Story perspectives

Dallas Cowboys Create $66M Cap Space for Defense Upgrades

3/5/2026

Summary

Cowboys Restructure Contracts

The Dallas Cowboys restructured contracts for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, creating about $66 million in cap space.
Dak Prescott's base salary dropped from $40 million to $1.8 million, converted to a signing bonus.
Owner Jerry Jones pledged free-agent spending to upgrade a defense that ranked last in points allowed last season.
The Cowboys are considering restructuring contracts for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa.

Summary

Cowboys Pursue Upgrades

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones restructured contracts for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, freeing $66 million in salary cap space.
However, the Cowboys reportedly have only about $11 million available for new signings.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed enthusiasm about potential additions to improve after a 7-9-1 season.
The Cowboys will pursue defensive upgrades, including Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson, as free agency approaches on March 9.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's 2011 collective bargaining agreement established a salary cap of $120.375 million per team, replacing the previous system that lacked a salary floor until 2013. This shift allowed teams like the Dallas Cowboys to restructure contracts strategically, as seen with Dak Prescott's salary adjustment. The evolving financial landscape emphasizes the importance of effective salary cap management in enhancing team competitiveness and shaping player market dynamics.

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Cowboys Restructure Contracts

The Dallas Cowboys restructured contracts for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, creating about $66 million in cap space.
Dak Prescott's base salary dropped from $40 million to $1.8 million, converted to a signing bonus.
Owner Jerry Jones pledged free-agent spending to upgrade a defense that ranked last in points allowed last season.
The Cowboys are considering restructuring contracts for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa.

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