Troy Aikman Confirms He Will Leave ESPN After Super Bowl LXI Troy Aikman confirmed he will leave ESPN after the NFL season, becoming a free agent. His future comes amid Joe Buck's new $100 million contract. Troy Aikman has confirmed he will leave ESPN at the end of the NFL season and become a free agent. He made the announcement during a radio appearance on 96.7 The Ticket on Thursday. Aikman will broadcast through the rest of the season, including Super Bowl LXI, which ESPN will televise for the first time. He said he does not yet know where he will land next.Aikman addressed rumors about his future and his supposed fractured friendship with broadcast partner Joe Buck. He did not directly deny the tension but said there is a proper time and place to discuss it.The news follows reports that Buck signed a new five-year, $100 million-plus contract with ESPN. Aikman remains unsigned, fueling speculation he will not return next season as Buck's Monday Night Football sidekick.Aikman has been with ESPN since 2022, when he and Buck were brought over from Fox, where they served as the network's No. 1 broadcast team. Their partnership has been a key part of ESPN's NFL coverage.Aikman said the situation is not difficult to understand. He stated he will broadcast through this season, become a free agent at the end of the year and see what happens.He added that he looks forward to the rest of the season, the Super Bowl and finding his next landing spot. His comments came after persistent questions about both rumors.If Aikman hits free agency, CBS could be a logical destination. The network parted ways with another legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo, earlier this year after his DUI incident.J.J. Watt has replaced Romo alongside Jim Nantz on CBS's No. 1 broadcast team. Aikman's experience could be too enticing for CBS to pass up, and Watt could be bumped back down to the No. 2 team.Another possibility is a return to Fox. Its top broadcast team is already full with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt.Rumors suggest Greg Olen will leave Fox at the end of the season, which would open a spot on the No. 2 team alongside Joe Davis. That could create a path for Aikman at his former network.Aikman's future will be closely watched as the NFL season progresses. Super Bowl LXI could serve as his final appearance with ESPN.His decision will impact the broadcasting landscape for years to come. Whether he lands at CBS, Fox or elsewhere, his move will reshape NFL broadcasting teams.Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback, has been a prominent NFL analyst for years. His move to ESPN in 2022 was part of a major shakeup in sports broadcasting.The contract disparity between Buck and Aikman has raised questions about ESPN's commitment to the duo. Buck's lucrative deal underscores his value to the network, while Aikman's unsigned status suggests a possible split.The timing of Aikman's announcement gives ESPN most of the season to plan for his replacement. It also gives rival networks time to prepare offers for one of the most recognizable voices in football.As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Aikman's next move. The free agency period for broadcasters could become as closely followed as the games themselves.