At a time when more and more tight ends are claiming that they have been receivers for purposes of the franchise tag, Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer could be raising a similar argument.
Spencer, if he was tagged as a linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defense, could claim that he’s actually a defensive end in the team’s new 4-3 attack. Because he will be.
Last year, Spencer made $8.8 million under the linebacker tag. He’s entitled to a 20-percent raise, which moves his compensation to $10.56 million.
But the base franchise tender for defensive ends is $11.175 million. So, in theory, Spencer should get the higher amount, since that’s the position he’ll be playing in 2013.
Sure, we’re only talking about $615,000 on an eight-figure salary. But if Spencer is entitled to it, he should get it.
Article 10, Section 2 of the CBA ties the designation to the position the player played in the prior year. So Spencer’s current position may not matter, under the strict language of the labor deal.
Agent Jordan Woy said on Twitter he’ll work on a long-term deal. And regardless of whether Spencer is paid as a defensive end or as a linebacker in 2013, he’ll be entitled in 2014 to quarterback franchise money.
Which gives him a little extra leverage.