Jerry Jones has a tough job ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs for the second straight season and posted a disappointing 7-9-1 record in the regular season. This has left many fans frustrated, and they are now calling for success next season.
Another issue plaguing the franchise involves their salary cap, as many players’ contracts need to be renegotiated. Jones has revealed his plan to solve this problem.
The Cowboys under owner Jones are planning to execute a strategic salary cap overhaul in the offseason. As reported by [ESPN’s Adam Schefter](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2027734415070134370?s=20), the team will restructure the contracts of three of their best players, quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and offensive lineman Tyler Smith.
Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The restructuring of these contracts is projected to generate $66 million in immediate cap relief under the league’s $301.2 million salary cap threshold. Restructuring will involve converting base salaries into signing bonuses with void years to spread cap hits, which will favor the franchise in the long term. Earlier reports suggested the team was over the cap threshold by approximately $56 million, but these contract restructures could give them $10 million or more in usable cap space.
Jones has additionally confirmed that he plans to rework deals for defensive tackles Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and Osa Odighizuwa. Together, their contracts count $63 million against the cap. The plan will be to add voidable years and then restructure afterward.
If these contracts are also restructured, the Cowboys can gain even more cap space flexibility and sign talented free agents while keeping their core. Jones plans to use this newly created salary cap space to bring in new talent and bolster the franchise’s chances of competing for the Super Bowl.
Jerry Jones confirms desire to win Super Bowl
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The Cowboys have not won the Super Bowl in 30 years, and after the season they had, many fans are calling for change. Jones has recognized that sentiment and is planning to change that. He will shift their focus on bringing in free agents who can deliver instant impact instead of looking for cost-effective signings as they usually do.
Jones said during the NFL Combine, “I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have.” He added, “I want you to know that the only way to push more out is for me to go borrow some of my future, OK? Expect me to go borrow some of my future.”
Regarding winning the Super Bowl, the 83-year-old said, “It’s every bit the prize of anything I have, with the exception of family and your love for family. I guess what I would say is make no mistake about it, I don’t have a higher priority than to go and win a Super Bowl.”
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have some big tasks to complete ahead of the 2026 NFL season.