Home/Articles/NFL
NFL·ANALYSIS·July 31, 2026 03:38 PM ET

Tony Romo's CBS deal hits breaking point after indefinite leave

J.J. Watt joins Jim Nantz in CBS's lead NFL booth

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 311 min read
Post on X

What happened: CBS placed Tony Romo on leave “until further notice” one week after his July 23 arrest on suspicion of OWI in Wisconsin. The decision removes him from the network's top NFL crew ahead of the 2026 season.

Why it matters: Romo has served as CBS's lead analyst since 2017, making the change a reset for its marquee broadcast team. Watt worked in the No. 2 booth with Ian Eagle last season, so CBS is promoting from within.

By the numbers: CBS signed Romo to a reported 10-year, $180 million contract in 2020, an average of $18 million per year.

What to watch: CBS opens its preseason schedule Aug. 28 and regular-season coverage Sept. 13. Romo is due in court Sept. 21.

Sources

More NFL news

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NFLAnalysis
Follow NFL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNFL
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report