NFL Network has hired former Browns OT Joe Thomas to appear on the channel’s pre- and postgame “TNF” shows this season. Thomas also will appear on studio shows “NFL Total Access” and “NFL GameDay Morning” and will be part of NFL Network’s coverage of big events like the Super Bowl, Scouting Combine and NFL Draft. The NFL’s media group is increasing the money it is investing into programming as the league heads into its 100th season. For example, NFL Network this summer will announce a slate of NFL Films-produced programming around the 100th season (John Ourand, THE DAILY).
THE INSIDE SCOOP: In N.Y., Andrew Marchand reports CBS Sports "looked around to replace its 'NFL Today' insider Jason La Canfora, but it looks as if it will stay with him." Sources said that while nothing is "official yet, the two sides are negotiating a new deal." One of the insiders CBS spoke with was NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, but on Instagram he announced he had "signed back with NFLN." Sources said that Garafolo's is a "four-year deal" (N.Y. POST, 5/8).
RADIO GAGA: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler cited a source as saying that former NFLer Jake Delhomme is "close to being named" the Panthers' primary radio analyst for '19, replacing former NFLer Eugene Robinson. Delhomme "might do most but not all" of the team's games. Delhomme would not confirm the deal, but he said, "Let's just say we're having some good discussions" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 5/7).
