NFL

Dallas Cowboys Create $19 Million in Salary Cap Space Through Contract Restructures

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 4, 2026, 06:35 IST

The Dallas Cowboys have cleared over $19 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of Kenny Clark, DaRon Bland, and Jake Ferguson, providing the team with increased financial flexibility for the season.

Dallas Cowboys Create $19 Million in Salary Cap Space Through Contract Restructures

The Dallas Cowboys have successfully generated more than $19 million in additional salary-cap space by restructuring the contracts of three key players. The move, confirmed by sources, provides the organization with significant financial flexibility as the 2026 season gets underway, while also offering the option to carry over any remaining funds into the 2027 campaign.

Prior to these latest adjustments, the Cowboys held approximately $14.2 million in available cap space according to the NFL Players Association. With this new influx of room, the team is now better positioned to pursue potential roster moves, including the possibility of executing a significant trade before the upcoming deadline.

Details of the Financial Adjustments

The restructuring involved veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback DaRon Bland, and tight end Jake Ferguson. In each instance, the team converted portions of the players' base salaries into signing bonuses, a common accounting maneuver that spreads the cap hit over the duration of their respective contracts. For Clark, this follows a previous move in March that converted his $11 million roster bonus into a signing bonus; the team has now applied the same logic to his $8.8 million base salary, which will increase his 2027 cap figure by $1.5 million.

Similar adjustments were made for Bland and Ferguson, both of whom signed multiyear extensions last year. Bland’s $12 million base salary and Ferguson’s $7.25 million base salary were converted into signing bonuses. These changes will result in an increase of $2.15 million for Bland’s cap number and $1.2 million for Ferguson’s over the remainder of their deals. It is important to note that these modifications are strictly accounting tools designed to manage the salary cap and do not alter the actual weekly compensation received by the players.

Building on Recent Financial Strategy

This latest round of restructuring continues a broader trend for the Cowboys, who have been active in managing their payroll throughout the year. Since March, the front office has revised the contracts of several core contributors, including quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and guard Tyler Smith. Additionally, the team previously adjusted the deals of right tackle Terence Steele and safety Malik Hooker to further bolster their financial standing.