Quarterback signs six-year mega-money deal with Dallas.
Tony Romo has signed a new six-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys, thought to be worth around $108m, according to NFL.com.
The deal is said to include $55m guaranteed, $3m more than what defending Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco is reported to have received following his new deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
It is a huge commitment for the 32 year-old, who turns 33 next month, as the franchise place a great deal of faith in a 55-38 starter since 2006.
However, the Cowboys have been absent from the play-offs since 2009 having finished 8-8 the past two seasons and many experts believed that he couldn’t be the signal caller to lead them to glory.
Despite the shortcomings, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones believes otherwise as he ties down the quarterback until 2019.
Romo received a $25m signing bonus as part of the deal, and is set to earn a base salary of $11.5m for 2013. The re-worked contract will however see his cap number reduced by $5m ahead of the new season.
In his defence, heading into his 11th season, Romo has developed from being an undrafted free agent to one of the league’s most productive passers.
He has franchise records for career passing yards, touchdowns and 400-yard games, however he will ultimately be judged on his success in being able to lead the Cowboys into the play-offs and beyond.
Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback turned NFL analyst Donovan McNabb was clearly shocked by the announcement, tweeting: “Tony Romo 6 yr 55 million dollar extension. Wow really, with one playoff win. You got to be kidding me.”
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