FOX Sports could reportedly lose another key member of NFL coverage

FOX Sports is being forced to overhaul its NFL coverage this offseason, with Troy Aikman leaving the network and rumors suggesting Joe Buck could follow. According to a new report, a third member of the network’s NFL team could be on the way out as well.

Sideline reporter Erin Andrews is set to become a free agent, as her contract is about to expire, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. FOX wants to keep Andrews, though ESPN would also be interested in bringing her back to the network.

Andrews has typically handled sideline duty for FOX’s top game, having most recently been paired with Tom Rinaldi in that job. According to Marchand, ESPN has just re-signed sideline reporter Lisa Salters, who is expected to retain her role on “Monday Night Football.” If Andrews were to jump to ESPN, the network could use a similar arrangement to FOX by using one reporter for each sideline. If not, Andrews would have to be placed in another role.

One reason FOX would like to keep Andrews is probably to have at least some continuity on their top broadcast crew. Aikman has already jumped to ESPN, and there are persistent claims that the network may bring Buck in as well. That is a lot of upheaval, and the situation is made even more significant by the fact that FOX has the Super Bowl next year.

Photo: Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL Half of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports