Many eyebrows were raised at the news that ESPN is poised to pay Pat McAfee [$60 million per year](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-espn-pat-mcafee-are-discussing-an-extension-worth-more-than-60-million-per-year). One of his former Colts teammates, however, has already made it to that neighborhood.
Via Brendon Kleen of _Awful Announcing_, Andrew Marchand said in a recent episode of his podcast that ESPN is currently paying Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions [an annual fee in that same range](https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/peyton-manning-omaha-productions-close-pat-mcafee-salary.html).
Omaha has an extensive relationship with ESPN, with the Monday night _ManningCast_ serving as the centerpiece of the relationship. The added value of the alternate broadcast has always been a major question, since it’s likely siphoning viewers who would watch the main broadcast in lieu of adding new eyeballs.
In the years since ESPN beefed up the main booth to feature Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, the numbers for the ManningCast have consistently softened.
Beyond the _ManningCast_, Omaha produces other shows and podcasts for ESPN.
This news will serve only to make Stephen A. Smith even more determined to complete the $60 million trifecta.