Jason Kelce Is Officially The Hottest Free Agent In Sports Media

Jason Kelce's official retirement from the NFL on Monday catapults him atop the list of hottest free agents in sports media. We don't just mean in terms of looks, either. 

Sources tell OutKick they expect Kelce to be the most sought-after hire in the industry in 2024, with expected interest from Amazon, CBS, NBC, and ESPN.

Network executives projected Ray Lewis, Drew Brees, Jason Witten, and Jerry Rice to be stars in the broadcasting department. They didn't know for sure. They were wrong. 

The case for Jason Kelce is different. He is in a unique position where his broadcast skills were widely displayed during his NFL career via the acclaimed "New Heights" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce.

Networks know what they'd get with Jason Kelce, should he choose to sign with one.

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Jason Kelce reacts after the Kansas City Chiefs score against the Buffalo Bills during the first half for the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. (Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) 

Kelce would fit most seamlessly on Amazon's coverage of "Thursday Night Football." Amazon's pregame show is less serious than the others, with host Charissa Thompson, and Tony Gonzalez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andrew Whitworth, and Richard Sherman. 

Plus, Sherman's future is uncertain following another run-in with the law last week, this time in the form of a DUI.

Amazon could also partner with and amplify Kelce's "New Heights" podcast.

Still, ESPN can counter Amazon with a bigger platform during the week. A spot on "Monday Night Football" and appearances with Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee should appeal to Kelce if his media aspirations are aggressive.  

We emphasize "if."

As for CBS and NBC – while their pregame programs are more monotonous, both networks have a ready-made opening for someone like Kelce. 

The future of the CBS show is uncertain with several expiring contracts on the analyst side. NBC has seemingly been revamping its pregame show for five years, never quite finding the right fit.

Note: Jason Garrett is not the right fit.

CBS and NBC would also provide Kelce with more reach as broadcast networks than ESPN (cable) or Amazon Prime Video (streaming).

Fox Sports is unlikely to be a factor in the Jason Kelce sweepstakes. The Fox pregame show is well established and Kelce's personality might be too similar to Gronkowski's to see a natural fit. 

In the long run, Jason Kelce would be best suited on whichever network he could best craft a ManningCast-style alternative broadcast. The KelceCast, when Travis retires, is too obvious of a gold mine not to be a factor in negotiations. 

Former centers/chubby guys are not traditionally sure-fire stars on visual mediums, like television. Jason Kelce is the exception. Let the bidding begin.