The Dallas Cowboys will release veteran quarterback Tony Romo when the NFL year opens on Thursday, the Associated Press has been told.
A person with knowledge of the decision spoke to the AP on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the team hasn't officially announced a decision on Romo, who will get a chance to pursue a starting job elsewhere.
The 36-year-old Romo will leave the Cowboys as the franchise leader in yards passing (34,183) and touchdowns (248).
However, despite his consistently high level performances, he could never match the postseason success of former Cowboy quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, who are in the Hall of Fame and won multiple Super Bowls.
A 10-year starter who joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003, Romo lost the job last season to rookie Dak Prescott after breaking a bone in his back during a preseason game.
Although Romo returned to health, Prescott led the Cowboys to a franchise-record 11-game winning streak and maintained his hold on the starting role to make Romo's exit a probability.
A trade was unlikely because Romo turns 37 next month, carries a $24 million salary cap hit, and has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries.
However, he should be attractive as a free agent to contenders wanting a quarterback, a list that could include the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.
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