Posted on Mar 04

Cowboys restructure contracts for Prescott, Lamb, Smith, clearing $66M in cap space

Posted Mar 4, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have restructured multiple contracts to alleviate salary cap pressures, enabling them to make strategic moves in free agency and the draft.

Why it matters: The Cowboys proactive approach to cap management allows them to remain competitive while addressing critical roster needs. With substantial restructuring, they have freed up significant funds to enhance their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.

The Cowboys were previously $55 million over the $301.2 million salary cap but have now cleared approximately $66 million.
This restructuring positions them favorably to pursue additional talent in free agency and to potentially trade for high-impact players.

What’s new: Key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have had their contracts adjusted significantly.

Prescott's base salary was slashed from $40 million to $1.8 million, a move that not only provides immediate cap relief but also sets up future financial implications, with his cap number projected to exceed $76 million by 2027.
Both Lamb and left guard Tyler Smith saw their base salaries reduced to around $1.7 million.

Yes, but: While these adjustments provide short-term flexibility, they come at the cost of long-term financial health and could adversely affect the team in future years.

Jerry Jones hinted at the long-term consequences of such maneuvers, stating, "the only way to push more [out] is for me to go borrow some of my future."
The Cowboys will need to tread carefully, balancing immediate aspirations with future cap constraints.

What to watch: The Cowboys are eyeing several positions of need as they prepare for both the draft and free agency, including linebacker, cornerback, safety, and pass rusher.

They currently hold two first-round picks, but lack selections in the second and third rounds due to prior trades, necessitating shrewd decision-making in this draft cycle.
Monitoring how the Cowboys allocate resources in free agency will be crucial as they seek to bolster their defense and maintain offensive potency.

The bottom line: The Cowboys’ calculated contract restructurings reflect a commitment to winning now while navigating the complexities of future salary cap ramifications.

As they gear up for the next NFL season, the effectiveness of these financial strategies will ultimately determine their success on the field.
Expect the Cowboys to be active participants in free agency, with owner Jerry Jones expressing confidence in increased spending, stating, “I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have.”

Cowboys restructure contracts for Prescott, Lamb, Smith, clearing $66M in cap space

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 4, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have restructured multiple contracts to alleviate salary cap pressures, enabling them to make strategic moves in free agency and the draft.

The Cowboys were previously $55 million over the $301.2 million salary cap but have now cleared approximately $66 million.

This restructuring positions them favorably to pursue additional talent in free agency and to potentially trade for high-impact players.

What’s new: Key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have had their contracts adjusted significantly.

Prescott's base salary was slashed from $40 million to $1.8 million, a move that not only provides immediate cap relief but also sets up future financial implications, with his cap number projected to exceed $76 million by 2027.

Both Lamb and left guard Tyler Smith saw their base salaries reduced to around $1.7 million.

Yes, but: While these adjustments provide short-term flexibility, they come at the cost of long-term financial health and could adversely affect the team in future years.

Jerry Jones hinted at the long-term consequences of such maneuvers, stating, "the only way to push more [out] is for me to go borrow some of my future."

The Cowboys will need to tread carefully, balancing immediate aspirations with future cap constraints.

What to watch: The Cowboys are eyeing several positions of need as they prepare for both the draft and free agency, including linebacker, cornerback, safety, and pass rusher.

They currently hold two first-round picks, but lack selections in the second and third rounds due to prior trades, necessitating shrewd decision-making in this draft cycle.

Monitoring how the Cowboys allocate resources in free agency will be crucial as they seek to bolster their defense and maintain offensive potency.

The bottom line: The Cowboys’ calculated contract restructurings reflect a commitment to winning now while navigating the complexities of future salary cap ramifications.

As they gear up for the next NFL season, the effectiveness of these financial strategies will ultimately determine their success on the field.

Expect the Cowboys to be active participants in free agency, with owner Jerry Jones expressing confidence in increased spending, stating, “I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have.”