Scoop City is back with a packed episode ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini, co-host James Palmer, and former NFL QB Chase Daniel began the show by discussing the Philadelphia Eagles. The group debated whether the Eagles are built to repeat as Super Bowl champions. What, if anything, could hold them back?

Russini, Palmer and Daniel also discussed what the league has been saying about the Micah Parsons trade. On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a pair of first-round draft picks and DT Kenny Clark.

Later in the show, the group welcomed The Athletic’s senior writer Zak Keefer to discuss why organizations fail young quarterbacks. Keefer previewed his piece set to drop on The Athletic on September 2nd. Since 2011, if you don’t own the No. 1 pick, your chances of drafting a bust (33 percent) are nearly double your chances of landing a star (17 percent). Keefer offered insight from the various discussions he had with those around the league.

Plus, Scoop City wraps today’s episode by selecting Super Bowl and MVP picks for the 2025 season.

in a stunning NFL blockbuster, the Dallas Cowboys have traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for two first-round draft picks and three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark. Upon arrival in Green Bay, Parsons will sign a record-setting four-year, $188 million deal with $136 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

On this special live edition of Scoop City, The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini is joined by James Palmer to break down every angle of the trade. Cowboys Senior Writer Jon Machota and Packers Senior Writer Matt Schneidman add insider perspective from both sides, diving into what this move means for Dallas, Green Bay, and the league as a whole.

From Jerry Jones’ bold decision to part ways with his defensive superstar to the ripple effects of Parsons’ historic contract, this episode captures all the immediate fallout of one of the most shocking trades in recent NFL history.

Scoop City looks ahead to next week's season kick-off game between the Dallas Cowboys and reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Zach Berman, The Athletic's senior Eagles writer, joins James Palmer live from the Eagles' training facility to talk about how Philadelphia can win back-to-back NFC East division titles for the first time since 2004.

Zach and James also discuss who the biggest threat in the NFC is to Philadelphia in their attempt to repeat as conference champions.

Micah Parsons is still working on a new contract with the Cowboys, and Zach shares how the team is planning for next week's game despite Parsons' uncertain status.

The duo also discusses how Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts may be overlooked in the league's best quarterbacks debate due to his star-studded supporting cast.

The Athletic's senior fantasy writer, Jake Ciely, also joins Scoop City to prepare you for your upcoming fantasy drafts. Jake talks to James about several sleeper candidates in the middle rounds, a player to avoid based on their high cost and several end-of-the-draft steals that could help push your team over the top.

Lastly, James recaps Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton's new contract extension and how Hamilton's versatility is becoming more valuable in the modern game. James analyzes how tight ends' increasing athleticism presents matchup problems for opposing defenses and how players like Hamilton can help combat the issue.

Scoop City returns with another packed episode! The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini details the trade that sent WR Adam Thielen back to the Minnesota Vikings. In return, the Carolina Panthers received two draft picks. Thielen returns to the place he called home for the first nine seasons of his NFL career.

Elsewhere around the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs will be without star WR Rashee Rice for the first six games of the 2025 season. Rice was handed a six-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. He will be eligible to play his first game of the 2025 regular season in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

With roster cuts finalized, 53-man rosters and depth charts took shape around the league, including in Cleveland. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Dillon Gabriel will back up Joe Flacco. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders made the 53-man roster and will open the season as the third-string QB.

In other QB news, the New Orleans Saints have named their starter for the 2025 season. Former fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler has won the job in The Big Easy. Rattler beat out second-round pick Tyler Shough.

Plus, Russini and James Palmer dive into several other topics, including why some new coaches have lofty expectations and which team could go from the basement to the top of their respective division. All that and more on this episode of Scoop City!

The Athletic's senior NFL insider Dianna Russini breaks down Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin's three-year extension. Chase Daniel adds his perspective on what it means for the Commanders' offense with McLaurin back on the field and how quarterback Jayden Daniels and his top target can get back up to speed quickly with Week 1 fast approaching.

James Palmer, Russini and Daniel also discuss the continued standoff between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys with their preseason now wrapped up. Parsons continues to seek a trade out of Dallas with next week's season kickoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles looming. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to insist that he has a deal in place already with Parsons after speaking with the pass rusher this spring without his agent present.

Palmer, Russini and Daniel analyze the Cleveland Browns' intention to keep four quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster. Kevin Stefanski has been under scrutiny for his handling of the team's quarterback room in the Browns' preseason finale and the group reacts to Stefanski's comments about rookie Shedeur Sanders' development.

New York Giants rookie Jaxson Dart continues to impress. Chase breaks down what he has seen from the quarterback so far and why the Giants have a great problem on their hands with a rookie who is developing quickly. The trio also reacts to head coach Brian Daboll's comments about placing Dart in certain difficult situations to see if he will succeed.

Finally, our cast reminisces about their unofficial end-of-summer weekend, including Chase running a 5K and Dianna losing one of her son's favorite stuffed animals before eventually tracking it down.

Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels joins The Athletic's senior NFL insider Dianna Russini on the final day of training camp in Ashburn, VA, to talk about getting ready for the 2025 season.

Jayden talks to Dianna about his growing connection with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and why they are only scratching the surface of what their offense can produce.

Dianna asks Jayden about the optimism surrounding the team despite their best wide receiver still holding in for a new contract. Jayden explains why he’s confident Terry McLaurin will be back on the field soon.

Jayden also opens up about leading a veteran locker room and how he relates to older players.

Dianna asks Jayden about building on his Rookie of the Year season in 2024 and his growth heading into Year 2.

Dianna and Jayden also have some fun to wrap up training camp and hand out some camp superlatives: Most Improved, Biggest Hustler and Biggest Complainer.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and tight end Zach Ertz sit down with The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini on the final day of training camp in Ashburn, VA, to reflect on the upcoming season, the second for both in Washington.

Quinn discusses building a connected locker room, why he values veteran leaders like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Von Miller and how those voices accelerate the growth of younger players.

Russini asks about Quinn's trust in Jayden Daniels as a franchise quarterback, what makes the young QB’s work ethic stand out, and how Daniels has bonded with veteran stars.

Quinn also shares his optimism about Terry McLaurin’s return and how the timing of a potential deal matters for the offense.

Quinn opens up about lessons learned from Year 1 to Year 2, the importance of culture over stat sheets, and what separates this Commanders team from any other group he’s coached.

Finally, the pair lighten things up, handing out some camp superlatives and Quinn shares his biggest pet peeve away from football.

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Ertz opens up about the grind of camp, the importance of offensive line improvements, and how new additions like Deebo Samuel are already elevating the offense. He explains why protecting with fewer blockers changes everything for the passing game — and how Washington’s revamped offensive line will unlock more opportunities this year.

Russini asks Ertz about his connection with Daniels, praising his rare ability to lead without ego and hold the locker room to a higher standard. Ertz also shares what it’s like working with Kliff Kingsbury’s evolving playbook, why ball security will be the key to a deep playoff run and his thoughts on the team’s optimism surrounding a potential Terry McLaurin return.

Finally, Ertz previews Washington's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, gives his candid scouting report and jokes about hosting a podcast himself one day.

The Dallas Cowboys kickoff the regular season in 15 days against the Philadelphia Eagles. Will the Cowboys and All-Pro DE Micah Parsons agree to a contract extension before then? The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini takes you inside the situation in Dallas between Parsons and the Cowboys.

Parsons and the Cowboys aren’t the only teams and star players at a stalemate. Trey Hendrickson is still holding in waiting on a better offer from the Cincinnati Bengals. Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is also waiting for a new contract. And the most recent veteran seeking a new deal is Pittsburgh Steelers DL Cam Heyward.

Elsewhere around the league, the Indianapolis Colts named a new starting quarterback. Former New York Giants first-round draft pick Daniel Jones won the job over Anthony Richardson. Russini and Scoop City Co-Host James Palmer discuss what’s next for Richardson.

Finally, Russini and Palmer go back to school to discuss this year’s crop of rookie running backs. Which rookie has impressed in their first training camp? Plus, what is the latest with Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr?

The New York Giants improved to 2-0 in the preseason thanks, in part, to another impressive performance from rookie QB Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss product completed over 87% of his passes and threw a touchdown against the New York Jets. Former NFL QB Chase Daniel says the Giants need to name Dart the Week 1 starter.

Plus, The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini shares an update on Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson. The 2024 NFL sack leader is seeking a contract extension, but so far has not agreed to any offers from the Bengals. Monday, Russini confirmed the report that the Bengals are listening to trade offers for the All-Pro. Cincinnati is reportedly seeking a young defensive player and a 2026 first-round pick for Hendrickson.

The Scoop City team continues to monitor the Terry McLaurin contract talks. The Washington Commanders' top wide receiver was recently activated off the PUP list as he continues to seek a new contract. The next step for him is a return to practice. As of the taping of this episode, McLaurin and the Commanders have not agreed to a new deal.

Elsewhere around the league, the Cleveland Browns named Joe Flacco their starting quarterback, Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams impressed in preseason action against the Buffalo Bills and the group reacted to conversations Russini had with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini joins New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and 2nd year quarterback Drake Maye to talk about taking the team to the next level.

Dianna talks to coach Vrabel about his time away from coaching and when he knew he had to get back to being a head coach again after leaving the Titans.

Dianna and coach Vrabel also talk about building a special relationship with the players and why that remains the most important part of being a head coach.

Coach Vrabel opens up about returning to New England after playing there and why it is a special place for him and why this job means so much.

Dianna asks Coach Vrabel about Drake Maye's development and getting the most out of his young quarterback. Vrabel talks about getting his quarterback to celebrate more and be a leader by example.

Dianna surprises coach Vrabel with 50 words in 50 seconds for his 50th birthday. Coach shares everything from what he checks first on his phone in the morning and how he orders his coffee.

Dianna also sits down with quarterback Drake Maye and asks him about the new era in New England. Maye shares what Mike Vrabel has brought to the team and the locker room. The Pats QB talks about his relationship with coach Vrabel and what makes him such a great teacher.

Maye talks about the expectations for the new offensive scheme and what the team hopes to accomplish this season.

The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini sits down for an exclusive conversation with Minnesota Vikings reigning Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell and Running Back Aaron Jones.

O'Connell shares his thoughts on quarterback JJ McCarthy and his development since returning to the field. Russini and O'Connell talk about the expectations for the Vikings and playing in the NFC North.

The Vikings coach also shares how he unwinds from the grueling schedule of running a football team.

Dianna also chats with Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.

Dianna asks Aaron about how becoming a father has changed how he handles a win or loss. The running back talks about bringing his kids to practice and making sure to have enough energy to play with his kids even after a long day.

Dianna and Aaron talk about JJ McCarthy and how playing with Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love help prepare him for working with a young quarterback.

Aaron opens up about the team's expectations for this season after all their success in 2024.

Dianna tries her hardest to get Aaron to brag about himself, while using some of her own resume to get him thinking.