ESPN extending contracts of Kiper, Clayton

The NFL is big business, and ESPN isn't planning to miss a single spin of the news cycle.

The network's primary coverage team of John Clayton, Ed Werder, Adam Schefter and draft guru Mel Kiper has been locked up with long-term contracts, ESPN VP and executive producer Mark Gross told Sports Illustrated.

Kiper signed a six-year deal that expires in 2018 and Schefter (2017), Clayton and Werder (2016) have shorter extensions.

Kiper first appeared on ESPN in 1984. Clayton, a senior NFL writer and on-air reporter, was hired in August 1995 after a lengthy career in newspapers.