The sports media landscape at CBS Sports is quickly evolving in light of Tony Romo‘s current leave ahead of the 2026 NFL season. However, one former NFL player and CBS commentator believes that the former Dallas Cowboys star’s future is very much in jeopardy. Boomer Esiason spent two decades with the network before leaving in 2023. MORE: Jim Nantz a big fan of new CBS NFL broadcast booth teammate during Tony Romo hiatus Now, he’s expecting CBS to go in a different direction after Romo’s high-profile OWI arrest has forced the network into a tough position. “If I had to guess, purely speculation given what’s going on right now, I would think it’s over,” Esiason said Thursday during “Boomer & Gio” on WFAN. “He may end up going somewhere else and getting things straightened out.” The speculation has certainly been floated about by many within the sports media community recently. In fact, it’s grown as J.J. Watt steps in temporarily for CBS’ lead NFL broadcast team alongside Jim Nantz. MORE: CBS hands Ross Tucker NFL promotion with Tony Romo sidelined CBS NFL broadcast shakeup could be coming soon CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson at Super Bowl 58 press conference. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images It’s clear that Romo’s arrest is already enough of a distraction for CBS to the point where they’re exploring a change. Watt’s become a fan favorite within the network and his quick rise makes him a logical fit to replace Romo if he gels with Nantz. However, the network finds itself in the unique position of also potentially getting out of Romo’s massive contract. The former NFL quarterback signed a 10-year, $180 million deal with CBS in 2020. That contract is now in limbo with several years remaining. Romo has $72 million left on his deal prior to the start of the NFL season kicking off in September.
Tony Romo's time at CBS is 'over' after shocking arrest: Boomer Esiason https://t.co/YRD5TwTn1wpic.twitter.com/znDQnhixph — New York Post (@nypost) August 13, 2026 It’s evident that Nantz and Romo have developed a great chemistry on the television airwaves. Meanwhile, their friendship has also put Nantz in a tough position as he heads into another season with CBS. “Tony is a great friend of mine and has been for years. He and I go back to 2011 when he got married, I was invited to his wedding,” Nantz said. “So, this was not someone in 2017 when he entered the booth I was just getting to know for the first time. So he’s a great friend, continues to be, always will be. MORE: What is Tony Romo’s future at CBS? CBS is still undecided on what Romo’s future holds following the July OWI arrest. It seems like the network isn’t in a rush to make a permanent change at this stage of the summer. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —