The MMQB NFL Podcast

It’s been a surprisingly busy week in the NFL, with developments in the Deshaun Watson cases, an off-the-rails congressional hearing concerning Daniel Snyder, and the retirement (we think) of an all-time great. So Conor and Gary welcome in SI NFL Insider Albert Breer to break it all down. First, now that all but four of the civil complaints against Deshaun Watson have been settled, what is the NFL timeline regarding league discipline going to be like? And why is this process going to be much different than past personal conduct cases the NFL has handled? Then, the news that Daniel Snyder will be subpoenaed by the congressional oversight committee, and whether Snyder will ever be forced out by fellow owners. Plus, Rob Gronkowski retires again—maybe for real, maybe not. A look back at his career and his unique value as a player. Also, Albert takes on More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions. Andy Benoit’s magazine feature on Rob Gronkowski, from 2016, referenced during the show: https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/09/15/rob-gronkowski-patriots-nfls-brainiest-tight-end 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

Conor and Gary have—rightfully—spent quite a bit of time discussing Deshaun Watson over the past few weeks. Now, with reports surfacing on Friday that the NFL plans to argue for a “significant” suspension of Watson, it’s a good time for everyone to turn their attention toward Baker Mayfield. If Watson is suspended for the season would Mayfield play out the final year of his rookie contract in Cleveland, knowing he’d be leading a playoff-caliber roster? Or would he try to start establishing himself elsewhere, with another franchise (specifically, one in Carolina)? Then, a discussion of Tyreek Hill’s scorching Patrick Mahomes takes on his latest podcast, sparking a specific discussion of the pressure it puts on Tua Tagovailoa and a meandering discussion of two-hit wonders for reasons you’ll understand if you listen to the show. Plus, coaches fined for OTA violations and Jets receivers talk. 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

With Conor recording from a secret location somewhere in these great United States, he and Gary link up via satellite phone to talk about three big contracts and one bad tweet. First a look at Aaron Donald’s deal, and what Donald wanted on and off the field (beyond a large sum of money) to return to the Super Bowl champs. Then, the importance of Cooper Kupp in a world that’s gone mad for wide receivers. Then, a discussion of the Hunter Renfrow deal, and what it means that a complementary weapon can get paid like Renfrow did. Is this the new normal, or will the Renfrow deal eventually look like an outlier? Also, a reluctant discussion of Jack Del Rio’s now-non-existent Twitter account, good and bad Simpsons references, and more. 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

Deshaun Watson continues to be the biggest NFL story in recent memory, and thanks to the continued, exceedingly thorough reporting of Jenny Vrentas, it is not going to go away anytime soon.With that in mind, Conor and Gary welcome Jenny back to the show! A discussion of her latest investigative piece for the New York Times, which covers Watson and the expanding number of women not among the civil complainants who are sharing accounts of his problematic behavior during massage therapy sessions.Jenny also covers the Houston Texans’ role in this mess—what did the team know, what should they have known, and why did their security personnel provide Watson with a non-disclosure agreement to give massage therapists?—as well as more insight into the secretive grand-jury proceedings from last March.Jenny’s latest story: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/07/sports/football/deshaun-watson.htmlHave 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

While Conor and Gary eagerly await word on their applications to Tight End University, they take a broader look at the market while addressing the question: Why don’t tight ends get paid more than they do? Breaking down the guys at the top of the market, the lack of depth at the position across the NFL, the tight end’s role in the NFL’s trendiest offense, and who could break through and get that monster contract. Then, a look at the Lamar Jackson contract situation, what the quarterback should be asking for and why the Ravens shouldn’t be hesitating if it’s a four-year commitment. Finally, the latest on the Deshaun Watson cases, as two more civil complaints are filed and Watson’s defense team takes their very aggressive media campaign from behind the scenes to the forefront. 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

In a very special episode, Peter King returns to his old stomping grounds as the godfather (or something) of The MMQB helps Conor and Gary make sense of what you might call “the hot topics” going on around the NFL. It seems that Colin Kaepernick won’t be signing with the Raiders in the short-term, so what do we make of his workout with the team? Who is going to buy the Denver Broncos, and how much money will it cost? How will Roger Goodell handle the potential Deshaun Watson suspension? Is Mike Trout the worst commissioner in fantasy sports? And was there a time when we didn’t have to put out NFL content in June? Plus, Peter takes his shot at America’s least-favorite quiz show, More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! 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

On Tuesday night, two massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson appeared on HBO to put faces and voices behind their accounts, while Watson’s legal team continued to fight back publicly, both on and off the show. Conor and Gary discuss the potential effects of that “Real Sports” segment, the arguments Watson’s lawyers are making on his behalf, and the stubborn misconceptions about the Watson cases that just won’t go away. Then SI senior writer Stephanie Apstein joins the show to talk Trevor Bauer and the similarities and differences between the Bauer and Watson cases, especially in light of Bauer’s suspension (two years, currently under appeal) as a decision from the NFL nears. Plus, Conor and Gary make Steph talk more Orioles baseball than anyone could possibly want, and Steph tries her hand at a baseball-themed round of More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions. 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

It was just a few short years ago when it seemed that, across the NFL, every team was more or less satisfied with their quarterback situation. But with the 2022 season just a couple months away, somewhere in the neighborhood of one-third of the teams in the NFL are looking at some degree of—officially speaking—a “mess” at the QB spot. With that in mind, Conor and Gary are breaking down the specific degree of “quarterback mess” for 13 teams across the league. That means a discussion of Daniel Jones in the near- and medium-term future, the Browns’ mess with Baker Mayfield and continued mess with Deshaun Watson, whether Ben McAdoo can get anything out of Sam Darnold, the chances of Drew Lock (or Geno Smith) giving Seattle a capable starter, whether Trey Lance is running out of time in San Francisco, Zach Wilson’s erratic play but sky-high ceiling, 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://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a very special episode of The MMQB NFL Podcast, Conor and Gary welcome Jenny Vrentas back to the show to cover a number of topics, starting with the investigation into the Raiders by Jenny and the team at the New York Times. Why is that franchise seemingly run like a disorganized mom-and-pop store rather than a billion-dollar enterprise? Why has there been so much turnover among their front-office leadership? And what would you do if Jon Gruden burst into your office to tell you you're doing a great job via football metaphors? Then, a discussion of tanking in the NFL in light of Conor and Gary’s recent piece into the NFL’s investigation into the Browns and their—to put it kindly—unique approach to the 2016 and ’17 seasons. Plus, Jenny takes on the hit sensation, More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions… is she up to the task? (Of course she is.) 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

Conor and Gary have had a couple of days to chew on the NFL schedule after the league’s overwrought, (seemingly) months-long trickle of a release. Here’s what they settled on: First, the curious case of the Cleveland Browns’ utter lack of primetime appearances. How Deshaun Watson (very likely) affected that beyond just a potential suspension, and who it helps and who it hurts in Cleveland. Then, a look at five teams who got—maybe, perhaps, just a little bit—hosed by the schedule-makers, whether it be impossible stretches of games, lengthy travel or, most importantly, a lack of rest. And how those tough schedules could ultimately affect a couple of teams looking at some difficult transitions. Plus, a discussion of what will surely be a frustrating foray into streaming TV for many fans as Amazon Prime takes over the Thursday Night Football package, and identifying our favorite games of the 2022 season. 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