Both teams announced the trade, and a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press what Buffalo received in return because the round of the pick wasn’t disclosed.
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Brandon Weeden will start for the Cowboys and Cassel will be a backup, reports ESPN. He also gives the Cowboys another option if Weeden falters in the absence of Romo, who has been placed on the short-term injured reserve list after suffering a broken left clavicle during Sunday’s triumph at Philadelphia.
Cassel is a former New England Patriots seventh-round draft pick.
Most would agree that Manuel’s performance in the preseason earned him strong consideration for the backup role behind Taylor from the beginning. The Bills don’t need Cassel since Tyrod Taylor is established as the starter and playing well. He was released and then re-signed by Buffalo in a cost-cutting move.
Weeden, who turns 32 next month, has lost eight straight games as a starter, including past year against Arizona when Romo was out with a back injury.
Weeden is in his fourth season in the league, but he has struggled to stay consistent since being drafted in the first round by Cleveland in 2012.
Weeden completed all seven of his passes against the Eagles in relief of Romo, one for a touchdown to wide receiver Terrance Williams. The Cowboys brought in several quarterbacks for a workout before deciding on a trade instead.
“Certainly we think Weeden has really progressed”, Jones said. “All I can do is continue to work hard be a good teammate for this team”.
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In other news, the Cowboys have resigned Gilmer native Gus Johnson to the practice squad.
