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FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 01: Troy Aikman on the panel for ESPNÕs Monday Night Countdown in warm up before a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on December 1, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 01 Giants at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482251201051
Imago
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 01: Troy Aikman on the panel for ESPNÕs Monday Night Countdown in warm up before a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on December 1, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 01 Giants at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482251201051
Essentials Inside The Story
- Troy Aikman remains close to the Miami Dolphins
- While Miami values his insight, the team is clearly drawing boundaries
- Aikman will continue to be useful to the Dolphins for one reason. Check it out:
Entering Miami, the Dolphins‘ general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, knew he could not have a swing and a miss in any decision, especially the draft, where they have eleven total picks. So, while he would need any and every help he can get, Sullivan is prepared to remove one name from his quick contacts: Troy Aikman.
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The Dallas Cowboys legend has worked in an undefined consultant position for the Dolphins since January this year, bringing in Sullivan and then head coach Jeff Hafley. Yet, his name continues to exist on their payroll. But as the team will be drafting their future players through April 23-25, Aikman might as well not be in the room. With what Sullivan has just hinted, we might as well say he is planning on having his cake and eating it, too.
“He [Troy Aikman] will not be consulted for picks; he may be in the draft room,” Sullivan said of Aikman and his role on draft night.
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“I know he’ll be here. He’s certainly welcome in the draft room.”
Now that last claim is something of a head scratcher. Why have Aikman in the room when his advice won’t even be considered? Interestingly enough, Aikman has claimed that reason many times before.
His connections and experience in the league. That’s all that the Cowboys legend’s role in Miami boils down to. So, even if he won’t directly influence who the Dolphins pick or leave, he could be helpful in draft day trades.
Aikman’s position isn’t something like Tom Brady’s with the Las Vegas Raiders. The latter is a minority owner and, hence, carries enough voice in every room there. While Aikman’s role echoes some of those freedoms, he doesn’t even wish to own the team. All he is trying to do is scratch an itch from his past.
He always knew he wanted to continue his work in the NFL at the front office, but could not due to personal commitments until it was too late. He picked the analyst role at FOX and then ESPN, wondering if he would ever get an opportunity like this until the Dolphins came knocking. Currently, his role in Miami is still evolving, and he has mentioned that it’s a work in progress.
Will Troy Aikman have a role in the Dolphins draft?
GM Jon-Eric Sullivan:
“He will not be consulted for picks. He may be in the draft room. I can’t say enough good things about Troy.”
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 15, 2026
The team, however, is trying to be deliberate about the process of retooling following a disappointing year in 2025. Miami has two first-round picks in 11 picks total, including seven in the top 100. This kind of draft power shows they’re thinking long-term.
The 2026 season might not give quick wins, but it lays the groundwork for what’s ahead, with Sullivan now starting a fresh era of football in South Beach. He is set to use Troy Aikman’s expertise and wisdom in an advisory capacity, but is drawing lines considering his role at ESPN.
Troy Aikman’s role with the Dolphins is getting criticism
The league has always been cautious when broadcasters get too close to team operations. Tom Brady’s ownership stake in the Raiders raised eyebrows while he was still the main analyst for FOX. Initially, the NFL restricted his access to team facilities and meetings, but those rules were loosened last season, which has now opened the door for Troy Aikman’s connection with the Dolphins.
However, the bigger concern now goes beyond just perception.
If Aikman stays connected to the Dolphins, other teams might hesitate about what they say during ESPN interactions. This could result in teams either keeping important information to themselves or even sharing false details to safeguard their interests. This creates a challenging situation for Aikman in his primary job with ESPN.
“I think the Dolphins were wise in understanding my relationships around the league and knowing that I have information that they don’t have or can’t get,” Aikman told Clarence Hill Jr. on the DLLS Dallas Cowboys Podcast. “And I think they were smart in taking advantage of that, whether it was through me or through somebody else.”
Meanwhile, things might get trickier if the Dolphins end up playing in a prime-time game. Those usual chats before the games will likely attract more eyes, especially if Miami is part of the matchup being discussed. And this kind of situation is likely to catch attention around the league and spark ongoing discussions.
Written by
Edited by
Bhwya Sriya