The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines by restructuring contracts for defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland, and tight end Jake Ferguson, resulting in approximately $19 million in additional cap space. This move comes as the team already had a significant amount of cap room, raising questions about potential trade opportunities.
Before these restructures, the Cowboys had around $14.2 million in cap space according to the NFL Players Association, with some reports indicating slightly higher figures. With the new adjustments, the Cowboys' cap space now sits at about $33.2 million, or approximately $34.8 million according to Over The Cap.
This amount far exceeds the typical $8 to $10 million that most teams aim to maintain during a season.
While the Cowboys have increased their financial flexibility, reports suggest that the restructures are not necessarily aimed at facilitating an immediate trade. NFL Network's Jane Slater noted that the cap space was created without a specific trade in mind.
Similarly, Nick Harris from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram indicated that this move appears to be more about preparing for potential trades as the season progresses, rather than making immediate changes.
The Cowboys' actions also allow them to carry over any unused cap space into the 2027 season. Joseph Hoyt from The Dallas Morning News believes that if a significant trade is to occur, it is more likely to happen closer to the trade deadline rather than at the start of the season.
