Stokley: Signing Romo a ‘big risk,’ could backfire on Broncos

The Denver Broncos are among the teams most likely to land prized free agent Tony Romo once the Dallas Cowboys quarterback is released on Thursday.

Romo, back in January, reportedly had Denver as his top destination to play in 2017, either via trade or free agency.

And in early February, 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis told 104.3 The Fan’s “The Drive” that Denver would have interest in Romo as well, at least if he were to be released.

But, the Broncos, with two young, relatively inexpensive quarterbacks already on the roster, need not risk spending money on veteran with a history of injuries, said The Fan’s Brandon Stokley on Wednesday.

“It’s a big risk. It’s a risk that if it backfires I think it sets you back a couple of years,” Stokley said. “I think that’s where you go with this if Tony Romo doesn’t come in here and play at a high level. Worst case scenario, if he gets hurt, then it could set you back two or three years.”

Stokley said the Broncos must do its due diligence when it comes to evaluating Romo with the team’s doctors to make sure there’s “no lingering concerns about his long-term health.”

“The Broncos want to take a look at him. They want to give their doctors the chance to put their eyes on his back and his collarbone and on the injuries he’s had the last two years,” Stokley said. “You want to examine him and make sure you feel good about his health moving forward.”

The gunslinger has had his share of season-ending injuries, twice being placed on injured reserve (2010 and 2015) with a fractured collarbone.

And last season, Romo missed 10 games with a broken bone in his back, and upon his return had his starting role stripped from him by eventual NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Dak Prescott.

However, in 13 seasons with the Cowboys, Romo earned Pro Bowl honors four times and put up franchise records in passer rating (97.1), completion percentage (65.3), passing yards (34,154), and touchdown passes (247).

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.