Veteran analyst Phil Simms weighed in on a potential Aikman successor during a discussion on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. Simms suggested that ESPN may already have a preferred candidate in mind, noting that there is likely a person who Joe Buck especially enjoys working with, or perhaps an internal choice awaiting announcement. He emphasized that the next pair for Buck will be revealing, implying there will be an existing connection when the announcement is made.
Adams pointed out that covering the NFL is a demanding and unique role. Given Aikman’s decades of experience and firsthand exposure to the chaos of major games, she wondered whether ESPN might be passing on an opportunity by moving on from the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
The sentiment echoed by Simms: if the situation aligns with what people are hearing, ESPN may have someone in mind for Buck’s partner. It’s a topic that will likely become clearer once an official decision is made.
Tensions have surfaced between Aikman and Buck in recent years, with contract discussions contributing to the dynamic. Buck signed a six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN, guaranteeing his tenure through 2032. However, there has been little public clarity from ESPN about Aikman’s future, fueling speculation that his departure could be forthcoming.
Aikman himself has been measured about his contract status. In an interview, he explained that he has not typically focused on the final year of a deal, reflecting that such situations can be unpredictable and not something he is actively stressing over.
As chatter about potential replacements continues, social media and industry outlets have floated several names. A wide range of possibilities has included current players, former players turned broadcasters, and even some media personalities known for their on-air chemistry or football insight. The discourse has included suggestions from former players turned analysts and pundits who have been linked in various discussions about who could join Buck in the broadcast booth.
Whether ESPN intends to promote a rising talent from within or make a high-profile external hire, Aikman is expected to become a free agent in 2027. The forthcoming season will reveal who will announce games alongside Buck in the next era of ESPN’s NFL coverage.
