DALLAS – Sources on both sides of the negotiating table tell 105.3 The Fan that Dallas Cowboys discussions involving a long-term contract for Anthony Spencer will accelerate this week, with an eye toward a long-term contract that must be agreed upon by the July 15 deadline.
"I want to be here for the rest of my career," Spencer said on Tuesday after the team’s OTA workout at Valley Ranch. "Hopefully we can get that done."
Spencer is presently playing under the terms of the franchise-tag deal that pays him $10.6 million for this season. A Pro Bowler last year as an outside linebacker, he’s moving to defensive end in Dallas’ new 4-3 scheme.
"I feel comfortable," said Spencer, noting that he’s now 10 pounds heavier than his 252-pound playing weight of a year ago. "Kind of uncomfortable in some positions, in some spots, but it feels normal."
The weight will work itself out. So will the 4-3 adjustment, Spencer noting that new coordinator Monte Kiffin is like his predecessor Rob Ryan because "they both get fired up, they know their stuff and they preach it on and off the field. … Monte doesn’t cuss as much, but that’s the only difference."
Spencer hopes to be a difference-maker with his hand on the ground, where the opportunity as a left-side defensive to rack up sacks exists.
"I’ll put the over/under on 12," Spencer said, laughing, when prodded on a sack-total goal.
First things first, of course. He’d like a new contract first.
