Locked On Cowboys Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: CAP MAGIC: Dallas Cowboys Blueprint to CREATE $100M In Cap Space | How Might They Spend Extra $$$?
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Air Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the financial future of the Dallas Cowboys, specifically exploring how the team can navigate salary cap challenges, restructure contracts, and potentially create up to $100 million in cap space. The hosts break down the top contract maneuvers, discuss likely cut and restructure candidates, and debate who the Cowboys could target in free agency—especially at defensive end—as the team transitions to more 3-4 defensive looks. Listener questions drive a practical, step-by-step approach to the Cowboys’ cap situation and roster-building strategies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cowboys’ Salary Cap Reality & Why Not to Panic

• Initial Situation: The Cowboys are roughly $29 million over the cap, which could rise to $66 million with draft picks and tenders.
• Fan Concerns: Many fans are “freaking out” about these numbers after checking cap websites.
• Reassurance:
  • Landon McCool (02:30): “Not that concerned…The Cowboys have a ton of different mechanisms for freeing up a bunch of money...this is kind of why the Cowboys have been very meticulous about the way that they structure their contracts.”

2. Freeing Up Cap Space – Step by Step

• Assumptions:
  • $29M over the cap now
  • Need $10M for draft class
  • George Pickens as a potential franchise tag at $28.8M
  • Restricted free agent tenders for TJ Bass & Brock Hoffman (expected: second-round tender at ~$5.8M each)
• Impact: This process can push the team to $66M over the cap.
• How Restructures Work:
  • Convert base salary into signing bonuses to lower the cap hit.
  • Explained by McCool (05:51): “The player doesn’t lose any money…It just converts and guarantees that money for that player and then changes it into a guaranteed bucket.”
• Top Restructure Targets:
  • Dak Prescott – saves $31M
  • CeeDee Lamb – saves $19M
  • Tyler Smith – saves $17M
• After Restructures:
  • Mosher (07:05): “That puts you all the way down to $2 million under the cap with just those three restructures.”
• Optional Further Moves:
  • Osa Odighizuwa (save $12M)
  • DaRon Bland (save ~$9M)

3. Cuts, Extensions, and Moves to Watch

• Cut Candidates:
  • Logan Wilson – save $6.5M (07:46)
  • Jonathan Mingo – save $2M (debated if Cowboys keep or move on) (08:21)
• Terence Steele:
  • Cap number: $18M; could save $14M if post-June 1 cut, but McCool advises keeping him due to positional value (09:26).
• Kenny Clark:
  • Extension could save ~$15M; high likelihood he stays as part of core defense (10:40).

4. Practical Result: Cap Room Achievable

• Following the moves, Dallas could free up $20–25 million in true spending space, even while keeping current key players.

  • Mosher (11:17): “Now you're talking about having 20 to 25 million dollars of cap space…It’s not going to be that difficult for the Cowboys to get to 20, 30 million dollars of cap space.”
  • McCool (11:59): “There are lots of mechanisms to kind of get where they need to get underneath the cap.”

How Would Dallas Spend the Money?

( Segment Starts: 12:12 )

Defensive End: The Primary Target in Free Agency

• The team is expected to shift to a 3-4 base. This changes the type of edge rusher they might pursue.
• McCool (14:47): “It’s clearly one of the spots where the Cowboys have the most need…If they're able to free up some money…it does make some sense to spend and go get at least one or two of these starters that you need on defense in free agency.”

Breakdown of Veteran Edge Targets (with Projected Costs & Pros/Cons):

| Player Name | Projected Cost (per year) | Pros / Cons & Host Comments | |-----------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Trey Hendrickson| $25M (2 yrs, $52M est.) | Elite pass-rusher, injury concerns, positional fit question<br>McCool (16:42): “My concern is…does this defense make it more difficult for him…does age and one-dimensional aspect give me some pause…” | | Jalen Phillips | $20M | Younger, fits defense, high injury risk<br>“Committing to a long-term deal…you’re incurring a lot of risk…” – McCool (18:17)| | Khalil Mack | $18M (1-year deal) | Older, still productive, ideal short-term rental<br>“I would almost feel better about renting a Khalil Mack…” – McCool (18:17)| | Quiddy Pay | $12–17M | Declining production, not a great run defender<br>“Both of those guys are pretty pricey and it comes with pedigree, not necessarily production.” – McCool (20:24)| | K’Lavon Chaisson| $12–17M | Unreliable, “bet on upside” type, not preferred| | Joey Bosa | $12–17M | Still an elite pass rusher, snap management needed, older<br>“He’s interesting because I’m not having to commit...otherwise you’re probably overpaying quite a bit.” – McCool (21:02)| | Kyle Van Noy | ~$5M | Run defender, versatile, leadership, little pass rush juice<br>“I do that. He adds a veteran presence…just having that, again, we’ve got a lot of young players…” – McCool, (22:06)| | Jadeveon Clowney/Fowler etc.| Varies | Lower tier, rotational, veteran leadership, value for money|

• Preferred Approach:
  • Mosher (22:37): “Instead of spending 25 million for Trey Hendrickson, if you could go with like a Khalil Mack at let's say 18 million for one year and then you bring in somebody else, you know, like a Jadeveon Clowney…two guys that have played in a lot of schemes that are good against the run…”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marcus Mosher reassuring fans:
  “It’s not going to be that difficult for the Cowboys to get to $20, $30 million of cap space.” (11:17)
• Landon McCool on cap mechanics:
  “The player doesn’t lose any money…It just converts and guarantees that money for that player and then changes it into a guaranteed bucket…” (05:51)
• On roster management philosophy:
  “You need the money, but I think it’s probably gonna cost you that much or the equivalent in draft picks in order to replace a starting right tackle.” – McCool on Terence Steele (09:26)
• On edge rusher targets:
  “Both of those guys are pretty pricey and it comes with pedigree, not necessarily production. So I would maybe avoid those two.” – McCool on Quiddy Pay & Chaisson (20:24)
• On scheme fit for new edge defenders:
  “This move opens up the door for more edge players because I think you can tolerate playing with…under-sized guys that…have really nice pass rush skills…” – McCool (25:33)

Discussion: Draft Shifts with the New 3-4 Defense

(Segment Starts: 25:06)

• How does going 3-4 impact draft targets?
  • More focus on players who can play in space, drop into coverage.
  • Doesn’t require “complicated coverage gymnastics.”
  • Scheme allows more edge rusher body types—undersized pass rushers may be more viable.
• Examples Discussed:
  • Cassius Howell (Texas A&M) – represents “sawed off” pass rusher who fits the new scheme.
  • Still room for 260–280 lb. “traditional” edge bodies (e.g., Keldrick Falk).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Cowboys Cap Situation, Initial Breakdown: 01:12–03:51
• Restructure/Cuts Explained: 05:51–11:17
• How to Spend the Cap Room; Free Agent Targets: 14:07–23:24
• Types of DEs for 3-4 Defense / Draft Implications: 25:06–29:52

Final Takeaways

• Cowboys’ cap problem is solvable with standard restructures.
• Fans should not be alarmed—the front office has plenty of “levers to pull.”
• With key moves, the Cowboys can enter free agency as major players for defensive ends and fill key needs as the defense evolves.
• The upcoming draft is flexible, and the new defensive scheme opens the team to different player types on the edge.
• Most realistic/wise free agent approach: Target proven, short-term veteran pass-rushers (e.g., Mack, Van Noy) versus all-in on big-money, high-risk stars.

For more, follow @Marcus_Mosher and @McCoolBCB on Twitter, and tune in daily for expert, insider Cowboys analysis.