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The Athletic is poised to make its first significant NFL hire since the Dianna Russini scandal rocked the newsroom, with CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones in advanced talks to join the outlet — though not as her replacement.
The veteran NFL reporter is expected to receive a title along the lines of senior NFL writer when he joins the New York Times-owned sports publication, though it has not been finalized, sources told The Post.
Jones will continue covering the league but is not expected to serve as an insider in the mold of his current role at CBS Sports, Front Office Sports reported on Thursday.
The move would not make Jones a direct replacement for Russini, who resigned from The Athletic in April after photographs published by The Post showed her and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel together at an upscale adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz.
Jones joined CBS Sports in 2019 after previous stops at Sports Illustrated and the Charlotte Observer.
He became the network’s lead NFL insider and was a regular contributor across CBS’s NFL coverage, including digital platforms and “The NFL Today.”
In recent seasons, however, Jones shifted away from a full-time role on the network’s studio show while continuing to report for CBS Sports’ website and streaming platforms.
His expected role at The Athletic would emphasize in-depth reporting, behind-the-scenes access and feature stories rather than the transaction reporting that was part of Russini’s job.
Both Russini and Vrabel denied any romantic relationship, insisting they were part of a larger group.
Sources told The Post that The Athletic continues to conduct an internal review of Russini’s work.
The future of Russini’s former role as NFL insider has not yet been determined, sources said, adding that The Athletic has not made any decisions about whether or how it will ultimately replace her.
The Times declined to comment. The Post has sought comment from CBS Sports.
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