IRVING, Texas -- Salary-cap space is a fluid thing, according to Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, and among the easiest ways for the team to gain space to sign players would be to get linebacker Anthony Spencer signed to a long-term contract.

Spencer is counting $8.856 million against the Cowboys’ cap because they placed the franchise tag on the veteran outside linebacker before free agency began. They can lower that to below $3 million depending on the size of a signing bonus and length of a contract in a multi-year deal.

But it sure doesn’t sound like the Cowboys are in a rush to make a move, although Jones did not rule out a long-term deal.

“We’re comfortable where it is,” Jones said. “We continue to make the moves that we need to make. We’re comfortable with it. But certainly, we wouldn’t rule out a long-term deal with Spencer if it made sense for both of us.”

Spencer has not signed the tender yet, but the Cowboys have to keep that space available under the tag. They can always rescind the tender if needed if Spencer does not sign it, or they could trade him to another team, which would also give them a cap credit.