- May 21, 2026
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When ESPN acquired NFL Network on April 1, all NFLN employees currently under contract made the move. Whether they would get new contracts would depend on whether ESPN chose to continue the relationship.
As to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the decision has been made.
Via Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, ESPN "is closing in" on signing Garafolo to a new contract. The deal, per the report, has yet to be finalized.
Although, for now, NFL Network and ESPN have largely operated separately, there presumably will be opportunities for crossover. That, of course, could make some of the current NFL reporters at ESPN a little nervous about potential encroachment on their turf.
And, frankly, a decision to keep Garafolo could result in a decision, down the line, to part ways with someone else.
Regardless, both Garafolo and Ian Rapoport have gotten new deals from ESPN. Time will tell whether the trend continues, and whether there will be exceptions.
As to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the decision has been made.
Via Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, ESPN "is closing in" on signing Garafolo to a new contract. The deal, per the report, has yet to be finalized.
Although, for now, NFL Network and ESPN have largely operated separately, there presumably will be opportunities for crossover. That, of course, could make some of the current NFL reporters at ESPN a little nervous about potential encroachment on their turf.
And, frankly, a decision to keep Garafolo could result in a decision, down the line, to part ways with someone else.
Regardless, both Garafolo and Ian Rapoport have gotten new deals from ESPN. Time will tell whether the trend continues, and whether there will be exceptions.