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Todd Archer
FRISCO, Texas — Owner and general manager Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys expressed enthusiasm regarding the team’s capability to strengthen its roster through both the draft and free agency, attributing this to strategies implemented at the beginning of the 2025 season.
«The ultimate goals we aimed for during the Micah Parsons trade are all in front of us,» stated Jones during his end-of-season press briefing.
Behind closed doors, Jones hinted at the likelihood of «stretching the budget» in pursuit of his ambition to be the owner with the highest number of Super Bowl victories by the end of his tenure. Currently, Jones trails New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft by three championships.
This suggests that the Cowboys may take substantial action in free agency.
Presently, the salary cap situation resembles a Monet painting: a bit unclear, contingent on the viewpoint.
What’s established is that the Cowboys must find ways to operate below the 2026 cap ceiling. However, the precise amount they need to clear remains uncertain and will be determined in early March when the cap is finalized.
Currently, the Cowboys have contracts totaling approximately $330 million. Estimates for the NFL salary cap fall between $295 million and $305 million.
Conservatively speaking, this mandates that the Cowboys must create $30 million just to comply with the cap. Moreover, should they utilize the franchise tag on unrestricted free agent George Pickens, this could result in an additional $28 million impact on the cap immediately.
Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, G Tyler Smith, DT Osa Odighizuwa, CB DaRon Bland, and TE Jake Ferguson face potential reductions in their base salaries down to the minimum.
However, there is a consideration to keep in mind regarding at least two of these restructures.
If they fully restructure Prescott’s contract, this would add nearly $8 million to his future cap numbers from 2027 to 2031, pushing his cap figures in 2027 and 2028 to over $75 million and $85 million respectively. It may be prudent not to entirely convert Prescott’s $40 million base salary to alleviate future pressures.
As for Bland, he has just undergone his second foot surgery in consecutive years. Would the Cowboys opt to inflate his cap numbers given his current injury concerns? Bland’s fully guaranteed funds will run out after this season, presenting the team with the potential for an easier exit in 2027, should they choose not to restructure his contract now.
Perhaps a wiser approach would be to delay restructuring Bland’s deal for unforeseen circumstances that may arise later during free agency, summer, or trade deadline.
Notably, these contracts were designed to be modifiable in their early phases to provide the Cowboys with cap flexibility. By adjusting Lamb and Smith’s deals, they could potentially free up around $36 million.
If further space is necessary, they could consider extending defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. With Clark set to receive an $11 million roster bonus by March 13, his situation may require more immediate attention, though both players are under contract through 2027.
Among the Cowboys’ 15 unrestricted free agents, three stand out as critical to retain: Pickens, running back Javonte Williams, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
All three have expressed a desire to remain with the Cowboys, though their circumstances differ.
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Pickens is in a position to command top-tier receiver salary. Two years earlier, the Cowboys awarded Lamb a contract worth $34 million per year. Would they exceed that figure for Pickens, who notched career-best stats with 93 receptions, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns following his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers?
This suggests that the Cowboys will likely apply the franchise tag to Pickens. This would enable further avenues, like Pickens’ participation in the voluntary offseason program and training camp. The Cowboys experienced Parsons’ hold-in during last summer’s training camp, and Pickens shares the same agency (Athletes First) as Parsons.
Clowney, who capped his season with 8.5 sacks, has seen his value rise, entering his 13th year. He’s indicated a desire to engage in offseason programs and training camps to better prepare for physical demands, having joined the Cowboys mid-season. His on-field contributions are substantial to a pass rush that struggled in 2025, and coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Clowney’s mentorship of younger players like Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Williams concluded the year with 1,201 yards, marking the highest total by a Dallas running back since Ezekiel Elliott in 2019. He earned $3 million in 2025 and is likely to see that doubled on a multi-year contract. The Cowboys can highlight their recent successes with 1,000-yard rushers, Williams and undrafted free agent Rico Dowdle, demonstrating that talent can come from anywhere.
The Cowboys also face decisions with restricted free agents. Since All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey went undrafted, he is likely to receive the second-round tender, projected just over $6 million. The team had discussions with Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, last summer regarding a long-term deal but couldn’t reach an agreement. Those talks could be revisited in the offseason, potentially positioning Aubrey as the highest-paid kicker in the NFL while having a cap charge under $6 million for 2026.
T.J. Bass, also undrafted, started five games last season. If the Cowboys wish to retain Smith at left tackle, Bass has demonstrated potential at the left guard position. Will the Cowboys pursue a shorter multi-year deal with Bass to secure his future unrestricted free agent year in 2027? Similar agreements were made with returner KaVontae Turpin and safety Markquese Bell last summer. Brock Hoffman, who has been a key interior reserve over the last two years, finds himself in the same position.
Ideally, the Cowboys would accomplish all of these objectives prior to free agency kicking off on March 11, as they will need to be proactive and go beyond merely filling defensive gaps.
Defensive tackle remains the only position they are secure in, with Williams, Clark, Odighizuwa, and Solomon Thomas. They will require multiple linebackers, safeties, cornerbacks, and edge rushers as well.
From a salary cap standpoint, the Cowboys will be poised to pursue opportunities freely in the upcoming free agency.
Will they opt to pursue the moves most fans are hoping for?
«I don’t want to express overly optimistic expectations by stating, ‘We will be active in free agency,’ only to fall short and disappoint,» Jones remarked. «However, if opportunities present themselves in free agency, especially more than one, we will leverage our better circumstances today to engage actively in free agency.»
