Tony Romo’s star-crossed career as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys will soon be over.
The Cowboys will release Romo when the NFL year opens on Thursday, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced a decision on Romo, who will get a chance to pursue a starting job elsewhere.
Romo will leave the Cowboys as the franchise leader in yards passing (34,183) and touchdowns (248). But he could never match the postseason success of Hall of Famers and multiple Super Bowl winners Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
A 10-year starter who joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003, Romo lost the job last season to rookie Dak Prescott after breaking a bone in his back in a preseason game.
When he was healthy again, Romo conceded the job to Prescott during a franchise-record 11-game winning streak. His departure has been expected ever since.
A trade was unlikely because Romo turns 37 next month, carries a $24 million salary cap hit, and has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries. But he should be attractive as a free agent to contenders wanting a quarterback, a list that could include Denver and Houston.
A release will free about $5 million in cap space for the Cowboys, who can split the dead money from a $19 million hit over two seasons.
Giants add Marshall
The Giants signed free agent receiver Brandon Marshall to a two-year contact.
The former Jets receiver tweeted a picture of the signed contract with the headline: ‘‘Done Deal!!!! (hash)GMEN.’’
The signing gives the Giants a talented outside receiver to play opposite Odell Beckham Jr. New York used Victor Cruz on the outside last season but being a slot receiver, he was playing out of position.
The Jets released Marshall less than a week ago, making him eligible to sign with any team before the start of free agency on Thursday.
Marshall, who turns 33 this month, had 59 catches for 788 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Taylor, Bills agree
Tyrod Taylor will remain the Bills starter after the team restructured the quarterback’s five-year contract extension.
The Bills faced a deadline on Saturday to determine whether to pick up the extension Taylor signed in August or part ways with the two-year starter.
Taylor’s long-term future in Buffalo had otherwise been in question since the season ended, when general manager Doug Whaley declined to say whether the team was committed to keeping the player. Newly hired coach Sean McDermott also declined to discuss Taylor’s future after he took over in January after Rex Ryan’s dismissal.
‘‘We are excited about the opportunity to keep Tyrod with the Bills,’’ McDermott said in a release issued by the team.
“I've gotten a chance to know Tyrod and study him over the past several weeks and he is both a great person and competitor.’’
Dolphins keep two
The Dolphins bolstered their defensive front by retaining end Andre Branch on a $27 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. Miami also retained Kenny Stills, signing the wide receiver to a four-year, $20 million deal, according to the NFL Network.
Branch was on the verge of becoming one of the top edge rushers on the market when free agency begins Thursday. The five-year pro had 5½ sacks last season, his first with the Dolphins.
Ravens cut Dumervil
Elvis Dumervil was cut by the Ravens, who were looking to free up salary cap room before the start of free agency.
The Ravens will add offense by signing running back Danny Woodhead, according to the NFL Network.
Dumervil, 33, missed eight games last season because of injuries and finished with only three sacks. Two years earlier, he set the team season record with 17 sacks.
The Ravens did not rule out the possibility of bringing him back at a lesser price.
Hoyer joining 49ers
The 49ers are making moves to upgrade their struggling offense, agreeing to a two-year deal with free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer and a four-year contract with Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
San Francisco entered its first free agency period under new coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch with no quarterbacks on the roster after last year’s starter Colin Kaepernick opted out of his deal.
DE Campbell to Jags?
The Jaguars are expected to sign star defensive tackle Calais Campbell, the NFL Network reported. Campbell had eight sacks with the Cardinals last season.
Arizona finalized a five-year contract extension with former Patriot Chandler Jones, the NFL Network reported.
The Cardinals made the edge-rushing Jones an offseason priority.
Bengals keep LaFell
Wide receiver Brandon LaFell will re-sign with the Bengals on a two-year deal worth up to $10 million, the NFL Network reported. LaFell, who spent two seasons (2014-15) with the Patriots, had 64 receptions for 862 yards and 6 touchdowns last season . . . Tight end Vernon Davis, 33, re-signed with the Redskins on a three-year contract . . . The Falcons tendered safety Ricardo Allen and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, who was a surprise breakout star in 2016. Both are restricted free agents.
The Falcons also tendered offensive guard Ben Garland and cornerback Akeem King.
. . . The Jaguars offered a one-year contract to restricted free agent safety Peyton Thompson. The team placed an exclusive-rights tender on Thompson, and he must sign the deal under NFL rules.
