Stephen Jones, the Dallas Cowboys’ executive vice president, delivered some disappointing offseason news for fans. On Wednesday, he indicated that the team is unlikely to make significant moves in free agency due to salary cap constraints.
“We anticipated challenges in 2024 and 2025,” Jones stated, as reported by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “The situation will be very tight. We have some remaining funds from players who are no longer with us, and there will be more players in the future affecting our cap space.”
According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys have 24 players set to become free agents in March. They currently face $9.25 million in dead cap for 2025, which may rise with the potential departures of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and offensive lineman Zack Martin.
Stephen Jones also commented on the offseason and free agency, saying, “Players are getting opportunities, and that will continue. I think [defensive lineman] Chauncey Golston has really stepped up. He’s a free agent, which is unfortunate for us since he’s performed his best football in the final year of his contract. It’s great for him, but not for us.”
Despite declaring they were “all in” for the 2024 offseason, the Cowboys have had to justify their lack of major signings by citing salary cap issues.
“Our structure and our engagement at all levels of decision-making regarding personnel are critical for making sound choices,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in April, according to DallasCowboys.com. “I understand the long-term consequences of mistakes, as I’ll have to live with them for a decade. I’m not just here for a five-year stint as GM, so I appreciate the importance of our approach.”
