Dallas Cowboys restructure three contracts to create more cap space
The biggest item on the Dallas Cowboys 2021 offseason to-do list was completed on Monday. Dak Prescott is now officially the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. That move not only locked Prescott under contract for the next four years, it also gives the Cowboys flexibility in the immediate future. Prescott's cap hit is just […]
The biggest item on the Dallas Cowboys 2021 offseason to-do list was completed on Monday. Dak Prescott is now officially the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. That move not only locked Prescott under contract for the next four years, it also gives the Cowboys flexibility in the immediate future.
Prescott's cap hit is just $22 million for the upcoming season. The Cowboys have the cap room necessary to sign an impact free agent when the league year begins on March 17th. That would have been very difficult if Prescott was on the franchise tag.
There are some intriguing free agents on the market this year. The safety class includes John Johnson, Keanu Neal, and Malik Hooker. There are more than a handful of quality defensive linemen to be had. Pass rushers such as Bud Dupree and Matthew Judon will be sought after. Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman are headliners at cornerback.
COWBOYS MAKE MORE ROSTER MOVES
In an effort to create even more room to sign free agents to the roster, the Cowboys restructured a few different contracts on Wednesday.
All-Pro linemen Zack Martin, Tyron Smith, and La'el Collins had their contracts restricted by Dallas following Dak Prescott's press conference. Now, the Dallas Cowboys have around $17 million in cap space to work with, per ESPN's Todd Archer.
As Archer noted, this will allow the Cowboys to "make strategic free agent signings". Both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones hinted at adding more talent to the roster during Prescott's presser.
Dallas has not been known to be a big spender in free agency since Stephen Jones has taken over more responsibility in the front office. Still, it is painfully obvious that the Cowboys cannot afford to sit around and waste yet another season of Prescott at quarterback.
It appears that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn may have some influence on the defensive personnel this offseason. That makes Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal a name worth monitoring when free agency opens.
Other quality options that the Cowboys could target include defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, defensive end Carl Lawson, and cornerback Bashaud Breeland, to name a few.
Dallas has the room to add a quality free agent or two this offseason. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Cowboys are in upgrading weaknesses on the roster.
Featured image via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
