Tony Romo drama continues to swirl with Cowboys mulling options

DENVER -- Give it to Brock Osweiler. He has absolutely owned the first day of the NFL league year.

On the same day he signed with the Houston Texans a year ago, Osweiler was traded to the Cleveland Browns. 

His destination could again impact the Broncos' quarterback situation. The Texans shipped Osweiler and a second-round pick to Cleveland and exchanged a sixth-round pick this year for the Browns' fourth-round pick. 

It creates $10 million in cap space for Houston to pursue a veteran quarterback. Perhaps you've heard the Dallas Cowboys have a player available. Goes by the name Tony Romo. Turns 37 in April. Owns 78 career wins, but has made only four starts the past two seasons. Wednesday, the Cowboys sent signals to the NFL world that they would release Romo on Thursday. Instead, they are attempting to deal him.

If Romo becomes a free agent, the Broncos are expected to express interest. They would like to talk to him and see what it would take regarding a contract with injury protection. However, Romo has never been the Broncos' top priority. They moved ahead in free agency, landing Dallas Cowboys right guard Ronald Leary.  He agreed in principle on a four-year, $35 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. They continue to seek offensive linemen, and nearly landed defensive end Calais Campbell before he agreed with Jacksonville for more money.

Romo speculation sent Twitter into a frenzy when news broke that the Cowboys would not waive him. They have no deadline with salary bonuses or incentive clauses. The Broncos have never been interested in getting into a bidding war for Romo. If the Broncos were once the favorites, the pendulum swung in Houston's direction following the Osweiler move. 

Even as Dallas appears prepared to slow-play Romo's situation, Romo issued a thank you to fans on Instagram, hinting that his future remains in flux.  

This could become a game of chicken with neither team willing to swing a trade right now. A similar staredown played out a year ago with the Broncos and Colin Kaepernick. Broncos general manager John Elway met with him multiple times, but the Broncos could not come to terms on a contract solution at a reduced rate.

Denver walked away from the deal, drafting Paxton Lynch in the first round. The Broncos' comfort level with Trevor Siemian and Lynch explains why they will not overreact. Siemian spent the morning isolated from trade rumors, telling Denver7 he had a good workout at the Broncos' facility as he continues to progress with his left shoulder recovery.