Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have become a familiar pairing on Monday Night Football, but ESPN may soon have to plan for a booth without Aikman. Their partnership has faced questions amid stalled contract talks and reports of tension between the broadcasters.
This has put the network’s next move under the spotlight, with Peyton Manning reportedly at the top of ESPN’s wish list.
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Fans Weigh In on Peyton Manning Potentially Replacing Troy Aikman
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro considers Manning his top choice to replace Aikman. Pitaro is expected to approach the Hall of Fame quarterback about joining Buck in the main Monday Night Football booth.
However, Marchand does not expect Manning to accept the offer, making Greg Olsen a more realistic candidate.
Manning already has a long-term relationship with ESPN through Omaha Productions. His deal runs through 2034, covering the ManningCast, which he hosts with his brother Eli. The format gives both brothers control over their game selections and lets them work from home rather than follow the demanding travel schedule of a traditional broadcast crew.
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That arrangement could make a move to the main booth difficult, even if ESPN offers a lucrative contract.
Manning has also turned down traditional broadcasting opportunities before. Olsen, meanwhile, currently serves as Fox Sports’ No. 2 game analyst after Tom Brady took over its lead position.
Marchand and Puck’s John Ourand have both identified Olsen as the likely choice.
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As the report made its way to social media, one user questioned whether Manning would benefit from the move. He wrote, “Love Manning but he talks too fast and trips over his own words. Plus, this would be a step down and pay cut to what he’s already doing.”
Another fan suggested a different former quarterback for the role. Tony Romo, CBS’ former lead analyst, also emerged as an option for viewers. One user shared his take, writing, “Romo would be my choice.”
Another fan made that preference crystal clear, writing, “We want Romo.”
Not everyone wants another Manning on a major NFL broadcast, it would appear.
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One viewer expressed frustration with his frequent media appearances while backing Olsen, writing, “I’m so tired of Peyton Manning everywhere on TV… Greg Olsen is a great choice as he’s not overexposed and annoying.”
This opinion matched another fan’s preference for the former Carolina Panthers tight end. “Enough with the Mannings! Olsen is the one!” the user wrote.
The search comes amid reports that Buck and Aikman could part ways after the 2026 season. Buck recently signed a six-year ESPN extension worth $108 million, while Aikman’s contract talks have stalled.
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If Aikman leaves, ESPN will need to find the right analyst for its lead NFL booth. Manning may be the dream target, but Olsen currently looks like the more practical option.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
