Anthony Spencer has officially signed his franchise tag tender of $8.8 million, fully guaranteeing his contract for the 2012 season.
Don't call it a mere coincidence Spencer finally signed the tender just a few days leading up to the NFL Draft.
While the Cowboys issued the tender back in February, the club had the option to pull back the tender at any time. Had they drafted a potential replacement for Spencer, such as an outside linebacker in the first round, the Cowboys could've decided to go that route.
By signing the deal, Spencer now could work out with his teammates in the offseason conditioning program. Without officially being under contract, players have to negotiate a waiver, protecting himself from a potential injury.
Spencer did not participate in the first two weeks of the program, but that could change now that he's officially signed.
While the fifth-year veteran has expressed his desire to get a long-term contract, it seems like the Cowboys are content on having him play for the one-year deal, despite it chewing up nearly $9 million on the cap.
Regardless what happens with Spencer, it won't prevent or force the Cowboys to take a pass-rusher. Guys like South Carolina's Melvin Ingram or Alabama teammates Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower are some of the top outside linebackers for the first round.
