Cowboys' Draft Focus: Overcoming Salary Cap Struggles

0:00On March 5th, the Dallas Cowboys ended last season with seven wins, nine losses and one tie, landing second in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles. That middling finish has fans eager for changes this off season, but salary cap troubles are holding the team back from major moves. Earlier this week, Dallas started $56 million over the cap. They fixed that by restructuring contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CD Lamb, and left guard Tyler Smith, clearing just enough, space to enter free agency. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insists the team plans to spend, yet history shows they often stay conservative. With even tighter limits projected for next year, big splashes on outside talent look unlikely. Experts now expect a low-key free agency period for Dallas, much like their usual pattern. This shifts the focus squarely to the 2026 NFL draft for real roster upgrades. In the end, smart drafting and player development will decide if the Cowboys can rebound and chase playoffs again.