What to do with Spencer? Do this...

[AKATheRake]

Dallas Cowboys Anthony Spencer, a 1st round and 26th overall pick in 2007.

28 years of age and by all means a solid #2 all around OLB in a 3-4. Talent wise.

Might be a solid DE in a 4-3 too. Who knows? Doubt teams would pay him DE money to play there on the open market though and why go that route now that he's 28?

So take that out of the equation of building up his FA value. Let the team that would go that route eb the foolish one.

He will get you decent QB pressures, 4-6 sacks and 65-75 tackles a season. Force a few fumbles too. Facts, he's done it in 5 seasons with the Cowboys.

He's a 1 out of 10 in the leadership department, a mixture of fact and personal opinion there. Definitely is not known for being one of the hardest workers in the wieght room, practices or film study. Fact.

Does not impact on a game to game basis consistantly, but does disappear in them consistantly. Fact.

Has basically had 2 seasons to provoke substantial contract negotiations through his play with possibly the most pro-active Owner and GM in the league in that regard.

A guy who has remained adamant about keeping the majority of his own draft picks signed long term with his team. Rewarding through past contributions and at times just potential. Sometimes to his own detriment.

But with Anthony Spencer, who according to a lot of off season analysts and loyal team fans. Has no adequate replacement throughout the team? Throughout the FA market and the draft?

We're just about behind the gun on franchising this player? Basically because he was not good and consistant enough to spark a long term agreement the last 2 seasons and we're at a time that we have no choice but to look at who is going to start there?

I am not buying it and there is no way I would franchise tag Anthony Spencer because we're afraid there is no other player out there in the next 1 year that can play to his standard. That is absolutely bottom of the barrel thinking and an 8-8 mentality.

Guess what? He's not going to get any better, he's in his prime and has shown no intestinal fortitude to take himself mentally to the next level, because that's what it's going to take to get more out of him. Athletically, he's hit his ceiling.

If we're willing to suddenly pay $8.8 million to a player we have made no offers to and see if he's worth a 4 year contract after that then we're better off making some kind of an offer or just getting on with who his replacemtn will be.

There's several guys that are not on this roster that could start in his place for less than that money in FA and be at least close to his impact with Demarcus Ware on the other side for a season. Not even bringing up the draft or Butler behind him.

If we're this worried there will be no options and we would want to keep him, transition tag him. We have a week to match the offer as our right to first refusal. If he's going to get paid more than he's worth? Than let him go and take the 3rd round pick as compensation.

Allow yourself to look at free agency for what it is. Do not tigh yourself to Anthony Spencer even for 1 more year and stunt the solution. There's at least a 1 year band aid for much cheaper out there this year than Anthony Spencer.

Don't lay all your eggs in one basket. I find it hard to believe that this is what Jerry is going to do. I think Jerry is making sure he has a fall back plan indeed, but he's not going to just commit to a guy he hasn't approached contractually at all for the season and destroy all his options at that position for the year.

I would transition tag him at best. I bet that's what will happen.

 

[supercowboy8]

how much less is the transition tag than the franchise taq?

 

[Woods]

In theory, as another option, couldn't you franchise him and simultaneously look for an upgrade in FA?

Then, IF you get someone better in FA, remove the franchise tag and let him walk?

I guess the risk would be if Spencer immediately signed the franchise offer, but players normally don't do that - unless there is a trade involved.

 

[supercowboy8]

how much less is the transition tag than the franchise taq?

nevermind I answer my own question


Or the Cowboys could put the transition tag on Spencer, which is expected to be in the $7.8 million range, and only have the right of first refusal if a team signed the linebacker to an offer sheet.

 

[AKATheRake]

nevermind I answer my own question


Or the Cowboys could put the transition tag on Spencer, which is expected to be in the $7.8 million range, and only have the right of first refusal if a team signed the linebacker to an offer sheet.

Transition tag is top 10 players or 120% of the players salary the previous season, whichever is greater.

I'm pretty sure it's more than just 1 million less than the franchise tag of $8.8 million would be this year and more likely to what he would be making on a 4-5 year deal a year if he got a long term contract.

At best I would transition tag Spencer. We don't even have to do that. But it would give us right of first refusal if we really are this scared of no worthy replacement and less chance of him signing the tender.

Where the franchise tag he would be more willing to sign if he thinks his guaranteed money out there won't be much more thn $8.8 million on a long term deal.

 

[Marktui]

nevermind I answer my own question


Or the Cowboys could put the transition tag on Spencer, which is expected to be in the $7.8 million range, and only have the right of first refusal if a team signed the linebacker to an offer sheet.

Not as effective now these days by structuring the contract in a way that makes it less attractive for the Cowboys to sign him to that contract.

It's not popular around here but I think the franchise tag on him gives us time to work out a contract or see if we get anything in FA or the draft. Plus the upside if someone is crazy enough to try and sign him and want to give up a 1st and 3rd pick-

 

[AKATheRake]

In theory, as another option, couldn't you franchise him and simultaneously look for an upgrade in FA?

Then, IF you get someone better in FA, remove the franchise tag and let him walk?

I guess the risk would be if Spencer immediately signed the franchise offer, but players normally don't do that - unless there is a trade involved.

This is all correct.

If you're Spencer and you see that you're not going to get much more than $8.8 million guaranteed in a long term deal in this years FA do you sign the tender play better this year and take a shot at getting at least the same amount of guaranteed money or better next year?

Cause once that tender is signed, $8.8 million is guaranteed. His new deal next year, there will be more guaranteed $.

This is where it's more complicated than people think. Believe me, Spencer would have no hard feelings getting the francshise tag. In another article he sounded surprised he would even get that designation.

I think the team is looking elsewhere to be honest and is just throwing Spencer in front of whoever they're truly targeting and that $8.8 million for this year as a crutch to not have to pay much more a year or in guaranteed money.

I bet who they're targeting has put out the signals on length and overall contract. It's always the guaranteed $ that is the sticking point and that's all that going on. Smoke and mirrors through the media.

Spencer at 28 is not going to get $20 million guaranteed from nobody with half a brain on their shoulder. He may not even get $15 million. That's why almost $9 million guaranteed the the Franchise tag and still having the opportunity to negotiate a long term deal with a signing bonus and new guaranteed money would be huge for Spencer. Why he would probably sign.

 

[Ren]

In theory, as another option, couldn't you franchise him and simultaneously look for an upgrade in FA?

Then, IF you get someone better in FA, remove the franchise tag and let him walk?

I guess the risk would be if Spencer immediately signed the franchise offer, but players normally don't do that - unless there is a trade involved.

There really isn't a upgrade option in FA, that's the problem. If we let him walk we either have to commit long term to someone like Walden or Brooks or spend our 1st round pick on a OLB

 

[Dodger]

There's several guys that are not on this roster that could start in his place for less than that money in FA and be at least close to his impact with Demarcus Ware on the other side for a season.

Who do you have in mind?

 

[AKATheRake]

Who do you have in mind?

We may change the scheme, we may not. Whatever the staff wants to do I'm happy with it.

I understand guys will cost money, $8.8 million is nothing to sneeze at and you can get some fire power with that money

With all of that being said here's who maybe and is out there.

Mario Williams ( Substantial Upgrade)
Cliff Avril (11 sacks, upgrade, might get franchised at almost $10 million)
Osi Umenyiora (Substantial pass rush upgrade, has to take a pay cut and won't)
Robert Mathis (Not my choice but could be a 1 year stop gap and is quick enough to play OLB)
Kamerion Wimbley (3-4 OLB and is definitely a pass rush upgrade)
Stephen Tulloch (ILB, tackling machine, can pressure up the middle, younger)
D'Qwell Jackson (ILB, great player and can pressure the QB from the middle)
Jarrett Johnson (As solid as they get, older but consistant)
Ahmad Brook (Probably a better pass rusher, lesser against the run, younger)

Haven't brought up our bench and have not brough up the draft.

The bench is worst case scenario.

The draft, I'd take Janoris Jenkins and be greatly please with Vontaze Burfict to play inside with Lee if he cam to us in the 2nd. He can rush up the middle and be the enforcer on our defense for many years. We need a bit of a ***** on defense. Bloody our opponents like Brandon Jacobs.

Janoris Jenkins is a stud with prowness in the air and tackling. I know he has off field issues but with the way the commish is smacking guys around, you're seeing less and less of these guys messing up.

Spencer gets signed elsewhere, we get a 3rd rounder to help us move up if we have to.

Of course, this is all good if we sign Carl Nicks. If we don't we need to go interior o-line with 1 of those top 2 picks.

I think there's a lot more to work with if we don't panic and at best transition tag Spencer?

The market does not have 80 percent of these opportunities minus the draft then we have right of first refusal for the first week and the market has established his worth. We know more about him than anyone else and we can decide from there if we're going to pay him.

I haven't even mentioned June 1st cuts that are supposedly going to be as dramatic as any year thus far.

There's no way this guy should be able to hold the barrel to our head. He's another solid player with some talent and no heart.

 

[Vanilla2]

IMO Spencer is not franchised. Transition tagged maybe but should and probably will test the market. I just don't see who is this magical player to come in and fix the "problem" that Spencer is. I think this issue is being looked at in completely the wrong way. We want scapegoats and 93 fits the bill. I've said here and to anyone who would listen to me that the issue is lack of pressure from the d line. Spears gets a pass so does Coleman and everyone else minus Ratliff. I'd be ecstatic if Dallas made a major upgrade on the line and kept Spencer with an eye on upgrading next season. I just don't see the wisdom in creating an another hole in an already pourous defense.

 

[AKATheRake]

IMO Spencer is not franchised. Transition tagged maybe but should and probably will test the market. I just don't see who is this magical player to come in and fix the "problem" that Spencer is. I think this issue is being looked at in completely the wrong way. We want scapegoats and 93 fits the bill. I've said here and to anyone who would listen to me that the issue is lack of pressure from the d line. Spears gets a pass so does Coleman and everyone else minus Ratliff. I'd be ecstatic if Dallas made a major upgrade on the line and kept Spencer with an eye on upgrading next season. I just don't see the wisdom in creating an another hole in an already pourous defense.

Last year I wanted to draft a D-lineman with our first pick. Mainly because I knew where the biggest pressur problems existed. Our inability to push a pocket back with our d-line. So I totally understand what you're talking about.

Now we got Tyron Smith. Before the draft I was not a supporter of him at all. Boy did I eat my crow and happy I did. He is as good a pick as I have seen us make. Pure TD on this guy. So I'm happy the way we went last year but d-line does need to create more pressure.

I think getting a good NT and moving Rat to DE would aid in creating pressure upfront. Hatcher does pressure.

 

[burmafrd]

We may change the scheme, we may not. Whatever the staff wants to do I'm happy with it.

I understand guys will cost money, $8.8 million is nothing to sneeze at and you can get some fire power with that money

With all of that being said here's who maybe and is out there.

Mario Williams ( Substantial Upgrade)
Cliff Avril (11 sacks, upgrade, might get franchised at almost $10 million)
Osi Umenyiora (Substantial pass rush upgrade, has to take a pay cut and won't)
Robert Mathis (Not my choice but could be a 1 year stop gap and is quick enough to play OLB)
Kamerion Wimbley (3-4 OLB and is definitely a pass rush upgrade)
Stephen Tulloch (ILB, tackling machine, can pressure up the middle, younger)
D'Qwell Jackson (ILB, great player and can pressure the QB from the middle)
Jarrett Johnson (As solid as they get, older but consistant)
Ahmad Brook (Probably a better pass rusher, lesser against the run, younger)

Haven't brought up our bench and have not brough up the draft.

The bench is worst case scenario.

The draft, I'd take Janoris Jenkins and be greatly please with Vontaze Burfict to play inside with Lee if he cam to us in the 2nd. He can rush up the middle and be the enforcer on our defense for many years. We need a bit of a ***** on defense. Bloody our opponents like Brandon Jacobs.

Janoris Jenkins is a stud with prowness in the air and tackling. I know he has off field issues but with the way the commish is smacking guys around, you're seeing less and less of these guys messing up.

Spencer gets signed elsewhere, we get a 3rd rounder to help us move up if we have to.

Of course, this is all good if we sign Carl Nicks. If we don't we need to go interior o-line with 1 of those top 2 picks.

I think there's a lot more to work with if we don't panic and at best transition tag Spencer?

The market does not have 80 percent of these opportunities minus the draft then we have right of first refusal for the first week and the market has established his worth. We know more about him than anyone else and we can decide from there if we're going to pay him.

I haven't even mentioned June 1st cuts that are supposedly going to be as dramatic as any year thus far.

There's no way this guy should be able to hold the barrel to our head. He's another solid player with some talent and no heart.

show me the last guy Jerruh drafted that had drug concerns.

 

[casmith07]

I wouldn't be so sure Umenyiora wouldn't take a pay cut. He won't take a pay cut from the NYG, that's for sure.

 

[Teague31]

We might be able to get Wimbley and Jackson for what it will cost to franchise spencer

 

[speedkilz88]

Rob Ryan didn't appear to want Wimbley when he had him in Cleveland so why would he want him now?

 

[AKATheRake]

show me the last guy Jerruh drafted that had drug concerns.

Been a while. Since Quincy. That's probably why we could do it PR wise.

The league is cleaning these guys up.

He took a beating in college for the marijuana and I would be more worried about his penchant to scrap at bars than the marijuana. :

He's no drug addict and he's kept his nose clean the past season.

Like I said, this commish and the league are smacking these guys around and you're seeing less transgressions because of it. The players are realizing the consequence.

Now that the rookie contracts are going down too, I see less risk for the reward when it comes to Jenkins.

 

[AKATheRake]

Rob Ryan didn't appear to want Wimbley when he had him in Cleveland so why would he want him now?

Rob Ryan or the new GM?

I've read Rob Ryan saying nothing but good things about him in the past and a good reason Oakland wanted Kamerion Wimbley was because of his history with Rob Ryan who used to coach there also.

I'm sure he was a recommendation to Oakland.

 

[RS12]

Sources have told FoxSportsSouthwest.com that tagging Spencer is receiving "strong consideration," in part because the Cowboys don't have any alternatives. Victor Butler is a nice player, but no one at Valley Ranch sees him as a three-down player like Spencer. And if the Cowboys allow Spencer to walk, they would paint themselves into a corner heading into the draft. For a team with so many holes — outside and inside linebacker, cornerback, safety, defensive end, center, guard — the Cowboys don't want to be forced into selecting a specific position in the first round.

In an effort to see how Spencer is viewed around the league, I reached out to a highly respected scout from the AFC who requested anonymity:

"Spencer's a 3-4 OLB or a SAM in a 4-3 scheme," said the scout. "Is he really a good starter? No. But I think he's a solid starter type who won't ever go to the Pro Bowl. Everyone wishes he had more pressure production."

Mosley column.

 

[burmafrd]

Been a while. Since Quincy. That's probably why we could do it PR wise.

The league is cleaning these guys up.

He took a beating in college for the marijuana and I would be more worried about his penchant to scrap at bars than the marijuana. :

He's no drug addict and he's kept his nose clean the past season.

Like I said, this commish and the league are smacking these guys around and you're seeing less transgressions because of it. The players are realizing the consequence.

Now that the rookie contracts are going down too, I see less risk for the reward when it comes to Jenkins.

why take the chance? He is not all world or likely to be such. He is not Deion part Deux.