CBS gives Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez a chance as potential analyst replacement

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CBS created an opening when it did not bring back longtime analyst Rich Gannon after the 2020 season.

Would Alex Smith make a good NFL game analyst? How about former Jet Mark Sanchez?

These are among the questions CBS Sports executives are asking themselves as the network considers adding one of the former quarterbacks.

Recently, CBS held auditions with Smith, ESPNers Sanchez and Joey Galloway, and former Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, according to sources.

Smith, who retired earlier this offseason after 16 seasons as a quarterback, also had an audition with Fox and meetings with the NFL Network and ESPN. One person who saw Smith’s audition thought he had “No. 2 or 3 game analyst” potential if he is into it. Sanchez is looked at as someone with a little more personality, who one executive thought could excel in the booth. Galloway has been very solid for ESPN. Lee recently retired from playing.

CBS created an opening when it did not bring back longtime analyst Rich Gannon after the 2020 season. However, the network does not feel as if it has to add someone. CBS already has seven game analysts with Tony Romo, Charles Davis, Trent Green, James Lofton, Adam Archuleta, Tiki Barber and Jay Feely. Gannon was fourth on CBS’ depth chart last year.

Alex Smith and Mark Sanchez both tried out for CBS

Fox, meanwhile, had its No. 5 slot open last year when Chris Spielman left to go run the Detroit Lions. Aqib Talib is likely to receive some more games from Fox, according to sources, but unlikely a full schedule this year. Fox has also tried out Jay Gruden as a game analyst.

Audible for Rodney Harrison and NBC

Rodney Harrison has signed a new deal, believed to be for two years, to continue on NBC’s “Football Night in America,” but his role will change, according to sources. Harrison, a mainstay, will work from game sites beginning this season.

The move is being made with the addition of Drew Brees, who will will join Mike Tirico, Tony Dungy, Chris Simms and Mike Florio in studio for the Sunday Night pregame.

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This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Andrew Marchand