Shannon Sharpe has been in discussions with ESPN about becoming a “high-profile” on-air contributor for the network and possibly working alongside Stephen A. Smith on “First Take,” Front Office Sports reported Wednesday. Sources told FOS’s Michael McCarthy that an agreement has not been finalized.
Sharpe is available after receiving a buyout from FS1 in June. He left the network amid rising tensions with “Undisputed” co-host Skip Bayless.
MORE: Why Shannon Sharpe left ‘Undisputed,’ explained
As Sharpe was preparing his exit from the network, Smith extended a very public invite to the Pro Football Hall of Famer, saying that if it was something Sharpe should desire, he’d love to co-host with him or even use him as a rotating talking head on his show.
Why did Shannon Sharpe leave FS1?
The on-air tension between Sharpe and Bayless had become more visible in the months leading up to Sharpe’s departure, notably an argument about Tom Brady during which Bayless poked fun at Sharpe’s NFL career.
MORE: Full breakdown of tense exchange between Sharpe, Bayless on ‘Undisputed’
There were other disagreements as well, in particular one regarding Bayless’ insensitive tweet in the aftermath of Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest in January of this year.
The 55-year-old Sharpe tweeted after his exit that he would make his broadcast return soon. He has been in talks with several media outlets, McCarthy reported. Sharpe is expected to pick a new place of employment in August, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported.
McCarthy also reported that Sharpe would be able to continue his “Club Shay Shay” podcast while working for ESPN.