The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2025 free agency with a new strategic approach. Transitioning from an "all-in" stance to a "selectively aggressive" strategy, the team aims to make calculated decisions during this pivotal period. Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' Executive Vice President, highlighted the increased salary cap as a significant factor that will provide the team with enhanced flexibility. The upcoming free agency period will see the Cowboys focusing on restructuring contracts, engaging in productive negotiations, and prioritizing key players for long-term deals.
The Cowboys are expected to restructure the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to free up approximately $57 million in cap space. The anticipated salary cap increase, estimated between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, offers the Cowboys an opportunity to navigate the complexities of player contracts effectively. This strategic maneuvering is essential for the team's overarching goal of maintaining a competitive edge.
Signing All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons to a long-term extension remains a top priority for the Cowboys. Parsons, currently set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal worth around $21 million, could potentially become the highest-paid defensive player in football. Discussions are expected to ensue regarding this pivotal extension, which underscores the Cowboys' commitment to retaining top talent.
"Obviously, our goals historically have been to try to fill as many of our musts and needs before the draft so you can pick the best player on your board," said Stephen Jones.
The Cowboys have also engaged in productive talks with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa concerning a long-term deal. This negotiation is part of a broader effort to secure key players before exploring additional options during the draft.
"Didn't get that totally accomplished last year, but certainly that's always the goal," Jones added.
Additionally, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is entering free agency, and his future with the team remains uncertain. If not re-signed, Lawrence's departure would count more than $7 million against the 2025 salary cap. The Cowboys have initiated discussions with Lawrence's agent, David Canter, alongside Ness Mugrabi, who represents other soon-to-be free agents.
"We've had productive talks, and we'll see where we end up this week," Jones remarked.
Meanwhile, Zack Martin's contract will undergo restructuring as he retires, with a designation as a post-June 1 cut that will count $9.4 million against the 2025 cap. The Cowboys aim to maximize cap space while managing veteran contracts efficiently.
"From our standpoint, it gives us some more flexibility in terms of what we can do," noted Jones.
The team plans to delve into long-term deals with several impending free agents, including Rico Dowdle, Jourdan Lewis, Chauncey Golston, and Israel Mukuamu. This proactive approach reflects the Cowboys' dedication to solidifying their roster ahead of crucial draft decisions.
"And every year is different in terms of what those musts and needs are, and then you also have to marry what's in free agency vs. where the draft is heavy and where we can help ourselves in the draft," explained Jones.
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