Veteran NFL analyst Ryan Clark has reportedly reached a new deal with ESPN, resolving recent contract disputes. According to reports, Clark, who publicly aired his grievances about his previous contract with the network on February 14, has verbally agreed to the terms of a new agreement.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic first broke the news, stating that Clark has agreed to a new contract that will see him continue his role as an NFL analyst for ESPN. Details of the deal include an annual salary exceeding $2 million, although the length of the contract has not been disclosed.
The reported terms of Clark’s new contract position him among ESPN’s top-paid NFL analysts, surpassing the earnings of his colleague Mina Kimes, who reportedly earns $1.7 million annually under her current contract signed in 2023. Clark, who transitioned to broadcasting following a successful 13-year career as a defensive back in the NFL, has been with ESPN since 2015.
Clark’s agreement with ESPN comes less than two weeks after he publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his previous contract via social media. In a video posted on February 14, Clark candidly stated that he “felt played” by his former deal, indicating a desire for recognition of his worth in negotiations.
“It wasn’t what I wanted,” Clark expressed regarding his previous contract. “Honestly, I felt played. … I felt like I deserved something that they didn’t feel like I deserved.”
Furthermore, Clark emphasized his readiness to walk away from negotiations if his demands were not met, asserting the importance of being compensated fairly for his contributions.
“Somebody’s gotta pay the piper,” Clark remarked. “And it’s either we get what we want or we make the decision to stand on what we’re worth.”
Clarifying his stance, Clark emphasized that his aim was not to demand more than his peers, but rather to receive fair compensation for his work.
“It’s not that I think that I should be paid more than anybody who does the job,” Clark clarified. “I just want what I’m worth.”
In addition to his role as an NFL analyst, Clark’s new contract will reportedly allow him to continue hosting his podcast, “The Pivot,” and working on The CW’s “Inside the NFL,” both of which are independent of his affiliation with ESPN.