The loss of Tony Romo to a broken left clavicle is a critical blow to the Dallas Cowboys. It's unclear exactly how long Romo will be out, but early reports say eight weeks. Brandon Weeden is the starter with Romo out, but Cleveland Browns fans can tell you he's not the answer. The Cowboys have a loaded offense, especially on the offensive line, but Weeden might not be the player to get them to the postseason. At the very least, a new backup is needed. Here are six players the Cowboys could acquire to replace Tony Romo.
7. Vince Young
It's unlikely to happen, but bringing Young back to Texas sure would be fun. He hasn't taken a real NFL snap since 2011, but has spent time in several training camps. It wasn't long ago that the Cowboys own website argued for adding Young. Provided Young is still in shape and has a desire to play, he's worth at least bringing in for a tryout. Diehard Cowboys/Longhorns fans are already calling for Jerry Jones to sign their college hero.
@realjerryjones, you should give @VinceYoung10 a guaranteed 1-yr deal to tide us over @tonyromo injury. #GoCowboys! pic.twitter.com/PG39MWWUhp
— Chris Herndon (@ccherndon) September 20, 2015
6. Tim Tebow
Why not? No, seriously, why not sign Tebow? There's no downside to this move. It's not like he's a downgrade over Weeden, who completes more passes but turns the ball over at a higher rate. Yeah, it'll cause a media circus, but that's something the Cowboys always are. Even if Tebow isn't the answer, he's at least worth bringing in for a tryout.
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5. Robert Griffin III
This one is heavily dependent on what it would cost. It likely wouldn't be very much, so the Cowboys should explore a deal. RGIII is best off the play-action, something Dallas can do with its great offensive line. It'd be risky, but Griffin has a higher ceiling than anyone else that's available.
4. T.J. Yates
Yates lost the Falcons' backup job to Sean Renfree, but Yates has had success in the NFL in the past. He managed to win a playoff game with the Houston Texans, and that team wasn't as talented as this Cowboys squad is. Yates wouldn't be a long-term answer, and he'd need some time to learn the playbook, but he'd be an upgrade over Weeden.
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3. Brian Hoyer
Hoyer recently lost his starting job with the Houston Texans, which means he might be available. This depends on how much a trade for Hoyer would cost, but it's something Dallas should look into. Hoyer outplayed Weeden when both were on the Browns and Hoyer would be an upgrade now.
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2. Kellen Moore
Moore is currently on the Cowboys' practice squad. Moore isn't a long-term answer, but he could push Weeden at the very least. Moore's familiarity with the Cowboys' offense is a big boost. If Romo is out for an extended period of time, expect Moore to get the call to the active roster if Dallas can't make another addition.
1. Matt Moore
Of all the realistic options, Moore is the best one. He's had starting experience with both the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys are familiar with Moore, as it was Dallas who signed him after he went undrafted in 2007. The Cowboys planned to keep Moore on their practice squad, but the Panthers claimed him. Moore can still play, is a good fit for the offense and would be a huge upgrade over Weeden. If Dallas can get him for a low-end draft pick, it would be a great move.
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