IRVING – Since Troy Aikman retired after the 2000 season, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback without having to go to the top of the draft to get one.
The play of Tony Romo over the last seven weeks has Jones convinced he has a quarterback for the present and future, but the owner isn't in a hurry to lock Romo up to a contract extension.
"I've seen more positive than I'll ever see being able to draft somebody high," Jones said. "At some point, you're going to have to make a decision at that level and make a permanent decision."
Romo has completed 161 of 247 passes for 2,162 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions and is 5-2 as a starter.
Romo is signed through 2007 after agreeing to a two-year deal worth $3.9 million, including a $2 million signing bonus in August. Based on his playing time this season, he can add another $750,000 to his $1 million base salary in 2007.
There are not any incentives in Romo's contract this year, but he can earn $1 million in incentives next year based on playing time.
Since training camp began, the Cowboys have locked up young players such as tight end Jason Witten, safety Roy Williams and linebacker Bradie James to multi-year agreements.
Romo, 26, figures to get into that category at some point.
■ Parrish's role: Coach Bill Parcells said it's too early to determine how free safety Tony Parrish, signed off waivers from San Francisco last week, fits into the Cowboys' plans.
"You're doing it with the idea of maybe in a couple of weeks you should hope he's up to speed and really be able to help you do something," Parcells said. "Really, that's what you're hoping for."
Free safeties Patrick Watkins and Keith Davis have had trouble defending the deep ball. Veteran Marcus Coleman was cut Nov. 11 after being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Parrish, 31, gives the Cowboys another veteran option.
"I think there is the likelihood he could make more contribution than a backup," Jones said.
■ Tight end prototype: Parcells called Atlanta's Alge Crumpler the modern-day prototype for a tight end.
The 6-2, 262-pound Crumpler has 42 catches for 618 yards and seven touchdowns. Parcells said Crumpler's blocking ability differentiates him from other elite receiving tight ends, such as San Diego's Antonio Gates and Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez.
"This guy here would fit in any style of offense," Parcells said. "You aren't restricted in any manner doing anything when you have a player like that. That is a pretty big compliment or as big of one as I can pay to a player that plays that position."
■ Briefly: Fullback Oliver Hoyte (right knee) is listed as questionable on the injury report. Parcells said Hoyte, who has some swelling in the knee, practiced some Wednesday. ... Atlanta RBs Warrick Dunn (calf) and Jerious Norwood (knee) are questionable.
Staff Writer Tim MacMahon contributed to this report.
9-3
Cowboys' record when running back Julius Jones rushes for more than 90 yards in a game. Jones has six games with 90 or more yards this season, and the Cowboys are 4-2.
— Todd Archer
Why wait on signing Marc Colombo and Andre Gurode to extensions or new deals since we all know they're keepers? Why let it go to free agency before they get it done?
Matt Maples, Victoria, Texas
You make a good point, but there's no hurry. You would have to overpay to get those guys to sign now and give up their free agency. I wouldn't do that for Colombo, because I'm not convinced you can't do better at right tackle because he's so limited physically, though he does bring some intangibles.
I really like Gurode, and I think the Cowboys have a good enough relationship with his agent that they can get a deal done when the season ends. There won't be a home-team discount, but I don't think that will matter because coach Bill Parcells likes him, and he's still a young guy.
— Jean-Jacques Taylor
The Cowboys can clinch playoff berth with:
■ A win, Minnesota loss or tie and New Orleans win or tie.
■ A win, Minnesota and Carolina lose or tie.
