Anthony Spencer Won’t Re-Sign With Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys and Anthony Spencer have halted their discussions about a long term extension, even though the dead line isn’t until July 15th.

From ESPN Dallas:

"“It appears nearly certain that this will be Spencer’s final season with the Cowboys after a mutual decision to halt talks about a long-term contract extension well in advance of the July 15 deadline for franchise players. The sides made precious little, if any, progress over the last 18 months.”"

The positive side for the Cowboys is that they’ll most likely get a player who plays lights out this season looking for a long term deal in free agency next year.

But Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas says that it’s the front office’s confidence in young players like Tyrone Crawford that have them uncharacteristically playing hardball with Spencer. If Crawford can produce like Spencer at a much more reasonable price it could help alleviate the Cowboys salary cap problems instead of throwing more money at an aging player.

The Cowboys are switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. This could change Spencer’s productivity now that his hand will be in the dirt every snap. It will be the first time in his professional career he’ll have his hand on the ground every snap.

But the simpler defense could help Spencer, and DeMarcus Ware for that matter, succeed. They’ll have one mission, getting at the quarterback every down. No more complex schemes and dropping into zone coverage. The con, is offenses know they’re coming and where they’re coming from.

If Tyrone Crawford can live up to expectations this summer he’ll help the Cowboys say good bye to Spencer.