FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have officially restructured the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive lineman Tyler Smith, creating approximately $47 million in cap space ahead of the start of free agency next week. The moves signal a clear intent from the organization to be aggressive in bolstering their roster this offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The team also anticipates restructuring the contract of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the near future, which would increase the total cap space created to around $66 million, according to sources within the organization. Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones indicated that the team will also evaluate potential restructures for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa to free up even more financial flexibility.
These contract adjustments were widely expected, and they provide the Cowboys with the necessary room to pursue experienced players in free agency. Jones, speaking at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last week, stated he “would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have.” This represents a significant shift in strategy for a team that has historically favored cost-effective moves over splashy free agent signings.
“The only way to push more [cap space] is for me to go borrow some of my future,” Jones said, acknowledging the long-term implications of these financial maneuvers. “Expect me to go borrow some of my future…” He further emphasized the team’s focus on improving in key areas, stating, “I want to do everything we possibly can to stop somebody and to basically win some third downs more than we did last year. So I think that would be the area that you would see me bust the budget.”
Jones envisions the Cowboys “being aggressive” in free agency, stressing that the team is no longer willing to wait for development. “People can’t redshirt a second-round pick,” he explained. “We don’t have a second-round pick to begin with, but if we got one, we can’t redshirt those guys this year. We gotta go… We got to have it out there, and when we got to be working it this year. We got to go this year.”
The need for defensive reinforcements is particularly acute. Given the Dallas defense’s performance last season – finishing last in the NFL in total yards allowed and 30th in points allowed – it’s logical to assume that a significant portion of the team’s free agency spending will be directed towards improving that side of the ball. Although Jones admitted that transforming the defense into an elite unit in a single offseason “may be much to ask,” he believes substantial improvement is achievable.
“A defense that can back up an offense like the one we played with last year, gain us into the playoffs, and give us a chance to improve once we’re in the playoffs, that’s the defense I see this year. Really. We don’t have to do much to improve,” Jones stated. He clarified that simply “improving” won’t be enough, emphasizing the need for a “solid” and capable defensive unit.
The Cowboys saved $6.5 million by releasing linebacker Logan Wilson in February, further contributing to their cap flexibility. The team now finds itself roughly $10 million under the salary cap, with additional moves anticipated to create even more space. The potential for reworking the deals of Williams, Clark, and Odighizuwa remains a key component of their strategy.
The restructuring of Prescott and Smith’s contracts, coupled with the expected move with Lamb, demonstrates a commitment to retaining key players while simultaneously creating opportunities to address weaknesses through free agency. This approach reflects a willingness to invest in immediate improvement, a departure from the team’s previous approach.
The Cowboys’ aggressive stance in the upcoming free agency period will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The team’s success in addressing its defensive deficiencies will likely be a key determinant of its competitiveness in the 2026 season and beyond. The next step for the Cowboys is finalizing the restructure with CeeDee Lamb and then identifying potential free agent targets who can make an immediate impact.
The NFL free agency period officially begins next week, and the Cowboys appear poised to be among the most active teams in the market. Fans can expect further announcements regarding contract restructures and potential free agent signings in the coming days. The team’s official website, www.dallascowboys.com, will provide the latest updates.
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