Dallas Cowboys Cannot Use Franchise Tag On Tony Romo

Dec 2, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) smiles prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys want to get a contract extension done with quarterback Tony Romo for two reasons. First, to secure his future at a reasonable price instead of being forced to compete in the free agent market for him. Second, to bring some cap relief this season to the Dallas Cowboys.

But there is an interesting extra motivator in this situation. According to Ed Werder of ESPN:

"“Cowboys agreed to clause preventing Tony Romo from being franchise tagged if he plays out contract. But it will not factor”"

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com did some thorough reading of the contract and explained why Tony Romo would become a free agent.

"“Here’s why Romo would become a free agent: He technically has three years left on his current contract. Based on paragraphs 27 and 28 of the deal, however, the final two years of Romo’s contract void with no action necessary from either party if he’s on the Cowboys’ roster by the end of the 2013 league year. So, if Romo still is on the roster at that time, he’s a free agent.”"

That’s usually when a team would apply the franchise tag, to keep a player off the free agent market. Having agreed to a clause, per Ed Werder, will prevent them from doing that. But Rapoport points out that the contract voiding would happen after the franchise tag deadline anyways.

"“Yet all of that occurs after the franchise-tag window has closed. So the Cowboys could not use their tag on Romo.”"

Fortunately, Dallas is already motivated to get a deal done soon.