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Joe Banner joins ESPN as 'Front Office Insider'

Joe Banner spent 20 years in the NFL having his decisions dissected by a growing media that was representative of a nation's fixation with football.

Joe Banner.
Joe Banner.Read more(Photo by Brian Killian/NFLPhotoLibrary)

Joe Banner spent 20 years in the NFL having his decisions dissected by a growing media that was representative of a nation's fixation with football.

But he's now on the other side of the conversation - or at least he's been given a much larger platform - after ESPN announced Thursday that Banner was joining the network as a "Front Office Insider."

The former Eagles and Browns executive will appear regularly on weekday editions of NFL Insiders, NFL Live, and SportsCenter and will also contribute to ESPN Radio and espn.com in his new role.

ESPN has had various former NFL executives on its programs for years and employs former general managers such as Bill Polian. But Banner's experience with the salary cap and player evaluation, along with his involvement in negotiating the last collective bargaining agreement and getting stadiums built should provide a different viewpoint.

"There's a fairly limited number of people that actually have all those things as part of their resumé," Banner said. "So hopefully it will give me the ability to have some insights and be able to share with the public some perspective they'll find interesting and maybe don't have yet."

Banner, 62, will make his NFL Insiders debut next Thursday. But he will be included on other programs to discuss the news of the moment. Banner mentioned "Deflategate," the length of the preseason, and a potential new franchise in Los Angeles as the kind of topics he will typically be asked to weigh in on.

"He is also unafraid to share his opinions on personnel decisions," ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman said in a statement.

Not long after he was fired by the Browns in February 2014, Banner joined Twitter and soon became a must-follow for NFL insiders and fans. He gave astute observations on contracts, the draft, and free agency, but he also wasn't afraid to give his take on controversial subjects.

"I really think that the word insight captures what I hope to bring, both from my general background and then the specifics of what I've done," Banner said. "But I don't think anybody that knows me thinks I'm not just going to be very direct in saying what I think.

"I'm not going to be provocative for the sake of it. I'm not interested in lashing out at people. But I have strong opinions."

Banner will be on panels with any number of ESPN's stable of analysts, from reporters to ex-players. He may even share a dais with former Eagle Brian Dawkins. Many in Philadelphia blame Banner for the safety's leaving via free agency in 2009, but Dawkins has said that he holds no hard feelings and that the two remain close.

"Love it," Dawkins said in a text message about Banner's hiring. "Incredible knowledge of the game!!"

Banner worked in various capacities in the Eagles front office for 18 years before he stepped down in 2012. He became CEO of the Browns later that year. He reiterated that he has no interest in returning to the NFL.

Nevertheless, he continues to consult with teams, most recently the Falcons as they sought a new stadium deal. He's also teaching a sports law class this fall at Villanova Law School and is on several boards, both for profit and nonprofit organizations.

"It's a much less stressful, much easier life," Banner said. "Not as challenging, but it's still pretty interesting."

As for his opinion on the Eagles' chances this year, Banner said he's been very clear.

"I think the Eagles made really good moves in the offseason," he said. "They have a real chance to have a great year."