There’s no need for Cowboys fans to keep an eye on the clock counting down to the deadline for franchised players to sign multiyear deals.
The agent for linebacker Anthony Spencer said that he is done negotiating with the team on a long-term deal for his client. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has indicated that the team is comfortable with Spencer playing out the year under the tag -- which will pay him $8.84 million -- and Jordan Woy, Spencer’s agent, told ESPNDallas.com that is exactly what will happen.
“We will start the season with his current contract,” said Woy. “We will see what happens during the season. I’m sure we will have a discussion before the season ends.”
They can discuss a contract all they want, but no new deal can be signed until after the season. That will put some pressure on Spencer to make good on the increased pass rushing opportunities defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has said will be coming his way this year. Spencer’s lack of big sack numbers have overshadowed his ability to do a lot of other things well and it has also hurt his bargaining position.
Spencer can change that this season, although there’s also a chance that any improvement in that regard could lead the Cowboys to tag him again for around $10.5 million when the year comes to an end.