Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman’s potential departure from ESPN has thrown the broadcasting world into a spin. Aikman has made no secret that he will be a free agent after the Super Bowl in February, and with the network yet to offer him a contract extension, he is likely on his way out.

The Aikman situation has prompted speculation about which personality could fill his shoes at ESPN, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Chris Simms offered a surprising opinion on the matter.

Analyst Ventures Peyton Manning As Possible Troy Aikman Replacement

During Wednesday’s segment of the “Pro Football Talk” show, Simms linked Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning to Aikman’s seat once the commentator’s contract expires in March.

“And my spidey senses are telling me they’re gonna hire Peyton Manning to announce next to Joe Buck next year; that would be the last thing I would say there,” Simms said.

He added, “I just feel like that’s where it’s going. I don’t think they’re doing this; they already know of two or three…I would think they have their guy pretty much lined up. Or two guys lined up.”

After the Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard last week, Manning was widely linked to the role until ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the two-time Super Bowl champion was not expected to be interested in the GM job and that the Colts had not approached him about the vacancy. Schefter reported Sunday that the Colts had not approached Manning about their vacant GM job. A day later, however, Patrick cited a source who said Manning and the Colts ‘have talked,’ creating conflicting accounts about the extent of any contact.

One move in the broadcasting world could have a far-reaching domino effect, but several top positions are already filled, including Tom Brady at Fox, Cris Collinsworth at NBC Sports and J.J. Watt at CBS, after the network parted ways with Tony Romo.

One of the spots with a question mark is Amazon Prime Video, where Kirk Herbstreit’s contract contains a get-out clause for the network should a top target like Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay become available.

During this week’s segment of the “Dan Patrick Show,” Dan Patrick detailed the circumstances holding back Manning from certain NFL jobs at the moment.

“They (Colts & Manning) have talked, and as you already indicated, ultimately the timing is not right, but the interest is there,” Patrick revealed a source’s explanation. “Family and business interests are the immediate priorities for Peyton. The Colts still have structuring to do, true football and business sides, and it all goes to the Irsays.”

“That’s in the process, it’s not done yet. Again, timing is an issue here. Peyton ultimately indicated he wants Omaha Productions ‘fully stood up.’ And ideally wants his kids in, or if possible, beyond college. He’d consider consulting before that, but nothing more.”

Manning has built an extensive media portfolio through Omaha Productions, where he hosts the popular alternative broadcast ‘The Manningcast’ alongside his brother, Eli Manning.

The former Colts quarterback also appears in high-profile commercials, is a professor of practice at the University of Tennessee’s College of Communication and Information, and has joined the ownership group of the Denver NWSL expansion franchise.