What Russell Wilson, Kyle Long can bring to new-look ‘NFL Today’ on CBS

Russell Wilson and Kyle Long will join CBS’s *The NFL Today* pregame show in 2026, marking a shift in the studio’s lineup. Wilson, a former Seattle Seahawks quarterback and Super Bowl champion, will transition directly from his playing career to analysis, having spent his final seasons with the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos. He replaces Matt Ryan, who left to become the Atlanta Falcons’ president of football, and brings crossover appeal through his marriage to singer Ciara. Kyle Long, a former Chicago Bears offensive lineman and son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, was promoted from CBS’s other Sunday morning programming to *The NFL Today*. His father has been on FOX’s *FOX NFL Sunday* since 1994, and Long expressed excitement about following in his footsteps, calling the opportunity a childhood dream. The duo will join host James Brown and analysts Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher. Wilson’s recent stops across the NFL could provide unique insights, particularly in quarterback and coach interviews, though he’ll need to avoid clichéd analysis to succeed. Long’s offensive line expertise and storytelling ability will add depth to discussions about trench play, an often-undervalued perspective in media. CBS initially pursued former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly but chose to promote Long internally. His experience and familial ties to football media make him a strong fit for the show’s evolving dynamic. Both analysts will contribute to *The NFL Today*’s coverage starting in 2026, offering a blend of star power and specialized knowledge.