The true gravity of the Romo dilemma

[erod]

John Stephen Jones won a state championship this year as quarterback of the Highland Park Scots. He did it donning the #9 on his jersey, right in front of his grandfather and dad, who by the way, happen to own the Dallas Cowboys.

He also played many games with none other than Tony Romo in the bleachers looking on. Perhaps the lad chose his jersey number in honor of Romo, who is more than just a family friend and top producer for the family business. Romo took a keen, vested interest. He's mentored John Stephen throughout his high school journey.

In fact, the young Jones isn't the only QB Romo has offered to raise for the Jones family. He's stated publicly that if Jones would find the right young QB for the Cowboys, he'll get him ready to take over when he retires, and he began just that when young Dak Prescott arrived.

Romo quickly forged a friendship with the likable and proper young rookie last spring. The promise was evident right away, and Prescott proved an eager listener and worker from the get go. Romo knew this was no waste of time. Dak had the goods and was worth another investment.

Then, Seattle happened, Zeke exploded, wins began to pile up, and here we are. Prescott cemented himself as the future hope, and Romo finds himself suddenly in limbo. Speculation runs amok.

However, it's so much more complicated than that. Romo is not the typical trade commodity. Cowboys fans - me included - failed to initially consider all the mechanics in play. We've gotten way ahead of ourselves, throwing out random teams that "might" need a quarterback and dreaming of first-round draft picks and premier players in return.

Unless all interests align just right, I don't think football logic will play into this at all. It's too personal.

Tony Romo will make this decision, not the Cowboys. He's not just a quarterback to Jerry, he's his third son. He's his grandson's mentor and confidante. He means everything to the Joneses. Shoot, he's probably in the dadgum will.

Jerry feels a deep guilt when it comes to Tony, I have no doubt. He knows he hung him out to dry for too long. He knows Romo covered up Jerry's goofs and gaffes for years with his Jedi magic on 4-12 jalopy rosters. Jerry made colossal mistakes by the bushel. Tony bore the brunt.

So now, here we are. I believe Jerry desperately wants Romo to stay on and let it all play out. Romo will be hard to convince to go along with that plan, his eyes wandering for opportunities to win a championship before his NFL days are done.

Jerry knows he owes him. He doesn't quite know what to do. But I'm sure of this, whatever happens will be based on what Tony wants, not what's most beneficial to the Cowboys or what will make us happy.

Wherever Tony is, John Stephen Jones will still only be a phone call away. This is only football, and family trumps all.

 

[Verdict]

I am not saying that there isn't an element of truth to what you are saying or that the emotional side of this will be or should be ignored completely. That is one of the reasons that Romo might be a $14 Million Dollar clip board holder.


Having said that, Romo is an asset of the tallest order. I believe Romo is still a much better QB than Dak (except possibly at preventing INTS) and has the ability to be a game changer, potentially to our detriment if we trade him.

I think Jerry will try to get Romo to take a pay cut and stay on here with a gentlemans agreement that if he stays for the pay cut now that he will keep him as a coach and over pay him later on and Romo will get paid either way.

I do not believe that Jerry will want to watch Romo win a ring for someone else without serious compensation to us in the form of draft picks. That would be too much for Jerry to carry.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Hillarious.

Jones need not feel any guilt towards Romo. Coaches have come and gone. Players have come and gone. Thanks to Jerry Romo won the lottery. Heck he made more last year than most people make in their entire lives and played one drive. This year he will make a ton of money regardless of what happens. Not bad for a UDFA from a small school in Illinois. This is a business and if Jerry just cuts him and gets nothing in return because that is what Romo wants, he is an idiot. The guy will cost us a significant portion of our cap. Why should Jerry pay him to play for someone else and receive nothing in return? I find this line of thinking just ridiculous.

 

[Reality]

Everyone thinking Jerry's going to hold out for some great trade for Romo just doesn't get it. Look no further than Emmitt Smith and Demarcus Ware. Both of those players were released by the Cowboys when they could have gotten something for them in trade. We're not talking first round picks at that point in their career but they would have definitely gotten something in return.

Jerry is loyal to a fault, and while some may hate that about him, I respect it because I respect loyalty. If Romo decides he wants to play somewhere else, and I really believe that he's already decided that, Jerry will let him talk with other teams until he finds the best spot for him to have a chance at a Super Bowl.

Once Romo finds that team and the team wants to sign him, Jerry will probably trade Romo for a late round pick with a conditional high round pick thrown in based on how Romo plays next season. That way, at worst the Cowboys get something, even a low round pick, in return for the cap hit and if Romo goes to his new team and plays the entire season and plays well, the Cowboys will get an even better pick in return.

Either that, or I could see Jerry just outright releasing Romo like he did for Emmitt and Demarcus. I personally think he will release Romo, but either way, he will not stand in the way of letting Romo have a chance at success elsewhere.

Like Emmitt and Demarcus, Jerry's not going to stand in their way after all they have done and all the money they have generated for the Cowboys. He knows that no matter where Romo goes or what he does elsewhere, Romo will always be a Dallas Cowboy and he will return to the fold when his career is over. Romo has a bright post-football career either in broadcasting or coaching. I suspect in a few years, we'll be quite used to seeing and hearing him called "Coach Romo".

Personally, I will be rooting for Romo to win every week with his new team as long as they are not playing the Cowboys of course. He's been a great player and wonderful person to have representing the Cowboys for the last 10 years and I wish him nothing but the best. He deserved more than he got here, both on the field and from some fans, and he deserves a chance to have success elsewhere like Ware had in Denver.

 

[SDCowboy]

While a well thought out post, erod, I feel you're overthinking it a bit. I'm sure they want to do right by Tony (and likely will), but it shouldn't be the end all. Tony has been beyond well compensated and treated in his time here. At the end of the day, the team needs to come first.

 

[dragon_mikal]

Hillarious.

Jones need not feel any guilt towards Romo. Coaches have come and gone. Players have come and gone. Thanks to Jerry Romo won the lottery. Heck he made more last year than most people make in their entire lives and played one drive. This year he will make a ton of money regardless of what happens. Not bad for a UDFA from a small school in Illinois. This is a business and if Jerry just cuts him and gets nothing in return because that is what Romo wants, he is an idiot. The guy will cost us a significant portion of our cap. Why should Jerry pay him to play for someone else and receive nothing in return? I find this line of thinking just ridiculous.

Yet he's done it before with a future HoFer.

 

[Clove]

Jerry is a doofus, sick of hearing his name. Wake me up when he's either sold the team or turned it over to Stephen.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Yet he's done it before with a future HoFer.

Yes and I am sure Denver appreciates getting Ware and winning a Super Bowl while we went years without a legitimate pass rush. BTW the whole reason we couldn't afford to keep Ware was because we were overpaying our QB.

 

[dragon_mikal]

Yes and I am sure Denver appreciates getting Ware and winning a Super Bowl while we went years without a legitimate pass rush. BTW the whole reason we couldn't afford to keep Ware was because we were overpaying our QB.

I hear you just pointing out it's entirely possible he'll do it again.

 

[LandryFan]

Hillarious.

Jones need not feel any guilt towards Romo. Coaches have come and gone. Players have come and gone. Thanks to Jerry Romo won the lottery. Heck he made more last year than most people make in their entire lives and played one drive. This year he will make a ton of money regardless of what happens. Not bad for a UDFA from a small school in Illinois. This is a business and if Jerry just cuts him and gets nothing in return because that is what Romo wants, he is an idiot. The guy will cost us a significant portion of our cap. Why should Jerry pay him to play for someone else and receive nothing in return? I find this line of thinking just ridiculous.

You're removing the human element from this. JJ won't. That's just not who he is, like it or not.
When it comes to Romo's salary, the money he has received has only been for the years he has actually played for the Cowboys. If he's cut or traded, his new team will pick up his salary from that point forward, not JJ. The team will, however, take a cap hit whether he's cut or traded.
Bottom line, I think JJ will attempt to trade Tony...he would certainly like to get something for him, but will only deal with teams for which Tony would play. If that doesn't bear any fruit, he will do what, in his mind, is best for Tony and release him. JMO, of course.

 

[erod]

While a well thought out post, erod, I feel you're overthinking it a bit. I'm sure they want to do right by Tony (and likely will), but it shouldn't be the end all. Tony has been beyond well compensated and treated in his time here. At the end of the day, the team needs to come first.

We focus too much on compensation. In Jerry's world, Romo's salary is chicken scratch, especially considering Romo's position.

 

[erod]

Hillarious.

Jones need not feel any guilt towards Romo. Coaches have come and gone. Players have come and gone. Thanks to Jerry Romo won the lottery. Heck he made more last year than most people make in their entire lives and played one drive. This year he will make a ton of money regardless of what happens. Not bad for a UDFA from a small school in Illinois. This is a business and if Jerry just cuts him and gets nothing in return because that is what Romo wants, he is an idiot. The guy will cost us a significant portion of our cap. Why should Jerry pay him to play for someone else and receive nothing in return? I find this line of thinking just ridiculous.

1000 percent wrong.

 

[LandryFan]

Everyone thinking Jerry's going to hold out for some great trade for Romo just doesn't get it. Look no further than Emmitt Smith and Demarcus Ware. Both of those players were released by the Cowboys when they could have gotten something for them in trade. We're not talking first round picks at that point in their career but they would have definitely gotten something in return.

Jerry is loyal to a fault, and while some may hate that about him, I respect it because I respect loyalty. If Romo decides he wants to play somewhere else, and I really believe that he's already decided that, Jerry will let him talk with other teams until he finds the best spot for him to have a chance at a Super Bowl.

Once Romo finds that team and the team wants to sign him, Jerry will probably trade Romo for a late round pick with a conditional high round pick thrown in based on how Romo plays next season. That way, at worst the Cowboys get something, even a low round pick, in return for the cap hit and if Romo goes to his new team and plays the entire season and plays well, the Cowboys will get an even better pick in return.

Either that, or I could see Jerry just outright releasing Romo like he did for Emmitt and Demarcus. I personally think he will release Romo, but either way, he will not stand in the way of letting Romo have a chance at success elsewhere.

Like Emmitt and Demarcus, Jerry's not going to stand in their way after all they have done and all the money they have generated for the Cowboys. He knows that no matter where Romo goes or what he does elsewhere, Romo will always be a Dallas Cowboy and he will return to the fold when his career is over. Romo has a bright post-football career either in broadcasting or coaching. I suspect in a few years, we'll be quite used to seeing and hearing him called "Coach Romo".

Personally, I will be rooting for Romo to win every week with his new team as long as they are not playing the Cowboys of course. He's been a great player and wonderful person to have representing the Cowboys for the last 10 years and I wish him nothing but the best. He deserved more than he got here, both on the field and from some fans, and he deserves a chance to have success elsewhere like Ware had in Denver.

I attempted to gives this numerous "likes", but every time I hit the "like" button it toggled back and forth between "like" and "unlike"...

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

So to sum up your last two threads, the team sucks because the league sucks and Dallas will get nothing for Romo because he watched a high school football game.

 

[LandryFan]

We focus too much on compensation. In Jerry's world, Romo's salary is chicken scratch, especially considering Romo's position.

Yep. And as another poster pointed out, Romo has generated LOTS of money for JJ, so it isn't just a one-way street when it comes to $$. In fact, I'm pretty sure JJ has made out very well in the deal, overall.

 

[erod]

Yep. And as another poster pointed out, Romo has generated LOTS of money for JJ, so it isn't just a one-way street when it comes to $$. In fact, I'm pretty sure JJ has made out very well in the deal, overall.

Jerry's made out like a bandit on that deal.

 

[Thomas82]

John Stephen Jones won a state championship this year as quarterback of the Highland Park Scots. He did it donning the #9 on his jersey, right in front of his grandfather and dad, who by the way, happen to own the Dallas Cowboys.

He also played many games with none other than Tony Romo in the bleachers looking on. Perhaps the lad chose his jersey number in honor of Romo, who is more than just a family friend and top producer for the family business. Romo took a keen, vested interest. He's mentored John Stephen throughout his high school journey.

In fact, the young Jones isn't the only QB Romo has offered to raise for the Jones family. He's stated publicly that if Jones would find the right young QB for the Cowboys, he'll get him ready to take over when he retires, and he began just that when young Dak Prescott arrived.

Romo quickly forged a friendship with the likable and proper young rookie last spring. The promise was evident right away, and Prescott proved an eager listener and worker from the get go. Romo knew this was no waste of time. Dak had the goods and was worth another investment.

Then, Seattle happened, Zeke exploded, wins began to pile up, and here we are. Prescott cemented himself as the future hope, and Romo finds himself suddenly in limbo. Speculation runs amok.

However, it's so much more complicated than that. Romo is not the typical trade commodity. Cowboys fans - me included - failed to initially consider all the mechanics in play. We've gotten way ahead of ourselves, throwing out random teams that "might" need a quarterback and dreaming of first-round draft picks and premier players in return.

Unless all interests align just right, I don't think football logic will play into this at all. It's too personal.

Tony Romo will make this decision, not the Cowboys. He's not just a quarterback to Jerry, he's his third son. He's his grandson's mentor and confidante. He means everything to the Joneses. Shoot, he's probably in the dadgum will.

Jerry feels a deep guilt when it comes to Tony, I have no doubt. He knows he hung him out to dry for too long. He knows Romo covered up Jerry's goofs and gaffes for years with his Jedi magic on 4-12 jalopy rosters. Jerry made colossal mistakes by the bushel. Tony bore the brunt.

So now, here we are. I believe Jerry desperately wants Romo to stay on and let it all play out. Romo will be hard to convince to go along with that plan, his eyes wandering for opportunities to win a championship before his NFL days are done.

Jerry knows he owes him. He doesn't quite know what to do. But I'm sure of this, whatever happens will be based on what Tony wants, not what's most beneficial to the Cowboys or what will make us happy.

Wherever Tony is, John Stephen Jones will still only be a phone call away. This is only football, and family trumps all.

Very well said!! I agree with all of this.

 

[TNCowboy]

Nonsense.

I love Romo, and wish him the best. But Jones doesn't owe him anything. He's paid Romo almost $130 million, and has one playoff victory in return. Now, Jones himself is in no small part responsible for only getting one playoff win during Romo's time, but then so is Romo.

There is no dilemma. You trade him if you can. If you can't, then you cut him at the most convenient time. Romo isn't taking less $, he isn't taking a lesser role with the Cowboys. OTOH, Jones isn't paying him his $14 million salary. Neither party is wrong. It's an amicable parting that has to happen, and both parties understand it.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

Nonsense.

I love Romo, and wish him the best. But Jones doesn't owe him anything. He's paid Romo almost $130 million, and has one playoff victory in return. Now, Jones himself is in no small part responsible for only getting one playoff win during Romo's time, but then so is Romo.

There is no dilemma. You trade him if you can. If you can't, then you cut him at the most convenient time. Romo isn't taking less $, he isn't taking a lesser role with the Cowboys. OTOH, Jones isn't paying him his $14 million salary. Neither party is wrong. It's an amicable parting that has to happen, and both parties understand it.

Romo has won two playoff games.

 

[erod]

Nonsense.

I love Romo, and wish him the best. But Jones doesn't owe him anything. He's paid Romo almost $130 million, and has one playoff victory in return. Now, Jones himself is in no small part responsible for only getting one playoff win during Romo's time, but then so is Romo.

There is no dilemma. You trade him if you can. If you can't, then you cut him at the most convenient time. Romo isn't taking less $, he isn't taking a lesser role with the Cowboys. OTOH, Jones isn't paying him his $14 million salary. Neither party is wrong. It's an amicable parting that has to happen, and both parties understand it.

Jerry has made far more money off of Romo than he ever paid him.

Besides, to a multi-billionaire, Romo's salary is mere chicken scratch. Pennies in the sofa cushions.