As Skip Bayless makes the move to rival FS1 from ESPN2's "First Take," he may be zeroing on his new Stephen A. Smith: Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe.

Sharpe, the former CBS Sports analyst, is emerging as a leading candidate to sit across the debate desk from Bayless on his planned FS1 show, sources told Sporting News.

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The three-time Super Bowl champion for the Ravens and Broncos appeared with Bayless as a "First Take" guest host for Smith on May 16 and 17.

He has also been a guest on FS1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," which has given him visibility with Fox Sports executives.

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The normally taciturn Bayless talked up Sharpe's "First Take" guest appearances on Twitter:

I hope Shannon Sharpe is watching, reading and prepping as hard as I am for First Take tomorrow. He'll be in studio, debating NFL and NBA. — Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 16, 2016

In preshow meeting Shannon Sharpe said Giants will win NFC E, LeBron will win 3rd ring, OKC takes GSt to 7, Vikes miss playoffs! HaHa. — Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 16, 2016

Sharpe also sparred with Bayless on "First Take" several times in 2015.

MORE: Inside Bayless' defection to FS1

Here they are debating Tom Brady and Deflategate:

Sharpe received positive reviews from viewers on social media after his stint on "First Take" last month. Several of them called on Sharpe to replace the departing Bayless — and become Smith's new sparring partner.

Sharpe publicly jousted with Bayless on Twitter over who won or lost their debates:

How many times must I out debate @RealSkipBayless b4 I'm declared the champ. Show is scheduled for 2 hrs, it's over in the 1st 30. #84out. — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 16, 2016

I like going to @RealSkipBayless neighborhood and beating him dwn. It's what I do. "@illstr8r: ... https://t.co/nk9lFmcsHb — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 16, 2016

When somebody asked him on Twitter if he would fill in for Stephen A. the next day, he tweeted:

Sharpe also hinted about a possible full-time return to TV:

Talking with a few networks, hope to have something soon. "@DawgpoundRich64: @ShannonSharpe Champ,how does ... https://t.co/TK7W9kkg7R — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) May 22, 2016

"He's basically been auditioning for Skip — and FS1 — in plain sight," said one source about Sharpe.

A Fox Sports representative declined to comment. Sharpe's agent could not be reached for comment.

Sharpe was previously a long-time co-star on CBS' "NFL Today" pregame show.

CBS Sports boss Sean McManus shook up the show before the 2014 season, dropping Sharpe and Dan Marino and replacing them with Tony Gonzalez and Bart Scott.

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Whomever he picks as a debate partner, Bayless' show is expected to go head-to-head against Smith and "First Take." Bayless' show is expected to be the lead-in for "The Herd," which airs from noon to 3 p.m. ET on FS1 and Fox Sports Radio.

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Meanwhile, Jason Whitlock and Cowherd will team for their own opinion-driven show, "Speak for Yourself," which will premiere June 13 (6-7 p.m. ET).

It will be the first step in FS1 programming czar Jamie Horowitz's strategy to outflank ESPN by creating a new lineup of studio shows featuring star "Opinionists" such as Whitlock, Cowherd and Bayless.

Check out the first promo for the new show.

A Sharpe-Bayless tandem would certainly put pressure on ESPN to find a compatible dueling partner for Stephen A., but more important for FS1, the duo has the potential to have a big impact in the world of sports debate formats.