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Tony Romo's time at CBS could be coming to an end
CBS Sports placed lead NFL analyst Tony Romo on an indefinite leave of absence following his arrest for driving under the influence (OWI) in Wisconsin late last month. It may be the beginning of the end for Romo at the network.
According to John Ourand of Puck News, former Pro Bowl tight end and current Fox analyst Greg Olsen is one of two names CBS is eyeing as a potential long-term replacement for Tony Romo, whose popularity as an analyst has been on a decline in recent years.
Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who is filling Romo’s seat on an interim basis following his OWI arrest in Wisconsin in July, is the other potential candidate.
CBS could look to poach Greg Olsen from Fox to replace Tony Romo as their top NFL color commentator
Olsen would be able to leave Fox for CBS as he has a clause in his contract, which expires this year, that allows him to walk away from his Fox deal if he’s offered the top spot at another network.
CBS making a move for Olsen would likely be received by NFL fans, as many believe the former Carolina Panthers tight end was unjustly demoted when Fox hired Tom Brady to be its top NFL analyst. Olsen has three Emmy wins as a commentator under his belt, even beating Brady for Outstanding Personality/Event Analyst earlier this year.
Romo’s situation at CBS is far from straightforward, however, as the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is owed the remaining $72 million on his contract over the next four years. While CBS could attempt to terminate his deal for cause and pay Romo nothing, that would almost certainly invite a legal battle.
Olsen, 41 years old, was drafted by the Chicago Bears out of the University of Miami with the 31st overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Olsen spent four seasons with the Bears before being traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he was named to three Pro Bowls and became the first tight end in NFL history to record three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.