NFL Notes: Spencer's future in Dallas uncertain

The Eagles were dealt some bad news Monday as running back Dion Lewis was charged with falsely reporting a fire, a felony offense, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment (see full story) at a hotel in New York.

Here are some news and notes from around the NFC East...

Spencer's uncertain future
One Cowboy had some disappointing news of his own Monday as it looks like defensive end Anthony Spencer will not be getting a long-term deal in Dallas (via Pro Football Talk).

In April, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on the 28-year-old Spencer, who they took with the 26th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Dallas acquired that pick from the Eagles in a draft-day trade.

While there is still another week to sign franchised players to a long-term deal, the Cowboys’ website has reported the team does not plan to give Spencer an extension, and he will play the 2012 season under the franchise tag, which guarantees him a salary of $8.8 million.

In five seasons with the Cowboys, Spencer has recorded 266 tackles and 21.5 sacks.

Welker, Patriots still far apart
In New England, the Patriots have a franchised player they’d like to get a deal done with in Wes Welker, but the two sides are still far apart on a new contract.

A source told Pro Football Talk that Welker and the Patriots were not close on a deal, and Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe reported the gap between the two sides is about $6 million in guaranteed money.

If Welker and the Patriots are unable to come to an agreement, he would play under the franchise tag in 2012 for the receiver value of $9.515 million.

Peterson a victim?
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson was a victim, not the aggressor, during an altercation with authorities that led to his arrest at a Houston night club over the weekend, his attorney said Monday.

Peterson, a Texas native who makes his offseason home in Houston, was arrested and taken to jail early Saturday morning and charged with resisting arrest, a misdemeanor. Police said he pushed an off-duty police officer who was working security at the club. An initial court appearance is set for Friday.

Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, called the charge and the allegation that he shoved the officer "a total fabrication."

"He, in fact, was struck at least twice in the face for absolutely no legitimate reason, and when all the evidence is impartially reviewed, it will clearly show Adrian was the victim, not the aggressor," Hardin said in a statement.

Houston police declined comment on the details.

"It's now a matter for the courts," police spokesman Kese Smith said (see full story).

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