The Dallas Cowboys have given themselves a major financial cushion before the 2026 season gets underway.
Dallas created more than $19 million in additional salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland and tight end Jake Ferguson, according to people with knowledge of the decision.
The moves push the Cowboys’ available cap space above $30 million, giving the front office significantly more flexibility as the season begins.
Cowboys open up major financial flexibility
The Cowboys entered the latest round of restructures with roughly $14.2 million in available cap space, according to NFL Players Association data.
What's New
By converting portions of Clark, Bland and Ferguson’s base salaries into signing bonuses, Dallas was able to create more than $19 million in immediate cap room without changing what the players will ultimately be paid.
Clark’s contract was already reworked earlier this year when the Cowboys converted his $11 million roster bonus into a signing bonus. Dallas has now converted his $8.8 million base salary as well, creating additional room in 2026 while pushing $1.5 million onto his 2027 cap number.
source on Google Go here and check the box
next to Cowboys.news
Bland’s $12 million base salary and Ferguson’s $7.25 million base salary were also converted into signing bonuses. Those restructures increase Bland’s cap numbers by $2.15 million over the remainder of his contract and Ferguson’s by $1.2 million.
The accounting maneuver gives Dallas immediate flexibility while spreading some of the financial burden into future seasons.
What could the Cowboys do with the extra room?
The biggest question now is how the Cowboys use their newfound flexibility.
More than $30 million in available cap space gives Dallas plenty of room to respond to injuries, make roster additions or potentially pursue a significant trade during the season.
That flexibility could become especially valuable around the NFL trade deadline. The Cowboys showed last season that they are willing to make an aggressive move when an opportunity presents itself, acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
The latest restructures also continue a larger salary cap strategy from the Cowboys. Since March, Dallas has reworked the contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith while also revising the deals of Terence Steele and Malik Hooker to create additional cap room.
The Cowboys now have more than $30 million available to work with as the 2026 season begins. Whether that money remains unused, carries into 2027 or becomes ammunition for a major midseason move is entirely up to the front office.
