Drew Brees to join Stephen A. Smith on First Take as weekly contributor after Molly Qerim's ESPN exit

Drew Brees is set to become a weekly contributor on ESPN's First Take, joining Stephen A. Smith a week after Molly Qerim's shock departure from the network. The non-exclusive agreement allows him to pursue other broadcasting opportunities and will begin with regular appearances on the show this season.

Brees has been rebuilding his media profile in recent months, returning to the airwaves after a stint with Fox Sports' NFL coverage and previously working with NBC during the 2021 season. The arrangement positions him to follow in the footsteps of other high-profile retirees, such as Tom Brady and JJ Watt, as he searches for a lasting niche in NFL media. Barrett Media reported that the deal includes the possibility of Brees being in the broadcast booth for one of this season's Christmas Day games on Netlix.

In discussing his post-playing ambitions, Brees told Dan Patrick that he believes he could excel in broadcasting relatively quickly. "I’d step in the booth right now and be a top-three guy," he said. "Like, without question. And then you give me a few years, and I could be the best." The remark underscores his confidence as he steps into a prominent media role alongside Smith on a program known for its debates and high-profile panels.

The move comes amid a broader shakeup at ESPN's studio shows. Molly Qerim's departure from First Take last week removed one of the network's longtime moderators, creating an opening that Brees appears poised to fill on a weekly basis. While First Take has featured several former athletes in guest roles, Brees' full-time, recurring presence would mark a significant shift in how the program curates its insider perspectives and quarterback-level analysis.

Brees' recent Fox appearance also featured a moment of on-air tension when fellow former quarterback-turned-broadcaster Terry Bradshaw appeared irritated after Charissa Thompson signaled a commercial break in the middle of his discussion. The incident highlighted the sometimes-chaotic nature of live sports broadcasts and the potential for cross-network crossovers to become focal points of coverage. In that exchange, Brees offered his Mount Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks, naming Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Doug Flutie, and joking that Bradshaw might have to be included because he invited him to The Breeders' Cup, a famed horse-racing event. Thompson's prompt timing cut into the moment, leaving viewers with a brief, humorous glimpse of the on-air dynamic behind the scenes.

NFL legends transitioning into television roles is not new, but Brees' move to a high-profile, weekly platform signals ESPN's continued emphasis on pairing star names with its signature debate format. The network has watched a rotating cast of former players and coaches contribute to its daytime and primetime programming, while also exploring opportunities for cross-network collaborations and special broadcasts. Analysts note that Brees' experience, leadership, and clarity in explanations could translate into a compelling addition to First Take, potentially drawing in both casual fans and more dedicated followers of NFL analysis.

As the NFL season unfolds, ESPN viewers can expect to see Brees on First Take as he balances the show’s demanding schedule with other broadcasting opportunities, including any in-venue or in-booth roles that may arise. The arrangement underscores the evolving career paths available to retired athletes who leverage their knowledge of the game to engage audiences beyond the field. With Brees joining a show led by Stephen A. Smith, the network aims to maintain its star-driven, discussion-based approach while continuing to adapt to changes within its on-air talent lineup.