The writing is on the wall, and Tony Romo appears headed toward free agency according to multiple reports.
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And with that, the Denver Broncos are expected to "at least consider" adding Romo, according to the plugged-in 9news' Mike Klis.
"If Romo becomes available through his release from the Dallas Cowboys - a transaction many observers deem unavoidable because of his monstrous, if non-guaranteed, remaining contract, plus the team's proven young replacement in Dak Prescott - the Broncos are expected to at least discuss whether to pursue the veteran quarterback.
So will several other teams who are far more famished at quarterback than the Broncos. If the price tag on Romo's new deal becomes $13 million per year, the Broncos may not compete. If Romo is willing to take a few million dollars less to play for a team with an immediate chance to compete for the Super Bowl, it would be surprising if the Broncos didn't listen."
It's been reported since December that Romo would prefer a release, as he would then be able to negotiate with the teams of his choice. Pro Football Talk is even suggesting that Romo and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could even make a "wink-nod arrangement", where Romo would avoid signing with teams that would be in-rival to the Cowboys. While such an agreement would be a no-no under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jones has already admitted that seeing Romo on an NFC team would bother him.
If Romo is not released, he will be due $14 million — and set for a $24 million cap hit — for the 2017 season under his current contract. It seems certain that the Cowboys will move on from the oft-injured quarterback at this point — whether that be a trade or release — as Dak Prescott proved himself to be a worthy successor with his performance in the 2016 season.
Romo has only played in four games and one series over the past two seasons, breaking his collarbone twice and suffering a compression fracture in his back.
Romo's trade value is likely poor at this point, and the Cowboys would be lucky to get much back for a 36-year-old (37 in April) quarterback with a serious injury history.
Judging by Romo's very public relationship with Jerry Jones, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the veteran given his walking papers. But there's no guarantee he lands in Denver.
The Broncos have a young quarterback (Lynch) that they spent a high draft pick on. After one year of on-and-off starting, it would make sense for the franchise to hand the keys over to him. And that would just be deja vu for Romo.
It's all speculation though until Jones makes his decision.
