The Dallas Cowboys’ Salary Cap Situation Heading Into the 2025 Season

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, are known for making strategic moves in both the draft and free agency. Heading into the 2025 season, the team’s salary cap situation will play a crucial role in shaping their roster. This article explores the Cowboys’ current financial status, important contracts, and free agent prospects to watch as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.

The Salary Cap Outlook

The NFL salary cap is a critical element in building a successful roster, and for the Cowboys, managing it wisely has become more important than ever. As of 2024, the salary cap is expected to be around $240 million, with projections for 2025 predicting a similar or slightly higher figure. However, the Cowboys must navigate several key financial factors that will impact their cap space.

The Cowboys, like most teams, must balance paying key stars while leaving room to build depth across the roster. The team’s total cap space for the 2025 season will depend largely on their 2024 expenditures, renegotiations of key contracts, and any trades made prior to the season.

Key Contracts for 2025

The Cowboys’ roster includes several high-profile players who are expected to have significant salary cap implications moving into the 2025 season. Below is a breakdown of some key contracts:

1. Dak Prescott (QB)

Dak Prescott’s contract is one of the most significant on the Cowboys’ payroll. Signed in 2021 to a four-year, $160 million deal, Prescott’s salary structure is designed to allow Dallas flexibility early in the contract, with a heavier cap hit later. In 2025, Prescott’s cap hit is expected to be around $50 million. While Prescott is the leader of the offense, this large cap hit could potentially be a source of negotiation, whether through a restructure, extension, or even the possibility of moving on if his performance doesn’t align with the team’s goals.

2. Micah Parsons (OLB)

Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ star linebacker and defensive centerpiece, will be entering the final years of his rookie contract by 2025. He is a dominant force on defense, and as such, Parsons is in line for a massive contract extension. His performance will likely dictate whether the Cowboys extend him before the 2025 season or whether they allow him to play out the remainder of his contract, pushing any extension to the following offseason. Parsons will likely command one of the largest defensive contracts in the league, and the Cowboys will need to clear significant cap space to accommodate his new deal.

3. CeeDee Lamb (WR)

CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ top wide receiver, is another player entering a pivotal phase of his contract. A first-round pick in 2020, Lamb is set to be in the final year of his rookie deal by 2025. The Cowboys will have to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option on Lamb’s contract or to extend him earlier. Given his emergence as one of the top receivers in the league, the Cowboys could be looking at a significant cap commitment to keep Lamb in Dallas for the long haul. His extension will likely cost between $20 and $25 million annually, so the team will need to ensure that they have room to accommodate this deal.

4. Tyron Smith (OT)

Tyron Smith, the long-time stalwart at left tackle, has seen his cap hit rise in recent years due to the structure of his contract. Smith’s cap number is expected to remain high in 2025, but there are questions about his long-term future with the team, given his age and injury history. It’s possible the Cowboys could look to restructure his contract or even release him to free up space. Smith’s health and performance in the coming seasons will determine whether Dallas continues to keep him on the roster at a high cost.

5. DeMarcus Lawrence (DE)

DeMarcus Lawrence, another key defensive player for the Cowboys, has a cap hit of over $26 million in 2025. Lawrence, who has been a consistent pass-rusher, could be a player that the Cowboys look to restructure or release, depending on his performance in the 2024 season. Lawrence has been a crucial part of the Cowboys’ defensive line, but his contract could be a point of contention if the team needs to create more cap space for younger players or future acquisitions.

Potential Free Agent Additions in 2025

The Dallas Cowboys have always been active in free agency, though they typically avoid splashy, high-profile signings in favor of more calculated moves. With their salary cap situation in mind, the Cowboys will likely pursue free agents who can provide value on short-term contracts, or look for players who are released or available at a discount.

The team’s priorities in free agency will likely be determined by their roster needs, especially following the 2024 season. Key areas of focus could include:

1. Offensive Line

The Cowboys have consistently prioritized offensive line strength, but by 2025, there could be aging and uncertain contracts at key positions. Should they need depth or an upgrade, the free-agent market could offer solid options. High-profile tackles or interior linemen on short-term deals could provide quality depth behind younger players like Tyler Smith and Tyler Biadasz.

2. Defensive Line

The Cowboys could look to add to their defensive line if there is a need to balance the cap with youth and depth. A defensive tackle or edge rusher could be a focus, especially if they decide to part ways with veteran players like Lawrence or others who may be approaching the end of their contracts.

3. Wide Receiver

While CeeDee Lamb is firmly entrenched as the No. 1 receiver, the Cowboys might look to add a veteran wideout to provide depth or even as a potential future replacement for older players. Free-agent wide receivers who can step in and contribute immediately could be a target, especially if Lamb’s contract extension takes up a considerable amount of cap space.

4. Linebacker or Secondary Help

As with the defensive line, the Cowboys will want to maintain or enhance their defense, particularly in the linebacker or secondary units. Free-agent cornerbacks or safeties could be pursued, especially if the team needs additional support around Parsons or as replacements for aging players in the secondary.

Cap Space Management and Potential Moves

In terms of actual cap space available, the Cowboys will need to make strategic moves to free up funds for their key extensions and potential free agent signings. This could include restructuring contracts, releasing veterans, or finding trade partners for higher-priced players.

The team could also look to convert base salaries into signing bonuses, which would lower cap hits in the short term while still allowing them to maintain competitive compensation for players. Any moves made will need to balance the immediate need for cap space with long-term financial responsibility to ensure the Cowboys remain competitive in the NFC.