PHOENIX – Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett declined to provide many details on ‘s status here Tuesday, saying only that “it’s something we’re working through” and “nothing has changed.”
“He and (owner) Jerry Jones are the principal people in working that situation through, and it’s really been status quo,” Garrett said at the league’s annual meetings.
Romo is still under contract with the Cowboys for the next three years, although he’s expected to be released if Jones cannot find a trading partner. For 2017, Romo has a $19.6 million dead money value that will count against the Cowboys if he’s cut or traded.
For much of the offseason, the Broncos and Texans have been viewed as top landing spots for Romo if he chooses to play a 14th NFL season. But Broncos executives have made it clear their focus is on current quarterbacks and . No discussions about Romo took place at the meetings between the Broncos and the Cowboys.
According to USA Today, Jones said a deadline to make a decision on Romo is the start of training camp, in July.
Jerry Jones says deadline on Tony Romo decision is training camp. Says they've spoken in last couple days. He's doing great, has options
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
“He can play the game at a high level,’’ Garrett said. “Durability has been an issue the last couple years. Nobody really knows how he can handle the course of a 16-game season. But thatap true for everybody. You take that risk with every player on your roster. He’s been a great football player for us for a long time. We’ve been fortunate to have him.’’
Leaper ban. Among the changes approved by NFL teams for the 2017 season is a ban on “leapers” during field goals and extra-point attempts.
Broncos safety , who blocked a PAT at New Orleans last season that led to a game-winning score, prior to the vote that he was against a ban. Broncos general manager admitted he was, too, until he reviewed the dangers as part of the NFL’s competition committee.
“I liked the play but I understand where we eventually got with the committee as far as player safety,” he said. “That was the most important thing. It would take one bad injury on that play for us — if we hadn’t done something about it — to have felt pretty bad.”
Injury updates. Broncos head coach said he is hopeful running back , who is recovering from meniscus surgery, will be ready for organized team activities (OTAs), which start April 10.
“I’m not sure. He’s working in that direction,” Joseph said. “He’s there every day working, so hopefully.”
Center Matt Paradis is off crutches and walking after two hip surgeries and Joseph said he expects him to “be fine” for the start of training camp this summer.
Call for 88. Joseph said the Broncos have a list of potential leaders on both sides of the ball to fill the void left by and . On that list is receiver , whom Joseph called upon to on a greater role.
“I want ‘88 ’ — thatap what I call him — I want him to be a dominant player all the time,” Joseph said. “I don’t want him to ease into games. I want him to be a guy. I want him to step out and be a guy. Itap time. He’s a great player. He can take over a game, but I want his mindset every game to be every game we play to walk on the field and take over the game. I want him to win every one-on-one. I want him to become a leader of our football team.”
