3 contracts the Cowboys should restructure to save cap space
By Jerry Trotta
It was confirmed last week the salary cap for the 2023 season is $224.8 million. That’s big news for the Dallas Cowboys, who have a lot of work to do this offseason after they lost to the 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
As of this writing, the Cowboys are $7.055 million over the cap. Not ideal by any stretch, but far from impossible to fix with how many loopholes exist in the cap. Of course, that number doesn’t consider any potential re-signings, contract extensions for up-and-coming stars, and the incoming draft class.
Luckily, the Cowboys have several contracts on their payroll that are easy to restructure. They could also move some contracts via trade, or shed salary by cutting players. For now, though, let’s underline some players who should be ready to be approached by Jerry Jones and company about reworking their deals.
3 contracts the Cowboys can restructure to save cap space
3. DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Lawrence always does what’s in the best interest of the team. This was evident last offseason, when he inked a three-year, $40 million contract to help bring cap relief to the Cowboys. Of that $40 million, 70% (or $30 million) of the total value was guaranteed. That’s a surefire way to save cap room. Before the agreement, the pass rusher was on the books for a mammoth $27 million cap hit.
In 2023, Lawrence is slated for a $26 million cap hit. Only Dak Prescott has a higher cap hit. By reworking Lawrence’s deal, Dallas would salvage $9.223 million against the cap. This has to top the list in terms of offseason priorities. By just restructuring Lawrence, the Cowboys would get back under the cap.
Once you account for other restructures, and potential releases and trades, Dallas will have significant money to throw around this offseason. Lawrence understands the business side of the NFL. With $30 million of his $40 million contract guaranteed, odds are he’ll be open to reworking his deal.