ESPN Tightens Its Grip on Stephen A. with Jason McCourty Signing
ESPN Tightens Its Grip on Stephen A. with Jason McCourty Signing

Stephen A. Smith’s influence at ESPN just got a major boost, and fans are buzzing about the network’s latest power move. ESPN is adding former NFL cornerback Jason McCourty to its roster, and it’s sparking a whole lot of speculation. Could this be part of a larger play to keep Smith, one of their biggest names, firmly in their camp?

For those not in the know, McCourty’s arrival comes as Smith is deep in contract negotiations with the sports media giant. Some fans are convinced this is no coincidence, with whispers swirling that McCourty’s addition could be ESPN’s way of beefing up Smith’s already dominant presence. It’s all about keeping the face of First Take happy, right?

According to sources close to the situation, ESPN is pulling out all the stops to ensure Smith stays put. One insider dished to the US Sun, “It’s another power play, solidifying Stephen A. Smith’s circle of influence at the network.” It seems like ESPN is making moves, not just for the ratings, but to keep their star shining bright.

And speaking of star power, McCourty isn’t just some random pick. Fans are already comparing this move to the FS1 drama last year, where Shannon Sharpe was added to Skip Bayless’ Undisputed before his explosive exit. ESPN might be hoping to avoid a similar meltdown by bringing in McCourty as a key player in Smith’s growing empire.

From the gridiron to the spotlight: McCourty’s next big play at ESPN

 

McCourty, who hung up his cleats in 2022 after 13 seasons in the NFL, is no stranger to the spotlight. He racked up 744 tackles across 173 games with teams like the Titans, Browns, Patriots, and Dolphins. His career was nothing short of solid, and now it looks like he’s ready to tackle the sports media world.

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Stephen A. Smith shows he is the king of ESPN

While McCourty’s football stats are impressive, what’s really got fans talking is what this means for Smith’s future at ESPN. With the network beefing up the First Take crew, it seems like they’re doing everything they can to sweeten the deal for Smith, who’s reportedly still in contract talks.

The big question now: will Stephen A. Smith sign on the dotted line and stick with ESPN? With moves like this, the network is clearly pulling out all the stops to keep him in the fold. And if McCourty is the key to making that happen, it’s a strategy worth watching.

For now, McCourty’s entry into the sports media world is official, but all eyes remain on Smith’s next move. One thing’s for sure-ESPN is playing chess, not checkers, and they’re determined to keep their biggest star happy.