'Punchy' Tom Brady Called 'Best' Commentator by NFL Exec amid Troy Aikman Buzz

Tom Brady is still relatively new to the broadcasting world, but some think he's already the best analyst in the game.

"I would not have said that two years ago or last year, but Brady is (clearly) the best," an NFL team exec said, per The Athletic's Mike Sando . "He is critical. He has gotten better. He is punchy."

Those comments come amid what could be a pivotal offseason for top analysts and broadcasters.

ESPN's Troy Aikman is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and there reportedly is "tension" between him and his partner, Joe Buck, over Aikman's lack of a new contract.

Greg Olsen, who was relegated to Fox's No. 2 booth after Brady joined the team, will be a free agent after this season as well and is sure to command a high price tag.

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce has joined ESPN and could be in line for an analyst gig, as could Pat McAfee, one of ESPN's biggest names.

Top analysts earn more than many NFL players and coaches, which begs the question of whether more coaches will leave the sideline for the booth. Sando noted Sean McVay as a potential candidate to do just that.

"I don't know how many people wanted to do the job when it was not paying as much," an NFL coach said, per Sando. "They are all going to make more money than they are making on the field, including McVay. We'll see at the end of the year what (Mike) Tomlin wants to do, but my belief is, the money is too good."

Still, the glory of being a winning coach might outweigh the check that comes with being an analyst.

"The money is crazy, but they will all ultimately want to chase the competition," a team exec said, per Sando. "The only thing better than talking about the guy on the podium is being the guy on the podium."