Cowboys brace for record cap as free-agent plan goes into overdrive
The NFL has set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million—the highest in league history—leaving the Dallas Cowboys about $56.1 million over the cap before restructures, with $27.3 million of that tied to George Pickens’ franchise tag. Dallas can free well over $131 million through restructures and potentially about $52 million more with additional moves, while a long-term deal for Pickens could shrink his tag hit. Owner Jerry Jones has signaled a willingness to “bust the budget” to push for quick results in free agency, even as the team balances roster work and coaching staff changes. Including benefits, total player spending per club runs around $378.8 million under the cap framework.
