The long-time starter isn't a lock to play elsewhere after being supplanted by Dak Prescott
Tony Romo's moving remarks about accepting a backup QB role and supporting Dak Prescott this season, but wanting to play again, sent NFL executives churning over where he might end up next season. It is hardly out of the question he remains with the Cowboys, according to sources close to the situation. Romo and owner Jerry Jones will sort out the situation in the offseason, and some sources believe it's possible the veteran stays in Dallas on a reworked contract.
The Cowboys can afford to keep Romo from a cap and cash standpoint -- especially given how little Prescott makes on his rookie contract -- and trading Romo prior to June 1 would trigger a $19.6 million dead cap hit. Romo, 36, has three years remaining on his deal beyond this year at an average of $18 million per season and has loved his time in Dallas, previously intending to retire as a lifelong Cowboy.
Romo's statement took the pressure off Jones, coach Jason Garrett and his teammates when it comes to addressing the quarterback dynamic. Team sources said it also took the "Prescott Watch" from a week-to-week proposition to a scenario where only a prolonged Prescott slump or injury would facilitate a quarterback change. Romo will wait to see how this season plays out and how strongly he feels about remaining in Dallas before addressing his future with management.
Numerous NFL execs said privately there will be robust trade market for Romo if he is shopped -- which many believe he will be. Teams generating the most chatter in GM circles are the Cardinals and Broncos. Romo would not want to go to a rebuilding team at this stage of his career and Jones, who has a strong affinity for him, wouldn't send him somewhere like Cleveland or Jacksonville against his wishes.
"I think they could get at least a second-round pick for him," said one NFL decision-maker, "or a third that moves up to a second based on playing time. Without a doubt. Minnesota gave up a first and a four to rent [Sam] Bradford for a few years. Even with the recent injuries, Dallas will get value for Romo."
The veteran quarterback crafted his statement this week on his own, sources said, without the aid of team or personal PR people, with Romo taking his time writing about his complicated feelings about the way this season has transpired before addressing the media.
Romo will be active Sunday for the first time this season.
Tony Romo's moving remarks about accepting a backup QB role and supporting Dak Prescott this season, but wanting to play again, sent NFL executives churning over where he might end up next season. It is hardly out of the question he remains with the Cowboys, according to sources close to the situation. Romo and owner Jerry Jones will sort out the situation in the offseason, and some sources believe it's possible the veteran stays in Dallas on a reworked contract.
The Cowboys can afford to keep Romo from a cap and cash standpoint -- especially given how little Prescott makes on his rookie contract -- and trading Romo prior to June 1 would trigger a $19.6 million dead cap hit. Romo, 36, has three years remaining on his deal beyond this year at an average of $18 million per season and has loved his time in Dallas, previously intending to retire as a lifelong Cowboy.
Romo's statement took the pressure off Jones, coach Jason Garrett and his teammates when it comes to addressing the quarterback dynamic. Team sources said it also took the "Prescott Watch" from a week-to-week proposition to a scenario where only a prolonged Prescott slump or injury would facilitate a quarterback change. Romo will wait to see how this season plays out and how strongly he feels about remaining in Dallas before addressing his future with management.
Numerous NFL execs said privately there will be robust trade market for Romo if he is shopped -- which many believe he will be. Teams generating the most chatter in GM circles are the Cardinals and Broncos. Romo would not want to go to a rebuilding team at this stage of his career and Jones, who has a strong affinity for him, wouldn't send him somewhere like Cleveland or Jacksonville against his wishes.
"I think they could get at least a second-round pick for him," said one NFL decision-maker, "or a third that moves up to a second based on playing time. Without a doubt. Minnesota gave up a first and a four to rent [Sam] Bradford for a few years. Even with the recent injuries, Dallas will get value for Romo."
The veteran quarterback crafted his statement this week on his own, sources said, without the aid of team or personal PR people, with Romo taking his time writing about his complicated feelings about the way this season has transpired before addressing the media.
Romo will be active Sunday for the first time this season.
