ESPN analyst Troy Aikman says he'll be a free agent after this season

How it unfolded

1. Oct 15, 2026In an interview with Dallas radio station KTCK (The Ticket), Aikman said he will broadcast through this season and "be a free agent at the end of the year," adding he is looking forward to the Super Bowl and "where my next landing spot might be."
2. Oct 15, 2026Aikman is in the final year of a five-year ESPN deal worth $18 million per season; his contract ends after the Super Bowl. Buck, his partner of 25 seasons, recently finalized a six-year extension worth more than $100 million through ESPN's next Super Bowl in 2031.
3. Oct 16, 2026Reporting noted ESPN had signed Buck to an extension worth around $108 million a month earlier, while Aikman had not yet received a new deal.