The Spotrac Podcast

#324: NFL Offense & Defense Spending, Juan Soto's Financial Future, & the Rays Winning Ways

Breaking down the facts & figures of Juan Soto's historic second half season, & what it means for him financially, while his team begins to rebuild. Plus, the Tampa Bay Rays prove yet again that you can't buy AL East Championships. Our look at just how impressive their last 3 years have been. And, quick thoughts on the top and bottom NFL Offensive & Defensive spenders.

#323: Building a Super Bowl Contender in 2022

#322: Evaluating Quarterbacks, Edge Rushers, & the 30+ NFL Player

Mike Ginnitti analyzes updated valuations for contract-needy QBs, including where Matthew Stafford & Derek Carr should fall in line soon. Plus, Chandler Jones appears to be the next 30+ edge rusher to hit the open market. How players at ALL positions are finding rough waters in this age bracket.

#321: NFL Franchise Valuations & NBA Rookie Extensions

Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen joins to discuss his most recently published 2021 NFL Franchise Valuations, including his process, how gambling has moved the needle, and why certain teams saw major increases over last year's numbers. Plus, Keith Smith breaks down his recent piece analyzing every first round pick from the 2018 NBA draft with a potential extension prediction for each. And, the clock on Ben Simmons & the 76ers is ticking, and fines & suspensions could be looming.

#320: NFL Sibling Earnings, & Future Contract Effects from the 2021 Offseason

T.J. Watt's contract structure is just another example of team's changing their ways in 2021. How will this affect the future of NFL contracts. Plus, the league is loaded with siblings - our look at which ones have cashed in.

#319: An NFL Opening Week Numbers Deep Dive

A deep dive discussion into which teams have pushed hard financially for 2021, and which have dialed things backs a bit. Plus, positional spending thoughts, where projected starters were drafted, & how jersey number changes are affecting the on-field game.

#318: Projecting TJ Watt's Contract, & MLB Contender Payrolls

The Steelers may be backing themselves into a dangerous corner with a matchup against the Bills just days away, and their most explosive player, TJ Watt, still holding out for a new deal. Mike Ginnitti breaks down what it might take to get him back on the field. Plus, MLB contenders come in all shapes, sizes, & payrolls. Which ones are for real?

#317: NFL Financials 101

Answering some of the more notable NFL Financial questions, including Top 51 cap, dead cap breakdowns for trades & cuts, bonus proration, extension eligibility, market values, & plenty more. Plus, a quick hit on Cam Newton's departure from the Patriots.

#316: The Business of College Sports with Kristi Dosh

Kristi Dosh (businessofcollegesports.com, Forbes)brings her expertise on NIL, Expansion, Realignment, & the NCAA. Plus, Tiger's 25, Rondo's on the market, & NFL cutdown week looms.

#315: Multi-Year NFL Spending Value, & Nerlens Noel Suing Klutch

Keith Smith joins to break down the unique story of Nerlens Noel filing a lawsuit against former agent Rich Paul (Klutch Sports) for nearly $60M lost. Plus, you probably know which NFL teams have been big spenders over the past 5 years, but a few at the bottom will likely surprise you.

#314: Projected NFL Best Values, NBA Big-3 Spending & Trade Candidates

A breakdown of potential best value players at each NFL position group, including one player on a veteran contract, & one still on a rookie deal. Plus, the NBA is built for superstars - which teams are paying the most for their Big 3 talent, and which teams aren't even trying. And, a quick rundown of potential NBA trade candidates to round out the summer.

#313: MLB's Luxury Tax Proposal, & Jamal Adams' Extension

With a CBA just months from expiring, MLB & the MLBPA have reportedly begun discussing potential changes to the structure of the game, including the current Competitive Balance Tax system. Our thoughts on the proposed details, and how a chance to win might solve more than many think. Plus, the Seahawks locked in DB Jamal Adams to a strong extension. A quick breakdown of the numbers, plus its potential effect on the next men up.

#312: Dynasty Pass Catchers, Top Offseason NFL Spenders & Over/Under Wins

Analyzing the teams who spent the most this NFL offseason overall, in free agency, to extend their own, and more. Plus, which trade has the chance to be the most impactful for 2021, & where do these spenders fall in the win total projections. Plus, notable extension candidates for Dynasty Fantasy pass catchers.

#311: Dynasty RB Extensions & a Wild Summer of Spending with JohnWallStreet

Corey Leff, Sportico's JohnWallStreet, joins to discuss a wild summer of spending that saw over $5B of contracts handed out in the Big 4 sports over a two week span. Plus, a deep dive into the next crop of running backs who could be inline for major paydays.

#310: Dynasty Fantasy NFL QBs, & an MLB Movement Recap

#309: NFL Quarterback Contract Tiers, & NBA Incentives

How stable is your NFL team's quarterback in terms of contract, team-building, contention window, etc? Mike Ginnitti & Scot Allen break down our 2021 regular season QB contract tiers. Plus, superstar NBA contracts are now loaded with incentives, and are starting to look a lot like big-time NFL deals. 

#308: Josh Allen, Olympic Earnings, & NBA Creativity

A quick rundown of Josh Allen's historic payday with the Buffalo Bills, how Olympic athletes are compensated at & after the games, & why many of the NBA contracts signed this week aren't exactly what they seem.

#307: Putting Together the NBA Agreement Puzzle with Keith Smith

Keith Smith & Scott Allen break down their week of work tracking, analyzing, and assessing nearly $2B of NBA free agent agreements, nearly $1B in extensions, & a dozen or so trades. How the Lakers, Bulls, Knicks, & Wizards are now built, which contracts stand out, which teams are lurking, & plenty more.

#306: Aaron Rodgers & a Day of MLB/NBA Craziness

The Packers finalized a restructured contract with Aaron Rodgers. The Lakers mortgaged half of their roster to acquire a third superstar. The Dodgers added two superstars to an already superstar lineup. The Yankees are starting to act like the Yankees again. Oh and by the way the NBA snuck a draft in on us last night. Plenty of breakdowns on all of it and more.

#305: NBA Offseason Questions with Keith Smith

Keith Smith answers a variety of NBA questions as we head toward the draft, free agency, & the new league year, including which teams to watch, will restricted free agents be a factor, & salary cap projections going forward. Plus, Xavien Howard has officially requested a trade out of Miami. A look deep into his contract versus other current cornerback deals.

#304: MLB Buyers, Sellers, & Trade Candidates & More NFL Bubbles

A run through the MLB standings to determine which teams could be active this trade deadline week, including notable players to keep an eye on. Plus, another round of NFL bubble players as we head into training camps, a numbers recap of the NHL draft, & expanded thoughts on why watching the Olympics in 2021 is frustrating.

#303: An NBA Offseason Guide, & a NIL Update with Darren Heitner

Sports, Entertainment & IP lawyer Darren Heitner joins to discuss the early stages of Name, Image, Likeness across college sports, including what's still to come with high school athletes and the NCAA as a whole. Plus, the NBA offseason is officially here. We breakdown notable free agents, teams with cap space, min & max salaries, & plenty more.

#302: The Business of Football Hall of Fame with Andrew Brandt

Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt discusses his recent piece in SI, inaugurating the first annual Business of Football HOF class. Plus, his thoughts on the Aaron Rodgers saga from a team building & contract standpoint. And, the NBA officially flips to the offseason, our thoughts on how that looks for the Bucks & Suns.

#301: An Offseason Mistake or Deficiency from Every NFL Team

With training camps set to open across the NFL we'll take a run through the league, identifying an issue or two from each team that could come back to haunt them in 2021. Plus, financially breaking down Collin Morikawa's Open Championship.

#300: Diminished NFL Extensions, & NBA Option Decisions & Valuations

While most of the talk surrounding the NFL offseason has focused on the significant salary cap drop and team's corresponding moves in response, it's actually cash payouts that have taken the biggest hit thus far. NFL extension numbers are down significantly in 2021, and it may very well be on purposes. Plus, with the NBA draft & free agency period right around the corner, we dive into notable player & team option decisions, including projected market values should Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, Spencer Dinwiddie, & plenty more hit the open market.

#299: NFL Bubble Candidates, NHL LTIR Usage, Djokovic's Earnings, & MLB Draft Thoughts

Mike Ginnitti breaks down Novak Djokovic's 20th grand slam victory, & what it means for him financially, Plus, team pools, bonus info, & thoughts on the #1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. And, the Tampa Bay Lightning used accounting to help win their second straight Stanley Cup. Also, notable NFL Roster Bubble candidates heading toward camp.

#298: Franchise Tag Extensions, & a Midseason MLB Recap

Cousin Dan rejoins the show to discuss where MLB stands at the midway point, from reviewing preseason win totals, to determining buyers/sellers, and highlighting the best free agent signings to date. Plus, Aaron Judge's future with the Yankees and future financial possibilities appear to be in flux. And, with just one week left for NFL teams to extend franchise tagged players, quick thoughts on who might - and who might not.

#297: Name, Image, Likeness, Lionel Messi, & NBA Offseasons with Keith Smith

Keith Smith joins the show (19:25) to discuss the Clippers exit, cap space situations across the NBA, Dame Lillard's trade potential, & plenty more. Plus, (0:30) Bobby Bonilla cashes in (again), and so do college athletes, as Name, Image, & Likeness opportunities officially open up in many states (1:11). And, Lionel Messi (10:41) just made HOW MUCH?

#296: Travelers Payouts, NFL Offseason Highlights, & Sports Franchise Valuations

Assessing the most recently published sports franchise valuations across the major sports, including what factors in most in a technological, social media driven world. Plus, highlighting one move from each NFL franchise, & breaking down a wild Travelers Championship finish financially.

#295: High Paid NBA Champs, & a NCAA NIL Update with Emily Caron

Sportico's Emily Caron rejoins the show to update us on where things stand with the NCAA rulings, Name Image Likeness, & a big uptick for Women's Sports. Plus, the NBA's final four isn't full of household names - or high paid salaries, and it's not normal.

#294: Big Time Brooklyn Nets Money, & the Tampa Bay Rays Process with Andy McCullough

Already well in the cap & tax red, how will the Brooklyn Nets operate this offseason in terms of bringing back notable depth pieces, trading away where possible, and of course, further locking in their core players at obscene numbers. Plus. senior writer for The Athletic Andy McCullough details his recent story outlining the Tampa Bay Rays process from both the front office & players' standpoint.

#293: NFL Contract Disputes, the NBA Final Four, & Offseasons for the Nets & Sixers

Mike Ginnitti breaks down current contract disputes for Stephon Gilmore & the Pats, Jamal Adams & the Seahawks, & Xavien Howard & the Dolphins. Plus, the not-so-projected NBA Final Four, & how the offseason might look for the Nets & 76ers.

#292: All-NBA Contracts, & an MLB Trade Deadline Primer

Cousin Dan breaks down the teams and players who could be active for MLB's upcoming trade deadline, including question marks surrounding the Yankees, Giants, Cubs & plenty more. Plus, the All-NBA team selections means more money for some players, and much less for others.

#291: Next for the Nuggets, Chris Paul's Financial Future, & Le'Veon Bell's Bad Decisions

Mike Ginnitti details the options & decisions of Le'Veon Bell's past 3 seasons, comparing what franchise tags, the Steeler's extension, & his ultimate hold out then join the Jets decision led to financially. Plus, the Nuggets hit the offseason with a few roster spots in question, and a coach squarely on the hot seat. And, Chris Paul's legacy is on full display as the Suns enter the West Finals, how will he treat his player option next year?

#290: NFL Storylines, Reporting, & Journalism with Tyler Dunne

Tyler Dunne, esteemed NFL writer, & founder of the Go Long network joins to discuss the current landscape of writing, reporting, & interacting in the sports journalism world, a few NFL headlines, & plenty more. Plus, the better Ronald Acuna Jr. gets, the tougher his contract looks from his perspective.

#289: Julio to the Titans, & the Mavericks Next Move

The inevitable became reality when the Falcons shipped WR Julio Jones to the Titans. Our breakdown of the numbers that moved, how Tennessee can free up space, and what a new contract for Julio might mean. Plus, the Dallas Mavericks have a Luka Doncic problem as they head into another offseason. Next steps for the Mavs.

#288: The Celtics Changeup with Keith Smith, & the Yankees Slow Start with Lindsey Adler

Keith Smith hops back on with plenty of inside thoughts on the shakeup in Boston, including what Brad Stevens may do over the next few weeks, potential coaching hires, & more. Then, The Athletic's Lindsey Adler sits down on the therapy couch to dive deep into why the Yankees are 6 games over .500, but it feels like they're in the tank.

#287: A Post June 1st NFL, deGrom's Future, & the Moneyball Rays

Understanding the Post June 1st designation in the NFL, updated cap ramifications for players who were released this way in 2021, & an outlook of players who could be traded or released in the coming days now that June 1st is here. Plus, what happens to those who bet on Naomi Osaka, should the Mets continue to bet on Jacob deGrom, & the Rays defying MLB's need to pay for wins has become the safest bet in the game.

#286: NFL Contract Extensions, NBA Young Money & Academies

With the big free agency push & draft now behind them, most NFL teams will turn their focus to extending a few of their own. Mike Ginnitti dissects a few notable extension candidates heading into the summer months. Plus, a few well thought out, well paying NBA developmental academies have taken shape. How will it shape the NBA, and other sports leagues going forward? And the current crop of young NBA superstars aren't just waiting their turn - and their contracts won't either.

#285: Julio Odds, Deshaun's Future, Phil's Historic Win, & Offseason Outlooks for Eliminated Teams

Breaking down the payouts & updated career earnings list from an historic PGA Championship, assessing which teams are favored - and which actually have the cap space - to acquire Julio Jones, a bit more clarity on the status of Deshaun Watson in the coming months, and offseason outlooks for the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Washington Capitals, & St. Louis Blues. 

#284: NFL Draft Success, PGA Championship Picks, MLB's HBP Epidemic, & Aaron Rodgers in 2021

Picks, bets, & stay-aways for this weekend's PGA Championship, an update on the concerning hit by pitch rate in MLB, & a deep dive into which NFL teams have found success in the 1st round, & who has found success getting out of it. Plus, a plan for Aaron Rodgers & the Packers, & a quick recap of the first NBA "play-in" night.

#283: NBA HOF Financials, Payrolls vs. Playoffs, & Future Outlooks

A look at how players who opted out of the NFL last season are faring so far in 2021, why a schedule change could affect plenty of fans, and a deep dive into the NBA Postseason teams financially, plus a look at the money careers of Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, & Kevin Garnett.

#282: Pujols, Payrolls, & the Pitcher Era with Paul Hembekides, & NFL QB Movement

ESPN's Paul Hembekides joins to discuss thoughts on the Angels removal of Albert Pujols, how late in the game long term MLB contracts are affecting the league, why parity plus good pay needs to find balance in the next iteration of baseball, and plenty more. Plus, an open on why Aaron Rodgers' is a day late but not a dollar short on forcing his way out, and how following Tom Brady's footsteps isn't realistic. 

#281: Connor McDavid, NFL Draft Trade Ups, & the NBA Play-in Process

#280: Aaron Rodgers & the Packers, by the Numbers

#279: An NBA Round Up with Keith Smith

@KeithSmithNBA joins the show to recap the last few months of NBA action, including teams with stock up & those trending downward, All-NBA candidates who may see big raises this offseason, & plenty more.

#278: NFL Draft Numbers, Offseason Pools, 2022 Outlooks, & UDFAs

With the 2021 NFL Draft now in the books, a quick recap of how selections were made positionally, by school, & by team. Plus, how draft day trades impacted 2021 draft pools, & the 2022 draft outlook. And, with UDFA signings now coming in, how impactful has this part of the process become for teams, and a look at the most profitable of all-time.

#277: Financially Recapping the 2021 NFL Draft First Round

Breaking down the selection of 5 quarterbacks, 3 in-round trades, 18 offensive players, 6 Alabama draftees, updated draft pools, how the QB landscape across the league has changed, what might be the future for Jimmy Garoppolo & Cam Newton, which divisions were impacted most, and plenty more.

#276: The Buccaneers Retention Process, & MLB Numbers with Sarah Langs

The Buccaneers clearly loved their 2020 roster, as all 22 starters, all 29 notable Super Bowl players, & even plenty of depth pieces are back under contract for 2021. Our breakdown of the numbers, what it means, and what could still be in store for Tampa Bay this summer. Plus, MLB.com's Sarah Langs joins to discuss the Angels early success, why some 22 year olds are cashing in, and some aren't, the wow numbers from Jacob deGrom, and plenty more.

#275: NFL Draft Odds, Facts, & Figures

With NFL Draft week upon us, a look at the major storylines, interesting betting options, and a few historical trends in terms of team spending, trading, positional selections, & plenty more. Plus, breaking down a unique trade that sends Orlando Brown Jr. from one AFC contender to another. And, the first ever NFL Draft pick?