Dallas Cowboys: Analyzing 4 Surprise Cut Candidates for Significant Cap Savings

Dallas Cowboys Cap Space Situation

• ⚠️ The Dallas Cowboys currently face a significant cap deficit, being negative $31 million in cap space, which places them 29th among all NFL teams.
• 📈 Despite the current deficit, the team has the potential to save a massive $131 million in 2026 through contract restructures, a common strategy for the Cowboys.

Jonathan Mingo: Wide Receiver

• 🏈 Jonathan Mingo is identified as a surprising cut candidate due to his underperformance as a Cowboy, with only 6 receptions for 71 yards in his tenure.
• 💰 Releasing Mingo would result in a cap saving of $1.9 million, making him a prime candidate for removal from the roster.

Defensive Line Considerations

• 🛡️ Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas is another potential cut, having recorded no sacks and only 27 tackles in 16 games this season, failing to meet expectations.
• 💸 Cutting Thomas would save the Cowboys $2.4 million against the cap, especially with a potential defensive scheme change and his reduced pressure on quarterbacks.

Linebacker and Offensive Tackle Cuts

• linebacker Logan Wilson, acquired for a seventh-round pick, is considered an "obvious" cut due to his limited impact (24 tackles in 7 games) and the significant cap savings.
• 💲 Releasing Wilson would save the team $6.5 million this year and an additional $7 million in 2027, despite the low cost of his acquisition.
• 🚧 Offensive tackle Terrence Steel is a major cut candidate, having struggled with 6 sacks surrendered and 7 penalties since returning from injury.
• 🔥 Designating Steel as a post-June 1st cut would free up a substantial $14 million in cap space, making him the largest individual saving among the discussed players.

Total Cap Savings and Future Moves

• ✅ The combined savings from cutting these four players—Mingo, Thomas, Wilson, and Steel—would amount to $24.8 million.
• 🚀 These strategic cuts, even before larger contract restructures, could bring the Cowboys close to even in cap space or provide up to $100 million for future player acquisitions.