‘Likely Settlement of Tens of Million’ — Ex-NFL Executive Weighs In on Financial Fallout From Tony Romo’s CBS Departure

Abhilasha Aditi Sat, October 3, 2026 at 4:37 PM UTC

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Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo.

Tony Romo’s CBS Sports exit did not exactly come with a long explanation. The network kept its statement short, thanked the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback for his nine years in the booth, and moved on with J.J. Watt continuing as part of its lead NFL crew.

But when a broadcaster still has years left on a massive contract, “mutually agreed to part ways” can mean there is a lot more happening behind the scenes. This is where former NFL executive Andrew Brandt’s reaction becomes interesting, especially when it comes to the money left on Romo’s deal.

Andrew Brandt Weighs In on Tony Romo’s CBS Contract Settlement

Former NFL executive Brandt offered a blunt interpretation after sports media journalist Richard Deitsch reported that CBS Sports and Romo had mutually agreed to part ways.

Brandt reshared the post on X, adding a brief assessment of what likely happened behind the scenes. He wrote, “Translation: “There were lawyers.” Likely settlement of tens of millions.”

CBS announced that it had ended its nine-year relationship with Romo, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well.

The network also confirmed that Watt would continue alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on its lead NFL broadcast team for the remainder of the season, while other broadcast crews would remain unchanged.

The financial complication comes from the contract Romo signed in 2020. Romo reportedly had four years and roughly $72 million in remaining contract value, though the amount he will actually receive in the settlement has not been disclosed.

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This figure helps explain why Brandt focused on lawyers and a potential settlement rather than treating the announcement as a routine departure.

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If CBS wanted to end the relationship while Romo still had substantial money remaining on his contract, both sides could’ve faced financial and legal issues. A negotiated resolution allowed the sides to avoid a potential fight over how much of Romo’s remaining contract would be paid.

Romo’s exit also followed a difficult stretch away from the booth. He was placed on indefinite leave after his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and later pleaded no contest to the charge Sept. 1.

Romo also disclosed that he had developed a reliance on alcohol while trying to overcome dependence on pain medication linked to chronic back injuries from his NFL career.

The former quarterback had initially indicated that he intended to return, making the eventual agreement with CBS particularly significant. Earlier reports cited concerns within the network about Romo’s preparation and performance, even before the legal issue.

So, now CBS officially moves forward with Watt in the 2026 NFL season, putting an end to a controversial few months.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Money”