The Dallas Cowboys face a tricky salary cap situation as they look ahead to the 2025 offseason. Executive VP Stephen Jones acknowledged the challenges ahead, with key contracts and carryover charges set to put the squeeze on their spending power. But with a championship window still open thanks to star players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys will have to get creative to maximize their roster.
Prescott and Parsons Contracts Loom Large
The hefty contracts of the Cowboys’ cornerstones, QB Dak Prescott and LB Micah Parsons, will have major cap ramifications in 2025. Prescott’s cap hit balloons to nearly $90M, while Parsons will count over $21M on his 5th-year option. Expect the Cowboys to restructure Prescott’s deal to spread out the cap hit, while a long-term extension for Parsons could actually lower his 2025 number.
We’re always working behind the curtain, thinking about those type of things — everything we’re doing right now, how it affects next year.
– Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on managing the cap
Other Key Contracts
The Cowboys will have decisions to make on other high-priced veterans:
- CeeDee Lamb – $35M cap hit, likely to be restructured
- Zack Martin – Retirement candidate with void years hitting cap
- DeMarcus Lawrence & Brandin Cooks – Will count even if not on 2025 roster
Proven Performance Escalators Add Up
Several young Cowboys will see their salaries jump in 2025 thanks to the CBA’s proven performance escalators. Cornerback DaRon Bland’s Pro Bowl nod triggers a raise to around $5M, while TE Jake Ferguson and WR Jalen Tolbert will see their salaries more than double. In total, these escalators will eat up over $13M in additional cap space the Cowboys must account for.
Tough Decisions Ahead
To create flexibility, the Cowboys may have to make some difficult calls:
- Terence Steele – Cutting him would save $14M but create a hole at RT
- Trevon Diggs – Season-ending injury complicates cut/trade scenarios
- Upcoming Free Agents – Keeping Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston will be costly
Ultimately, the Cowboys will have avenues to create 2025 cap room if they choose to be aggressive. Restructures for Prescott and Lamb alone could free up over $50M. But every dollar pushed into the future tightens the vice down the road. The key will be balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility.
One thing is certain – the Cowboys’ 2025 cap situation will force them to make some tough choices. But with Prescott and Parsons still in their primes, expect them to pull out all the stops to keep their Super Bowl window open. The offseason ahead will reveal just how creative they can get in doing so.
