The next game of announcers’ musical chairs has already begun. And one of the seats is already occupied. CBS announced Thursday morning that JJ Watt will be the NFL’s No. 1 analyst beyond his one-year stint as Tony Romo’s replacement. Watt’s “multi-year deal” extends at least through next year’s Super Bowl. “I’ve had a front-row seat to JJ’s growth as a top-tier broadcaster, watching him approach this role just as he did his hall of fame playing career,” said the Skydance Global Sports Group president. David Berson said. “He is insightful, entertaining, passionate, meticulous in his preparation and the best teammate. He has a unique ability to see things and communicate with fans at all levels. We are thrilled to have him leading our NFL coverage.” Watt had been the No. 2 analyst at CBS until the network placed Romo on leave in August. CBS and Romo subsequently announced a permanent separation. The move takes a potential destination for Troy Aikman, Greg Olsen and others off the table. For Aikman, the only viable spot might be Thursday Night Football. Prime Video has signed Kirk Herbstreit to a bird-in-the-hand extension, but it may not be as cheap to replace him after 2026 as previously reported. That would leave just the Monday Night Football analyst job, if Aikman and ESPN don’t find a way to fix things. Frankly, ESPN may already know who it will hire to replace Aikman. And if that’s Greg Olsen, Aikman’s only play might be to take the No. 2 job at Fox, for considerably less than the $30 million annually he reportedly wanted from ESPN. Or the $18 million per year he is currently paid. Either way, CBS’ decision to keep Watt leaves a seat out of play for Aikman, Olsen, Travis Kelce, Sean McVay or anyone else who may be seeking one of the highest-paying jobs in sports media.
