Talkinn’ Cowboys: What is next for Tony Romo
By: Caleb Rouse
Yesterday, Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo issued a statement to the media about his “feelings” after being officially benched after the impressive start of Dak Prescott. Romo, who is set to return from an injury that was inflicted on him in the preseason, has to sit and wait for an opportunity that would bring him back to the lineup. For now, however, that does not seem likely to happen.
Romo was brought to tears in his statement saying that, “It’s a dark place. Probably the darkest it’s ever been. You’re sad and down and out and you ask yourself why this had to happen. It’s in this moment you find out who you really are and what you’re really about.” Romo was visibly shaken throughout his speech to the media about his future. Can you blame him? Three injuries in three consecutive seasons, but now he has someone who is better than him taking the reins, doing to him what he did to Bledsoe bad in 2006.
He said of Dak and the quarterback situation, “He’s earned the right to be our quarterback. As hard as that is for me to say, he’s earned that right. He’s guided our team to an 8-1 record, and that’s hard to do.” And he is completely right, Dak has done the unthinkable and guided the Cowboys (who no one had ever topping the power rankings this season) to the number one spot in the NFL through 9 games. Now, we still have 7 games to go and a lot of football to play, but the likely situation will be that Dak keeps his job despite any type of slump he might have.
What we all admire about Romo is that he realizes that he could still get a ring out of this season, but he has declared that he will not be a distraction, (which this media statement is on the border of) but he seems to be compliant and to want to help Dak be as successful as possible.
This leaves us with a major question, what is next for Tony Romo? Romo clearly stated in his press release that he does not intend to stop playing or entertain any idea of being a backup. So we have to think of five possible destinations for Romo after this season. I have ranked them by best possible situation for him to go into. I have ranked them out of ten the best possible fit for Romo.
5. New York Jets
There has been a lot of talk since ROmo’s release that he might end up a Jet for next season, the Jets might be looking for a Favre type of splash again to push this team over the top. Clearly they do not have a solid quarterback and he might be a good replacement to groom the next man up for the Jets. That might mean that Petty or Hackenburg would learn from the Veteran and hopefully take the reins in the future.
Possible Fit: 6/10
4. Los Angeles Rams
This might change in the near future with first round pick Goff set to start this week, but Romo might be the remedy that the Rams need on offense. Romo would be able to open up the passing attack so that Gurley can once again run wild over opposing defenses. Many would not agree with me putting the Rams here, but it makes sense if Goff and company need more time to develop. Also, Romo has played on the biggest stage for years, and would not shy away from the LA spotlight.
Possible Fit: 7/10
3. Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler is definitely not the future for the Bears. He has been inconsistent and horrible at times. He has the talent to be one of the best, but with his recent form, the Bears have to be looking for other options. Problem is with the Bears is that their offensive line situation is not good, and with a “broken and fragile” Romo in the mix, it could be over before it starts like this season for him with the Cowboys. This would be an interesting move for Romo since he played his college ball in Illinois.
Possible Fit: 7.5/10
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers clearly need someone at quarterback, cycling through Gabbert and Kaepernick this season has clearly not worked for the five time champions. With Kelly on his last straw in the NFL, he might make a move for Romo to save his professional career. This would be an odd situation for him to go in, they have to bring in some talent at receiver as well to make this possible.
Possible Fit: 8.5/10
1.Denver Broncos
The easiest and most dangerous fit for Romo is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos literally have the entire team ready besides a quarterback to go and win another super bowl. Romo would have the greatest chance to quarterback a super bowl caliber team in Denver and possibly seal his passage to Canton. The biggest hurdle here would be the salary cap implications, with the Cowboys not likely to accommodate the Broncos (and take on some of the cap hit) since he would be going to a contender. I rate this as the highest likely scenario for Romo unless another team offers a higher draft pick. But I could actually see the Broncos giving up a first rounder for a shot at another championship.
Possible Fit: 10/10
Romo left the podium with one last quote that I believe will define his career since it seems to explain his largest battle, “I feel like we all have two battles or two enemies going on. One with the man across from you. The second is with the man inside of you. I think once you control the one inside of you, the one across from you really doesn't matter. I think that is what we are all trying to do.”
Good luck Tony Romo, you deserve the best.
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