J.J. Watt could make Tony Romo's return to CBS far more complicated

Tony Romo may eventually return to the CBS broadcast booth, but he could find something unexpected waiting for him: competition.

CBS placed Romo on leave “until further notice” following his arrest in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The network has already selected J.J. Watt to join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on its lead NFL broadcast team during Romo’s absence.

That sounds like a temporary assignment. It may not remain one.

J.J. Watt just received the opportunity every analyst wants

Watt joined CBS in 2023 and has gradually taken on a larger broadcasting role. Now he is being handed the network’s best games, its most recognizable play-by-play voice and an audience accustomed to judging every word coming from the booth.

It is a massive opportunity.

Watt already offers something different from Romo. As a former defensive lineman, he can explain pass-rushing plans, blocking assignments and coverage decisions from a perspective viewers rarely hear on a top broadcast team. Most prominent NFL analysts are former quarterbacks. Watt gives CBS another way to dissect a game.

He also has the personality for the job. Watt is comfortable on television without treating every moment as his personal comedy audition. That alone should earn him a few points with viewers.

If Watt settles in quickly beside Nantz, CBS could discover that its emergency option is capable of becoming something more permanent.

Tony Romo’s absence creates a dangerous opening

Romo became a broadcasting sensation when he joined CBS in 2017. His ability to predict plays and explain what quarterbacks were seeing made him feel fresh. CBS eventually rewarded him with a contract reportedly worth approximately $17 million per year.

The reviews have not remained universally glowing.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has faced criticism in recent seasons for becoming overly excitable, talking through important moments and relying less on the detailed analysis that originally separated him from other broadcasters. He remains one of the most recognizable voices in football, but he is no longer the untouchable rising star CBS hired nearly a decade ago.

Now he will be watching Watt occupy his chair.

The timing makes that especially uncomfortable. CBS has not announced how long Romo’s leave will last, and his Wisconsin court date is scheduled for Sept. 21. Depending on when the network allows him to return, Watt could receive several weeks to establish chemistry with Nantz.

That may be all he needs.

CBS could eventually face an awkward choice

CBS does not have to fire Romo for Watt’s promotion to become a problem. The network could move Romo to a different broadcast team, use him in the studio or simply bring him back after his leave ends.

However, replacing Watt would become harder if audiences respond well to him.

Networks crave continuity in their lead booths. If Nantz and Watt sound comfortable together and the broadcasts draw positive reviews, CBS would have to explain why it is breaking up a successful pairing merely to restore the old arrangement.

Romo’s contract gives him plenty of financial security. It does not necessarily guarantee that the top booth will always belong to him.

Watt is supposedly keeping the seat warm. A strong performance could make CBS wonder whether it should let him keep it.