One of the best reporters in sports could soon become a free agent, and there is some reason to believe he may wind up with a new job.
According to a report from Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post, longtime NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport has a contract that is set to expire during the offseason. It is unclear if the 44-year-old has engaged in extension talks with NFL Media, but a major negotiation involving the company could have a direct impact on Rapoport’s future.
Andrew Marchand, also of the New York Post, reported last week that the NFL is engaged in serious discussions to purchase a stake in ESPN. The proposed deal would see ESPN take control of the league-owned NFL Network, with the NFL receiving equity in ESPN in return.
ESPN already has Adam Schefter as its top NFL insider. Rapoport and Schefter have been in direct competition for years. ESPN has several other NFL reporters and could potentially sign Rapoport as well, but there are questions about whether they would want to give both Schefter and Rapoport massive contracts.
Another option for Rapoport would be to sign with a gambling company. NBA reporter Shams Charania currently has a deal with FanDuel, and Rapoport could explore something similar if NFL Network is absorbed by ESPN.
