Cesar Tordesillas

The Dallas Cowboys used it's franchise tag on linebacker Anthony Spencer for the second straight year.

Spencer is franchised at linebacker and will be paid $10.56 million in 2013 if he doesn't sign a long-term deal.

It is possible the sides could work out a long-term deal, according to Spencer's agent, Jordan Woy.

"Anthony played very well last season and he would like to know he has a home here for several years," said Woy.

Spencer had a career-high 11 sacks in 2012 and was named to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement. Spencer led the Cowboys with 95 tackles, and his eight tackles for loss and 26 quarterback pressures were second on the team.

He became just the fourth linebacker to amass 90 tackles, 10 sacks and 5 stuffs.

He will move to defensive end in 2013 as the Cowboys go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.

Using the franchise tag on Spencer gives the Cowboys until mid-July to work out a long-term deal with Spencer. Had they allowed the 3 p.m. franchise deadline to pass today, the Cowboys would have to beat the March 12 when Spencer becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Cowboys were one of only eight teams in the NFL that opted to use their franchise tag on a player. The tag on Spencer came as a surprise due to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' recent comments about allowing him to leave elsewhere.

It is also possible the Cowboys could look to trade Spencer for draft picks.

The Cowboys will have to restructure more contracts including those of quarterback Tony Romo, defensive tackle Jay Ratliff, guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau, cornerback Orlando Scandrick and quarterback Kyle Ortonto get under the $123 million cap by March 12.

Cowboys Franchise Linebacker Anthony Spencer Again - NFL 2013