Steve Smith set for major ESPN role after Ryan Clark firing

Ryan Clark’s firing as part of ESPN’s layoffs has created an opportunity for someone else to get more airtime.

That opportunity appears to be going to former Pro Bowl wide receiver and NFL Network analyst Steve Smith, who’s expected to have a “recurring role” on ESPN’s studio shows, Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel reported Tuesday.

Clark was a regular on “NFL Live” along with morning shows “Get Up” and “First Take,” and was part of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” coverage.

Former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has been an NFL Network analyst since 2017. Getty Images

Smith, 47, joined NFL Network in 2017 after retiring from the league, capping a 16-year career in which he had 1,031 catches, 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns and was named to five Pro Bowls.

He spent 13 seasons with the Panthers before playing three years with the Ravens.

ESPN’s $3 billion acquisition of NFL Network, which Jimmy Pitaro blamed for the layoffs, has resulted in the latter’s integration into the Worldwide Leader.

Smith wore his heart on his sleeve as a player and is not shy with his opinions on television, which fits with the current ESPN ethos.

Ryan Clark was among ESPN’s layoffs last week. Getty Images

Clark infamously was informed he was being let go during a commercial break while he was on “NFL Live” last Monday and did not finish the show.

While Stephen A. Smith likely would embrace debating with Smith, he made it known last week he was “not happy” about ESPN’s decision to let Clark go.

Former NFL MVP and “First Take” regular Cam Newton was among the layoffs, while longtime NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was also let go.

Ex-Jet Bart Scott, who made TV appearances and hosted a show on ESPN New York Radio with former WFAN partner Chris Carlin, also got laid off.