After two years part-time on the CBS pregame show The NFL Today, J.J. Watt has ascended to the No. 2 broadcast booth alongside Ian Eagle. This change comes as part of a series of network moves this week, marking the latest transformation for the iconic show. Over the past year, CBS has seen turnover with Watt, as well as longtime analysts Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason. According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, CBS does not plan to hire a replacement for Watt, focusing instead on giving more airtime to the talented Nate Burleson and having high hopes for Matt Ryan’s prospects after his rookie season.
Watt joined CBS Sports in 2023, contributing to The NFL Today during select weeks. As a part owner of Burnley FC, philanthropist, and business investor, Watt’s busy schedule likely influenced his prior limited role at CBS. However, he will now enter the booth, providing CBS with a valuable color commentary option amid questions about Tony Romo. Meanwhile, back at The NFL Today, Burleson and Ryan are expected to receive more of the spotlight, joining mainstays James Brown and Bill Cowher, whose contract ends in 2026.
While five is the ideal number for most NFL pregame shows—like Fox NFL Sunday returning to five after Jimmy Johnson’s retirement and ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown now featuring five regular hosts with Randy Moss’s return—NFL GameDay on NFL Network remains at four. There isn’t a perfect formula, and CBS lacks an obvious in-house replacement. Insider Jonathan Jones might take on a larger role after appearing in select segments the past two seasons. With each season, there’s a fresh pool of retired NFL players to choose from, including this year’s standout Brandon Graham from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Given the ongoing FCC hold-up due to CBS parent Paramount Global’s acquisition by Skydance Entertainment, it may be wise for CBS Sports to take its time in making any further decisions.
