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Fox and ESPN reportedly were pursuing Manning
to fill their vacant color analyst positions, but a TV job is
believed to be lower on Manning's list of priorities than an
opportunity involving ownership or working in the front office
of an NFL team.
Manning turned down ESPN -- which is replacing Jon Gruden after
he spent nine years on "Monday Night Football" -- earlier this
month. The Fox job was believed to be more appealing to Manning
than joining MNF because it would require a lesser commitment,
with fewer games each year (11 instead of 16) and more work
during the week instead of on weekends.
The Sporting News reported two weeks ago that Fox was targeting
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as a fallback if it didn't
land Manning, but Witten recently restructured his contract with
the team and intends to keep playing.
With Manning now out, the Post reports Fox is expected to
consider NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner, while Witten, recently
retired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer and recently
retired Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas were each
brought in for auditions.
As for ESPN's search, the Post reports the network is
considering Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, Warner, Matt
Hasselbeck, Louis Riddick, Randy Moss and even Brett Favre as a
long-shot candidate. Riddick might be paired with another
analyst in a three-man booth.
Like Witten, Olsen is expected to continue his playing career in
2018.
--Field Level Media
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