Who will land Tony Romo?
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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This offseason could become the Tony Romo sweepstakes.

Despite reports by several media outlets that the Dallas Cowboys quarterback will be released and that he wants to play in Houston next season, this could be a bidding war for an aging veteran who has spent more time on the injured reserve list than on the playing field in the past few years.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the news of their beloved signal caller who has been pushed to the side by a first-year passer who looked like the next big thing. No matter how Jerry Jones spins it, there are changes on the horizon with the quarterback talent. Romo stepped aside graciously in the middle of the season to everyone’s applause. Now, it’s time for him to get his.

Could this be the big story of 2017? Romo moves to another team, makes the playoffs and makes Jerry Jones mad in the process? It’s befitting a great reality television program.

Here’s a look at six teams in play as of now.

Houston Texans – Even Tony Romo thinks this is the best place for him.

A grizzled veteran moving to a team with one of the best defenses in football and enough offensive weapons to make opponents think. Romo, although injured much of the last few seasons, would love to stay in Texas where he has grown into a star player. Winning in Houston would also send a message to Dallas owner Jerry Jones and make the Texans immediate favorites to win the AFC South and potentially make the Super Bowl.

I see this deal happening, but there are other teams out there who will make a push to sign him.

Denver Broncos – While management claims they are committed to both Paxton Lynch and Troy Simien, there could be a change of heart. The Broncos win because of defense and a bringing Romo in would not only help the offense, but he would not have to put up monstrous numbers to find success.

Much like in Dallas,  Tony Romo would have the benefit of a plethora of targets to throw to and a committee of running backs to move the ball. Although the team has said it likes the signal callers it has, I still do not count the Broncos out just yet.

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New York Jets Jets brass have to ask themselves if Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty are better than Romo.

I can answer that for you now. NO!

Geno Smith won’t be on the roster this year and Ryan Fitzpatrick does not strike fear in opposing defenses. Playing in New York is a lot like playing in Dallas, with all eyes on the starting quarterback. There are some weapons on offense to work with and the Jets may land Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook. Those two alone would make playing for Todd Bowles very attractive.

There are some mock drafts that have this team taking Deshaun Watson. I doubt the Clemson passer makes it this far in the draft. This is a dark horse pick – and I like it!

Chicago Bears Another team that drafts in the top five in need of a passer. Honestly, I am not a fan of any of the incoming rookies to start, with maybe Watson being the exception.

Remember years ago when Jay Cutler thought he was better than John Elway? Yes, let that sink in. Even injured, Tony Romo is a better option for John Fox. The Bears could trade Cutler (Cleveland, San Francisco) or keep him and have a solid battle in camp. I like Chicago as a destination. I’m not sure the Bears management like it as much as myself. A move like that keeps Alshon Jeffrey in the Windy City for sure.

Washington Redskins – What If? Here is a scenario to think about. What if the Redskins and Kirk Cousins do not agree on a new deal and they do not apply the franchise tag for next year? Could Washington let him walk or trade him (Chicago, San Francisco) to a team in need of a quarterback?

The best thing about the Redskins signing Romo would be sticking it to the Cowboys. The fire would be lit. Seeing Romo play against Dak Prescott twice a season is worth its weight in gold. It’s a dream that is somewhat salacious, but it would take an awful lot for this to happen.

Jacksonville Jaguars – The talk in Jacksonville is the Jaguars will play this season with Blake Bortles behind center in the last year of his rookie deal. The Jaguars have yet to decide if they will pick up Bortles’ fifth-year option.

Had the UCF product matched his performance of 2015, this would have been a slam dunk, but what fans saw was a lot of back peddling, so bringing in a veteran to challenge him makes some sense, but I am not sure how much. The team just re-signed backup Chad Henne to a restructured deal. If Romo comes in it is to be the starter and Henne is jettisoned somewhere else. Of all five options, this one seems least likely.

 

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