A quick resolution to Tony Romo's future now appears unlikely.
Barring unforeseen movement on the trade front, sources said nothing is expected to happen with the veteran quarterback this weekend. One source went as far as to say "it's optimistic" to suggest Romo's status with the Cowboys will be determined in the next week.
This doesn't mean the club has altered its position. The Cowboys intend to release Romo if a trade partner isn't found. Owner Jerry Jones informed Romo of this stance in a meeting on Wednesday, according to sources.
What the Cowboys do by extending this timeline deep into the month is acknowledge a changing NFL landscape.
Denver and Houston are considered the leading candidates to land Romo. A few hours before the start of free agency on Thursday afternoon a report surfaced that the Broncos had an interest in trading quarterback Trevor Siemian. A short time later, the Texans did trade quarterback Brock Osweiler to Cleveland.
Both clubs have conceded an interest in Romo if he hits the open market but have indicated they have no intention of trading for him. The Cowboys appear determined to test that resolve. Club officials are willing to let this play out after Thursday's developments.
Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear no trade will occur without Romo's consent.
The Cowboys also retained starting wide receiver Terrance Williams and signed three defensive players late Friday afternoon. Dallas did this with Romo counting $24.7 million on the salary cap, shooting down any notion that the club needs to make a move with him immediately to free up $5.1 million to maneuver in free agency.
Put all this together and the Cowboys and Romo find themselves in a holding pattern.
It looks like it could stay that way for awhile.
