CBS has unveiled the refreshed cast of The NFL Today studio show following Phil Simms and Boomer Esaison’s exit.
Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan joins in as a full-time analyst — just a year after three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt’s addition to the crew.
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Ryan, 39, is the only new panelist, meaning The NFL Today will be manned by a shorter six-person cast while competing with Fox NFL Sunday for viewers during the 2024 season.
He and Watt, 35, will preview each week’s slate alongside CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson, 42, and former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, 67, per a press release.
Jonathan Jones reclaims the role of the lead NFL insider.
Meanwhile, James Brown, 73, will be back as the host to moderate discussion.
Watt’s inclusion in The NFL Today cast should quiet the rumors of the defensive end’s potential unretirement.
In May, the five-time Pro Bowler suggested he could still dust off his cleats in case his beloved Houston Texans need him.
“I’ve had 12 great years in this league and I’m very thankful to have walked away healthy and playing great,” Watt told Audacity Sports at the time.
“I told DeMeco last year, I said, ‘Don’t call unless you absolutely need it, but if you ever do call, I’ll be there.’
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“And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it.
“This is the last year I’ll tell him that, because I’m not going to keep training the way I’ve been training, but he knows that if he ever truly does need it, I’ll be there for him.”
However, Watt added, “I don’t anticipate that happening — they’ve got a very good group.”
Ryan’s move to The NFL Today prompted another change within NFL on CBS.
The retired quarterback worked alongside ex-running back Tiki Barber and sideline reporter AJ Ross on Andrew Catalon’s broadcast team last season.
During the 2024 campaign, Super Bowl LIII champion Jason McCourty will take his seat next to Catalon.
NFL important dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 – Pre-season begins
August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters
September 1 – Final day of pre-season
September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 – Trade deadline
January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season
January 11 – Playoffs begin
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
McCourty will also cover select games with alternate play-by-play announcer Chris Lewis.
The network’s other top commentary teams remain unchanged.
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson return for the eighth season together as CBS’ No. 1 announcer crew.
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, and Melanie Collins will again serve as the B-team while Ian Eagle will work with Charles Davis and Evan Washburn.
CBS also unveiled game assignments for the first three weeks of the 2024 NFL season.
The Nantz-Romo-Wolfson trio will first head to California for a clash between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
Next, they will check in from Arrowhead Stadium during Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
Both games are slotted into the afternoon slate.
And in Week 3, the A-team will work the Chargers’ away matchup with the Steelers, scheduled for a 1 pm ET kick-off.