Tom Brady and Sean Payton Have Become Hottest Free Agents in NFL; But Not For Playing or Coaching Role

The NFL broadcasting hiring spree has ascended to another level after reports came up about roping in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton. It will be a monumental hire for any broadcaster who can bring in any of the two NFL legends and Hall of Fame-caliber minds.

While Brady’s retirement news rocked the NFL world, his hiring by any of the top broadcasters is sure to shift the power dynamics in the industry to their advantage. The surprise move by ESPN to hire Fox Sports’ No.1 analyst in Troy Aikman leaves Fox with a gaping hole to fill and looking for free-agent signings.

While Amazon has been associated with Aikman, they are also on the verge of losing broadcasting legend Al Michaels before taking over Thursday Night Football in 2022. It will be a massive swoop for ESPN, who would possibly have the services of two of the best in the business.

The urgent need to fill their No.1 broadcasting booth lineups might lead Amazon and Fox to both Brady and Payton as potential hires for those roles. According to recent reports from the New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand, Sean McVay is out of the broadcasting hiring process, and now focuses shift on recruiting Brady and Payton.

Tom Brady & Sean Payton become broadcaster hiring favorites

The 7-time Super Bowl champion Brady will be a prime target for both Amazon and Fox Sports, who will look for a huge attraction for their broadcasting showcases. A speculated deal for the legendary QB is expected to be between $20 Million to $25 Million per year.

It will eclipse Tony Romo’s 10-year $180 million deal with CBS.

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The former Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton is the other top candidate for Fox Sports as they look to team him up with play-by-play analyst Joe Buck. According to Front Office Sports reports, Payton will be given a contract worth $10 million annually. Fox holds the rights of broadcasting for 2 of the upcoming 3 Super Bowl games, and if he is successful, the 58-year-old will be one of the top analysts in the industry.

Many of these scenarios are contingent on Aikman’s impending move to ESPN, but the urgency suggests changes are underway. Whoever Fox and Amazon choose to hire is going to shake the foundations of the broadcasting sector. It will also boost viewership numbers for all parties involved including the NFL.

Watch This Story: Troy Aikmans Move to ESPN Means Amazon Target Super Bowl Winning Coach to Become Analyst