The Dallas Cowboys could be set to make some major roster changes over the next 2 months.
Dallas Cowboys: Cap Heaven Or Cap Hell?
The reigning NFC East champions have already lost Pro Bowl center, Tyler Biadasz; All-Pro left tackle, Tyron Smith, and former Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore, to free agency, and amidst contract uncertainty at the most important position, the Cowboys could be without their franchise guy come 2025, especially considering what have reportedly been some steep contract desires.
Going into 2025, Dallas has a strong amount of cap space, amounting to just over $67 million; a figure that will no doubt rise if – as largely predicted – the cap once again increases dramatically.
However, the ‘Boys still have both Prescott; whose contract will likely meet or exceed the $55 million recently handed out to Jacksonville Jaguars QB, Trevor Lawrence; and star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb’s contracts to settle.
Moreover, there is also the issue of ageing, but still high level veterans in Demarcus Lawrence and Zack Martin, who are both set to hit the open market come March 2025.
Could The Cowboys Unload CeeDee Lamb For Numerous Draft Picks?
Instead of having to figure out the cap logistics of re-signing both star receiver and quarterback, the Dallas Cowboys could opt to extend one – their face of the franchise and QB for the past 8 years, and subsequently jettison their All-Pro wideout.
Would this be a crazy move? On the face of it, perhaps, but in reality this makes sense for numerous reasons.
Firstly, coming off of his best ever year, Lamb’s stock has never been higher. Whilst he has been steadily improving every year since his debut season in 2020, both statistically and analytically, it could well be that at 25 years old, Lamb is currently at the peak of his powers. Trading the former 1st round Oklahoma star would undoubtedly yield at least 2 first round draft picks, in addition to potential further compensation.
Secondly, if the Cowboys’ sights are set on Dak’s new contract, which seems to be owner, Jerry Jones’ de facto mode, then surrounding him with young, cheap players allows Dallas both financial flexibility with Prescott’s incoming mega-extension, and could even make room for a future additional high priced free agency signing or two in areas of need, such as the interior offensive line.
Which Teams Could Be Realistic Suitors For CeeDee Lamb
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have both been touted as potential trade destinations for the 3 x Pro Bowler. And, in truth, they both make sense as AFC teams for the Dallas Cowboys to send their man to.
But what if Dallas wants to trade their star wideout, whilst all the while staying competitive in division and not tying themselves to an expensive future contract?
Enter, the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have already given former AFC South rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ former receiver, Calvin Ridley, a hefty 4 year, $92 million deal. Yet, whilst certainly a good player, and at one point, a 2nd team All-Pro, Ridley is not a true #1 WR, and his good-but-not-elite, $23 million/year deal reflects that.
Instead of dealing Lamb for simply draft capital, the Cowboys could look to swap their WR1 for the Titans’ WR1 (or joint 1, depending on how you view Ridley), DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins enjoyed an excellent first season in Tennessee, going for 1,057 yards despite generally uninspiring quarterback play from the aged Ryan Tannehill and rookie, Will Levis. Coincidentally, the former Arizona Cardinal and Houston Texan, has almost the exact same cap hit for this upcoming season – both at approximately $18 million – and has no further years left on his deal.
Dallas could easily bring in D-Hop for a 1 year deal with no strings attached and no salary cap net hit, relinquish the need to give likely upwards of Justin Jefferson’s $35 million/year to CeeDee Lamb, and all the while accumulating vast draft capital.
On the flip side, the Tennessee Titans want to give their rookie QB as much help as possible, and having bought in Dallas running back, Tony Pollard, alongside center, Lloyd Cushenberry III, in free agency; and added 1st round behemoth left tackle, JC Latham, with the 7th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tennessee may be looking to secure their receiver room for the duration of Levis’ next 3 years on his rookie deal and get the most out of their potential future of the franchise.
In a hypothetical scenario, compensation could work as follows.
Dallas Cowboys get: DeAndre Hopkins, 1st round pick in 2025, 1st round pick in 2026
Tennessee Titans get: CeeDee Lamb, 3rd round pick in 2025, 4th round pick in 2025
In reality, the Titans may be reluctant to fish out that sort of draft capital and (probably guaranteed) money for one player. But a true difference maker – an elite, top 3 NFL receiver – those are a rarely available commodity.
