Who Takes Matt Ryan’s Spot On CBS If He Returns To Falcons?

The studio coverage of the NFL on CBS could look very different in 2026, with Matt Ryan reportedly in negotiations to leave The NFL Today and return to the Atlanta Falcons in a front-office capacity.  That would leave the show with just three men at the desk: James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson.  Here are a couple of possibilities the network could use to round out the panel for the upcoming season.

CBS Brings Back J.J. Watt To Work In Studio

The former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman worked in studio for two seasons following his retirement, but this year was given the role as the #2 announcing team for the network, paired with Ian Eagle.  There have been no reports that the network is unhappy with Watt’s work in the booth, but if he doesn’t enjoy the amount of travel required for the role, I could certainly see the powers that be welcoming him back into the studio next year.

The other benefit to moving Watt back in studio is that Charles Davis, who is currently sharing time with Jason McCourty alongside Andrew Catalon, could move into the spot beside Eagle.

Ross Tucker Gets Moved In Studio

The former offensive lineman has been working select NFL games for CBS in the booth, but is better known for his work on radio and his podcast network.  He’s an Ivy League guy, having graduated from Princeton, so he’ll fit right in with the eloquence of Brown and Burleson, while also being as relatable as Cowher as the everyman.  The question is whether Tucker, who has so many irons in the fire, would want to commit every Sunday to being in the CBS studios in Manhattan.

Tiki Barber Adds Another Notch To His Television Resume

Former Giants running back Tiki Barber is no stranger to television.  He’s done studio work for NBC, both on Sunday Night Football and as a contributor on the Today show, as well as appeared as a studio pundit for the BBC for their Super Bowl coverage.  The other big plus for Barber is that he doesn’t have to move from where he lives now, as his current role sees him hosting middays with Evan Roberts on sports radio WFAN in New York City.  It may seem like the most left-field option, but I actually like this move the best if Ryan does decide to leave.