The Dallas Cowboys have a long-standing tradition of addressing contract situations right before the NFL season kicks off. Owner Jerry Jones often orchestrates significant moves to ensure that the Cowboys are in the spotlight as the season approaches. For instance, last year, he made headlines by trading Micah Parsons just days before the Thursday Night Football opener. Similarly, two years ago, he secured Dak Prescott's services with the largest contract in NFL history on the very first day of the season.
This year, while no major trade has yet been announced, the Cowboys made a noteworthy move on Thursday night, just six days prior to the season opener. By restructuring the contracts of key players Kenny Clark, DaRon Bland, and Jake Ferguson, the organization has successfully created $19 million in salary cap space. This maneuver suggests that Jones may be preparing for future trades or acquisitions as the season progresses.
Initially, the Cowboys had $15.9 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. With the recent restructures, their total cap space has surged to just under $35 million, positioning them as the sixth-highest in the NFL. This substantial increase in available funds could allow the Cowboys to make strategic moves as the season unfolds.
One player who stands out in need of a contract extension is wide receiver George Pickens, who is currently playing under a franchise tag. However, with the recent restructuring, the Cowboys have ensured that they have the financial flexibility to make necessary investments in their roster. The unused salary cap space can carry over into the next season, but it also comes with considerations regarding future cap hits.
Restructuring contracts can create immediate cap relief but also adds future obligations. The Cowboys have opted to create room for potential trades rather than simply letting the cap space sit idle. This strategy allows them to maximize the amount of salary that can be converted, which is crucial if they decide to pursue acquisitions as the season progresses.
The NFL trade deadline is set for the Tuesday following Week 9, and with their enhanced cap space, the Cowboys could be well-positioned to make impactful trades if needed. If they had waited to restructure the contracts, they would have already incurred eight weeks of salary payments for the three players, limiting their ability to adjust contracts mid-season.
Having ample cap space not only provides the Cowboys with the flexibility to make trades but also allows them to avoid immediate contract rework. This was evident in their previous dealings, such as acquiring Quinnen Williams, where they managed to negotiate a hefty penalty but postponed contract extensions until the following training camp.
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