The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Cowboys have been interested for months in extending the contract of Romo. And after months of dragging their feet, it appears that Romo’s camp at least is willing to listen. Cowboys executive V.P. Stephen Jones tells 105.3 The Fan in Dallas that talks aimed at adding years to Romo’s deal — and in turn reducing his $16.8 million cap number for 2013 — have commenced. “We have a great quarterback and he deserves to be paid,’’ Jones said.

Diehards Line:For now, Jones characterizes the talks as “informal. ...” Romo’s current deal can’t be “restructured” because there’s only one year left on it. As PFT's Mike Florio explains, the cap number will drop only if the parties extend the deal to cover future years. But Romo has no reason to extend the contract unless the offer is right. Florio added: "If Romo is willing to shoulder the risk of injury, he can ride out the final year of his deal, forcing the Cowboys to use the franchise tag in 2014. Based on his 2013 cap number, it would cost the Cowboys $20.16 million to keep him next season. ..." For that reason, Florio notes that Romo should be seeking a minimum guaranteed payment of $38.96 million, which is the sum of what he’ll make over the next two seasons. Ad a third season to that package and Romo’s pay for 2015 under the franchise tag would be $24.192 million. That pushes his three-year haul to more than $63 million. ... Either way, Jerry Jones best have the checkbook ready.