Okay, I've written around 250 articles on the looming free agencies of Dallas Cowboys stars Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. At this point, I just want Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to commit one way or the other on their futures so we can all just move on from this story. But, in typical Jerry Jones fashion, that is never going to happen.
The latest development in the cash-strapped Cowboys master plan to retain two of their offensive studs lays in quarterback Tony Romo's contract. Shall we dive in for a closer look?
Romo is set to earn $17 million in 2015 with a cap number of $27.7 million (yikes). Such a high number just screams RESTRUCTURE in order to clear enough cap space to ink both Bryant and Murray. Of course, such a move would just delay Romo's financial compensation to a later year and Dallas has already pulled such a trick with his contract once before. But none of that logic and reasoning seems to be deterring the ever-optimistic Jones from doing it anyway.
"In an effort to create more salary cap space, the Cowboys are expected to restructure Tony Romo's contract at some point this offseason," Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram wrote. "That's how the Cowboys designed their six-year, $108 million contract for Romo two years ago, a deal that has $55 million guaranteed. Essentially, the Cowboys will convert his base salary into a signing bonus to create cap room."
Davison goes on to add that a similar move may be in line for left tackle Tyron Smith's deal, which has a cap hit upwards of $13 million in 2015. Yay for fiscal irresponsibility!
Look, I get it, Cowboys fans. You just enjoyed your first winning season since 2009. You won a playoff game (on a blown call, but still). You want to keep this 12-4 squad together. But like Anakin Skywalker, your judgment is clouded.
Is it really worth the continued financial constraints your team will face to re-sign Murray, an injury-prone running (the league's most replaceable position) coming off a season in which he approach 450 total touches? You guys saw your defense this season; it is in need of some major upgrades. Offering Murray a mega deal would prevent Dallas from improving on that side of the ball.
I'm not saying you should let either player walk without a fight. I just think of the two, Bryant is more valuable long-term. If Murray will take a hometown discount (unlikely) then I'll fetch you the contract hot off the printer. Otherwise, the team would be best served by avoiding several cap-clogging maneuvers.
