Dan Orlovsky’s ESPN future is uncertain — but it shouldn’t be
The Philadelphia Eagles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy to cap off the 2024 season means the NFL calendar is officially turning over. For Orlovsky, that also means a break — and based on his recent comments, he doesn’t seem certain when, or even if, he’ll be back on the Worldwide Leader’s airwaves anytime soon.
That shouldn’t be a question.
Orlovsky has his quirks, but he’s excellent on television. Few analysts break down the Xs and Os as effectively as he does, explaining why a quarterback made a particular decision or why public perception might not match reality. He’s not without his critics — Shannon Sharpe accused him of carrying water for Aaron Rodgers, and Nick Wright suggested Orlovsky shies away from criticizing quarterbacks who were better than him (Sam Darnold).
And even when he does take a stand, it hasn’t always aged well. He once called Jalen Hurts a liability — only to offer a mea culpa four months later after Hurts won Super Bowl MVP.
But Orlovsky’s appeal isn’t in hot takes or over-the-top theatrics.
He isn’t a screaming caricature like so many of his colleagues. He’s a bit odd, sure — his food takes alone could drive a person to smash their head through a wall — but he’s likable, self-aware, and willing to roll with the punches. And that’s when considering that his ESPN colleagues mock him on social media, laugh in his face on set, and, in one particularly bizarre instance, he voluntarily smelled Molly Qerim’s shoe on First Take in a moment that surely made Rex Ryan jealous.
Beyond the weirdness, though, Orlovsky is a legitimately great analyst. He shines on NFL Live, holds his own on ESPN’s No. 2 NFL broadcast team with Louis Riddick and Chris Fowler, and consistently delivers insightful analysis.
So, should ESPN break the bank to keep him?
Absolutely.
The real question is whether Orlovsky wants to stay.
He’s hinted at a desire to coach in the NFL or college ranks, and if he ever decides to pursue that path, there’s not much ESPN can do. The former Lions quarterback has also not been shy about his desire to be a top game analyst covering the NFL. But with Troy Aikman firmly entrenched beside Joe Buck, that opportunity may not happen at ESPN for years to come. Much like Greg Olsen is currently experiencing, there are only so many jobs to go around.
Orlovsky’s openness about his ambitions gives him a lot of leverage when it comes to any potential negotiations with ESPN. And although he may not command a gargantuan package the size of Stephen A. Smith or Pat McAfee, ESPN should realize what they have with Orlovsky and do whatever they can to persuade him to stay in Bristol.
Why?
Because he represents something the network desperately needs — an analyst who blends his own football knowledge with an engaging on-air presence.
For better or worse, in an industry where former players-turned-analysts often rely on personality over substance or regurgitate predictable talking points, Orlovsky offers something different. He’s not just another loud voice in a crowded studio. He brings a coach’s mindset to TV, breaking down plays in a way that educates fans without making them feel talked down to.
That’s a rare skill and one that’s becoming increasingly valuable as audiences demand more sophisticated football analysis.
1st snap of the game
Watch the INT breakdown of his postureJust believe he’s “trying too hard”
Still believe in Trevor’s talent—but they have to free him up mentally from results#nfllive pic.twitter.com/vKjXvbCHx9
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 25, 2024
His ability to adapt across multiple platforms is another reason ESPN should keep him at all costs.
Unlike some analysts who thrive in only one setting—studio shows, film breakdowns,, or live game coverage —Orlovsky is effective in all of them. We already mentioned how he’s a standout on NFL Live, where his ability to diagnose film in real time makes the show one of ESPN’s most informative. We also mentioned how he holds his own on ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheaders, repeatedly proving that he can bring the same level of insight to a live setting.
And when he jumps into the debate format on First Take or Get Up, he avoids the trap of turning into a cartoonish debater, sticking to logical and well-thought-out football arguments (for the most part). And even if you don’t agree with everything he has to offer or say, that versatility makes him invaluable to a network.
Beyond that, ESPN can’t afford to lose Orlovsky because they don’t have a clear replacement for him. While the network has no shortage of former players, none quite offer the same blend of charisma that Orlovsky does, especially when considering that he’s on TV nearly every single day.
Remember, they already made that mistake with Robert Griffin III.
Perhaps most importantly, Orlovsky represents a change in the guard for football coverage. For years, networks relied on legacy analysts who had been in the business for decades but didn’t always evolve with the modern game. Orlovsky is different. He’s tapped into today’s game in a way few of his predecessors were. He understands offensive schemes’ evolution, quarterback play’s intricacies, and how modern defenses adjust. He’s not just leaning on stories from his playing days — he’s actively studying and adapting his analysis to fit the current NFL.
And when it comes to actually explaining football — rather than just yelling about it — few do it better than Orlovsky.
If ESPN wants to continue being a go-to destination for NFL coverage, they need to recognize what they have in Orlovsky. They must lock him into a long-term deal, expand his role if necessary, and ensure he remains a key part of their football coverage.
Because if they don’t, another network will.
