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ESPN's Troy Aikman says he'll be a 'free agent' after season, laughs about reported tension with Joe Buck

Legendary ESPN analyst Troy Aikman has hinted at a potential move after this season, signaling his future with the network may not extend beyond Super Bowl LVI in February. The Hall of Famer, who has partnered with Joe Buck for 25 years—first at Fox and now on *Monday Night Football*—stated he would finish his current contract and then evaluate his options.

While Aikman downplayed reports of tension between him and Buck following the latter’s six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN, the possibility of a new broadcasting role looms, with CBS a potential destination given the network’s recent upheaval in its analyst lineup. Meanwhile, ESPN could turn to internal talent like Jason Kelce or Kurt Warner to fill the void if Aikman departs, or consider Greg Olsen, whose Fox contract also expires this season.

Aikman’s decision comes amid broader shifts in the broadcast landscape, including CBS’s separation from Tony Romo after his arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. The network has since relied on J.J.

Watt as its lead analyst, adding another layer of uncertainty to the potential realignment of top football commentators. With multiple contracts set to expire, the coming months could reshape the coverage of the NFL’s biggest games.

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