Tony Romo's morals clause could hand CBS a $72 million escape route

Tony Romo’s future at CBS suddenly involves more than waiting for his indefinite leave to end.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was placed on leave following his July 23 arrest in Milwaukee on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. J.J. Watt has since been assigned to work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson on CBS’s top NFL broadcast team.

Romo could eventually return. However, a reported clause in his contract may provide CBS with another option entirely.

Morals clause could give CBS leverage

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Romo’s contract contains a morals clause. Such language can allow a network to challenge an agreement when on-air talent can no longer represent its brand positively following a public embarrassment.

That does not mean CBS can simply tear up the contract and pretend the remaining money never existed. Romo’s representatives would almost certainly dispute that decision, particularly because a first-offense OWI is generally treated as a civil rather than criminal offense in Wisconsin.

It does give CBS leverage.

Romo reportedly has four years remaining on the 10-year, $180 million contract he signed in 2020. Walking away from the deal could save the network approximately $72 million, although a legal fight or negotiated settlement could reduce those savings.

The arrest itself was damaging. The release of police body-camera footage and reports that an open alcoholic beverage was found in Romo’s vehicle made the situation considerably harder for CBS to ignore.

The morals clause provides the network with a possible contractual argument. More importantly, it creates an opportunity to renegotiate Romo’s salary, move him into a smaller role or negotiate an early departure.

J.J. Watt makes the decision easier

CBS does not need to conduct a desperate search for Romo’s replacement. J.J. Watt is already sitting in his chair.

The Hall of Fame defensive end received positive reviews while calling games with Ian Eagle last season. Front Office Sports reported that some industry sources believe Watt could permanently replace Romo if he builds chemistry with Nantz during his temporary assignment.

Greg Olsen could also become an option. Olsen remains on Fox’s No. 2 broadcast team behind Tom Brady and has publicly discussed his desire to return to a lead booth.

Those alternatives weaken Romo’s position. CBS would have faced a tougher decision without an attractive replacement. Instead, Watt now receives an extended audition while Romo waits for a Sept. 21 court appearance.

Romo may never reclaim his old role

Romo was considered a broadcasting revelation when he joined CBS in 2017. His ability to diagnose plays before the snap immediately separated him from other former players in the booth.

That reputation has faded. His style, preparation and chemistry with Nantz have all faced criticism in recent seasons. CBS reportedly provided Romo with feedback about improving his performance several years ago, although the network continued supporting him publicly.

The OWI arrest did not create those concerns. It may have given CBS a way to act on them.

CBS could reinstate Romo, demote him or shift him into a studio position. The network could also use the morals clause to pursue a complete separation. None of those outcomes is guaranteed, and Romo would have strong financial reasons to fight the last one.

Still, the contract that once gave Romo extraordinary security may now contain the language that helps CBS end the relationship. With Watt already taking his place, Romo’s biggest challenge may no longer be serving his leave.

It may be convincing CBS that bringing him back is worth $72 million.