thesun
Troy Aikman might leave ESPN before the current NFL season concludes, according to speculation from broadcaster Boomer Esiason, who questioned whether the network's contract drama could disrupt its top commentary team. Aikman and Joe Buck are set to call their first Super Bowl together since 2020 later this season, but the unresolved status of the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's contract has created uncertainty around the duo.
The pair has been one of the NFL's most reliable broadcast teams for years, having worked together since 2002 before ESPN hired them from Fox in 2022 to revamp Monday Night Football. However, reports suggest friction has arisen after Buck signed a lucrative six-year, $108 million deal with ESPN in late September, while Aikman has not yet received a formal offer. The situation reportedly led to a disagreement between the two before the Week Five Monday Night Football game, with ESPN's handling of their differing contract situations causing tension.
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Esiason, speaking on WFAN's Friday morning show, raised the possibility that the uncertainty could come to a head before the season reaches its climax. Co-host Giannotti quickly suggested Aikman would not walk away before calling the Super Bowl, and Esiason agreed, saying, "I don't think he would do it, that's not his nature, I don't think." But Esiason then questioned whether ESPN could be forced to act as the tension grows, asking, "But could ESPN feel the pressure, and everything get a little bit tense? I mean, you don't want guys being tense."
Aikman has recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future, revealing he expects to become a free agent at the end of the season after his contract situation remains unresolved. On 96.7 The Ticket, he said, "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. I'm looking forward to whatever the rest of this season does hold and the Super Bowl and all that and where my next landing spot may be."
Despite the reported bust-up, Buck and Aikman have continued their broadcasting duties together, and there is no confirmation that the duo will split before the Super Bowl. However, if Aikman does leave ESPN, CBS could be an intriguing destination after parting ways with Tony Romo last week. JJ Watt has stepped up in Romo's absence, but Aikman's experience and reputation could put him in contention for a top role alongside Jim Nantz.
Originally reported by thesun.