ESPN reportedly planning to part ways with NFL analyst Ryan Clark

ESPN is reportedly preparing to lay off NFL analyst Ryan Clark as part of a round of staff cuts that could be announced as early as Tuesday, according to OutKick.

The report said Clark is expected to be one of the highest-paid on-air personalities affected, earning about $2 million per year.

It remains unclear whether his contract is due to expire or whether he has time remaining on his current deal.

Clark joined ESPN after retiring from the NFL in 2015. According to OutKick, he signed a new contract with the network in 2021 and later revealed during negotiations in 2024 that he believed he "deserved more" while ESPN "disagreed." The two sides eventually reached a new agreement.

The reported move comes before ESPN is due to broadcast its first Super Bowl on 14 February. OutKick reported that the network is considering both internal and external candidates to replace Clark on its studio coverage.

According to OutKick, Clark has become a divisive figure at the network in recent years. The outlet noted that former ESPN presenter Sage Steele alleged in her lawsuit that Clark refused to work with her on air.

It also referenced recent controversies involving Clark's public comments about Robert Griffin III, Peter Schrager and the investigation into the death of former LSU player Kyren Lacy.