STEPHEN A. Smith and ESPN have not yet reached an agreement on a new contract to keep him at the network.
The two parties have exchanged numbers, but so far nothing has solidified.
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ESPN reportedly offered Stephen A. a $90 million contract over five years, an annual value of $18 million, according to Puck.
However, the network is far from what Stephen A. wants in his deal, with the First Take host seeking $25 million in annual value.
His contract expires in 2025, and Stephen A. is willing to move nets to get that value.
With the threat of Stephen A. leaving ESPN looming, let’s take a look at some potential names that could replace him on First Take.
Shannon Sharpe
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Shannon Sharpe is the logical first choice to take over the First Take table in the event Stephen A. leaves.
Sharpe has become a fan favorite and already has experience alongside Molly Qerim and other guests.
The former NFL tight end recently signed an extension with ESPN, so he’ll be around for the foreseeable future.
Sharpe could help provide stability at First Take during a transitional period away from Stephen A.
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RYAN CLARK
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Like Sharpe, Ryan Clark already has experience at the First Take table.
Clark is also one of ESPN’s top talents and could be promoted after working on many of its programs.
Clark isn’t as lively a personality as Stephen A. and Sharpe, but he could grow into the role.
Adding him would also allow Sharpe to remain in his current role at First Take, in which he has thrived.
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
Stephen A. and Shaq have contracts that will expire at the same time.
With Inside the NBA over, Shaq will be looking for a new home after the 2024-25 NBA season.
Shaq is one of sports TV’s biggest personalities, and networks will likely be buzzing to add his services.
The NBA legend’s big presence could be perfect to replace Stephen A.
PAT MCAFEE
Pat McAfee is already one of ESPN’s highest-paid talents, so promoting him to First Take could be the easiest solution to replacing Stephen A.
The biggest problem would be finding a way for him to continue The Pat McAfee Show while hosting First Take.
McAfee certainly has the personality to fill the void that Stephen A. would leave, and he has a huge fan base behind him.
It seems unlikely that he would set aside his own show to move on to First Take.
JASON KELCE
Jason Kelce could be a wild card pick to fill out the First Take table.
Kelce just signed with ESPN to appear on Monday Night Football broadcasts, but that role could expand if he does well.
Fans already know and love his personality, so he could certainly bring good vibes to First Take.
It would also help ESPN get the Swiftie demographic to tune into its shows.
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