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Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones details challenges of offseason: 'Going to be really, really tight'

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•12/12/24•

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Stephen Jones
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones shared some offseason news that fans didn’t want to hear. On Wednesday, Jones revealed the Cowboys will likely not make a big splash in free agency because of the salary cap.

“I think we knew we were going to have a challenge [in 2024] and [2025],” Jones said, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It’s going to be really, really tight. We still have some money left over from some guys who are not here today, and we’re going to have some other guys that won’t be here in the future that you’re still going to have their cap count.”

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Per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys have 24 players on their roster who are set to become free agents in March. They currently have $9.25 million in dead cap for 2025, but that could increase with the departures of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and offensive lineman Zack Martin.

Stephen Jones shares more on Cowboys’ offseason and free agency

“Guys are getting opportunities and guys are going to continue to get opportunities,” Stephen Jones said. “I think [defensive lineman] 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.”

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During the 2024 offseason, the Cowboys said they were “all in.” But with the lack of big signings, the team had to defend their declaration, saying the salary cap was the reason for the lack of moves.

“I think our structure and our involvement at every level that we are in our process of getting personnel is ideal for making good decisions,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in April, per DallasCowboys.com. “I know what it’s like to make a mistake because I’m gonna be living with it 10 years from now. I’m not just here for a five-year session as GM, so I know what it’s like to have to live with how you’re doing that.”