Four ways the Dallas Cowboys can save salary cap space
One of the most difficult things for a franchise is keeping a great team while under the salary cap. How can the Dallas Cowboys save cap space?
Having a salary cap has its good moments and some bad moments. On one hand, you can’t have an unbelievable team forever. On the other hand, it brings more parity to the game.
Just like every other team out there, the Dallas Cowboys want to save as much money as possible to spend on multiple great players. What are some options that the owner Jerry Jones and co. can explore to save cap space?
#1 – Dak Settles
Quarterback Dak Prescott requires a new contract. Like most quarterbacks, he is going to eat up a big chunk of the team’s salary cap. The job for Jerry is to convince him to take the least amount as possible while remaining with the team.
That is a job much easier said than done. Jerry Jones and Dallas Cowboys fans would much rather have Dak play for dirt cheap. Dak, however, wants his money.
Can you blame him for wanting that though? He has played anywhere from good to great and has been paid as a fourth-round pick. Let’s look at what contract he can compare to.
Dak has only earned a total of $4.77 million. Compare that to quarterback Carson Wentz, who was drafted 2nd overall in the same draft year. He has made $39.78 million while playing in eight fewer games than Dak.
The two appear to match up quite evenly, with some people saying one is better than the other. Dak, however, has more accolades and had a better 2019 season. Also, he doesn’t have injury issues (knock on wood).
My guess is he is getting at least an average of $35 million per season. The price can very well go higher by Dak’s demands, but it is up to Jerry to keep it tied for the most in the league. The next job would be to spread that contract out as long as possible.
In three years, making $35 million per season will not look like all that much for quarterbacks. Especially when you consider MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes is going to need a contract.
Some other quarterbacks that would need a new contract by the 2024 season are Russell Wilson, Derek Carr, Kyler Murray, and Aaron Rodgers. Between those five names, I can guarantee you that Dak’s $35 million will look great.
With the rise in the salary cap and the market for quarterbacks, the Cowboys would save more money every year. It’s much better to pay up now and reap the rewards in the long run. That will give Dallas the most opportunities to compete for a Super Bowl.