Tony Romo became the highest paid player in Dallas Cowboys history Friday, according to ESPN.
The contract gives the Cowboys franchise quarterback an extension worth $108 million over six years. In comparison to the six year, $120.6 million deal Super Bowl MVP quarterback Joe Flacco just signed, Romo is guaranteed more money. Romo will receive $55 million in guaranteed money while, Flacco will receive $52 million in guaranteed money.
The deal between Romo and the Cowboys is the fourth he's signed since joining the team in 2003. Before the blockbuster deal, Romo was set to earn a base salary of $11.5 million in 2013. It would have been the last year of his contract.
Critics question whether Romo deserves such a huge pay day. At 32-year old, Romo holds a few records in Cowboys history. He has the most touchdown passes in the franchise’s history at 174. He also holds the team record for most passing yards and touchdown passes in a season.
But when it comes to the post season, Romo is not on the level of his current quarterbacks. Compared to Cowboy legends Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, who have five Super Bowl rings between them, Romo has only one playoff win.
Despite the criticism, both Romo and Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is sticking together.
"Stay tuned. He is going to have high expectations," he said in March at the NFL scouting combine. "I expect him to be used. We didn't extend Troy Aikman although Troy had won three Super Bowls. We didn't make the financial commitment to Troy not to have Troy be a critical, if not the critical, part of what our team was about and our ability to move the ball. That is going to be the kind of emphasis we have with Romo. He is not going to be paid to be a bus driver."
