NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (right) talks with former quarterback Troy Aikman before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Troy Aikman could find a new role with the Dallas Cowboys if his broadcasting career at ESPN ends in 2027. However, any potential front-office position would likely leave owner Jerry Jones firmly in control of the franchise.
Speaking on Pro Football Talk, Mike Florio discussed the possibility of Aikman transitioning from television to an NFL executive role. The Hall of Fame quarterback has expressed interest in working in a front office for years.
“The Cowboys would make sense,” Florio said. “The question is how much power, influence, and say Jerry and Stephen Jones would be willing to give Aikman.”
MORE: Ex-NFLer raises possibility of Troy Aikman leaving ESPN before Super Bowl
Florio believes Aikman would not replace Jones as general manager. Jones has held that title for decades and remains central to the organization’s football decisions.
“They’re not going to make him the GM,” Florio said. “Jerry is the GM. He made himself the GM 37 years ago, and he’s never going to fire himself or relinquish that title.”
Instead, Aikman could receive a position such as assistant general manager. “If Aikman were to go there, he might get a title like assistant GM,” Florio said.
That would allow the former Cowboys quarterback to contribute without displacing the existing leadership structure.
Troy Aikman’s broadcasting future remains uncertain
NFL: Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
Canton, OH, USA; Troy Aikman arrives on the red carpet for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Aikman’s ESPN contract is approaching its end, creating questions about his next career move. His future has also attracted attention amid reports of tension with longtime broadcasting partner Joe Buck.
If Aikman leaves television, Dallas could offer a natural destination. He won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys and remains one of the most prominent figures in franchise history.
Aikman has also recently indicated his interest in helping the organization. Earlier, he told Mike Fisher that he “would welcome any conversation with Jerry.”
“Quite honestly, I don’t know if there ever would be an opportunity,” Aikman said. “But if Jerry came to me and felt in his heart that I could lend some services that would help make [the Cowboys] better, I would have a hard time not taking a good look at that.”
That possibility has gained attention as Dallas struggles through a disappointing 2026 season. The Cowboys entered their bye week with a 2-4 record, increasing scrutiny on head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the team’s leadership.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith blasts Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer for claiming he’s a ‘great coach’
However, joining the front office would not necessarily give Aikman the authority to reshape the franchise. Jones and his son, executive vice president Stephen Jones, would likely retain significant control over personnel decisions.
Aikman’s potential arrival could bring valuable football insight, but the central question remains how much influence Dallas would actually give him.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—