In the high-stakes world of NFL team-building, few owners wield the financial wand quite like Jerry Jones. The Dallas Cowboys’ patriarch has never been one to shy away from bold proclamations, and his recent vow to “bust the budget” this offseason has sent ripples through the league. With the Cowboys’ offense already humming as a top-tier unit—boasting a starting lineup largely intact for 2026—the focus shifts to a defense that crumbled into one of the NFL’s all-time worst in 2025. Needing reinforcements across the board, from pass rushers to secondary depth, Dallas faces a daunting rebuild.
The catch? They’re projected to be $39 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap. But in Jones’ world, that’s merely an illusion. Through savvy contract maneuvers, the Cowboys can conjure up nearly $95 million in cap space almost overnight. These five strategic moves not only get Dallas cap-compliant but position them to dominate free agency and the draft, potentially turning the NFC into a Cowboys’ playground. Rivals like the Eagles, Lions, and 49ers? Consider this your emergency alert.
1. Restructure Dak Prescott’s Contract: $30.96 Million in Savings
At the heart of any Cowboys cap strategy is their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. Turning 33 in July 2026, Prescott remains the engine of Dallas’ offensive juggernaut, fresh off another Pro Bowl-caliber season despite the team’s defensive woes. His current deal carries a hefty cap hit, but a straightforward restructure—converting base salary into a signing bonus prorated over void years—frees up a massive $30.96 million.
Jones and his son Stephen, the team’s executive VP, have made this a ritual. It’s not without risks; pushing money into future years could complicate things if Prescott’s health falters. Yet, his pocket-passing style and decision-making should age gracefully, buying Dallas 3-5 more years of elite play. Expect this to be the first domino to fall, as Prescott’s guarantees kick in come March. It’s a no-brainer move that underscores Jones’ willingness to double down on proven stars.
2. Restructure CeeDee Lamb’s Extension: $19.02 Million in Savings
No offense is complete without its alpha receiver, and CeeDee Lamb fits that bill perfectly. Entering Year 2 of his four-year, $136 million extension signed in August 2024, Lamb’s 2025 cap hit balloons to $38.4 million. But like Prescott, a simple restructure—converting his $25 million base salary (which guarantees in March) into a bonus—nets $19.02 million in immediate relief.
Dallas pulled this exact trick last offseason, creating $20 million in space, and Lamb rewarded them with another 1,500-yard campaign. At 27, he’s in his prime, a dynamic playmaker who’s integral to the Cowboys’ aerial attack. This move keeps the offense intact while freeing funds for defensive overhauls. Jones knows star power sells tickets—and wins games.
3. Cut Terence Steele: $14 Million in Savings
Here’s where things get controversial. Terence Steele, the Cowboys’ right tackle, has been a lightning rod for fan debate. Signed to a five-year, $82.5 million deal in 2023, he’s the fifth-highest-paid RT by guaranteed money and 12th by annual value ($16.5 million). But his 2025 performance didn’t match the paycheck: Among tackles with 300+ pass-blocking snaps, Steele ranked dead last in pressures allowed (52), second-worst in hurries (37), and sixth in QB hits (nine), per Pro Football Focus. His 95.6 pass-blocking efficiency was among the league’s bottom feeders.
Cutting Steele post-June 1 saves $14 million, but it’s not without headaches. Dallas lacks an obvious replacement—rookie depth is thin, and burning a first-round pick on another tackle isn’t ideal with defensive needs looming. Still, in Jones’ cap masterclass, tough decisions pave the way for bigger splashes. This move signals a shift toward performance over loyalty, potentially opening the door for a veteran free-agent signing or trade.
4. Extend Quinnen Williams: $15.56 Million in Savings
Acquired in a blockbuster trade deadline deal from the New York Jets in 2025, Quinnen Williams instantly transformed Dallas’ defensive line. The former All-Pro, who inked a four-year, $96 million extension with the Jets in 2023, has two years left on his deal. Extending him now—before he hits the final year in 2027—lowers his 2026 cap hit while securing a cornerstone.
From Week 11 onward in 2025, Williams led all interior defenders in pressures (21) and pass-rush win rate (18.4%), per PFF. Dallas surrendered significant draft capital to land him, so letting him walk isn’t an option. A new deal could spread his salary over more years, saving $15.56 million upfront. Jones isn’t typically proactive with extensions, but Williams’ impact demands it. This move kills two birds: cap relief and long-term stability for a defense in dire need of disruptors.
5. Extend Kenny Clark: $15.36 Million in Savings
Another midseason acquisition that paid dividends, Kenny Clark arrived from the Green Bay Packers and quickly meshed with Williams to form a formidable interior tandem. The three-time Pro Bowler, turning 31 in October 2026, carries a $21.5 million cap hit on the final year of his deal. Cutting him post-June 1 would save that full amount, but Jones has publicly praised Clark’s leadership and on-field resurgence.
Post-trade, Clark notched an 80.8 PFF pass-rush grade in true pass sets and 17 pressures, proving he’s still a force. Extending him on a short-term deal—likely under $20 million annually—saves $15.36 million while locking in a veteran anchor. It’s a smarter play than outright release, especially with the defense needing continuity. Jones’ front office has hinted at Clark’s future role, making this extension a quiet but critical step in the rebuild.
The NFC’s Nightmare Unfolds
Add it all up—$30.96M from Prescott, $19.02M from Lamb, $14M from Steele, $15.56M from Williams, and $15.36M from Clark—and Dallas unlocks $94.9 million in cap space. That’s enough to chase elite free agents like a premier edge rusher (think Maxx Crosby if available), a shutdown corner, and linebacker depth. With the offense already contender-ready, this defensive infusion could catapult the Cowboys back to Super Bowl relevance.
Jerry Jones isn’t just talking big; he’s orchestrating a cap symphony that rivals beware. The NFC, already stacked with talent, now faces a reloaded Dallas machine. Eagles fans, Lions faithful, 49ers diehards—your emergency is here. The Star is rising, and Jones’ masterclass is in session.
