Cowboys Defensive Tackle Likely to Remain on Roster Despite Cap Concerns

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark expected to stay with team despite potential salary cap issues.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are facing potential salary cap challenges this offseason, leading to speculation that veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark could be a cap casualty. However, recent comments from Cowboys insider Todd Archer suggest Clark may have more job security than initially believed, as new defensive coordinator Christian Parker values the versatility Clark brings to the team's defensive line.

Why it matters

Clark's potential release could have freed up significant cap space for the Cowboys, but his retention would allow the team to maintain continuity on the defensive line and build around his talents as they look to revamp the defense under the new coordinator.

The details

The Cowboys acquired Clark in a trade with the Green Bay Packers before the 2025 season as part of the deal that sent linebacker Micah Parsons to Dallas. Releasing Clark could have freed up $21.5 million in cap space, but Archer's reporting indicates the team views Clark as a key returnee who fits the new defensive coordinator's scheme. Parker, who previously worked with former Packers coordinator Mike Pettine, is known for his emphasis on scheme flexibility and playing to the strengths of his personnel.

  • The Cowboys hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator in January 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL offseason begins in March 2026.

The players

Kenny Clark

A veteran defensive tackle acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in a trade with the Green Bay Packers before the 2025 season.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, hired from the rival Philadelphia Eagles in January 2026.

Mike Pettine

The former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, who worked with new Cowboys DC Christian Parker.

Quinnen Williams

A Pro Bowl defensive tackle who is expected to return to the Cowboys' defensive line in 2026.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle who is also expected to return to the Cowboys' defensive line in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys have two first-round picks that could be used as building blocks to reform the defense. They can also make investments in free agency to help with returnees such as defensive tackles Quinnen Williams (Pro Bowler), Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa.”

— Todd Archer, Cowboys insider (ESPN)

“Working with us in Green Bay and with Vic, I think it definitely helps him with his critical thinking and building of a plan that is not just cookie-cutter [like], 'We run what we run.' Everything will be custom to the opponent. That's the biggest part of the game when you're a coordinator. What players are available? Who do they have available? What can we run to give this the likelihood to be successful?”

— Mike Pettine, Former Packers defensive coordinator (via Todd Archer)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to make decisions on their roster and salary cap situation in the coming months, with the 2026 NFL offseason officially beginning in March.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' decision to retain Kenny Clark despite potential cap concerns highlights the team's commitment to maintaining continuity on the defensive line and building a versatile unit that can adapt to the new defensive coordinator's scheme. This move could pay dividends as the team looks to revamp its defense and compete in the NFC East.