Spencer - New contract or not?

[xwalker]

Yes, have him play out another year under the tag, because that worked out so well for ud ladt year.

Didn't he have a career year last year?

 

[Nation]

Yes, have him play out another year under the tag, because that worked out so well for ud ladt year.

He was our best player on defense so I'm not sure I understand the sarcasm

 

[Doomsday101]

With Romo's new contract, the Cowboys have about 5M available cap space now and can free up more after June 1st (Cut of Spears and possibly Free and Livings).

If they cut Free after June 1st they get 7M more under the cap. They get about 1.6M after June 1st due to Spears being a "designated" June 1st cut.

The cost of draft picks is offset by the fact that they replace players already counting against the cap. The max required cap space for the draft picks will be 3M.

That leaves 5M + 7M + 1.6M - 3M = 10.6M available after signing the draft picks.

Summary: Should the Cowboys sign Spencer to a contract if they don't need the cap space that it would free up in 2013?

They could keep Spencer on the Franchise tag this year. There is no reason that they couldn't sign him to a contract next year, if desired.

I think Dallas is working on getting Spencer deal done so that they can remove the Franchise Tag. Stephen has talked about it just as he talked of getting Romo done and in the end I think they will get a deal done with Spencer

 

[Doomsday101]

Yes, you can't "untag" him. This issue has been discussed Ad nauseam.

True but a new deal has to be in place by mid July or else the Franchise Tag remains for the season. I'm pretty certain the Cowboys will get a deal worked out with Spencer now that the Romo deal is done.

 

[Risen Star]

I would not give him another contract. We need to get younger. Not pay two DE's in their 30's big money.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I would not give him another contract. We need to get younger. Not pay two DE's in their 30's big money.

This.

Spencer is a necessary expense this year but the Cowboys should not try and reward him with a new contract if he does not sign one before the beginning of the season. The Cowboys need to get younger.

 

[Nightman]

I would not give him another contract. We need to get younger. Not pay two DE's in their 30's big money.

Even if they are 2 of the best DEs in the league. The over 30 argument is just an arbitrary construct.

 

[gimmesix]

They can only work out an extension until July 15th. After that he is locked in for the year at 10.6m.

Forgot about that part. I'd still carry him with the tag, though, and determine after this season if he's worth keeping around as a defensive end.

For all we know right now, Kiffin might have to rebuild this defense in his image. There's no reason to lock up Spencer if major changes are going to be needed to get the 4-3 reestablished in Dallas.

(Now, I believe the parts are in place for the transition, but that doesn't mean it will turn out like I or even Kiffin expect.)

 

[Denim Chicken]

If we have the option, I'd like to see him in the new scheme before making any lasting decisions.

 

[Nightman]

This.

Spencer is a necessary expense this year but the Cowboys should not try and reward him with a new contract if he does not sign one before the beginning of the season. The Cowboys need to get younger.

Where? The secondary and LBs are very young. The DL is veteran, but loaded with talent. The WRs are young, so is the OL. The RBs are very young and the QB is 32. Witten is a vet, but very productive. They are getting a lot better at drafting and after this year could have a very solid, young core.

 

[MissouriCowboy]

Spencer is unknown? You do realize he was a 4-3 DE in college, right? It might be a better position for him.

Exactly.