Cowboys to release longtime QB Romo
Tony Romo’s star- crossed career as the starting quarterback for the Cowboys will be over soon.
The Cowboys will release Romo on Thursday.
Romo will leave the Cowboys as the franchise leader in passing yards ( 34,183) and touchdowns ( 248). But he could never match the postseason success of Hall of Famers and multiple Super Bowl winners Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
A 10- year starter who joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003, Romo lost the job last season to rookie Dak Prescott after breaking a bone in his back in a preseason game.
When he was healthy again, Romo conceded the job to Prescott during a franchise- record 11- game winning streak. His departure has been expected ever since.
A trade was unlikely because Romo turns 37 next month, carries a $ 24 million salary- cap hit and has missed most of the last two seasons with injuries. But he should be attractive as a free agent to contenders wanting a quarterback, a list that could include the Broncos and Texans.
Hoyer headed to 49ers
Bears backup quarterback Brian Hoyer is expected to sign a multiyear contract with the 49ers, who also plan to sign receiver Marquise Goodwin and Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Hoyer will be reunited with Kyle Shanahan. The new 49ers coach was the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2014, when Hoyer started for the team.
Bills sticking with Taylor
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor will remain the Bills’ starter after the team announced it restructured his five- year contract extension. Taylor has a 15- 14 record in two seasons with Buffalo.
Stills staying with Dolphins
The Dolphins re- signed wide receiver Kenny Stills to a fouryear, $ 32 million deal that includes $ 20 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.
Stills, 24, was the Dolphins’ best deep threat last season and led the team in touchdown catches ( nine) and yards per catch ( 17.3).
Also, defensive end Andre Branch agreed to a three- year, $ 27 million contract to remain with the Dolphins.
Other news
The Colts agreed to trade tight end Dwayne Allen and a sixthround pick to the Patriots for a fourth- round pick, according to ESPN.
The Lions tendered defensive ends Kerry Hyder and Brandon Copeland and wide receiver TJ Jones.
The Redskins re- signed tight end Vernon Davis to a three- year contract.
The Jaguars are expected to sign veteran safety Barry Church to a four- year deal.
The Ravens cut outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil.
Sun- Times wires