Tony Romo potential destinations pose different challenges

With the Dallas Cowboys expected to release Tony Romo, the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are his main options. Each team present different challenges.

After 14 years with the Cowboys, Tony Romo is moving on. Dallas is releasing its veteran quarterback, correctly deciding to roll with youth in Dak Prescott. Once it became apparent a trade wouldn’t happen due in large part to Romo’s $24.7 million cap hit for this upcoming season, owner Jerry Jones made the easy choice. He allowed Romo to move on and saved some nickels.

Now, Romo hits the free-agent market for the first time in his career. At 37 years old, he faces the prospect of a last chance. Despite consecutive seasons marred by broken clavicles and vertebrates, Romo remains a source of hope for contenders without quarterbacks.

The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are considered heavy co-favorites to land Romo. Both are without experience or an abundance of talent at the game’s most important position, and with a healthy Romo would be a Super Bowl favorite.

However, both teams present challenges to Romo that could derail dreams of glory.

In Houston, Romo would have the luxury of a poor AFC South and a top-flight receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. Lamar Miller also provides a compliment in the run game and the defense is excellent, finishing first last year without J.J. Watt for a vast majority of the campaign. With head coach Bill O’Brien entering his fourth season, the culture is well-established in Houston.

Unfortunately, the offense has real limitations. O’Brien fired coordinator George Godsey in January following Houston’s loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round, and hasn’t named a successor. It’s fair to assume O’Brien is handling those duties. The Texans are also without quality secondary weapons in the passing game, with Will Fuller and Ryan Griffin failing to instill fear in opposing teams.

The biggest problem Houston has, though, is the offensive line. Outside of an aging Duane Brown at left tackle, the rest of the group inspires no confidence. Right tackle Derek Newton is attempting to return from a pair of patellar tendons in October. The interior is shaky, ranging from an underwhelming Jeff Allen to a first-year starter in Nick Martin at center.

This is where the two contenders overlap. Denver also has offensive line issues, but even more pronounced. The Broncos had an atrocious front in 2016, anchored by center Matt Paradis, the only talent of the group. If Denver doesn’t substantially upgrade at both guard and tackle, it’s unlikely Romo lasts to Thanksgiving.

On factor in Denver’s favor is cash. General manager John Elway has cap space to work with, giving him an opportunity to make sweeping moves. Denver is $36.7 million below the threshold (Houston sits at $23.5 million), which potentially means a fatter contract for Romo’s services as well.

Another positive is the weapons on the outside. Few teams can match Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, complimented by a power running back in C.J. Anderson. The defense is also elite, boasting Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Brandon Marshall.

Yet there are ample problems in the Mile High City. The Broncos play in a much tougher division, with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders in the AFC West. Even with Romo, Denver might well remain the third-best team in the division.

The Broncos also have a new coaching staff, led by Vance Joseph. Joseph comes with a terrific reputation, but has a defensive background. How much this impacts Romo’s decision remains unclear, but it has to be stated. Bill Musgrave is the new offensive coordinator, coming over from Oakland where he led Derek Carr and Co. to the sixth-ranked offense in 2016.

Romo has two good choices. When pen meets paper, either the Texans or Broncos have a real chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February. Yet real challenges lay ahead for both franchises, ones that can’t be ignored.