Star-Telegram: Cowboys haven't made a move to re-sign Vinny

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Cowboys Notes

Cowboys haven't made a move to re-sign Vinny

By Jennifer Floyd Engel

Star-Telegram Staff Writer


IRVING - If the Cowboys wanted to, they could re-sign quarterback Vinny Testaverde today, his agent said.

"If they come to the table with a good offer ... certainly, with [Cowboys coach] Bill [Parcells] now doing it his way, I think there is no question he would sign," Testaverde's agent, Mike Azzarelli said Thursday.

The question is: Do the Cowboys want to?

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on numerous occasions last season that he could see bringing Testaverde back for another season and making him the starter. But with 19 days remaining until the free-agency signing period begins, the Cowboys have not contacted Azzarelli about re-signing the 41-year-old quarterback.

"I'm sure they will make a decision very shortly and try to re-sign him or take their chances that he'll be available," Azzarelli said. "But, if somebody comes to the table with an offer, it would be crazy for him to wait."

The Cowboys have exclusive negotiating rights until March 2, when the New York Jets are likely to join the bidding.

The Jets' starter, Chad Pennington, recently had rotator-cuff surgery, and his availability for training camp is questionable. They need a veteran backup who can step in until Pennington is ready, which, of course, was Testaverde's job before he signed with the Cowboys last season.

"If Dallas doesn't want him, [the Jets] would be a great fit," Azzarelli said. "[Parcells] knows a couple of teams are after him."

Parcells also realizes that, in the salary-cap world of the NFL, it is sometimes wise to wait and see who becomes available.

There is a chance Buffalo might waive quarterback Drew Bledsoe if he is unwilling to be a backup. Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and Cleveland's Kelly Holcomb are more likely possibilities.

The Cowboys have to decide if they believe they can find somebody better than Testaverde.

There are many people in Texas, and some in the Cowboys' organization, who believe the Cowboys would be wise to get Anybody But Vinny. The problem with the ABV contingent is that, when NFL personnel directors look at the quarterbacks likely to be available when the signing period begins, there are a lot of Vinnys.

Not exactly like Testaverde, mind you.

Some have more mobility. Some have less arm strength. All are younger. None, however, are the kind of players NFL coaches look at and say, "Wow, this is our long-term answer at quarterback."

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