🏈 #DallasCowboys 2024: Veteran Dead Cap & Cap Savings (Post-June 1 Cuts) 💰

As the Cowboys continue to evaluate their roster for 2024 and beyond, key veteran cuts could unlock critical cap space. Let’s dive into the dead cap and potential savings of some important names:

RG - Zack Martin
💸 Dead Cap: $9.4M
💰 Cap Savings: $1.2M

While Martin remains a cornerstone of the O-line, his age (34) and injury history could push the Cowboys to look ahead. With the team’s current trajectory, a 2+ year rebuild might make this the final year for Zack in Dallas. If injuries are a concern, an extension could be negotiated, but the cap savings are minimal regardless.

SS - Donovan Wilson
💸 Dead Cap: $1.65M
💰 Cap Savings: $7M

After a disappointing season, it’s hard to see the Cowboys keeping Wilson. With young, cheaper safeties in the fold who are showing promise, Wilson’s regression (especially in coverage) could lead to his exit. Time to part ways and free up that $7M.

RT - Terrance Steele
💸 Dead Cap: $4.125M
💰 Cap Savings: $14M

A potential replacement in the 2024 draft looms. With the Cowboys likely to target OL or DL with a top-5 pick, Steele may find himself on the outs. However, the Cowboys’ tendency to stick with regressing veterans could mean they give Steele another shot—his cap savings remain the same through 2026.

FS - Malik Hooker
💸 Dead Cap: $2M
💰 Cap Savings: $5.75M

Another safety under the microscope. Hooker’s tackling inconsistencies and lack of physicality are becoming an issue, and the team needs more from this position. If Hooker is the odd man out, that $5.75M savings would be crucial to reshape the secondary.

RDE - DeMarcus Lawrence (D-Law)
💸 Dead Cap: $7.4M
💰 Cap Savings: N/A (Possible Restructure)

With only Micah Parsons and a developing Kneeland on the D-line, restructuring D-Law’s deal could be the smart play. The Cowboys might look to extend him on a team-friendly deal, avoiding dead cap consequences while retaining leadership on the line.

WR - Brandin Cooks
💸 Dead Cap: $2M
💰 Cap Savings: $2M

Cooks’ production has been underwhelming due to injury, and the Cowboys could save $2M by parting ways. As the WR corps continues to evolve, Cooks may not fit into the long-term plans, especially if the team adds youth at the position.

Total Cap Savings: $28M - $30M for 2024

Projected 2025 Cap Space: $24M
+ $20.8M Carryover from 2024

With smart cuts and restructuring, the Cowboys could free up around $70M in cap space for 2025. That’s enough to make a splash in free agency and position the team well for a new head coach and a top-5 draft pick. A strong offseason could set the Cowboys up for success in the post-2024 era.

🔮 2025 Outlook: A new head coach, a potential top draft pick, and the freedom to build a roster that can compete for championships. The future is bright, but it starts with smart cap management now.
#CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #CapSpace #NFL #CowboysOffseason #CapSavings #NFLDraft #TDLabz
#DallasCowboys