Shannon Sharpe Joining ‘First Take’ Alongside Stephen A. Smith, per Report

The former “Undisputed” co-host has been fueling speculation about joining the debate show for months.

Ever since Shannon Sharpe left Fox Sports 1’s Undisputed back in May, fans grew suspicious that the sports personality could join ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith.

Now, it sounds like that rumor could be true as New York Post’s Andrew Marchand and Ryan Glasspiegel reported on Thursday that Sharpe will be joining Smith on First Take on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Sharpe’s official debut on First Take is still unknown, but he is expected to be on the show throughout the football season.

However, Smith disputed this report in his podcast later on Thursday by stating that Sharpe had yet to “sign on the dotted line.” Smith did say he still thinks a deal will happen, though.

Sharpe will be returning to the popular ESPN show after he first appeared there with his former Undisputed co-host Skip Bayless before 2016. Sharpe made occasional guest appearances on the show, which was co-hosted by Bayless and Smith at the time.

Thursday’s report comes after Sharpe and Smith have been fueling speculation since June. Smith made it known on an episode of his podcast that he wanted the former NFL tight end on his show. Sharpe then fired back with tweets of his own, teasing fans with interest that he could join the show.