Tony Romo’s pending retirement poses some interesting questions
By Carl Daley
Quarterback Tony Romo’s pending retirement poses some interesting questions for the Dallas Cowboys. Here are some issues the team could look to address.
Tuesday was a very emotional day for fans and those affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys as the team’s veteran quarterback Tony Romo announced his retirement.
Romo has been an incredibly valuable player for the Cowboys and should go down as one of the best quarterbacks in team history. He has been designated as a post June 1st cut, which means Dallas stands to free up a ton of salary cap space.
Now that the offseason’s biggest question has been answered, we can focus on the issues facing this team for the coming 2017-2018 season.
What will Dallas do with the savings from Romo’s retirement?
The Cowboys will free up $14 million in salary cap space which could pose some interesting questions come June 2nd. In addition to the $6 million currently available Dallas could see a total of $20 million available in cap space. While the timing may not be ideal some interesting free agents still remain.
With running backs like LeGarrette Blount, Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson, and DeAngelo Williams available, Dallas might look to land a veteran running back instead of investing a draft pick at the position. Peterson has wanted to finish his career with the Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones has shown interest in bringing in the legendary running back in the past.
Now, the Cowboys will actually have the cap space to pay Peterson a pretty reasonable salary. The same could be said for Blount and Williams, both of which could be fantastic compliments to starter Ezekiel Elliott.
There also are several veteran pass rushers the team could look to bring in such as Dwight Freeney or Mario Williams. Dallas will need to improve on generating pressure and will likely spend a couple of picks on the defensive line.
Realistically, in such a deep defensive draft, the Cowboys could select all defensive players in an effort to rebuild their struggling unit. Dallas could also use the extra space to re-sign some of their core players. Anyway you look at, the burden of Romo’s large contract has come to an end and the team can finally have some flexibility when it comes to building up the roster.
Will the Cowboys draft a quarterback?
The simple answer appears to be no. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott should get most of the offensive snaps as he is now the franchise quarterback and should only grow in his second season with the team. Plus, none of the quarterbacks in this draft class appear more appealing than getting some depth at defensive positions.
Even a wide receiver or tight end would make more sense than drafting a developmental quarterback. Realistically, the Cowboys only have three options in terms of position for their first round pick (despite the best player available mantra): safety, cornerback, and defensive end/pass rusher.
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These are positions the Cowboys should spend several picks on if they really want to balance out the roster. Wide receivers like K.D. Cannon and Dede Westbrook stand out as offensive players the Cowboys could target if they are around later in the draft. But it is likely Dallas will go all in on defensive players in the upcoming draft.