CBS evaluates options for Tony Romo amid legal issues and contract concerns
Sports media analyst Andrew Marchand says CBS may seek to end its partnership with former quarterback-turned-broadcaster Tony Romo, citing the network's desire to move beyond his contract and recent legal troubles.
Tony Romo remains off the air while awaiting a court date related to an operating while intoxicated arrest and an indefinite suspension by CBS Sports. The network has replaced him with analyst J.J. Watt and is considering how to address Romo's $180 million, ten-year contract.
On his podcast, sports media insider Andrew Marchand said CBS appears eager to terminate the agreement, noting that “they’ve been wanting to get out of this contract, they know it’s not good.” He added that the network may also want to move away from the “Romo business” altogether, suggesting that reinstating him would be difficult.
Marchand traced the issue to the 2020 extension, which he described as a large deal that, in his view, reduced Romo’s incentive to improve as a broadcaster. He speculated that CBS could consider pairing Romo with lead announcer Ian Eagle, but noted that the network has recently hired Russell Wilson for a studio analyst role, making Romo’s salary a potential obstacle.
Other commentators have expressed similar concerns, and Marchand warned that the story is unlikely to disappear, saying, “This is a story that won’t go away.” He said CBS may try to limit the distraction but acknowledged the ongoing public interest.
CBS has not publicly commented on the matter.