Troy Aikman's replacement at ESPN could come from Fox: NFL legend set to cause a stir
A reported dispute with Joe Buck and stalled contract negotiations could bring one of NFL broadcasting's longest partnerships to an end
ESPN could be preparing for a significant change to its Monday Night Football coverage, with former NFL tight end Greg Olsen emerging as the leading candidate to replace Troy Aikman following growing uncertainty surrounding the Hall of Fame quarterback's future.
Aikman 's contract expires after Super Bowl LXI in February 2027, and negotiations over a new agreement have reportedly stalled. The situation has become increasingly complicated by his deteriorating relationship with longtime commentary partner Joe Buck .
According to The Athletic, Olsen is widely considered the favorite within broadcasting circles should ESPN decide against renewing Aikman 's deal, potentially ending one of the longest-running partnerships in NFL television history.
The uncertainty follows Buck 's agreement to a six-year contract extension worth a reported $108 million, secured earlier this year without Aikman being informed by either his colleague or ESPN.
Aikman , who joined ESPN alongside Buck in 2022, remains without a new contract despite the network preparing for its first Super Bowl broadcast. His representatives have reportedly been told negotiations won't resume until after the championship game.
The contractual differences have exposed deeper frustrations between the two broadcasters, who previously spent two decades together at Fox before moving to ESPN.
Their disagreements reportedly escalated on October 12, when they became involved in a heated exchange before a Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams .
Earlier that evening, Aikman had met ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro for approximately an hour to discuss his future and whether the strained partnership remained workable.
"Could you still work with Joe?" Pitaro asked, according to The Athletic. Aikman reportedly answered that he could, although the subsequent confrontation suggested the relationship remained difficult.
Aikman reportedly answered that he could, although the subsequent confrontation suggested the relationship remained difficult.
"I'm not the reason you don't have a contract," Buck reportedly told Aikman during their disagreement.
"I just never thought you'd do it to me," Aikman responded, reflecting his reported frustration over how Buck handled his contract negotiations.
The Athletic also reported disagreements surrounding production staff, with each broadcaster holding different views about the reasons behind repeated personnel changes.
Greg Olsen could benefit from ESPN uncertainty
Olsen 's emergence as a potential successor presents an opportunity for the former Carolina Panthers star to reclaim a leading national broadcasting position.
He previously served as Fox's top NFL analyst alongside Kevin Burkhardt , including calling Super Bowl LVII, before the network installed Tom Brady following his lucrative broadcasting agreement.
Brady 's arrival moved Olsen into Fox's second commentary team, despite his established reputation and strong reception among viewers.
With Olsen 's contract also approaching expiration, ESPN could pursue the former tight end without needing to negotiate his release from a long-term agreement.
Other potential candidates reportedly include Peyton and Eli Manning , Travis and Jason Kelce , and Kirk Herbstreit , although no formal replacement decision has been announced.
Aikman and Buck are still expected to complete the season together, culminating in ESPN's Super Bowl broadcast on February 14.
However, with Buck 's future secured and Aikman 's negotiations unresolved, the possibility of a new Monday Night Football commentary partnership appears increasingly realistic.
