To replace Cris Carter on FS1 after his sudden departure from First Things First, Fox could bring in another former football player from one of its sports media rivals.
According to Front Office Sports, Fox is considering attempting to poach Damien Woody from ESPN to replace Carter.
Woody, a former offensive lineman who played for 12 seasons in the NFL, would take over Carter’s role from former New York Giants lineman Chris Canty, who is viewed as a temporary replacement on the show. Current hosts Nick Wright and Jenna Wolfe are expected to retain their roles on First Things First.
The feeling among executives is that Woody, who is entering a contract year at ESPN, could make a nice fit with Wright and Wolfe at the New York-based show thanks to his sense of humor.
Adding Woody to the FS1 program would be part of Fox’s plan to help transform the show to make it more competitive with ESPN’s Get Up! and NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
Though nothing is finalized and more names are in consideration, FS1 “wants a big-name hire in Carter’s chair” before its broadcast of Super Bowl 54 on February 2, sources told FOS.
Carter last appeared on-air for Fox in October. Though it was never confirmed, sources said his departure from the network had to do with him not being offered a role on Fox’s revamped Thursday Night Football coverage this season.
“Cris Carter is no longer with Fox Sports,” the network said in a statement. “There is no further comment at this time.”
During his Hall of Fame career, 53-year-old Carter had more than 1,100 receptions 13,800 receiving yards and 130 touchdowns.
Woody, 42, was drafted by the New England Patriots but went on to play with the Lions and Jets.
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