ESPN is retaining one of its most prominent rising stars after announcing a multi-year contract extension with Laura Rutledge, who will continue as host of NFL Live and SEC Nation while also contributing to major events such as the NFL Draft, College Football Playoff, and the Masters.

The extension comes after ESPN selected Mike Greenberg, rather than Rutledge, to host Sunday NFL Countdown following Samantha Ponder’s departure. While ESPN noted that Rutledge could take on additional responsibilities during the deal, there are currently no clear paths to a higher-profile role given the network’s established football hosts and sideline reporters. Opportunities at rival networks also appear limited, with the only potential opening being CBS’s NFL Today should longtime host James Brown retire. Still, Rutledge has continued to impress, notably delivering on-site news coverage from New Orleans after the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street attack for both ESPN and ABC, drawing praise and speculation that she could eventually transition to a broader role similar to Robin Roberts, especially given her earlier experience as a sports anchor on CNN morning shows.