DALLAS COWBOYS LOOK TO FREE UP CAP SPACE FOR BIG OFFSEASON MOVES

🚨 JERRY JONES PREPS FOR A BUSY OFFSEASON: The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant shift in their approach to the 2026 offseason, with owner and general manager Jerry Jones hinting that the team could be more active in free agency than in previous years. For the first time in a long while, Jones has admitted that his team’s strategy up to this point hasn’t been successful, signaling that the Cowboys are ready to make bold moves and push for a Super Bowl title.

However, there’s a major obstacle: the Cowboys are currently nearly $30 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap (OTC). This presents a challenge for Dallas, as they need to clear space not only to re-sign their own free agents but also to bring in outside talent to strengthen the roster.

THE GOOD NEWS: COWBOYS HAVE FLEXIBILITY TO CREATE CAP SPACE

The silver lining for the Cowboys is that no team is more adept at clearing cap space than Dallas. In fact, the Cowboys can free up a staggering $131 million through simple restructures. This puts them at the top of the list for teams with the most flexibility to work with this offseason.

Here’s a look at how teams rank in their ability to free up cap space through restructures:

1. Dallas Cowboys: $131M

2. Detroit Lions: $128M

3. Kansas City Chiefs: $109M
   …

4. Philadelphia Eagles: $0.2M 😅

This method, known as a simple restructure, allows teams to convert a portion of a player’s salary into a signing bonus that is prorated over the remaining years of the contract. This frees up immediate cash and allows teams to spread out the salary cap hit over future seasons. Many teams, including the Cowboys, also incorporate voided years in contracts to maximize their cap flexibility.

WHICH COWBOYS’ CONTRACTS WILL BE RESTRUCTURED?

Dallas has several key players whose contracts can be restructured to create cap space, including:

• Dak Prescott: The quarterback’s deal is the most significant in terms of cap relief. By restructuring Prescott’s contract, the Cowboys can drop his $74 million cap hit down to $43 million, creating $31 million in cap space. This move alone would get the Cowboys under the cap, setting them up for further free-agent activity.

• CeeDee Lamb: The star wide receiver’s contract can be restructured to free up $19 million, providing more financial flexibility.

• Tyler Smith: The offensive guard is another player whose deal can be restructured, opening up $17.6 million in cap space.

• Osa Odighizuwa and Quinnen Williams: Both defensive tackles can be restructured to provide additional cap relief, helping to shore up the defensive line if the Cowboys need to make a splash in free agency.

• DaRon Bland: The cornerback’s contract could also be restructured, further boosting the Cowboys’ financial flexibility.

EXTENSIONS AND POSSIBLE CAP CASUALTIES

In addition to restructures, the Cowboys could extend the contracts of Kenny Clark and others to create even more cap space. Clark, who is entering the final year of his deal, is set to count $21.5 million against the cap in 2026, and an extension could free up a significant amount of space.

There are also potential cap casualties to consider. Players like Logan Wilson and Terence Steele could be cut or restructured, further clearing space and allowing the Cowboys to address their roster needs.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE COWBOYS’ OFFSEASON?

Simply put, the Dallas Cowboys have the financial flexibility to make any move they want this offseason. Whether it’s adding a top-tier free agent, bolstering their defensive or offensive lines, or extending key players to ensure long-term success, the Cowboys are in a prime position to reshape their roster.

With $131 million available through simple restructures, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are poised to be aggressive in free agency. The moves they make this offseason could determine whether the team remains a Super Bowl contender or falters once again in the face of the league’s elite.

For Cowboys fans, the upcoming months are critical. Will the team capitalize on this financial flexibility and make the necessary moves to compete for a title, or will they fail to address their needs once again? The clock is ticking, and Dallas is ready to make it count.