Rumors are circulating that 18-year ESPN vet Dan Patrick, could announce his departure from the Worldwide Leader in Sports during his radio show today.

Patrick is one of the cornerstones of the Bristol, Connecticut based network and has coined such household phrases as, "en fuego" and "you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him". Patrick was reportedly in the mix to replace Bob Barker as the host of the game show "The Price is Right".

Here's are my take on this story. Dan Patrick is synonymous with ESPN, so if he leaves the network, in the short term, the network will take a bit of a hit. His show airs on a number of ESPN affiliates across the country, so at the very least, ESPN would need to replace him with someone who will help ESPN retain those affilates. But, the dirty little secret out there is that Patrick's radio show ratings are slightly behind the ratings of ESPN's other primary radio properties, Mike & Mike in the morning and "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd.

You can always expect to hear the biggest names in sports appear on Dan Patrick's show, but Patrick is not nearly as enteraining to listen to as Cowherd or even Mike & Mike. Patrick has a tough time carrying a show on his own and its only when he's paired with Keith Olberman or one of his regular guests (Rick Reilly, Reggie Miller, etc) that he truly shines. When he is by himself, he is a bit dry.

Will Patrick go the syndicated radio route ala Jim Rome (who airs via the Premiere Radio network)? Certainly Patrick would stand to make considerably more money by establishing his own network as Rome has done. Patrick is a recognizable name so you would think he wouldn't have a difficult time having his show picked up in markets around the U.S.

Might Patrick be in line to replace Don Imus? Names like Bob Costas and Boomer Esiason have been mentioned, but maybe Patrick has quietly been negotiating for that gig? Is a lucrative satellite radio offer forthcoming (ala Howard Stern or Oprah Winfrey)?

Speaking of satellite radio, a key to whatever deal Patrick would make is a presence on satellite radio. Sure there are only 14 million or so subscribers to satellite radio currently, but its a growing medium and one you can't afford to neglect. Rome's show does not air on satellite so this has hurt his numbers in recent years. Patrick's show on ESPN can be heard on Sirius and XM because ESPN Radio is carried by both networks. Remember, for people who own satellite radio, many of them never flip back to commercial radio because there are so many mostly non-commercial channels available on satellite. Plus, since people are paying for satellite radio, they want to get their money's worth so they don't often tune back over to commercial radio. That's why its important to air your show on both satellite and commercial radio if possible.

Will Dan Patrick decide to concentrate on TV? And may that opportunity be outside the sports realm? Look at how well someone like Regis Philbin did by hosting a hit game show with "I Want to Be a Millionaire". Believe it or not, there are millions of dollars to be made by hosting a hit game show.

Whatever Dan decides to do, he should remember that a good part of the reason his name is so recognizable is because of the platform ESPN provides him with via his radio show, SportsCenter and even ESPN the Magazine.  If he goes to another network, he likely won't have nearly the exposure that he currently enjoys at ESPN.

A few years ago, Mel Kiper Jr, NFL Draft guru, was in a contract dispute with ESPN. ESPN was ready to let Kiper walk when Kiper finally realized that he wouldn't have nearly the platform somewhere else that he has at ESPN. Sometimes its worth a bit less money for the exposure ESPN provides.

With that being said, 18 years is a long time to be any place. I can see how DP would be intrigued by other offers that may be coming his way. We all like new, fresh challenges and Patrick may be ready to turn the page to the next chapter.

What might we look for at ESPN if Patrick departs? I imagine Mike & Mike, who have built a stellar following in the mornings, will stay put in their time slot. Colin Cowherd is a rising star at ESPN and could be in line to have his show moved to Patrick's more time-friendly spot. Another name to watch is Doug Gotlieb. The former Oklahoma State basketball player is quickly ascending up the ESPN ranks and is as bright and witty as any host you will find in the sports radio arena today. He currently hosts "The Pulse" on ESPN Radio, but maybe he winds up with a better time slot and more high profile radio slot if Patrick leaves.

If the execs at ESPN want to give me a shot at this, I'm all ears!!

UPDATE: Dan Patrick officially announced today.......he's GWWWOOOONNNNEE! His last day with ESPN will be Friday, August 17th.