Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Cowboys will attempt to trade QB Tony Romo this offseason and secure some amount of draft compensation for their long-time quarterback, rather than release him outright.
Rapoport mentions that a few teams worth keeping an eye on as possible trade partners for Romo include the Chiefs, Cardinals and Bills.
However, if Dallas is forced to release Romo, Rapoport suggests the Broncos and possibly the Texans as potential landing spots. According to Rapoport, the Broncos do have some interest in Romo, but won’t part with assets in a trade for him.
Interestingly enough, Rapoport says that retirement could still be a possibility for Romo and is something he’s at least considering right now.
Earlier in the day, Adam Schefter reported that no one around the NFL knows what will happen specifically with Cowboys Romo, but “no one expects him to return.”
On Thursday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Cowboys will listen to trade offers for Romo this offseason and added that he prefers to be traded to a contending team such as the Texans, Cardinals, Broncos and Chiefs.
However, both team and league sources have told La Canfora that the Bills have “significant interest” in Romo, even though they realize it could be a tough sell.
Overall, La Canfora expects Romo to have a “robust” market and there could be enough interest in him that they could get a “strong return” for him in a trade. A few GMs told La Canfora that Dallas could possibly secure a second-round pick for Romo and maybe even another pick, depending on Romo’s playing time.
Romo, 36, will be entering the fourth year of his seven-year, $119.5 million contract that included $55 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $14 million (2017), $19.5 million (2018) and $20.5 million (2019).
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing or trading Romo would free up $5.1 million in available cap space while creating a staggering $19.6 million in dead money, which figures to be a huge consideration for the Cowboys.
In 2016, Romo appeared in one game and completed three of four passing attempts for 29 yards and a touchdown for the Cowboys.
We’ll have more regarding Romo as the news is available.
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