The Spotrac Podcast

NFL Tag Candidates & a Salary Cap 101 Primer

With the NFL tag window upon us a dive into a dozen or so players rumored to be in consideration, including the financial ramifications for each. Plus, understanding the Top 51 salary cap, restructures, dead cap, draft pools & more.

Philly Sports, MLB Rule Changes & Contenders with Hembo

ESPN's Paul Hembekides joins to discuss his beloved Philly sports losses, including what kind of sustainability the Eagles & Phillies may have going forward. Plus, are the usual MLB contenders trending that way again, and which Rule Changes are we most looking forward to this season.

What's Next for the Chiefs, Eagles, & Derek Carr?

Mike Ginnitti details the big offseason question marks for the Kansas City Chiefs (0:53) & Philadelphia Eagles (20:25), including how they can open up cap space, notable free agents, potential extensions, and roster bubble players. Plus, Derek Carr's (32:28) pending release from the Raiders means he'll hit the open market this week. What kind of contract can he expect to land this time around?

The NBA Trade Deadline & a Chiefs, Eagles Breakdown

Scott Allen joins to break down his favorite transactions from another wild NBA Trade deadline (31:05), including tax implications for certain teams, questions still to be answered, and of course - Kevin Durant in Phoenix. Plus, a Super Bowl Sunday primer, breaking down the current & future financials & free agents for the Chiefs and Eagles.

Kyrie's Trade & Value with Keith Smith, MLB Contract Extension Candidates

Keith Smith (4:18) breaks down the Kyrie Irving trade, including what it means for his next contract, Brooklyn's future, & Dallas' all-in mode. Plus, notable MLB players (29:20) who may be eyeing a contract extension in the coming weeks or month, their value, &. predictions for where it all ends up.

Spotrac's Market Value System & Top Projections, Kyrie Irving to Dallas

A quick dive into the calculation and thought process behind Spotrac's Market Value system (2:50), including what our numbers should represent, and what factors objectively drive the actual cost up or down in many cases. Plus, our top currently projected NFL players for 2023 (19:00), & detailing the Kyrie Irving trade to the Dallas Mavericks (29:20)

NFL Best Values, Brady Retires & Myles Turner's Unique Extension

Keith Smith (29:37) details a unique midseason, declining, restructured extension for Indiana Pacers big-man Myles Turner. Plus, Spotrac's Best Value NFL Roster (1:02) from the 2022 season, & the Financial History of Tom Brady (14:58).

The Mahomes Contract & Offseason Outlooks for the Bengals & Niners

Patrick Mahomes' contract remains a 1 of 1, but there are elements of it that should be strongly considered by the Cincinnati Bengals as they head toward the offseason of Joe Burrow's Extension. What the Burrow deal (15:06) & other offseason decisions may look like, plus, (37:50) what questions lie with the 49ers heading toward March?

The Super Bowl QB Cap Conversation

Mike Ginnitti & Scott Allen discuss the longstanding trending that exists for starting QBs in the Super Bowl, and their respective salary cap number for that season. How does 2022 stack up in this regard? Will rising QB contracts buck this trend? How should roster construction for contenders be conducted with these figures in mind?

Offseason Outlooks for the Bills, Cowboys, Giants, & Jaguars

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann discuss team needs, salary cap projections, potential extension & cut candidates, & general thoughts for the Bills, Cowboys, Giants, & Jaguars this offseason.

A Potential 49ers Quarterback Conundrum

Offseason Questions for the Chargers, Dolphins, Ravens, Seahawks, & Vikings

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann dive into what might be next financially speaking & from a roster construction standpoint for the Chargers, Dolphins, Ravens, Seahawks, & Vikings.

Chris Koras on the Rafael Devers Deal & Keith Smith's NBA Trade Primer

Chris Koras, CEO of Rep 1 Baseball, joins (28:15) to break down the facts, figures, timeline, & stories that culminated to a $313.5M extension for Boston Red Sox 3rd Baseman Rafael Devers. Plus, it's NBA Trade Deadline season and Keith Smith (1:54) has names, teams, & predictions.

NFC Playoff Team Analysis, the Packers/Rodgers Future Discussion, & Carlos Correa to the Twins

Mike Ginnitti details the past, present, & future storylines for each of the NFC playoff teams. Then, a roundtable discussion surrounding the financial & football futures for Aaron Rodgers & the Packers organization as a whole. Plus, Carlos Correa spurs the Mets for a $200M guarantee from the Minnesota Twins.

AFC Playoff Team Analysis & Best Available MLB Free Agents

Mike Ginnitti details the cash rankings, projected 2023 cap space, & storylines of past, present, & future for each of the 7 AFC Playoff teams. Plus, now two months deep, a look into the best available players yet to be signed in MLB free agency, including projected destinations for each.

Devers, Correa, Soccer Drama, & Running Back Analysis

Dan Soemann joins to discuss a new mega deal for Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, and the current status of Carlos Correa's potential contract with the Mets. Plus, the Men's U.S. Soccer team is currently a reality show, and our NFL Offseason Financial Series continues with a dive into the Running Back position.

Spotrac's 2022 Year End Review

A roundtable discussion about the Top Earning Players, the Most Viewed Teams, and our Year End Awards highlighting a few favorite Extensions, Free Agent Contracts, Trades, & Financial Storylines from the 2022 that was.

The 2023 Quarterback Money Episode

Dan Soemann & Mike Ginnitti discuss the financial futures for a few notable quarterback controversies heading into 2023, including Geno Smith & the Seahawks, Daniel Jones & the Giants, & Baker Mayfield and the Rams. Plus, the way forward for Indy, Atlanta, Carolina, & plenty more.

More Mets Money & the NFL Pro Bowl Rosters Financially

Mike Ginnitti breaks down notable finances surrounding the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl rosters, including pending free agents, a few extra bonuses, & a huge showing from the highest paid players. Plus, are you old enough to remember Carlos Correa's tenure in San Francisco? Another Mets money bomb this offseason brings their 2023 finances up to $500M.

World Cup Money, MLB Updates, Anthony Davis' Injury, & Ovechkin's 800

Argentina (3:40) won a lot more than just a trophy in their thrilling World Cup defeat of France this weekend. Plus, Dansby Swanson (17:35)to the Cubs puts a dagger in MLB's major free agent contracts, but plenty of teams still have work to do. And, Anthony Davis' injury (43:30) slows a good run of Lakers basketball, while Alex Ovechkin (52:10) thankfully brings Wayne Gretzky's career numbers back into mainstream conversation.

More Long MLB Contracts, Best Available Free Agents, & NBA Franchise Valuations

Scott Allen discusses the latest NBA franchise valuations from Sportico, including a new #1 at the top of the list. Plus, Dan Soemann on another lengthy MLB contract for Carlos Correa, and the financial construct that brings superstar players and tax-conscious teams to settle for self-detonating deals.

The Money Mets, MLB's Tax Problem, & Re-Grading 2022 NFL Contracts

Mike Ginnitti assesses the early "hit-rate" for notable NFL contracts signed this past year, & what long-term effects could surface in light of them. Plus, the Mets are posting contract & tax payroll numbers never before seen in MLB. Where they project, how it compares, & why their spending isn't MLB's problem - and never has been.

Aaron Judge Returns & More MLB Offseason Analysis

Aaron Judge returns to the Yankees on a $360M contract through 2031, putting the largest puzzle piece of the MLB offseason in place. Dan Soemann & Mike Ginnitti break down the ripple effects of this deal, Trea Turner's splash in Philly, a few teams with work still to do, & predictions on where the remaining best available players may land.

Garoppolo's Future, Pending Bengals' Extensions, & deGrom's Blockbuster Move

Jimmy Garoppolo's season came crashing to a halt by a season-ending broken foot. Will his chances to cash in also be squandered? Plus, a statement win for the Bengals (9:38) puts their financial future in focus, as extensions for Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, & Ja'Marr Chase are on the horizon. And, Jacob deGrom (30:34) signed a blockbuster 5 year, $185M contract with Texas. What it means for the rest of the free agent market.

The Financial Futures of Aaron Rodgers & the Rams

Mike Ginnitti details the guarantee & stability of 10 notable Los Angeles Rams contracts, including a few that could be on notice next March, despite being signed just a few months earlier. Plus, Aaron Rodgers (28:35) has never been boring, and his contract will keep him that way for a few more years - no matter where he's playing.

The Top 2023 NFL Free Agents, & Predicting Contracts & Destinations for MLB's Best

Mike Ginnitti details the top 3 free agents at each NFL position, including potential price points for all. Plus, as MLB's Winter Meetings approach, an on-the-record prediction of total contract value & destination for 15 of baseball's best free agents still available.

The Dodgers Curious Offseason, Verlander vs deGrom, & Big Men in Basketball

Dan Soemann breaks down the current needs & potential additions to a Dodgers roster that is dealing with more turnover than usual, plus the likely paydays for Justin Verlander & Jacob deGrom. Then, Keith Smith assesses the future of Myles Turner & other big men that could be on the move this season.

2023 NFL Cap Space & Recent MLB Movement

Mike Ginnitti recaps the latest in MLB's offseason, including a few trades, even fewer signings, & notable non-tenders from the past week of business. Plus, a look ahead to the 2023 NFL Salary Cap, including a projected league threshold, teams with the most and fewest Top 51 space, and a few players no longer on the "roster bubble".

MLB Qualifying Offer Recaps, NBA Payroll Analysis, & Floundering Franchises

Mike Ginnitti recaps the MLB Qualifying Offer decisions, including projected contracts for the 12 players who declined. Plus, the NBA has always been a pay-to-play league. Is 2022-23 any different early on? And what's to become of the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, & Timberwolves vapid starts.

A Week 10 NFL Extension Candidate Roster & MLB 40-Man Protections

Mike Ginnitti details an extension candidate from every NFL position, including a potential price-point for each. Plus, the looming MLB 40-Man roster protection deadline could spur a few early trades, Edwin Diaz's contract breakdown, & the Ohtani Declaration.

The NFL Midseason Transaction Awards

Our midseason choices for Best Drafted Players, Free Agent Signings, Extensions, Trades, Business Decisions, & Calculated Valuations as the NFL heads toward Week 10. Plus, some new bells & whistles for this year's MLB offseason data.

Astros & Phillies Futures, a Mets' Splash, & a Potential Hard Salary Cap in the NBA

Keith Smith & Scott Allen join to discuss the reported possibility of a hard salary cap threshold in the NBA starting in 2024-25. Plus, are the Houston Astros primed to remain atop the American League next season, and how the Phillies can take that next step in the National League. And, the Mets struck early, handing out the largest relief pitchers contract in MLB history.

Recapping the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann recap a wild NFL trade deadline that saw a record 10 moves hit the books. Which teams are all-in? Which moves carry the most financial impact? Plus, the Phillies took the upper hand in the World Series thanks to 5 home runs, and some good ole fashioned dugout spying.

Looming Questions for the Packers & Raiders plus Last-Minute NFL Trade Candidates

The Packers lost their 4th straight game this weekend, putting their 2022 season - and potentially a hell of a lot more - in question. How will the Aaron Rodgers contract impact the direction of this organization going forward? Plus, despite an expensive offseason the Raiders continue to slide backwards. Are they stuck with this current roster for the foreseeable future? And, which NFL trade candidates are most likely to move in the next 24 hours?

The World Series & MLB Offseason with Hembo, Not Tanking for a QB, & NFL Buyers/Sellers

ESPN's Paul Hembekides joins to discuss his Phillies improbable run through the MLB postseason, a few notable storylines for the upcoming offseason, & how successful this baseball season was from an overall standpoint. Plus, NFL Buyers & Sellers as the trade deadline approaches, and the cost to NOT tank for a QB in the NFL is staggering. 

The 49ers & McCaffrey Plus Offseason Thoughts on the Yankees & Padres

Dan Soemann joins to break down a crucial winter for the New York Yankees, who stare down two very different paths: one with, & one without Aaron Judge. Plus, the Padres flip the switch to offseason mode with an eye on starting pitching, a potential Soto extension, & a $230M+ tax payroll. And, all of the facts & figures surrounding Christian McCaffrey's trade to the Niners. 

NFL Best Value Players & Teams, & the Dodgers' Looming Offseason

Mike Ginnitti highlights the best value NFL players & teams at the one-third turn of the 2022 season, including a few notable "busts" to start the year as well. Plus, the Dodgers' surprising early exit from the MLB Postseason vaults them into an offseason that carries big question marks, and big potential pay days.

NFL Trade Candidates, the Kyler Murray Mistake, & Warriors Tax Hell

New extensions for Jordan Poole & Andrew Wiggins vault the Golden State Warriors finances into uncharted territory. Our thoughts on the new deals, and their potential impact on other Warriors with close to expiring contracts. Plus, the rumors are already buzzing around the NFL's November 1st trade deadline. Our look at a few notable candidates across the league. And, Kyler Murray's contract didn't need to happen this way - or at all.

The 2022 NBA Preview with Keith Smith

(17:23) Keith Smith joins to break down the NBA offseason, give his thoughts on players & teams to watch for, tie up some loose ends, & project a few "what ifs" as well. Plus, (1:50) how financially healthy are the 8 remaining MLB teams?

What's Next for the Mets, the 2023 Bills, Justin Tucker, Aroldis Chapman, a Cardinal Send Off & Divisional Series Thoughts

The Mets' Wildcard series elimination sends them into an offseason that could be more difficult than the previous 8 months of competing were. With 4 out of 5 starters, their 3 notable bullpen arms and their leadoff hitter all in need of a new contract, are the 100 win Mets done? Plus, a deep dive into the 2023 Buffalo Bills, Justin Tucker's career (and misusage) in Baltimore, a final send off for 3 notable Cardinals, a not so pleasant send off for Aroldis Chapman, & thoughts surrounding the Divisional Series matchups.

Russell Wilson & the Broncos, & MLB Postseason Picks

To say that Russell Wilson's first five weeks in Denver have gone swimmingly would be quite incorrect. Our thoughts on how why Denver is off to this slow start(maybe even why) his new contract plays out, & where the Broncos go from here. Plus, thoughts picks, predictions, & best bets for MLB's Postseason.

MLB Playoff Money, Top Offseason Options, & Question Mark QBs

Mike Ginnitti details the Best NFL Values through 4 weeks, plus a few financial updates for QBs with Question Marks. Plus, MLB Postseason Payroll breakdowns, the Hottest Teams down the stretch, & the Top Contract Option players heading into the offseason.

Expiring NFLers, Ohtani's Future, Herro's Extension, & the Repeat Braves?

Plenty of players heading toward the open market are shining through the first almost quarter of the NFL season. Plus, (8:26) did the Braves do enough this offseason/deadline to repeat? What Shohei Ohtani's (21:50) historic arbitration salary means for he and the Angel's future. And, Tyler Herro (33:55) gets his Heat extension.

Valuing Aaron Judge & Unanswered NBA Questions

Dan Soemann joins to discuss the process in evaluating Aaron Judge as he nears free agency, plus a cast of other power hitters closing in on paydays. And, a dive into unanswered NBA questions about the Warriors, Lakers, Nets, Sixers, & 2019 rookies.

An NFL Round Up, the Guardians Division, Pujols' Swan Song, & Extensions in MLB & the NBA

Injuries will dominate the Week 3 headlines, but a few teams are starting to trend strongly in one direction or the other. Plus, the Cleveland Guardians overachieved, Albert Pujols continues to achieve, & new extensions for Luis Castillo & C.J. McCollum. 

Early NFL & Late MLB Team Confidence Assessment

Mike Ginnitti & Dan Soemann discuss how the MLB season is closing out from a numbers standpoint, thoughts on where the money could fall in the postseason, and potential sleeper teams for 2023. Plus, assessing confidence in the Top 5 DVOA teams, & Quarterbacks nearing their first big pay day. Plus, Nathan Mackinnon, Roger Federer, Mike Evans, & recent retirements.

The Goods, Bads, & Uglys in Sports this Weekend

From Trey Lance to Jimmy Garoppolo, from Christian Kirk to the Arizona Cardinals, from Aaron Judge to the Atlanta Braves, & plenty more storylines on the positive or negative side of sports right now.

NFL Roster Bubbles & MLB's Rule Changes

Dan Soemann joins to discuss the laundry list of rule changes coming to MLB in 2023, including larger bases, a pitch clock, pickoff limits, & plenty more. Plus, teasing Spotrac's first edition of 2023 NFL Roster Bubble players as the season gets off the ground.

Assessing New Team, New Contract NFL Players & College Coaching Money

Mike Ginnitti offers immediate reaction to NFL players on new teams or new contracts this season, plus contract breakdowns for Darren Waller, Dawson Knox, Jordan Poyer, & Quenton Nelson, & a dive into the never boring world of CFB Coach Contracts & Buyouts.

NFL Free Agent Sleepers, Betting on the Bills, & Future Designated Rookies?

Mike Ginnitti, Dan Soemann, & Scott Allen roundtable notable NFL free agent signings that could be sleeping giants in 2022, plus how the last 10 Super Bowl winners have ranked in terms of spending, dead cap, & preseason odds, and should Lamar Jackson's situation hint at a need for a "Derrick Rose Rule" in the NFL?