IllustrateD volume 24, issue 4 45
f
n f l b o i l e r s
hIttIng the market
Former Boilermakers looking for new deals
BY KYLE CHARTERS
KCharters@GoldandBlack.com
T
he offseason could be a big one for sev-
eral former Boilermakers in the NFL,
as they seek long-term deals at the height of
their careers.
Unfortunately for two, they're hitting the
market following seasons in which they
missed all — or at least a majority — of the
action. Dallas linebacker Anthony Spencer,
who has twice been franchise tagged by the
Cowboys, is a free agent once again, after
having missed all but one game last season
with a knee injury. The eight-year veteran
missed much of training camp before play-
ing in Week 2, then shut down his season to
have microfracture surgery. He might have
to settle for a short-term deal to prove that he
can be healthy and stay healthy.
"Anthony has been an unbelievable player for us," Cow-
boys executive vice president Stephen Jones told ESPN in
late January. "It is very unfortunate what happened to him
last year, but he's been very productive. Obviously a guy
we think a lot of. We franchised him last year, of course,
injuries happen in our game. But he's the type of player
you want on your team. We have our fingers crossed, and
I know he does too on that his injury (rehab) comes along
in the proper way."
Spencer's agent has reportedly told the Cowboys and
others that his client will be ready for training camp in
2014.
Dustin Keller is
hoping for the same.
The tight end, who had
signed a one-year with
the Dolphins following
a five-year tenure with
the Jets, is not expected
back with Miami next
season, according to
various media reports.
Keller's injury was devastating, as he suffered a torn
ACL, MCL, PCL and a dislocation after he was legally hit
low during a preseason game. He had signed a one-year
contract with Miami, hoping a big season could land him
a bigger deal. Now, however, he might have to wait, espe-
cially considering some are concerned about the health of
his knee.
Others will be hitting the free agent market healthy.
Linebacker/defensive end Shaun Phillips enjoyed an ex-
cellent season in Denver, where he had 10 sacks in his
first season there after nine in San Diego. Mike Neal,
who had a breakout season for Green Bay, in which he
switched to linebacker from defensive end, has expressed
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Anthony Spencer might have to play 2014 on a one- or two-year deal, hop-
ing to prove he's healthy once again.
