Broncos notes: Shanahan pursued Romo, but QB chose Dallas
IRVING, Texas - Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan tried to land quarterback Tony Romo out of college, but lost out to another Eastern Illinois alumnus.
Shanahan said he offered a $20,000 signing bonus to Romo when he wasn’t drafted in 2003. The Cowboys, who had assistant head coach/quarterbacks Sean Payton, offered $10,000. Romo, Payton and Shanahan all went to Eastern Illinois. Payton is now the head coach in New Orleans.
Romo picked Dallas, and took over as the team’s starting quarterback last year.
“To show you my recruiting ability, Sean beat me and I offered twice the amount of money, so that really disappointed me at that time,” Shanahan said.
Romo said Shanahan was the reason he considered the Broncos. In 2003 the Broncos had just signed Jake Plummer and had Steve Beuerlein as a backup. Shanahan said Romo said he thought he had a better chance of making the team in Dallas, so he chose the Cowboys.
“It really came down to Denver and Dallas,” Romo said. “I think I made the right choice for right now.”
MUSTARD SWITCHES
Chad Mustard changed positions Wednesday, moving from tight end to offensive tackle. Last year Mustard practiced as a tackle during the offseason, but moved back to tight end before training camp and made the team. With more depth at tight end than offensive line, Mustard made the switch.
“I’m trying to learn,” said Mustard, who added he hasn’t played tackle for a full season since he was in high school. “They’re being patient with me.”
WARREN UPDATE
Defensive tackle Gerard Warren is being shopped in a trade but Shanahan said there was no update on Warren’s status. Warren didn’t make the trip to Dallas.
“When I know something about Gerard, I’ll let you guys know,” Shanahan told the media.
LEFT BACK
The Broncos left home a few players who won’t play in Saturday’s preseason game at Dallas.
Receiver Rod Smith (hip), guard Ben Hamilton (concussion) and offensive tackles Jacob Rogers (knee) and Ryan Harris (back) stayed in Denver to work out. Receiver Brandon Stokley (quadriceps) didn’t practice Wednesday but traveled with the team.
