Anthony Spencer will be in a Dallas Cowboys uniform next season. According to Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas, the team announced Tuesday that Spencer signed his franchise tender, giving the talented pass rusher a one-year contract worth $10.6 million.
Anthony Spencer signs franchise tender with Cowboys
Anthony Spencer signed his one-year franchise tender with the Cowboys before the start of NFL free agency on Tuesday. Questions still remain however. How will the outside linebacker fit within Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 defense?
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Spencer was set to become a hot commodity when NFL free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET. The sixth-year outside linebacker had a career-best 11 sacks last season among his 95 tackles, despite missing two games during the regular season.
There is some question as to how Spencer will fit into new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 scheme. At 6’3, 250 pounds, he may be too small to play with his hand down at defensive end, and could be underutilized as a linebacker. He has the prototypical build to thrive in a 3-4 scheme like the one Rob Ryan implemented in Dallas, which is why it comes as somewhat of a surprise that the Cowboys are willing to commit nearly $11 million to Spencer’s contract next season.
Regardless, Spencer is too talented not to make an impact, whether or not he is a perfect fit. The Cowboys defense should benefit as long as he is on the field.
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