Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are in their 25th season calling NFL games together, making the prospect of a new voice alongside Buck an unusual one. But reports of a growing rift between the longtime partners have put their future together in question, leaving ESPN with a potential vacancy to address.

Two familiar names have now entered the conversation. Moving Peyton and Eli Manning from their alternate broadcast to the Monday Night Football booth would be a major change, and NFL insider Andrew Marchand has weighed in on whether ESPN might consider it.

Andrew Marchand Discusses Peyton and Eli Manning Replacing Troy Aikman on MNF

Speaking on “The Athletic LIVE,” Marchand said ESPN could pursue Peyton Manning and Eli Manning if Aikman does not return to the booth. He also pointed to declining viewership for the ManningCast, the brothers’ alternate broadcast on ESPN2, as a factor that could influence the network’s plans.

“I do think they’re gonna make a run if they haven’t already had a conversation with Peyton Manning, and maybe even Eli as well,” Marchand said. “The ManningCast, which we are crushing right now in the ratings, is not doing as well. It was doing, you know, it had a million people watching it previously. Now it’s at half a million.”

Marchand also questioned whether Peyton would accept a move to the main broadcast. The former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback had previously declined opportunities to join a traditional NFL booth. However, the chance to call Monday Night Football could offer a different proposition.

“You know, Peyton’s a competitive guy, and so I don’t know if he’s gonna want to do that. He said no previously, but if you think about Monday Night Football, Cosell, Matt, now Michaels, etc., the idea of having Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, maybe you do it,” Marchand added.

He also suggested ESPN would not necessarily need both brothers for every game. Instead, the network could divide the schedule between them, giving Peyton some weeks and Eli others. This arrangement could allow ESPN to use their experience and personalities without requiring either brother to commit to the entire season.

Meanwhile, the speculation comes amid uncertainty surrounding Aikman and Buck’s future together. Buck recently signed a six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN, while Aikman remains in the final year of his contract.

Reports of a personal disagreement between the longtime partners have raised questions about whether their partnership will continue beyond Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.

However, Marchand has made clear that the Manning possibility remains speculation rather than a confirmed hiring plan. Greg Olsen, currently Fox’s No. 2 analyst behind Tom Brady, is widely viewed as a leading candidate if Aikman leaves. Jason Kelce has also surfaced in discussions about potential replacements.

Whether the network pursues the Manning brothers or chooses a more traditional analyst, Aikman’s future will shape its plans for the Monday Night Football booth.