NFL Execs On Tony Romo’s Trade Value
The Cowboys insist that Tony Romo is still a part of their plans going forward, but that hasn’t stopped speculation on whether Romo could be traded this offseason and what his price tag could be. Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports checked in with a handful of NFL executives to gauge Romo’s trade value and got a wide range of answers. 
[RELATED: Cowboys Organization Torn On Romo, Prescott]
One GM feels the Cowboys could get as much as a second-round pick, provided that the Romo could pass a physical. Another executive predicted the Cowboys could ask for a second or third. Another said a third was the absolute max Dallas could get. Other responses ranged from a sixth-round choice to a conditional late-round pick.
“Imagine me going to [the owner] and saying, ‘Listen, I’m going to make a trade for a 36-year-old that’s got back issues that’s a backup,’ ” one anonymous GM said. “He’d be like, ‘You’re crazy.’ ”
Of course, it’s hard to peg Romo’s value without having a good handle on his health or the quarterback landscape in the offseason. Romo’s market would vary depending on which teams needed a quarterback and exactly how desperate they are. As I have noted before, this year’s draft class is pretty thin at QB, and that could help the Cowboys’ case if they choose to deal their one-time franchise star.
The executives mentioned the Jets, Broncos, Cardinals (if they were to dump Carson Palmer) and Bears as possible suitors. The 49ers need a QB, but as Pelissero notes, Romo isn’t a great fit for Chip Kelly‘s offense.
Cowboys Organization Torn On Romo, Prescott
Tony Romo has graciously accepted his new role as the Cowboys’ backup quarterback, and some in the organization are now hoping he steps aside for good at the end of the season, reports Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Even though injuries limited Romo to four games in 2015 and sidelined him for the Cowboys’ first nine contests this season, there’s no indication that the soon-to-be 37-year-old is considering retirement.
Longtime teammate and Hall of Fame-bound tight end Jason Witten indicated Wednesday that Romo’s nowhere near done, saying, “I don’t think he’s planning on retiring anytime soon. I wouldn’t bet against him” (Twitter links via Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News).
Witten added that “it hasn’t entered anyone’s mind” that Romo has taken his last snap as a Cowboy, but it’s a possibility with the way rookie Dak Prescott has fared. Dallas has gone an NFL-best 8-1 with the fourth-rounder at the helm, and Prescott has been one of the NFL’s most effective quarterbacks in the process.
In the first action of his pro career, Prescott has accounted for 18 touchdowns (14 passing, four rushing) against two interceptions and completed 66.8 percent of his 280 aerial attempts. Moreover, Prescott ranks third in the league in yards per attempt (8.35) and fourth in passer rating (106.2), yet some on the Cowboys’ staff still expect the team to need Romo this season, according to Robinson. A team source told Robinson that four of the Cowboys’ wins this year could have been losses, implying that luck has been on Prescott’s side. While the Cowboys have gone 4-1 in one-score games this year, the source’s critique would hold more weight if the Prescott-led club didn’t have the league’s best point differential (plus-88) and third-ranked DVOA backing up its record.
In the event Romo does take the reins back sometime this year – whether through an injury to Prescott or a dip in the 23-year-old’s performance – it would provide much-needed closure to the organization, Robinson writes. By returning to the helm, Romo would answer on the field whether he or Prescott is the better man for the job at present.
Of course, if Prescott continues to thrive, Romo’s playing days in Dallas could indeed be finished. The Cowboys reportedly aren’t considering a Romo trade, but if they do shop him during the offseason and don’t find a taker, releasing him to collect $5.1MM in cap savings would become a possibility. If that happens, it’s conceivable Romo could remain in the state and sign with the Texans, tweets Robinson (links here). However, Robinson notes that the Texans’ cap situation would likely require Romo to take a significant pay cut compared to the $14MM salary he’s scheduled to rake in next season.
The Broncos would also be in the mix for Romo, adds Robinson, though the Texans clearly have the bigger need. While Broncos starter Trevor Siemian has been mediocre in 2016, former Denver passer and current Texan Brock Osweiler has been an abject disaster in his first year in Houston. Osweiler, who received $37MM in guarantees from the Texans during the offseason, ranks last among 33 qualifying QBs in yards per attempt (5.61) and 31st in passer rating (74.1). The Texans have gone 6-3 in spite of Osweiler, which makes one wonder how much better they’d perform with a healthy Romo (not to mention J.J. Watt) in 2017.
Broncos Not Looking To Bench Trevor Siemian
The Broncos have made their share of seminal in-season quarterback changes in recent years, and given the investment the team made in Paxton Lynch, one coming in 2016 makes sense. But the team is not looking to bench Trevor Siemian in the near future, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.
Siemian’s status as a second-year player selected in the 2015 seventh round hasn’t deterred him from guiding the Broncos to a 7-2 record under his watch (the Gary Kubiak-Siemian partnership’s resulted in a 7-1 record). So despite his struggles and the Denver offense’s limitations this season, the defending champions are likely to stick with their starter through the Week 11 bye, Rapoport reports.
This report came before Siemian’s uneven-yet-effective performance in the Broncos’ 25-23 win over the Saints. The former Northwestern passer completed 25-of-40 passes for 258 yards and two touchdown passes, with two interceptions — one thrown right to Kenny Vaccaro — interspersed in that line. The Broncos entered Sunday ranking 28th in offense, with their run game having sputtered for much of the season, but Siemian’s 86.2 rating outpaces the Peyton Manning/Brock Osweiler 2015 combination’s 76.2 figure.
However, Rapoport noted Siemian continues to struggle with the non-throwing shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4 in Tampa Bay. He absorbed several hits on Sunday, including six sacks.
Kubiak, per Rapoport, believes Siemian is the best option, with issues like the ground game and shaky offensive line play limiting him. That said, the higher-ceiling backup figures to supplant the game-managing starter at some point, whether it’s down the stretch or in 2017. And the franchise has shown making late-season changes isn’t out of the question, regardless of its standing in the playoff race.
The Broncos have made two notable down-the-stretch quarterback changes over the past 10 years, with Jay Cutler replacing Jake Plummer late in 2006 and Manning recapturing his job just before the playoffs last season. Tim Tebow‘s ascent came in Week 6 of the 2011 campaign, when the Broncos were not contending at the time.
Lynch played well in his first audition — the second half of an October win against the Buccaneers — but faltered in his first start the following week in the team’s loss to the Falcons. The Broncos host the Chiefs in Week 12 and play five of their final six contests against playoff-contending teams.
Latest On Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib
- Defensive end Derek Wolfe and cornerback Aqib Talib will miss the Broncos’ game against the high-flying Saints on Sunday, but head coach Gary Kubiak is optimistic the banged-up pair will return after the team’s Week 11 bye. “I think we’re lucky with Derek, and Aqib has kind of been trending in that direction that whole time,” said Kubiak (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post). “He’s been out there all week. He’s been a part of what we’re doing, but just not ready to get turned loose yet.” Talib’s back injury also kept him out last week for the Broncos’ 30-20 loss to the Raiders, while Wolfe suffered a hairline fracture in his right elbow.
Derek Wolfe Out Several Weeks
- The Broncos worked out fullback Sione Houma today, reports Nick Underhill of The Advocate (via Twitter). The undrafted rookie was cut by the Saints in late August. The Broncos lone fullback, rookie Andy Janovich, has four carries for 33 yards and a touchdown this season.
- Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe will be out at least two weeks as he recovers from a hairline fracture in his right elbow, reports Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post. The defensive lineman is second on the team with 4.5 sacks this season, and he’s also chipped in 30 tackles. The team will be forced to rely on Billy Winn and Adam Gotsis in Wolfe’s absence, and the team could consider promoting Vontarrius Dora from the practice squad.
[SOURCE LINK]
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/9/16
Today’s practice squad moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: TE Scott Simonson, OT Pearce Slater
- Cut: TE Beau Sandland
- Placed On IR: DT Eric Crume
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OL Cornelius Edison
- Cut: OL Colin Kelly
Denver Broncos
- Signed: S Ryan Murphy
Houston Texans
- Signed: OL Jeff Adams
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Tevaun Smith
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: LB Earl Okine, CB Terrance Mitchell
- Cut: CB Tyler Patmon
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: TE MyCole Pruitt
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: CB Brian Dixon
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR George Farmer
Broncos, Jets Discussed Sheldon Richardson
The Broncos looked into acquiring defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson from the Jets in advance of last week’s trade deadline, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Ultimately, Richardson stayed in New York, but the club is likely to continue trade talks during the offseason, per Schefter.
[RELATED: Ryan Fitzpatrick Suffers MCL Sprain]
Prior reports have indicated that the Jets also discussed Richardson with the Cowboys, who apparently made an offer for the pass rusher. Additionally, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported over the weekend that New York initially “marketed” Richardson to NFC contenders, including the Redskins, Eagles, Seahawks, and Cardinals. General manager Mike Maccagnan & Co. were said to be looking for a “very strong return,” which most rival clubs took to mean a first-round pick.
Denver’s defense, of course, already ranks as one of the league’s best, but if the unit has a weakness, it’s probably the defensive line. Richardson could have aided a front three that has already lost Vance Walker for the season, and is now set miss fellow end Derek Wolfe for an undetermined amount of time (though Wolfe’s injury obviously occurred after the trade deadline). The Broncos could also lose defensive tackle Sylvester Williams to free agency in 2017 after failing to exercise his fifth-year option.
On a related note, Richardson — as well as fellow defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson — were benched for the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins after repeatedly missing (or coming in late to) team meetings, a source tells Connor Hughes of NJ.com, who adds that the duo’s indiscretions happen “all the time.” Head coach Todd Bowles says he’s pleased with both Richardson and Wilkerson’s “level of commitment,” according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link), but the story clearly won’t help the Jets’ efforts to move Richardson in the coming months.
Poll: Who Will Win The AFC West?
Even though the defending Super Bowl champions are a member of the AFC West, the division’s prospects looked extremely cloudy heading into the 2016 division. In PFR’s preseason predictions, three writers picked the Chiefs to take the division crown, with the Raiders and Broncos picking up two and one vote(s), respectively. Additionally, four of six PFR writers projected an AFC West club to claim a Wild Card berth.
And thus far, the division is still up for grabs — the Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers all rank in the top half of the NFL in DVOA, while Denver, Oakland, and Kansas City all have better than a two-thirds chance of making the postseason, according to Football Outsiders (all statistics current through Week 8). In Week 9, the Chiefs have already posted a victory, the Chargers are leading the Titans, and the Broncos and Raiders will square off in an extremely important Sunday night contest.
Each of the four teams in the division has an area where they could improve, including the two clubs who will play tonight. While Denver’s defense is once again one of the best in the league, its offense ranks just 21st in DVOA. Much of that struggle can be attributed to quarterback Trevor Siemian, but the Broncos’ offensive line play has also been poor. Oakland, meanwhile, has posted excellent offensive numbers, but its defense is giving up more than 410 yards per game, 31st in the NFL.
The Chiefs are using the Denver model (20th in offensive DVOA, ninth in defensive DVOA), and are dealing with an injury to their quarterback, Alex Smith. Kansas City’s rushing attack has been impressive based on raw totals, but on an efficiency basis, the club ranks 29th in the league. 
San Diego’s defense is also playing well, as is Philip Rivers, but the Chargers could use more help from their offensive line, which ranks in the bottom-third of the NFL in both run- and pass-blocking, per FO.
Tonight’s game will have a large impact on both Denver and Oakland’s playoff odds: as Brian Burke of ESPN.com tweets, the Broncos are facing a 15.9% probability leverage (change in chance of making the postseason based on the results of this week’s game), while the Raiders are staring down a 26.2% PL. The Chiefs and Chargers were looking at a 21.2% and 13.6% change, respectively.
So, what do you think? Will Broncos hold on to defend their division title? Will the upstart Raiders upend them? Will the uber-consistent Chiefs take over? Or will the Chargers surprise everyone and storm back to take the crown? Vote below, and leave your thoughts in the comments section!
Who will win the AFC West?
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Oakland Raiders 53% (1,227)
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Kansas City Chiefs 25% (583)
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Denver Broncos 13% (290)
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San Diego Chargers 9% (216)
Total votes: 2,316
Broncos To Be Without Two Corners Sunday Night
- In addition to Aqib Talib being set to miss Sunday night’s Broncos-Raiders tilt, Denver dime back Kayvon Webster will be out as well, Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post tweets. Functioning as the No. 4 corner for a third straight season, Webster injured his hamstring against the Chargers, leaving the Broncos with three healthy corners on their active roster who have played in a game this season. The defending champions did add Taurean Nixon from their practice squad earlier today.
Broncos Cut TE John Phillips
Following their acquisition of A.J. Derby from the Patriots before the trade deadline, the Broncos became deep enough at tight end to release their corps’ most veteran member. The team cut John Phillips and promoted cornerback Taurean Nixon in advance of its Week 9 clash with the Raiders, Mike Klis of 9News reports.
The eighth-year veteran became a fill-in while both of its primary options, Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman, struggled with injuries this season. But both Green and Heuerman are now healthy, with Derby set to be active against Oakland, per Klis, after acclimating sufficiently to the Broncos’ playbook.
Phillips signed with the Broncos just before training camp and beat out slightly higher-profile addition Garrett Graham for a backup tight end job but ended up starting three games and playing all eight Denver contests. A former Cowboys sixth-round pick in 2009, Phillips has started 35 games in his career — starting at least one game in each of the seasons in which he’s been healthy. He played alongside Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green for the Chargers from 2013-15. This season, the 29-year-old Phillips rated as Pro Football Focus’ No. 21 tight end, mostly on the strength of his blocking.
The defending Super Bowl champions have not received much from their tight end position this season, with Green’s 150 receiving yards leading the way. Phillips has five receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown this season.
Aqib Talib‘s injury induced this move as well, with the standout corner being ruled out for the pivotal road tilt due to a back injury. Kayvon Webster‘s questionable status leaves the Broncos with three healthy corners, so Nixon — a seventh-round pick last year — will be summoned as a result.