ESPN has signed one of their more popular analysts to a lucrative new deal ahead of all the expected layoffs.
The Worldwide Leader in Sports is reportedly set for widespread cuts which should leave no departments untouched, with on-air personalities in danger of losing their jobs too. While the company is looking to reduce costs, they aren’t averse to splashing the cash on certain employees.
According to multiple sources, the network has extended Marcus Spears’ deal, signing him to a four-year, multi-million contract.
The former NFL defensive end is one of the more popular personalities on ESPN television and is a regular on shows such as First Take, NFL Live, and Get Up. He also has his own podcast alongside Kendrick Perkins.
The 40-year-old is expected to continue in his roles but there’s always the possibility of additional airtime with ESPN.
Spears spent nine years in the NFL, having gotten drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. He signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 but was waived months after.
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Meanwhile, ESPN is hoping to extend Mina Kimes, who remains unsigned. The football analyst features on NFL Live alongside host Laura Rutledge, Dan Orlovsky, Ryan Clark, and Keyshawn Johnson.
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced earlier this year that ESPN will lay around 7,000 people off. Various divisions have begun making cuts while ESPN is expected to start theirs in the coming weeks.
