Overview of Maxx Crosby Is No Longer A Raven, Nate Tice Joins Us To Talk NFL Free Agency, World Baseball Classic, Hot Seat/Cool Throne And A Laser Tag Debate During Guys On Chicks
This episode of Part of My Take (Barstool Sports) centers on NFL free agency fallout (most notably the Maxx Crosby/Ravens rescinded trade), a deep conversation with Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice on free agency and the draft, plus sports culture segments: World Baseball Classic takeaways, Hot Seat/Cool Throne, “Guys on Chicks” listener mail (including a laser‑tag injury debate), and recurring banter. The hosts run through winners/losers of the opening free‑agency days, roster fits, draft implications, and pop culture moments around the weekend’s sports headlines.
Major NFL free‑agency headlines covered
- Maxx Crosby trade to the Baltimore Ravens was rescinded after Crosby reportedly failed a physical. Hosts debated whether the Ravens found a genuine medical issue, used the physical as an exit, or were maneuvering strategically — and discussed the domino effect for teams that pivoted roster plans assuming Crosby was moving.
- Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets — hosts framed it as a “storybook” reunion and discussed backup Carson Wentz and the Jets’ roster additions.
- Raiders: big splashes including Tyler Linderbaum (large deal). Discussion about how a veteran center benefits a rookie QB’s transition and why centers can be underrated but pivotal signings.
- Notable signings and moves mentioned:
- Jalen Phillips to the Panthers (large contract; Panthers addressing a pass‑rush need)
- Malik Willis to the Dolphins (two‑year, lower‑risk bridge/experiment)
- Kenneth Walker to the Kansas City Chiefs (adds explosive run game element)
- Rams added high‑level cornerback help (trade for Bryce McDuffie and signing Jalen Watson in the podcast’s framing), improving their NFC outlook
- Micah Parsons / Oweh‑type splash: Draftee/contract discussions and big deals (e.g., Adafe Oweh to Commanders headline: four years, $100M, $68M guaranteed noted in conversation)
- Teams noted as slow or at a crossroads: Eagles (cap constraints, AJ Brown trade cloud), Broncos, Jaguars, Seahawks — conversation around which teams would still be active.
- Contract reporting evolution: hosts praised increased transparency on guaranteed money versus headline values.
Nate Tice deep‑dive — key football takeaways
- Centers matter: veteran centers (example used — Linderbaum to Vegas) significantly ease a rookie QB’s transition by handling pre‑snap calls and blitz identification. That can unlock quicker quarterback development.
- Winners of the early market: interior linemen and edge pass rushers who fit immediate scheme need. Nate spotlighted Linderbaum, John Franklin‑Myers to the Titans (fit next to Jeffery Simmons), and other interior pressure creators.
- Overpays and fits: Nate called some deals (e.g., certain coach‑familiar signings) “rich” for their role, and warned about paying heavy money for players with specific limitations (run defense or aged/contract risk).
- Quarterback market thoughts:
- Malik Willis to Miami/Dolphins: framed as a reasonable, low‑risk two‑year experiment where the front office saw him up close.
- Kyler Murray: discussed as a wildcard with fit speculation (Vikings mentioned as stylistic match).
- Veteran QB churn: Geno Smith, Carson Wentz, Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa moves discussed in context of stylistic fits.
- Draft notes & player evaluations:
- Jeremiah Love discussed as a strong, every‑down running back with big‑play ability and higher draft ceiling than some peers.
- Caleb Downs (safety) rated highly for scheme versatility and potential top‑10 value in this class — valuation partly a function of an otherwise spotty draft depth.
- Reuben Bain vs other edge prospects: Nate emphasized run‑defense instincts and toughness vs pure pass‑rush upside tradeoffs.
- Team scouting notes: Rams’ cornerback upgrades (McDuffie/Watson) push them into top NFC contender conversation; Chiefs signing a runner like Walker addresses explosive play deficiency.
World Baseball Classic & other sports moments
- World Baseball Classic highlights:
- Team USA’s win; Bobby Witt Jr. praised for defense; Paul Skenes spotlighted as an exciting player.
- Cal Raleigh vs. Randy Arozarena on‑field beef (teammates with real heat — added tournament intensity).
- Heartwarming moments (e.g., pilots in attendance, electric atmosphere).
- Notable underdog moments: Czech pitcher who works as an electrician throwing scoreless innings — crowd loved it.
- NBA & college notes:
- Discussion of marquee NBA matchups (Jokic vs SGA), Wemby, Celtics futures discussion.
- College basketball/injury updates: Caleb Foster (Duke) injury updates discussed and disappointment expressed.
Hot Seat / Cool Throne — highlights
Selected hosts’ opinions and cultural takes:
- Hot Seat examples:
- PFT: PGA Tour remainder (Brooks Koepka’s play and potential surge)
- Collin Cowherd AI interaction (Big Cat mention of debating an AI sports app)
- Dak Prescott wedding email leak — privacy and leaked info criticism
- Cool Throne examples:
- Respecting women and the Atlanta Hawks canceling “Magic City Night” — praising the team for listening to concerns
- Podcasters getting cultural clout (joke around university president stepping down due to an affair with a podcaster)
- Pop culture crossovers (podcaster influence, social media hot takes) threaded through the segment.
Guys On Chicks / listener mail — key questions & hosts’ replies
- Laser‑tag workplace injury: a listener’s fiancée had a workplace laser‑tag accident — chipped three teeth, root canals and crowns needed. Hosts debated liability, adult participation in children’s games, and whether better equipment/format could have prevented it. Consensus: it’s awful for the injured person; adult laser‑tag has a nostalgia appeal but quality/format varies wildly. They toyed with getting “top‑tier” laser‑tag or paintball in the office as a content idea.
- Dance lessons before proposals: hosts advised not to force a partner into lessons; pragmatically suggested simple solutions (practice the first dance basics, lean in and kiss if steps go wrong).
- Male friendships and intimacy: hosts explained why many male friend groups keep conversations surface‑level — group bonding aims to escape life stressors, and deep sharing often happens in late‑night or private moments rather than at group hangs.
Notable quotes & lines
- “The deal is not done until the doctors sign off.” — Hosts on the Crosby trade rescind.
- “If you post a 13‑minute goodbye video on social media like Max Crosby did, that should just be trade final.” — comedic take on players’ farewell videos.
- Nate Tice on centers: signing a vet center “takes so much off the quarterback’s plate.”
- On team construction: “When you draft really good players all the time, you have to pay really good players all the time.” — about cap decisions and retaining core talent.
Action items / recommendations from the episode
- Follow Nate Tice for deeper free‑agency and draft analysis: Football 301 and Yahoo Sports (hosts recommended subscribing).
- If you missed it: watch the Max Crosby timeline (trade reported → failed physical → rescinded) for ongoing developments.
- Watch the World Baseball Classic — hosts stressed the event’s intensity and entertaining storylines (Team USA, Skenes, Arozarena/Raleigh feud).
- Barstool content ideas teased: potential office laser‑tag/paintball shoot and related video content.
Final notes
- The episode blends hard NFL roster analysis (with Nate Tice’s detailed scouting perspective) and the show’s usual personality-driven segments (Hot Seat/Cool Throne, Guys on Chicks, pop culture debates). It’s a useful listen for football fans tracking free agency, fantasy/draft implications, and for anyone following the World Baseball Classic or interested in the intersection of sports, social media, and on‑air commentary.