Stephen A. Smith leveraging Pat McAfee for huge contract?

Dec 18, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith broadcasts before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith is seeking his next big contract from ESPN. Pat McAfee may be a factor in what kind of money Smith ultimately can get.

Smith’s existing contract with the “Worldwide Leader” expires next July. The 56-year-old has been vocal about his desire to receive a significant raise from his current $12 million salary.

Smith has earned “plenty of respect from ESPN management,” according to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports. Smith has reportedly gotten in ESPN’s good graces , which has been in contrast to McAfee and his “bad-boy antics.” McAfee has publicly called out an ESPN executive in the past .

The feeling may be that Smith is seen as a good company man, which could position him to earn more than the $17 million per year McAfee receives from ESPN. ESPN “Monday Night Football” announcers Troy Aikman ($18 million) and Joe Buck ($15 million) both also make big money.

Smith is angling to land a deal that would leapfrog everyone else at ESPN.

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