That long time ended up being less than a month. Orlovsky signed a three-year deal with ESPN in 2022 that reportedly expires before the next NFL season. His ascension up the depth chart, which includes well-received work on game broadcasts, would make him an attractive free agent if it came to that.

Orlovsky, who played for the Lions, Texans, Colts and Buccaneers, had talks with Fox Sports before re-upping with ESPN three years ago, a pact which put him in the No. 2 “Monday Night Football” booth. He’s also expressed interest in potentially joining an NFL coaching staff.

Longtime ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky was back on the air Monday, and many fans had the same reaction to seeing the former quarterback in his usual spot. Orlovsky appeared on Monday morning’s edition of “Get Up” and shared some of his thoughts on the upcoming NFL Draft.

Former UConn quarterback and Connecticut native Dan Orlovsky returned to ESPN's shows after signoff on Stephen A. Smtih's First Take.