SI NFL writer Don Banks to leave in September, says he’s a “salary cap cut”

Long-time Sports Illustrated NFL writer Don Banks will be leaving the publication in September. He made the announcement himself on Twitter:

I'll be leaving the SI staff on 9/2. Ironically enough, after all these years of NFL coverage, turns out I'm a bit of a salary cap cut (2/3)

— Don Banks (@DonBanks) August 21, 2016

To all those souls addicted to Snap Judgments, and you know who you are, I will let you know where I land. Thx for indulging me for so long.

— Don Banks (@DonBanks) August 21, 2016

Banks joined SI in 2000 after covering the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s made various appearances on TV and radio shows across the country including NFL Network’s Top 10 program, the Dan Patrick, Travis Rodgers and others. His Snap Judgements column had a loyal readership and the news of his upcoming departure from SI saddened many:

You're the man, Don. Wishing you the very best, wherever you go. https://t.co/3YCh6NULw4

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 22, 2016

late to the party, but wanted to say how much I learned from you. I make a living covering the NFL, and you're part of the reason

— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) August 22, 2016

I'm a huge fan, he's been a great colleague, and he'd have my recommendation for any gig. https://t.co/oRmNY8o1DY

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) August 21, 2016

@SInow Hey SI, cutting great writers like Don Banks isn't making me any MORE likely to stop blocking all your ads on your website

— sTim (@timjahr) August 22, 2016

Sports Illustrated has been trying to find its niche in this digital world. It recently underwent a web redesign and hopes that affiliated sites such as FanSided will attract traffic. But as it looks to branch out in other areas, its parent company, Time Inc. has been cutting back on its staff. The New York Post reported earlier this month that Time reorganized its company three times in five days, but then decided to cut 110 jobs, mostly from sales and marketing.

(Update: Politico’s Joe Pompeo reports that about 40 further editorial jobs are being cut across Time Inc.’s two dozen or so titles in addition to those previously mentioned 110,  and that Banks’ departure is part of that wave. Those cuts are said to be “roughly evenly distributed,” so Banks might be the only SI editorial cut, or there might be one or two more names still to come there.)

Time says it has to downsize in the current shifting landscape. Several positions will be eliminated and it looks like they won’t be replaced. It’s too bad that Banks has to be one of the victims, but hopefully he can find another position. With his connections and his history with SI, we hope that he won’t be out of work for too long.

ESPN and NFL Media have been recently bolstering their staffs so perhaps either one could find room to bring him into their fold.