Report: Troy Aikman officially leaving FOX for major network

The decision is in. Troy Aikman is leaving FOX for ESPN.

Aikman is departing FOX to becoming ESPN’s main analyst for Monday Night Football, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand. Marchand previously reported Aikman was “on the verge” of leaving FOX earlier Wednesday.

His contract is five years and expected to be at the level of Tony Romo’s deal with CBS, Marchand reported. Romo makes $17.5 million per year to work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Marchand added the deal isn’t signed, but it’s almost done.

Aikman worked for FOX since 2001 and worked largely alongside Joe Buck during that time. Marchand added ESPN could make a run at Buck, whose contract expires after this season.

But for now, the immediate question is who will replace Aikman as FOX’s No. 1 analyst? Marchand dropped some interesting names as potential candidates.

FOX will consider Greg Olson — the network’s highly regarded No. 2 analyst — and former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton for the role. But NBC analyst Drew Brees could also be in consideration, Marchand said, even though he’s also being eyed by Amazon for Thursday Night Football.

It continues a wild cycle for NFL television. Al Michaels’ contract is up at NBC, and rumors are swirling about what’s next for him. Multiple reports link him to Amazon, which now has the rights to Thursday Night Football. Marchand previously reported ESPN could make a run at Michaels, who called Monday Night Football games on ABC for 20 years before heading to NBC.

More on Troy Aikman, ESPN

Aikman played quarterback for the Cowboys from 1989-2000 and helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl XXVIII MVP. This year, Dallas played in the NFC Divisional Round — but Aikman and Buck were in Tampa Bay to call the Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles game. He appeared to voice a bit of his frustration about the decision prior to the broadcast.

“It’s going to be a great game, I mean, a really good game,” Aikman said. “I think there’s a lot of people who would like to be calling that game. But should be a lot of fun.”

Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick have held down the Monday Night Football booth for the last two seasons. However, Griese’s contract is up, which could be by ESPN is working to make a big splash and sign Aikman.

The news also comes as ESPN’s contract with the NFL changes. By 2023, ESPN and ABC will add six additional games to its slate, including four doubleheaders. That means the network will need another broadcast team in the booth.