The Cleveland Browns held a wide-open quarterback competition during the 2025 NFL offseason. On Monday, they announced Joe Flacco had won it.

Flacco spent the 2024 NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts. He made six starts for the team, posting a 2-4 record and completing 65.3% of his passes for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The 40-year-old will now make his first Week 1 start since 2022 when the Browns face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Cleveland’s decision to start Flacco may surprise some who have paid close attention to the team’s preseason games. The veteran didn’t play in either of the first two, which gave rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders a chance to shine.

But ultimately, it wasn’t enough for either of the 2025 NFL Draft picks to earn the starting job over the experienced Flacco, who has made 191 career starts.

Here’s more to know about Cleveland’s decision and how the depth chart will shake out behind Flacco.

Why isn’t Shedeur Sanders starting for the Browns?

Sanders received more fanfare than any of the participants in Cleveland’s quarterback competition during the 2025 NFL offseason. That said, the fifth-round rookie was always facing an uphill battle to emerge as a Week 1 starter.

Sanders was routinely listed as the No. 4 option on Cleveland’s depth chart during the 2025 NFL offseason. He was behind Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Gabriel, meaning he had to make up ground to get into the starting quarterback race.

However, Sanders was unable to build on that momentum in preseason Week 2. He suffered an oblique injury in practice and was held out of the team’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

As such, Sanders simply ran out of time to state his case to climb the quarterback depth chart. That prevented him from emerging as a true challenger to Flacco.

Now, the Colorado focus will shift his focus to a dual-goal of locking up a roster spot with the Browns and trying to insert himself into the team’s backup quarterback battle.

Browns QB depth chart

Below is a look at the Browns’ quarterback depth chart, which presently contains five available quarterbacks:

Joe Flacco
Kenny Pickett
Dillon Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders
Tyler Huntley

The Browns also have Deshaun Watson on their 90-man roster, but the veteran isn’t expected to play in 2025 after tearing his Achilles twice in less than three months.

Sanders remains in the No. 4 slot on Cleveland’s depth chart, but he may be able to move up in the pecking order in preseason Week 3. His chance of doing so may depend on what the team does with Pickett, who hasn’t yet played during the preseason while nursing a hamstring injury.

If the Browns keep Pickett, Sanders and Gabriel figure to battle for the team’s third-string job to start the season. Gabriel, who was selected 50 picks ahead of Sanders, likely has a leg up in that battle.

But if Cleveland decides not to keep Pickett, or stashes him on IR amid his hamstring issues, that could open the door for Sanders and Gabriel to battle for the Browns backup quarterback job.

Either way, preseason Week 3 figures to be critical for the trio of quarterbacks behind Flacco on Cleveland’s depth chart.

Fantasy football managers who may not have the stomach – or the self-discipline – to employ the Zero RB strategy in drafts may consider pivoting to a slightly less-extreme version: the Hero RB strategy.

It’s a little more traditional approach to roster-building, but it does lean heavily on the same concepts that form the basis of the Zero RB method.

But to implement it, you first must understand it. So let’s examine the difference between the two strategies and how fantasy managers can set up their draft plan to embrace the Hero RB from the start … or adopt it on the fly.

2025 POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST | Overall

What is the Hero RB strategy?

The concept both Zero RB and Hero RB approaches share is that it’s extremely difficult for running backs to stay healthy and productive over the course of a full NFL season. Because many will suffer injuries or see their workloads decrease, there is ample opportunity for other, less-heralded running backs to step into those leading roles.

But while the Zero RB strategy avoids paying the full draft-day price for any starting running back, the Hero version makes an exception for one star player – typically in the first round – and then avoids the position until late in the draft.

Why should you use the Hero RB strategy?

The main reason to go Hero over Zero is when the value of drafting one of the top running backs is just too high.

For some, having an early first-round pick is enough to take one of the consensus top three (or four) running backs on this year’s board. They all figure to be major contributors both rushing and receiving, and in fantasy formats that award points for receptions, they might just be too valuable to pass up.

There’s certainly risk in taking a Hero RB, but he can also pave the way to a league championship.

Just remember to exercise excruciating patience before drafting another running back. And be prepared to work the waiver wire every week to find your No. 2.

What is a Hero RB?

Although some may define it differently, the qualities we’re using here to determine who qualifies as a Hero RB are these:

Lead back in an above-average offense
Ability to dominate rushing and receiving
Track record of good health

Who are the Hero RBs in 2025?

Pretty simple. But only a select few are worthy of such a high honor this season.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

That’s it. That’s the list.

Sure, Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders has the upside to belong in that top group, but he doesn’t yet have any NFL experience. Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens clearly checks two of the three boxes, but he’s an afterthought in the passing game. Health is a question for De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.

Maybe you’ll have an opportunity to grab one of those other top backs at a discount. If so, feel free to modify the Hero RB approach to fit your situation. Some people prefer a modified Hero RB approach by drafting a no-doubt starting running back in the first two rounds and then waiting another five or six rounds before taking another.

Just remember, you’re not following the Zero/Hero RB strategy if you’re not building the foundation of your roster on safer stud receivers.

Giants’ rookie first-rounder continues to look like he could be ready to play sooner than later.
Sitting sophomore passers seems a perplexing decision in Atlanta, Minnesota.
Did Shedeur Sanders win while sitting out Browns’ game?

The NFL’s 2025 preseason is nearly complete, 32 of its 49 games in the books − Week 2 set to conclude Monday night when the Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals.

It’s typically tempting to draw premature conclusions from the exhibition slate − and make no mistake, some of these games hardly approximate bona fide professional football, starters and other front-liners often completely spared. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some key takeaways to glean as the league’s 32 teams finalize their preparations for the 18-week regular-season marathon that awaits, with more games to follow for those which run the best race.

While acknowledging the football caveats inherent to August, your winners and losers from the weekend:

NFL preseason Week 2 winners

Caleb Williams

Take two drives and a grain of salt for what they’re worth, but his (relatively) long-awaited debut in new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s offense went swimmingly in Sunday night’s 38-0 whitewash of the Buffalo Bills. Williams was pinpoint accurate, made good decisions and practiced self-preservation − all things he struggled to do as a rookie after getting drafted first overall in 2024 and apparently throughout this summer’s training camp. Again, two drives − yet sufficiently positive for the Bears and their fans to hang their hat on. For now.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants’ first-round quarterback made his debut in front of the home fans Saturday and passed for one touchdown while running for another in a 31-12 drubbing of New Jersey’s other team, the Jets. Dart also threw for 137 yards while connecting on all but two of his 16 throws. Russell Wilson will start the season behind center for the Giants, but Dart has consistently displayed the production, swagger and maturity this month that suggest he could be ready to play sooner than later − especially if the Giants struggle to pile up wins against the league’s hardest schedule.

TreVeyon Henderson

After taking a kickoff 100 yards to the house last week, the New England Patriots’ rookie running back ran for an 8-yard score Saturday. Fantasy owners take note − this guy and his big-play abilty are going to earn a significant workload this season, quite possibly to the tune of an RB1 role eventually.

Seahawks’ run game

Despite a 10-7 debut in 2024, second-year Seattle coach Mike Macdonald wanted a more physical team in 2025 − and that means running the ball. With first-round G Grey Zabel opening holes, the Seahawks racked up 268 yards on the ground and 5.6 a clip during Friday night’s defeat of the Chiefs, who rested most of their key players. Regardless, 268 yards amassed in chunks is still 268 yards amassed in chunks and such output foreshadows what could be a much more bruising offense.

Eagles rookies

And the rich just get obscenely richer. After the reigning Super Bowl champions took some defensive hits during free agency, EVP/GM Howie Roseman invested his first two 2025 draft picks in LB Jihaad Campbell and S Andrew Mukuba, who are both competing for significant snaps. Campbell had a sack among his four tackles against the Cleveland Browns, and Mukuba had a 75-yard pick-six. Roseman may have successfully reloaded his D more quickly than anyone could have imagined − especially if these rooks are only asked to come off the bench.

Tyler Loop

The Baltimore Ravens’ rookie kicker officially won the job as the replacement for departed and disgraced predecessor Justin Tucker. Loop continued his sterling August by drilling five field goals Saturday in a 31-13 defeat of the Dallas Cowboys.

Tua Tagovailoa’s backups

Reclamation project Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers combined to complete 26 of 40 passes for 259 yards and three TDs during a 24-17 triump in Detroit on Saturday. No, Wilson and Ewers didn’t face the Lions’ top defenders and probably aren’t players HC Mike McDaniel wants to see in his lineup for any extended period. Still, it’s nice for the Fins to have multiple fallback plans at quarterback given Tagovailoa’s extensive injury history.

Ashton Jeanty

The Las Vegas Raiders’ ballyhooed rookie back rushed for 33 yards on seven carries and his first (unofficial) touchdown Saturday a week after being held to negative yardage in his (unofficial) debut. But the real highlight occurred when Jeanty trucked San Francisco 49ers DB Deommodore Lenoir in the open field.

Jonas Sanker

The New Orleans Saints’ rookie safety made five tackles and picked off a pass Sunday, helping to salvage a tie with the Jacksonville Jaguars and possibly cementing his own role.

Stetson Bennett IV

The former University of Georgia star, competing for a job with the Los Angeles Rams behind QBs Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, passed for 324 yards and three TDs, including the game-winner with 5 seconds left in a 23-22 defeat of the crosstown Chargers on Saturday.

NFL preseason Week 2 losers

Stetson Bennett IV

The former University of Georgia star, competing for a job with the Los Angeles Rams behind QBs Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo … was intercepted and subsequently steamrolled by 6-2, 305-pound rookie lineman TeRah Edwards in perhaps the weekend’s most viral moment.

Jonas Sanker

Had he not returned his INT 40 yards and ducked out of bounds sooner, Sanker could have potentially set the Saints up for a game-winning field-goal try. But rookies gonna rookie – especially in August.

Ashton Jeanty

After his, um, best (?) NFL game, the former Boise State star proclaimed, ‘I’ve arrived, and it’s time to keep going and make plays for this team.” Can’t wait to watch you this season, Ashton − you might even anchor my fantasy team. But, dude, you have most definitely not arrived yet nor made a play that counts for anything. Just keeping it a buck here … but no doubt your arrival is pending.

J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr.

Drafted in the first round a year ago, the sophomore quarterbacks have combined for three regular-season starts − all by Penix − yet were relegated to bubble wrap over the weekend. Penix hasn’t played for the Atlanta Falcons this preseason and barely did so last year. McCarthy is a year removed from a season-ending August knee injury and a week removed from limited snaps in his 2025 return for the Minnesota Vikings. We’ll have to trust that Vikes coach Kevin O’Connell and Atlanta counterpart Raheem Morris are practicing appropriate load management. But given the expectations heaped on a pair of glorified rookies, their approach will invite questions if their teams − and their young signal-callers in particular − get off to slow starts next month.

Panthers offense

No points generated by Carolina’s starers in Saturday’s loss to the Houston Texans, and they apparently won’t play again until the regular-season opener. Really?

Colts quarterbacks

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen says he’s close to choosing between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as his QB1 for 2025. But as the old saying goes, ‘If you have two quarterbacks, you have none.” Through two preseason games, Richardson and Jones have collectively produced one touchdown drive − the former predictably alternating flashes of greatness and inconsistency, the latter … is Daniel Jones. Could be a QB carousel in Indy this year. Stay loose, Riley Leonard.

Dillon Gabriel

The Browns rookie quarterback picked 50 spots ahead of Shedeur Sanders, who was down with an oblique injury, didn’t look nearly as good as his draftmate during his own preseason debut, Gabriel serving up an interception returned for a touchdown and losing a fumble while leading just one TD drive in a half of work. To make matters worse, Gabriel made a remark about “entertainers” during an in-game interview that some interpreted as a shot at Sanders, forcing him to subsequently clarify he was not referring to his teammate. Still, all kinds of rookie mistakes.

Joe Milton III

Acquired in an offseason trade in order to compete for the backup job behind Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ newest quarterback once again didn’t look ready for the role Saturday while playing the majority of that decisive loss to the Ravens. Milton completed half of his 18 passes for 122 yards and was picked off once while being outplayed by Baltimore backup Cooper Rush, Prescott’s reliable understudy in recent years.

Jim Harbaugh

So about those sanctions handed down to your alma mater and former employer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Coach? Seriously, feel free to, ahem, ‘engage’ any time.

NFL fans

If you’re attending a preseason game between teams that just conducted joint practices (think Broncos-Cardinals or Buccaneers-Steelers), don’t expect to see many players you recognize on the field once kickoff actually rolls around. Preseason football − it’s fantastic … unless you’re a paying fan.

Most of the NHL’s top unrestricted free agents found homes early in July.

But there is still plenty of action to track during the NHL offseason. There are trades to be made and restricted free agents to re-sign. Salary arbitration hearings were scheduled from July 20 to Aug. 4, although players and teams settled beforehand in all 11 cases.

Also, players whose contracts run out after the 2025-26 season are eligible to sign contract extensions at any time.

Here is a look at the latest signings, trades and other news that have happened since the initial surge of movement in late June and early July:

Aug. 18: Hudson Fasching signs with Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets added forward depth by signing Hudson Fasching to a one-year deal. It’s a two-way contract, meaning he’d make less if sent to the American Hockey League. Fasching, 30, played for the New York Islanders the past three seasons and has 40 points in 175 career NHL games with three teams.

Also: The Colorado Avalanche signed University of New Hampshire defenseman Alex Gagne to a two-year, entry-level contract. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder was team captain last season, had a career-best 17 points and led the Wildcats with 62 blocked shots.

Aug. 15: Travis Hamonic signs with Red Wings

Hamonic is getting a one year deal at $1 million. The veteran depth addition likely will play in the bottom defense pairing. He ranked second on the Ottawa Senators last season in blocked shots per 60 minutes and also killed penalties. Detroit will be his fifth NHL team. Hamonic, who turns 35 on Aug. 16, has 53 goals and 242 points in 900 career games.

Aug. 10: Jack Johnson signs tryout agreement with Wild

The 38-year-old defenseman will go to camp as a tryout in a bid for a 20th NHL season. He played 41 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Wild might be without defenseman Jonas Brodin at the beginning of the season, according to the Athletic.

Also: The Kraken agreed to terms with defenseman Ryker Evans for two years at a $2.05 million average. He ranked fourth among Seattle blueliners with 25 points and was first with 123 hits.

Aug. 9: Nathan Bastian signs with Stars

He’ll get a one-year, $775,000 contract and add depth to the forward group. Bastian had played all but 12 games of his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils and ranked third among New Jersey regulars last season with 12.83 hits per 60 minutes. He has career totals of 33 goals, 68 points and 190 penalty minutes in 276 regular season games between the Devils and Seattle Kraken.

Aug. 8: Two-time Stanley Cup winner Kyle Clifford retires

Cllifford, who won Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014 with the Los Angeles Kings, is retiring after 13 NHL seasons. The NHL Players’ Association said he would move into a player development role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Clifford had two stints with the Leafs and finished his playing career in the organization with the American Hockey League’s Marlies. He also played for the St. Louis Blues and finished with 66 goals, 144 points and 905 penalty minutes in 753 NHL games.

Aug. 8: Avalanche re-sign Joel Kiviranta

Kiviranta is sticking around for a third season in Colorado by signing a one-year deal. Terms weren’t released. The bottom-six forward had 16 goals last season.

Aug. 2: Nick Robertson settles before arbitration hearing

All 11 players who filed for salary arbitration settled their cases before their hearings, with the Maple Leafs and Robertson the last to do so. Here are the new contracts the players agreed to, listed alphabetically.

Morgan Barron (Winnipeg Jets): Two years, $3.7 million.
Lukas Dostal (Anaheim Ducks): Five years, $32.5 million.
Drew Helleson (Anaheim Ducks): Two years, $2.2 million.
Kaapo Kakko (Seattle Kraken). Three years, $13.575 million.
Nick Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs). One year, $1.825 million.
Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets): Three years, $15.75 million.
Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks): Two years, $5.5 million.
Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens): Two years, $2.825 million.
Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres): Two years, $4.4 million.
Maxim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders): Two years, $4.5 million.
Gabriel Vilardi (Winnipeg Jets): Six years, $45 million.

July 31: Sabres’ Devon Levi re-signs for two years

He’ll average $812,500 in the deal and is the final restricted free agent who needed to re-sign. He has had back-to-back solid seasons in the American Hockey League. With the Buffalo Sabres signing Alex Lyon this summer, Levi is expected to spend more time in the AHL for now.

July 28: Nicklas Backstrom signs deal in Sweden

The former Capitals star, 37, is returning to hockey by signing a deal to play for Brynas for the first time since 2006-07. He had played 1,105 NHL games in between, recording 1,033 points. But he had missed all of last season and most of 2023-24 while recovering from 2022 hip surgery.

July 17: Maple Leafs acquire Dakota Joshua from Canucks

Vancouver receives a 2028 fourth-round pick. Joshua will likely slot in the Maple Leafs’ bottom six forwards. He had a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 2023-24 but missed the beginning of last season after having surgery for testicular cancer. He finished with 14 points in 57 games. He originally was drafted by the Maple Leafs but never played for them.

July 17: Blue Jackets’ Yegor Chinakhov requests trade

Yegor Chinakhov, a former first-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has asked for a trade.

The agent for Chinakhov posted on X, formerly Twitter, about the trade request.

“I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season,” read the post quoting Chinakhov. “Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location. Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here.”

Chinakhov, who was selected with the No. 21 overall selection in 2020, missed nearly half of last season with a back injury, an issue that also sidelined him for the final 17 games in the previous season. – Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch

July 15: Sabres re-sign Bowen Byram for two years

The defenseman will average $6.25 million in the deal. He was considered a candidate for an offer sheet but the Sabres reportedly filed for arbitration to prevent that. He ranked third among Sabres defensemen in average ice time and third with 38 points. The cap hit makes him the third highest paid defenseman on the team behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.

The streak is over. But its ramifications will live on for months.

Finally, after free burgers and tearful tributes and two weeks that cemented their status as the game’s best club, the Milwaukee Brewers lost a baseball game.

Yet their Aug. 17 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds only snapped a 14-game winning streak. It can’t undo all that was accomplished.

Most notably, the Brewers have a commanding eight-game lead in the National League Central, an advantage so large that the Chicago Cubs can’t even undo it if they somehow sweep this jumbo-sized five-game series the teams play this week. And in a bigger-picture sense, the Brewers are primed to grab either of the Nos. 1 or 2 seed in the NL playoffs – meaning some coastal elite from Philly or L.A. or New York will bear the indignity of the wild-card series while the Brew Crew cools its heels in Dairyland.

And let us not forget, they’ve put a vise grip on the No. 1 spot in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings. Not that they’re too stressed about that very serious designation or other, ostensibly more pressing matters.

‘We have the right level of don’t-give-a-(darn),’ franchise player Christian Yelich says.

A look at our updated rankings:

1. Milwaukee Brewers (-)

Can clinch season series vs. Cubs with three wins in five games this week.

2. Toronto Blue Jays (+3)

When Alejandro Kirk is stealing bases and Myles Straw producing multi-homer games, you’re going good.

3. Detroit Tigers (+3)

Tandem closers Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan combine for 1.26 ERA since the trade deadline.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (-3)

Will Smith’s bid for rare batting title as catcher still hanging in there.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

Zack Wheeler’s shoulder injury could prompt a longer look at top prospect Andrew Painter.

6. Chicago Cubs (-2)

Cade Horton emerging as an ace just in time.

7. San Diego Padres (-)

Knee tendinitis sends starter Michael King back to injured list.

8. Houston Astros (-)

Ramon Urías busts up perfect game, notches walk-off RBI against old team.

9. Seattle Mariners (+2)

Bryan Woo sets major league record with 24th start of six innings and two or fewer walks – breaking Juan Marichal’s mark to start a season.

10. Boston Red Sox (-1)

Wrist surgery ends Marcelo Mayer’s rookie season.

11. New York Yankees (+1)

Brian Cashman defends Aaron Boone’s handling of so-so season.

12. New York Mets (-1)

Striking out eight and beating the Mariners in his debut won’t tamp down expectations for Nolan McLean.

13. Cincinnati Reds (-)

Jake Fraley the odd man out as Will Benson returns.

14. Cleveland Guardians (-)

Remember John Means? He begins rehab assignment, could be rotation option down the stretch.

15. Texas Rangers (-)

Right-hander Jon Gray out indefinitely with thoracic outlet syndrome.

16. Kansas City Royals (+3)

Climb above .500 for first time since June 10.

17. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)

Top prospect J.J. Wetherholt has 1.058 OPS, nine homers in first 25 games at Class AAA.

18. Tampa Bay Rays (+2)

May not see the playoffs, but they’ll certainly Seymour with Bob, Ian on roster.

19. Arizona Diamondbacks (+4)

Despite sell-off and odd Ketel Marte saga, they suddenly win six of seven.

20. San Francisco Giants (-3)

Strangely lifeless, not a great sign heading toward off-season.

21. Los Angeles Angels (+1)

After sweeping season series from Dodgers, lose a series to Athletics.

22. Miami Marlins (-5)

Kyle Stowers and his 25 homers hit IL with oblique strain.

23. Minnesota Twins (-2)

Pohlad family’s decision not to sell the latest blow to reeling fan base.

24. Baltimore Orioles (-)

They’re here: Top prospects Dylan Beavers, Samuel Basallo debut on consecutive days.

25. Atlanta Braves (+1)

Hurston Waldrep has 1.02 ERA in his three starts.

26. Athletics (-1)

Getting closer to Yolo County: Top prospect Leo DeVries, 17, has two-homer game at high-A, earns AA promotion.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)

Andrew Heaney relegated to bullpen, stoking intrigue for Bubba Chandler’s eventual debut.

28. Washington Nationals (-)

Nathaniel Lowe’s release keeps roster space for all the young outfielders.

29. Chicago White Sox (-)

Martin Perez returns after four-month absence with elbow injury.

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

Five wins in 10 games brings them over the White Sox Threshold – no 121-loss pace, for now.

Rich Eisen will host ESPN’s SportsCenter on Aug. 18 for the first time in more than 20 years.
Eisen will be joined by Mina Kimes for the broadcast following the Commanders-Bengals preseason game.
This follows ESPN’s recent agreement to acquire NFL Network and other assets in exchange for equity in ESPN.

A familiar face will return to the anchor chair on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

For the first time in more than 20 years, Rich Eisen is set to host the network’s flagship sportscast on Monday, Aug. 18, following the Monday Night Football preseason game between the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals.

He will be joined on the set live from Los Angeles by ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes, according to a press release from the network.

Eisen gained national acclaim during his stint at ESPN from 1996 to 2003 before leaving to become one of the first employees when the NFL Network launched in November 2003.

The move comes on the heels of ESPN’s announcement earlier this month of a non-binding agreement to ‘acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets woned and controlled by the NFL – including NFL’s linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy – in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN.’

Eisen’s return to ESPN was already in the works, even before the megamerger.

The ‘Rich Eisen Show’ will make its debut Sept. 2 on ESPN+ and Disney+ in its familiar noon to 3 p.m. ET time slot.

ESPN also says Eisen will make select appearances across ESPN studio programming going forward, while also retaining his prominent role at NFL Network.