Key Takeaways:
– Dallas Cowboys could create salary cap space by releasing veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
– Cowboys only have two established veteran receivers on the roster: Cooks and CeeDee Lamb.
– Available free-agent options include former Pro Bowlers such as Michael Thomas and Hunter Renfrow.
– Cowboys are seeking to create cap space for a new contract for quarterback Dak Prescott, valued at over $50 million per year.
– Cowboys also need to sign contracts with stars such as Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons.
Possible Cap Space Solution for Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys face cap space challenges as they negotiate new contract deals for their stars. A key strategy, as proposed by Bleacher Report, is to offload or cut veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Releasing Cooks post-June 1 could save the Cowboys a significant $8 million. Cooks is about to enter the last year of his two-year, $39 million contract.
Limited Options in Wide Receiver Pool
The proposition of unloading Cooks is not without its pitfalls. It appears convenient when considering the cap space relief it offers. However, the current depth in the Cowboys’ wide receiver roster leaves much to be desired. Apart from Cooks, they only have another established veteran receiver, CeeDee Lamb. This picture is worrisome, especially with Dallas releasing former starter Michael Gallup in the off-season.
The Bleacher Report does acknowledge the current options after Cooks and Lamb are far from impressive. The alternatives include KaVontae Turpin, beginner Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks. Turpin has mainly operated as a return specialist, Brooks recorded a meager six catches in his rookie season, while Flournoy is a rookie. Not a fantastic set of options.
Even so, there are veteran free agent receivers such as Michael Thomas and Hunter Renfrow available, both former Pro Bowlers, that could bolster the Cowboys’ attack.
Dak Prescott’s Contract a Top Priority
The main driver behind the contemplated freeing up of cap space is quarterback Dak Prescott’s pending contract. Prescott is on the brink of entering his contract’s final year. The new contract he’s expected to sign could overstep the $50 million annual mark. Taking a cue from the recent four-year, $212 million ($53 million per year) deal signed by Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions’ franchise quarterback, Prescott’s market value is gauged at a hefty $50.9 million annually over a four-year period.
Cowboys are keen to seal Prescott’s future with Dallas, insisting that negotiations are underway. But the delay is likely to push up the eventual payment.
The Cowboys Free Agency Frugality
Dallas has been noted for its conservative approach in free agency, with conspicuous signings restricted to linebacker Eric Kendricks and cheaper veterans like running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman. Dallas’ biggest headache as they enter training camp remains securing Prescott’s deal. Aside from this, they have to contend with new contracts for stars like Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys may need to review their approach to cap space and salary management. The proposal to offload Cooks for cap relief has its merit. Nonetheless, it seems premature to abandon a productive player, especially considering Cooks’ 54 catches for 657 yards and eight touchdowns last season, amidst dwindling reliable receiving options.
Given the scarcity of depth in wide receivers, the Cowboys are likely to retain Cooks into the 2024 season.