Tony Romo Signs 6-Year Extension With Dallas Cowboys
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, The Dallas Cowboys have signed quarterback Tony Romo to a six-year extension that is reportedly worth $108 million, though it doesn’t go into affect until after the upcoming season. The deal makes Romo the highest paid Cowboys player of all-time, though he has failed to lead the team past the divisional round of the NFL playoffs in his eight seasons in Dallas.
The deal comes just after Romo tied his career high by throwing 19 interceptions last season as the Cowboys failed to make the playoffs for the third straight year. Owner Jerry Jones proved Friday that he still believes in the 32-year-old out of Eastern Illinois by signing him to a blockbuster $108 million contract.
Outside of tying Drew Brees for the most picks in the NFL in 2012, Romo threw for a career-high 4,903 yards with 28 touchdowns. By signing Romo, the Cowboys have sealed up the quarterback spot for the next seven seasons and can now focus on the upcoming NFL Draft with room to spare in salary cap.
The Cowboys agreed to terms with former Detroit Lions linebacker Justin Durant earlier this week, and have also signed linebackers Victor Butler and Ernie Sims. The Cowboys have the 18th pick in the upcoming draft, and should focus their attention on pass protection and adding a few targets for Romo on the outside.
The Cowboys could go with North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper or Alabama’s Chance Warmack in the first round to add some depth to their offensive line. Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson from the University of Tennessee has also been mentioned as a possible target for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are known as “America’s team,” and some fans aren’t convinced Romo can lead Dallas to a Super Bowl. They might have a pretty good argument, as Romo has yet to come close to a championship and is only getting older. He will be 39-years-old by the end of his contract, meaning his numbers could fall off anytime within the final two or three seasons and force the Cowboys to look for a replacement while still paying him.
Is Tony Romo capable of leading the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl since 1995?
[Image via WikiMedia Commons]
