A new report suggests that it will be very difficult for the Dallas Cowboys to add any meaningful veteran players this offseason unless they trim some serious money from their payroll.
A 7-10 finish in the 2024 season led to head coach Mike McCarthy losing his job a year early. However, his replacement, Brian Schottenheimer, was no better in 2025 as Dallas finished the campaign with a 7–9–1 record. If the team does not reach the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2026, it will be the first time in more than a decade.
Obviously, improving the roster – especially their poor defense – will be a priority this offseason. However, a new X post from NFL payroll experts Spotrac explains where in the salary cap the Cowboys are and why bringing back George Pickens creates more problems.
“The franchise tag of WR George Pickens will add a projected $28M cap hold to the Cowboys’ books, giving them approximately $57M against the $303M league cap,” the outlet wrote. “Second round RFA tenders for Brandon Oubre and TJ Bass – up to $68 million.”
At a time when teams are looking to replenish payroll, the Cowboys are plunging even further into salary cap hell at the start of the new league year.
Who could the Cowboys cut soon to save payroll?
Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and now Pickens, after receiving the franchise tag, are the three highest-paid players on the Cowboys’ payroll. The trio will earn more than $140 million in 2026. Both Lamb and Prescott have had their contracts restructured in recent seasons.
Guard Tyler Smith and season-ending signing Quinnen Williams could be options for restructured deals. However, would the former New York Jets star be willing to restructure in the final guaranteed year of his deal? A new long-term contract could make things easier for Dallas in 2026.
Additionally, it is imperative that the team can agree to a new long-term deal with Pickens so that they can significantly reduce his salary in the upcoming season. The Cowboys can and probably will need to shed some veteran players soon.
Running back Malik Hooker (potential $6.9 million savings), offensive tackle Terrence Steele (cut approximately $18 million), defensive tackle Kenny Clark ($21.5 million in potential savings), and linebacker Logan Wilson ($6.85 million in potential savings) are likely on track to be cut in the coming days. All four could be cut and need to be replaced with rookies or internal options in 2026.
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