It became a ritual every Monday night during the NFL season: The game would start, then social media complaints about the ESPN announcing crew would roll in.

The subject reappeared Thursday when Jason Witten, the target of immense criticism all season, announced he was returning the Dallas Cowboys. Booger McFarland (often in the "Boogermobile" on the sideline) and Joe Tessitore were also on last season's crew.

So who should fill Witten's role? Or should ESPN start over?

The smart money, according to BetOnline, is former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, although it's believed it would take an enormous salary to make it happen. Manning dipped his toe into analysis last season with ESPN's weekly "Detail" podcast.

Another former Colt, who is a legend in his own quirky way, volunteered for the gig: Former punter Pat McAfeee.

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