NFL rumors: Shannon Sharpe in ESPN talks for GOAT talk show with Stephen A. Smith

Shannon Sharpe might be going to ESPN to join Stephen A. Smith on First Take, creating a powerful duo from two of America's biggest shows merging into one.

Front Office Sports is reporting that Sharpe, fresh off his buyout and exit from Fox Sports' Undisputed, could be part of the rotating cast of stars debating Stephen A. Smith as a high-profile 'Contributor'.

The rotating crew includes Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Ryan Clark and Michael Irvin from NFL Network.

Sharpe has been sought by many networks following his Fox Sports exit, and while there's no deal with ESPN, this arrangement would allow him to continue his own podcast Club Shay Shay, while also signing with FanDuel.

The expectation is that the former tight end will have a new home ahead of the new season.

Why did Shannon Sharpe leave Fox Sports?

Since the news broke in late May, there has been a lot of speculation as to why Sharpe decided to call it quits on his time at Fox Sports, but there is still no clear reason for the change yet.

His relationship with Skip Bayless had some strained moments, but the pair was emotional at the show's finale, with the former tight end, in tears, thanking Skip for 'everything he did to allow him to be on the show'. The Undisputed has taken a break as Bayless and Fox executives search for a new partner.

Another rumor that has arisen is about the lack of topic selection on the show, with Skip picking most of the topics debated by the pair.

While the real reasons will remain unknown until Sharpe or Bayless talks about them, there are no clear motives given for the buyout. The financial compensation is also undisclosed.

A duo with Stephen A. Smith would be must-see TV, just like it was when Skip Bayless was arguing with one of the two.