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Tyler Today
By the People, for the People
Cowboys Poised to Free Up Over $130M in Cap Space for 2026 NFL Free Agency
Dallas can create significant financial flexibility through restructures of key player contracts
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tight salary cap situation heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, with the team currently nearly $30 million over the limit. However, the Cowboys have the ability to free up over $130 million in cap space through simple contract restructures of several key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and others.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' ability to create substantial cap space will allow them to be more active in free agency this offseason as they look to build a championship-caliber roster. This flexibility could enable Dallas to re-sign their own pending free agents as well as pursue outside talent to address roster needs.
The details
According to reports, the Cowboys can create $131 million in cap space through restructures of player contracts. The primary deals the team can restructure include those of Prescott, Lamb, guard Tyler Smith, defensive tackles Osa Odighizuwa and Quinnen Williams, and cornerback DaRon Bland. A simple restructure allows the team to convert a portion of the player's salary into a signing bonus, which can then be prorated over the remaining years of the contract.
- The Cowboys enter the 2026 offseason nearly $30 million over the salary cap.
The players
Jerry Jones
The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, who has hinted at being more active in free agency this offseason.
Dak Prescott
The Cowboys' starting quarterback, whose contract restructure could free up $31 million in cap space.
CeeDee Lamb
The Cowboys' star wide receiver, whose contract restructure could free up $19 million in cap space.
What’s next
The Cowboys will need to finalize the contract restructures in the coming weeks to create the necessary cap space to be active in free agency and re-sign their own pending free agents.
The takeaway
The Cowboys' ability to free up over $130 million in cap space through strategic contract restructures puts them in a strong position to be aggressive in free agency and build a roster capable of contending for a championship in 2026.
