With Troy Aikman striking a $90 million deal with ESPN, there’s a new vacancy in the FOX broadcasting booth—and former Saints coach Sean Payton may fill it.
The 2022 offseason has been an eventful one when it comes to Hall of Fame quarterback retirements, head coach job changes, and now, big-name broadcaster moves across channels. Earlier this week, longtime FOX Sports broadcaster Troy Aikman was reported to be taking his talents to ESPN to the tune of $90 million.
Unsurprisingly, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is competing with fellow retired Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who has a ten-year CBS deal worth $180 million. While the broadcasting role Amazon offered Jon Lynch has been reportedly turned down, Aikman is expected to move, creating a sizable vacancy over at FOX. ESPN could also be trying to persuade Joe Buck into leaving as well, but for now, Aikman’s chair is empty—and FOX already has someone in mind to fill the role.
Sean Payton expected to succeed Troy Aikman in broadcasting role at FOX
The NFL offseason is already replete with drama, some of that drama resulting from Payton’s unexpected announcement that he was leaving the Saints after 15 years in New Orleans.
Payton said that he “needed a break” from coaching, and many, including Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, do not expect Payton to stay away from coaching forever. However, it is entirely possible that Payton could take a detour into broadcasting as his future remains open.
If the 58-year-old coach does join FOX Sports in the booth, he would offer fascinating insight as one of the greatest offensive minds of the past two decades. After all, it was Payton who got the most out of Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, who chose NBC Sports over ESPN in his own broadcasting bidding war in 2020.