With Tony Romo signing a monster extension to stay at CBS, ESPN is moving to other options for its latest attempt to change its Monday Night Football broadcast crew. This attempt may interfere with teams’ free agency plans.
In addition to attempting to lure Peyton Manning to the booth again, ESPN is interested in Philip Rivers, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
It’s unclear if Rivers is a backup plan to Manning, whom networks have long coveted as an analyst. But Rivers, 38, has generated interest as a player — namely from the Colts and Buccaneers — and has said he would like to play at least two more years. However, Rivers is also reportedly still considering retirement. This would be an interesting landing spot for the 16-year veteran.
ESPN’s ideal scenario is a Manning-Al Michaels booth, per Marchand. After Romo signed for more than $18MM per year at CBS — doubling any previous NFL announcer’s salary — that would be an expensive proposition. Michaels remains under contract with NBC, where he’s been since 2006. Manning has turned the network down previously and has opted not to make a full-fledged foray into broadcasting since his March 2016 retirement. ESPN currently uses a Joe Tessitore-Booger McFarland team but is plotting a potential Michaels trade — an unusual transaction that could make an impact on the actual NFL offseason — to upgrade its booth.
Networks have coveted active players in recent years, and both Jason Witten and Jay Cutler retired to accept announcing positions. However, both returned to the field, Cutler doing so that same year after Ryan Tannehill‘s injury. Greg Olsen recently turned down a Fox offer to sign with the Seahawks.
Mutual interest is believed to exist between the Colts and Rivers, and the Bucs may have the longtime Charger passer ahead of Jameis Winston on their offseason wish list. The Redskins have also expressed interest. So, this has become quite the complicated offseason for Rivers, whose mic’d-up sessions have been known to feature entertaining dialogue.
didnt know ESPN owned a team
They also are trying to trade for Al Micheals.
The broadcaster Al Michaels has been traded before. Back in 2006, he was still under contract with ABC/ESPN/Disney when he wanted to join John Madden on Sunday Night Football on NBC. ABC and NBC worked out a “trade” which included NBC sending the rights of cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to ABC (Disney). Michaels was traded for a cartoon character. I can’t wait to see the details if there is another trade brewing.
Anyone is a better pick than Booger
Booger has to go, has to be the worst ever to be in the booth other than Tony K
Jason Witten might like a word.
Yeah very true, if he had a word he might still be in the booth
Witten SUCKED
ESPN wants any half decent player or broadcaster. Booger will do that for you.
ESPN should hire Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner to be the announcers for Monday Night Football; they are very good and experienced in the industry. Fans would likely have a favorable reception if this was finalized.
25M a year or 100k?
RETIREMENT ???
Tiffany Rivers, (Mrs Phillip Rivers) who has spent 81 months of her life with Phillip, being PREGNANT comments,
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”
QB broadcasters are the reason the MUTE button was invented. Your better off with a special teams guy that can provide a unique perspective. Pat Summerall (a kicker) and Paul Maguire (a punter) were two of the best.
He will still throw interceptions in the booth
Al Michaels and Jimmy Fallon for Jimmy Kimmel, a Shark Tanker to be named later and a mid round pick.
Who says no?
Booger must go! He just won’t shut up! Fire up Twitter!!!!!!!