Cowboys Aim to Create $86M in Salary Cap Space

Dallas plans to restructure contracts and make roster moves to free up cap room for 2026 season

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Dallas Cowboys have already taken steps to get under the 2026 salary cap, including restructuring deals for key players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith. Now the team is looking to create an additional $77 million in cap space through a series of moves, including extending defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, releasing punter Bryan Anger, and restructuring contracts for Osa Odighizuwa, DaRon Bland, and Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys are also considering releasing or restructuring right tackle Terence Steele and safety Malik Hooker to free up even more cap room.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to create significant salary cap space in order to sign their 2026 draft class, make moves in free agency, and build a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. With the team already over the cap, these moves are necessary to give them the financial flexibility they need to improve the team this offseason.

The details

The Cowboys' plan to create $86 million in salary cap space includes several key moves. They are looking to extend defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, which would save them $14.8 million and $13.75 million respectively. The team also plans to release punter Bryan Anger, which would save $3.1 million. Additionally, the Cowboys intend to restructure the contracts of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa ($12 million in savings), cornerback DaRon Bland ($8.6 million), and tight end Jake Ferguson ($4.8 million). The team is also considering releasing or restructuring right tackle Terence Steele ($8.75 million to $13.25 million in savings) and safety Malik Hooker ($6.85 million).

  • The Cowboys must make decisions on restricted free agent tenders for kicker Brandon Aubrey and offensive lineman TJ Bass by the April 17 deadline.
  • The $11 million bonus for Kenny Clark is due on March 14, 2026.
  • The $2.656 million of Quinnen Williams' 2026 base salary becomes guaranteed on March 16, 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

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

CeeDee Lamb

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

Tyler Smith

The Cowboys' starting left guard who had his contract restructured to create cap space.

Kenny Clark

A defensive tackle acquired via trade who the Cowboys are looking to extend to create cap space.

Quinnen Williams

A defensive tackle acquired via trade who the Cowboys are looking to extend to create cap space.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.