Dallas Cowboys Use Franchise Tag On Anthony Spencer
By Mike Dyce
Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Sean Lissemore (95) and linebacker Anthony Spencer (93) look into the backfield of the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys have used the franchise tag on Anthony Spencer for the second season in a row. This comes right on the heels of news that safety Gerald Sensabaugh was given the pink slip. And while the Dallas Cowboys need to help Tony Romo succeed by investing in the offensive line according to Troy Aikman, the Cowboys will instead pay Spencer.
Many Cowboys players have restructured their contracts to give the Cowboys cap relief and some financial flexibility, but now reportedly over $10 million will go to just one player, Spencer. How will this bode amongst those “team players” willing to do what they can to help the Cowboys pursue a Super Bowl.
According to Walter Football, Anthony Spencer was the #1 rated pass rusher on the free agent market, and certainly would have gotten numerous offers and would’ve been hard to resign while fielding bids from 31 other NFL teams.
Last season he had a career high 11 sacks as an outside linebacker in the Cowboys 3-4 scheme but will shift to defensive end this season in their new 4-3 scheme.
Last season he counted for $8.8 million against the cap and this year he’ll count for $10.63 million, as it stands right now.
Spencer, has 361 tackles and 32.5 sacks in 90 career games.