Dallas Cowboys and Anthony Spencer To Negotiate A Long Term Contract

Dec 9, 2012; Cincinnati, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (93) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Cowboys won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA Today Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have given Anthony Spencer the franchise tag for the second consecutive season. Great for Anthony Spencer, but bad for the salary cap strapped Dallas Cowboys. Spencer with the current franchise tag counts for $10.627 million against the cap.

The only way to clear cap space with Spencer is a long-term contract.

The Cowboys are less than $200,000 under the cap. There is literally no room to sign free agents, event he second-tier free agents they’ve contacted: line backer Chase Blackburn, guard Matt Slauson and defensive end Amobi Okoye.

But ESPN Dallas’ Todd Archer has some maybe good news:

"“The Cowboys will have talks this week regarding a long-term deal for Anthony Spencer, according to the player’s agent, Jordan Woy.”"

Still, any long term deal wouldn’t free them up to pursue any of the high caliber free agents that are still available. The Cowboys best bet at upgrading is the draft.

The Cowboys have already seen many leaders such as DeMarcus Ware, Brandon Carr, and Jason Witten restructure their deals to help the Cowboys financial situation. This team first move that Carr raved about could pressure Spencer into taking a long term deal.

Another way the Cowboys could adjust and alleviate their salary cap woes is to negotiate a long term extension for quarterback Tony Romo.