IRVING, Texas --It's got nothing to do with Tony Romo, who's still got two years remaining on his contract.
If the Cowboys and other potential suitors have any interest in All-Pro guard Carl Nicks' market value next month, they probably should hope Brees' inevitable contract extension with the Saints isn't finished before March 5. That's the deadline for teams to designate franchise players, and New Orleans would have no choice but to stick the tag on Brees if their complicated negotiations drag on.
But if Brees' deal gets done as most expect, then Nicks or receiver Marques Colston would be next in line for franchising. NFL.com reported Nicks would be the choice after Brees.
Either way, Nicks will eventually want a contract similar to the $50 million-plus deal fellow Saints Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans got. It's at least worth noting that new Cowboys offensive line coach Bill Callahan coached Nicks at Nebraska.
Whether or not the Cowboys would make a serious play for Nicks, it's all moot if the Saints lock up their star offensive lineman for another year.
