Updated Dallas Cowboys 2026 Salary Cap Space Entering April

The Cowboys have $16 million in available cap space as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The Dallas Cowboys entered the NFL offseason well over the salary cap, but have since made moves to free up $16 million in cap space as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has signed players like Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, and Cobie Durant to bolster the secondary, and traded for EDGE Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers to improve the pass rush.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' salary cap situation has a major impact on their ability to sign free agents and make trades to improve the roster. With $16 million in cap space, the team has more flexibility to address needs through the draft and free agency as they look to build a competitive team for the 2026 season.

The details

The Cowboys were initially well above the salary cap, but were able to create space by restructuring the contracts of star players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Quinnen Williams. This allowed them to sign free agents like Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, and Cobie Durant to bolster the secondary, and trade for EDGE Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers to improve the pass rush.

  • The Cowboys entered the NFL offseason well above the salary cap.
  • The team has made moves over the past four weeks to free up $16 million in cap space.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than one month away, taking place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' star quarterback, who had his contract restructured to create cap space.

CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys' star wide receiver, who also had his contract restructured to create cap space.

Quinnen Williams

The Cowboys' star defensive tackle, who had his contract restructured to create cap space.

Jalen Thompson

A free agent safety signed by the Cowboys to bolster the secondary.

P.J. Locke

A free agent defensive back signed by the Cowboys to bolster the secondary.

Cobie Durant

A free agent defensive back signed by the Cowboys to bolster the secondary.

Rashan Gary

An EDGE rusher acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Green Bay Packers to improve the pass rush.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will look to use their $16 million in cap space to continue improving the roster through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' salary cap maneuvering has given them more flexibility to address needs and build a competitive roster for the 2026 season. With $16 million in cap space, they can continue to make strategic moves to improve the team ahead of the upcoming draft.