It's painfully obvious by now that Jerry Jones is not going to step down as general manager. If that time ever comes, though, the vast majority of Dallas Cowboys fans have circled Troy Aikman as an ideal candidate. Not only is he a brilliant football mind, but he has a history of working with the Jones family.
That dream is still alive, but the Miami Dolphins just gave a reminder of how quickly the Hall of Fame quarterback can be taken off the market.
ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Dolphins have hired Aikman as a consultant to guide them through their search for a new general manager. Schefter clarified that it's not a permanent role, though Aikman will advise Miami through the entire process.
Dolphins bring in Cowboys legend Troy Aikman as consultant during GM search
It is criminal that Aikman, who has pondered becoming a GM in the past. doesn't have a job in the Cowboys' front office by now. Even if it's not as the general manager, he should have some semblance of influence in the personnel department.
Of course, that would require Jones to concede some of the spotlight. While Aikman's football legacy goes without saying, his status as one of the NFL's elite broadcasters has only fortified his reputation around the league. Intentional or not, he would take some of the shine away from Jones.
More importantly, Aikman would hold Jones accountable. The 59-year-old has not pulled any punches when discussing the Cowboys. He's been critical of CeeDee Lamb's effort and Jones for dragging out contract talks with Micah Parsons and not signing Derrick Henry in 2024.
READ MORE: Commanders legend wanted no part of Dan Quinn signing ex-Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs
That might be what scares Jones the most about bringing in Aikman.
Cowboys fans have wanted an actual general manager for years. It’s fair to wonder whether the Super Bowl drought would be this long if Jerry Jones didn’t meddle as much as he does.
Aikman has never been a general manager, so it’s impossible to know how good he’d be in the role. What he does understand, though, is how successful organizations are run, and his connections would allow him to surround himself with elite football minds.
The Dolphins don’t get a lot of things right, but they hit a home run by hiring Aikman to advise their GM search. Hopefully, it doesn’t end up setting the stage for another team to swoop in and make him their own general manager