The Dallas Cowboys took some big swings in 2025, but the results didn’t land the way they hoped. A 7-9-1 finish left them outside the playoff picture, and now they head into the 2026 offseason facing a harsh financial reality: they’re $29.17 million over the salary cap. That’s not just a hurdle-it’s a full-blown obstacle course.
To get back on track, the Cowboys will need to make some tough calls. That could mean parting ways with veteran contributors, restructuring contracts, or both. And if they want to do more than just tread water-say, extend George Pickens or bring in impact free agents-they’ll need to clear even more space.
So who might be on the chopping block? Let’s take a closer look at three players who could be cap casualties in the coming weeks.
Logan Wilson: A One-and-Done in Dallas?
When Dallas traded for Logan Wilson at the deadline last November, the move made sense. He was a steady presence in the middle of the Bengals' defense and looked like a plug-and-play solution for a linebacker group that needed help. But with the Cowboys falling short of the postseason, the logic behind that midseason rental starts to feel a little less solid.
Now, Wilson’s future in Dallas is murky at best. Cutting him would free up $6.52 million in cap space-a significant chunk for a team in the red. That alone puts him firmly on the radar as a potential cut.
Adding to the uncertainty is the arrival of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who comes over from Philadelphia. Parker’s background suggests Dallas could shift toward a 3-4 base or at least a more multiple front. That doesn’t automatically make Wilson obsolete, but it does raise the question of scheme fit-especially if the Cowboys want to prioritize younger, more versatile defenders who can thrive in a hybrid system.
Wilson is still a capable player, but when you weigh his cap number against the Cowboys’ financial crunch and defensive transition, the scales start to tip toward a release.
Malik Hooker: Veteran Safety on the Bubble
Next up: Malik Hooker. Of the three names here, Hooker might have the clearest path to sticking around in 2026. He’s been a stabilizing presence in the secondary and brings veteran leadership to the back end of the defense.
But here’s the issue-Dallas’ defense was a mess in 2025. Whether that was more about coaching or personnel is up for debate, but the result is the same: something has to change. And when you’re $29 million over the cap, change often starts with expensive veterans.
Cutting Hooker would save the Cowboys $6.85 million. He’s not under contract beyond this season, and at 30 years old, he’s nearing the age where teams start looking for fresher legs at safety. That makes this a relatively clean break if Dallas chooses to go that route.
This isn’t about blaming Hooker. He’s been a solid contributor. But if the Cowboys want to get younger, faster, and more dynamic on defense, moving on from Hooker and targeting a safety in the draft or free agency makes a lot of sense.
Kenny Clark: Big Cap Hit, Bigger Decision
Kenny Clark’s situation is a little different. He came to Dallas as part of the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade-a deal that shook up the franchise and signaled a shift in direction. But while Clark is still a capable interior lineman, there’s a growing sense that he may not be in the Cowboys’ long-term plans.
Why? Start with the numbers.
Cutting Clark would save a whopping $21.5 million in 2026. And it doesn’t stop there-Dallas would also gain another $20 million in cap relief in 2027.
That’s the kind of financial flexibility that can reshape an entire offseason.
Then there’s the depth chart. The Cowboys already have Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas in the mix, and they recently traded for Quinnen Williams. That kind of depth makes Clark feel more like a luxury than a necessity-especially at his price tag.
Clark turns 31 this season and is under contract through 2027. If his deal were more manageable, you could argue for keeping him as a veteran anchor. But with Dallas in cap trouble and looking to get younger across the board, the move that makes the most sense is to cut ties and reinvest in the defensive line through the draft or cheaper free-agent options.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys are entering a critical offseason, and the margin for error is razor thin. They can’t afford to be sentimental or overly cautious. Tough decisions are coming, and that likely means saying goodbye to some familiar faces.
Logan Wilson, Malik Hooker, and Kenny Clark are all quality players. But in the NFL, value is everything-and right now, the Cowboys need cap space more than they need aging veterans on pricey contracts. Expect Dallas to make some early moves to get under the cap and position themselves for a more competitive 2026 campaign.