Buck recently agreed to a new six-year, $108 million contract extension with ESPN.However, sources confirm to OutKick that Aikman and the network remain far apart in contract negotiations.
Aikman’s current deal expires after the Super Bowl.Aikman, who turns 60 in November, has not received a long-term offer from ESPN.It remains unclear why the network is hesitant to make such a commitment.Sports commentator and former NFL player Troy Aikman and sports commentator Joe Buck look on prior to a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Nov.
13, 2023.(Getty Images)ESPN finally found an NFL analyst who meets the standard required for its most prominent broadcast booth.
For years, the network cycled through analysts such as Jason Witten, Booger McFarland, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick.They each struggled.Meanwhile, Aikman is widely regarded as the best color commentator in sports.
He has worked with Buck since 2002, when the two began calling games together at Fox.This season marks their 25th year as a broadcast team.
They joined ESPN together in 2022.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!ESPN could view Greg Olsen, whose contract with Fox also expires after this season, as a younger and cheaper alternative.
Olsen is good in the booth.Still, he may not have the same chemistry with Buck as Aikman does — at least not initially.Chemistry is difficult to project.
It is even harder to manufacture.Joe Buck and Troy Aikman look on before a game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on Jan.16, 2023, in Tampa, Fla.
(Getty Images)Unless Aikman is seeking Tom Brady money — reportedly $37.5 million annually — it would be difficult to view losing him as anything other than a mistake.The two sides should be able to reach a financial agreement if they want to.ESPN has demonstrated tha...