Report: Payton in talks with Fox Sports to replace Aikman

Fox Sports is talking to former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton about replacing Troy Aikman as its top NFL game analyst, sources told Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy.

Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who sat next to Joe Buck in the broadcast booth for the last several years, is reportedly set to bolt the network for a five-year, $90-million contract at ESPN.

Payton coached the Saints from 2006-21, posting a 152-89 record with one Super Bowl title. He surrendered his post at the end of the season and immediately expressed an interest in broadcasting.

If he finalizes a deal with Fox Sports, Payton would reportedly receive a contract for around $10 million per year.

Retired tight end Greg Olsen, who worked as a game analyst on Fox Sports' No. 2 NFL commentary team last year, is also a candidate for the top job. Additionally, the network is exploring whether Los Angeles Rams head coach and newly minted Super Bowl champion Sean McVay would move to TV.

Payton, 58, said when he stepped down from the Saints he could return to coaching in the future.

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