The Spotrac Podcast

#374: Brady & Cousins Are Back in Business, & Deshaun Watson Destinations

Tom Brady's un-retirement adds a new wrinkle to the NFC, and brings to light new questions surrounding his current, and likely new contract in Tampa Bay. Plus, Kirk Cousins has done it again - contractually speaking. And, Deshaun Watson's market appears to be refining itself.

#373: Carson Wentz, Khalil Mack, & Pros & Cons for MLB's New CBA

Our thoughts on the best & worst additions or omissions surrounding MLB's newly ratified CBA, including minimum salaries, expanded playoffs, & the draft process. Plus, Carson Wentz's move to Washington isn't surprising, but his contract situation is. And, Khalil Mack becomes the latest piece of evidence that the Chargers may be "all-in" for 2022.

#372: Russell Wilson, Mike Williams, & NFL Non-Tagged Players

Breaking down the football & business angles of the Russell Wilson trade to Denver, including how the Broncos might handle his next contract. Plus, what's next for the Seahawks, why the Mike Williams contract is already beautiful, and quick evaluations for notable NFL free agents who didn't receive a tag.

#371: NFL Franchise Tagees & Max MLB Contracts

With the March 8th deadline to slap a tag on an NFL player just hours away, a breakdown of 10 players prominently inline to get one, the projected cost, and what a potential multi-year extension would look like. Plus, Scott Allen follows up on his "NBA-Style" maximum contracts project, including specific numbers & why the players should be all-in on this type of structure.

#370: MLB Needs Financial Rules

The MLB & MLBPA may seem far apart on their current CBA offers, but are the items on the table even primed to solve the financial problems in the game? Scott Allen & Mike Ginnitti discuss why both sides need to consider structure & rules to the money in baseball, not unlike how the NBA is currently operating (and thriving).

#369: Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, the Buccaneers, & the MLB CBA

The Giants are rumored to be torn on what to do with Daniel Jones' $21M 5th year option for 2023. Why exercising it doesn't hold a strong track record (2:40). Is Aaron Rodgers a $50M QB? Our thoughts on why that number should be an afterthought in the real conversation (14:10). With just 9 of 22 starters currently under contract, the "run-it-back" Buccaneers might be a shell of themselves in 2022 (24:45). And, a dabble into the Draft Lottery, Free Agent Compensation, Expanded Playoffs, & CBT Threshold negotiations surrounding the MLB CBA (29:12).

#368: Zion Williamson's Future & NFL Offseason Definitions 1.0

Zion Williamson's absence from the New Orleans Pelicans is starting to smell like more than just a long-term injury scenario. What the future for he and the team might be if the end is already here. Plus, a dive into notable buzzwords sure to be tossed around this NFL Offseason, including free agency & tag type breakdowns, understanding restructures, voids, & accrued season.

#367: Projecting Top Offensive NFL Free Agents

A dive into what we've coined the Top 5 NFL Free Agents at the Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, & Offensive Line positions, including predicted contracts & potential landing spots. Plus, the 2nd highest paid player in the NBA isn't even in the same state as his teammates - and nobody seems to care.

#366: The NFL Draft Class with Chris Trapasso

CBS Sports Draft Analyst Chris Trapasso discusses the positions of strengths & weaknesses for the 2022 NFL Draft Class, a dive into the top available QBs, & a few potential "unicorns" to consider. Plus. Juan Soto's $350M rejection, the NHL's LTIR loophole, & will the creativity of draft trades ramp up this NFL offseason?

#365: NFL Quarterback Questions & Relationship Statuses with Danny Heifetz

With the NFL Offseason now here, a dive into a few QBs with contract questions heading toward March, including Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Carson Wentz, & more. Plus, Danny Heifetz from The Ringer NFL Draft Show joins to discuss his brand new QB Relationship Tiers.

#364: NBA Trade Deadline Financials

Mike Ginnitti & Scott Allen breakdown some of the more notable takeaways from the past week or so of NBA Trades, including Boston's surprising switch-up, Harden & the 76ers, the Porzingis/Bertans hail mary, and a thrifty OKC Thunder scenario.

#363: Bold NFL Offseason Predictions, Super Bowl Extensions & Props

Assessing 10 certain to be wrong but still Bold Predictions for the upcoming NFL offseason, including potential trades, extensions, releases & more. Plus, valuing future contracts for a few Rams & Bengals players, & our favorite Super Bowl props.

#362: Evaluating Early NBA Trades, & a Packers Offseason Deep Dive with Matt Schneidman

The Athletic's Matt Schneidman joins to discuss a potential plan for the Packers to keep their prized QB1 & WR1, bring back a few notable defensive pieces, and still get cap healthy in 2022. Plus, breakdowns, financials and thoughts about early NBA trades from the Cavs, Pacers, Clippers, & TrailBlazers.

#361: Understanding NFL Dead Cap & a Women's Sports Deep Dive with Emily Caron

Sportico's Emily Caron joins to break down a new CBA & major contract for the NWSL, a major investment into both the WNBA & Premier Hockey Federation, & even more expansion for Athlete's Unlimited. Plus, a deep dive into NFL dead cap, including examples, the June 1st trigger, how retirement & void years factor in, and plenty more.

#360: Tom Brady's Retirement Financially, & a Buffalo Bills' Offseason Deep Dive with Sal Capaccio

Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL today. How the Buccaneers can proceed with his current contract, dead cap ramifications, and a $16M question still to be answered. Plus, Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) joins to break down the upcoming offseason for the Buffalo Bills.

#359: Brady, Nadal, the Rams, & a Buccaneers Offseason Dive with Greg Auman

Assessing Tom Brady's retirement financials, Rafael Nadal's 21st championship, how the Rams & Bengals are built differently, biggest questions for the departing Chiefs & Niners, & a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offseason deep dive with The Athletic's Greg Auman.

#358: The Case for David Ortiz, & a Patriots Offseason Deep Dive with Matthew Fairburn

The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn joins to discuss the New England Patriots' offseason decisions, including pending free agents, notable extensions, possible cap casualties, & plenty more. Plus, David Ortiz becomes the lone player elected to this year's baseball Hall of Fame class. Mike Ginnitti breaks down his career, earnings, and the voting process.

#357: The Most Important Position in Sports, & NBA Buyers & Sellers

The NFL Divisional Round further proved one thing: The QB is the most important position in sports. Mike Ginnitti breaks down how the last decade of change has positioned teams to go all-in, from every direction, to get a QB with "it". Plus Keith Smith joins to break down potential Buyers & Sellers for the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline.

#356: A Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Deep Dive with Mark Kaboly, & What Happens First?

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly joins to discuss a miriad of changes coming to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, from GM & QB to notable free agents, & plenty more. Will their philosophies change Post-Ben? Is Minshew-Mania headed for Pitt? Plus, we play What Happens First? with Deshaun Watson, Ben Simmons, the Colts QB, Antonio Brown, & ML

#355: A Quick Cowboys Cap Dive, & the Minnesota Vikings' Offseason with Courtney Cronin

The Vikings are in need of a new GM and a new Head Coach, but what else are they staring at this offseason? ESPN's Courtney Cronin discusses Kirk Cousins' 202 outlook, plus a defense full of pending free agents. And the Cowboys are 1 & Done this Postseason, so let's overreact immediately.

#354: The All-New-Team NBA Team & Potential Trade Candidates

Which NBA players who were acquired via trade, free agency, or the draft this offseason are making an immediate impact for their new team. Which are trending toward the trade block this month? And which teams should be looking to shake things up a bit. Plus, NFL offseasons & Jon Lester's retirement.

#352: Franchise Tag Projections with Joel Corry, & the Browns' Offseason with Mary Kay Cabot

Former NFL agent & current salary cap expert Joel Corry rejoins the show to discuss the facts & figures surrounding the upcoming franchise tag window, including which players are prime candidates, & how much notable positions will cost. Plus, the Cleveland Browns were one of the more disappointing stories of 2021. Mary Kay Cabot breaks down the tough season, & what kind of changes might be coming to the franchise over the next few months.

#352: The MLB CBA with Chelsea Janes, & NFL Contract Incentives

National baseball reporter for the Washington Post Chelsea Janes joins to discuss her piece regarding MLB's middle-class problem, including how the luxury tax, draft, & future gambling revenue could impact negotiations. Plus, a quick look at notable, attainable incentives for certain NFL players entering Week 18.

#351: Antonio Brown's Outburst by the Numbers & Running Back Futures

Antonio Brown & the Buccaneers appear headed for an immediate divorce. What his release means financially for him, the Bucs, & what could have been. Plus, assessing the future financial scenarios for each NFL team's running back arsenal, from extensions to restructures to pending free agents.

#350: The 2021 Spotrac Financial Year in Review

Mike Ginnitti & Scott Allen break down the biggest 2021 storylines from the sports money world, our favorite contracts, top spending teams, highest earning players, & a few thoughts toward what could be coming in 2022.

#349: NFL Pro Bowl Financials, & A Rich Wide Receiver Market

Mike Ginnitti breaks down the newly selected Pro Bowl rosters, assessing which players received an uptick financially speaking based on escalators, bonuses, or 5th-year-option triggers. Plus, a recap of how those 5th year option tiers now work for former 1st round draft picks. And, the WR market has plenty of notable names in need of a new contract in the coming months. 

#348: NFL Trade, Extension, & Free Agent Names, Plus NBA Franchise Valuations

Scott Allen joins to discuss Sportico's recent NBA franchise valuation list, including teams who have jumped the most, a few who could be on the decline, and how these compare to the other major American sports. Plus, identifying a Free Agent, Extension Candidate, & Trade Possibility for the Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, & Tight End position this offseason.

#347: Previewing the NBA Trade Deadline with Keith Smith

#346: Heisman Winner Careers & An All-NFL QB Contract Status Update

On the heels of Bryce Young's expected Heisman win, a quick look back at how the NFL careers for each winner since 1990 panned out, and which offered the most bang for buck. Plus, an in-depth dive into the contractual statuses of quarterbacks for each NFL team heading toward the end of the 2021 regular season.

#345: Dame Lillard's Demands, & Tough NFL Transactions

Damian Lillard has a list of things he wants this Christmas, and like many of us, it's $106.5M and a chance to pick his new boss. Scott Allen discusses how Portland should proceed through this process. Plus, breaking down 5 NFL transactions that appear questionable at best heading toward 2022.

#344: NFL Free Agent Recap, 2022 Projections, & Fixing MLB's Offseason

With news that the NFL's 2022 salary cap will indeed hit the $208M mark, our look at teams in good/rough shape, & how it might impact offseason spending. Plus, a quick look back at how the Top 10 NFL Free Agent contracts of 2021 are faring. And, Scott Allen with thoughts on what MLB can do to tighten up and promote its offseason much more.

#343: Assessing the NFL's Top Paid Weapons & MLB's November Storm

MLB teams pumped $2.5B of new signings into November, by far the most in history. Cousin Dan breaks down a few of the bigger deals & what could still be to come post-lockout. Plus, quickly assessing the 2021 outlook for the NFL's top paid offensive weapons.

#342: Jonathan Taylor, Lamar Jackson, John Wall & MLB Free Agency

Jonathan Taylor (2:55) is the NFL's next big running back, but is he in line to be paid as such? Plus, Lamar Jackson (9:45) continues to give us a little bit of everything, but has he shown enough consistency to warrant the traditional extension? And, MLB Free Agency (16:05) is scalding hot on the heels of a CBA lockout. Our thoughts on recent signings & the Max Scherzer $40M watch. Also, John Wall (24:06) is owed $91M and wants to start or be traded.

#341: NY Sports with Kim Jones, Wander Franco's Extension, & Taysom Hill's Something

Kim Jones joins to break down the futures of the Giants, Jets, & Yankees, including the status of Dave Gettleman, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley & plenty more. Plus, where Wander Franco's extension ranks in terms of pre-arbitration signings, & Rays money as a whole. And, the Saints locked in Taysom Hill to another smoke and mirrors contract - but does this one have any substance?

#340: NFL What Ifs, the Patriots' New Way, & Philly's Financial Confidence

Mike Ginnitti details a recent piece assessing one player from every NFL team carrying some form of "what if" heading toward 2022. And, Mac Jones has the Patriots trending way up. How did we get here, how are they spending, & how much should we trust it? Plus, Dallas Geodert's extension signifies more confidence in Philly.

#339: Early MLB Signings, NBA Free Agency Assessment, Cy Young Winners, & Jets' QBs

A 6-pack of sports business topics, including Early MLB Contracts, Professional Coaching Pay, the Jets' QB carousel, $90M of shares for the Packers, the financial future of Cy Young winners, and an early assessment of the Top NBA Free Agent signings.

#338: Russell Wilson's Future, & Projecting Contracts & Destinations for MLB's Top Free Agents

Russell Wilson's first NFL shutout layers onto an already tenuous future in Seattle. What could be next for he and the Seahawks? Plus, putting dollars, sense, & future teams into 25 of MLB's most notable free agents.

#337: Scott Boras' State of Baseball & NBA/NFL Fines & Suspensions 101

Mike Ginnitti updates an important clarification with Odell Beckham Jr.'s contract situation, then breaks down a few goods and bads from Scott Boras' annual State of MLB release. Then, Scott Allen joins to discuss how fines work in the NBA, an update on Simmons/Irving in that regard, and how the NFL handles this a little differently.

#336: Upsets, Odell, Gold Gloves, & Qualifying Offers

Mike Ginnitti breaks down a wild 4 weeks of NFL results, and how it factors into current team and player gambling odds going forward. Plus, a deep dive into Odell Beckham Jr's path out of Cleveland & onto a new roster this week, both from a football & financial standpoint. And, understanding and highlighting the 14 Qualifying Offers handed out in MLB, and a few that weren't, plus the 2021 Gold Glovers financially.

#335: NFL Trades, Henry Ruggs, NBA Money, & MLB CBA Negotiations

Recapping a quiet NFL Trade Deadline, a financial update on Henry Ruggs, a few quick NBA Money Hits with Keith Smith, & bullet points for the upcoming MLB CBA negotiations with Cousin Dan.

#334: A Kind of Midseason NFL Numbers Deep Dive

With a weird week 8 now almost in the books, we'll take a deep dive into how a variety of financial metrics are stacking up with teams in comparison to winning percentage. Plus, it was a great weekend for backup QBs, but has the idea of the QB2 changed?

#333: NFL Trade Candidates & MLB Thoughts with Hembo

Mike Ginnitti breaks down a few notable trade candidates from each position group. Plus, ESPN's Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo)joins to discuss the World Series matchup, a Starting Pitcher Devaluation, CBA negotiations, & a strong free agent class.

#332: Sam Darnold, Jalen Hurts, Trey Lance, & the World Series Matchup

A financial & future breakdown of Sam Darnold's situation with the Panthers, Jalen Hurts' with the Eagles, & Trey Lance & the 49ers going forward. Plus, how a potential Deshaun Watson move could factor in. And, the Braves & Astros begin their quest for the World Series tomorrow night. Scott Allen breaks down some financials, odds, and future movement scenarios.

#331: The Business of Women's Sports with Emily Caron, an NBA Rookie Extension Recap, & Financially Analyzing the 2021 NHL Season

Sportico Sports Business reporter Emily Caron breaks down a strong 25th WNBA season, an expansion for Athlete's Unlimited, the strength & timeline for NBA "academies", and yet more NCAA Football coaching buyouts. Plus, assessing the 2018 NBA draft picks who did, & didn't, get a rookie extension. And, top offseason spenders, current salaries, team payrolls, and financial valuations for the 2021-22 NHL season.

#330: An NBA Regular Season Preview

Mike Ginnitti & Scott Allen preview the upcoming NBA regular season, including last minute Rookie Extensions, Questions for Contenders, the Ben Simmons' saga, & looming drama unfolding for Zion Willimson and the Pelicans. Plus, our NBA picks & the Best 2021 NFL Additions. 

#329: NFL Contracts with Brady Quinn, the Rays' Offseason Outlook, & MLB Position Player Free Agents

Former NFL QB Brady Quinn discusses modern NFL contracts, "next man up" QB pay, the franchise tag's dual purpose, & what's in store for Baker Mayfield. Plus, how the Tampa Bay Rays may operate this offseason, and notable MLB position player free agents and their potential value on the open market.

#328: Running Back Committee Pay Wins & Updated QB Market Values

On the heels of another big performance from Nick Chubb & Kareem Hunt, a deep dive into how paying multiple running backs as paid off for teams in the past few years, and how more should strongly consider it. Plus, an updated look at where notable contract needy QBs sit in terms of market valuation.

#327: Jaylon Smith & Stephon Gilmore Releases & an NBA Financial Offseason Review

Scott Allen joins to breakdown some of the more notable facts and figures from the NBA offseason that was, including top spending teams, trade movement, roster construction, & plenty more. Plus, Jaylon Smith & Stephon Gilmore, two high-profile NFL players, find themselves available heading toward Week 5.

#326: NFL Trade Candidates & MLB Playoff Team Financials

A dive into notable quarterbacks and offensive weapons who may be on the trade block in the coming weeks, & how the 10 MLB playoff teams are built, their payroll & tax ranks, & final thoughts on the 2021 season.

#325: MLB Numbers with Sarah Langs

Esteemed MLB Researcher Sarah Langs joins to discuss a few notable facts & figures from the 2021 season that was. Plus, Cousin Dan analyzes the upcoming Starting Pitcher free agent market, and what's in store for Shohei Ohtani's immediate future.