The buzz around Dallas this offseason has been swirling with speculation about Clark's future. Despite the Cowboys' assurances, many are quick to label him a potential cap casualty. But is there really a need for such drastic measures?
Let's break it down. ESPN's Bill Barnwell floated the idea of Clark being traded to the Bengals for a 2027 sixth-round pick. A move like that would raise eyebrows, especially considering what Dallas might get in return.
Others argue that due to Dallas' challenging salary cap situation, releasing Clark could free up $21.5 million. But here's the kicker: the Cowboys don't actually need to cut Clark to find financial breathing room.
NFL.com's Matt Okada also pegged Clark as a likely cut candidate, citing Dallas' $30.1 million overage on the cap as a major factor. Yet, the reasoning seems off. After all, Dallas went through considerable effort to bring in Clark, a veteran leader and Pro Bowler.
The reality is, Dallas isn't in a bind if they choose to keep Clark. A contract restructuring could be on the horizon, potentially freeing up $9.6 million, according to Over The Cap.
And with similar adjustments for players like Osa, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, the Cowboys could unlock over $100 million in cap space. Sure, it’s not the $21.5 million from cutting Clark, but it's a substantial figure for a few strategic moves.
Dallas views Clark, alongside Osa Odighizuwa and Quinnen Williams, as foundational pieces for Christian Parker's defense. These three are more than just players; they're the core of a defensive strategy that Dallas is banking on.
So while the surface-level arguments for trading Clark might seem valid, a deeper dive reveals that Dallas has options. They don't need to part ways with Clark unless they choose to. The Cowboys have the flexibility to make it work, keeping their defensive stalwart right where he belongs.