Even after extensive neck and nerve problems, the rare availability in 2012 of a franchise quarterback sparked an intense chase for a guy who has racked up Hall of Fame stats but, in all fairness and objectivity, has underachieved in the postseason.
Speaking of franchise quarterbacks who have underachieved in the postseason, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo reportedly will be available in free agency come 2014. While Romo has one less Super Bowl ring (and eight fewer postseason wins) than Peyton Manning, Romo also has had four fewer neck surgeries. And Romo is four years younger.
So if, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has reported, Romo can’t be tagged in 2014, Romo needs to merely get through the 2013 season unscathed. He then can sign with the highest bidder, or pick the best situation.
Based on current quarterback situations, interesting teams include the Bills, Jets, Bengals, Browns, Texans, Jaguars, Chiefs, Raiders, Eagles, Bears, Vikings, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Rams.
We’ve still got a long way to go, and it’s possible that the Cowboys will interpret the contract differently. Still, for the second time in three offseasons a franchise quarterback could be headed to the open market.
In a league without nearly enough franchise quarterbacks, that’s a huge development.