The Dallas Cowboys have successfully freed up approximately $66 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and guard Tyler Smith, leaving the team with around $11 million in cap flexibility heading into free agency, according to ESPN. This adjustment is vital as the Cowboys prepare to strengthen their roster during the offseason.
These contract restructurings deferred portions of the players’ salaries to future seasons and lowered their base salaries for 2026. For example, Prescott, originally slated to earn $40 million in 2024, will now have a base salary of $1.8 million this year, with the remaining amount converted into a signing bonus. None of the players are experiencing actual pay cuts; rather, the changes are accounting maneuvers designed to spread out cap charges over time.
Further financial restructuring is expected, as team owner and general manager Jerry Jones noted plans to revisit contracts for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa. These moves are intended to create immediate salary cap relief, enabling Dallas to assemble a stronger team capable of returning to postseason contention this year.
Securing Kicker Brandon Aubrey with a Record-Breaking Offer
One of the Dallas Cowboys’ key priorities is to retain star kicker Brandon Aubrey by offering him a more lucrative, long-term contract. Aubrey is considered one of the most reliable kickers in the league, but keeping him will require a significant financial commitment. The team has reportedly made an offer exceeding the $6.4 million annual salary that the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to pay Harrison Butker, setting a new benchmark for kicker salaries in the NFL.
Aubrey, a restricted free agent, is seeking a $10 million yearly contract, a figure his agent has been negotiating toward since before the prior season. Reaching an agreement prior to the March 11 start of free agency would minimize the risk of losing him to other teams. Even if negotiations continue, the Cowboys hold leverage through tenders that could be valued as high as $8 million, discouraging other teams from pursuing him aggressively.
Long-Term Deal Discussions for Wide Receiver George Pickens
The Cowboys have applied the franchise tag on standout receiver George Pickens for 2026, retaining his rights while both parties look to finalize a long-term contract. If the Cowboys manage to free up enough cap space through restructuring, it could facilitate a deal now to keep Pickens playing alongside CeeDee Lamb, maintaining one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiver duos.
Despite this, there is no guarantee Pickens will remain with Dallas indefinitely. The team may prioritize spending on other critical positions and is reportedly open to trading Pickens. Due to the non-exclusive nature of the franchise tag, other teams will also have opportunities to negotiate with him, adding an element of uncertainty to his future with the Cowboys.
Addressing Defensive Weaknesses with New Investments
The Cowboys’ most urgent roster needs center on improving their struggling defense, which ranked last in the NFL in 2025 by allowing an average of 30.1 points per game — one of the poorest performances in franchise history. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker taking charge, there is a clear commitment from the team’s leadership to bolster every level of the defense, from the line to the secondary.
I want to do everything we possibly can to stop somebody and to basically win some third downs more than we did last year,
Jerry Jones said at the NFL Scouting Combine.
And so I think that would be the area that you would see me bust the budget.
– Jerry Jones, Owner and General Manager
The current cap space opens the door for the Cowboys to pursue affordable, impactful defensive players across several positions, including edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. Potential free agency targets connected to coordinator Christian Parker’s previous tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles include safety Reed Blankenship and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Beyond those familiar connections, Dallas could also target linebacker Quincy Williams and cornerback Cobie Durant, players who fit their defensive needs and salary parameters. These acquisitions would address key lineup gaps and provide the Cowboys with a stronger unit heading into the 2024 NFL season.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: #Colts plan to open talks for Daniel Jones; #Bengals could franchise tag Trey Hendrickson; #Giants QB Russell Wilson’s future; #Cowboys will tag George Pickens, but could trade him. pic.twitter.com/R5lcNyorZY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
