IRVING, Texas – Dallas linebacker Anthony Spencer has signed a $10.6 million one-year tender, securing his return to the Cowboys while he seeks a long-term deal.
The Cowboys put the franchise tag on Spencer for the second straight year, guaranteeing him a raise from the $8.8 million he made as the team's leading tackler in 2012. Spencer is moving to defensive end with Dallas' switch to the 4-3 defense.
The 29-year-old Spencer was the biggest question for Dallas in free agency, which opened Tuesday. The six-year pro, who had a career-best 11 sacks last season, was set to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Cowboys are less than $200,000 under the salary cap and unlikely to make any big moves in free agency unless they restructure more contracts.
___
Online: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.