Has Tony Romo’s replacement arrived for good? Rumor has it that the Cowboy’s camp has begun to groom his replacement, and it isn’t who you might think!
Previously, the Cowboys had their sights set on Kyle Orton as Romo’s replacement, but it seems that plan might change with the recent signing of former Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden . Further fueling the fire of recent changes, a report in the Dallas Morning News, states that Kyle Orton was a no-show at the first day of the offseason training camp at Valley Ranch.
In a statement published by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News recently,
‘Kyle Orton’s absence from the first day of the offseason workout program raises a red flag for the Cowboys. The workouts are voluntary. But sources said the backup quarterback did not inform club officials that he would fail to be at Valley Ranch with the rest of his teammates on Monday. The no-show takes on more weight given Orton’s apparent flirtation with retirement this off-season and raises the question of whether this is a negotiating ploy.’
Orton’s agent David Dunn was clear in recent communications with reporters and NFL officials about his client’s intent to play in the 2014 season. Dunn has assured the camp that Orton has every intent to fulfill his contract with the Cowboys.
Fans of the Cowboys team as well as sports commentators and other industry officials question Romo’s physical health at 34 years old. He has been subject to two back surgeries over the past year and his performance as the Cowboy’s star quarterback has declined over the past few seasons. In fact, Romo’s tendency to choke when it comes to pulling off pivotal plays, has earned him quite a reputation amongst the league and with fans.
Dallas Cowboy’s head coach Jason Garrett released a statement about three weeks ago regarding Kyle Orton’s status with the team, ‘Kyle is under contract and we feel very good about him as our backup quarterback. He’s under contract. And we’re excited to get him back here in the spring.’
Orton is not technically required to show up to any practices until the team’s mandatory mini-camp which starts in June. He is currently in the final year of his three year, $3.25 million contract. Brandon Weeden was recently signed to a two year, $1.23 million contract in March.