If Jason Kelce wants to be on an NFL studio show, he has a choice, with NBC, CBS and ESPN the most likely landing spots, officials involved in the talks told The Athletic.
Kelce, who retired from the NFL on Monday after 13 seasons as center for the Philadelphia Eagles, is in a strong position as his wildly popular podcast “New Heights” features his brother Travis Kelce, tight end for Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, has the potential to make millions in a separate partnership.
For the Sunday NFL pregame shows on both NBC and CBS, Kelce was able to easily commute from his home in Philadelphia, making the national television jobs a one- or two-day workweek. NBC's programming is based in Stamford, Connecticut, while CBS' programming is based in Manhattan. Last season, NBC added Devin McCourty and could see Kelce as the perfect partner to restructure its roster to become younger and more up-to-date.
CBS has an open desk and interest in Kelce after the Super Bowl. While host James Brown is signed for two more years and newcomer JJ Watt is set to return, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms are all free agents. For this reason, Kelce and CBS have already had discussions.
While NBC and CBS are considered favorites, ESPN is always a chaser and has interest. It offers a variety of shows, from the marquee Sunday and Monday shows to the daily NFL programs.
Meanwhile, Fox is in a Super Bowl year, but its desk is already full and its shows are on the West Coast, making it an unlikely destination. Amazon Prime Video might only offer a contributor slot for “Thursday Night Football,” but if the Kelces were to bring their podcast under the Amazon umbrella, it could be part of a larger deal. Kelce already has a relationship with Amazon after his documentary with his wife Kylie appeared on the platform.
For a center, Kelce is a unique and coveted position. Networks could view Jason as a double acquisition, with the idea of adding Travis when he retires.
(Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)