In a surprising turn of events, CBS’s ‘The NFL Today’ is undergoing a major shakeup in its lineup as veteran analysts Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason are stepping down, making way for former quarterback Matt Ryan to join the pregame show, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.

The announcement was made by Esiason himself during his morning radio show on WFAN, where he revealed that he will not be returning to ‘The NFL Today,’ opting instead to extend his contract to continue his morning show with Gregg Giannotti on WFAN and CBS Sports Network.

Ryan, known for his successful career as a quarterback, is set to take on a new role at CBS after gaining experience in broadcasting. He will be part of a revamped lineup that includes host James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher, with J.J. Watt contributing on a part-time basis. Both Burleson and Cowher had contracts that were up for renewal.

Simms, a longtime NFL analyst at CBS, served as a prominent figure in the network’s football coverage, often being compared to the legendary John Madden. Having been the lead game analyst for almost two decades, Simms was eventually replaced by Tony Romo in 2017, leading him to transition to a studio role.

Esiason, who has been with CBS for 22 years, bid farewell to ‘The NFL Today’ on his radio show, expressing his gratitude for the years spent with the network. His decision to focus on his morning show marks the end of an era for the show’s lineup.

With these changes, CBS is aiming to bring a fresh perspective to its pregame show, leveraging Ryan’s insights and experience to enhance the viewer experience. The addition of Ryan alongside the existing team members is expected to inject new energy and analysis into ‘The NFL Today,’ setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.