USA TODAY International Edition
Next for Romo? Broncos, Texans would be logical
All indications point to Tony Romo becoming a free agent for the first time in his 14- year career Thursday, when the Dallas Cowboys will cut their longtime quarterback, according to multiple reports. So where will Romo play next? The most sensible places for him to seek a fresh start.
Makes sense
1. Denver Broncos: They rode an elite defense and a veteran quarterback to a title two years ago and could certainly replicate that formula in 2017 by signing Romo in hopes he can provide the same leadership — and, perhaps, superior physical ability and production to the 2015 version of Peyton Manning. And if the Broncos land Romo, they also would have the option of flipping one of their young in- house passers, Trevor Siemian or 2016 first- rounder Paxton Lynch, for draft- pick compensa-
tion from a quarterback- needy club while definitively grooming the other as the long- term replacement.
2. Houston Texans: Staying in Texas is Romo’s preference, according to an ESPN report last month. Houston would certainly give him the opportunity to win immediately and possibly compete for a Super Bowl in a conference that appears wide open if the New England Patriots falter. But how much are the Texans willing to spend after last year’s Brock Osweiler fiasco? How much is Romo willing to settle for and/ or how open is he to playing on an incentive- laden deal? And is the team willing to pour limited cap resources into another quarterback — and probably offensive line upgrades to protect Romo — for a high- risk roll of the dice?
Maybe?
3. Chicago Bears: This might be the “hometown” option, given Romo attended nearby Eastern Illinois and grew up in Wisconsin. With a defense that seems on the verge of becoming special and compelling youngsters on offense ( RB Jordan Howard, WRs Cameron Meredith and Kevin White), the Bears might not be as far from contending as last year’s 3- 13 record would indicate — and a major upgrade at quarterback could certainly translate into a big jump in the standings. But with Mike Glennon apparently set to sign with Chicago, the Bears would have to change course quickly. 4. Washington Redskins: If they trade Kirk Cousins, and if Romo would consider it — Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has hinted at an implied understanding that the quarterback would never join Dallas’ NFC East rival — it’s a union that makes obvious sense since it would theoretically allow Washington to remain relevant while allowing Romo multiple chances to prove to his former employer that it made a mistake. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: They surfaced as a possibility last week. A talented group of wideouts, an ascending defense and the No. 4 pick in the draft could all be factors that might attract a quarterback in the twilight of his career. But importing Romo would be tantamount to admitting the Blake Bortles experiment is a failure, and the franchise would suffer a huge setback over the long run if Romo can’t physically answer the bell.
Long shots
6. Kansas City Chiefs: Maybe Romo would offer just enough of an upgrade from Alex Smith that this team could finally make serious noise in postseason. But coach Andy Reid’s loyalty to Smith sure sounded unwavering during the combine, and the recent financial commitments to S Eric Berry and G Laurent Duvernay- Tardif leave little room for another major move.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Will Teddy Bridgewater play again? Is Sam Bradford, who’s under contract for one more year, good enough to lead this team to the playoffs? Might adding Romo help lure RB Adrian Peterson back and maybe attract others to a team that has a championshipcaliber defense? Remember, the Super Bowl will be staged in Minneapolis in 11 months.