Troy Aikman, who worked alongside FOX since the year 2000, is set to depart as he drifts further to become the main analyst for ESPN. This leaves a spot for Fox Sports to fill in the enormous gap in the network’s no. 1 broadcast team alongside Joe Buck. A few names are being listed who can succeed Aikman as he transitions towards another broadcasting channel.
This is a massive shift in the broadcasting agency, as ESPN is having a better team. As they can have an extension from 18 NFL games moving to 25 over the next few years, this would call for more people to call in the games.
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What’s the deal with Troy Aikman?
Fox’s no. 1 Troy Aikman is now ESPN-bound as he is completing his deal to leave for Monday Night Football. He joins alongside Steve Levy, Louis Riddick Jr., and Brian Griese to become the prime analyst. As first reported by Andrew Marchand, they set the deal for 5 years, estimated to be $17.5 Million per season.
NEWS: Troy Aikman is on the verge of bolting Fox Sports for ESPN's Monday Night Football, The Post has learned.https://t.co/XIwmM297db
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) February 24, 2022
ESPN is also keeping an eye over Joe Buck, who works as a play-by-play commentator alongside Aikman as his contract will expire in the year 2023. They might also end up bringing the No. 1 broadcast team under one sports channel, taking him away from FOX.
FOX needs a suitable replacement
With Troy Aikman departing soon, this opens up an opportunity for who could replace Aikman in FOX’s no. 1 broadcast team for the upcoming season. The few names which are being rumored are former Panthers Tight End Greg Olsen and Former Saints Head Coach Sean Payton. FOX may also consider trading for Drew Brees, who is presently associated with the NBC Studio.
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Sean Payton can be a suitable alternative if the former coach wants to settle in the broadcasting region. However, he hasn’t ruled out coaching, as he might consider coming back if the opportunity feels so. As FOX helped the former coach by providing him a gig during his difficult times, he might consider staying if things work out well.
Greg Olsen and Sean Payton are among the candidates to replace Aikman as FOX's No. 1 guy. They could also trade for Drew Brees, who is currently at NBC, per @AndrewMarchand.
FOX is set to broadcast two out of the next three Super Bowls, so some major implications here. https://t.co/FPC8QQJ0jX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2022
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On the other hand, Greg Olsen currently serves as FOX’s no. 2 analyst. They have been setting him as a star in the division and can be a perfect choice to replace Aikman in the no. 1 booth to call for the upcoming season matches. He worked as an XFL Analyst and also did color commentary for the Panthers during the last terms of his career. Working alongside Buck can be an enormous benefit as well.
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