Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, a pairing that has defined NFL Sundays for a staggering 25 years across two major networks, might be splitting up before the 2027 season even kicks off. Can you believe it? After all that time, it looks like a major shake-up is brewing in the broadcast world.
The ESPN Drama Is Heating Up
Here’s the deal: Aikman is in the final year of his five-year, $90 million contract with ESPN. Meanwhile, Buck has already locked in his bag, signing an extension worth over $100 million for six more years to call “Monday Night Football.” That’s a huge commitment, and it’s reportedly causing some serious tension in the booth. Aikman’s acknowledged the uncertainty, but he’s staying focused on his current gig, which includes calling Super Bowl 61 for ESPN early next year. But once 2027 rolls around? The chances of an Aikman-Buck breakup are looking high. With ESPN dropping massive cash on Buck, Pat McAfee, and Stephen A. Smith as their “voices,” it sounds like Aikman is feeling like the odd man out if he wants to keep seeing that big money. The man turns 60 this November, and he’s still got plenty of game left in him, just not on the field.
Where Could Aikman Land? The Broadcast Carousel Is Spinning
So, if Aikman does part ways with ESPN, where’s he heading? The broadcast world is buzzing, and there are some intriguing possibilities.
First up, **CBS with Jim Nantz**. Nantz is currently crushing it with J.J. Watt, who’s apparently getting better every game, but CBS might be looking for a more established color commentator long-term, especially after Tony Romo left. Bringing in Aikman would be a super natural move, getting him on his third major network. Honestly, if he’d been a free agent when Romo got hired, it feels like CBS would’ve jumped on that.
Then there’s **Amazon Prime Video, potentially with Ian Eagle**. Prime Video is probably going to blow up “Thursday Night Football” as we know it. Al Michaels is turning 82 this November, and Kirk Herbstreit is reportedly spread thin with his college football commitments. Ian Eagle, who’s been the lead announcer on CBS’s No. 2 team and just took over March Madness from Nantz, is absolutely deserving of a prime-time spot. Imagine Eagle and Aikman on TNF? That would be a massive upgrade in broadcast quality as Prime Video tries to solidify itself as a serious NFL player.
And don’t count out **NBC, maybe even back with Cris Collinsworth**. Collinsworth actually worked in a three-man booth with Buck and Aikman on Fox way back when. He’s been fantastic with Michaels and Mike Tirico as NBC’s main NFL color guy for 18 seasons. Collinsworth is locked in through the 2029-2030 season, but he’s also turning 68 next January. NBC could run with a three-man booth for a while, giving Collinsworth time before he eventually retires, leaving Aikman with Tirico.
Finally, a reunion with his old employer **Fox NFL Sunday, possibly replacing Jimmy Johnson**. This seems like the best way for Aikman to rejoin Fox. Tom Brady is on the No. 1 game team with Kevin Burkhardt, so calling games is probably off the table for Aikman there. But a studio gig with the Sunday crew? That’s a definite possibility.
What’s Next for the NFL’s Hottest Free Agent?
This is huge. A potential split between Troy Aikman and Joe Buck isn’t just a rumor, it’s a looming reality that could reshape how we experience NFL games every week in 2027. Aikman is a seasoned pro who knows the game inside and out, and whatever network lands him is getting a serious talent. We’re all watching to see which booth he steps into next season. Get ready, because the landscape of NFL broadcasting is about to get a whole lot more interesting!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply