It looks like Troy Aikman is dealing with free agency again, this time as a broadcaster
The former NFL quarterback is making the transfer from FOX Sports to ESPN, as reported by Pro Football Focus reporter Ari Meirov.
Troy Aikman is now finalizing a deal to leave FOX and become the main analyst for Monday Night Football, per @AndrewMarchand. The deal is expected to be for 5 years worth around $17.5M per season. ESPN could also end up trying to pry Joe Buck away from FOX.https://t.co/2BNc2Nxpvj
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2022
Meirov tweeted:
“Troy Aikman is now finalizing a deal to leave FOX and become the main analyst for Monday Night Football, per @AndrewMarchand. The deal is expected to be for 5 years worth around $17.5M per season. ESPN could also end up trying to pry Joe Buck from FOX.”
Once this deal is signed, Aikman will replace Brian Griese and Louis Riddick as the color commentator for ESPN’s broadcast of the NFL.
If the network will also sign Buck, they will continue their broadcasting partnership that dates back to 2002.
While they’ve been the subject of controversy occasionally, Buck and Aikman are one of the best sportscasting duos at present.
From The Field To The Booth
Not everyone can make the seamless transition from playing football to calling games.
There’s no shortage of players who know the game.
However, there are only a chosen few who can efficiently translate that knowledge to television and Aikman has been one of them for over two decades.
The fast-paced nature of television production means that analysts only have a short period of time to digest what’s happening.
They’re also lucky if they get a full minute of air time to explain why the previous play went as such.
Aikman will be a huge pickup for ESPN as they bolster their NFL coverage.
Likewise, FOX will be scrambling to look for a tandem that will replace both him and Buck should both of them make the jump to ESPN.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reminds Fans How The Bills Were Built