NBC carries Tiki Barber torch
Ex-NFL star would act as host, analyst
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Barber has notified both Fox and ABC/ESPN that he's leaning toward NBC and will begin negotiating with the Peacock exclusively.
The wide-ranging deal would have Barber signed to both NBC News and NBC Sports to contribute as a host, journalist and football analyst for properties such as "Today" and "Dateline" as well as net's football coverage.
Sources said the Barber expects to sign a deal after his last appearance as a professional football player at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Feb. 10.
Barber's deal is unusual for both its size (more than $3 million a year over four years) and because he wants to work as a journalist, not just a football analyst.
It's a rich deal for a network news division, which meant the bidding for Barber was limited to those who could spread the cost around to multiple divisions and networks.
Talks come as NBC News looks to bring in additional talent to staff the fourth hour of "Today," scheduled to debut in the fall.
For several years Barber has been plotting his post-NFL career, regularly appearing on Fox News Channel's morning show "Fox & Friends," "Live With Regis & Kelly" and other shows to build experience as a broadcaster.
A rep for NBC Sports and Barber's manager, Mark Lepselter, both declined to comment on the talks.
