Garry Lyon's future in the media is expected to become clearer in the next month, but he has yet to be interviewed by host AFL broadcasters Fox Sports or Channel Seven.
The once prominent media personality took the 2016 season off to deal with mental health issues. His exit from media commitments followed a falling out with best friend and fellow Footy Show panellist Bill Brownless after Lyon started a relationship with Brownless' ex-wife.
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While he won't return to The Footy Show, it's understood Lyon remains firmly in the frame to regain his role as host of Footy Classified, also on Channel Nine.
Footy Show co-host James Brayshaw is in contract discussions with Nine, after an indifferent year for the program. Sam Newman, at 70 still the figurehead of the long-running show, is contracted for another two years.
Nine's Melbourne boss, Ian Paterson, said discussions with all parties were ongoing.
"At this stage of things, it's a busy time for us, those who are out of contract ... and other things that are going on. There is quite a bit going on and [we are] far from having the dust settle on things," he said.
Lyon had been linked with a move to the game-day coverage of Seven or Fox Footy. He is also in discussions about a return to Triple M.
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd, also a prominent commentator, recently inked a new deal with Nine.
If Lyon does not return, dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd, who joined the panel infrequently through the season, is set to take on a larger role.
Judd has become a more prominent commentator through the season, having initially been keen to forge more of a business career after his retirement from Carlton last year.
But he has become a highly coveted media performer, having also featured on Seven, Fox Footy and Triple M this season.
Judd's management is also in discussions with 3AW about the prospect of him joining its Friday-night coverage next season.
Commentator Anthony Hudson, a key component of SEN's football coverage, is in discussions about a return to 3AW, where he began his career in Melbourne in 1991.
Dwayne Russell's future at 3AW remains unclear, with Hudson possibly in line to replace him should he leave.