Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Amazon Eyes Drew Brees For ‘QBs Only’ MegaCast Of Thursday Night Football 

  • ‘QBs Only’ Megacast is one of multiple alternate telecasts on Amazon’s drawing board.
  • Brees lasted only one season as an NBC Sports football analyst.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe Drew Brees won’t be playing pickleball after all this fall. The former NBC Sports analyst is being eyed by Amazon Prime Video as one of the stars of a “Quarterbacks Only” Megacast of “Thursday Night Football,” said sources.

The alternate “QBs Only” telecast would run for 4-6 weeks in support of Amazon’s main TNF stream with Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels.

However, nothing is finalized, said sources. The “QBs Only” is one of “multiple ideas” on the drawing board at Amazon, said sources. There could be as many as three TNF Megcasts running 4-6 games during the 2022 season, said sources. 

Much of Amazon’s MegaCast planning hinges around Pat McAfee. 

Front Office Sports previously reported Amazon wants the former Indianapolis Colts punter to headline his own alternate telecast. 

With his contacts throughout sports and entertainment, Amazon views McAfee as the kind of talent who can attract top-notch guests ala ESPN2’s “ManningCast” with Peyton and Eli Manning.

The 43-year-old Brees lasted only one season as an NFL and college football analyst for NBC. Brees signed his deal with the home of top-rated “Sunday Night Football” while still playing for the New Orleans Saints.

After flopping at NBC, this could be a smart move for Brees to ease his way back into NFL TV. He would be part of a support cast in a support role — and not have to carry the main game telecast. Alternate telecasts such as ESPN “ManningCast” and “KayRodCast” are growing in popularity. With former No. 1 analyst Troy Aikman jumping to ESPN, Brees could also take a game analyst job at Fox Sports.

Who could also appear on a “QBCast? for Amazon?

Amazon has already hired former New York Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Former Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre recently told TMZ Sports he’d “consider” broadcasting NFL games for the right price. Ex-Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler told FOS he’d like another shot at NFL TV. Then there’s the retired Philip Rivers, who some TV executive envision as a latter day “Dandy” Don Meredith.

Since his mutual split with NBC, Brees hasn’t said much about his future except for a tweet partly reading: “I may play football again, I may focus on business and philanthropy, I may train for the pickleball tour, senior golf tour, coach my kids or all of the above. I’ll let you know.”

NBC recently announced former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett as a new studio analyst on its “Football Night in America” pregame show with Maria Taylor, Tony Dungy, and Chris Simms. 

Meanwhile, Amazon has hired an impressive cast for TNF coverage, including Fitzpatrick, Charissa Thompson, Richard Sherman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez.

The tech giant’s exclusive coverage of TNF kicks off Sep. 15. Amazon declined to comment for this story.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
opinion

NFL Should Release Audio on Crucial Replay Decisions

The ACC let viewers in the replay booth last fall.
TNT Sports

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.

Featured Today

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.
May 13, 2026

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 13, 2026

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
May 12, 2026

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL RedZone.”