The crew for “The NFL Today” on CBS could look a lot different in 2024, according to a new report.
James Brown hosts the popular program alongside Hall of Fame head coach Bill Cowher, former quarterbacks Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms, former wide receiver Nate Burleson and former defensive end J.J. Watt.
But according to a report from Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, most of the names from that lineup could be gone next year. The contracts of Simms, Brown, Cowher and Esiason are set to expire, with only Burleson and Watt still signed through next season:
“Now, at 68 with his engine for the job still full, (Phil) Simms is in some limbo as his contract expires after “The NFL Today” signs off during the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February…
To be clear, no decisions have been made by CBS. Network executives are laser-focused on the final-regular season game, the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Simms is not alone with an expiring contract, as host James Brown, Boomer Esiason and Bill Cowher are at the end of their deals. CBS could run it back next year, but the future is definitely centered around Nate Burleson, who could eventually host the show, and part-timer J.J. Watt, who could have a bigger role if he wants it.”
Speaking to Marchand, Simms emphasized that he’s not ready to call it quits, regardless of CBS’ decision on him for 2024.
“I’m never going to get out of it,” Simms said. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t go back to CBS. But I’m definitely going to continue to work with or in the NFL — somewhere, somehow, whatever it is. I’m just not going to go, ‘OK, I’m done. I’m retired.’”
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Simms has been with CBS since 1998, working alongside legendary play-by-play voices Greg Gumbel and Jim Nantz. In a surprise move, the network took Simms out of the broadcast booth after the 2016 season and replaced him with ex-Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Simms, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, has been in the studio with CBS ever since. Romo quickly became a fan favorite in his role and signed a lucrative $180 million extension in 2020.
CBS will call Super Bowl 58 at Allegiant Stadium (home of the Las Vegas Raiders) on Feb. 11, 2024. Will that serve as the final curtain call for Simms, Cowher, Brown and Esiason with the network? Only time will tell.
