Report: Texans expected to make Savage starting QB after Romo retires

The news that Tony Romo has opted to retire may alter the Houston Texans' plans for the 2017 season.

The Texans were believed to be the front-runners among teams interested in signing Romo upon his release from the Cowboys. Now that he will trade in his helmet for a broadcasting microphone, Houston is expected to move forward with Tom Savage as their starting quarterback, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Todd Archer report.

The Texans completed a blockbuster trade on the first day of free agency, sending their 2016 starter Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns in a salary dump. The move left Savage and Brandon Weeden as the sole passers on the Houston roster, however.

Savage replaced an ineffective Osweiler at the tail end of the regular season and led the Texans to two wins. He likely would have drawn a postseason start as well if not for a concussion suffered in Week 17.

Teammates praised Savage for his cool hand and even-keeled demeanor during his three games and two starts. He has just five games of NFL experience, however.

Weeden, who was picked up on waivers in 2015, is expected to remain the backup.

The Texans are also likely candidates to draft a quarterback in late April.