(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
The Cowboys didn't spend $20 million of their salary cap last season and are rolling it into 2026. Sure, it will help now, but why didn't they spend that money last year to improve the team? That seems like money wasted or a missed opportunity. – Brett Nichols/Houston, TX
Mickey: Well, slow down there a bit. Ask yourself, when would they have spent that money? Remember, the Cowboys' intention once the NFL league year began in mid-March was to re-sign Micah Parson, and if couldn't get it done in time did franchise him for the one-year, guaranteed $21 million, which was charging against the Cowboys salary cap. They also were bracing for a larger charge than that assuming they would sign him to a long-term deal including a huge signing bonus they would need to prorate over the life of the deal. So, when they traded him, that $21 million came off the salary cap and added to what they had budgeted. Now it's a week before the start of the season. How many top-notch free agents were available then? Now some of the money they saved went to Kenny Clark and then they had enough funds available to make the Quinnen Williams trade halfway through the season. On top of that, they saved some money they didn't expect to have when Trevon Diggs was docked his $500,000 for not working out with the team and nearly another half-million on his per-game bonus when he only played eight games. They weren't being cheap if that's what you're suggesting.
Tommy: I get your point Brett, and it's a good one. My counter would be: What on the roster would $20 million have fixed last season? I would say not very much, even if all of it was allotted to the defensive side of the ball. I don't necessarily hate the approach of leaving some cash to roll over because it can be multi-faceted for you. That can be used towards extensions, like Dallas is trying to get with several key players like George Pickens and Javonte Williams, it can give you more flexibilities in trade options, and of course like you mentioned, allow the Cowboys to go after free agents. With restructures and cap tactics this offseason, Dallas has a chance to make good use of their money to accomplish a lot of what they're looking for on their roster.
Mailbag
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