Insider: ‘Very good chance’ J.J. Watt is ‘long-term’ answer in CBS’ top NFL booth

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All signs continue to point to Tony Romo’s exit from CBS Sports being permanent, and it looks as if J.J. Watt could make his move into Romo’s spot permanent as well.

Romo was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Wisconsin earlier this summer, and was later put on a leave of absence by CBS. With a September court date looming around the start of the season, Romo has not been part of the network’s NFL broadcast plans.

Watt was promoted to the No. 1 NFL on CBS broadcast booth alongside announcer Jim Nantz while Romo is sidelined. The two will start the season in Minnesota for Vikings-Packers.

And according to The Athletic’s sports media insider Andrew Marchand, the legendary defensive lineman has the inside track for the job long-term.

“It’s definitely a tryout. I do think there’s a very good chance he’s a long-term answer,” Marchand said this week on SportsWrap with Jason Page. “[CBS Sports president David] Berson hired him, and he did well with Ian Eagle. We’ll see how he does with Jim Nantz.”

Watt was arguably the network’s strongest game analyst hire since Romo himself. Particularly after losing Matt Ryan, a former partner of Watt’s in the studio who also called games, to a front-office job, CBS is likely to be very dedicated to seeing Watt succeed.

Executives there likely figured they had several years before considering Watt for the top booth, given Romo had several years left on his contract. But if he performs well on big assignments this season, CBS may have their answer.

For Romo’s part, Marchand reiterated in the same segment that he still does not expect Romo to return to the network:

“I would say more likely he’s not back, as opposed to him returning.”

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