Cowboys reportedly considering franchising Anthony Spencer

It doesn’t seem like an idea that makes a lot of sense – spending $8.8 million for one season on a player that hasn’t bust out as of yet – but it’s a possibility in Dallas.

According to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Cowboys have at least discussed the idea of using the franchise tag with outside linebacker Anthony Spencer, who otherwise is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Hill cites a number of reasons for this being possible, chiefly that there is a thin market to pick from in free agency and failing to retain Spencer could force the club into a corner entering the draft.

The first-round draft pick from 2007 has never had more than six sacks in a season but he finished fourth on the team with 74 tackles last year and is a dependable player vs. the run. According to club statistics, he had 31 QB pressures, just nine behind DeMarcus Ware, the other outside linebacker who also delivered 19 ½ sacks.

The alternative would be signing Spencer to a long-term extension if the sides can reach an agreement. That would seem to make more sense than paying him nearly $9 million for one season, especially if the Cowboys can get a deal that is more reasonable.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune