Tony Romo, CBS at a breaking point after leave: ‘Worst contract in media history’

July 31, 2026 - 23:49

The relationship between Tony Romo and CBS has hit a rough patch, and the fallout is now public. With Romo taking a leave of absence and J.J. Watt stepping into the top NFL broadcast booth, the network is facing a decision that could reshape its entire football coverage. Insiders are calling the situation a breaking point, with one network source bluntly labeling Romo's deal "the worst contract in media history."

Romo joined CBS in 2017 to widespread acclaim. His ability to predict plays before they happened made him an instant star, and his chemistry with Jim Nantz felt natural. But that shine has worn off. Over the past two seasons, viewers and critics have noted a decline in his energy and preparation. His once-enthusiastic style started to feel forced, and the network's patience began to thin.

Now, with Romo on leave, Watt has stepped in. The former defensive end has brought a fresh, analytical voice to the booth, and early reviews are positive. That creates a problem for CBS. If Watt performs well, the network has to decide whether to keep him in the top spot permanently or bring Romo back and risk more of the same.

The money is the sticking point. Romo's contract, signed in 2020, pays him around 18 million dollars a year. That makes him the highest-paid analyst in sports television. But if the network benches him or buys out his deal, they will still owe him a massive sum. That is why some insiders call it the worst contract in media history. CBS is stuck paying top dollar for a product that no longer delivers.

Romo has not commented publicly on the situation. His leave was described as personal, but the timing feels telling. The network has not given a timeline for his return. Meanwhile, Watt is making the most of his opportunity, and the buzz around his performance is growing.

What happens next is anyone's guess. CBS could ride out the season with Watt and hope Romo returns refreshed. They could also negotiate a settlement and part ways, eating the cost to move forward. Either way, this is a messy situation with no easy answer. For now, the booth belongs to Watt, and Romo's future in broadcasting is uncertain.