ESPN planning to lay off NFL analyst Ryan Clark ahead of network's first Super Bowl broadcast

Clark is expected to be part of a round of layoffs the network could announce as soon as Tuesday.OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOADThe NFL analyst will be among the highest-paid on-air personalities ESPN cuts, sources said, earning roughly $2 million per year.It is unclear whether Clark’s contract is expiring or whether he is being sidelined with time remaining on his deal.Ryan Clark is being let go by ESPN after more than 11 years with the network, OutKick has learned.

(Ric Tapia/Getty Images)Clark joined ESPN after retiring from the NFL in 2015 and re-signed with the network in 2021 for three years.In 2024, the two sides had contentious contract negotiations and Clark posted on social media at the time that he felt he "deserved more" and ESPN "disagreed." Ultimately, the two sides agreed to a deal.ESPN RE-SIGNS FAR-LEFT, ANTI-SYDNEY SWEENEY RACE-BAITER WHILE REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING MASS LAYOFFSThe timing of the decision is particularly notable given Clark's role on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown pregame NFL coverage.

The network is set to carry its first Super Bowl on February 14.Sources say ESPN is considering both internal and external candidates to replace Clark on its Super Bowl studio coverage.ESPN is parting ways with longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark following an 11-year run at the network.

(Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Clark has become an increasingly polarizing figure inside ESPN in recent years.Sage Steele alleged in her lawsuit against the network that Clark refused to work with her on-air.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEOver the past year, he has also generated headlines for criticizing Robert Griffin III over his marriage to a White woman, an on-air exchange with Peter Schrager that reportedly continued off-air, and making disputed claims about how Louisiana police officers handled the fatal crash investigation involving former LSU player Kyren Lacy, who died by suicide.If you or someone you know is ha...