Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs with the ball against New Orleans Saints cornerback Elbert Mack (44) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Many NFL running backs are less than excited about the new helmet rule in the upcoming 2013 season. Some have said that it’s hard to change their running style, others have said that they won’t change. Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is of the latter group.

“I’m not changing my running style,” Murray told the San Antonio Express-News. “If I get fined, hopefully Romo will take care of the first couple for me. I’m doing it for him.

His quarterback Tony Romo signed a new six-year $108 million dollar contract this offseason. He certainly could afford to pay some fines if DeMarco Murray is helping Romo lead the Cowboys offense to the playoffs, but that 15 yard penalty would offset any help. Unfortunately for Murray, it is against the rules for players to pay teammates fines.

The Cowboys have struggled to find a running back to replace Emmitt Smith almost as much, if not more so, than finding a quarterback to replace Troy Aikman. DeMarco Murray seems to be the man to carry the load though he has battled injuries. And while this rule is designed to protect the defender it is also designed to protect the runner.

“We’ve talked about it. We are going to have a plan to try to get better than that. He’s explosive enough that he can freeze people’s feet and get away from them and do the things he needs to do to gain more yards,” Cowboys running back coach Gary Brown said. “What is going to happen is he’s going to be better because he will be able to see. He will have to keep his eyes up, his head up. . . . We want them to be safe. We want them after their careers are done to be able to play with their children and things like that. So it is a bigger picture. It’s for their future. . . . If you keep your head up, you can see what’s going on. If you drop your head . . . you are going to break your neck eventually.”

Sep 26, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) celebrates with linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Redskins 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys fans are divided about Tony Romo and his role as quarterback. Some blame him for the woes of the franchise with his interceptions and turn overs. Other’s find faults elsewhere within the organization whether it’s the offensive line, or Jerry “General Manager” Jones.

But nevertheless GM Jerry Jones gave Romo a new 6 year $108 million dollar contract. Some fans, most fans maybe, groaned with frustration. He got more guaranteed money than every player in NFL history, except for one: Tom Brady, 3 time Super Bowl Champion.

The Cowboys have a defensive leader in DeMarcus Ware, one of the best, if not the best, playing his position in the NFL.

“I feel like everybody is deserving to whatever is given to him, but at the end of the day, to me it’s put up or shut up,” Ware said, via the Dallas Morning News. “I’m just being straight-up honest with you. Get out there and be productive, and that’s with any player. Whatever they get, they’re deserving of it. You just got to get out there and play and I know he can be and will be the quarterback that is going to be the quarterback that is going to take us to the next level.”

Ware said all of this on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Thursday. He maintains his support oddly at the end, but still tells him it’s time. DeMarcus Ware has had his leadership questioned just like Tony Romo. He has been accused of being to quiet and not vocal enough. Maybe this is him expanding his role as a leader, maybe he is fed up.

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws in the pocket against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Being perhaps the quietest free agency period in recent memory for the Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones has made it clear who his QB will be long-term. And that QB, ladies and gentlemen, will be none other than Tony Romo. Both sides have agreed on a 6-year extension that will be worth a maximum of $108 million, with $55 million of which is guaranteed. This deal is the single richest contract ever signed by a member of the Dallas Cowboys. One significant feature of this contract, is the amount of money he will earn through the first 3 years. As Albert Breer explains:

One significant number on Romo’s six-year, $108M extension — $57 million due over its first three years (2013-15).

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 29, 2013

But, perhaps the biggest factor in this land-breaking deal, is he will earn more guaranteed money than reigning Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Currently, Joe Flacco’s latest deal includes $52 million in guaranteed salary through the entirety of his contract. Tony Romo, on the other hand, will earn at least $55 million in guaranteed salary. Tony Romo, at this point in his career, has exactly 1 win in 5 post-season appearances. Not only does this outrageous deal come as a complete surprise to many people around the NFL, but it could have an enormous on the on-going negotiations between the Green Bay Packers and their elite QB in Aaron Rodgers. Since the past 2 major QB contracts have both went over $50 million in guaranteed monies, it opens the door to a possibility Aaron Rodgers could earn up to $60 million in guaranteed money.  Outside from the outlandish amount Tony Romo is guaranteed, there is a positive aspect to this contract.

As Ed Werder described in the video provided with the link earlier, Jerry Jones wanted to ensure Tony Romo will retire as a Dallas Cowboy. A 6-year extension makes that a real possibility now. Also, in a rather strange twist, this huge deal will in fact save them money, as it ultimately reduces Tony Romo’s cap hit on the team’s salary cap. Prior to this move, the Cowboys signed LB Justin Durant to a 2-year deal worth $4.4 million, and have an agreement in place with former Steelers’ Safety Will Allen. They were already tight against the cap thanks to the sanctions imposed by the NFL, so creating cap space was an absolute must in order to make those signings, and any further additions possible. Now, the Cowboys are able to make more roster moves thanks to this history making deal.

What’s next for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys? Who knows,

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.

Oct 14, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) gets tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback Michael Huff (24) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have been very small players in free agency due to their lack of cap space. They fortunately agreed to terms with linebacker Justin Durant who is willing to wait while the figure it out, most likely with an extension of Tony Romo’s contract that lowers his cap hit.

But while Michael Huff had a “nice visit” with the Dallas Cowboys, he isn’t necessarily willing to wait for the caps to sort out their salary cap mess. This could imply that he has another offer on the table presently. The other team might rescind their offer leaving Huff in a bad spot.

The Dallas Cowboys though have been focusing on their secondary lately drafting LSU corner back Morris Claiborne and signing Brandon Carr. They released safety Gerald Sensabaugh though and need to fill a hole at the safety position. If they were to sign Huff it would address a need and allow them to focus on drafting interior line help in April’s draft.

That puts a lot of pressure on the Dallas Cowboys to iron out a deal with Tony Romo. A situation that could ultimately benefit Tony Romo and gives him the leverage.

Michael Huff said he’s not sure if he can wait on Dallas to get their salary cap situation straight.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 26, 2013

“I think, first and foremost, his expectations for himself are so much higher than anybody else,” Jason Witten said about Romo, via Sports Radio Interviews. “And when you don’t compete for a championship, especially in Dallas, you have one playoff win, the criticism’s gonna come.”

“But he embraces that. He doesn’t run from it. … I think Tony understands that he’s an elite quarterback that can do the same things. Not every quarterback can compete and lead their team to a championship; I think Tony can. He understands that. … I think he’s our leader and the guy that can do it for us, it’s just putting in the body of work. And you gotta have some breaks along the way, just like we saw Baltimore get some of those as well.”

Dallas fans have a lofty expectation for their team every year despite their mediocre performance and lack of post season success since the mid 90s. Until 1999, Dallas was strictly a football town. But the Stars have won a Stanley Cup in 1999, appeared in the Finals the next year. The Dallas Mavericks have been a perennial playoff team for over a decade, playing in two finals and winning one championship. And the Texas Rangers, the lowliest of DFW sports teams have won to American League pennants and played in two World Series.

But Dallas still loves their Cowboys and there is always the pressure of playing in the fish bowl that is Jerry World, aka Cowboys Stadium.

“It’s tough. I think it comes with the territory,” Witten said. “Winning can be great, and then the last two years not making the playoffs, it’s just tough. And it’s a tough market to play in, but all in all, you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

But that pressure shouldn’t deter people from playing for Dallas.

“That’s where you want to be and I’ve been fortunate to have been there the last 10 years. It’s a great organization and a lot of ways you feel like you’re close. We’ve had a chance to play for a division championship two years in a row and we came up short. So we gotta fix that, but I think we’ve got a good chance with a great quarterback, Tony, leading the way. A lot of talented players, we’ve just gotta come together just like we saw Baltimore and the way it came together for them.”

Dec 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) talks with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) after the game at FedEX Field. The Redskins won 28 – 18. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA Today Sports

The Dallas Cowboys need to get Tony Romo to sign an extension for several reasons. First, to lock up the most reliable starting quarterback they’ve had since Troy Aikman. Second, for the much needed cap relief. The Cowboys are barely under the cap.

“There’s never really a start or stop time with Tony,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said, via ESPN Dallas. “I do think it will get done.”

If they don’t get an extension done, they could be forced  into a bidding war with the rest of the league in free agency. But the main reason to hammer out a negotiation right now is the cap relief, and that is why the Cowboys are currently negotiating with Anthony Spencer, the recipient of the Cowboys franchise tag.

The Cowboys haven’t been players at all in free agency mainly due to the lack of available funds, but that necessarily wasn’t the plan.

“We were never going to be big players in free agency this year,” Jones said. “We played there last year, and we felt like we did some good things, and we’ve got to see what the end results are. A big focus for us is on this draft. We need to draft well.”

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys want to get a deal done with Tony Romo to lower his cap hit in the 2013 season and solidify the quarterback position on the depth chart. Tony Romo wants to get a deal done to get paid. And Romo has been waiting for a domino fan to give him some leverage.

“You could say everybody is waiting for the next contract to be the market setter,” Jerry Jones told reporters during the NFL combine, via Matt Mosley of FOX Sports. “That is fair to say, but everybody also realizes that every team has got the same kind of deadlines and same kinds of issues regarding room. Some more, some less. But the big paid quarterbacks always create team cap issues, so are they waiting to see what one does because that helps their number?”

So know that Joe Flacco has signed a huge $120+ million deal, Romo knows what he can ask for.  And Mosley has an estimate:

“When you consider that Flacco received $52 million in guaranteed money in his new contract, I think Romo will be looking for somewhere in the $40-45 million range. No, I’m completely serious.”

“The Cowboys will give Romo a large signing bonus in order to free up salary cap space.”

Joe Flacco has one won Super Bowl and appeared in back to back AFC Championship games and Dallas with Romo has won 1 playoff game. It’s hard to think that Romo could command so much money but given quarterback talent he’d make it on the free market from a team desperate to upgrade their quarterback position.

Plus the Cowboys are motivated by the turmoil the experienced at the position in the era between Troy Aikman and Tony Romo when they resembled last season’s Arizona Cardinals giving anyone and everyone a shot.

Nov 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Troy Aikman (R) talks with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) during warmups prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has always been a supporter of current quarterback Tony Romo. He’s called him a better quarterback than he was, and said the Cowboys faithful have it good with Romo.

And the Dallas Morning News asked Troy Aikman about the Cowboys needs and what should be addressed in the upcoming NFL draft.

“They have to shore up the offensive line,” Aikman said. ”You can’t have a quarterback hit as much as Tony is.”

And recently we saw Brandon Carr say that the team was willing to restructure deals to bring in players to help Dallas chase that elusive playoff first round loss. Though he says they’re eyeing the Super Bowl.

But while Brandon Carr said that made him a “team player” Troy Aikman wanted to clarify that notion.

“You have to restructure these deals and free up some money,” Aikman said. “I think the thing that the fan doesn’t know is that the player is not giving up any money. Tom Brady didn’t give up any money when gave up his deal. He just made it a little bit more cap friendly. It’s important, you have to be able to do that, but it’s important then for the clubs to pick the right guys to do that with because it does add years to those contracts.”

Feb. 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA: Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (right) walks the red carpet with wife Michelle Witten prior to the Super Bowl XLVII NFL Honors award show at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys, like many NFL franchises, are trying to restructure contracts to get under the salary cap. They restructured their deal with DeMarcus Ware earlier today to clear up space and now have restructured deals with Jason Witten and guard Nate Livings.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter sent out this tweet earlier today:

Dallas restructured contract of DE DeMarcus Ware, converting $5 million of his base salary into signing bonus, saving $4 million against cap

Todd Archer tweeted out the following piece of news:

Filed to @ESPNDallas - Jason Witten, Nate Livings also restructure deals. Witten moves saves about $3.65m

Adam Schefter also says the Cowboys aren’t done.

Now that they’ve restructured DeMarcus Ware’s contract, Cowboys plan to restructure contracts of about a dozen more players by March 12.

The Cowboys are trying to get Tony Romo to sign a contract extension that would lower his hit against the salary cap. Though there hasn’t been any progress in negotiations apparently.

Ian Rapoport tweeted and Rotoworld said expect: “the Cowboys to approach RT Doug Free, CB Brandon Carr, LG Nate Livings, Kyle Orton and CB Orlando Scandrick if they can’t reduce Romo’s $16.8 million cap number before March 12. The sides don’t appear to be making much progress on an extension.”