Odds on Who'd Replace Tony Romo as Dallas Cowboys Starting QB in 2013

With a loss to the 7-0 Atlanta Falcons on the Sunday, the Tony Romo-led Dallas Cowboys would drop to 3-5, a record that would all but end their 2012 playoff aspirations. 

Sure, they were resilient as ever against the New York Giants in the second half of a thrilling NFC East clash, but, ultimately, their comeback effort fell short. 

Currently, anyone who has a vital position within the Cowboys organization has somewhat tenuous job security, and that includes the 32-year-old Romo, a guy who's set to count as a ridiculous $16.8 cap hit in 2013. 

So, for argument's sake, let's say Romo and the Cowboys fall short of the playoffs once again. 

In the aftermath of what very well could be a Romo release by Dallas, here are the odds of the quarterback who would replace him next season. 

Matt Flynn

Flynn has been essentially unnecessary in Seattle, as 2012 fourth-round pick Russell Wilson won the starting job outright and, frankly, hasn't looked back. 

No, the youngster hasn't been outrageously productive to begin his career, but he's done enough to take a rather firm grasp on the starting gig. 

Flynn was supposed to be the starter after Seattle signed him during the free-agency period, but he was less impressive than Wilson and essentially is a highly-publicized backup. 

At some point, the Seahawks believed he had starter capability, so there must be other NFL teams that did as well. 

No, the Cowboys don't have any ties to Flynn, but he would be a relatively safe and most likely rather inexpensive option if all else fails. 

Odds: 50 to 1

Tyler Bray

Bray is a brazen 6'6'', gun-slinging quarterback at Tennessee, a guy with Jay Cutler-esque arm strength and no fear to make any throw. 

Sure, after their time with Romo, the Cowboys may shy away from the courageous signal-callers who have a tendency to flash brilliance one moment and then throw a terrible interception the next, but there's no doubting Bray's natural ability. 

There's a chance Dallas wouldn't have to use a first-round pick on him, although his tremendous upside may vault him up draft boards come April. 

Odds: 35 to 1

Geno Smith

If Jason Garrett is kept as the Cowboys head coach, you have to think he'd love Geno Smith. 

West Virginia has struggled of late, but its quarterback has completed 217-of-292 passes (74.3 completion percentage) for 2,417 yards with 26 touchdowns and two interceptions in Dana Holgersen's wide-open system. 

Why would Garrett love Smith? Well, the Cowboys have thrown the ball 293 times this season, or 41.8 times per game. 

Only the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints have attempted more passes per contest on the year (Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford, that is). 

With Smith likely to emerge as the premier signal-caller in the 2013 draft, the Cowboys will either have to play poorly in the second half of the season or trade up to move into a position to draft him, making Smith-to-Dallas slightly more unlikely. 

Odds: 20 to 1

Matt Barkley

Barkley was the crown jewel of the 2013 class of quarterbacks. 

Then, the 2012 season happened. 

No, he hasn't been a colossal disappointment, but there are not nearly as many draft analysts calling him "elite" anymore. 

His arm strength is a question mark and potential red flag, but he's accurate and has vast experience in what many still call a "pro-style" offense. Much of the collegiate spread philosophies have been adopted by NFL coaches today, but he would be a safe choice that would go over well with Dallas fans. 

Odds: 15 to 1

Tyler Wilson

Tyler Wilson is the most likely candidate to replace Tony Romo in 2013. 

Why? 

Actually, where to start? 

First thing's first. He's an Arkansas Razorback. 

We know how Jerry Jones loves prospects from his alma mater. 

Don't think that's important? 

It is. 

Wilson, though somewhat raw, also has all the necessarily tools to slowly develop into an elite quarterback at the next level. He's 6'3'' and 220 pounds, and he has a rocket arm. During his collegiate career, he's operated a vertical passing, pro-style system which should help him acclimate to the professional game more quickly than most. 

What's funny is that Arkansas' catastrophic 2012 season may actually help the Wilson-to-Dallas possibility happen. 

If Wilson hadn't gone down with a head injury and the Razorbacks were as competitive as many thought they'd be this year, he may have ultimately turned out to be a Top 10 or 15 pick. 

Now, he'll likely fall in the middle of the first round (sure, there's plenty of disagreement on this right now), a place where the Cowboys will likely be drafting. 

Odds: 5 to 1