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Drafting a quarterback an option for Cowboys

The Cowboys gave quarterback Tony Romo a contract extension through the 2019 season, but that doesn't mean the Cowboys won't draft a quarterback next week.

Romo, who turns 33 on Sunday, will be the starter for the next three or for years, but it's doubtful he'll he'll play through the end of his contract. Backup Kyle Orton is signed through 2014, but he will turn 31 in November.

There's no reason to dismiss the idea of adding a quarterback through the draft.

"I think it’s all opportunity," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 FM on Tuesday. "If you see the right guy is there when it's your turn to pick, you certainly have to look at it. We did it with Stephen McGee three or four years ago, and obviously that was when Tony was even younger."

The Cowboys have drafted just three quarterbacks since 2000 and converted one of those players, Isaiah Stanback, to wide receiver. According to NFL draft experts the 2013 quarterback draft class isn't that strong, so maybe a quarterback can be snagged in the second or third rounds for developmental purposes.

"So certainly it wouldn't stop us if we felt the right guy was there," Jones said regarding drafting a quarterback. "(If) we felt like he had the upside to develop with Tony and Kyle, certainly to be the right fit if the right guy is there."