If you're still in denial that the Dallas Cowboys are operating differently, the endless heartbreak over the last 30 years has likely warped your perception of reality. Jerry Jones and Co. are unrecognizable. Even Dak Prescott sees it.
Extending Quinnen Williams was the latest example. Without a single dollar in guaranteed money left on his deal after the upcoming season, the Cowboys took care of business early, locking in their franchise defender. Deadlines don't have to make deals. Who knew?
Just because Williams is signed through 2030 doesn't mean Dallas should back off the throttle. In fact, the details of Big Q's new deal suggest the front office may have something big brewing.
According to Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti, the Cowboys included four (!) void years, helping them free up $13 million in salary cap space this season and $11 million in cap room next year. That's $24 million Jerry and Stephen didn't have when the week started.
The Dallas Cowboys may not be done spending money after extending Quinnen Williams
Paying Williams does not make it harder to extend George Pickens. Quite the opposite, actually. Pickens will cost more per year than Williams' $30 million AAV, but the Cowboys have the flexibility to keep Pickens, even if doing so will make it difficult to have a balanced roster.
Pickens is at the front of everyone's mind, but Maxx Crosby isn't far behind. The Crosby ship had seemingly sailed until Jerry Jones revealed he never lost interest in the Raiders' star. With just one year left of guaranteed money (not including 2026), there's a potential out in his contract after 2027.
Crosby currently makes $35.5 million per year. That's similar to what Pickens could get next March. If Dallas has the means to keep Pickens, they can also shoulder Crosby's deal.
Beyond Pickens and Crosby, the Cowboys could also pursue a veteran like Von Miller or Bobby Wagner without cap consequences. Fresh off extending Williams, Dallas has $18.53 million in cap space, leaving plenty of room to sign either player and still roll leftover funds into next year.
Maxx Crosby isn't the be-all, end-all for Cowboys to improve their defense
That isn't to say Cowboys fans should expect a Crosby trade before Week 1. It's far more likely that the Raiders want to see how the first month of the season plays out before trading the face of their franchise. If they're out of contention by the middle of October, it stands to reason that Dallas would have them on the phone.
Crosby isn't the only big swing the Cowboys can make. Whether it's a second-, third-, or fourth-round pick, they can upgrade their pass rush without sending a first-rounder to Las Vegas.
Cardinals standout Josh Sweat popped up on the trade mill earlier this offseason. Who's to say he doesn't request a trade if Arizona isn't competitive? More stars will become available, too, as the season progresses. It happens every single year.
Will every single one of them pique Dallas' interest? Of course not, but they haven't shied away from wanting to upgrade the defense. Locking up Williams gives them the requisite flexibility.
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