CBS announces major changes to NFL pregame show

Dec 4, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Boomer Esiason during the game of the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

CBS is making some significant changes to its NFL pregame coverage for the 2024 season.

On Monday, CBS announced that Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will not return to “The NFL Today” studio show next season. Fellow former star quarterback Matt Ryan is joining the pregame show in a full-time role alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt.

Matt Ryan Joins THE NFL TODAY

Former NFL MVP Will Team with James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt

Release: https://t.co/WDmLmWO9nd pic.twitter.com/eOm7SHCyYn

— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) April 29, 2024

Ryan worked as a game analyst for CBS last season, but he had left the door open for a potential return to the NFL. The former Atlanta Falcons star announced last week that he has officially retired from playing.

Esiason will remain an employee of CBS, as he said Monday that he has signed an extension for his WFAN show “Boomer and Gio.” WFAN is part of the CBS Sports Network.

Simms confirmed in a post on X that his 26-year run with CBS has come to an end.

“Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” Simms wrote.

Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next..

— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) April 29, 2024

With Esiason now off of CBS’s NFL coverage, one of his last moments on air will be the embarrassing mistake he made during Super Bowl LVIII.

Watt signed with CBS last year after he retired from the NFL. He had offers from other networks as well, so he was probably confident he would have a secure role going forward when he chose CBS.