Troy Aikman’s future with ESPN could be one of the biggest questions in NFL broadcasting this offseason, especially after a reported recent disagreement with longtime broadcast partner Joe Buck.
According to a report from Front Office Sports, the two “Monday Night Football” announcers had a heated exchange before the Oct. 12 broadcast featuring the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. The situation reportedly cooled down before the broadcast, and the pair proceeded with their usual on-air duties without a hitch.
To the ordinary eye, it looked like everything was fine between the two. But Aikman later admitted that things definitely got a bit tense before the game.
TYLER BASS WINS IT FOR THE BILLS IN OT 🦬 pic.twitter.com/o27ZxH82TL
— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2026
“I think there’s probably a time and a place for all that to be discussed,” Aikman said Thursday morning on popular Dallas station 96.7 The Ticket. “I don’t know if now is the time. I don’t know that it’s hard to figure out kind of what’s happened.”
The reported disagreement comes at an interesting time for ESPN. Buck has already secured a long-term extension with the network through 2031 for around $108 million, raising his annual salary from $15 million to $18 million. Aikman, though, is approaching the end of his current contract and has yet to sign a new deal.
The former star Dallas Cowboys quarterback addressed his future some more Thursday, acknowledging that he will become a free agent after the season.
“I’ll broadcast through this season and I’ll be a free agent at the end of the year and kind of see what happens,” Aikman said.
He also specifically referenced the possibility of a “next landing spot,” leaving the door open to a move away from the World Wide Leader in Sports.
The uncertainty comes as ESPN prepares to televise its first Super Bowl in February 2027. The network has gone all in on its coverage, with a yearlong promotional and programming campaign and plans to do multiple alternate broadcasts like Pat McAfee’s Field Pass and a weeklong fan experience hosted at Santa Monica Beach.
Aikman and Buck have been the faces of “MNF” since joining the network together in 2022, making their relationship an important part of ESPN’s NFL coverage and giving it the prestige that it needed after moving away from the maligned grouping of Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick that didn’t work well for viewers.
Different contract situations
The two broadcasters are in very different positions as they approach the offseason.
After 22 years at Fox, Aikman signed a five-year contract with ESPN worth a reported $90 million that runs through the end of this season. Meanwhile, Buck is already locked in with ESPN for the long haul, taking on projects beyond just “MNF” such as hosting “ESPN Jeopardy!” and other special appearances across the Disney conglomerate.
The broadcasters familiarity with one another has been a major part of “MNF” presentation after calling some of the NFL’s biggest games for Fox. But Aikman’s upcoming free agency creates an opportunity for both sides to evaluate what comes next.
Money could also play a role in the discussions. Fox lead analyst Tom Brady earns $37.5 million annually under his massive 10-year contract, setting a high bar for the NFL’s top television analysts.
Aikman is already among the highest-paid commentators in the sport, but his experience and reputation could make him a valuable target if he decides to test the market. Emphasis on “if.”
ESPN could still work out an extension with Aikman. However, with Buck’s future settled and the network approaching its first Super Bowl broadcast, the situation gives ESPN another important decision to make as it plans for the coming years following the big game.
Who could replace Aikman at ESPN?
If Aikman ends up leaving, which seems like the case given his comments, ESPN would have several options to consider. Replacing him would be difficult, though, given his experience, credibility and chemistry with Buck.
Former NFL player Greg Olsen is definitely one to watch here. Since hanging up his cleats, he’s turned into a top-tier analyst for Fox — even calling Super Bowl LVII while Brady took a beat before stepping into TV. Olsen just gets it, breaking down complex plays so they make total sense for casual fans and die-hards alike. Plus, his name keeps popping up whenever a main booth slot opens up anywhere else. Richard Deitsch also reported that Fox hasn’t had any negotiations with Olsen about a contract beyond this year.
ESPN mainstay Kirk Herbstreit is another possibility. He already has a prominent role with the network covering college football and works with Prime Video on “Thursday Night Football.” His football knowledge and broadcasting experience would make him a credible candidate, but his existing commitments could complicate a move to the Monday night booth.
ESPN could also look at fellow former NFL player Jason Kelce, who has developed a growing presence since retiring, appearing on the “MNF” pregame show, getting in the booth for multiple NFL games and doing his podcast with his brother Travis. He recently called the NFL London game when his Philadelphia Eagles was playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars and provided excellent commentary, even though he was being a homer at times.
Parker Washington takes a short pass 51 yards to the house!
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 11, 2026
The Jaguars strike first vs. the Eagles in London.
Dave Pasch, Jason Kelce, and Kurt Warner have the call for NFL Network. 🏈💥🎙️ pic.twitter.com/KF8OUL3X62
His personality and playing experience have made him a popular analyst, although moving into ESPN’s top NFL booth would be a significant step up.
And you now have to wonder about McAfee, who has had a rocket ship ascension through the ESPN ranks with his daily show, “College GameDay,” field pass alt-casts, and now the Super Bowl.
The network could also explore other established analysts like the Kurt Warners of the world or emerging talent like former player Luke Kuechly rather than immediately pursuing a big-name replacement. Maybe even Tony Romo, who was just let go at CBS. Whoever gets the job would need to complement Buck, provide strong game analysis and help maintain the broadcast’s appeal.
Where could Aikman go next?
If Aikman decides to leave ESPN, CBS could be an interesting destination, depending on the network’s future broadcasting plans and available positions.
With Romo out after a rocky nine-year run, CBS has an opening on its top crew. Former NFL star J.J. Watt filled in alongside the legendary Jim Nantz, but things have felt a bit awkward through Week 6 and they haven’t quite clicked yet.
I’m not sure Jim Nantz was paying attention when JJ Watt was talking here 😂 pic.twitter.com/RWzzjkTXeS
— Nicholas Callas (@CALLAS_33) September 20, 2026
CBS has a major NFL presence through its Sunday coverage and has invested in established analysts to support its game broadcasts. Aikman’s experience calling the league’s biggest games would make him an intriguing candidate if an opening emerged.
Prime’s “TNF” could be another option. The streaming service has invested heavily in its NFL coverage, and Aikman’s experience could add credibility to its broadcasts that haven’t really felt special. However, any move would depend on its existing talent arrangements and whether the network wanted to make a major change.
For now, ESPN remains Aikman’s home, and the reported disagreement with Buck does not necessarily mean the partnership is ending. The two could work through their tension, and ESPN could throw the bank at Aikman (if it has money left over after McAfee and Stephen A. Smith).
But with his contract nearing its end, Aikman’s next move is worth watching.
ESPN has a Super Bowl to prepare for, and keeping its longtime broadcast team together would provide continuity heading into one of the biggest events in the network’s history. If Aikman decides it is time for a change, however, ESPN could have a problem on their hands.