The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be looking for a new quarterback, possibly setting the succession plans into motion for the exit of Tony Romo.
Though Romo has led the Cowboys back to a title-contending team, he will turn 35 next month, and his time in the NFL will soon be nearing its end. That has team owner Jerry Jones talking about finding a new quarterback, and his eyes are set on the 2015 NFL Draft .
But with the 27th overall pick, Jones knows the Cowboys will not be finding a franchise signal caller immediately.
“We do have to look to the future relative to quarterback,” Jones said. “It’s starting a timeframe where a guy could come in and be a good backup.”
The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be moving forward with these plans. Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner reported that the Cowboys scheduled a private workout this week with Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason, who is seen as a mid-round prospect.
As NFL.com noted, Mason has some work to do before he’s an NFL starter:
“A game-managing pocket passer with arm strength that is below the desired NFL level. Must play in timing-based offense. Mason displays the football intelligence, accuracy and poise worthy of an NFL camp. Must prove his intangibles can overcome his lack of arm.”
There may be no rush, however, as Jones appears to have an old-school approach to quarterbacks. While the league has tended toward throwing rookie quarterbacks immediately into the fray, Jones is in favor of a slower approach that allows a player to mature before being thrust into a starting role.
“Look at how Romo evolved into the guy he is today,” he said. “He did a little time with the clipboard.”
It’s an approach that could work for the Dallas Cowboys. While there are some quarterbacks who have been able to start from Year One and be successful — like Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts — there are many others who appear stunted by being forced into a quick learning curve, like E.J. Manuel of the Buffalo Bills and Geno Smith of the New York Jets.
While finding a new quarterback will be a long-term approach, the Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be considering another move that would make an immediate splash. Adrian Peterson appears to be on his way out of Minnesota, and the Cowboys have lingered as a rumored destination.
[Image via Getty Images/ Tom Pennington ]