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http://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/sto...70308/where-tony-romo-go-2017-nfl-free-agency
Tony Romo will be released by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday after 14 seasons with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer.
We asked our panel of six NFL Insiders to weigh in on Romo's future and which teams he should be interested in.
If you're Romo, who's your first option?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Both the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos make sense. They're two contenders that feature top-tier defenses and the run game. I see the Broncos as the better fit, however, given the play-calling of new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and the weapons on the roster. With Demaryius Thomas and Emmanual Sanders, Romo gets two established players at wide receiver who will facilitate even more production in 2017. Yes, I understand the concerns about the offensive line in Denver, but we are still in early March. General manager John Elway has plenty of time to upgrade the front via free agency, and the draft to give Romo some security in the passing game.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: All signs are beginning to point to Romo signing with the Broncos at a reduced cost. The Texans would be the second option. You can see the way the market is shaping up. Tyrod Taylor is now staying with the Buffalo Bills. The Chicago Bears will probably beat out the New York Jest for Mike Glennon. Romo isn't going to go to the Cleveland Browns. Romo wants to win, and Denver gives him the best chance. Elway won't pay Romo top dollar, but he knows a healthy Romo can take Denver deep into the playoffs. If he gets hurt, the Broncos can go back to Trevor Seimian, a quarterback Elway likes and believes is a competent NFL starter.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office Insider: I'd pick Denver. The Broncos know the blueprint after bringing in Peyton Manning in 2012, and they understand that their offensive line needs a lot of work. Denver also has the weapons on offense to make the short-term partnership work.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: The Texans and then the Broncos. The order switches if the Broncos upgrade their offensive line enough to offset the advantages Romo would have playing indoors.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: I'd pick the Broncos over the Texans. I'd feel more comfortable with the Broncos' coaching staff, which includes a veteran offensive coordinator (McCoy) and quarterbacks coach (Bill Musgrave) with long histories of tweaking schemes to fit players and environments. I'd prefer the Broncos' receiving duo of Thomas and Sanders, and I'd trust Elway's drive to max out for 2017 more than I would the Texans' administration. And I wouldn't be concerned about the distance between Dallas and Houston and Dallas and Denver. A plane ride is a plane ride.
Field Yates, NFL insider: The Texans, just narrowly over the Broncos. The reasons echo what Mike has laid out, which include the question marks surrounding the Broncos' offensive line. Romo's availability traces back to the durability issue he has had. A steady offensive line is critical for his future. Signing with Houston would not involve a significant relocation for Romo, and the Texans' roster gives him the best shot to win right away. The Titans made significant strides last season, and Andrew Luck calls Indianapolis home, but Houston still has a clearer path to the postseason than Denver playing in the AFC West.
What is a reasonable deal for Romo to get?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Romo's contract should be structured to protect the team if he fails to stay on the field for an entire season. Even with his past production and interest level I expect him to see on the market, the injury history isn't going away. Given the numbers being floated for Glennon, I would expect Romo to strike an incentive-laden deal that pays upward of $17 million this season if he can answer the bell for the full 16-game slate.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: A reasonable deal from the Broncos might not seem reasonable in the big picture. If he's willing to sign for about $12 or $13 million and make up about $5 million in incentives, I think that's fair. Maybe Elway will look at Glennon's contract. If Glennon gets $15 million, Elway could bump the pay to $15 million. Romo is a luxury for the Broncos, but the Broncos give Romo the best chance to try to get to the Super Bowl.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office insider: I expect him to get $16-20 million a year on a two- or three-year deal. Some of that money will come in incentives based on playing time, and some will be attached to how far the Broncos get in the playoffs, like they did with Manning.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: A reasonable deal from a playoff-contending team such as Denver or Houston would give Romo the ability to earn about what he would have earned in Dallas, provided he plays in all the games and succeeds in the playoffs. Manning had to take that type of deal from Denver and did so. Romo would have to prove winning is important to him. No team should sink tons of guarantees into a player who hasn't played much lately and hasn't been able to stay on the field when he did play.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: You've got to guarantee him enough money to make it worth his while even if he doesn't play a full season. That means paying him at or near the $18 million his current deal was averaging, with a chance to get more than $20 million based on incentives. Especially if he has interest from more than one team.
Field Yates, NFL insider: There's little doubt that a team must protect itself in a deal for Romo given his age and recent injuries. The going rate for quarterbacks is, well, a lot. A deal that pays Romo up to $18 million (or more) per season isn't outlandish, provided it's earned through his being on the field. There isn't a ton of precedent for a highly coveted quarterback who will be 37 when the season starts. Denver protected itself on its Manning deal on a year-to-year basis. A team might need to do so on a game-by-game basis with Romo by including lucrative playing-time incentives and roster bonuses.
If a contender doesn't show interest, should Romo join an up-and-comer or call it a career?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: I can't see Romo walking away from the game this year. Every player -- regardless of position -- believes he can stretch out another year or two in the league despite what his body is saying. That's the inner drive, the competitiveness that allows these guys to survive year-to-year in the NFL. Maybe Romo doesn't get a call from Houston or Denver, but that doesn't mean he won't have another opportunity to play ball (and start) in 2017.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: If Romo can't land in Denver or Houston, he might have to consider retiring and going into broadcast. He doesn't need to join an up-and-comer. His body has taken too many hits, and he's too prone to injury. He needs to go to a team that has a chance to win. He deserves that. If the Jets weren't letting so many players go, he might consider them. I still stay it's Denver, Houston or come back to Dallas as a backup.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office insider: I don't think he will hang it up. I think he wants to prove something to himself and the NFL. If no contender makes a play for him, one surprise team that could make some sense is Jacksonville.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: That's up to him completely. What is important to him at this stage of his career? Is it a paycheck? Is it winning? Does he think he can play several more seasons? If so, he could play with a noncontending team for a year, then reassess his options.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: If that's the case, he should just sit tight before making any long-term decisions. There will be a point this spring or summer when an established starter gets hurt or a team grows dissatisfied with its situation and suddenly has interest. Look at what happened in Minnesota last summer. If he really wants to play in 2017, but only in the right situation, he probably will just need to be patient.
Field Yates, NFL insider: Frankly, I can't see a scenario in which a contender doesn't show interest. There are enough teams -- it only takes one -- that are within reach of taking the next step that Romo's services will be coveted. The NFL is perpetually seeking answers at quarterback. Romo's résumé is far too strong for contenders to overlook
Tony Romo will be released by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday after 14 seasons with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer.
We asked our panel of six NFL Insiders to weigh in on Romo's future and which teams he should be interested in.
If you're Romo, who's your first option?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Both the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos make sense. They're two contenders that feature top-tier defenses and the run game. I see the Broncos as the better fit, however, given the play-calling of new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and the weapons on the roster. With Demaryius Thomas and Emmanual Sanders, Romo gets two established players at wide receiver who will facilitate even more production in 2017. Yes, I understand the concerns about the offensive line in Denver, but we are still in early March. General manager John Elway has plenty of time to upgrade the front via free agency, and the draft to give Romo some security in the passing game.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: All signs are beginning to point to Romo signing with the Broncos at a reduced cost. The Texans would be the second option. You can see the way the market is shaping up. Tyrod Taylor is now staying with the Buffalo Bills. The Chicago Bears will probably beat out the New York Jest for Mike Glennon. Romo isn't going to go to the Cleveland Browns. Romo wants to win, and Denver gives him the best chance. Elway won't pay Romo top dollar, but he knows a healthy Romo can take Denver deep into the playoffs. If he gets hurt, the Broncos can go back to Trevor Seimian, a quarterback Elway likes and believes is a competent NFL starter.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office Insider: I'd pick Denver. The Broncos know the blueprint after bringing in Peyton Manning in 2012, and they understand that their offensive line needs a lot of work. Denver also has the weapons on offense to make the short-term partnership work.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: The Texans and then the Broncos. The order switches if the Broncos upgrade their offensive line enough to offset the advantages Romo would have playing indoors.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: I'd pick the Broncos over the Texans. I'd feel more comfortable with the Broncos' coaching staff, which includes a veteran offensive coordinator (McCoy) and quarterbacks coach (Bill Musgrave) with long histories of tweaking schemes to fit players and environments. I'd prefer the Broncos' receiving duo of Thomas and Sanders, and I'd trust Elway's drive to max out for 2017 more than I would the Texans' administration. And I wouldn't be concerned about the distance between Dallas and Houston and Dallas and Denver. A plane ride is a plane ride.
Field Yates, NFL insider: The Texans, just narrowly over the Broncos. The reasons echo what Mike has laid out, which include the question marks surrounding the Broncos' offensive line. Romo's availability traces back to the durability issue he has had. A steady offensive line is critical for his future. Signing with Houston would not involve a significant relocation for Romo, and the Texans' roster gives him the best shot to win right away. The Titans made significant strides last season, and Andrew Luck calls Indianapolis home, but Houston still has a clearer path to the postseason than Denver playing in the AFC West.
What is a reasonable deal for Romo to get?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Romo's contract should be structured to protect the team if he fails to stay on the field for an entire season. Even with his past production and interest level I expect him to see on the market, the injury history isn't going away. Given the numbers being floated for Glennon, I would expect Romo to strike an incentive-laden deal that pays upward of $17 million this season if he can answer the bell for the full 16-game slate.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: A reasonable deal from the Broncos might not seem reasonable in the big picture. If he's willing to sign for about $12 or $13 million and make up about $5 million in incentives, I think that's fair. Maybe Elway will look at Glennon's contract. If Glennon gets $15 million, Elway could bump the pay to $15 million. Romo is a luxury for the Broncos, but the Broncos give Romo the best chance to try to get to the Super Bowl.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office insider: I expect him to get $16-20 million a year on a two- or three-year deal. Some of that money will come in incentives based on playing time, and some will be attached to how far the Broncos get in the playoffs, like they did with Manning.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: A reasonable deal from a playoff-contending team such as Denver or Houston would give Romo the ability to earn about what he would have earned in Dallas, provided he plays in all the games and succeeds in the playoffs. Manning had to take that type of deal from Denver and did so. Romo would have to prove winning is important to him. No team should sink tons of guarantees into a player who hasn't played much lately and hasn't been able to stay on the field when he did play.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: You've got to guarantee him enough money to make it worth his while even if he doesn't play a full season. That means paying him at or near the $18 million his current deal was averaging, with a chance to get more than $20 million based on incentives. Especially if he has interest from more than one team.
Field Yates, NFL insider: There's little doubt that a team must protect itself in a deal for Romo given his age and recent injuries. The going rate for quarterbacks is, well, a lot. A deal that pays Romo up to $18 million (or more) per season isn't outlandish, provided it's earned through his being on the field. There isn't a ton of precedent for a highly coveted quarterback who will be 37 when the season starts. Denver protected itself on its Manning deal on a year-to-year basis. A team might need to do so on a game-by-game basis with Romo by including lucrative playing-time incentives and roster bonuses.
If a contender doesn't show interest, should Romo join an up-and-comer or call it a career?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: I can't see Romo walking away from the game this year. Every player -- regardless of position -- believes he can stretch out another year or two in the league despite what his body is saying. That's the inner drive, the competitiveness that allows these guys to survive year-to-year in the NFL. Maybe Romo doesn't get a call from Houston or Denver, but that doesn't mean he won't have another opportunity to play ball (and start) in 2017.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: If Romo can't land in Denver or Houston, he might have to consider retiring and going into broadcast. He doesn't need to join an up-and-comer. His body has taken too many hits, and he's too prone to injury. He needs to go to a team that has a chance to win. He deserves that. If the Jets weren't letting so many players go, he might consider them. I still stay it's Denver, Houston or come back to Dallas as a backup.
Mark Dominik, NFL front office insider: I don't think he will hang it up. I think he wants to prove something to himself and the NFL. If no contender makes a play for him, one surprise team that could make some sense is Jacksonville.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: That's up to him completely. What is important to him at this stage of his career? Is it a paycheck? Is it winning? Does he think he can play several more seasons? If so, he could play with a noncontending team for a year, then reassess his options.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: If that's the case, he should just sit tight before making any long-term decisions. There will be a point this spring or summer when an established starter gets hurt or a team grows dissatisfied with its situation and suddenly has interest. Look at what happened in Minnesota last summer. If he really wants to play in 2017, but only in the right situation, he probably will just need to be patient.
Field Yates, NFL insider: Frankly, I can't see a scenario in which a contender doesn't show interest. There are enough teams -- it only takes one -- that are within reach of taking the next step that Romo's services will be coveted. The NFL is perpetually seeking answers at quarterback. Romo's résumé is far too strong for contenders to overlook
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