 Ravens</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lingering questions, episode 3: The Chiefs' lack of explosiveness, Baker Mayfield's late-20s breakout, and the 49ers' relative slide on offense

<p>We're into June, and we've still got Lingering Questions about the 2024 season that will inform how the coming season goes. On this edition, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen ask, and attempt to answer, the following...Are explosives ever coming back to the Chiefs offense? Is Baker Mayfield's late-20s breakout for real? How much of the Niners' relative slide on offense was about more than injuries?</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>5:34 Are explosives ever coming back to the Chiefs offense?</p><p>25:50 Is Baker Mayfield's late-20s breakout for real?</p><p>44:48 How much of the Niners' relative slide on offense was about more than injuries?</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

League-altering moves, GMing an expansion team, the end of bad quarterbacks, and more from the TAFS mailbag

<p>The mailbag shifts to Wednesday this week, but it's still chock full of great questions from all of you out there. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen consider each of the following: What are the most consequential league-altering moves of the last 10 years? Which failed head coach was hurt most by his quarterback situation? Could we soon be in a world without bad quarterbacks? Find out the guys answers to those questions, and many more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers, Jaire Alexander released, and more from OTAs

<p>The league's most faux-uncertain quarterback question finally got its long-expected answer last week when Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers officially agreed to terms on a one-year contract. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin their roundup of all the news that dropped during OTAs on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss Frank Ragnow's retirement, the Packers' release of Jaire Alexander, Anthony Richardson's shoulder injury, Mike Macdonald's incredulity, and a whole lot more.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:33 Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers</p><p>15:13 Packers release Jaire Alexander</p><p>23:34 Jalen Ramsey trade still hanging out there</p><p>26:54 Frank Ragnow retires</p><p>36:54 Terry McLaurin's frustrated with his contract status</p><p>39:44 Anthony Richardson sidelined for minicamp with shoulder injury</p><p>45:51 Bryce Huff traded to 49ers</p><p>49:34 Nick Chubb signs with Texans</p><p>51:06 Rashod Bateman signs extension with Ravens</p><p>54:17 Jonnu Smith trade chatter</p><p>55:39 Saints OL shakeup</p><p>58:30 Ricky Pearsall and Joey Bosa out until training camp with injuries</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Defensive players set to make a leap in 2025

<p>Whenever a player makes a leap—whether that's bad to average, average to good, good to great, or great to elite—it can change his team. Just think of guys like Zack Baun and Derek Stingley last season. Who might make a leap this year akin to what those two did in 2024? Derrik Klassen and Diante Lee from The Ringer highlight their top defensive breakout players on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><p>Daiyan Henley</p><p>Edgerrin Cooper</p><p>Nate Wiggins</p><p>Laiatu Latu</p><p>Kobie Turner</p><p>Brian Branch</p><p>Will Anderson</p><p>Cooper DeJean</p><p>Honorable mention</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Diante Lee</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Diante on Bluesky: @diantelee.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Diante on X: @DianteLeeFB</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Fantasy winners and losers from the 2025 NFL offseason

<p>June is here, and with June comes all things summer. Sunshine, trips to the pool, cookouts...and fantasy football. That's right, fantasy football season is upon us, and we're celebrating that on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Michael Beller sits in once again for the vacationing Robert Mays, and he's joined by Jake Ciely, The Athletic's senior fantasy writer, to dig into the biggest moves of the offseason from a fantasy perspective.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller and Jake Ciely</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Jake on Bluesky: @allinkid.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Jake on X: @allinkid</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Monday Mailbag: Frankenstein's NFL team owner, the Colts' path at quarterback, Jonathan Gannon's Cardinals, and more

<p>How does one determine what is or isn't a successful move in free agency? Which teams could surprise us this year by ending up with top-10 play callers on both sides of the ball? How should we feel about the Jonathan Gannon era in Arizona thus far? Those are just three of the questions Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen get into on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Plus, the guys answer an email of the year candidate weighing the pros and cons of potential fictitious owners.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones highlights the NFL's QB battles

<p>We've got some honest-to-goodness quarterback battles to look forward to this summer, a few of which have real stakes for their teams and the league at large. Derrik Klassen, Mike Sando and Michael Beller dig into those battles—including the Colts, Giants, Saints, Browns and Steelers—and also touch on a few QB situations that aren't battles but they're still watching closely on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller and Mike Sando</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Sando on Bluesky: @sandonfl.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Sando on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Offseason Buy or Sell: The Contenders

<p>We've arrived at our fourth and final episode in the Offseason Buy or Sell series, and this is the big one. Seven of the eight teams that played in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season are in this episode, and the eighth is a perennial contender that was ravaged by injury in 2024? So did the Rams, Commanders, Lions, Ravens, Bills and Chiefs do enough to win, say, another game or two in January of this coming season? Can the 49ers get back on track? Did the Eagles do enough to protect their crown?&nbsp;Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen make buy or sell calls on those eight teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Monday Mailbag: Player/team personality fits, Justin Jefferson's unique traits, the outlook for an all-rookie team, and more

<p>We're digging into the mailbag on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. This time around, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackle questions on how a team made up entirely of rookies would fare in the NFL, how the original Antonio Brown/Raiders trade affected the league, what makes Justin Jefferson so special, and a whole lot more.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lingering questions, episode 2: Bryce Young's turnaround, the Chargers' talent, the Seahawks' defense's breakout

<p>Bryce Young put himself on the right track in the second half of last season. The Chargers shortcomings in 2024 owed to a lack of talent. The Seahawks defense is primed for a breakout in 2025. That's all true, right? Right?!? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer three more of last season's lingering questions on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Offseason Buy or Sell: The Playoff Hopefuls

<p>Seven of the eight teams in this edition of Offseason Buy or Sell made the playoffs last year, and the one that didn't, the Bengals, had one of the best offenses in the league. In other words, each of these teams goes into this season with realistic playoff hopes, and some of them are harboring even bigger dreams than that. So how do we feel about what they all did this offseason? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen make buy or sell calls on the Steelers, Vikings, Bengals, Buccaneers, Packers, Broncos, Texans and Chargers on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Monday Mailbag: Best second sports for NFL players, the meaning of 'scheme,' BYO team brain trust, and more

<p>Ever wonder what would be the most beneficial second sport for a future NFL player to play on their way to the league? Ever think about how you'd build your own team brain trust if you couldn't poach anyone currently in the job? Ever consider which current coach could've gotten the most out of Jay Cutler? Good news, this edition of the TAFS mailbag is for you! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer each of those questions, and a whole bunch more.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lingering questions, part 1: The Titans offensive infrastructure, Jordan Love's missing leap, and Marvin Harrison Jr.'s rookie season

<p>There's only so much time to indulge our curiosities during the NFL season. What that means is that a number of questions we have in the moment go unexamined because we have to, you know, pay attention to the games that are actually happening. May and June, though? That's when we can let our minds wander. And that's exactly what we're going to do in our Lingering Questions series on The Athletic Football Show. In episode one of the series, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen ask and answer the following questions: What sort of offensive infrastructure is Cam Ward getting dropped into in Tennessee? Why didn't Jordan Love make the leap in 2024? Why did Marvin Harrison Jr. fall short of expectations in his rookie season?</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Trey Hendrickson seizes the narrative

<p>The impasse between Trey Hedrickson and the Bengals took its most bizarre turn yet on Tuesday when the star pass rusher staged an impromptu press conference on the practice field at the team's facility during OTAs. The Athletic's Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. was there, and he joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to discuss exactly what happened, how it all transpired, how things got to this point, and, ultimately, where it all goes from here.</p><br><p>Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Paul Dehner Jr.</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Paul on Bluesky: @pauldehnerjr.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Paul on X: @pauldehnerjr</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Offseason Buy or Sell: The NFL's Middle Class

<p>The next step up the Offseason Buy or Sell ladder takes us to the NFL's middle class. These are teams that oddsmakers project to be right around .500. In other words, these teams harbor realistic playoff aspirations, but there's path for all of them that leads to picking in the top 10 of the 2026 draft. This group includes the Colts, Jaguars, Cowboys, Seahawks, Falcons, Cardinals, Bears and Dolphins. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen make buy or sell calls on each of their offseasons on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Colts</li><li>Jaguars</li><li>Cowboys</li><li>Seahawks</li><li>Falcons</li><li>Cardinals</li><li>Bears</li><li>Dolphins</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Monday Mailbag: The best QB who could get traded, changes in Detroit, Travis Hunter's usage, and more

<p>The mail carrier came knocking and yet again brought us more than our fair share of great questions. Which successful team of the last five years is most realistic for current bottom-feeders to replicate? Are the Steelers still an elite franchise? Why doesn't Sean McDermott get as much respect as Kyle Shanahan? Which quarterback is the best who, in theory, could get traded? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Michael Beller answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Michael Beller</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The George Pickens trade and the pass-catcher landscape

<p>The George Pickens trade (mostly) brought to an end a busy offseason movement period for wide receivers. Davante Adams, D.K. Metcalf, Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, and Christian Kirk all find themselves on new teams. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin and Metcalf all signed big extensions. Ten receivers, including Travis Hunter, were selected in the first 70 picks of the NFL Draft, and reliable veterans like DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Lockett and Josh Palmer also found new homes. What's the state of the wide receiver landscape after all that movement? Which groups improved the most? Which ones have us a bit concerned? And which ones are we sneaky excited to watch this season? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen run that full route tree on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Cold Takes Revisited

<p>Almost every take comes scorching hot, right out of the oven. Some of them get cold awfully fast. But the good news about those cold takes is that we can learn a thing or two from them! So, what did our cold takes from 2024 teach us about the NFL and the way we think about it? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig back in the shadowy past and bring it to light on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><ul> <li>The Jaguars are a playoff-quality team</li> <li>The Texans offense is elite</li> <li>Giants over Broncos and Commanders in the Wins Pool</li> <li>Everything about the Commanders</li> <li>Missing on the Eagles and Vikings defense</li> <li>Buying Jerod Mayo and the Patriots defense</li> <li>More pass-catchers is always good! (Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen additions)</li> <li>Where was our 49ers doubt?</li></ul></ul><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Offseason Buy or Sell: Teams in Transition

<p>With the 2025 NFL Draft firmly in the rear-view mirror, we are now in full-on offseason mode on The Athletic Football Show. With that comes one of our favorite offseason staples...are we buying or selling what each of the 32 teams did to improve their teams for the 2025 season? We start the series with what we're calling the Teams in Transition, which includes the Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots, Jets, Raiders, Saints and Panthers. Do we buy or sell what those teams have done since the Super Bowl? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen make their calls on those eight teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul> <li>Titans</li> <li>Browns</li> <li>Giants</li> <li>Patriots</li> <li>Jets</li> <li>Raiders</li> <li>Saints</li> <li>Panthers</li></ul><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Draft fallout and James Cook's future lead the return of the TAFS mailbag

<p>The draft is over, which means Mailbag Mondays are back! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackle questions about quarterbacks improving their accuracy, the most electric recent draft moments, James Cook's future in Buffalo and more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul> <li>Which teams bet in the draft on their ability to develop players?</li> <li>Are the Steelers the most unlikely team to win a SB in the next five years</li> <li>How easy is it for a QB to improve accuracy?</li> <li>Which past draft moments would you have wanted to cover live?</li> <li>What will Titans do with Will Levis?</li> <li>Is pass rush success with smaller pass rushers sustainable?</li> <li>Was the Falcons draft really that bad?</li> <li>Is Cam Ward the most valuable pick of the draft?</li> <li>Are we seeing new positions being prioritized in the draft?</li> <li>Making sense of late-round trades</li> <li>What to make of Washington pivoting to win-now</li> <li>Should the Bills work to retain James Cook right now?</li> <li>How many quarterabcks would be elite with the Eagles? How many teams can Patrick Mahomes make elite?</li></ul><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Biggest questions remaining after the draft

<p>The coaching carousel has stopped spinning. The free agency frenzy is in the rear-view mirror. The 2025 NFL Draft is done. All 32 teams as currently constructed are essentially what they are going to be when they take the field in Week 1. So what are the weightiest questions we still have? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen ask, and try to answer, those questions on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><ul> <li>Who's going to catch passes for the Cowboys?</li> <li>Is the Bills pass-catcher anxiety warranted?</li> <li>Is the Cardinals OL good enough to get them where they want to go?</li> <li>Did Houston do enough on defense to stay the course?</li> <li>Who plays QB for the Steelers in 2025</li> <li>The Panthers didn't draft a corner, and didn't take a safety until the fourth round....ummmm, what?</li> <li>How soon do we see Tyler Shough starting for the Saints?</li> <li>Sneaky teams we're excited to watch in 2025</li> <li>Do any of the veteran trade candidates get moved?</li> <li>What happens with the veteran free agents and contract extension candidates?</li> <li>What are the Vikings going to do in the secondary?</li> <li>Lingering team-specific needs</li></ul></ul><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The messages teams sent in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Field Yates

<p>Teams can lie to us before the draft. They can obfuscate. They can mislead. Once the draft arrives, though, they have to tell the truth. So what messages did teams send once they finally had to put their money where their mouth is? Robert Mays and Field Yates from ESPN discuss the messages teams sent in the 2025 NFL Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul> <li>Bills</li> <li>Steelers</li> <li>A quick Giants tangent</li> <li>Raiders</li> <li>Cardinals</li> <li>Patriots</li> <li>49ers</li> <li>Dolphins</li> <li>Titans</li> <li>Packers</li></ul><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Field Yates</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dane on Bluesky: @fieldyates.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Field on X: @FieldYates</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

2025 NFL Draft day three recap and overall takeaways

<p>And that's a wrap on the 2025 NFL Draft. Who did good work on day three? Who did good work the entire weekend? Why did the Browns go back to the quarterback well to grab Shedeur Sanders? Which teams had good plans, and which ones surprised us? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dane on Bluesky: @danebrugler.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

2025 NFL Draft second and third round recap

<p>The second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft are in the books, and the first half of our draft story is all but complete. Who were our favorite picks on day two? Where were the surprises? Which teams came away with the best hauls across the first three rounds? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler answer those questions, and more, as they put a capstone on The Athletic Football Show's live coverage of the 2025 NFL Draft.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">⁠Apple⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">⁠Spotify⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dane on Bluesky: @danebrugler.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

2025 NFL Draft first round recap + best day two picks

<p>The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. What were our favorite picks? What were the biggest surprises. Who do we feel different about because of his landing spot. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, Dane Brugler and Bruce Feldman answer those questions, and also take a look ahead to night two, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Favorite picks of the night</li><li>Biggest surprises</li><li>Biggest head-scratchers</li><li>Best fits</li><li>The guys you see differently because of where he landed</li><li>The best players remaining going into night two</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dane Brugler and Bruce Feldman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dane on Bluesky: @danebrugler.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Bruce on Bluesky: @brucefeldmancfb.bsky.socil</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Follow Bruce on X: @BruceFeldmanCFB</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Biggest remaining questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft

<p>Friends, the 2025 NFL Draft has arrived. All our questions will finally be answered. But, for the time being, we still have questions! How many quarterbacks will go in the first round? Who, if anyone, will make a big move up the board? How will the receiver and corner positions shake out? Will any veteran players get traded? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler ask the questions that still have them flummoxed on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>All things quarterback</li><li>Who makes the move for Ashton Jeanty?</li><li>Who's going to be the trade-up team?</li><li>How high do the toolsy pass rushers go?</li><li>Are <em>both </em>tight ends really gonna go <em>that </em>high?</li><li>How do the receivers shake out?</li><li>How does corner shake out?</li><li>Veteran player trades</li><li>Does the league buy these interior offensive linemen?</li><li>What do the 49ers want to be on defense?</li><li>Who's the back-half-of-the-first-round surprise pick?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dane on Bluesky: @danebrugler.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>