CBS’ “The NFL Today” is reportedly undergoing a major quarterback shakeup. Longtime NFL analysts Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will be stepping down, while Matt Ryan is set to join the network’s pregame show, according to sources familiar with the matter. Esiason himself announced the news during his Monday morning radio show.
Joining host James Brown on set, Ryan will be accompanied by Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher, with J.J. Watt also making appearances on a part-time basis. Both Burleson and Cowher had contracts that were up for renewal.
On CBS, Simms, aged 68, was known as the main game analyst, often being compared to the legendary John Madden. He had been CBS’ lead game analyst for nearly two decades and was even a prominent figure during Super Bowl coverage. In 2017, CBS decided to replace Simms with Tony Romo on their No. 1 game team, which led to Simms’ move to the studio.
Esiason, aged 63, revealed on his top-rated morning radio show WFAN that he would not be returning to “The NFL Today.” However, he added that he had signed an extension to stay on WFAN alongside his partner Gregg Giannotti, and their show would also be simulcasted on CBS Sports Network. Esiason had been with CBS for an impressive 22 years.
For CBS, Ryan, aged 38, has been an up-and-coming talent. Following a successful career as a quarterback, Ryan gradually moved up the game broadcasting depth chart, initially teaming up with Andrew Catalon and Tiki Barber for game broadcasts. Ryan also made appearances on various CBS studio platforms, earning praise from CBS Sports President David Berson and his team.
In conclusion, CBS’ “The NFL Today” will be making significant changes to its lineup, bidding farewell to long-serving analysts Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, while welcoming Matt Ryan to the pregame show. These alterations are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the program and potentially attract a wider audience. With Ryan’s rise through the ranks and his impressive credentials in the NFL, CBS aims to maintain its reputation as a leading sports broadcaster. Only time will tell how these changes will resonate with viewers, but CBS’ willingness to adapt and evolve signifies its commitment to providing compelling content for football fans worldwide.
