Greg Olsen, currently a commentator for Fox, is being considered as a potential replacement for Tony Romo in CBS's "A" broadcast booth, according to Puck. Romo's future with the network is uncertain after his arrest for operating while intoxicated (OWI) led to him being placed on leave.
JJ Watt, who is currently filling Romo's role alongside Jim Nantz, is also reportedly a candidate should Romo and CBS part ways. Romo's legal proceedings include a court date scheduled for September 21 in Wisconsin, stemming from his July arrest. The Athletic reported that Romo faces a significant challenge in regaining his previous position.
CBS is reportedly planning to withhold Romo from its upcoming talent seminar and has already marked him as unavailable for the Week 1 Packers-Vikings game on September 13 and the Week 3 Cowboys-Ravens game in Brazil on September 27. This raises questions about his potential return to broadcasting duties early in the season, especially given the negative attention his legal issues may attract.
Despite being owed $72 million over four years, Romo's contract includes a morality clause that CBS could potentially invoke to terminate the agreement early. If this occurs, Olsen could be positioned to call premier games for the network.
Olsen previously worked in the "B" booth with Joe Davis for two seasons, having been replaced in the "A" booth by Tom Brady. He joined Fox in 2021, initially working with Kevin Burkhardt. Following the departures of Troy Aikman and Joe Buck to ESPN, Olsen and Burkhardt were elevated to the "A" spot. Olsen spent two years in this role before Brady transitioned to broadcasting as Burkhardt's color analyst. The former Panthers player has garnered recognition for his broadcasting work, earning Sports Emmys for Outstanding Personality/Event Analyst, Top Event Analyst, and Outstanding Emerging On-Air Talent. He also called Super Bowl 2023 for Fox.
According to reports cited by Pro Football Talk, Olsen has the flexibility to pursue a new opportunity if it represents a promotion, which a move to CBS's top booth would likely be considered.
Watt, who joined broadcasting last season after two years on "The NFL Today," worked with Ian Eagle in CBS's "B" booth. He could emerge as a competitor for the role if it becomes available.