Greg Cosell joined Ross Tucker to analyze the latest NFL free agency moves, including what quarterbacks on the move will have to offer to their new clubs.
Some have heavily criticized the Seattle Seahawks’ decision to sign Sam Darnold and trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. In addition to letting go of Smith, Seattle also dealt wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cosell explained that from a football perspective, the move by the Seahawks to get Darnold was strategic, given that they recently hired Klint Kubiak as their offensive coordinator. Cosell stressed that football lovers know the offensive DNA of the Kubiaks — they want their quarterbacks under center and lean heavily into the play-action pass. Guess who ranked second last season for under center play-action pass plays? None other than Darnold, sitting just behind Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Cosell contends that, ultimately, Kubiak wants to build off of Darnold’s play-action success.
The Seahawks also feature a running back tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet that, in addition to the under-center play-action pass, will be the foundation of their offense. Tucker chimes in to fill in the blanks on some of the other potential reasons the Seahawks moved on from Smith, pointing to his age and his asking price of $45 million. In signing Darnold for $33 million, Seattle ultimately saved $12 million. Tucker says that it is clear that Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was not satisfied with the offense, given the team’s off-season moves. Defensively, they made under-the-radar but pivotal acquisitions, re-signing linebacker Ernest Jones IV and signing defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to sure up their front seven.
Conversely, Tucker admits that Smith will be the best quarterback the Raiders have had in a while. He is a professional and is in the top half of the league as far as quarterbacks are concerned. Cosell expressed that the Raiders did not have a true quarterback last year, but most people would not be able to name the Raiders’ wide receivers outside of young superstar tight end Brock Bowers. Cosell added that the Las Vegas roster needs a lot of work and the offensive line is in flux, but he argues that newly hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly knows schematically how to get the best out of a roster. It is clear that the Raiders have some roster deficiencies that are IMPOSSIBLE to fix all at once, but at least now they don’t have to worry about a quarterback.
Looking elsewhere, Aaron Rodgers is a quarterback who continues to dominate the NFL news cycle, whether in season or off. Much speculation is building around him potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants after reports swirled that Russell Wilson could be on the way out in Pittsburgh. The Jets took a $49 million cap hit in moving on from Rodgers and Tucker asked Cosell if Rodgers is better than Wilson. Cosell shared from a tape perspective that Rodgers is better. However, a source shared with Cosell that if a team signs Rodgers, he will have to be committed, which means participating in the off-season program. Rodgers will have to be a part of the team from Day 1 and can’t just show up, so tough conversations will have to happen between Rodgers and the franchise that ultimately signs the future Hall of Famer.
“I can tell you from a tape perspective, we ARE sure that he’s better than Russell Wilson. I don’t think that’s a question.”@GregCosell when asked to compare Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson: https://t.co/otI2530MxT pic.twitter.com/OIzlLoYzdz
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 13, 2025
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SHOW BREAKDOWN
NFL Free Agency Reaction including Geno & Darnold with Greg Cosell
Ross is joined by Greg Cosell with his free agency reaction across the NFL including:
- Seahawks trade Geno Smith, sign Sam Darnold: 2:20
- Geno Smith’s fit with the Raiders: 7:20
- Justin Fields signs with the Jets: 8:55
- Colts bring in Daniel Jones: 12:00
- Aaron Rodgers vs. Russell Wilson: 15:00
- Eagles trade Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to Houston: 16:45
- Rams cut Cooper Kupp: 19:40
- Bears bolster their offensive line: 20:40
VIDEO:
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