Sep 5, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Fresh off their shocking victory at the New Meadowlands against division rivals and world champion New York Giants the Cowboys are looking to extend Tony Romo’s contract. Jerry Jones as informed Tony Romo that the Cowboys are looking to resign him and even began an open dialogue with the franchise player.
But as typical of the Cowboys or Jerry Jones as this might seem, to sign a player after a singular superb performance there are other factors possibly motivating them. Tony Romo is slated to count $16 million against the cap next season and the 2013 season is the last under his current deal. To compare, Romo only counts $8 million against the cap this season.
This most likely will be Tony Romo’s last “big contract” of his career since signing a 6 year $67.5 million deal in 2007. Interestingly enough that deal came in the middle of the season, signing it on October 29th.
Romo has declined any rush to sign a deal. Maybe it’s the new maturity and leadership he’s been displaying since off season workouts began. Sources according to ESPN though are hinting that Tony Romo is confident that the Cowboys can be playoff contenders and even capable of “winning into the postseason.” And that by waiting till after the season he can give himself more leverage in negotiations after a successful post season.
That’s putting your money where your mouth is.
While some players make guarantees or bold predictions Tony Romo, who has a reputation as a gun slinger and someone who gambles at times with his unconventional style of play that can be big failures or have big rewards, is gambling with his own money.
Jerry Jones would be easy prey right now and it’d be very easy to take the big contract he’s offering and go underway. Even keeping in mind the possibility of being injured this season as well. But Tony Romo believes in his team and is gambling with his wallet essentially and letting his big contract all ride on this season’s performance.
And I think that makes the Cowboys, and Romo, a team to watch.