Pro Football Hall of Famer reportedly nearing multiyear deal with ESPN

Apparently, ESPN wants Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe to remain with the network for years to come. 

On Thursday, The Athletic's Richard Deitsch reported Sharpe is on the verge of signing a new multiyear deal with ESPN. Deitsch added the deal is expected to be "completed soon" and could last up to four years.

In February, Sharpe signed an extension through the remainder of the NBA season, ensuring his role with "First Take" would continue. The reported deal will have Sharpe continue to appear on the morning debate show and could include appearances on NFL programming.

ESPN has prioritized revamping its NFL coverage. It recently added former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and ex-New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Throwing Sharpe into the mix wouldn't be surprising.

Sharpe joined "First Take" in September after a seven-year run with Skip Bayless on FS1's "Undisputed." On Wednesday, ESPN announced "First Take" averaged 482,000 viewers in April, the show's 21st consecutive month of year-over-year growth. ESPN may feel Sharpe helped the show and wants to solidify his future. 

Not to mention, he's a well-known figure who draws large audiences. Along with his work on ESPN, Sharpe hosts "The Club Shay Shay" podcast, which has 3.16M subscribers on YouTube. 

Sharpe starred as a tight end for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens for 14 seasons, winning three Super Bowls and earning four first-team All-Pro nods. He has used his success on the gridiron as a springboard for his media career.