Cowboys Move Money On 3 Contracts, Create $19 Million In Salary Cap Room

The Dallas Cowboys have made three contract adjustments to their high-priced players, resulting in $19 million of salary-cap room. The trio of players affected are veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland, and tight end Jake Ferguson. The changes, initially reported by ESPN, do not alter the players' salaries, but rather shift their money into future years, providing long-term salary-cap relief.

Although Cowboys owners Jerry and Stephen Jones have previously opposed this strategy, arguing that teams eventually "pay the piper," it can be a clever way for a team that believes it is a contender now to manipulate the cap and create immediate room for a blockbuster acquisition. With this move, Dallas is expected to have approximately $33 million in cap room for 2026.

If a trade for Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby were to occur, the acquiring team would likely be initially responsible for $31 million, although that figure could potentially be restructured. The new cap flexibility for the 2026 season means that Clark's 2027 cap number will increase by about $1.5 million, Bland's by $2.15 million annually, and Ferguson's by $1.2 million.

Despite these adjustments, the move can still provide a significant amount of cap flexibility, especially if it helps the Cowboys contend for postseason success. Cowboys owner Stephen Jones has been vocal about his doubts regarding the team's ability to afford both star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens beyond the current season, but this contract adjustment is a bookkeeping tool and does not involve any sacrifices from the players involved.