CBS faced the challenge of securing Tony Romo for the upcoming 2020 NFL season and beyond. Fearing they might lose him, they explored other options and turned to Peyton Manning as a potential replacement.
Reports suggest that CBS approached Manning to test his interest in broadcasting and even put forward a deal to entice him, as stated by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.
During negotiations with Romo, CBS began to worry about his increasing salary demands and the competition from ESPN. In response, they made a strategic move to consider Manning as a potential partner for Jim Nantz during broadcasts, offering him a contract ranging from $10 to $12 million annually for five to six years, sources reveal.
Manning, known for his measured decision-making process, did not commit immediately. With the uncertainty surrounding Manning’s response, coupled with CBS hosting the upcoming Super Bowl and entering talks for a new NFL TV deal, CBS eventually prioritized Romo, finalizing a lucrative contract with him at $17 million per year.
Having secured Romo and fending off ESPN’s advances, CBS is now preparing for potential interest from ESPN in recruiting Manning for Monday Night Football.
