Where Tony Romo could play in 2017

ByADAM SCHEFTER
November 16, 2016, 9:01 AM

— -- Now that the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback job belongs to Dak Prescott, speculation around the league is rampant regarding where? Tony Romo?could wind up next season should the circumstances in Dallas not change.

On Monday, Romo pledged his support of the rookie, but also emphasized that he still wants to play.

Here, in no particular order, are a few candidates to keep in mind:

  • Chicago Bears: Romo attended Eastern Illinois, where Bears general manager Ryan Pace was an outside linebacker and team captain when Romo was redshirting and running the scout-team offense. Chicago is also expected to be in the quarterback market. They could be good for each other.
  • New York Jets:? Ryan Fitzpatrick will not return in 2017, Christian Hackenberg might not be ready by then and owner Woody Johnson loves to make a splash (see: Brett Farve).

  • Denver Broncos: If the Broncos determine Trevor Siemian is not the solution, and Paxton Lynch still needs one more year of seasoning, Romo could finish his career in Denver, following the path of Peyton Manning?and his former Cowboys' teammate DeMarcus Ware.
  • Arizona Cardinals: If Carson Palmer were to decide to walk away from the game after this season, Romo could enter the equation. Arizona has done an excellent job of reviving veterans' careers.
  • The field: The other quarterback dominos have yet to fall, but if and when they do, Romo could come into play as a top option anywhere.

Should Prescott continue to play superb football, Dallas would struggle to carry Romo and his $14 million base salary next season. But in a league short of quarterbacks, Romo and his contract are expected to be valued and pursued.

Moving on from Romo would seem as unthinkable as the 49ers parting ways with Joe Montana, or the Patriots with Drew Bledsoe. But as Bledsoe pointed out last month, the NFL is a replacement business. And now that Prescott has replaced Romo, the 36-year-old could replace someone else.

The speculation on where Romo could play next season is just beginning -- and it isn't going away anytime soon.