Dallas Cowboys: Don’t Expect a Trade for Tony Romo
With all the talk surrounding what will happen with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, no one should expect a trade.
One of the most common sayings in the NFL is that it is a business. Tony Romo has said it several times in his career, but this offseason could be more poignant than ever for Romo.
It is no secret that Tony Romo wants to start and it’s hard to believe the Dallas Cowboys keep his huge contract as a back-up. However, while a lot of people are hoping for a huge trade for Romo, people should temper those expectations as the Cowboys may get nothing for Romo in the end.
First, Romo has a huge contract. If a trade were to take place, it would mean that another team is willing to take on the current contract or be willing to renegotiate after a trade. Neither seems like a likely scenario as the money should make a lot of teams shy away if they know the Cowboys might release him anyway.
Secondly, if the Dallas Cowboys do release Romo, they will save $5.1 million dollars toward the 2017 salary cap. All of his $10.7 million for this season, $5.7 million for next season, and $3.2 million for 2019 all will hit this season. If that happens, the Cowboys will save $5.1 million.
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A pre-June 1st release basically would mean that the Cowboys won’t save much this season. However they could see a return over time. A post June 1st release would spread the dead money over two seasons.
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Again, it is in the best interest of the Cowboys to release Romo if they can’t get a trade done quickly. Which means again, teams could wait for the Cowboys to make this move rather than trade for him.
Lastly, it is highly unlikely a lot of teams would be in a rush to sign a 37-year-old quarterback with a history of back injuries. Sure, Romo has a ton of experience, and if healthy, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
But health over the last few seasons has been a question mark at best.
This again leaves teams in a wait and see pattern. Again, meaning the likelihood of the Cowboys finding a trade partner will be difficult at best.
Where the Dallas Cowboys could find a glimmer of hope on the trade front is through the draft. If the rookie class proves to be very weak, which looks probable, someone may be willing to trade. If this holds steady and a team like the Browns are willing to wheel and deal, then the Cowboys could benefit from a desperate move.
There are a few teams looking for starting quarterbacks, so a very weak class helps the Cowboys in this case.
Ultimately the Cowboys are not in a strong position to get a trade for Romo. There is still a long way to go this offseason, and the combine could help paint a picture. While it is doubtful the Cowboys keep Romo; they could try to restructure with him and patiently wait for a trade partner.
Romo has a lot of power right now in this situation if the Cowboys want to save money. However, if the Cowboys want, they can hold Romo and have the best backup in the league. Although, this is doubtful.
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There is a long way to go and no clear answer yet. However, everyone must understand trading Romo isn’t as easy as many like to think. The Cowboys have to find a partner, and even if they find one they have to feel like they are getting something in return. Jerry Jones is unpredictable, however, it is his unpredictability which makes this situation so hard to predict. Just remember the Cowboys could get nothing, or they could get a lot.