Realistic Outlook on the Dallas Cowboys’ Cap Situation

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, known for their rich history, star-studded roster, and sometimes controversial decision-making. As with any NFL team, however, their ability to build a competitive squad is often influenced by salary cap constraints, which shape the roster and dictate which players are retained or let go. As of 2025, the Cowboys find themselves in a situation where managing their salary cap is critical to both their short-term success and long-term sustainability.

Understanding the Cowboys’ Cap Situation

The NFL salary cap for 2025 is expected to be approximately $240 million per team, up from $224.8 million in 2024. While the cap has risen in recent years due to the league’s lucrative media deals and growing revenue, it still imposes real limitations on roster construction. The Cowboys’ cap situation heading into 2025 is a mix of opportunities and challenges, depending on how they decide to navigate their existing contracts and the market.

Key Players on the Roster with Significant Contracts

The backbone of the Cowboys’ roster over the past few years has been their star players, some of whom have contract numbers that reflect their elite status in the league. The most notable players to keep an eye on in the salary cap discussion are:

1. Dak Prescott (QB)
   • Prescott signed a 4-year, $160 million extension in 2021, and while his cap hit in 2025 is lower than in previous seasons, he is still set to make over $50 million in 2025 between base salary and roster bonuses. His contract is one of the biggest in the league and will continue to be a key factor in the Cowboys’ cap situation.
   • Outlook: Prescott’s contract is the elephant in the room. While he’s a solid quarterback capable of leading a team to the playoffs, his cap hit could become untenable if the Cowboys need to make significant roster moves. The team might look to renegotiate or extend Prescott to lower his 2025 cap hit, but it’s unlikely that the Cowboys will be able to do so without taking on further long-term cap commitments.
2. Micah Parsons (OLB)
   • Parsons is arguably the most dynamic player on the Cowboys’ defense and one of the top edge rushers in the league. He is still on his rookie deal, which will expire after the 2025 season. The Cowboys will need to find a way to extend him to keep him in Dallas long term, and that contract will undoubtedly be one of the largest for any defensive player in NFL history.
   • Outlook: The Cowboys will likely prioritize extending Parsons before his contract expires to avoid the risk of him reaching free agency. Parsons will demand a contract comparable to or exceeding $30 million per year, and that could have a massive impact on the team’s overall cap space.
3. CeeDee Lamb (WR)
   • As the top receiving option in Dallas, Lamb is set for a major payday once his rookie contract expires after the 2025 season. In an era where top-tier wide receivers are commanding $25-$30 million annually, Lamb’s extension will be a priority.
   • Outlook: Like Parsons, Lamb’s extension is likely to happen in 2025, and the Cowboys will have to decide how to balance keeping their franchise quarterback and star pass rusher while allocating a significant portion of the cap to Lamb’s contract.
4. Zeke Elliott and Tony Pollard (RBs)
   • Elliott, the Cowboys’ former star running back, was released ahead of the 2023 season, leaving Pollard as the team’s lead back. Pollard played under the franchise tag in 2024, and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
   • Outlook: If Pollard excels in 2024, the Cowboys may look to give him a multi-year deal, but it’s likely to be on a smaller scale than most elite running back contracts. Given the Cowboys’ cap constraints, Pollard’s deal may be more team-friendly than what other teams would offer him in free agency.
5. DeMarcus Lawrence (DE)
   • Lawrence is another player whose contract is worth mentioning. A highly paid defensive end, Lawrence’s deal has a hefty cap hit in 2025, though it will decrease as the Cowboys have already restructured his deal in previous years.
   • Outlook: The Cowboys may look to move on from Lawrence if his play doesn’t justify the cap hit. Alternatively, they could rework his contract for another year or two, depending on how much cap flexibility they need.

Cap Challenges: Expiring Contracts, Restructures, and Dead Money

In addition to managing their key players, the Cowboys have several expiring contracts and veteran players who are near the end of their careers. Some of the key challenges in 2025 include:

1. Expiring Contracts
   • Players like Leighton Vander Esch (LB) and Tyron Smith (OT) are on contracts that expire in 2025. Vander Esch, if healthy, could command a fair market value, but Smith is nearing the end of his career and could face a reduced role.
   • The Cowboys will have to make decisions about how to allocate resources to retain some of these players, while possibly looking to fill some gaps with younger, cheaper options through the draft or free agency.
2. Restructures
   • The Cowboys have consistently used contract restructures as a means of creating cap space. The contracts of players like Dak Prescott and DeMarcus Lawrence have been restructured multiple times. While restructures offer immediate relief, they push cap hits into the future, which creates long-term financial pressure.
   • If the Cowboys continue this trend, they will face even higher cap charges in future seasons, which could limit their ability to make splash moves in free agency or retain key players.
3. Dead Money
   • The Cowboys are also burdened by “dead money,” the amount they are still paying to players no longer on the roster. For example, the dead money from Ezekiel Elliott’s release and the eventual departure of other veteran players like Amari Cooper (traded in 2022) will continue to count against their cap.
   • While the Cowboys have managed dead money well compared to some other franchises, it still represents a significant cap drain that could limit flexibility in the near future.

2025 Free Agency and the Draft

The Cowboys’ ability to improve through free agency or the draft will depend largely on how they manage their salary cap. Here’s a breakdown of how they might approach these areas:

Free Agency

The Cowboys will likely target key positions of need in free agency, such as:

• Offensive Line: Depending on the health and performance of veterans like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the Cowboys may need to add depth along the offensive line. High-priced offensive linemen can be difficult to find in free agency, but it’s a position the Cowboys value highly.
• Secondary: With an aging Jourdan Lewis and an uncertain future at cornerback, the Cowboys could look to add help in the secondary.
• Wide Receiver: If Lamb needs a running mate, the Cowboys could explore the free-agent market for a second-tier wide receiver to complement him. This would likely be a short-term deal, given their cap constraints.

However, given their cap situation, the Cowboys will likely focus more on retaining their own players and making strategic re-signings than pursuing high-cost free agents.

The Draft

With key players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb all on the books, the Cowboys will likely rely heavily on the draft to fill important roster spots. They may look for:

• Offensive Line Depth: A key area to address with a focus on finding the next generation of starters.
• Defensive Line: The Cowboys may look to bolster the front seven, especially if DeMarcus Lawrence moves on or they need more depth behind Parsons and other pass rushers.
• Secondary: Given the potential departures and the ongoing need for cornerback talent, the Cowboys could draft a future starter in the secondary.

The Cowboys’ ability to develop talent in the draft has been a cornerstone of their success, and it will be crucial to continue hitting on selections, especially in a tight cap situation.