CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Ryan, who recently retired after a remarkable 15-year career in the NFL, has been announced as the latest addition to CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today” as a studio analyst. This news comes alongside the departures of Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, both longstanding figures on the show, the network revealed on Monday.

Ryan will be joining James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and JJ Watt on the program. The former NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback previously joined CBS Sports last season as an NFL game analyst, also making appearances in the studio during the playoffs and Super Bowl.

CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson commended Ryan’s exceptional performance during his first year at CBS Sports, praising him for his versatility as both a studio and game analyst. Berson expressed excitement about Ryan’s ability to engage NFL fans and share his insights and perspectives alongside the existing studio crew.

The contracts of Simms and Esiason expired following the Super Bowl.

Simms began his tenure with CBS in 1998, following the network’s acquisition of the rights to the AFC. Initially serving as the lead game analyst, he transitioned to the studio in 2017.

“Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” Simms shared on social media.

Esiason, on the other hand, had been a fixture on “The NFL Today” for an impressive 22 years, making him the show’s longest-serving analyst. Esiason will continue his work on a New York sports talk radio show, which is simulcast on CBS Sports Network.

Berson expressed gratitude for the immense contributions of Simms and Esiason to CBS Sports, acknowledging their significant impact on elevating the network’s NFL coverage over the years.

Ryan, whose illustrious career spanned stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, boasts impressive statistics, ranking in the top 10 in NFL history in passing yards (62,792), touchdowns (381), completions (5,551), and attempts (8,464).