While we may be hours removed from Super Bowl LIX, the NFL calendar never stops. This is also true for the media covering the league, which will not only track transactions but may also make their own moves. From pending free agents and major media rights deals to potential retirements and role changes, there will be plenty to observe from a sports media perspective leading up to the 2025 season.
With that in mind, here are the top sports media storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason:
What’s next for Erin Andrews?
This year’s sports media free agent class may not be as high-profile as last year’s—with names like Jason Kelce, Bill Belichick, and Nate Burleson—but it still features some significant personalities whose contracts are nearing expiration. Most notably, Erin Andrews, who announced last fall that her contract at Fox will expire after the 2024 season. After beginning her national career at ESPN, Andrews has been with Fox since 2012, establishing herself as a valued member of the network. Given her versatility, ability, and broad appeal, she has often been regarded as the top sideline reporter in sports, with other networks likely vying for her talents.
During the nearly 13 years since her transition from ESPN to Fox, Andrews has re-signed with the network twice with minimal fanfare. However, her public acknowledgment of her upcoming free agency suggests that this time could be different. It will be intriguing to observe whether she stays with Fox or explores her options elsewhere, as well as the ramifications of her decision.
Orlovsky out?
Dan Orlovsky’s own free agency took a turn when he mentioned at the end of Monday’s episode of First Take that he was uncertain about his return to the network. “You guys know this is the end of the season for me… I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” Orlovsky said. Expressing gratitude to his colleagues, he reflected on a great season, leaving his future open-ended.
Having become a staple of ESPN’s daily coverage, it’s understandable if Orlovsky feels he’s accomplished all he can at the network. Potential suitors abound: Fox pursued Orlovsky before he re-signed with ESPN in 2022, and he has also expressed interest in eventually transitioning to coaching.
End of an era?
Fox NFL Sunday may have celebrated its 31st year as the league’s most-watched pregame show, but changes seem imminent. Ahead of the Super Bowl, Jimmy Johnson teased retirement, while Terry Bradshaw expressed hopes to be present at the next Super Bowl in 2029, but acknowledged that those plans might be “pushing it.”
If Johnson does step down, it will create a noticeable gap on the Fox NFL Sunday set, particularly if Bradshaw follows suit. After CBS’ The NFL Today underwent a rebranding last year with notable departures and additions, Fox NFL Sunday may face a similar overhaul, potentially triggering significant shifts across the network.
LEGEND.
An incredible look at the career of @JimmyJohnson from his time as a player to now 🏈🤩 pic.twitter.com/QGd3QmJxzi
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 9, 2025
What about Brady?
Tom Brady’s inaugural season in the broadcast booth had its share of highs and lows. Nonetheless, all signs indicate that he’ll return for Year 2 of his 10-year, $375 million contract at Fox. His evaluation remains pertinent due to his immense profile that transcends football—especially considering that his debut season didn’t receive glowing reviews.
Though the seven-time Super Bowl champion has publicly committed to his Fox contract, would it truly be a shock if his plans shifted this offseason? Regardless of what unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how he approaches improvements in Year 2 as Fox’s lead analyst, especially with Greg Olsen still in the mix (for now).
Kelce Watch 2.0
Before the Super Bowl, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Sunday could potentially mark the end of Travis Kelce’s career. While it’s hard to envision a Hall of Famer concluding his career with a four-catch, 39-yard performance in a loss, there’s a possibility that the 35-year-old may choose to retire. Should he do so, networks will undoubtedly vie for him, similar to the pursuit his brother Jason faced when he signed a three-year, $24 million deal with ESPN.
Given his impressive on-field achievements and his notable off-field presence (like dating Taylor Swift), Travis Kelce may become the most sought-after sports media free agent in recent memory, drawing attention beyond the Chiefs as we await any announcements in the coming weeks.
Where’s the NFL Draft heading?
While the NFL’s media rights are secure for now, the league is preparing for a crucial negotiation regarding the NFL Draft. ESPN’s contract for the event expires after this April, thus a new deal is anticipated in the near future.
Puck’s John Ourand reported that ESPN, Fox, and Google/YouTube submitted bids for the NFL Draft months ago. Although the final decision on where the event will air in 2026 and beyond remains pending, indications suggest a strong focus on streaming. Notably, this is an area that Netflix seems to favor in its recent ventures into sports.
This doesn’t eliminate the possibility of the NFL Draft being broadcast on multiple platforms simultaneously, as is currently done by ESPN and the NFL Network. Regardless of where the draft lands, its next deal will provide critical insights into the league’s media rights strategy.
