Former Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith Sr. set for expanded ESPN role that could include replacing Cam Newton
ESPN is expected to expand the role of former Carolina Panthers star wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and it could include taking over Cam Newton’s former role following his layoff from the network.
ESPN announced a massive wave of layoffs last week, which included parting ways with former NFL standouts turned analysts in Cam Newton and Ryan Clark. Those tough decisions ahead of the NFL season left voids that needed to be filled and another former NFL appears slated to fill that void.
Former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is expected to have an expanded role on ESPN, sources told Front Office Sports.
The network has yet to make an official announcement or comment, but the expanded role is expected to include shows like Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and the soon-to-be-announced Peter Schrager show.
ESPN is making a smart decision elevating Steve Smith Sr. to a more expanded role
Following his retirement from the NFL, Smith signed multi-year contract with NFL Network in 2017 and quickly became a recurring analysts on multiple different shows hosted on the network while also contributing to the network’s Super Bowl coverages.
Earlier this year, ESPN acquired full operational control and ownership of NFL Network, which became a massive merger for the industry. ESPN on-boarded the majority of the NFL Network employees including on-air talent like Smith.
That merger inadvertently led to the mass layoffs ESPN went through last week, which also including parting ways with former NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. That’s just the unfortunate nature of the business, but ESPN is making a smart decision elevating Smith to this expanded role ahead of the NFL season.
Smith could easily take Newton and Clark’s place as the main analyst debating against Stephen A. Smith on First Take throughout the season while also appearing on the other shows throughout the day. He brings a similar fiery personality to the desk with personal insight as a former Pro Bowl player. He’s also direct and more technical with his takes and not heavily based on emotional remarks, although he has that in his bag when it’s needed.
Such a move would put Smith on national TV throughout the NFL season and allow Panthers fans to hear one of the best players in franchise history provide his takes on all of the top football storylines. It’s a big step for his post-playing career.