Jones: Would be ‘negligent’ if Elway, Broncos didn’t look at Romo

If there’s anything to take away from news surrounding the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and Tony Romo last week — wherein not only a blockbuster trade was floated but also the suggestion that the veteran quarterback could be released or stay put in Dallas — the next few days leading up to NFL free agency should be at least intriguing.

If Romo should become available, Denver’s interested in obtaining his services would likely hinge on if it’s via trade or free agency — 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis said early last month the club would only be interested if he were released by Dallas.

But no matter the method, USA Today NFL reporter Lindsay Jones told 104.3 The Fan’s Sandy Clough that the Broncos and general manager John Elway owe it to themselves to at least take a look at Romo if he becomes available — or any starting-caliber quarterback at that.

“I think it would be negligent on John Elway’s part and on the Broncos’ part if they didn’t explore it if he becomes available. Or if Tyrod Taylor ever comes available,” Jones said. “I think they have to look at those options, given what their current roster is, given the limitation that Paxton Lynch still has.

“He probably isn’t going to always have those limitations, but just where he is in his development right now and where Trevor Siemian’s ceiling might be and how much further he could take this offense, they have to look.”

Now, Jones said taking a look doesn’t mean Denver has to “set the market” on Romo and pay him an “exorbitant amount of money.” But, they do need to, Jones said, at least find out what the market for him would be.

“What sort of money would it take to sign him? Is he going after a big contract? Could they get him for a below-market deal because he wants to come play in this city and this offense with this defense?” Jones said.

“Or is he a guy who’s going to want to go out and get $20 million because somebody will probably pay. I mean, if Brock Osweiler got $17 million last year, what would Tony Romo get? He’s got to get at least that, right?”

The Broncos have other important needs also — along the offensive line, defensive line, tight end, etc. — an Elway has “shown over and over and over again” he won’t overspend on players, Jones said.

But, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t kick the tires.

“I don’t think he’s going to back up the truck to pay Tony Romo if he becomes available. But, he needs to at least find out what it would cost to get him,” Jones said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.