Options at Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Is Tony Romo the Answer?

Tony Romo continues to earn and re-earn his reputation as the worst fourth quarter quarterback in the NFL. And compared to his performance over the first three quarters, he might be the worst fourth quarter quarterback in NFL history. 

A handful of well-chronicled meltdowns and letdowns, interceptions and fumbles will give you such an acrimonious honor. There are two cardinal rules for a quarterback: 1) if you make a mistake, learn from it and do not repeat it. 2) Do not make a mistake so costly that you cannot fix it. Tony Romo miserably fails to live by these rules. He continues to make the same mistake, and his mistakes are absolutely game-defining and often cost Dallas the game.

So, as Cowboys fans, what do you want from Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett? There are only three ways to get a great quarterback: trade for one, sign one in free agency or draft and develop one. With this being said, who is available for Dallas this offseason or in the collegiate world right now?

NFL Free Agents after 2011 season: Matt Hasselback, Rex Grossman, Marc Bulger, Drew Stanton, Matt Moore, Alex Smith and Matt Leinart. Regardless of what Romo does not bring to the table, it is clear that the Cowboys are much better suited to win with Romo rather than with these players.

Trades: In recent years, Matt Schaub heading to Houston was the only quarterback trade that really panned out. This trade took place only because the Atlanta Falcons had Michael Vick as their franchise quarterback set in place. In the grand scheme of things, it is unreasonable to think Dallas can pull a trade for any quarterback they consider better than Romo.

NFL Draft 2012: Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, and Landry Jones. Barring something wacky, it is clear that Andrew Luck will go No. 1 this year which eliminates the Cowboys from drafting him. Depending on how Dallas finishes the season record-wise and how Barkley and Jones play the remainder of the season, it is possible that either of these quarterbacks could be in Dallas’ reach come April 2012.

So, what is the point of all of this? It is clear that the Cowboys have limited options with their quarterback. Comparing Tony Romo to the rest of the NFL, if you could have any quarterback, who would you have? It is clear that Brady, Brees, Manning and Rodgers form the Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks.

Then you likely see Rivers, Big Ben and maybe Mike Vick. Then what? Tony Romo. Yeah, Tony Romo. Would you seriously take Matt Schaub over him? What about Joe Flacco or Matt Ryan? Eli Manning? Ultimately, at worst, Tony Romo is the 12^th best quarterback in the league, and at best, he is the eighth best quarterback in the league. By no means am I defending Romo or insinuating that Romo will lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl. That being said, I urge you to consider what options Dallas has with their quarterback play? You have to work with what you have.

What are your thoughts? Trade him? Release him? Tank the season and grab a college stud like Andrew Luck? Keep Tony Romo with his successes and debacles? What do you think?