It's a Football Podcast!

Preseason is underway. But is it too long?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson played his first game in a year, and the early results weren't great. But the biggest question remains, will he see the regular-season field this season? Trey Lance took another step toward becoming the San Francisco 49ers' QB1. Are the Niners finally moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo? The Dallas Cowboys started the season the way they ended last year, with penalties.

All of that was just Week 1 of the preseason. Is it already time to look to 2023?

Elsewhere, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was diagnosed with a meniscus tear and a bone bruise. For the Tennessee Titans, Malik Willis put in a strong performance, adding pressure to last year's starter Ryan Tannehill. The quarterback battle continued for the Pittsburgh Steelers, while wide receiver George Pickens made quite the opening statement.

And the NFL Insiders ponder the latest in NFL innovation, which is basically "JUGS machine on steroids."

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will miss the start of preseason for "personal reasons," according to coach Todd Bowles. In New England, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn't name an offensive or defensive coordinator and the early assessments are not ideal for Pats fans. For Panthers faithful, quarterback Baker Mayfield is making a positive impression in Carolina. Elsewhere, linebacker Roquan Smith requested a trade from the Chicago Bears. 

As for things in Cleveland, team news isn't much clearer for the Browns as they kick off preseason in Jacksonville. Akron Beacon Journal's Chris Easterling discusses the latest for the AFC North team. 

Finally, the NFL Insiders determine if Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson or Tyler Dragon has better dance moves. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended six games Monday by an independent disciplinary officer after he was sued by 24 women who accused him of sexual misconduct in massage sessions. On Wednesday, a day before its deadline to appeal, the NFL did just that. Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine who hears the appeal. 

The Miami Dolphins also received punishment this week. A league investigation determined the Dolphins used “unprecedented” tampering in their failed pursuits of quarterback Tom Brady and former head coach Sean Payton. The NFL stripped the team of draft picks and fined owner Stephen Ross.

Amid the big news of the week, Deebo Samuel agreed to a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton bought stake in the Denver Broncos and Brady celebrated his 45th birthday.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Training camps across the league are underway. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James and Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf attended camp but did not train. Which player will be the first to get a new contract?

Offseason workouts aren't just for players. USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis released his famous (or infamous) NFL record projections for all 32 teams. He joined Tyler and Safid to break them down. 

Joe Burrow underwent an appendectomy. Jerry Jones has options, but "chose" Mike McCarthy to lead his team. And the NFL insiders predict who will have a breakout season this year.  

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The NFL and Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson are in a holding pattern while Sue L. Robinson — the independent disciplinary officer hired by the league and NFL Players Association — continues to review the evidence of Watson's cases. Would both sides benefit from a settlement rather than waiting for a decision?

Also, pack your bags. It's time for NFL training camps. While rookies and the Las Vegas Raiders are underway, teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers continue discussions with some of their key players. Will Jessie Bates and the Bengals squash their beef? Will Deebo Samuel stay put while Jimmy Garoppolo looks beyond San Fran? And are new deals in the works for Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf and Chargers safety Derwin James?

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The AFC West has seen turnover and an influx of talent. Will USA TODAY Sports NFL Insider Tyler Dragon pick the Kansas City Chiefs to win the division...again? Is Justin Herbert a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback? Do the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have better postseason odds than last year's runners up, the Cincinnati Bengals? Will Matt Ryan lead the Indianapolis Colts to the top of the AFC South? Is this the Buffalo Bills' year with the addition of Von Miller?

And the NFL Insiders predict which team will make it to the Super Bowl from the conference.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Baker Mayfield is officially headed to the Carolina Panthers. What does that mean for current quarterback Sam Darnold?

Before the news of Mayfield broke, the NFL Insiders shared a comprehensive preview of the NFC. Will the Los Angeles Rams repeat as Super Bowl champions with Aaron Donald back? Can Tom Brady capitalize on his 23rd season to secure an eighth title without Rob Gronkowski? 

Safid Deen says Aaron Rodgers is a great regular season quarterback, but can he find a second ring after an eleven-year drought? And as for the NFC East....

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Every Fourth of July, contestants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs in 10 minutes. Some find their names immortalized in the tradition, others find love.

The Hungry Couple, Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry, are two professional with a hunger for competition. The competitive eaters join Analis Bailey and Josh Peter to share their story of finding love during competition, talk about reigning men's champion Joey Chestnut and give a behind the scenes look at America's famous eating contest.

Legendary event MC and Major League Eating founder, George Shea, also stops by to tell the history of the tournament and give his predictions for this year's showdown. 

Photo: Paul Martinka, Major League Eating

While the NFL reportedly recommended Deshaun Watson serve an indefinite suspension of at least a year, the Cleveland Browns must now search for a quarterback to lead them on the path forward. Baker Mayfield has made it clear he's not that guy and is "ready to move on."

The Washington Commanders may have unsettled business off the field in Congress, but the team took care of a major need on the field by reportedly signing standout wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension. Where does that leave players like Deebo Samuel in San Francisco and DK Metcalf in Seattle? The NFL Insiders answer this and give their thoughts on some of the more unique food inside NFL stadiums across the country. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder remained out of the country this week, but, in a Capitol Hill hearing room via video conference, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell faced the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about the Commanders' workplace culture. Also under scrutiny, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reached a confidential settlement with all but four of the women who accused him of sexual misconduct. The NFL has yet to make an announcement about Watson's status in the league next season.

Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski retired, again. Former NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick agreed to join the broadcast booth. And the NFL Insiders have a little fun during NBA Draft week with an NFL crossover. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson are still working on a long term future for both. Meanwhile another team, the Arizona Cardinals, is still working on an extension with starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who has the same agent as coach Kliff Kingsbury. In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson spoke to the media for the first time since joining the Browns and proclaimed his innocence again in the face of 24 civil lawsuits against him alleging sexual misconduct. Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio faced repercussions for calling the attacks on the Capitol a "dust-up." And the NFL Insiders predict which NFL player is up for the next big pay day.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald signs a reconstructed deal with the Los Angeles Rams, making him the highest paid, non-quarterback NFL player. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces a 24th lawsuit against him alleging sexual misconduct. Ryan Fitzpatrick calls an end to his professional football career. And the Denver Broncos reportedly move forward with a sale of the team to a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton for a record $4.65 billion. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

With less than 100 days to go before the NFL season, there are still big questions to be answered -- including whether the league will suspend Deshaun Watson. The Cleveland Browns quarterback has more than 20 active lawsuits against him alleging sexual misconduct. 

Elsewhere, in sunny Arizona, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made a surprising appearance at the team's voluntary training amid ongoing contract negotiations. USA TODAY reporter Tyler Dragon joins from the road to give the update. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald also has details to iron out regarding his future. And, USA TODAY sports reporter Parker Gabriel shares his insights into why Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson is "a king in every room."

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick gets another chance with the Las Vegas Raiders more than five years after he last appeared in a professional game.

NFL teams kicked off Organized Team Activities. While players like Arizona Cardinal's Kyler Murray and San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel missed the voluntary workouts, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson used the time to get to know his new team. The Pittsburgh Steelers have major questions at quarterback. Meanwhile in Miami, the highest paid wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, stood by his quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Insiders share what the NFL should do with the Pro Bowl.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Tom Brady will suit up again next season, but he also has the next gig lined up with a record-breaking Fox Sports broadcasting deal. Is Brady having the greatest offseason of all time? Deshaun Watson met with NFL officials this week as the league continues to investigate whether the three-time Pro Bowl selection violated its personal conduct policy. What happens next? Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension Wednesday. Is this move reassuring for quarterback Aaron Rodgers? USA TODAY Sports reporter Parker Gabriel joins Tyler Dragon to discuss the latest news, the AFC West and more. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

In a special Twitter Spaces discussion, Tyler Dragon and Safid Deen welcome USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell to breakdown the 2022 NFL regular season schedule. The guys also discuss Tom Brady's lucrative broadcasting deal with Fox Sports and the Miami Dolphins' video of Tua Tagovailoa's wobbly throw. 

Find out which games they think are must-watch next season and which teams will make a postseason return. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

The NFL suspends Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins six games for violating the league's Performance Enhancing Drug Policy. How will the Cardinals fare in the NFC West without him? With Marquise Brown gone, Lamar Jackson is limited in his true wide receiver options. Can the Baltimore Ravens win the AFC North with their run game? And the insiders welcome USA TODAY Sports Denver Broncos reporter Parker Gabriel to discuss the early power ranking of the AFC West.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

The NFL draft is officially over. Rookie quarterbacks had to wait - a long time. Aaron Rodgers didn't get a first-round wide receiver in Green Bay. And New York City teams started hot. The NFL insiders got on the phone with those closest to the teams, including North Jersey reporters Andy Vasquez, Art Stapleton and Sports Seriously host Mackenzie Salmon. Safid and Tyler also share their own draft day experiences, watching the Los Angeles Changers make their first round pick and visiting the Buffalo Bills' newest running back James Cook. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel wants out of San Francisco. Quarterback Kyler Murray skips voluntary team workouts. Colin Kaepernick continues his journey toward another chance in the league. And the NFL insiders get ready for one of the most unsettled drafts of the last decade with a special trivia showdown.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

The NFL mourns the sudden death of Dwayne Haskins. The insiders discuss the heartbreak and impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the league as a whole.

The offseason continues with questions around Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates. The Washington Commanders might have engaged in "unlawful" financial conduct, according to Congress. And the NFL insiders test their knowledge of the USFL, which breaks its 37-year hiatus April 16. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"