Overview
- Front Office Sports reported that Steve Smith is expected to serve as a recurring contributor on ESPN studio shows and Heavy republished the account, and an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.
- The report says Smith could appear on Get Up, First Take, NFL Live and a new afternoon show expected to be hosted by Peter Schrager, but no schedule has been finalized.
- Outlets describe the plan as fluid and unannounced, meaning Smith’s exact shows and frequency could change before any formal arrangement is confirmed.
- The potential hire follows ESPN’s April acquisition of NFL Network and related properties and comes after layoffs and personnel shifts that left open studio roles previously held by NFL personalities.
- Smith is a five-time Pro Bowler and the Panthers’ career receiving leader whose outspoken style fits debate formats, and a recurring role would raise his national exposure and reshape ESPN’s NFL commentary mix.