ESPN is reportedly plotting a big move to lure NFL commentator Troy Aikman to the Monday Night Football booth. The longtime FOX broadcaster is said to be open to the idea of joining ESPN, especially after the lucrative offer he supposedly received from the network, one which will approach the range of the $17.5 million Tony Romo is making at CBS. But apparently, it's not only Aikman ESPN could be bringing aboard. According to Andrew Marchand of the NY Post, ESPN's push for Aikman could see his FOX comrade Joe Buck make the switch, too.
NEWS COLUMN: Troy Aikman is leaving Fox Sports for ESPN and he could bring Joe Buck with him, The Post has learned. https://t.co/XIwmM297db
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) February 24, 2022
According to the Post, Buck's contract is set to expire next year, and ESPN could use that to their advantage in order to try to bring him to the Monday Night booth alongside Aikman. In order for Buck to leave his contract early and join Aikman for next season at ESPN, the Post noted that FOX would have to grant him permission, considering he's also under contract for the network's World Series coverage.
With Aikman and possibly Buck out at FOX, there's a query of candidates rumored to be in the running as potential replacements, including the likes of Greg Olsen, Sean Payton, and even current NFL coach Sean McVay.
Adding Aikman and Buck to the MNF commentary team would be a huge grab for ESPN, which would be acquiring two of the top names in the industry. Last year, ESPN's Monday Night Football team consisted of Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Lisa Salters, and Louis Riddick. Additionally, the network launched the ‘Manningcast' in which Super Bowl-winning brothers Eli and Peyton Manning host guests to watch and talk about the game.
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