Former ESPN commentator Todd McShay is reportedly "in serious talks to join The Ringer as a football podcaster," the New York Post's Ryan Glasspiegel reported on Thursday (September 12), citing sources with knowledge of the situation.

Ringer podcaster Ryen Russillo, a former ESPN colleague, teased a potential collaboration with McShay during his self-titled podcast released earlier this week, though a deal between McShay and The Ringer has not yet been finalized, the sources confirmed. The veteran broadcaster is best known for his work opposite Mel Kiper Jr. as an NFL draft guru, as well as contributing as a sideline reporter for college football games.

The Massachusetts native also has a strong social media presence with more than 700,000 followers on his X account.' McShay was among several notable names laid off by ESPN in June 2023, which also included Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman and Steve Young. Former NFL quarterback turned analyst Robert Griffin III and former Sunday NFL Countdown host Sam Ponder were both included in the latest round of ESPN layoffs last month.

The Ringer is currently facing a state of flux with the contract of its founder, Bill Simmons, set to expire in 2025, the New York Post reported last month.

Mike McConnell

Beer Dave for 3/19/2021