The broadcasters’ next game of musical chairs has already begun. And one of the seats is already filled.
CBS announced Thursday morning that JJ Watt will serve as the NFL’s No. 1 analyst beyond his one-year tenure, replacing Tony Romo.
Watt’s “multi-year deal” extends at least through next year’s Super Bowl.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to JJ’s growth as a premier broadcaster, watching him embrace this role just as he did his Hall of Fame playing career,” said David Berson, President of Skydance Global Sports Group. “He is insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation and the ultimate teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and connect with fans of all levels. We are excited to have him lead our NFL coverage.”
Watt was the No. 2 analyst at CBS until the network placed Romo on leave in August. CBS and Romo subsequently announced a permanent separation.
This move takes a potential destination for Troy Aikman, Greg Olsen and others off the table. For Aikman, the only viable place might be Thursday Night Football. Prime Video signed Kirk Herbstreit for a bird-in-the-hand expansion, but that maybe it’s not as cheap to replace it after 2026, as previously indicated.
That would only leave the Monday Night Football analyst position, if Aikman and ESPN don’t find a way to mend fences. It’s frankly possible that ESPN already knows who it will hire to replace Aikman. And if it’s Greg Olsen, Aikman’s only play might be to take the No. 2 spot at Fox — for a lot less than the $30 million a year he’s reportedly asking for from ESPN. Or the $18 million a year he currently receives.
Regardless, CBS’s decision to keep Watt denies a seat to Aikman, Olsen, Travis Kelce, Sean McVay or anyone else who might be looking for one of the highest-paying jobs in sports media.
Gn sports
