The Dallas Cowboys are entering a tough situation when it comes to quarterback Tony Romo, as the team could lose him in free agency without coming to terms on an extension, leaving them to look at names like Matt Flynn and Carson Palmer as possible options.
According to NFL.com, the Cowboys have been working furiously to complete a contract extension with Romo, as his current contract does not allow the team to give him the franchise tag after the 2013 season. The report says that if Romo and the Cowboys can't reach an extension by the end of the season, the quarterback would become a free agent.
The report says that while Romo has three years left on his deal, some language in the contract allows the final two years of the deal to void with no penalty if he is on the roster for the team at the end of the 2013 season. That gives Romo leverage in negotiations and allows him to become a free agent if he decides to do so.
The franchise tag cannot be used by the team, so the Cowboys are in a position where they have to sign him to ensure that they can keep him. Other teams likely would bid for his services and since the Cowboys are close to the salary cap, they will need to get creative. The team has made a number of quiet moves this offseason to help free up money, but as training came and the season approaches, Romo may want to cut off talks to keep out any distractions.
Jerry Jones has deals to work out for Romo as well as Anthony Sepncer and despite reports that Romo was "hours away" from a four-year, $68 million with $30 million guaranteed contract last week, no deal has been made yet. The Cowboys know that they want to get it done, but they will need to figure out some contingency plans and that's where Palmer and Flynn could come in.
There were reports this past week that Flynn was being targeted by the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, but the Cowboys could also decide to be a player, as Flynn could serve as Romo's backup and then could possibly start if something goes wrong with his extension. Flynn could be had for a late round pick for the Seahawks, who would love to get a draft pick or two back after making the Percy Harvin deal.
Another option for the Cowboys could be Palmer if he is released. The team likely can't trade for him since his contract is for $13 million, but if Oakland decided to release him, there is a good chace he could come to the Cowboys. Palmer is reportedly upset with the Raiders and sees them as a rebuilding team.
Yahoo Sports reported that sources close to Palmer said that he would rather be a backup on a good team rather than stay in Oakland and the Cowboys could be a potential fit. The team could bring him in at a manageable number if he is released and he could serve as Romo's backup for the season and could start if the extension can't get done.
