George Pickens on the Franchise Tag: Will He Cause Drama in Dallas? 🍿

George Pickens on the Franchise Tag: Will He Cause Drama in Dallas? 🍿

THE BILLION-DOLLAR OFFENSE HAS A BIG QUESTION MARK. 💸   The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2026 NFL season heralded as one of the most explosive, unstoppable offensive units in the entire league. But behind the scenes, a high-stakes contract poker game is unfolding with their star wideout.   In this episode Steve Smith Sr. and NFL Insider James Palmer dive deep into George Pickens officially playing under the $27.3 million franchise tag this season. Will the lack of a long-term contract extension cause waves in the locker room, or will Pickens use it as ultimate motivation to top his insane 1,429-yard breakout campaign from last year?   James drops a behind-the-scenes bombshell: The Cowboys were actively fielding trade offers for Pickens during the draft. The guys debate whether other teams around the league view Pickens as a true franchise pillar or if perceived "attitude problems" dating back to his Pittsburgh days are making organizations hesitant to meet Jerry Jones' asking price.   Finally, Smitty gives his unfiltered evaluation of this offense. With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens all locked in, is this truly the best offense in the NFL for 2026, or is the foundation built on shaky ground?   #cowboys #nfl #fantasyfootball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandon Aiyuk vs. the 49ers: What is REALLY going on 👀

THE $25 MILLION DISRESPECT 📉   The Brandon Aiyuk era in San Francisco is over, and it didn't end with a handshake—it ended with a legal void. After a tumultuous 15 months that included a $120M extension, a season-ending injury in 2025, and a total breakdown in communication, the 49ers have officially voided Aiyuk’s $26.15 million in guarantees for the 2026 season.   Today, Steve Smith Sr. gives us the "Diva WR" perspective. He breaks down why Brandon is rightfully heated after the team pulled the rug out from under him, and why "business" in the NFL often feels like a personal attack on a player's value.   Then, James Palmer takes us into the front office. He breaks down the timeline of how we got here—from the hold-in to the "reserve/left squad" list—and reveals which teams are already calling John Lynch now that the Draft is over, and why they should.   In this episode:   *The "Void" Explained:* Why the 49ers took away Aiyuk’s 2026 roster bonus.   *Steve’s Take:* Why Head Coaches and NFL Front Offices need to be held accountable just as much as the players.   *Potential Landing Spots:* Are the Commanders the frontrunners for a Jayden Daniels/Aiyuk reunion? Do the Steelers finally close the deal?   0:00 Brandon Aiyuk 2:00 Shanahan Legacy 5:25 Early Friction with Aiyuk 12:40 The Boiling Point 13:53 Steelers Rumors 18:23 Voided Guarantees 29:49 What's Next for Aiyuk?   #nflnews #nfl #49ers #commanders #fantasyfootball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 WR Draft Recap 🚨 Steve Smith’s Favorite Landing Spots

THE DRAFT IS DONE. THE GRADES ARE IN. 📝   The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and the wide receiver landscape has been completely reshaped. But who actually got better? Steve Smith Sr. and NFL Insider James Palmer sit down to analyze the intersection of talent and scheme.   It’s not just about who went in the first round—it’s about who walked into the right locker room. From Carnell Tate becoming the "safest bet" in Tennessee to the Raiders snagging elite speed in Malik Benson, Steve and James break down why certain fits will flourish while others might struggle to see the field.   0:00 NFL Draft Reaction 2:30 Carnell Tate - Titans 10:20 Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance - Saints 15:00 Makai Lemon - Eagles 18:25 KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston - Browns 22:35 Omar Cooper Jr. - Jets 26:20 De'zhaun Stribling - 49ers 29:30 Germie Bernard - Steelers 35:20  Antonio Williams - Commanders 36:00 Malachi Fields - Giants 37:20 Caleb Douglas - Dolphins 37:48 Chris Bell - Dolphins 38:48 Zachariah Branch - Falcons 39:30 Jakobi Lane - Ravens 41:00 Chris Brazzell II - Panthers 44:40  Ted Hurst - Buccaneers 48:15 Brenen Thompson - Chargers 49:55 Skyler Bell - Bills 55:00 Reggie Virgil - Cardinals 57:00 Malik Benson - Raiders 59:20 - Deion Burks - Colts 1:05:00  Favorite Fits Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steve Smith's FINAL Top 20 WRs & Perfect Team Fits 🏈 2026 NFL Draft

The wait is over. It’s Draft Day.   After months of film study, Combine re-evaluations, and heated debates with Daniel Jeremiah, Steve Smith Sr. is officially revealing his Final Top 20 Wide Receiver Rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft.   From the "lock" at WR1 to the polarizing debate surrounding Omar Cooper Jr. and Jordyn Tyson, Steve walks through every single name on his board. He explains the tier breaks, the "Buyer Beware" prospects, and the sleepers that could define the second day of the draft.   But we aren't just giving you a list of names. Steve and James Palmer dive into the Perfect Team Fits for every single receiver in the Top 20. Steve explains why specific prospects are "scheme dependent" and identifies the NFL offenses that will turn these rookies into immediate stars.   *Subscribe to @89show for live Draft coverage and post-draft reaction: http://youtube.com/@89show?sub_confirmation=1*   0:00 Steve's Top 20 WRs 3:00 Honorable Mention 6:50 Prospect 20 9:06 Prospect 19 11:45 Prospect 18 16:40 Prospect 17 18:25 Prospect 16 22:30 Prospect 15 27:00 Prospect 14 33:26 Prospect 13 38:11 Prospect 12 44:40 Prospect 11 50:26 Prospect 10 57:10 Prospect 9 1:03:00 Prospect 8 1:08:14 Prospect 7 1:13:20 Prospect 6 1:21:14 Prospect 5 1:27:17 Prospect 4 1:33:44 Prospect 3 1:38:23 Prospect 2 1:43:27 Prospect 1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matthew Golden's rookie season graded by Steve Smith Sr.

For 89's next Rookie Report Card, we’re heading to Lambeau Field. Matthew Golden entered the league with a massive weight on his shoulders—the first wide receiver taken by the Green Bay Packers in the first round since 2002. But as the season has progressed, the box scores have left fans asking: Where is the first-round spark?   NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. and Insider James Palmer go deep into the tape to find the answer, and Steve’s conclusion is a wake-up call for the league.   Inside the Episode:   *The Tape Doesn't Lie:* Steve reveals the most frustrating part of Golden’s rookie season—he is getting open. Steve breaks down specific plays where Golden wins his route and finds the window, only to be overlooked in a crowded progression.   *The Snap Count Struggle:* We discuss the "Numbers Game" in Green Bay. How has a veteran-heavy room featuring Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson inhibited the rookie’s growth? Steve explains why "Role Acceptance" is the hardest part of Golden’s grade this year.   *The Surtain Stamp of Approval:* James brings exclusive insight from Denver, sharing what All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain II really thinks about facing the rookie. When the league’s best corner puts you on notice, the stats tell only half the story.   *Lofty Expectations:* Steve and James dive into the psychological toll of being "The Streak Breaker" in Green Bay and why the Packers' offensive success has actually made it harder for Golden to find his rhythm.   *The Final Grade:* Steve puts Matthew Golden through the gauntlet: Route Running, Role Acceptance, Big Dog Factor, Transition, and Potential. Is Matthew Golden a "bust," or is he a superstar currently trapped behind a depth chart logjam? Steve gives his definitive verdict.   Packers fans, are you worried about Golden, or do you trust the process? Let us know in the comments! 👇   0:00 Matthew Golden 4:30 Film Session 7:40 Grades 14:50 Final Grade   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.