Troy Aikman’s contract with ESPN expires after the 2026 season, which culminates with the four-letter network’s first-ever Super Bowl. Absent an extension, which Aikman does not currently expect, he will become a broadcast free agent.
His estranged relationship with the Dolphins looms over Aikman’s future in television.
Via Mark Maske of Sports at receptionAikman has noformal and continuous agreement” to serve as a consultant to the Dolphins. This means he works for the team at will and he (or the team) can end the relationship at any time.
It might be in Aikman’s best interest to end the relationship with the Dolphins now. If ESPN (or CBS or Prime Video) is paying $20 million or more for its top NFL analyst position, why would any of them hire someone who has both restrictions on his access and a cloud over his objectivity, thanks to a working relationship with one of their teams.
Last month, Aikman “called bullshit” on the idea that other broadcasters don’t have conflicts of interest. This misses the point. Aikman is employed by the Dolphins. This relationship prevents him from entering team facilities or attending practices – and it creates avoidable complications when it comes to games involving the team that employs him.
When ESPN’s Jason Kelce calls the Eagles “us,” it’s because he played for the team. (And ESPN is I try to make him fall.) When Aikman talks about the Dolphins, “we” is technically accurate; he works for the team.
For networks with options, why would a network opt for someone who is employed by one of the teams? Beyond Tom Brady (who owns part of the Raiders and has an even more obvious conflict of interest, even if Fox doesn’t care), none of the other candidates for the biggest jobs in NFL broadcasting carry such baggage with them.
As for Aikman, the right decision is obvious if he hopes to secure another high-profile position in broadcasting. He should end his relationship with the Dolphins ASAP.
Gn sports
