One of the biggest stories in sports media right now centers on longtime broadcast partners Joe Buck and legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.
The two joined ESPN in 2022 to call “Monday Night Football,” signing multiyear deals under the condition that they would continue working together after spending two decades as Fox’s lead broadcast team.
Entering 2026, both contracts were in their final years. Buck quietly signed a six-year, $108 million extension through 2030 without knowing what Aikman’s future would hold. Aikman has yet to sign an extension and is set to become a free agent in the broadcast world after ESPN calls the Super Bowl on Feb. 14, 2027.
As expected, Aikman reportedly did not take the news lightly. According to the New York Post, the two had a shouting match in the broadcast booth before the Bills-Rams Monday night game a few weeks ago, with Aikman feeling blindsided by Buck.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman addressed their strained relationship after Aikman felt betrayed by Buck’s separate six-year, $108 million extension, per @AndrewMarchand. pic.twitter.com/sk1UgWqdOW
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 30, 2026
The situation has fueled speculation about an eventual split between Aikman and ESPN. The network has reportedly paused negotiations after declining Aikman’s previous offer, which would have paid him close to Buck’s new salary.
Who’s the Favorite to Replace Aikman?
While we don’t officially know whether Aikman will attempt to return to the broadcast booth with ESPN if negotiations reopen, the network appears to be eyeing a fresh start.
The Athletic noted that ESPN is currently eyeing Fox Sports’ Greg Olsen as its top target to become the game analyst alongside Buck, who handles play-by-play.
The timing could work out well, as Olsen’s contract with Fox is set to expire at the end of this season. He joined the network in 2021 and earned a promotion to its No. 1 booth after just one year when Buck and Aikman left for ESPN. He worked alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
However, after Fox signed Tom Brady to a massive contract, Olsen moved back to the No. 2 booth. He seemingly wants another opportunity to lead a broadcast team, and a potential “Monday Night Football” role could offer exactly that.
Related: ESPN Has Completely Bungled Their Relationship With Troy Aikman
