The Dallas Cowboys are working to resolve a significant salary cap problem after exceeding the limit by $56 million, partly due to applying the franchise tag to George Pickens. To address this, the team plans to restructure contracts for key players, including Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, as part of a broader effort to create financial flexibility.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys will modify the deals of Prescott, Lamb, and Tyler Smith to generate approximately $66 million in additional cap space.
Additional Contract Restructuring Plans Unveiled
At the NFL scouting combine, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed intentions to also restructure contracts for defensive players Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa. These three currently account for $63 million against the team’s cap.
Jones explained this approach as a way to enable more activity in free agency, expressing a willingness to leverage future salary cap room to improve the present roster.
“I want you to know that the only way to push more [out] is for me to go borrow some of my future, OK?”
Jones said.
“Expect me to go borrow some of my future.”
Contract Details and Flexible Solutions for Cap Management
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys might add voidable years to the contracts of Clark and Williams to offer more latitude in restructuring, while Odighizuwa’s deal already includes three void years from 2029 through 2031, providing additional flexibility.
Williams’ contract runs through 2027 and includes two void years until 2029, whereas Clark is signed through 2027 without any void years.
Patrik Walker from Cowboys.com noted the potential to clear over $131 million in cap space through restructures and possibly unlock an extra $52 million. Although it seems unlikely the Cowboys will push this much money into the future, the team appears ready to take more aggressive financial steps this offseason.
Looking Ahead: Offseason Moves and Roster Building Strategy
Despite historically being among the NFL’s lowest spenders in free agency, the Cowboys may adjust their strategy following consecutive missed playoff seasons. With two top-20 draft picks in hand, they have options to reinforce the roster either via the draft or trades.
For example, if the Las Vegas Raiders put defensive standout Maxx Crosby on the trade block, Dallas could be a prime destination given their need for pass-rushing talent and the necessary draft capital to pursue a deal.
This cautious yet potentially bold financial approach underscores the franchise’s recognition that enhanced cap space is essential to improving team competitiveness and avoiding further playoff disappointments.
The Cowboys will restructure the contracts of QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and G Tyler Smith, which will create $66 million of room.
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys will rework the contracts of DTs Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa, who are scheduled to count… https://t.co/L1hZWlO1yk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2026
