Reports: Cowboys to cut Romo Thursday, ‘Manning-style’ tour expected

The Tony Romo sweepstakes are on, and free agency hasn’t even started.

The Dallas Cowboys will release Romo on the first day of the NFL’s league year Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Todd Archer, thus kicking off the recruiting process for the veteran quarterback’s services.

Sources tell Adam Schefter and me the Dallas Cowboys will release Tony Romo on Thursday, the first day of the… https://t.co/VYqZohZhKF

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 8, 2017

The Denver Broncos are among the teams likely to pursue Romo in free agency, as 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis told 104.3 The Fan’s “The Drive” in early February. The Houston Texans have also been linked to Romo.

However, Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network reports that Romo will take a “Manning-style” tour and a quick signing should not be expected.

The expectation is that soon-to-be-former #Cowboys QB Tony Romo will take a Manning-style visit tour. So don’t expect a quick signing

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017

After 13 years, Romo leaves behind Dallas as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, holding passing records in a number of categories including passer rating (97.1), completion percentage (65.3), passing yards (34,154), and touchdown passes (247).

He also moves on to the next chapter in a remarkable career that started with him as an undrafted free agent to three-time backup quarterback to four-time Pro Bowler.

However, Romo has had his share of season-ending injuries, including twice being placed on injured reserve for a fractured collarbone (2010, 2015)

Romo missed much of 2016 with a broken bone in his back, along with losing his starting role to eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year Dak Prescott.

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