Sorting through options for Cowboys, Tony Romo

Skip Bayless says not to write off Tony Romo as the Dallas Cowboys QB yet | UNDISPUTED

FRISCO, Texas -- For the purposes of this conversation, let"s assume quarterback Dak Prescott starts the remainder of the season, performs well and the Dallas Cowboys make a playoff run -- if not finish with a Super Bowl victory.

What happens to former starter Tony Romo in 2017?

Romo is signed through 2019 and has base salaries of $14.5 million, $19.5 million and $20.5 million remaining on his deal with cap figures of $24.7 million, $25.2 million and $23.7 million.

Here is a look at the options:

Same as it ever was: The Cowboys don"t have to do anything. Prescott"s rookie contract helps them absorb Romo"s cap figure in 2017, even if they want him as a backup. But that is not really practical, considering the decisions the Cowboys will have to make in terms of trying to sign Zack Martin to perhaps the largest contract in the NFL for a guard, keep Ronald Leary or add pieces to the defense in the offseason.

The Cowboys could ask Romo to take a paycut, but they should have too much respect for Romo to do that. They did not make an offer to DeMarcus Ware two years ago before releasing him for fear of insulting him and his legacy. They wouldn"t do that to Romo, either.

Splitting up: Considering all of the photo alterations going on, the biggest assumption is that Romo will be in another jersey in 2017.

If the Cowboys simply release Romo once the season ends, they would save $5.1 million in 2017 cap space but he would still count $19.6 million against the cap. That"s a lot of dead money, but the Cowboys might believe ripping the Band-Aid off in one motion is the best way to handle their cap.

The Cowboys could save more cap room by designating him a post-June 1 cut, which would save them $14 million in 2017. He would count $10.7 million against the cap in 2017 and $8.9 million against the cap in 2018. The cap credit, however, does not come until June 1, 2017, so they would not see the benefit of the extra space in free agency. Some of that money could go to signing their draft picks next year and be carried over to the 2018 cap for extra space.

Reworking for a win/win: Based on Romo"s talk Tuesday, there is no doubt he wants to continue to play. It would have to be the right situation. Sorry, Cleveland, he would not go to the Browns. He would be interested in winning a Super Bowl with a team ready to contend.

The Cowboys could trade him anywhere they want, but Romo would ultimately hold the final decision. He could simply say he is retiring, which would void a trade to a place he doesn"t want to go. Considering the close relationship Romo and owner and general manager Jerry Jones have, the Cowboys would not deal Romo to just any team. They should ask him which teams he would be amenable to playing and go from there.

Whether a player is traded or cut, the cap effect is the same. It is possible Romo and the Cowboys could agree to a reworked deal by the end of this season that could lessen the team"s cap requirements and make it easier for them to make a trade next March. It is possible they could do the same if Romo has a change of heart and intends to retire after this season.

Romo and the Cowboys will have options. They have worked together on four contracts worth more than $180 million and $87 million guaranteed since he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

If they need or want to, both sides will figure out another agreement to make both parties happy.

Source: http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cowboys/post/_/id/4755774/sorting-through-options-for-cowboys-tony-romo