Last Friday, we pointed out that Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer and Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton were wise to sign their franchise tenders.
The market for defensive lineman has proven that it was a good idea to take the money that was on the table.
Given the market for pass rushers, with defensive end Michael Bennett signing in Seattle for one year and $5 million, the Cowboys would have been tempted to yank Spencer’s $10.6 million tender and sign, for example, both Dwight Freeney and Osi Umenyiora, likely for less than what Dallas will be paying Spencer.
With the free-agency market generally sluggish at other positions, the remaining franchise players could be in for a surprise if they don’t sign their tenders soon.