Dolphins GM Clarifies Troy Aikman's Role During NFL Draft Amid Confusion
ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman is now part of the Miami Dolphins organization and his role with the team heading into next week's NFL Draft is a little undefined. But there is a bit of conflict over those two roles and the Dolphins' general manager is now addressing it.
Speaking to the media this week, Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stated that while he's grateful for what Aikman has done for the organization, Aikman will not be consulted on picks that the team makes next week. However, Aikman will be welcome in the draft war room over the three-day event.
"I can't say enough good things about Troy and quite frankly Dan (Marino) as well," Sullivan said. "Dan's been here. Dan's been in the room. Dan's has been a tremendous sounding board for us. We've had a lot of fun together... He's been especially helpful for me with quarterbacks and receivers. Troy's been a wonderful sounding board in his own right from afar. Troy will be part of equation moving forward. What that looks like, we'll see. But he's been a great sounding board, and I'm glad he's going to be part of the equation.
"I know he'll be here. He's certainly welcome in the draft room."
Aikman joined the Dolphins in January as a consultant as the team started looking for both a new head coach and a new general manager. The Hall of Fame quarterback reportedly played a big role in recommending both Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom came from the Green Bay Packers.
The Dolphins in 2026
Miami's multi-year run with Mike McDaniel as head coach and Tua Tagovailoa as their quarterback came to a bitter end in 2025 as the team started 1-6 and finished 7-10. They fired general manager Chris Grier in the middle of the year and McDaniel shortly after the season ended, then released Tagovailoa at the start of the new league year.
The Dolphins now head into 2026 with a pretty empty cupboard of talent and looking far more likely to finish first in the 2027 NFL Draft board than the AFC East standings.
It might take a couple of years for the Dolphins to reach the heights they enjoyed just two years ago. But if they get there quickly, they'll have Aikman to partially thank.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 4:09 PM.