There’s buzz that Howard Stern may retire when his five year deal with Sirius XM expires at the end of this year – but insiders at the network say not so fast – they are in talks for what could be the biggest contract of the rock star jock’s career.

Former Stern sidekick, Steve Grillo this week claimed on his AftershockXL show, that The King of All Media is retiring. Grillo said an insider at SiriusXM told him that, at age 66, Stern would not renew his contract with the satellite radio station.

Grillo said, “I’ve heard…Howard’s pretty much done.” Other reports have said, “Stern has commented that he’s stressed and wants to retire at year-end.”

But a separate insider at Sirius told Page Six, “Howard has been on vintage form during the pandemic, with news-making interviews with stars such as Tom Brady, Katy Perry and Governor Andrew Cuomo. He’s still at the top of his game.”

The insider continued, “Every time Howard’s contract is up, there’s rumors about him retiring or moving to a rival like Spotify, and most often this is a way to get him an even bigger deal.” The source added that Grillo is chasing his own publicity and there’s no indication that Stern is stoking these retirement rumors.

Earlier this week SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer said he was in talks to retain Stern – its biggest star – even as the business weathers the fallout from Covid-19. Meyer said on an earnings call that the company has reengaged with Stern about reupping his contract.

Meyer explained, “Howard is very happy with what he’s doing. It matters when Howard is happy,” Meyer said. “His show is better, and he’s more relaxed. I’ve been clear: I want Howard Stern to work at SiriusXM for as long as Howard Stern wants to work.”

He said he was optimistic about keeping Stern adding: “I know what Howard wants. And we’re trying to figure out a way to make all those things work together. I don’t want to be overly optimistic here, but I want Howard here… We’ll keep working and we’ll get there, I hope. At the end of the day, it will come down to what Howard wants to do.”