The Spotrac Podcast

Get even more connected to the finances in professional sports as we dive deeper into contracts, salaries, & the cap payrolls of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and more!

Jonathan Taylor's Looming Trade, Dalvin & Zeke's Breakdowns, & NFL Starter Average Salaries

Jonathan Taylor's Looming Trade, Dalvin & Zeke's Breakdowns, & NFL Starter Average Salaries

August 21, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the recent signings of Dalvin Cook to the Jets & Ezekiel Elliott to the Pats, then brings into focus potential trade compensation, likely destinations, & extension possibilities for Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts. Then, a numbers-driven discussion about just how big the QB position has become. 

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Evaluating Wide Receiver Contracts for Fantasy Purposes Plus Dalvin & Zeke's Landing Spots

Evaluating Wide Receiver Contracts for Fantasy Purposes Plus Dalvin & Zeke's Landing Spots

August 16, 2023

Dan Soemann discusses a few notable Wide Receivers who either received a contract or are in the process of looking for one, from a Fantasy Football perspective. Then, contractual & fantasy ramifications for Dalvin Cook to the Jets & Ezekiel Elliott to the Patriots.

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Evaluating the 10 Largest MLB Free Agent Contracts from 2023

Evaluating the 10 Largest MLB Free Agent Contracts from 2023

August 14, 2023

Dan Soemann & Mike Ginnitti evaluate the 10 Largest Contracts signed this past MLB Free Agency, including breakout discussions about how each fit in their respective team's immediate & long term future. 

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Evaluating Running Back Contracts for Fantasy Purposes & Assessing the Latest NFL Franchise Valuations

Evaluating Running Back Contracts for Fantasy Purposes & Assessing the Latest NFL Franchise Valuations

August 9, 2023

Dan Soemann discusses a few notable Running Backs who either received a contract or are in the process of looking for one, from a Fantasy Football perspective. Then, Scott Allen updates us on the latest NFL Franchise Valuation figures from Sportico, including biggest risers/fallers, where things may be headed, and just how high the Dallas Cowboys have soared to.

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NFL Quarterback Contract Tiers, Women's World Cup Financials, & the College Football Chaos

NFL Quarterback Contract Tiers, Women's World Cup Financials, & the College Football Chaos

August 7, 2023

Sportico's Emily Caron joins to discuss the financial outcomes for each USWNT player based on their early World Cup exit, the semantics of the USA Soccer CBA, & her thoughts on where this continued College Football shake up is taking us. Plus, Dan Soemann & Mike Ginnitti discuss some of the greatest hits from Spotrac's 2023 Quarterback Contract Tiers.

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A 2023 MLB Trade Deadline Full Recap

A 2023 MLB Trade Deadline Full Recap

August 3, 2023

Dan Soemann joins to discuss a variety of moves from the MLB deadline, including notable players who changed teams, a few who didn't, how the divisions now break down post deadline, & of course, the continuation of the Mets "pay-to-purge" plan.

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Jonathan Taylor Escalates the Running Back Convo & Max Scherzer Leaves the Mets

Jonathan Taylor Escalates the Running Back Convo & Max Scherzer Leaves the Mets

July 31, 2023

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann revisit the Running Back money conversation, which was escalated to a whole new level thanks to public comments from the Colts, Taylor, & his agent over the weekend. Plus, the Mets continue their "acceptance of failure" in 2023, moving SP Max Scherzer to the Rangers in the latest blockbuster trade.

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Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, Tight Ends vs Running Backs, & a MLB Draft Recap

Aaron Rodgers, Justin Herbert, Tight Ends vs Running Backs, & a MLB Draft Recap

July 27, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details a surprising restructured contract for Aaron Rodgers, a blockbuster extension for Justin Herbert, & why Cole Kmet's deal should be a warning shot to NFL Running Backs across the league. Plus, an MLB Draft Financial Recap with Dan Soemann.

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5 NFL Players Who Need to be Extended & MLB Sellers & Deadline Candidates

5 NFL Players Who Need to be Extended & MLB Sellers & Deadline Candidates

July 24, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details Jimmy Garoppolo's contract post-physical, Nyheim Hines' season-ending injury in Buffalo & 5 NFL players who deserve a contract extension right now. Plus, with the MLB Trade Deadline just a week away, a dive into definitive sellers & a few dozen names on the block.

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A Franchise Tag Recap & 5 Things Keith Smith Learned this NBA Offseason

A Franchise Tag Recap & 5 Things Keith Smith Learned this NBA Offseason

July 19, 2023

Mike Ginnitti recaps a somber franchise tag extension deadline for the running back position, including where things go next for Saquon Barkley & Josh Jacobs. Then, fresh off a Summer League appearance, Keith Smith joins to break down 5 things he's learned this NBA Offseason.

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Hopkins' Choice, Mixon's Paycut, Recent NFL Extensions & the Messi Contract

Hopkins' Choice, Mixon's Paycut, Recent NFL Extensions & the Messi Contract

July 16, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details Joe Mixon's multi-year pay cut in Cincy (1:26), Quinnen Williams' extension with the Jets (5:12), Evan Engram's last minute extension in Jacksonville (6:43), and DeAndre Hopkins' $26M free agent contract with the Titans (10:00). Plus, the build up, importance, components, & future implications of Lionel Messi's MLS deal in Miami (17:40).

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NBA No Trade Clauses & NFL Extension Projections

NBA No Trade Clauses & NFL Extension Projections

July 13, 2023

Mike Ginnitti breaks down his projections for summer contract extensions of Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Chris Jones, Saquon Barkley, & Justin Jefferson. Plus, a brief history of the NBA Trade Clause, and why it's been rendered moot in the current financial landscape.

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Projecting Justin Herbert's Extension & MLB Midseason Stat Leaders

Projecting Justin Herbert's Extension & MLB Midseason Stat Leaders

July 10, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details thoughts, projections, & predictions surrounding the ongoing contract extension between QB Justin Herbert & the Los Angeles Chargers. Then, Dan Soemann joins to discuss MLB's Midseason Stat Leaders, their financial statuses, & how their efforts may be rewarded in the coming weeks and months.

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Midseason Contract Awards & an MLB Draft Primer

Midseason Contract Awards & an MLB Draft Primer

July 6, 2023

Mike Ginnitti hands out a few Midseason MLB Contract Awards including recent free agent signings, contract extensions, & a few next ups. Plus, Dan Soemann joins to discuss the ins and outs of MLB's upcoming draft, including bonus slot manipulation, the college discount, positional variances & plenty more.

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NBA Pre-Agency Phase 1 & a Big Summer for the Bengals

NBA Pre-Agency Phase 1 & a Big Summer for the Bengals

July 3, 2023

Mike Ginnitti recaps a few notable NBA deals from the weekend, including the Lakers running it back, Milwaukee's top heavy financials, the state of the Warriors, & why Memphis could be playing the long game. Plus, the Cincinnati Bengals have a QB1 and WR2 to extend, and an RB1 with a contract they no longer want on their books.

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Keith Smith's NBA Financial Primer

Keith Smith's NBA Financial Primer

June 28, 2023

Keith Smith joins to offer up a master class on the NBA Salary Cap (6:00), Player Cap Holds (8:53), Spotrac's Practical Cap Space (14:18), Rookie Contracts & the Cap (18:35), Various Trade Rules (27:20), NBA Exceptions 101 (37:25), The Cap Floor (47:45), New CBA Rules (52:50), Restricted Free Agency (56:45), & his Free Agent Breadwinner Projection (1:03:13).

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5 Notable NFL Team Offseason Conversations

5 Notable NFL Team Offseason Conversations

June 25, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the crossed wires currently sending mixed signals from the LA Rams, a potential "not enough" situation for the NY Giants, a mis-prioritization by the Detroit Lions, a sneaky smooth Miami Dolphins setup, & despite plenty of outside noise - why the Cleveland Browns should be poised to pounce.

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A Justin Jefferson Extension, 2024 QB Stability, & Celtics Trade 2.0

A Justin Jefferson Extension, 2024 QB Stability, & Celtics Trade 2.0

June 22, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details an expected outcome for Minnesota Vikings' star WR Justin Jefferson's rookie contract extension. Plus quick confidence test for each NFL QB1, & dive into the overnight blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, & Memphis Grizzlies.

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Beal to the Suns, Chris Paul's Trade Ramifications, Plus 5 More Tradable NBA Stars & NBA Contracts

Beal to the Suns, Chris Paul's Trade Ramifications, Plus 5 More Tradable NBA Stars & NBA Contracts

June 19, 2023

Detailing Bradley Beal's unofficial trade to the Suns, including what it means for Chris Paul, Phoenix, & Washington. Plus, 5 more superstars who could be on the move, and 5 NBA contracts that probably should be.

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MLB Buyers, Sellers, Surprises, & Trade Candidates

MLB Buyers, Sellers, Surprises, & Trade Candidates

June 14, 2023

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann dive into the looming MLB Trade Deadline, detailing 2023's biggest positive & negative surprise teams, which are heading toward buying, a few slam dunk sellers, & notable candidates to be moved in the coming weeks. Plus, are the Mets stuck in mud, how should the Angels be operating for the next 4 months, and which young team should push the gas pedal down to the floor.

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Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook & the Running Back Money Conversation

Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook & the Running Back Money Conversation

June 12, 2023

Mike Ginnitti dives into Saquon Barkley's recent statement regarding a holdout from his unsigned franchise tag, Josh Jacobs' eerily quiet unsigned status, Dalvin Cook's venture into free agency, and the larger conversation surrounding value, term, & multi-year guarantee for this squashed running back position.

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The Merger, Jacob deGrom, & Best NFL Divisional Bets

The Merger, Jacob deGrom, & Best NFL Divisional Bets

June 7, 2023

Dan Soemann joins the show to identify where value currently exists in betting NFL Divisional winners, including a few long shot teams who could be in the mix down the stretch. Plus, making early sense of the PGA/LIV merger, its exclusive financial backing, & where things may be headed from here. And, Jacob deGrom's elbow surgery is a costly loss for the Texas Rangers both on the field, and in the books.

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NBA Finals, Ed Oliver, NFL Stadiums, the Oakland A's & Question Mark Contracts

NBA Finals, Ed Oliver, NFL Stadiums, the Oakland A's & Question Mark Contracts

June 5, 2023

Mike Ginnitti offers a little analysis & betting advice for the currently locked up NBA Finals matchup. Plus, a little clarity surrounding Ed Oliver's surprise extension in Buffalo, comparing construction/public funding costs for recently built NFL stadiums as the Bills break ground in Orchard Park. Potential new developments in the $56M Oakland A's future, & question mark contracts from each NFL team.

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Post June 1st Designations, the Arizona Cardinals, & Deandre Hopkins

Post June 1st Designations, the Arizona Cardinals, & Deandre Hopkins

June 1, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the 6 NFL teams set to gain cap space thanks to their respective Post June 1st Designated releases, including how both 2023 & 2024 have been impacted. Plus, the March Arizona Cardinals & the May Arizona Cardinals appear to be two different franchises, so where is this team headed in 2023 & beyond? And, Deandre Hopkins is officially a free agent, and the big sharks are circling him. What kind of contract is to be expected in the coming days?

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Top NBA Free Agents, Austin Reaves, & the Lakers' Offseason

Top NBA Free Agents, Austin Reaves, & the Lakers' Offseason

May 25, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the latest evidence of financial struggles at the running back position, as Austin Ekeler's push for a new contract was converted into earnable incentives. Then, Keith Smith joins to break down his Top 10 NBA Free Agents to be, what's next for the Lakers, & more specifically, what's next for Austin Reaves?

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PGA Payouts, Aaron Hicks, & NFL's Best Available Free Agents

PGA Payouts, Aaron Hicks, & NFL's Best Available Free Agents

May 22, 2023

PGA Championship Payouts, Aaron Hicks' ousting from New York, an undrafted free agent recap, and the Best Available NFL Free Agents remaining this summer.

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Analyzing MLB at the Quarter Turn

Analyzing MLB at the Quarter Turn

May 19, 2023

With MLB now at the quarter turn, Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann evaluate notable free agent contracts, extensions & trades from this winter. Plus, detailing potential award candidates, Top Payroll Playoff possibilities, & a few surprises thus far.

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Future Thoughts on Harden, Morant, the Warriors & More

Future Thoughts on Harden, Morant, the Warriors & More

May 15, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details James Harden's pending player option/free agency, Ja Morant's (5:50) looming suspension, & a Warriors offseason (7:42) that may not be as explosive as currently advertised. Plus NBA Draft Lottery Odds (16:53), notable MLB Free Agents (24:34), & Matt Ryan's career earnings (28:07) as he heads into the CBS booth.

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A Mahomes Restructure, Jordan Love's Extension, & All-NBA Contract Ramifications

A Mahomes Restructure, Jordan Love's Extension, & All-NBA Contract Ramifications

May 11, 2023

With new contracts for Jalen Hurts & Lamar Jackson now on the books, the Kansas City Chiefs haven't been shy about their intent to make good on what has been a cash-friendly Patrick Mahomes deal. Our thoughts on what changes may be coming to his current contract. Plus, breaking down Jordan Love's win-win deal in Green Bay, and which NBA players are set to cash in with All-NBA selections under their belt.

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Breaking Down Lamar Jackson's Blockbuster Contract

Breaking Down Lamar Jackson's Blockbuster Contract

May 7, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the 5 year, $260M contract for Lamar Jackson, including guarantee structure, potential out scenarios, & plenty more. Plus, a MLB Payroll vs. Win Percentage update, and an MLB Luxury Tax snapshot breakdown.

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NFL 5th-Year Option Analysis & an NBA Update with Keith Smith

NFL 5th-Year Option Analysis & an NBA Update with Keith Smith

May 3, 2023

Keith Smith joins to discuss offseason plans for the Bucks, Cavaliers, & Kings, plus the future of Dillon Brooks. Also, notable notes from an NFL 5th-Year option deadline that brought us the most declined salaries ever.

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Notable NFL Draft Picks, the Compensatory Process, & Steph Curry Legend

Notable NFL Draft Picks, the Compensatory Process, & Steph Curry Legend

May 1, 2023

Mike Ginnitti discusses Steph Curry's historic Game 7, and his eye-popping financial future. Plus, the compensatory draft pick system is still a worthy process, but are there ways the NFL can be proactive in improving it? And, notable "Best Fit" NFL draft picks from the weekend that was.

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Early Lamar Contract & 1st Round Draft Thoughts

Early Lamar Contract & 1st Round Draft Thoughts

April 28, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details notable storylines, positional decisions, & rookie financials from a strong NFL Draft 1st Round, including roster construction thoughts on the Texans & Falcons. Plus, Lamar Jackson's multi-year extension is finally here - but full details are not. Initial thoughts on the reported terms, and a "wishlist" for what the structure should look like.

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Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, & the Top MLB Contract Per Franchise

Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, & the Top MLB Contract Per Franchise

April 26, 2023

Finally. Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers, & the New York Jets have agreed to terms on a trade that will send the 39-year-old to the AFC. But in doing so, Rodgers has signed a revised contract (1:00) that throws another loop into the the equation. Plus, analysis on the official Jalen Hurts contract numbers (18:30), and a look at each MLB team's highest total value contract (35:50) in history.

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#1 Overall NFL Picks, QB Selection Trends, & Draft Pools

#1 Overall NFL Picks, QB Selection Trends, & Draft Pools

April 24, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details the NFL's pas few #1 overall picks with projections for what the 2023 rookie contracts will account for. Plus, QB Selection Trends, hold that thought on Draft Pools & an historic start to MLB Run Differentials.

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Bumgarner, Oakland, & the All-Free Agent MLB Roster

Bumgarner, Oakland, & the All-Free Agent MLB Roster

April 20, 2023

Despite $34M remaining on his contract, Madison Bumgarner's tenure in Arizona is over, and apparently the Athletics time in Oakland is soon to follow suit. Plus, our All-Soon-to-be-Free-Agent MLB Roster, current award favorites, and future dives into the Blue Jays & Brewers.

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The Jalen Hurts Contract & More Potential NFL Extensions

The Jalen Hurts Contract & More Potential NFL Extensions

April 17, 2023

The Eagles made good on their promise, locking in QB Jalen Hurts to a 5 year, $255M extension this morning. We dive into the early reported numbers, how they compare across the league and an update on guarantee rankings among QBs. Plus, 9 other NFL players who should be in line for a new deal in the coming weeks.

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6 NFL Offseason Questions

6 NFL Offseason Questions

April 12, 2023

The Seahawks' (1:47) thought enough of Geno Smith's 2022 to offer him a multi-year extension. Where do they go from here? The Giants (11:32) limped into the postseason, but pushed themselves into the Divisional Round behind Daniel Jones, who will now earn $82M over the next two seasons. Was a 1-year tag for Jones the smarter move? Plus, Odell Beckham Jr.'s contract (17:46) means? Which Wide Receivers (24:00) could be moved in the coming weeks? How will the #3 overall pick (30:03) be handled? And Saquon Barkley's (39:50) franchise tag staring contest. 

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NBA MVP Candidates, Payroll Efficiency, & Playoff Notables

NBA MVP Candidates, Payroll Efficiency, & Playoff Notables

April 10, 2023

Recapping Embiid, Jokic, & Giannis' regular seasons, top seed contention probabilities, & notable playoff storylines. Plus, did the Pay-to-Play trend hold up, is the Play-In round here to stay, why the NBA remains as healthy as ever.

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DL Money, Scary MLB Deals, Opening Day Payrolls, & the Next NBA CBA

DL Money, Scary MLB Deals, Opening Day Payrolls, & the Next NBA CBA

April 8, 2023

A surging market for interior defensive linemen (0:20), and a few of the NFL's best available free agents (11:39). Plus, notably scary MLB contracts heading into the 2023 season (18:10), a clearer look at Opening Day MLB payrolls (35:16), and a few greatest reported hits from the NBA's Next CBA (37:25). 

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The 2023 MLB Season Preview

The 2023 MLB Season Preview

March 29, 2023

Payrolls versus Playoffs (1:10), Best & Worst of the Offseason (8:00), Division Favorites (20:50), Sleeper Contenders, Season Long Prop Bets (51:20), Opening Day Starting Pitchers (1:10:50), & plenty more.

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Lamar's Trade Request & Notable NFL Adds & Subtractions

Lamar's Trade Request & Notable NFL Adds & Subtractions

March 27, 2023

The Secret's Out. Lamar Jackson has been trying to get out of Baltimore for a month now. Will the Ravens comply? Plus, with the NFL League Year now two weeks deep, a dive into notable adds, subtractions & sound GM work across the league.

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5 NBA Next Contracts & Mike Trout vs Shohei Ohtani

5 NBA Next Contracts & Mike Trout vs Shohei Ohtani

March 22, 2023

Keith Smith joins to detail 5 NBA players we should be focused on down the stretch as their next big payday looms. Plus, (36:40) Dan Soemann's thoughts on the 2023 Los Angeles Angels, the Year of Shohei Ohtani, and potential Mike Trout fallout going forward.

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Top NFL Spenders, Inactive Teams, & Best Available Free Agents

Top NFL Spenders, Inactive Teams, & Best Available Free Agents

March 20, 2023

Mike Ginnitti breaks down which NFL teams are spending coin this offseason thus far, and why a few teams (Baltimore, Buffalo, Jacksonville) are still sitting on their hands one week later. Plus, a deep dive into the best available players still remaining on the NFL big board.

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Early NFL Offseason Numbers, Trades, Signings, &. MLB Franchise Valuations

Early NFL Offseason Numbers, Trades, Signings, &. MLB Franchise Valuations

March 16, 2023

Mike Ginnitti details a few early returns from the 2023 NFL Offseason, including notable numbers (16:10), trades (24:30) , signings (37:45) , & the Aaron Rodgers Leverage conversation (1:00). Plus, Scott Allen & Dan Soemann detail Sportico's latest MLB Franchise valuations (44:32).

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Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Derek Carr, Daron Payne, & Deshaun's Conversion

Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Derek Carr, Daron Payne, & Deshaun's Conversion

March 13, 2023

Mike Ginnitti breaks down a massive cap conversion to Deshaun Watson's contract (0:50), & breakdowns of now official deals for Daniel Jones (11:56), Geno Smith (17:11), Derek Carr (25:56), & Daron Payne (30:15)

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Franchise Tagee Finanical Futures

Franchise Tagee Finanical Futures

March 8, 2023

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann detail the tag status and financial futures of Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Evan Engram, & Daron Payne, including potential extension values and/or trade scenarios.

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Cowboys Construction, Baltimore's Lamar Era, Contracts for Daniel Jones & Geno Smith

Cowboys Construction, Baltimore's Lamar Era, Contracts for Daniel Jones & Geno Smith

March 5, 2023

The Dallas Cowboys (1:55) are finding it difficult to stay competitive with Dak Prescott's contract in tow. Our dive into how they got here - both good and bad. Plus, putting a few facts & figures into the notion that the Baltimore Ravens (32:40) didn't do enough to give Lamar Jackson the ultimate opportunity in his 5-year run. And, logical contracts (50:10) for QBs Daniel Jones & Geno Smith.

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Upcoming NFL Releases & Notable Extension Candidates

Upcoming NFL Releases & Notable Extension Candidates

March 2, 2023

With Cap Casualty season in full force, a quick dive into ramifications for players already reported to be on their way out as team's maneuver to become cap compliant by March 15th. Plus, a run through notable contract extension candidates across the league this offseason.

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Rams Dead Cash, A Defensive Free Agency, & Machado's Opt Out Prize

Rams Dead Cash, A Defensive Free Agency, & Machado's Opt Out Prize

February 27, 2023

Les Snead isn't shying about paying good players to go away. He's primed to do it again with Bobby Wagner (and possibly Jalen Ramsey). Plus if you're a team looking for defensive help this spring, free agency is for you. And, Manny Machado's latest extension puts a ribbon on why MLB superstars should all bet on themselves.

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