‘Here Is a Big One’ — Media Insider Predicts Joe Buck’s Next MNF Partner Amid ESPN Drama, Floats Surprise Landing Spot for Troy Aikman

We have a whole, entire, sizzling NFL season running, but the headlines have really been all about Joe Buck and Troy Aikman's falling out in the ESPN booth. With tension between the two, and no new deal in place for Aikman, the storied Monday Night Football partnership may be on the brink.

If Aikman moves on, ESPN will, of course, need someone new beside Buck, while the Dallas Cowboys legend will have to decide what comes next.

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand has a prediction for both, and his idea for Aikman involves a platform outside traditional television.

Andrew Marchand Names Joe Buck's Potential New MNF Partner

During a live Q&A about his reporting on the Buck-Aikman dispute, Marchand outlined how he expects the broadcast changes to unfold.

He sees former FOX analyst Greg Olsen joining Buck at ESPN, while YouTube could give Aikman a new opportunity to remain involved in NFL coverage.

"At this moment, I'd predict [Greg] Olsen is at ESPN, while — here is a big one — YouTube picks up a game or two and Aikman is the analyst next year," Marchand said .

Olsen has emerged as a leading candidate after losing FOX's top analyst role to Tom Brady in 2024. His current contract expires after the season, making a move to ESPN possible if Aikman vacates the chair.

Peyton Manning is another name ESPN reportedly favors, but Marchand has indicated that a full-time traveling broadcast role may not appeal to him. Manning prefers the flexibility of producing the ManningCast from home.

The uncertainty began after reports indicated Buck signed a six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN without informing Aikman.

Aikman, who is completing a five-year, $90 million contract, reportedly felt betrayed by his longtime partner. His representatives sought a new deal worth around $30 million annually, but ESPN paused negotiations.

Their disagreement became public behind the scenes before the Oct. 12 broadcast at SoFi Stadium. Buck confronted Aikman over his lack of communication, while Aikman pointed to the undisclosed contract extension.

PREDICT THE NFL SEASON: PFN's Free NFL Playoff Predictor

The two are expected to remain professional on air through Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, 2027, but their 25-season partnership is widely expected to end afterward.

Aikman has already acknowledged uncertainty about his television future, describing his chances of returning next season as "50-50." Marchand's YouTube prediction offers another route if the former quarterback does not return to a traditional network booth.

YouTube already holds the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, and Marchand believes the platform could pursue a small package of exclusive games. Aikman could then serve as its lead analyst, giving the platform an established NFL voice.

A return to Dallas could also be an option for Aikman. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed interest in bringing the former quarterback into the team's front office if he decides to leave broadcasting.