The face of the NFL Network since its inception could be moving on, according to a report.
Longtime studio host Rich Eisen is "set to hit free agency" when his contract with the NFL-owned cable news network contract expires next month, according to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.
Eisen, formerly an anchor on ESPN's SportsCenter, was the NFL Network's first hire prior to its launch in 2003.
The 53-year-old sports fanatic and funnyman signed a four-year contract extension with the network back in 2018. That deal is now coming to an end, with no new deal in place yet, according to McCarthy.
However, with Eisen essentially being synonymous with the all-football channel, the network was likely to seek a new contract with him, McCarthy reported, citing sources.
The network's on-air talents are likely seeking raises after the league inked new media rights deals surpassing $1 billion in total value over the past two-plus years, the report said.
A potential change of scenery for Eisen would be just the latest in a series of notable broadcasters finding new homes. The NFL offseason has been marked by several such moves, including Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit.
Eisen has been a fixture in the sports media landscape beginning in the mid-90s with his arrival on SportsCenter, where he was frequently paired with the late broadcasting legend Stuart Scott.
Upon joining the NFL Network, Eisen helped popularize the seemingly ever-expanding coverage of the annual Scouting Combine, including his comedic stunt of running the 40-yard dash in full suit and tie. He also hosts a popular daily podcast covering sports and pop culture.
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