ESPN analysts Cris Carter and Ray Lewis are “expected to be on their way out” of the net’s NFL pregame shows, and former NFLer Randy Moss “is expected to be on his way in,” according to Ryan Glasspiegel of THE BIG LEAD. Moss last season appeared on "Fox NFL Kickoff," which "pitted him in debates with Colin Cowherd” (THEBIGLEAD.com, 5/9). In N.Y., Bob Raissman notes previous reports had fellow ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer “likely leaving” the net as well. The latest moves are a “continuation of ESPN’s studio make-over,” as the “Bristol faculty jettisoned Keyshawn Johnson and Mike Ditka following last season.” The two analysts “were replaced by Matt Hasselbeck and Charles Woodson.” Chris Berman and Tom Jackson “are the only holdovers from last season” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/10).
WE GOTTA START MAKIN' CHANGES: In Baltimore, Jonas Shaffer notes Lewis was “front and center for ESPN’s NFL draft coverage,” but he “struggled as a broadcaster, both ethically and professionally.” Last season, the day before commenting on a Patriots-Bills "MNF" game, Lewis “gave a pep talk to the Bills, coached by Rex Ryan, his former defensive coordinator" while with the Ravens. Lewis “never disclosed that fact during his coverage of the game” (BaltimoreSUN, 5/10). SI.com's Richard Deitsch noted Carter and Lewis leaving ESPN “would not be a surprise given Carter’s past 12 months of not-so-great news and Lewis underperforming his contract.” But Moss leaving Fox is “surprising given how much Fox Sports was thrilled with his work -- he’s been excellent for them -- and how much Fox Sports talent outwardly praised him” (SI.com, 5/9).
