ESPN made a flurry of layoffs on Tuesday just after the network acquired NFL Network.
On Monday, reports surfaced that Ryan Clark was let go, and he was informed of the decision in the middle of an episode of “NFL Live.” On Tuesday, more layoffs were revealed, including Cam Newton and longtime ESPN television personality Karl Ravech.
Another big name that was laid off is NFL insider Tom Pelissero. He spent years at NFL Network, but he is now searching for a new job just after the ESPN-NFL Network merger. As it turns out, he is being linked as an obvious choice to replace Dianna Russini as the insider for The Athletic.
Yes, would seem obvious and likely that The Athletic would immediately hire Tom Pelissero https://t.co/NjyTDXoB3o
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 21, 2026
Pelissero had one year remaining on his deal, and he had been with NFL Network since 2017.
Russini, The Athletic’s latest NFL insider, resigned in April after photos surfaced of her poolside with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Russini was reportedly making $800,000 per year, so The Athletic might not have an issue spending big money to bring in Tom Pelissero.
To complicate things, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned that Pelissero might be sidelined until his contract with NFL Network comes to an end.
“Multiple sources tell PFT that he had a year left on his contract. And while he’ll surely be paid through the expiration of the deal, he’ll essentially be sidelined until the deal expires,” Florio wrote.
At the end of the day, Pelissero’s phone should be ringing immediately with major outlets interested in hiring him following the surprising layoff.
