The Pat McAfee Show Live | Wednesday April 29th 2026

Ian Rapoport has signed a new multi-year deal with ESPN, transitioning from NFL Network. The hosts humorously refer to him as the 'junior NFL insider,' acknowledging Adam Schefter's established role as the 'senior' insider at ESPN. Rapoport expressed excitement about working with Schefter and the team aspect of NFL reporting.

Pat McAfee introduces Ian Rapoport as having 'inked a deal to come back into the world in which we live' and then refers to him as 'junior NFL insider' because Adam Schefter is the 'senior NFL insider.' Rapoport confirms he'll still be on NFL Network a lot and is excited to work with Adam Schefter, who has been 'great in this whole process.'

The NBA is adopting a new policy to curb tanking, which will be voted on by owners on May 28th. This policy penalizes the bottom three teams with fewer lottery balls (two instead of three for teams 4-10) and prevents teams from picking number one in back-to-back years or having a top-five pick in three consecutive years. Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly used strong language with owners, emphasizing that 'losing should be uncomfortable.'

Shams Shirani details the NBA's new policy: 'If you're a bottom three team, you will have two lottery balls. If you're four through 10, you actually have three lottery balls.' He adds that 'you can't pick number one back-to-back years and you can't have a top five pick in three consecutive years.' Shirani also mentions Adam Silver's forceful message to owners, including 'f-bombs,' stating 'you should hate to lose. Losing should be uncomfortable.'

Despite initial reports of him signing the franchise tender, George Pickens has not yet physically signed it, though he intends to. NFL insiders believe he will play for the Dallas Cowboys this year under the $27 million franchise tag, as a trade is highly unlikely given the team's championship aspirations and the timing post-draft. The Cowboys are not expected to use a second franchise tag next year due to the significant cost increase.

Ian Rapoport states, 'He has told the Cowboys that he intends to sign it... I would be surprised if he's traded.' Mike Tannenbaum reiterates, 'He cannot be traded until he signs that franchise sender. So I think he's on the team this year.' He also notes that a second franchise tag would be '34, $35 million,' making it unlikely.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have applied a unique 'UFA tag' to Aaron Rodgers, which allows them to retain his rights until July and gives him a 10% raise. This move ensures that if Rodgers decides to play this year, it will be for the Steelers, making it difficult for him to sign with another team as a free agent. The hosts and guests discuss Rodgers' potential reaction and the Steelers' strategic intent behind the tag.

AJ Hawk asks about the 'UFA tag' on Aaron Rodgers. Mike Tannenbaum explains, 'they just kept their rights to be able to sign him into July. He gets a 10% raise.' He adds, 'if he's going to play this year, he's going to play in Pittsburgh.'

Mary Kay Cabot reports that Deshaun Watson has the 'edge' and is considered the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns coming out of voluntary mini-camp. This development is seen as highly improbable given his extensive time off, two Achilles tears, and previous struggles. Mike Tannenbaum expresses surprise about Watson's ability to return to a high level for a full 17-game season, citing the skill-diminishing nature of Achilles injuries for quarterbacks.

Mary Kay Cabot is cited as reporting 'Deshun Watson a starter in the NFL in 2026 basically coming out of voluntary mini camp.' Mike Tannenbaum calls this 'the most improbable development we've seen in a long time' and questions if Watson 'could still move' effectively after two Achilles tears.

Brendan Sorsby, a projected first-round quarterback for next year, has stepped away from college football due to a gambling addiction. Reports indicate he placed over $10,000 in wagers, averaging 20 bets per day, including bets on his own team (Indiana) to win while he was not playing. His eligibility for a potential NFL supplemental draft depends on being ruled ineligible for college football.

Tony discusses Brendan Sorsby stepping away from football 'because of a gambling addiction.' Mike Tannenbaum confirms, 'he would have to be ruled ineligible to play college football to even be considered for the supplemental draft.' Details emerge: 'he placed more than 10,000 in wagers... averaging 20 bets per day. Sorsby placed bets across multiple states... he was Indiana when he was a freshman on the Indiana football team... and bet on the win every game.'