Troy Aikman and Joe Buck have been one of the most recognizable broadcast duos in sports for more than two decades.
They have been the faces of "Monday Night Football" since joining ESPN together in 2022, giving the primetime game a well-respected commentary team to support it even with the worst slates.
But with Aikman's contract with ESPN approaching its end and questions surrounding his future with the network, the possibility of the duo breaking up is becoming more of a reality.
Aikman acknowledged last month that he expects to become a free agent after the season, leaving the door open for a potential departure.
"I'll broadcast through this season and I'll be a free agent at the end of the year and kind of see what happens," Aikman said on popular Dallas station 96.7 The Ticket.
Buck, meanwhile, has already re-upped with ESPN with a long-term extension.
Reports of tension between the two surfaced after an alleged argument before the Oct. 12 "MNF" broadcast featuring the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. Still, the longtime partners have seemingly gone about their business as usual since the news broke, calling games together without any apparent issues. Though fans noted Aikman appeared visibly agitated during the Nov. 2 telecast.
If ESPN and the Hall of Fame quarterback ultimately go their separate ways, the network will have a significant decision to make.
Here are five potential candidates to replace Aikman alongside Buck.
NFL Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning looks on as players warm up before a baseball game Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Denver. | David Zalubowski
This might be ESPN's dream scenario.
According to recent reporting from The Athletic's Andrew Marchand , the older brother from the "ManningCast" is ESPN's top choice to replace Aikman.
Manning already has an established relationship with the Worldwide Leader in Sports through his Omaha Productions, that includes doing the "MNF" alt-cast alongside his brother Eli. But moving into a traditional broadcast booth would be a different commitment.
The two-time Super Bowl champion has previously turned down opportunities to become a full-time analyst. ESPN would likely have to make a significant financial commitment to convince him otherwise.
If he were to accept the baton from his Hall of Fame brethren, he would bring a personality to the booth that is difficult to replicate. He's naturally funny and has the charisma that makes even casual football talk entertaining. He also has the cerebral knowledge of the game to deliver knowledgeable insight.
Olsen might be the safest bet.
The former Carolina Panthers star has already proven he can handle the responsibilities of being a network's top NFL analyst. He worked alongside Kevin Burkhardt on Fox's top broadcast team, including Super Bowl LVII, before Tom Brady's arrival pushed him into the network's second booth, which he called an "ego hit."
His contract situation also makes him particularly intriguing. Olsen is heading toward free agency with his deal at Fox ending after the season, and there has been speculation about his interest in returning to a No. 1 broadcast booth.
Olsen has become the most sought-after voice in sports, with networks repeatedly showing interest in the former tight end. He's already publicly stated he's not content being in the No. 2 spot where he continues to shine every Sunday.
Pairing him with Buck would give ESPN an experienced analyst who wouldn't need much time to adjust.
CBS broadcaster Tony Romo, left, calls the game during the second half of a NFL football wild card playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos in Orchard Park, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2025. | Adrian Kraus
Romo is another recognizable name who could make sense, but he is by far the controversial pick.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback spent years alongside Jim Nantz as CBS's lead NFL analyst, becoming one of the most talked-about broadcasters in the media space.
He's had an up-and-down tenure in the booth, with fans falling out of love with him as quickly as they fell in love in the first place. His act of predicting a play got stale with viewers, and his over-the-top excitement became too much at times. Still, he has the football knowledge and cache to be in a No. 1 booth.
His future is a little more complicated after his departure from CBS following his arrest in July, but his broadcasting experience is difficult to overlook.
A Buck-Romo pairing would certainly generate attention for "MNF" — especially during Cowboys games and if ESPN frontman Stephen A. Smith takes on an expanded role on "Monday Night Countdown."
This is where ESPN could look beyond the biggest names or the fan speculations.
Warner is a Hall of Fame quarterback with plenty of broadcasting experience, working games over the years for NFL Network. He brings with him detailed breakdowns of quarterback play and offensive schemes, a natural replacement for what Aikman provides.
ESPN could have an opportunity to bring in someone who understands the sport at an elite level without having to pursue another massive broadcasting contract.
He might not generate the same excitement as Manning or Olsen, but he would be a logical option. And he now already works at ESPN after the merger.
ESPN's Monday Night Football analyst Louis Riddick walks on the field during pre-game warm-ups before an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts, on Oct. 11, 2021, in Baltimore, Md. | Terrance Williams
Riddick is another name that shouldn't be overlooked, particularly if ESPN wants to keep the position within the family.
The former NFL safety and executive has spent years working across ESPN's NFL coverage and already has experience in the "MNF" booth. He was part of the network's three-person much-maligned booth alongside Steve Levy and Brian Griese from 2020-21.
Riddick brings a different perspective than the former quarterbacks ESPN might pursue, with experience evaluating personnel, schemes and the business side of the league.
He might be the surprise of the group, but he wouldn't be an inexperienced hire. He has gotten better in his commentary from his previous "MNF" stint. He's also received widespread acclaim as an intelligent, grounded voice on the network's studio shows.
Whoever ESPN ultimately turns to, replacing Aikman won't be easy, especially with the network needing someone who can match his football IQ and personality in one of sport's biggest broadcast stages.
