While the ideal outcome for Tony Romo‘s chances at starting for a contending team is a Cowboys release, the 15th-year veteran knows he could possibly fetch his team a Day 2 pick in a trade. The likely departing quarterback is open to the possibility of adjusting his contract to help facilitate a trade, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.
This adjustment, though, would be designed to help Romo land with a contending team. But the veteran passer does not have a mandate about how this plays out. He’s not demanding anything from the Cowboys and does not plan to do so, per La Canfora. Jerry Jones and his previous starting quarterback have not sat down to discuss this complex situation yet, but La Canfora notes this dialogue will likely occur before the Cowboys’ contingent leaves for the Combine early next month.
Romo expects to be released, but La Canfora notes neither side knows how this saga will unfold at this juncture. The four-time Pro Bowler will carry a league-high $24.7MM cap figure in 2017 and is signed through 2019, with cap numbers of $25.2MM and $23.7MM in ’18 and ’19 set. It would take plenty of adjusting to get prospective quarterback-needy contenders to agree to a trade, though, especially considering Romo’s now-extensive injury history.
However, La Canfora notes the since-demoted passer is “working out like a demon” to be ready physically this offseason. Romo has not started in a game since November of 2015 and played in just one in 2016.
The Cowboys could be aiming for a third-round pick for Romo, but two of the teams that would fit the profile for a possible suitor — the Broncos and Texans — are not said to be interested in a trade. The Broncos, though, could be interested in signing the 36-year-old QB if he hits the free agent market. Their public commitment to Alex Smith notwithstanding, the Chiefs may be on the lookout here as well.
No way he fetches a day 2 pick, day 3 maybe. Does he have talent… yes. But he’s old and fragile. Not exactly qualities that would make a team want to jump at giving up a high pick
For cap purposes cowboys will just cut
Cowboys incur the cap hit for his bonuses regardless if they cut or trade him
Sam Bradford was traded for a first and third I believe. He’s torn his acl twice. Romo is easily worth a second round pick
Ask for 2nd and gIve it back next year if he doesn’t play 10-12 games. Would also trade 2018 picks to add 2 second rounders this year giving us 4. We will get Comp picks next year. Great second round for us this year.
The Cowboys wouldn’t do a conditional 2nd next year and Romo for a 2nd. What if Romo plays 10-12 games? Also, to acquire more 2nd round picks this year, the Cowboys would likely have to surrender three of their top 4 round picks (likely their first rounder in one deal and maybe a second and a fourth in another). They’re not going to give up three (or more) picks next year (so think at least three rookies) for two additional rookies this year. Also, even if the Cowboys got comp picks, they’d likely be third or fourth rounders depending on who signs elsewhere.
It would be front office malpractice if they can’t get a conditional 1st round pick. Look what eagles had to do to get Chase Daniel. Garapolo the next Brock Osweiler and a bunch of back ups available.
No one is going to offer a first because of: his large cap hit, his injury history, and his age. Rebuilding teams aren’t going anywhere with him since he’ll be retired by the time they’re ready to compete. Most, if not all, of the playoff teams have a starting QB so there is no issue there (the only team is the Texans, but they’re not going to pay 2 QBs a combined $40 million). So then you move into playoff contenders with uncertain or uninspiring options at QB or teams who might be a QB away. So Buffalo and Denver. Denver has two QBs who can start (maybe won’t be the best QB options, but they’re serviceable enough to get Denver to the playoffs) so there is little need for Elway to panic and send a 1st for Romo. Buffalo could be a realistic option since Whaley is on the hot seat, but he supposedly wants Cardale Jones to start and while he might feel pressured to give up a high draft pick for Romo to save his job, a Romo injury or another missed postseason (with Romo at the helm) guarantees that Whaley is gone.