For three decades, the blame for the Dallas Cowboys‘ failures has fallen on coaches, quarterbacks, and bad luck. Now, Jerry Jones is finally pointing the finger at the man in the mirror. The owner’s stunning admission that his “way of things doesn’t work” comes at the perfect time, as the franchise sits on the verge of a massive financial reset. While the drought continues, Dallas has been handed a legitimate escape route: a path to clear over $147 million in cap space and completely overhaul the roster before the 2026 season kicks off.

Reflecting on this period of disappointment, Jerry Jones feels his methods of running the Cowboys are now obsolete.

“That ol’ mirror [pronounced more like mirrah in Jones’ Arkansas twang], that self-evaluation really is appropriate and has to be done,” Jones said, as per Fort Worth Star Telegram. “My way of things doesn’t work. If I don’t change, I’m not successful. There’s no other way if you want to be hot and go to the dance.”

Jerry Jones’ comments about his methods come up as the Cowboys missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season and gear up for an important offseason. The franchise has to make a major decision regarding the future of star receiver George Pickens, who is a free agent, before addressing other significant defensive issues.

Previously, the Cowboys have been guilty of not investing in their players, who, despite not performing immediately, have the potential to provide big dividends. The franchise also failed to hold on to its stars like Micah Parsons. They traded the star pass rusher after he and the Cowboys failed to reach an agreement on his extension.

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However, with Jones’ recent confession, America’s Team has been making major changes, which have been evident in their recent coaching hires and trades. The Cowboys have brought in players like George Pickens, on the final year of his deal, and Quinnen Williams, who has 2.5 years and over $48 million remaining on his contract, leading to instant success. Similarly, the Dallas front office’s decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as head coach ahead of the 2025 season and their recent hire of Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator have also received praise.

As the Cowboys look to move forward with a changed approach, the franchise has been handed an incredible opportunity to improve its cap space and bring in talented players to end the wait for a Lombardi Trophy.

11 moves that can help Dallas create $147m in cap space

After finishing with a 7-9-1 record, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are under immense pressure to make the necessary moves to come back as a top team and contend in the 2026 season. As it stands, America’s Team is projected to be over $33 million over the cap, but the franchise can make a few contract restructures, manage extensions, and release a few players that can help it shave $147.2 million off its cap.

The Cowboys could unlock up to $92.4 million through contract restructures of their key players. The biggest relief would come from quarterback Dak Prescott ($31M savings), wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ($18.4M), offensive lineman Tyler Smith ($17.6M), and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa ($12M). Each would see their base salaries converted to veteran minimums, with the remainder paid as signing bonuses to spread the cap hit across future years.

Similarly, the Cowboys can use extensions for defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, generating $28.5 million in additional relief. Clark’s restructured deal would reduce his cap hit from $21.5 million to $6.7 million by adding one real year (2028) at $22M and three voids, which would help turn $19.8M due into $18.5M bonus + $1.3M vet min.

Dallas could offer Williams a five-year, $142.25 million extension with a $2M base salary and a $30 million bonus to reduce the $21.75M cap hit to $8M. Further, outright releases of Malik Hooker ($7M), Logan Wilson ($6.5M), Terence Steele ($8.75M), and Bryan Anger ($3.1M) would add another $26.3 million, bringing total potential savings to $147.2 million.

While making all these moves will be difficult for the Cowboys, if Jerry Jones and Co. can pull some of them before the March 11 deadline, America’s Team could emerge as a big buyer in this offseason and make the required moves to be back as a contender.