Troy Aikman's return to the Cowboys hits a snag for Jerry Jones: "They had a lot of disagreements"

The prospect of Troy Aikman returning to the Dallas Cowboys has generated excitement among fans, particularly with uncertainty surrounding his future as an NFL broadcaster.

However, a potential reunion with owner Jerry Jones may be more complicated than their recent public comments suggest.

Jones has openly welcomed the possibility of bringing the Hall of Fame quarterback into the Cowboys ' organization, while Aikman has admitted that he would seriously consider an offer.

Yet Ed Werder , a veteran NFL reporter who has covered Dallas for decades, believes the pair's history makes a professional partnership difficult to imagine.

The central issue, according to Werder , is their past disagreements over how the franchise should be managed. Although Aikman and Jones remain respectful of one another, their differing views on football operations could become a significant obstacle if they were to work together again.

Aikman recently discussed their relationship with Cowboys insider Mike Fisher , explaining that he would be willing to meet Jones regardless of whether a job was on the table.

“I would have lunch, breakfast, or dinner with Jerry any time he wants it. And it wouldn’t necessarily have to be because it’s a job interview. Just because, you know, we go back a long way. . . . I came in, I was 22 years old. I was his very first draft pick. There’s a lot within that relationship, both from the beginning, when he began as the owner, when I began my NFL career as a quarterback for 12 years of my life, playing for him, and then, even in the years that have followed, you know, we’ve been through a lot,” he told Fisher .

Aikman acknowledged that their relationship has experienced both extraordinary success and difficult moments, but insisted that respect remains at its foundation.

“We’ve been through the highest of highs, we’ve been through some pretty tough moments as well. Our relationship is complicated. I think he would agree with that, but it is one that’s built, I believe, on respect. This week, he said some really kind things, which meant a lot to me, quite honestly,” he said.

“So, yeah, I would welcome any conversation with Jerry, and quite honestly I don’t know if there would be, or if there ever would be an opportunity. But if Jerry came to me and felt that, in his heart, I could lend some services that would help make them better, I would, I’d have a hard time not taking a good look at that.”

Ed Werder questions whether the Cowboys reunion could work

Jones has been equally complimentary about his former quarterback. Speaking on Dallas sports radio station 105.3 The Fan, the Cowboys owner praised Aikman's work ethic and football knowledge while acknowledging that the two men have experienced their share of disagreements.

“He’s one of the hardest working, most focused people that I’ve ever been around,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan.

“When you’re around each other, a part of that makeup can make it where you have your ups and downs. I think the world of him. I’ve seen his image and had it in my eyes since I walked in the NFL. He’s outstanding. The answer is not necessarily that we’re going to do something more direct with the team at this time, but don’t rule it out. It is very possible.”

Despite those encouraging words, Werder believes the pair's professional history would make a return difficult.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, the reporter pointed to the uncertainty surrounding Aikman's broadcasting career and his relationship with ESPN partner Joe Buck before explaining why he doubts the former quarterback will join Dallas' front office.

“Well, Dan, you and I know that ESPN never lets valuable people leave the company, so it’s quite surprising to both of us, I think, that Troy Aikman is not returning on an extension and gonna be Joe Buck’s partner after this 25 years they’ve had together,” Werder told DP.

“Troy really values loyalty, and I don’t think he feels like that’s been in existence in this partnership this year, either with the company or with Joe Buck ,” Werder said.

“It certainly seems to me like they’ve already decided they’re moving on from Troy Aikman. And whether there’s a place for Troy in broadcasting, I don’t know. There should be. To me, there’s the best there is still. He’s the gold standard.”

Werder went further in his assessment of a potential return to Dallas, arguing that Aikman's experience playing under Jones as the Cowboys' general manager could make it difficult for them to work together.

“Troy played for Jerry as a GM. He didn’t think it went all that well. I don’t see him working in the Cowboys’ front office, regardless of what happens on TV,” Werder wrote in a post on X, as reported by Pro Football Network.

The concern is not simply whether the two men like or respect each other. A front-office position would require them to agree on personnel decisions, coaching appointments and the broader direction of the team.

Werder has questioned whether their philosophies are compatible enough to make that possible.

Aikman's Cowboys legacy remains difficult to match

Aikman was selected first overall by Dallas in the 1989 NFL Draft and spent 12 seasons with the franchise. He led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships, winning Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII and XXX during their dominant run in the 1990s.

His experience and understanding of the organization would make him an attractive figure for a franchise that has struggled to recapture that championship success. Dallas has not won another Super Bowl since its victory in January 1996.

Aikman has also explored opportunities beyond broadcasting, including a consultancy role with the Miami Dolphins during their search for leadership. That experience could offer a pathway toward a more formal football operations position, should he decide to leave television.

However, Jones has traditionally maintained significant control over the Cowboys ' football decisions, serving as both owner and general manager. Hiring a high-profile former quarterback would not necessarily mean surrendering that authority, but it could create tension if their views on running the franchise diverged.

For now, neither man has announced an agreement or confirmed that formal negotiations are underway.

Jones has made his interest clear, and Aikman has expressed a willingness to listen. Whether that mutual openness can overcome decades of complicated history remains the biggest question surrounding a possible return.

Werder's skepticism is not confirmation that a deal is impossible, but it serves as a reminder that nostalgia alone may not be enough to bring one of the Cowboys' greatest players back into the organization.