Tony Romo Weighs In on Cowboys' Offseason Moves

Former QB discusses Micah Parsons trade, defensive struggles, and Dallas' path to Super Bowl contention.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo shared his thoughts on the team's offseason moves, including the trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Romo acknowledged the defensive struggles the Cowboys faced without Parsons, but said he understands the team's rationale for the trade given their need to pay several top players. Romo expressed optimism about the Cowboys' ability to quickly return to playoff contention, citing the team's acquisition of defensive tackle talent and upcoming draft capital.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' 2025 season was a disappointment, as they missed the playoffs despite a strong offense led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Romo's perspective as a former Cowboys QB and current media analyst provides valuable insight into the team's offseason strategy and their path forward.

The details

The Cowboys traded Parsons, an All-Pro pass rusher, to the Packers in late August 2025. Parsons thrived in Green Bay, recording 12.5 sacks before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. Meanwhile, the Cowboys' defense struggled mightily, ranking last in defensive EPA. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus earlier this month. The Cowboys acquired a pair of first-round picks and Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade, and used one of those picks to trade for another Pro Bowl DT in Quinnen Williams from the Jets.

  • In late August 2025, the Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
  • Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks for the Packers before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
  • The Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2025, ranking last in defensive EPA.
  • Head coach Brian Schottenheimer fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus earlier this month.

The players

Tony Romo

A former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys who is now a CBS Sports analyst.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Micah Parsons

An All-Pro pass rusher who was traded from the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers in 2025.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys who was fired earlier this month.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think what they tried to do is they tried to have a philosophy of hiring ex-head coaches as the defensive coordinator. You take a look, they had Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer to then Matt Eberflus. I think that worked with Quinn so well that they wanted to stick with that and obviously it didn't work out for multiple reasons for anybody coming in after losing Micah.”

— Tony Romo, CBS Sports Analyst (The Pat McAfee Show)

“Now, you've got another receiver [George Pickens] coming in you have to pay. You're not going to be able to build this roster out fully. They have lost giving up a lot of running yards in the playoffs in years' past. Sometimes, that's a little too short to think of just that for a reason to trade him, but I can see getting four or five guys and that could actually equal something there with Micah.”

— Tony Romo, CBS Sports Analyst (The Pat McAfee Show)

“You got now two big guys in the middle. That's a lot of improvement. They have another first-rounder coming this year, they got another one. I just feel like they can get three or four guys — if they end up getting the right coach in there — that this team can turn around in a hurry. This is not a long one; this can be real fast. I think Dallas — one or two players away with the scheme on defense — they can make a run in the playoffs.”

— Tony Romo, CBS Sports Analyst (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to build on their defensive improvements in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold two first-round picks.

The takeaway

Romo's analysis suggests the Cowboys' trade of Micah Parsons was a calculated risk, but one that could pay dividends if they can effectively retool their defense through the draft and free agency. The team's ability to quickly return to playoff contention will hinge on their ability to find the right defensive coordinator and continue upgrading their talent on that side of the ball.