Monday, April 12, 2010

Romo not concerned about Miles Austin

By Calvin Watkins
ESPN Dallas/Ft Worth

Quarterback Tony Romo did a Friday afternoon radio interview with Galloway & Co. (103.3 FM) and said he's not worried about wide receiver Miles Austin not showing up to the voluntary workouts the last two weeks.

Romo, who is close with Austin, said he spoke to the wide receiver a few days ago.

"Miles will be back and around," Romo said. "It's like anything, it's all part of the business side of things that happens once and a while."

The business side is what has some worried about Austin, who reached the Pro Bowl last season, in his first full-time gig in the NFL.

Austin became a restricted free agent once the NFL owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement. If the owners hadn't done that, Austin would have become an unrestricted free agent.

With Austin restricted, the Cowboys placed a first-and-third round tender offer on him, which nets him a contract of $3.168 million for the 2010 season.

It's somewhat surprising that Austin isn't at Valley Ranch with his teammates. But several other players, who are restricted, safety Gerald Sensabaugh among them, have not showed up at the voluntary workouts.

However, before he signed his tender deal, defensive end Marcus Spears did work out with the team. David Dunn, Austin's agent, said last month, he's held a preliminary talk with the Cowboys regarding a new contract.

The Cowboys have all the leverage here because they don't have to pay Austin anything more than the tender contract. If Austin produces during the regular season, like he did in 2009, the Cowboys most likely will take care of him financially.

Dallas did the same thing with Romo.

If Austin bypasses the mandatory workouts which start after the NFL Draft, then you have to wonder where his head is.

Romo has confidence that Austin will return to Valley Ranch when it's the proper time.

"He does a lot of good things," Romo said of Austin. "He knows what it takes to play at a high level year-in-and-year out."