Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams recently secured a significant three-year, $24 million contract extension following a standout season with career highs in rushing yards (1,201) and touchdowns (11). This contract extension, known as the Javonte Williams contract extension, solidifies his role in Dallas’ backfield but introduces challenges related to the team’s salary cap as the Cowboys currently face a nearly $29 million cap deficit.
To address these financial constraints, the team has begun making difficult roster decisions, starting with the release of linebacker Logan Wilson, which provided $6.5 million in cap relief. Additional roster moves are anticipated, specifically targeting veteran players whose contracts and performances make them vulnerable to cap-related cuts in the coming weeks.
Running Back Miles Sanders’ Expected Departure
Miles Sanders is on track to leave the Cowboys as his one-year deal expires next week, and financial limitations prevent the team from re-signing him. At 28, Sanders served as the fourth running back on the roster and missed more than half the season due to an ankle injury. Despite his injury setbacks and limited role, he still has potential appeal to other NFL teams seeking experienced depth backs. Meanwhile, the Cowboys plan to rely on younger backs like Malik Davis and Jadon Blue for backup roles behind Williams.
Defensive Tackle Kenny Clark’s Release Considered
Kenny Clark, who came to Dallas amidst the controversial trade involving Micah Parsons, failed to replicate Parsons’ impact, recording only three sacks and 17 solo tackles last season. With the Cowboys allowing the highest number of points in the league (511), management, led by owner and general manager Jerry Jones, seems ready to explore younger talent at defensive line positions rather than retain the 30-year-old Clark. Releasing Clark before March 13 would save the team $21.5 million in cap space, a crucial financial reset for Dallas.
Right Tackle Terence Steele Could Be Cut for Cap Relief
Releasing right tackle Terence Steele may free a clear path for Tyler Guyton, who naturally plays that position, while providing substantial salary cap savings. Steele faces an $18 million cap hit in 2026, and releasing him now could alleviate approximately 70 percent of the Cowboys’ current salary pressures. Dallas is positioned well to replenish offensive line depth through the NFL draft, holding the 12th and 20th overall picks, focusing on rebuilding the Rams’ offensive front without Steele.
Safety Malik Hooker Among Potential Cuts
At 29 years old, safety Malik Hooker faces an uncertain future with Dallas. His contract holds no guaranteed money beyond the 2025 season, and his on-field contributions were minimal, with just one pass defended and four tackles last year. Young safeties Juanyeh Thomas and Alijah Clark are rising through the ranks, making Hooker a prime candidate for a “cap conscious” release. This move would free $7 million, funds the Cowboys could redirect toward drafting and developing safer with more upside.
Tight End Luke Schoonmaker’s Spot Is Also at Risk
Luke Schoonmaker’s position with Dallas remains tenuous, as he ranks third on the tight end depth chart behind Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford. While Schoonmaker caught 14 passes for 132 yards last season, Spann-Ford’s slightly lesser statistics but end zone presence highlight coaching staff’s preference. Drafted 58th overall in 2023 by former head coach Mike McCarthy, Schoonmaker may not fit into head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s emerging plans, who might seek to build his own roster. Cutting Schoonmaker before March 13 would save the Cowboys close to $2 million.
The Cowboys’ decisions to cut several veterans after signing Javonte Williams to a lucrative new deal underscore the difficult financial balancing act teams must perform under the NFL salary cap structure. These moves aim to refine the roster around emerging talent while managing cap limitations effectively as Dallas prepares for the upcoming season.
The Javonte Williams financial terms: 3-years, $24 mil with $6 mil to sign and $16 mil guaranteed a person with knowledge of the contract talks confirms.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 21, 2026
