Ian Rapoport’s future with NFL media is believed to be in doubt.
Rapoport has been the top insider at NFL Network since 2012 and breaks the biggest developments around the league daily. However, things could change for him this year as free agency is reportedly looming.
According to the New York Post’s Ryan Glasspiegel, Rap’s contract with the network is due to expire in the coming months. Glasspiegel has also suggested that there could be something brewing with ESPN and Pat McAfee.
“In addition to NFL Media, Rapoport in the past has been a recurring contributor to ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ and made his return to the program after several months away last week,” Glasspiegel noted. “Perhaps if McAfee and ESPN cut ties in what has been a fractious partnership, Rapoport and McAfee could rekindle a recurring role in the future, whether or not Rapoport remains with NFL Media.”
Should Rapoport be allowed to hit free agency, he will become a wanted man as he would offer immense value to whichever company signs him given his sources and in-depth knowledge of everything happening around the league.
It’s also worth noting that the NFL could acquire an equity stake in ESPN, which would hand The Worldwide Leader in Sports control of NFL Media. That could factor into Rapoport’s negotiations.
