Matt Ryan Joins CBS' 'NFL Today' Pregame Show; Phil Simms, Boomer Esiason Out

A pair of longtime analysts on CBS' NFL Today reportedly have been replaced by a rising broadcasting star.

Per The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, veteran broadcasters Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms have been removed from the network's pregame show and Matt Ryan will take their place.

Marchand noted that Ryan "will be joined on set by host James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher, with J.J. Watt on a part-time basis," pointing out that Burleson and Cowher also had expiring contracts.

Esiason, who had been with CBS for 22 years, announced his departure from NFL Today during his morning radio show. He also added that he signed an extension to remain alongside his partner Gregg Giannotti on mornings on WFAN and simulcast on CBS Sports Network.

Simms had served as CBS' lead game analyst for nearly 20 years before being moved to the studio in 2017 when he was replaced by Tony Romo.

Ryan, who announced his retirement from the NFL last week following a stellar career, quickly rose through the ranks at CBS. He began as an analyst on lower-level broadcasting teams and appeared on multiple CBS studio platforms, "impressing CBS Sports president David Berson and his team of executives," per Marchand.