As the 2016-2017 NFL season nears it’s conclusion, the off-season chatter is beginning to heat up. Tony Romo is, of course, at the forefront of most of the trade rumors. As many of you may know, the Denver Broncos have been mentioned as the front runner in the majority of Romo rumors. The Broncos have stated that they are not interested Romo by trade, but some reports have surfaced that they might be interested if Romo was to be cut by the Dallas Cowboys. In reality, Romo would be a bad option by trade or by free agency.
Tony Romo Does Not Make Sense for the Denver Broncos
The Broncos had an underwhelming 9-7 record in 2016 due in large part to their questionable offensive attack. Trevor Siemian struggled at times finding open receivers and getting them the ball. Combined with less than spectacular spot starts from Paxton Lynch, the Broncos are unsure about the quarterback position going into the offseason. Along with the current quarterbacks, Romo is not the answer because of his injury history and the Broncos offensive line.
Romo’s Health Issues
It is no secret that Romo has struggled with his physical health throughout his career. Romo has now missed time in four straight seasons which has affected the Cowboys regular and post-season results. Some players deemed injury prone are able to play at their highest level after coming back, but Romo seems to be different.
Romo’s laundry list of injuries doesn’t include the more common torn ACL or high ankle sprain. All of Romo’s recent issues have involved his back and collarbone. These injuries make it very difficult to recover all the way to 100% which could explain his continued injuries. The Broncos cannot afford to take on Romo’s salary in the first place, and the hit will be even worse if he couldn’t play.
Broncos Current Quarterback Situation
As previously mentioned, the Denver Broncos already have Siemian and Lynch in line to compete for the starting position next season. Although the season wasn’t great, Siemian at least looked serviceable in his first year as a starter. Siemian struggled at times but looked looked like he has the tools to be successful in the NFL.
Lynch isn’t as established because of Siemian’s success. Lynch was just drafted in the first round last season, and looks to be the projected starter of the future. Romo would immediately take over the starting quarterback slot, leaving both young guns to learn from the sidelines. There is no telling just how good either quarterback will be, but they both deserve an opportunity to prove themselves.
Broncos Offensive Line
The Broncos offensive line was pretty bad at most points of last season. The tackle position was a revolving door between Russell Okung, Donald Stephenson, Michael Schofield and Ty Sambrailo. All four of those tackles did not live up to expectations, which limited the Broncos offense mightily. Romo would likely last about four games behind this offensive line. Additionally, Romo’s salary would severely limit the Broncos options when trying to rebuild that line. The Broncos arguably need at least three new offensive lineman starting on opening day, and the addition of Romo would not allow that to happen.
In the end, John Elway will make the final call on Romo becoming a Bronco. As a quarterback expert, Elway is the right guy to make the decision. He just has to make the right decision for the Broncos future. Along with new coach Vance Joseph, he needs to answer the question of next year’s starting quarterback. Tony Romo is not that answer.
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