Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has a plan to 'bust the budget' by restructuring key contracts. Such a move could free up significant cap space. However, after years of similar promises, skeptical fans are already dismissing the strategy.

It has been 30 years and counting since the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl. The fact that they're $56 million over the cap limit means the three-decade gap might just increase this year.

To solve this problem, Jerry Jones plans to restructure the contracts of his star players, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith. Doing so will create $66 million worth of space. He also plans to alter the contracts of defensive tackles Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa, which can add $63 million worth of space.

Another cap hit for the Cowboys has been the franchise tag placed on star wide receiver George Pickens, which was worth $28 million. The free agency window opens on March 11, which means that Jones has two weeks left to restructure these contracts.

After a 7-9-1 record in 2025, Jones will hope for a turnaround in fortunes by signing some big names in the upcoming free agency. Fans, however, don’t seem to think this is the case.

Fans unhappy with recent Jerry Jones comments

One fan thinks that restructuring deals of the current players hinders the Cowboys' plans. “Restructuring creates flexibility, but it's a bet on the present over the future,” he said.

Another fan agreed with the sentiment. “Cowboys kicking the can down the road again. $66M in breathing room now but they're mortgaging the future. Jerry's gamble: win now or blow it up. Can't build a contender on restructures alone. This screams desperation, not dynasty moves.”

With the Cowboys already being $56 million over the cap space, one fan wondered how they can retain Pickens and get new players at the same time despite the restructuring.

“It’s not creating 66M, It’s creating $10M b/c they started out 56M over the cap. If they restructure Clark, Q & OSA, they will have more room. But will it create enough to sign Pickens @30M? They need a cap to increase 20M to sign picks & anyone else, or find others to cut & save.”

Fans have cut a forlorn figure with the promises Jerry Jones has made over the years. “Wasn't just two years ago that Jerry was going 'All in' on free agency? Guess I'll believe it when I see it.”

“Now to see if Jerry actually spends money this time around,” one fan said.

It remains to be seen how restructuring deals will help the Cowboys once free agency is here. What do you think of Jones’ plans? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi