Cowboys Restructure Contracts to Get Under Salary Cap

Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith deals reworked to create $47 million in cap space

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have restructured the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and offensive lineman Tyler Smith to create $47 million in salary cap space. This move will allow the team to get under the NFL's salary cap and potentially make additional roster moves in free agency to improve the team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Why it matters

The Cowboys struggled on defense last season, so freeing up cap space could allow them to target high-impact defensive players in free agency. Restructuring deals for key offensive players like Prescott and Lamb also ensures the team can retain its core offensive talent.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys have officially restructured the contracts of Prescott, Lamb, and Smith, creating the $47 million in cap room. This was done by converting a portion of their base salaries into signing bonuses, which spreads the cap hit over multiple years. The team is still expected to make additional moves, like potentially extending the contract of franchise-tagged wide receiver George Pickens.

  • On March 4, 2026, the Cowboys restructured the contracts of Dak Prescott and Tyler Smith.
  • Also on March 4, 2026, the Cowboys restructured the contract of CeeDee Lamb.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback since 2016, Prescott is a two-time Pro Bowler and the face of the franchise.

CeeDee Lamb

A rising star wide receiver for the Cowboys, Lamb made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and 2025.

Tyler Smith

The Cowboys' first-round draft pick in 2023, Smith started all 17 games at offensive tackle as a rookie.

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What they’re saying

“Cowboys now have officially restructured the contracts of Dak Prescott and Tyler Smith, creating $47 million in cap room, per Field Yates and me. They still are expected to restructure CeeDee Lamb's contract to help get cap compliant.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider (X (formerly Twitter)

“Sources say the CeeDee Lamb's contract has been restructured as well. Cowboys now under the cap.”

— Todd Archer, ESPN Cowboys Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Cowboys are expected to use the freed-up cap space to target defensive free agents, with edge rusher being a potential priority position. They could also look to extend the contract of franchise-tagged wide receiver George Pickens.

The takeaway

By restructuring the deals of key offensive players, the Cowboys have created significant salary cap flexibility to address the defensive needs that plagued the team last season. This proactive approach should allow them to be active in free agency and position the team for a bounce-back campaign in 2026.