The deadline for clubs to sign long-term extensions with players currently under the franchise tag is one week away - the negotiating window expiring July 16 - and the Cowboys do not plan to work out a deal with outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.
The word at Valley Ranch is that the team intends to let the 28-year-old will play out this year with a guaranteed salary of $8.8 million.
Spencer signed his tender on April 23, with the hope that a long-term deal could be reached before the season, but there have been no talks between the two sides recently. He participated fully in the team's offseason program.
The 2007 first-round pick has started opposite DeMarcus Ware for the past three seasons, performing well at times, and inconsistently at others, and the Cowboys apparently want to see more from him before committing to keep him well into his 30s.
After next week's deadline, the team cannot negotiate a new contract with Spencer until after the season has ended.
The Cowboys will have the right to franchise him again, if they choose.
