CBS’ “The NFL Today” is making a two-for-one quarterback swap.
Longtime NFL analyst stalwarts Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason are out, while Matt Ryan is in on the network’s pregame show, according to sources briefed on the move and Esiason, who announced his news Monday morning.
Ryan will be joined on set by host James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher, with J.J. Watt on a part-time basis. Burleson and Cowher also had expiring contracts.
On CBS, Simms, 68, was the rival to John Madden as the top game analyst in the sport, calling Super Bowls and being the center of the conversation. He was CBS’ lead game analyst for nearly 20 years. In 2017, CBS replaced Simms with Tony Romo on the No. 1 game team and Simms moved to the studio.
Esiason, 63, announced he would not be back on “The NFL Today” during his top-rated morning radio show on WFAN. He added that he signed an extension to stay with his partner Gregg Giannotti on mornings on WFAN and simulcast on CBS Sports Network. Esiason had been with CBS for 22 years.
Ryan, 38, has been a fast riser for CBS. After a borderline Hall of Fame career at quarterback, he began lower down the game broadcasting depth chart, teaming with Andrew Catalon and Tiki Barber on games. Ryan also appeared on a variety of CBS studio platforms, impressing CBS Sports president David Berson and his team of executives.
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(Photo of Phil Simms: Roy Rochlin / FilmMagic / Getty Images)
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
