- Jerry Jones has not called Deion Sanders back to coach Cowboys and it could be Shedeur Sanders' 'fault'
- Jane Slater's playful prediction sparks buzz around who'll be the Cowboys' next head coach
With the NFL season approaching, the Dallas Cowboys are exploring ways to create upwards of $100 million in salary-cap space. This strategic maneuvering would give them the flexibility to retain key players and potentially add new talent to their roster. Jerry Jones could make some moves.
One of the most effective methods is to restructure existing player contracts. By converting large base salaries into g bonuses, the Cowboys can spread cap hits over the life of the contract. Dak Prescott, for instance, has a massive $61.92 million cap hit in 2024. Restructuring his contract alone could free up nearly $22 million in cap space.
Another approach is to release or trade players who have significant cap hits. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has a considerable cap number in 2024, might be a candidate for trade or release. Similarly, cornerback Jourdan Lewis could also be considered for a potential cut or trade to create more space.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2025: date, time, halftime show and everything you need to know
- Where to watch the 2025 Super Bowl? TV channel and streaming where you can watch the game
- Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: Everything you need to know about Kendrick Lamar's show
- Super Bowl Winners List: All the teams that have won the Super Bowl by year
- Gatorade Color Super Bowl: Odds, history and more about the traditional Gatorade bath
The main idea is to retain key players
Extending contracts of essential players can also help manage the cap effectively. By adding more years to contracts and spreading out bonuses, the Cowboys can reduce immediate cap hits. Key players like offensive lineman Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs, who are critical to the team's success, could see their contracts extended, easing cap pressures considerably.
Utilizing post-June 1 designations allows the team to split dead money over two years instead of absorbing it all at once. This strategy can be particularly useful for players with substantial guaranteed money remaining on their contracts. By designating certain contract releases as post-June 1, the Cowboys can optimize their cap space.
Lastly, the Cowboys might consider cutting underperforming or non-essential players to maintain a manageable cap. While this might be painful in the short term, it can help the team in the long run by keeping cap flexibility and allowing for the addition of more vital players to the roster.
Successfully employing these strategies would enable the Cowboys to maneuver through the offseason with more financial flexibility, retaining their key talent and potentially bringing in new free agents to strengthen their team. For Cowboys fans, the prospect of entering the season with a competitive edge and the capacity to make strategic offseason moves is certainly an exciting one.