Behind-the-scenes deal renders Stephen A. Smith silent? Say it ain’t so!

Stephen A. Smith isn’t going anywhere. There are reports that an agreement on a contract extension between the bombastic commentator and ESPN is imminent as his contract is set to expire in 2025. The agreement, which is still pending, is for approximately $120 million over six years.

Smith joined ESPN in 2003 and has had a lengthy relationship with the network that hasn’t always been all good. Smith was the host of “Quite Frankly” from 2005-07, but was fired and had to work at Fox Sports Radio for a few years. It was a long road back to ESPN, as in 2011 he was brought back only on local radio.  It would take Skip Bayless and Dave Roberts convincing the rest of the ESPN higher-ups to allow Smith later to join Skip Bayless on “First Take.”

Since then, “First Take” has been the most successful sports debate program on television. He is currently the executive producer and main analyst on the morning discussion program. Smith also appears on NBA Countdown, SportsCenter, and Get Up! on the ESPN network. When asked about the inevitable contract, Smith denied that anything was close.

Has deal made Smith go mute?

“False,” he said. “Here’s my quote: ‘I was born AT NIGHT, not last night. I don’t talk about my contract negotiations. Never have. Never will.’”

According to the publication, Smith’s representatives at WME have discussed a “first look” deal with Smith’s production business, Mr. SAS Productions, with ESPN’s parent company. This would essentially allow Smith access to Disney’s other properties. Disney would have first look ‘dibs’ on all content created by Smith’s production company and give them the opportunity to place it on their other properties like Hulu or Disney Plus. Should this agreement be finalized, Smith would earn $20 million annually. Smith would surpass Troy Aikman and Joe Buck as the network’s highest-paid, forward-facing staff with this new deal.