USA TODAY International Edition
Winners, losers of Romo’s move
Cowboys, ex- QB get to move on; Texans jilted
The Dallas Cowboys released Tony Romo so he could pursue broadcasting opportunities. CBS Sports then quickly announced that the network had signed the retired quarterback to a contract that paired him with Jim Nantz and made him the network’s lead analyst.
Here are the winners and losers from the ripple effect of Romo stepping away from football.
Winners
Cowboys: When Romo tweeted a photo of himself wearing a jacket with the CBS logo, it was clear this was a move that was in the works for weeks. So although it might have appeared the Cowboys were stringing Romo along, they ended up doing right by one of owner Jerry Jones’ favorite players. Dallas also breaks away from its starting quarterback of the previous decade pretty cleanly, allowing Dak Prescott to have the full focus and support of the organization in 2017.
Romo: He got his release from Dallas, so he keeps his signing bonus. And if that “competitive spirit” he referenced on a conference call Tuesday ever becomes too big to ignore, he’ll be able to test the market and come back to the NFL pretty easily, with the Cowboys no longer holding his rights. After all, “99% certain” does leave the door slightly open. Romo becomes the fifth lead football analyst in CBS history, so his new role is one with plenty of prestige.
Tom Savage: Brock Osweiler was traded to the Cleveland Browns and Romo will be in a suit with a headset, so Savage is firmly entrenched as the favorite to win the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback job. Savage played in relief of Osweiler late in the season, but a concussion prompted Osweiler to play in the Texans’ playoff run. Now, it will be Savage’s job, unless the Texans swing big for a quarterback in the draft or make another move.
CBS: Phil Simms was a polarizing figure on the network’s broadcasts, and though Romo is a complete experiment in the booth, CBS wins big. First, the network is adding a dynamic personality and a former star player. Romo is a big draw, and the network should see early returns from his presence. At the very least, there will be significant curiosity to see how Romo performs in the network’s first broadcasts. CBS also gets to have Romo on the call for the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game, which should draw significant interest. New England Patriots: Any team looking for a quarterback and banking on Romo becoming available will have to look elsewhere — and New England might be the first place to turn. A trade is still unlikely, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick was never going to ship backup Jimmy Garoppolo to the Texans or the Denver Broncos, who are both contenders in the AFC. But with Romo off the market, the potential price for Garoppolo just keeps going up.
Jay Cutler: The best available passer on the market, Cutler becomes a more appealing option with the Romo option gone. Could Houston be interested? The market for the former Chicago Bears quarterback could depend on his asking price, but his reps should field more calls with Romo’s status resolved. Colin Kaepernick might have been considered here, but because his skill set does not fit that of a traditional drop- back passer, any team that was interested in Romo would be more likely to kick the tires on Cutler.
Losers
Texans: Houston is the biggest loser on this list by far. It was long rumored to be his preferred landing spot, and Romo said on a conference call with reporters that the Texans were at the top of his list.
Simms: Although CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus indicated the network is looking for a new role for Simms, this was clearly a demotion. Simms had served as lead analyst for almost two decades, so he had a long run. But whatever his new function is, it’s going to be an adjustment.
Fans: The NFL is better when it has talented quarterbacks playing. Losing Romo is another blow for fans, especially with the story lines that would’ve emerged had he played for the state- rival Texans. But there are silver linings. CBS has the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game this year, and there should be plenty of other chances for Romo to meet up with Prescott, Jones, coach Jason Garrett and the Cowboys.
Romo: Sure, he was listed as a winner earlier, but in Romo’s concession speech to Prescott in November — the one in which he recognized that the team’s reins now belonged to the rookie standout — he acknowledged how much he wanted to compete and play. Romo will turn 37 this month, and his window to play in the league is narrowing. Even in his conference call after his new position was announced, Romo didn’t completely close the door on returning and never used the word “retire.” Those feelings could grow even more complicated if he gets a stronger urge to play again.