This is the Dallas Cowboys salary cap situation entering the 2025 season: contracts, free agents...

The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to the salary cap tightrope, and heading into the 2025 season, that balancing act is becoming more precarious. Executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted as much during last week’s NFL winter meetings in Texas, where he acknowledged that the team faces a “tight” cap situation. While Jones' comments have sparked plenty of fan speculation, the real question isn’t whether the Cowboys can maneuver their finances – it’s how far they’re willing to go.

For a team that’s always working “behind the curtain,” as Jones puts it, the upcoming offseason brings significant challenges and a host of decisions that will shape the roster for years to come. What remains to be seen is whether Dallas will lean into their flexibility or let key opportunities pass by—again.

How much space is left under the Cowboys cap?

The NFL’s 2025 salary cap is projected at $275 million, up from $245 million last year. While the increase gives teams more room, Dallas is tight. With 40 players signed for $263 million, they’ve got $12 million left on paper – before accounting for raises, rookie contracts, or injuries.

Fortunately, the Cowboys excel at restructuring. Dak Prescott’s $89.89 million cap hit could drop by $36 million, and reworking CeeDee Lamb’s deal might free another $20 million, giving them $56 million in space. Micah Parsons, set to count $21.4 million, could also see his figure shrink with an extension – if Dallas doesn’t delay, as they did with Prescott and Lamb in 2024.

Who’s staying, who’s going?

For Dallas, the 2025 offseason will require careful trimming to keep the roster competitive. Trevon Diggs is safe due to his $9 million injury-guaranteed salary. Right tackle Terence Steele, with an $18.125 million cap hit, could be a post-June 1 cut, saving $14 million but leaving a hole at right tackle. Veterans Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks will still count for millions in “dead money” whether they stay or go.

Escalating salaries also squeeze the cap. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland’s salary jumps to $5.2 million, while tight end Jake Ferguson and receiver Jalen Tolbert rise to $3.2 million each. Restricted free agents like KaVontae Turpin and Markquese Bell could add another $5 million to $10 million, depending on how Dallas handles their tenders.

Will Dallas invest in free agents – or play it safe?

Dallas frustrated fans in 2024 by skipping big-name signings like Derrick Henry in favor of aging veterans. With $19.7 million rolling over into 2025, they have room to make moves—if they want to.

However, history suggests the Cowboys will focus on re-signing internal players and targeting mid-level free agents rather than swinging for the fences. Either way, they’ve now got plenty of time to do their planning, with none of that playoff stuff getting in the way.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.