Dallas delays talk on Romo’s future
Those closest to Tony Romo aren’t ready to discuss the future of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
After 156 games and franchise bests of 34,183 yards passing and 248 touchdowns, Romo’s career in Dallas appears to be over after he lost the job he held for 10 years to rookie Dak Prescott following a preseason back injury.
“There’s several cards to be played,” Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on his radio show yesterday. “Don’t think for one minute if you see something written or something said about what and where Romo is going to be relative to our team that there’s any credibility to it. There’s only one (person) that can make that decision, and there’s been no decision made.”
Whether it’s a trade or release, Romo figures to have at least some say in where he goes because of his strong relationship with the Jones family and coach Jason Garrett. Logic says it will be a playoff contender needing a quarterback.
Romo was 16-5 in his final 21 starts, including two playoff games in 2014. But the Cowboys were in the middle of a team-record 11game winning streak with Prescott when Romo was ready to return after breaking a bone in his back in the third preseason game.
Romo made his only appearance in the regular-season finale at Philadelphia when the Cowboys already had home-field advantage locked up in the NFC playoffs. The four-time Pro Bowler led a touchdown drive in his only series.
“I really believe that Tony Romo will play in a Super Bowl,” Jones said. “Now try that one on. I know that if he’s healthy enough, he’ll be in a Super Bowl. I strongly believe that.”
49ers get no-thanks
The search for a new San Francisco 49ers coach narrowed to Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan after the only other candidate remaining pulled out of consideration.
Seattle offensive line coach Tom Cable’s agent, Doug Hendickson, tweeted yesterday that Cable is “re-affirming” his commitment to the Seahawks and thanked the 49ers for their interest. That follows Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels pulling out on Monday and leaves Shanahan as the only remaining candidate. The Niners can’t hire Shanahan until the Falcons’ season ends. Atlanta hosts Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. . . .
New Denver Broncos coach Vance Joseph promoted secondary coach Joe Woods to defensive coordinator, replacing Wade Phillips, who left for the Los Angeles Rams. Woods, 46, was in charge of the Broncos’ “No Fly Zone” secondary that led the league in pass defense each of the last two years. . . .
The Washington Redskins interviewed outside linebackers coach Greg Manusky for their defensive coordinator job, the fourth confirmed candidate. The others include former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, former Buffalo Bills assistant Rob Ryan and former Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine. The Redskins fired Joe Barry after finishing 28th in the NFL in defense in backto-back seasons. . . .
New Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott hired Rob Boras to coach tight ends. Boras spent the past four seasons with the Rams, including the last two as offensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator is the one key position McDermott has yet to fill. . . .
Wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl resigned from the Carolina Panthers so he can spend more time watching his sons play college football. Proehl worked for the Panthers since 2011.
Winters stays a Jet
Right guard Brian Winters will be staying with the New York Jets, signing a four-year contract extension worth $29 million, with $15 million guaranteed. . . .
Dallas linebacker and leading tackler Sean Lee made his second straight Pro Bowl as an injury replacement for Carolina’s Luke Kuechly, who missed the final six games with a concussion.