"The NFL salary cap is projected to take a significant leap in 2026, rising from $279.2 million in 2025 to a range between $301 million and $305 million. That type of increase isn't just a league-wide headline; for the Dallas Cowboys, it's a structural lifeline. Not because it invites reckless spending, but because it finally provides breathing room for a roster built to contend while staying financially disciplined."
"Jerry and Stephen Jones value predictability and long-term stability, even if that means passing on splashy free agents. When the cap rises across the board, that philosophy suddenly becomes a strength. Instead of scrambling to create space, Dallas can act decisively, and fans usually feel the effects through targeted, aggressive retention rather than risky outside spending. The extra $22-26 million projected for 2026 likely won't be used to overhaul the roster in free agency."
The NFL salary cap will rise from $279.2 million in 2025 to between $301 million and $305 million in 2026, providing roughly $22–26 million more for each team. The Dallas Cowboys' conservative cap management and preference for a cleaner ledger make the increase particularly valuable as financial breathing room. The cap boost enables targeted retention of key contributors rather than wholesale free-agent spending, preserving roster continuity and long-term stability. Several important Cowboys players face upcoming paydays, and the higher cap makes multi-year extensions or sensible restructures more feasible. George Pickens represents the most pressing decision, where a multi-year deal would be preferable to a franchise tag.
Read at Inside The Star
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