Future Hall of Fame quarterback emerges as Tony Romo’s CBS replacement to rival $375m Tom Brady

Tony Romo’s future at CBS is now in doubt, and any permanent could open the door for a four-time MVP.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has served as the network’s lead NFL analyst since 2017, and shared the booth alongside Jim Nantz.

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His first few seasons were warmly received by fans, but public opinion has turned against Romo in more recent years.

Some fans had been calling for him to be replaced long before he was arrested last month on suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI).

Following that incident, those calling for Romo’s departure could get their wish.

CBS has put the former NFL star on indefinite leave, and J.J. Watt will step into his role as the No. 1 analyst on a temporary basis.

But there has already been plenty of speculation around who could take the job on a permanent basis, should the network wish to move on from Romo and the 10-year, $180 million contract he signed in 2020.

Aaron Rodgers could be next NFL icon to transition to broadcast booth

One of those names being floated is Aaron Rodgers.

The Super Bowl XLV champion is gearing up for what many expect to be his final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He spent much of his Hall of Fame career with the Green Bay Packers, and could soon follow the likes of Romo, Watt and $375 million man Tom Brady into broadcasting.

“Aaron Rodgers might not be returning to The Pat McAfee Show, but that doesn’t mean he’s done with television, especially with the future of Tony Romo at CBS now in doubt,” Brandon Contes of Awful Announcing wrote this past weekend.

“With no timetable for his return, Romo will be replaced by J.J. Watt in their lead NFL booth alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Watt had a great rookie year in the booth alongside Ian Eagle last season for CBS, and appears to be a star analyst in the making.

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“But as much of a star as J.J. Watt is, he’s not on the level of what Fox can boast with Tom Brady. Romo isn’t Brady either, but as the former quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, he’s closer.

“No matter how great Watt does, he seems like a great candidate to keep the seat warm at CBS for whoever they deem the next big thing, much like Greg Olsen once did for Fox and Brady.

“And if CBS wants to chase Tom Brady-like stardom, the next big thing might have to be Aaron Rodgers.”

What has Aaron Rodgers said about a TV career?

While Contes touted the legendary QB for a transition to the booth, he also admitted that any negotiations to get him on TV could be complicated.

“Rodgers has made it clear this will be his final year in the NFL. Rodgers has also already scoffed at the idea of doing TV when he retires,” he added.

The Packers legend has previously said he will not live a ‘public life’ in retirement, and that he won’t be seen on TV, and is not going to be ‘out and about.’

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Contes continued: “Brady didn’t have his sights set on TV when his playing career was winding down either. Fox changed that with $37.5 million per year and a ‘brand ambassador’ title to go along with their role as lead NFL analyst.

“This is the NFL; fans are watching games no matter who is on the call. But just as fans tuned into Brady’s first year wondering how he would do, there would be a similar curiosity with Rodgers.

“There are very few former NFL players who command that intrigue; Rodgers is undoubtedly one of them.

“Say what you want about Rodgers, but he has been one of the most prepared quarterbacks in NFL history, and there’s no reason to think that wouldn’t translate to the broadcast booth.

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“If Rodgers gets an offer he can’t refuse to do TV, he’s going to come prepared, even if it’s not a dream job.”

While CBS is yet to confirm any decision over Romo, they will be aware that a future Hall of Famer is on the brink of retirement, and could be convinced to step into the booth.

If the network wants someone to challenge Brady and Fox, Rodgers could indeed be the perfect guy to do so.