The Spotrac Podcast

#392: MLB Bests & Worsts, MVP Money, & the Future of the 49ers

Deebo Samuel's early offseason angst had many wondering where the 49ers were headed for 2022. What does it mean that things have gone silent? Plus, early team & player surprises in MLB - both good and bad. And, how many MLB MVPs have hit the open market immediately after?

#391: NBA Playoff Team Future Financials

A dive into one player from each of the remaining #NBA playoff teams who will enter the offseason with financial questions, including extensions for Tyler Herro & Ja Morant, the future of James Harden, & what happens if Chris Paul retires? Plus, Tom Brady is about get richer.

#390: NFL Offseason Deep Dive: Part 2

A deep dive into the offseason moves, headlines, & financials for the rest of the NFL, stemming from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Washington Commanders. Plus, assessing the leading MLB teams with nearly 20% of the 2022 season now behind us.

#389: NFL Offseason Deep Dive: Part 1

A deep offseason financial dive into the first half of NFL teams, including notable signings, draft selections, & a few question marks and headlines going forward for each. Plus, how money lost is calculated for NFL suspensions, & assessing new deals for Grady Jarrett & A.J. Brown.

#388: Drafted QBs, MLB's Best, & the Utah Jazz

How the QBs drafted in 2022 will impact their respective rosters immediately and down the road. Plus, an offseason outlook for the Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, & NBA Big Men. And, early on this season, MLB's high-paid stars are setting the tone.

#387: 5th-Year Options, NHL Star Power, & the Brooklyn Nets Offseason

Understanding and assessing 5th year options for the 2019 1st Round Draft Class, a breakdown of the rookie wage scale & how contract values and guarantees are projected to change from Pick 1 to 262. Plus, a quick dive into Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, & the NHL's high-paid, talented crop. And, swept out of the first round, the Brooklyn Nets face plenty of financial question marks heading into the offseason.

#386: Facts & Figures for the 2022 NFL Draft

Mike Ginnitti breaks down a variety of themes surrounding the upcoming NFL draft, including projected rookie contracts, recent draft picks trades, positions of strength, must-follow teams, and plenty more.

#385: Best Available NFL Free Agents & Notable MLB Extension Candidates

Dan Soemann breaks down a strong list of MLB players, young & old, who could be in line for a new payday in the coming months. Plus, just a week out from the NFL Draft, there are still plenty of notable available free agents seeking an NFL team for 2022.

#384: Derek Carr's Extension, Potential NFL Holdouts, & Changing NBA Financials

Derek Carr's extension could be nothing more than a one year pay raise, but is smart business no matter the outcome. Plus, a few notable NFL players are avoiding their teams now - why that won't be the case come summer. And, where are all the highest paid NBA players this time of year?

#383: NBA Expansion, & a MLB Daily Fantasy Preview

Keith Smith joins to extrapolate on his recent NBA Expansion piece for spotrac.com, highlighting the potential impact, and possible destinations for new teams. Plus, Dan Soemann breaks down a few notable notes surrounding the daily fantasy scene for the brand new MLB season.

#382: NBA Final Numbers & Aaron Judge's Non-Extension

A dive into the final financials for the NBA regular season, including playoff spenders, most money doled out for injuries, fines, suspensions, & quick thoughts on the upcoming play-in series. Plus, the Yankees were fully transparent about their negotiations with soon to be free agent Aaron Judge.

#381: The Exploding WR Market, NBA Financial Futures, & MLB Payroll Trivia

Stefon Diggs' new contract with the Bills is yet another push forward for a WR market that has taken off this spring. Plus, Keith Smith talks financial futures for Ayton, Beal, Harden, Zion, LaVine, & more. And, a few fun facts & figures surrounding MLB payrolls heading into 2022.

#380: An MLB Preview with Cousin Dan

Dan Soemann joins to help preview the upcoming MLB season, including notable offseason moves, signings, & remaining options. Plus, how will the 12-team playoff alter our thinking of roster building, which teams seem viable for division titles, and best and worst contracts heading toward April. Also, Xavien Howard's sort of extension in Miami, and another Oakland A's fire sale.

#379: Lamar Jackson, D.K. Metcalf, Safe & Scary NFL Free Agent Contracts

Lamar Jackson's next contract with Baltimore has risen to the top of the NFL offseason rumor mountain. Why the process to pay him isn't as formulaic as it used to be. Plus, are the Seahawks in a position to extend D.K. Metcalf, or is he destined for a 2023 franchise tag? And, a few safe & potentially scary recently signed NFL free agent contracts.

#378: The All-NBA Dilemma, Star Trade Candidates, & a One-And-Done NFL Go-Offseason?

Defining which NBA players have been the best at their "position" in any given year has become increasingly difficult. With millions attached to All-NBA designations, our thoughts on how the league can modify this process going forward. Plus, Zion Williamson headlines a list of potential star players on the early trade block. And, the NFL has had an offseason, but is that type of movement here to stay?

#377: Assessing the 2022 QB Movement, & a Yankees Deep Dive with Lindsey Adler

It didn't take long for nearly every QB rumored to be on the move to finalize his position for the 2022 season. Mike Ginnitti discusses the new landing spots, guaranteed costs, & potential outlook for the 10 or so QBs who changed teams or signed new contracts, including thoughts on what's next for Baker Mayfield. Plus The Athletic's Lindsey Adler joins to break down a seemingly quiet offseason, and why she believes that might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

#376: Big-time NFL Trades, Calculated Signings, & an Historic MLB Free Agency

Mike Ginnitti & Scott Allen discuss the big NFL moves of the week, including Aaron Rodgers in, Davante Adams out. How the Raiders big offseason shuffle appears to be 100% calculated. And why the NFL might never be the same after these latest transactions. Plus, MLB Free Agency has now poured in over $3.1B of new signings.

#375: A Tiny NFL Pre-Agency Recap, & Notable MLB Signings

Mike Ginnitti discusses Aaron Rodgers' contract details, Von Miller's terms in Buffalo, plus overall team moves for the Chargers, Jaguars, & Cardinals. Plus, Kris Bryant to the Rockies, a new contender in the AL East, & how the Nationals are stepping up their offer to Juan Soto.

#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.