For the second consecutive season, the Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on linebacker Anthony Spencer on Monday.

The team also released safety Gerald Sensabaugh, cornerback Vince Agnew and linebacker Brashton Satele.

Spencer led the team in tackles with a career-best 106 last season. He was second on the team in sacks with a career-high 11. He earned his first Pro Bowl berth.

Sensabaugh, and his $3 million salary was a salary-cap move as the Cowboys continue to create financial space. The hard-hitting Sensabaugh finished with 62 tackles, six passes defensed and one tackle for loss.

The team is under the $123 million salary cap for 2013, but will make more moves in the coming weeks.

The Cowboys plan to address benched right tackle Doug Free and his $7 million base salary. A roster purge with Free couldn't happen until after June 1 for the Cowboys to net any real savings. However, he could be asked to take a pay cut if they plan to bring him back next season.

The hard-hitting Sensabaugh finished with 62 tackles, six passes defensed and one tackle for loss.

Free agency begins on March 12 and the team is still seeking a long-term contract extension with quarterback Tony Romo.

(c)2013 Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Visit the Fort Worth Star-Telegram at www.star-telegram.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services