Report: NBC declines ESPN's attempt to acquire Al Michaels

It appears ESPN has to move on from its Monday Night Football dream team.

NBC Sports declined ESPN's initial request to attempt to acquire Al Michaels, sources told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.

ESPN reportedly hoped to pair Michaels - who has two years remaining on his contract with NBC - with Peyton Manning for its Monday broadcast.

Manning and ESPN are still engaged in discussions, as the company hopes to sign him regardless of whether it can add Michaels, too. For his part, though, Manning hasn't indicated if he's interested in a broadcasting job, Marchand reports.

NBC and ESPN could still revisit talks, as Mike Tirico is set to take over for Michaels on Sunday Night Football when the latter's contract expires. Tirico could call more games during the next two seasons as the new face of NBC, according to Marchand.

ESPN was previously targeting Tony Romo for its booth before he signed a 10-year, $180-million deal with CBS.

Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland comprise the Monday Night Football broadcast team, and the duo hasn't been informed of any changes for the 2020 season.

ESPN could target CBS' Ian Eagle or FOX's Kevin Burkhardt as other options, though both are also under contract, according to Marchand.

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