Cowboys Could Get As Much As 2nd-Rd Pick In Trade For QB Tony Romo?

Tom Pelissero of USA Today spoke to a number of NFL executives about the possibility of the Cowboys trading QB Tony Romo next year.

While many pointed out the obvious concerns — Romo will be 37 years old and has suffered back injuries the past two years –, Pelissero still came away with the belief that there will still be a market for him next year.

One GM said he could see the Cowboys getting a second-round pick for Romo, assuming that he’s able to pass a physical upon completing a trade. A few other executives said a second- or third-round pick would make sense for Romo. However, others were less optimistic and mentioned that they may have to agree to a late-round conditional pick that could become a higher selection based on how Romo performs.

As for potential suitors, the Jets, Broncos, Cardinals and Bears all came up in Pelissero’s discussions with the executives.

Romo’s 2017 salary of $14 million is considered reasonable for a starting quarterback but his prior neck and back issues are enough of a concern that his salary would be worrisome for at least some teams.

Earlier in the week, Jason Cole of B/R spoke with two league sources who expect Romo to be “high demand” next year, as his contract is considered affordable and the Cowboys could save $5 million off of their 2017 salary cap next year.

Romo, 36, is in the third year of his seven-year, $119.5 million contract that included $55 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries of $8.5 million (2016), $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 2015, Romo threw for 884 yards while completing 68.6 percent of his passes to go along with five touchdowns and seven interceptions over the course of four games for the Cowboys.

We’ll have more regarding Romo and his future with the Cowboys as the news is available.