ESPN shakes up its talent roster seemingly every few months. But one talent decision that The Worldwide Leader in Sports made has beloved reporter Laura Rutledge very happy.

On Tuesday, ESPN announced that it had re-signed longtime NFL insider Field Yates to a multi-year agreement with the company. The deal will maintain Yates’ position as the company’s lead on NFL Draft, Fantasy Football and other NFL-related content.

“ESPN has re-signed Field Yates to a multi-year agreement, continuing his role as one of the company’s lead NFL Draft, Fantasy Football and overall NFL analysts and insiders. Leading into, and during the NFL season, Yates will remain the face of ESPN’s Fantasy Football multi-platform coverage, including studio shows and podcasts. In the offseason, he will continue to be central to ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage, in both the lead-up and throughout the annual three-day pinnacle event,” the ESPN Press Room announced.

“In addition to his NFL Draft and Fantasy Football duties, Yates will remain both a host and analyst on ESPN’s studio programming, including NFL Live and SportsCenter. Yates, who has been with ESPN since 2012, has built a rapport with fans, thanks to his relatable and engaging personality, to go along with his trusted insights.”

Laura Rutledge shares her excitement

Yates has been a well-respected analyst at the network for a long time (by his colleagues if not casual sports fans). So when the news was announced, numerous ESPN talents took to social media to send him their warmest regards.

Laura Rutledge on the field.

Among them was Rutledge, who has seen Yates’ work firsthand throughout her time at ESPN and the affiliates she’s worked for. Taking to X a short while ago, Rutledge congratulated Yates on his new deal, asserting that there is “no one more deserving.”

“This makes me the happiest! No one more deserving. So excited for you (Field Yates)!!!”

Fans love him too

While ESPN and its talents get plenty of hate these days, the initial reaction to Yates’ new deal has been pretty solidly in his favor since it was announced. In addition to Rutledge gushing over how much she respects Yates, fans have called it a “rare win” for ESPN. Some have praised Yates for having a very personal impact on their lives as well.”

“Back when I was figuring life out in community college and just doing some random sports blogging, Field would read and critique my writing, let me interview him, and help me out when I had nothing to offer back. Genuinely one of the best people in the industry. Congrats Field!” one user wrote on X.

“Guys like Yates is who we need to hear more from… congratulations,” wrote another.

“Great news for the former #Chiefs scout / coach. Being informative while also being entertaining is hard. @FieldYates has ‘it,’” a third wrote.

So a hearty congratulations to Field Yates. We hope to see more great content from him in the very near future.