The player rep for Cowboys impending free agent linebacker Anthony Spencer recently said his client is prepared to convert to defensive end in order to fit Dallas’ new 4-3 scheme, under coordinator Monte Kiffin.
Spencer has entertained the idea, and so have the Cowboys. Per Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, the sides have had “preliminary talks” about a contract that would keep Spencer in Big D. An alternative to a long-term deal would be franchise tagging Spencer for the second straight season, although that would cost the Cowboys a guaranteed $10.6 million.
Agent Jordan Woy expects the sides to resume negotiations in February, leading up to the NFL Combine.
Spencer, 29, is coming off a breakout season. He recorded career highs in tackles (95) and sacks (11) and was very arguably Dallas’ best 2012 defender.
Spencer played defensive end at Purdue, so it isn’t as if the position would be entirely new to him. If Spencer did hit the market, he’d likely be pursued by 3-4 and 4-3 teams alike.