The offseason is a time of high hopes for every franchise and fanbase, with old losing habits and season-ending injuries purely other teams' problems. No, this will surely be our year. Unfortunately, Yahoo Sports' Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab & Jori Epstein have come to pour cold water on some fanbases' summer optimism.Kicking off the episode, however, the trio reacts to news from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that the NFLPA is working on a proposal to end spring & summer OTAs in favor of a longer training camp period in July, meaning players would essentially have January through July away from their teams. Jori and the crew expound on how this is likely the big bargaining chip as the NFL likely prepares to ask players for an 18th regular season game & the pros and cons to losing the May and June offseason workouts.Later in the show, Frank, Fitz & Jori share which teams should have limited expectations this year, including why the Pittsburgh Steelers need to focus on their defense rather than Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields, why the Cleveland Browns need to figure out if Deshaun Watson can actually be good, why the Seattle Seahawks need to expect an adjustment period with new head coach Mike Macdonald and more.Closing out the episode, it's not all negative – the crew talks about three non-playoff teams from the 2023 season who they predict will make the playoffs this upcoming January.(2:30) NFLPA's proposal to limit OTAs; bargaining chip for 18th game?(15:40) Teams with 'out of whack' expectations: Pittsburgh Steelers(21:30) Green Bay Packers(25:00) Buffalo Bills(32:00) Cleveland Browns(37:15) Houston Texans(41:10) Seattle Seahawks(47:50) Three non-playoff teams who could make 2024 playoffsZero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all the episodes of Zero Blitz and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

In the NFL it feels like at least one-third of the league's head coaches are always feeling the heat any given season. Some may even be dead men walking. ESPN and Omaha productions' Kevin Clark joins Charles McDonald on the latest episode of The Exempt List to identify the coaches that are on the hot seat and maybe even 'pre-fired' heading into the 2024 season.(3:10) - Nico Collins gets PAID... is he now clearly WR1 in Houston?(8:40) - Who's getting paid next? + Why Dak Prescott could get astronomical deal if he his free agency(15:30) - Identifying the coaches on the hot seat and 'pre-fired' coaches in 2024(15:45) - Mike McCarthy: He's basically 'pre-fired' and it's not his fault(20:40) - Dennis Allen: Should he have been fired after Winston debacle?(25:30) - Matt Eberflus + Robert Saleh: Both have pass/fails assignments this season(34:45) - Zac Taylor: Why he is likely very safe in Cincy(35:20) - Nick Sirianni: He is on the hottest of hot seats in Philly(41:20) - Doug Pederson: He will be the scapegoat in Jacksonville this year(49:15) - Brian Daboll: He could have longer leash than you think(54:20) - Who could be 'one and done' candidates(1:02:45) - Head coach candidates to keep in mind next offseasonZero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all the episodes of Zero Blitz and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Jason Fitz is joined by senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson and NFL writer Frank Schwab as they get ready to celebrate 100 days until the 2024 season kicks off by picking out a few things they’re looking forward to. Jim Harbaugh re-joining the league following his college career, the Russell Wilson-Justin Fields Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition and Travis Kelce’s pursuit of becoming the greatest tight end of all time are just some of the topics the guys get into.Also on this episode of Zero Blitz, Fitz, Charles and Frank discuss Lamar Jackson’s weight loss and why it matters as he enters his seventh season with the Baltimore Ravens, Roger Goodell floating the idea of adding an 18th game to the schedule and how close Aaron Rodgers actually came to accepting a Vice Presidency nomination and leaving the New York Jets.(1:17) - Lamar Jackson loses weight(8:01) - 18th game coming soon?(18:33) - Other NFL news(22:58) - 9 things we’re looking forward to next season(34:47) - Dak Prescott’s contract drama(38:55) - Wilson vs Fields in Pittsburgh(48:58) - Marvin Harrison Jr.’s path to the NFL(54:41) - What Travis & Jason Kelce will do in ’24Zero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

On today's episode of The Exempt List, Charles McDonald is joined by The Ringer's Steven Ruiz to break down the best and worst offseasons across the NFL.They start off the show with a check in on random quarterback weight fluctuations, specifically Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, and Lamar Jackson.After, they check in on hold outs for top wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Tee Higgins. They question why the Cincinnati Bengals haven't paid Higgins yet this far into the process.Then, McDonald and Ruiz share their list of teams that had puzzling offseasons, including the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. After the break, they explain why the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Kansas Chiefs had stellar free agent signings and draft picks to set them up for success in 2024.(2:57) Quarterback weight check in(10:53) Jefferson and Higgins holdoutsPuzzling offseasons (14:15) Falcons (19:48) Jaguars (24:28) Cowboys (30:45) Lions (36:20) BroncosGood offseasons (39:22) Jets (43:23) Bears (47:39) Patriots (51:01) Chiefs🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all the episodes of Zero Blitz and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein and NFL writer Frank Schwab discuss exciting NFL games in 2024, Giants' new alternate uniforms, Hard Knocks featuring the New York Giants, and upcoming docuseries on Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. They also debate if the NFL schedule is going too far and dive into the process of scheduling games. The episode pays homage to Terez Paylor and his impact on Yahoo Sports NFL coverage.

John Shipley of Jaguar Report joins to discuss Jared Goff's contract impact on Trevor Lawrence. They analyze the NFL schedule release, Antoine Winfield Jr.'s contract, and Falcons' offseason moves. The episode wraps up with listener questions about Lions, Jaguars, and more.

Charles Robinson and Frank Schwab discuss concerning QB situations in the NFL for teams like the Broncos, Panthers, and Browns. They also highlight interesting QB rooms in Dallas, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis. The podcast pays tribute to Terez Paylor and his legacy.

On today's episode of The Exempt List, Charles McDonald is joined by ESPN's Miami Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques to break down Tua Tagovailoa's upcoming contract negotiation with the Miami Dolphins. They discuss where Tagovailoa fits among other highly paid quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts.They shift their focus to the rap beef that occurred over the weekend between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. They react to the songs dropped by both artists, and share why Kendrick appeared to be the clear winner.McDonald wraps the show with the Tom Brady Roast from this past Sunday. They react to the funniest moments from the biggest names at the event like Rob Gronkowski, Nikki Glaser, Kevin Hart, and more.1:09 Tua's contract negotiations17:44 Kendrick vs Drake37:49 The Tom Brady Roast🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out all the episodes of Zero Blitz and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap the draft in the best way they know how: letter grades! Fitz and Frank discuss all 32 teams division by division as they give a snapshot of how fans should be feeling heading into the 2024 season. The duo have key debates on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and more.4:35 - NFC East17:05 - NFC North27:50 - NFC South40:20 - NFC West49:50 - AFC East59:50 - AFC North1:05:40 - AFC South1:14:15 - AFC WestZero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

Less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, Charles McDonald and Nate Tice give their thoughts and key takeaways, including Charles' reaction to the Atlanta Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr, the Denver Broncos overdrafting Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler to the New Orleans Saints and Charles and Nate's favorite running back and offensive line landing spots.Charles and Nate finish off the show with a dueling draft of day three selections, where they each draft a pick from rounds four through seven (and a kicker in round six) so they can track how their picks do throughout their rookie seasons.3:55 - Michael Penix is an Atlanta Falcon16:40 - Broncos take Bo Nix25:15 - Spencer Rattler & our favorite RB landing spots39:25 - Offensive line landing spots44:50 - Day three dueling draftZero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”