The uncertainty surrounding Troy Aikman’s future at ESPN could trigger a major shake-up in NFL broadcasting next season. With Greg Olsen emerging as a potential candidate to replace Aikman on Monday Night Football, FOX could also be looking for a new analyst to join play-by-play announcer Joe Davis on its No. 2 broadcast team.

On “Traina Thoughts,” Jimmy Traina discussed four potential candidates to fill the role, including a former CBS analyst who has said he plans to pursue another opportunity after taking a break.

FOX Could Look Beyond Tony Romo for Greg Olsen’s Seat

Tony Romo is one of the most intriguing names in the conversation. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and CBS analyst parted ways with the network on October 2, 2026, ending his nine-year run as its lead NFL analyst.

His exit came after a July arrest in Wisconsin on an OWI charge, which resulted in an indefinite leave of absence. CBS subsequently moved J.J. Watt into its top broadcast booth and, on Oct. 22, signed him to a multi-year deal as its lead NFL game analyst.

Traina believes FOX could be a good fit for Romo, particularly given his broadcasting style and the opportunity to work alongside Davis. “I do think it could be a landing spot for Romo,” Traina said. “I think Romo would be perfect for that spot.”

Romo is not the only big name Traina mentioned. He also pointed to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay as potential candidates if either decides to step away from their current role after the season.

“I also think you have the possibilities of, again, Travis Kelce retiring after this year and Sean McVay maybe leaving coaching after this year,” Traina said. “They would be the two people. From what I’ve heard, a lot of people think Travis Kelce to FOX is a very likely thing. Now, would he be in the studio? Would he be on games? I don’t know.”

Traina also mentioned that Fox might alternatively choose to “promote Drew Brees to that spot.”

Brees already works as an NFL game analyst for FOX, partnering with play-by-play announcer Adam Amin on one of the network’s broadcast teams. Moving him into a more prominent position could allow FOX to build on an existing partnership while avoiding the uncertainty of hiring someone new.

“So, we’ll see what happens there. But that is a very interesting sort of offshoot of the whole Aikman leaves Monday Night Football, Olsen goes there, and who becomes the No. 2 at Fox? So, definitely keep an eye on that story for sure,” Traina added.

With Romo, Kelce, McVay, and Brees all mentioned as possibilities, FOX has several directions to consider if a vacancy opens.