The Dallas Cowboys are making waves in the NFL with their latest move, acquiring edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. Jerry Jones, never shy with his checkbook, has added another high-profile player to the Cowboys' roster. While Gary might not have been the headliner fans were expecting, he comes at the cost of a 2027 fourth-round draft pick, with a salary impact of just over $40 million for the next two seasons.
This acquisition means the Cowboys now boast nine players with an annual salary of at least $20 million, surpassing the Philadelphia Eagles, who have eight. Just last year, Dallas had only Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in this elite salary bracket. Fast forward, and the Cowboys have been on a spending spree, locking down talent and reinforcing their roster.
They've secured their own stars with major extensions for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, offensive lineman Tyler Smith, and cornerback DaRon Bland. But they didn't stop there.
The Cowboys have also retained key players acquired through trades, like Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and now Rashan Gary. Additionally, they've placed the franchise tag on standout wide receiver George Pickens, another trade acquisition.
Here’s a look at the Cowboys’ big earners, each averaging at least $20 million per year:
- Dak Prescott (QB): $60,000,000 - Signed through 2028
- CeeDee Lamb (WR): $34,000,000 - Signed through 2029
- George Pickens (WR): $27,298,000 - Franchise Tag for 2026
- Rashan Gary (ED): $24,000,000 - Signed through 2027
- Tyler Smith (G): $24,000,000 - Signed through 2030
- Quinnen Williams (DL): $24,000,000 - Signed through 2027
- DaRon Bland (CB): $22,500,000 - Signed through 2029
- Kenny Clark (DL): $21,333,333 - Signed through 2027
- Osa Odighizuwa (DL): $20,000,000 - Signed through 2028
Most of these contracts are locked in for multiple years, with Pickens being the exception, likely to secure a new deal soon.
While Gary’s average salary is $24 million, the Cowboys are only responsible for $19.5 million this year and $20.5 million next year. The Packers are absorbing $52 million in dead money between Gary and Clark.
With Gary's addition, the Cowboys now have more defensive players earning $20 million or more than offensive ones. While money doesn’t guarantee success, the Cowboys are certainly investing heavily in their defense. They recently signed safety Jalen Thompson, marking their biggest outside free agent signing since Brandon Carr, adjusted for inflation.
The Cowboys are clearly all-in, spending big to build a competitive roster. From locking down homegrown talent to making strategic trades, they’re positioning themselves for a serious Super Bowl run. Jerry Jones is backing up his promises with his wallet, aiming to give the Cowboys a fighting chance at glory.