Dallas Cowboys: 10 highest paid players in 2018
As the Dallas Cowboys open up a new year, who are the highest paid players currently on their roster? We’ll dive into the numbers.
This offseason, money is going to play an important part in building the Dallas Cowboys‘ roster. From the possible franchise tag usage on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, to the extension expected for All-Pro guard Zack Martin and the likely pay cut levied on wide receiver Dez Bryant; the Cowboys’ salary cap will be front and center the next couple of months.
With those monies in mind, let’s take a look at the Cowboys players who are expected to make the most in 2018 …
- Tyron Smith, Left Tackle – 2018 Cap Number: $17,545,000
- Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver – 2018 Cap Number: $16,500,000
- Travis Frederick, Center – 2018 Cap Number: $13,235,000
- Sean Lee, Linebacker – 2018 Cap Number: $11,025,000
- Zack Martin, Guard – 2018 Cap Number: $9,341,000
- Tyrone Crawford, Defensive End – 2018 Cap Number: $9,100,000
- Jason Witten, Tight End – 2018 Cap Number: $6,950,000
- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back – 2018 Cap Number: $6,806,274
- La’el Collins, Right Tackle – 2018 Cap Number: $5,683,333
- Orlando Scandrick, Cornerback – 2018 Cap Number: $5,281,021
Information provided by OverTheCap.com
Based on the above information, the financial investment the Cowboys have made on the offensive side of the ball is staggering. And the fact that three of the five (four out of the ten) highest paid players are offensive lineman is key. Dallas has had to pay dearly to keep this legendary group together. Possibly to the detriment of the rest of the team.
Defensively, only three players crack the top ten in Lee, Crawford and Scandrick. There obviously needs to be more balance there, and Lawrence’s expected $17 million franchise tag should vault him near the top of this list.
This information also provides some valuable insight when it comes to players who are being drastically overpaid. Names like Bryant, Crawford and Scandrick are all possible cap causalities – as their contracts don’t match their production in Dallas. Again, Dez will likely be asked to take a pay cut soon. Both Crawford and Scandrick should be serious considerations for release or massive pay cuts themselves.
Next: Dak Prescott made less than Kellen Moore last year
One big name that isn’t anywhere close to being on the above list is quarterback Dak Prescott. As a fourth round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, Prescott is scheduled to make just over $725K in 2018.