Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark has been the talk of the town this offseason. However, he's made headlines as a potential cap casualty, not because of his leadership and contributions to the team.
There's been a lot of speculation that the Cowboys could cut Clark to create financial flexibility, but that never seemed realistic. Long story short, it's hard to envision him being anywhere but with Dallas in 2026. The team's owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, practically confirmed as much, saying that he plans to rework the three-time Pro Bowler's contract, among others.
It was initially reported that the Cowboys will restructure quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and left guard Tyler Smith's deals. Then, Jones revealed that the plan is to do the same for Dallas' defensive tackle trio of Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa.
"I want you to know that the only way to push more [out] is for me to go borrow some of my future, OK?" Jones said (h/t ESPN's Todd Archer). "Expect me to go borrow some of my future."
Jerry Jones all but tipped the Dallas Cowboys' plans to keep Kenny Clark
Why would a club that doesn't have many good players on Clark's side of the ball cut a proven veteran like him? A Cowboys squad that ranked last in opponent scoring and 30th in total defense in 2025 can't afford to let talent walk out the door.
While Clark is no longer the elite run-stuffer we saw earlier in his career, he remains effective at getting to the quarterback. The 30-year-old recorded 44 pressures, 34 hurries and three sacks across 17 games this season. Pro Football Focus graded him as the NFL's No. 21 pass-rushing interior defender (72.4) out of 134 qualified options.
Moreover, and perhaps more notably, new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker has discussed the importance of the nose tackle position in his scheme. More specifically, he spoke about Clark's dominance during their overlapping stints with the Green Bay Packers. They have an established rapport and a proven track record of success working in unison that makes separating them even harder.
Jones' comments make it quite clear that the Cowboys intend to hang onto Clark. Nevertheless, if anyone needed more proof, Dallas also hired "renowned" pass rush specialist BT Jordan, who has experience with the former UCLA Bruin.
Barring something truly unforeseen, Clark will be back in Dallas next season.