DALLAS – The Dallas Cowboys plan to release or trade quarterback Tony Romo when the NFL year opens on Thursday, according to media reports.
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The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the team hasn't announced a decision on Romo, who will get a chance to pursue a starting job elsewhere.
Romo, 36, has played with the Cowboys since 2003. He missed the first 10 games of the 2016 season because of a back injury, which forced the team to start with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott.
Romo served as the team's backup quarterback when he returned to the active roster.
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that sources told him that Romo will be released Thursday by the team.
Cowboys are releasing Tony Romo on Thursday, sources tell @toddarcher and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2017
Let the Romo recruiting in Houston and Denver begin.
Todd Archer, another ESPN reporter, also said on Twitter that he was told about plans for Romo’s release.
Sources tell Adam Schefter and me the Dallas Cowboys will release Tony Romo on Thursday, the first day of the... https://t.co/VYqZohZhKF
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 8, 2017
Romo, who turns 37 next month, threw for 34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns, but could never match the postseason success of Super Bowl winners Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
Romo will leave the Cowboys as the franchise leader in yards passing and touchdowns.