Tony Romo: Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Open Contract Negotiations With Star QB

The Dallas Cowboys appear ready to make Tony Romo their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has approached the star quarterback about signing a new contract extension with the club, according to Ed Werder of ESPN. While the Cowboys would like to ensure that they keep Romo beyond 2013 when his contract expires, Werder explains that their primary motive is avoiding the massive salary cap hit that the team will take next season under the current deal when Romo's hit goes from $8 million to $16 million.

A contract extension would most likely see that $16 million be disbursed so that the Cowboys have more cap flexibility in the near future.

Romo is reportedly not looking to sign a new deal right away, despite preliminary extension negotiations, because he feels that the Cowboys have the potential to win beyond the regular season this year, which could make him more valuable in future negotiations.

At 32, Romo is playing some of the best football we've seen from him, as he torched the Giants in the season opener for over 300 yards and three touchdowns while completing over 75 percent of his passes.

Last season, Romo set a career high with a 102.5 passer rating as he threw for over 4,000 yards.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for the latest news as contract negotiations between the two parties progress.