The Dallas Cowboys opened their 2025 campaign with a headline-grabbing move that sent shockwaves through the league: trading away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. It was a bold decision-one that raised plenty of eyebrows, even with the Cowboys receiving a first-round pick and defensive lineman Kenny Clark in return.
At the time, the logic was clear. Dallas needed help stopping the run, and Clark brought exactly that.
He was a proven interior force, a player who could plug gaps and collapse pockets. But less than a year later, the Cowboys might already be preparing to move on from him-and not because of performance.
Kenny Clark’s Fit in Dallas: Strong on the Field, Costly on the Cap
Clark suited up for all 17 games in 2025, delivering a solid season. He notched 17 solo tackles, three sacks, and 44 pressures, per Pro Football Focus-an uptick from the 34 pressures he posted in 2024. He wasn’t just a run stuffer; he gave the Cowboys some much-needed interior push after losing Parsons, who had been a disruptive force in his own right.
But Clark’s production may not be enough to justify his price tag. He’s heading into the final year of his deal, and his cap hit is looming large.
As it stands, the Cowboys are staring at a defensive tackle room that’s set to cost $63 million, with three players each pulling in north of $20 million annually. That’s a tough number to swallow, even with the NFL’s salary cap on the rise.
If Dallas parts ways with Clark before March 13 or after June 1, they can save $21.5 million without taking on any dead money, according to Spotrac. That kind of financial flexibility could be exactly what the Cowboys need to jumpstart their offseason.
Cap Management Decisions Looming
The Cowboys aren’t just dealing with Clark’s contract. They’re also looking at major decisions on the offensive side, particularly with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. According to OverTheCap, Dallas could free up close to $100 million by restructuring those two deals and releasing both Clark and safety Malik Hooker.
That money could go a long way toward retooling the roster-especially with the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency on the horizon. And the defensive front wouldn’t exactly be left bare. The Cowboys still have promising pieces in Osa Odighizuwa and Williams, who’ve both shown they can hold their own in the trenches.
Trade Possibilities? Unlikely, But Not Impossible
Could the Cowboys find a trade partner for Clark? In theory, yes.
But the timing complicates things. Clark is due an $11 million guaranteed bonus in mid-March, and teams know Dallas is likely to release him before paying that.
That makes a trade unlikely-why give up assets for a player you could sign outright if he hits the open market?
Still, if a team values Clark highly enough and wants to jump the line, a post-March deal isn’t entirely off the table. But for now, the writing appears to be on the wall.
What’s Next for Dallas?
The Micah Parsons trade was always going to be judged by what Dallas got in return. And while Clark filled a short-term need, the long-term math just doesn’t add up. The Cowboys are in a cap crunch, and Clark-despite his contributions-may be the odd man out.
This isn’t just about one player. It’s about building a sustainable roster around stars like Prescott and Lamb, while keeping the defense competitive.
As the offseason unfolds, Dallas fans should brace for more tough decisions. And Clark’s departure?
That might just be the first domino to fall.