There's been no bigger story in the NFL during the 2016 season than the Dallas Cowboys quarterback situation. When Tony Romo read his heartfelt letter reluctantly relinquishing control of the team to rookie Dak Prescott, it felt a bit like he was reading his two weeks notice. Not that Romo would quit on the Cowboys, but he made it clear he still has the ability to play football. Cowboys fans thinking Romo is going to be content being the backup quarterback past this season are seeing things a bit idealistically. Romo would need to agree to being the long-term backup to Prescott as well as a pay cut on his $14 million 2017 salary for this scenario to be viable. It remains to be seen what the market for a 36-year-old quarterback would be, especially one who has not been able to stay on the field the past two seasons.
If the Vikings were willing to part with a first round pick for a rental of Sam Bradford, chances are Romo can get that and more despite the risk involved with the acquisition. Despite Jerry Jones publicly backing Romo staying with the Cowboys, chances are the two parties will agree to part ways after the season. NFL Network reported the Cowboys would likely trade Romo to a desired destination rather than release him. With that in mind, Heavy put together a list of the top teams that make the most sense as potential trade partners. Click the arrow on the right side of the above image to see the best landing spots for Tony Romo. (Getty)
No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs
Current Quarterbacks: Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Tyler Bray
Pros: This is one of the more talented teams on the list as they are already winning games without Romo. It is not that Alex Smith is a bad quarterback, but he does not do much to move the needle like Romo would. The Chiefs have a stellar defense and running game. Romo would have Jeremy Maclin, Tyreke Hill and Travis Kelce to throw to which are solid options.
Cons: The Chiefs have made no indication they want to move away from Smith, especially for a much older player. Romo would no doubt have interest in Kansas City if they were willing to abandon Smith. The NFL is not prone to change, especially when you are potentially coming off two straight successful playoff runs. (Getty)
No. 4 Chicago Bears
Current Quarterbacks: Jay Cutler, Matt Barkley, Brian Hoyer
Pros: John Fox would no doubt love a healthy Tony Romo. Fox has been desperate to move away from Jay Cutler, but injuries forced him to play Cutler again. Now, Cutler appears to have played his last game in a Chicago uniform after suffering another injury. If the Bears brought back Alshon Jeffrey and Kevin White finally stays healthy, they would form a dynamic trio of receivers with Cameron Meredith. Those are pretty big ifs at this point.
Cons: The Bears have more problems than just quarterback. Selling Romo on a vision of a winning Bears team is a tall task given how bad they are struggling to win games this season. It is logical Chicago would have interest in Romo, but it remains to be seen whether the feeling is mutual. (Getty)
No. 3 New York Jets
Current Quarterbacks: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg, Geno Smith
Pros: The Jets have no shortage of quarterbacks. The problem is they do not have a player that when inserted into the lineup immediately makes their team better. A healthy Tony Romo would make the Jets better. It is hard to remember this is a Jets team that was 10-6 in 2015. Romo throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker could be a pretty lethal combination.
Cons: The big question is whether Romo would agree to go to the Jets. How much better would the addition of Romo make the team? Rumors continue to swirl around whether the Jets will cut ties with top receivers Decker and/or Marshall. The team would have a much different look without the receiving duo. (Getty)
No. 2 Miami Dolphins
Current Quarterbacks: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brandon Doughty
Pros: Ask yourself whether Ryan Tannehill is worth $18 million? That is what Miami will owe him if they keep Tannehill on the roster for the 2017 season. The Dolphins may have bounced back this season after a bad start, but it's a steep price tag for a quarterback that has yet to prove he can be a franchise quarterback. Miami does not lack talent. Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker lead a talented wide receiver core. The defense is strong with Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake anchoring the defensive line. If the Dolphins move on from Tannehill, Romo makes a lot of sense.
Cons: Miami has already invested a lot in Tannehill. There seems to be a bit of circular reasoning applied to quarterbacks by NFL franchises. The reality is Miami cannot get back the time and money they have invested in Tannehill regardless of their decision. That does not necessarily mean they should continue to hold on to him. Romo, if he can stay healthy, would make Miami a playoff team in 2017. (Getty)
No. 1 Denver Broncos
Current Quarterbacks: Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Austin Davis
Pros: Broncos GM John Elway has shown a willingness in the past to bring in a veteran quarterback to go with a talented core group of players. The addition of Peyton Manning resulted in two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy though Manning was not exactly the leading contributor in their 2015 championship run. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos would be one of Romo's top choices if the Cowboys decide to trade him. This makes a lot of sense given the Broncos are one of the top teams in the NFL and have an elite defense meaning the success of the team would not solely depend on Romo.
Cons: Denver traded up and invested a first round pick in Paxton Lynch. They have already given him a full year of development under Trevor Siemian. Teams rarely wait multiple years to play a quarterback they drafted in the first round, but it is not out of the question if Elway thought Romo's price tag was worth the risk. (Getty)
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