The Mmqb: 10 Things

On Monday, the NFL said an investigation found "no evidence" to support the allegations of tanking made by former Browns head coach Hue Jackson. The team went 3-36-1 during Jackson's stint with the team and he believes the Browns front office should share some of that blame. Despite the league investigation clearing the Browns, that doesn't mean the team is innocent of the accusations made against the franchise. SI Staffers Conor Orr and Gary Gramling reviewed more than 1000 documents pertaining to the case. Unsurprisingly, they reached some very different conclusions than the NFL.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sure, it isn’t the greatest draft class, but a couple surprise trades made Thursday night much more interesting than Conor, Gary or anyone else could have expected. A month ago, the Eagles had three picks in the teens of an underwhelming draft, and now they have a top-five veteran receiver, a 340-pound game changer for the middle of their defensive line, and still have two first-round picks in next year’s draft. Is anyone GM'ining better than Howie Roseman right now? Plus, the Cardinals make us furrow our brows in confusion again, this time with the trade for Marquise Brown on the eve of his free agency. But, from the Ravens' standpoint, what does Lamar Jackson’s hurt feelings mean? Also, Thursday night’s receiver run, the Travon Walker pick at 1-1, the lone first-round QB, the Giants’ and Jets' good nights, the Texans do it right, and much more! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://r

Really, it’s more like Pick 22 to 32, and then seven more picks ending at Pick 102, but you get it, right? The point is: Conor and Gary are running down the remaining 16 teams’ draft needs, including the seven teams who don’t have a pick in Thursday’s first round (as of now).That means lots of Packers talk—what are the chances they skip a Round 1 receiver again when they have *two* first-round picks? Also, how about the Chiefs and their back-to-back first-round picks? Will they rethink their secondary, will they find a replacement for Tyreek Hill, and will they have Guy Fieri on in the background while they make their picks?Plus, Conor is letting you decide how he’ll stay caffeinated and energized for our Round 1 recap show on Thursday night. Send your suggestions via podcast review!Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The NFL draft is upon is. It’s happening this week. And, therefore, Conor and Gary have no choice but to unveil this year’s edition of the people’s podcast: The Mock Draft Show Series. Part I will cover 16 teams and 21 picks, delving into draft needs for each team and weighing the pros and cons of some of the prospects who might fit. Do the Jaguars go offense or defense with the first pick? Will the Texans make a selection with their current coaching staff or their next coaching staff in mind? Ditto the Panthers—will they trust their current staff with a quarterback? Who is going to take these quarterbacks anyway? And how do the Giants and Jets approach things with their two top-10 picks apiece? Plus, a deep dive of questionable accuracy into Law & Order prosecutors, and what it will take for Conor to build a pool and fill it with vanilla pudding and maybe or maybe not eat that vanilla pudding. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or

One of the biggest stories of the 2022 offseason: The bizarre twists and turns of the wide receiver market. After seeing Christian Kirk (among others) get unexpectedly paid, and teams dole out draft capital and big-money contracts for Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, it’s time for the star wideouts of the 2019 draft to get theirs. That starts with Deebo Samuel, who made a shocking trade demand for reasons that remain a mystery. The questions: Will other, inferior coaching staffs be able to maximize his unique talents in the same way that the 49ers did? And will potential suitors worry about the wear and tear for a receiver who takes punishment similar to a lot of running backs? Plus, a discussion of fellow ’19 Day 2 picks A.J. Brown, Terry McLaurin and DK Metcalf. Then, a look at the back seven defenders of the NFL draft. And the story of Conor Orr: Ice Enthusiast. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: http

Every draft season, humans who can block other humans are at a premium. But are there certain teams and certain quarterbacks who need great offensive linemen, while others simply need “good enough” up front? How do you separate the lineman from the QB and the system? And what might we learn from watching Austin Corbett in 2022? Conor and Gary get existential in the offensive line draft preview, but then they get down to business. A look at the top prospects in this draft class, and why the Jaguars might be better off going O-line with the first overall pick rather than selecting Aidan Hutchinson. Plus, identifying a couple of under-the-radar prospects who could be sitting on the board in Round 2, and yearning for (or, loathing the thought of) a Michael McDonald/311 collaboration. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Derek Carr signed a new contract that is in some ways big, in some ways not so much, in some ways team-friendly, and in some ways a really neat win for the quarterback. Conor and Gary discuss one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks in the NFL. It starts with a discussion of the contract and what it means as far as how the Raiders view Carr, and how Carr is now set up in the event of a divorce. But it’s also a discussion of how Carr is viewed, in a larger sense, as a good but not quite superstar quarterback, why he’s different than a Kirk Cousins, and whether or not—with the upgrade in coaching and the arrival of Davante Adams—Carr has a chance to move into that elite level. Then, a look at the defensive line class in the upcoming NFL draft. Should the Jaguars go Aidan Hutchinson or offensive line with the top pick? Does Travon Walker belong in the No. 1 overall conversation? What’s going on with Kayvon Thibodeaux? And an anecdote about the positively delightful Mel Kiper Jr. Have a comment, critique or

It’s a draft show, but before Conor and Gary get to the prospects themselves, a draft-adjacent discussion surrounding the very strange wide receiver market. It was setting up to be another down market for wideouts, even after the Christian Kirk deal happened. But then, Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill brought it not only big-money deals but were acquired for significant draft capital. Will that trend hold up going forward? Then, a discussion of the five first-round candidates in this class of wideouts, and Gary makes an outrageous Cooper Kupp comp for a Day 2 prospect. Among the running backs, the trio who could break into the first round, and the two “Conor-style” Day 2 backs who could thrive thanks to a trend coming in 2022. Plus, what teams looking for tight ends in this draft might find, and Conor and Gary mock their elders when it comes to QVC, but it turns out they are the ones who deserve to be mocked. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramlin

Due to an absurd second wave of free-agency news, NFL draft season was delayed. It officially starts… now. Conor and Gary dive into the biggest storylines of the draft. That starts with examining the claim that it’s not a particularly good draft, and what effects that could have on the teams (most of them) that wouldn’t mind getting the heck out of Round 1. As always, any first-round shuffling will be quarterback centric—a look at the five potential first-rounders among this class of passers. Speaking of quarterbacks, a discussion of this year's round of QB musical chairs, which seems to now be frozen in place. Is someone going to get Baker Mayfield (and how badly did the Browns screw this up)? Or Jimmy Garoppolo? And what to make of the presumed QB vacancies in Carolina and Seattle? Finally, an fittingly underwhelming discussion of the underwhelming new overtime rules. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inqu

Conor Orr and special guest co-host John Gonzalez of the Sports Illustrated Weekly Podcast dig into the stunning retirement of Bruce Arians, what kind of legacy he leaves behind in the coaching world, and whether the timing was strange or suspicious. Conor also tries to navigate a long-winded Office analogy involving the show's famous "Pretzel Day" episode. article: Bruce Arians Left the NFL Coaching World Better Than He Found It  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re doing another Deshaun Watson episode because it’s an incredibly important story that goes beyond football. And, we’re doing it now because, on Friday, Watson was formally introduced as the Browns’ new quarterback, in a press conference that provided few direct answers. That made this show the perfect time to bring New York Times reporter, former MMQB podcaster and all-around wonderful person Jenny Vrentas back for a guest appearance, seeing as she has led the way on Watson reporting throughout the last year. First, a discussion of what was—and, in some cases, wasn’t—said in Friday’s press conference. And, in light of the fact that Watson repeatedly proclaimed that he had never disrespected a woman, a look back at the independently reported information in Jenny’s work over the past year, which suggests otherwise. Plus, what it means that Watson was not indicted by a second grand jury in Texas, and a larger discussion of cases of sexaul violence in the criminal justice system. Have a comment, critique or

With Terron Armstead signed and Tyreek Hill acquired via trade, all eyes are on the Dolphins. That’s why Conor and Gary welcomed a very special guest to this show: NBA writer, podcaster, esteemed colleague, friend of the show, and expert in all things Miami: Rohan Nadkarni. The three-man booth discusses, among other things: Was the Hill trade worth it? Does it make sense considering the quarterback situation? Who should be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins anyway? And what do we make of Tyreek Hill’s history of off-the-field problems, especially just days after Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland sparked outrage? Then, what to make of the Chiefs after losing their most potent speed weapon? Does Patrick Mahomes have what he needs to win more Super Bowls? Plus, takes on Pringles and a mind-blowing amount of preparedness from the NBA person! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.c

Conor and Gary start things off with a discussion of the Browns, from their stunning decision to pursue Deshaun Watson while the quarterback is under the cloud of 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, to their stunning decision to award him an unprecedented contract, to their off-putting decision to build the contract around a likely suspension. Then, the Davante Adams trade to the Raiders, what sense it could make for Vegas, and why it’s an even more significant setback for the Packers than you might realize. Plus, whether Allen Robinson to L.A. signals another evolution for Sean McVay’s Rams offense, Robert Woods’s fit in Tennessee, what’s next for the Bengals after adding La’el Collins, and what might be the weirdest halftime show in Super Bowl history. Again, the Deshaun Watson piece from May that will give you a much more complete understanding of what’s going on in Houston: https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/05/21/new-information-proper-context-for-deshaun-watson-sexual-misconduct-lawsuits-daily-cover

At the time of taping this episode, a Deshaun Watson decision was imminent. While it was unclear who Watson would pick, there was one interested team Conor and Gary knew was already out of the running: Cleveland.The Browns lowered themselves into the sewer that was the Watson sweepstakes surely knowing that, if they missed out, there was no way they could turn back to Baker Mayfield. Assuming they didn’t want to keep Mayfield anyway, was it a wise move now that they’ll have to turn to Plan B? And what’s next for Baker himself, coming off a rocky 2021 but with two years of solid play on his resumé?Then, a look into the signings that did happen this week, starting with the Chargers’ run of moves and the always baffling Trent Baalke’s rebuilding efforts in Jacksonville (like, what’s the plan for Christian Kirk?). The Bills press the right buttons, the Randy Gregory question in Denver, and the Jets and Ravens make the signings we love.Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.

Conor and Gary planned on a good, ol' fashioned free agency preview show, but Tom Brady was having none of it. Sizing up the 2022 Bucs with Brady under center. But also a discussion of why Brady announced his retirement in the first place, the timing of his return announcement, and what the deal is if he really wasn’t interested in returning to Tampa for another season. Then, a breakdown of three trades that went down late last week: Carson Wentz to the Commanders, Khalil Mack to the Chargers and Amari Cooper to the Browns. And, finally, a trip through free agency, position-by-position. Why you’re in trouble if you still need a quarterback, why you’re in luck if you need a few defensive backs, and why everyone is looking for edge rushers. The Deshaun Watson piece from May that will give you a much more complete understanding of what’s going on in Houston: https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/05/21/new-information-proper-context-for-deshaun-watson-sexual-misconduct-lawsuits-daily-cover Have a comment, critique or q

Tuesday ended up being all the most interesting news of the NFL offseason crammed into a three-hour span. Conor and Gary got together in the dead of night to discuss Russell Wilson: traded, Aaron Rodgers: staying, and how the moves (or, move and non-move) affect the quarterback landscape. First, a look at the Broncos, who get a franchise QB for the first time since Peyton Manning retired, and where they now sit in a stacked AFC West. Then, the Seahawks’ rebuild, their approach to their next quarterback, and what this means for Pete Carroll’s future. The return of Aaron Rodgers is a whole lot of good news for Green Bay, though they have some challenges coming up after a winter of heavy staff turnover. Plus, what happens to Jordan Love now? Plus, a look at the teams in the QB market who are especially hurting now, and a discussion of Calvin Ridley’s season-long suspension for betting on NFL games. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @Co

In Part 1 of the two-part free agency epic, Conor and Gary run through which will be the biggest (or, at least most interesting) teams when free agency opens.The Dolphins are the team with the most effective cap space, the most drastic change at head coach and the most glaring holes on the roster. The Bengals’ window is wide-open and, suddenly, they’re a draw coming off a run to the Super Bowl. The Steelers have cap room for the first time in a long time, but that won’t necessarily answer their questions at quarterback. And the Colts have cap room and seemingly little desire to run it back with Carson Wentz, but that doesn’t solve their question mark under center.Plus, the Jets continue their rebuild, and who are the teams that might create cap room to make a splash this offseason?Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcir

Conor has made the mad dash back from the NFL combine in Indianapolis, and he joins Gary to breathlessly recap all the most important things that he heard over the course of the week.First, is the era of QB empowerment already over? A discussion of the Seahawks’ stance with Russell Wilson and whether or not it makes sense for player or team to run it back again. Also, why Aaron Rodgers is very, very, very likely to return to Green Bay after all (and he did get some stuff along the way!).Then, what in the world is going on in Arizona? The bewilderment over the Cardinals making long-term commitments to their head coach and GM after the utter collapse that ended last season.And finally, Conor has found the man who will forever end the feud between football guys and analytics folks.Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle

The first stunner of the NFL offseason came in the broadcast booth, as Troy Aikman is set to leave FOX for Monday Night Football. Thus, Conor and Gary brought in friend of the show Jimmy Traina, host of the SI Media Podcast, to tell us what it all means.A discussion of some of the forces outside of simply what ESPN wanted that made the deal happen, plus Joe Buck’s contract situation and the chances that the Buck-Aikman team will reunite on MNF. Also, with FOX now staring down a gaping hole on their broadcast roster in a Super Bowl year for the network, a look at who could replace the duo in 2022.Plus, Sean Payton’s broadcast future, the potential of Sean McVay leaving the sidelines for the booth, Jimmy on why FOX should write Tom Brady a blank check and why he’ll be first in line for the upcoming Brady-Sally Field film.Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.c

It’s the end of February, which means opening day for NFL Offseason Takes is right around the corner. Conor and Gary spent an afternoon trying out their newest material surrounding the combine, draft season, free agency and more.Then, the first-ever Free Agency Preview… Preview! Gary unveils the preliminary Sports Illustrated free agent rankings to Conor, who gives his reactions in real-time, live (but on a podcast, so recorded).Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy