Stephen Jones: Cowboys Expect 'Really Tight' 2025 NFL Free Agency Due to Salary Cap

The Dallas Cowboys faced a wave of criticism for their lack of spending in free agency last offseason, but it sounds like the team's philosophy won't change after the 2024 campaign.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters outside of the NFL league meetings on Wednesday that the team is likely to limit its spending once again this year.

"I think we knew we were gonna have a challenge [in 2024] and [2025]," Jones said. "It's gonna be really, really tight. We still have some money left over from some guys who are not here today, and we're gonna have some other guys that won't be here in the future that you're still gonna have their cap count."

The Cowboys currently have $9.28 million in dead cap space for 2025, but that number is expected to rise with the potential departures of veteran players like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence. Dallas will need to create cap space this offseason by restructuring contracts or trading and cutting players.

"We're always working behind the curtains and thinking about those types of things," Jones said about offseason decision-making. "Everything we're doing right now and how it affects next year."

The Cowboys' tight pockets have come back to bite them, as they've suffered from a lack of talent at multiple positions amid their disappointing 5-8 season. Star quarterback Dak Prescott, who was signed to a four-year contract extension worth $240 million this past offseason, suffered a hamstring injury in Week 9 that required season-ending surgery.

In addition to cutting spending, the Cowboys must also identify the players they want to bring back on new contracts. Jones named impending free-agent defensive lineman Chauncey Golston as a player who will be factored into the team's decision-making.

"Guys are getting opportunities and guys are going to continue to get opportunities," he said. "I think Chauncey Golston has really stepped up. He's a free agent, I hate that because he's played his best football on the last year of his contract. I don't hate that for him, I hate it for us. Guys have stepped up and played well."

The Cowboys will be taking on the Carolina Panthers (3-10) in a road matchup on Sunday.