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Cowboys Restructure Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith to Get Under Cap, Target Defensive Help

The restructures exchange future cap space for near-term funds to pursue defensive upgrades before free agency opens.

Overview

  • Dallas became salary-cap compliant by converting portions of Prescott, Lamb and Smith’s 2026 base salaries into bonuses, clearing about $66 million and leaving roughly $11 million in room ahead of free agency.
  • The accounting shifts reduce 2026 base pay — Prescott’s reportedly to about $1.8 million — while pushing larger cap charges into later seasons.
  • Owner/GM Jerry Jones has indicated further relief could come by reworking deals for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa.
  • The team used a non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens, preserving his rights with a July 15 deadline for a long-term deal and a reported $27.3 million one-year tag if he plays on it.
  • Negotiations continue with kicker Brandon Aubrey, with reporting of a planned second-round tender of about $5.8 million if no extension is reached, as the league’s negotiation window opens March 9 and signings begin March 11.