Former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. is poised to take on a recurring studio role at ESPN, according to sources speaking with Front Office Sports. While the exact timing and specific shows where Smith will appear are still being finalized, he is expected to contribute to programs such as Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and a forthcoming show hosted by Peter Schrager at 2 p.m. ET. ESPN has not provided an official statement regarding Smith’s addition.

Smith’s move to ESPN comes as part of the recent integration following Disney’s acquisition of NFL Network. This deal has already seen personalities like Kyle Brandt and Stacey Dales, who also came from NFL Network, appear regularly on ESPN shows. Smith, known for his passionate and outspoken approach during his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, is expected to bring that same energy and spark to television, potentially engaging in lively debates alongside ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

This personnel shift happens amid ESPN’s broader changes in NFL coverage, which recently included layoffs affecting some NFL Network alumni like Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, and Tom Pelissero. Despite these cuts, ESPN’s strategy seems to emphasize leveraging well-known former players with strong personalities, like Smith, to enhance their studio content and appeal to football fans seeking vibrant commentary.

Smith’s inclusion in ESPN’s studio roster reflects the network’s evolving sports media lineup as it deepens collaboration with NFL Network talent. The continued blending of on-air talent across platforms following the Disney acquisition aims to strengthen ESPN’s NFL programming and keep viewers engaged with dynamic, familiar voices from football.