2 NFL Legends Leading The Race To Replace Troy Aikman On ‘Monday Night Football’

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Troy Aikman’s tenure as the color commentator for ESPN’s Monday Night Football is nearing its end. Amid the hoopla about his contract, he still hasn’t received an offer from ESPN. Furthermore, it appears the writing may be on the wall.

Aikman currently makes roughly $18 million a year under a deal that expires at the end of the season. Friction between him and Joe Buck escalated after Buck signed a lucrative 6-year, $108 million extension with ESPN. Moreover, it was seemingly done behind his back.

Reports surfaced of a heated argument between them before their October 12 broadcast. Additionally, it has become increasingly hard to ignore the tension on Troy Aikman’s face on every broadcast since then.

Speculation has swirled about who might replace Aikman, and now two names are emerging.

Who Replaces Troy Aikman on Monday Night Football? Two Favorites Emerge

ESPN reportedly views Peyton Manning as its dream top choice to replace Troy Aikman on Monday Night Football. Peyton Manning has hosted the ManningCast on ESPN2 for six seasons, starting with its debut in September 2021.

His production company has an agreement with ESPN that keeps the show going through the 2034 NFL season. Getting him to make the switch will prove difficult. The Athletic reporter Andrew Marchand noted that Manning prefers his flexible, work-from-home setup and is unlikely to commit to a traditional booth schedule.

The other favorite to replace Troy Aikman is Greg Olsen. He is viewed as the most likely candidate to land the job. Olsen’s contract with Fox is up, and he has expressed a strong desire to return to a prime-time lead booth role. He previously had that number-one role before Tom Brady took his spot.

It’s just a matter of when, not if, a change will come.