As the post-June 1 cut window approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may need to make a move.
This cut period allows a team to release a player from the roster after June 1 and be able to split his dead-cap amount over two seasons, rather than absorb it all onto one year’s books.
The Cowboys are expected to pay top dollar for multiple high-market players over the course of this and next offseason, which means Jerry Jones and company should strongly consider the financial benefits of a post-June 1 cut this year to relieve some of that cap pressure in advance.
The most likely candidate here could be safety Donovan Wilson.
The former sixth-round pick in 2019 turned into a serviceable defensive back over the last few years, known best for his explosiveness and relentless downhill pursuit in the run game.
Last year, however, he did not pack the same punch as the last time he registered a full season of action in 2022. His pass coverage was less than ideal, finishing with a 56.6 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus.
Blown coverage, poor reads and missed tackles compiled over the season, but adjusting to a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer likely didn’t help.
Unfortunately, that will have to be the case again in 2025 as well, so there is no guarantee Wilson can return to his old ways.
It’s an already banged-up secondary the Cowboys must figure out, but with another new defensive coordinator in Matt Eberflus, Wilson’s position may be better off handed to one of Dallas’ young versatile pieces. Also at age 30, he may have hit his athletic peak.
Israel Mukuamu, Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell have each shown flashes that they could produce at a high level if given a greater opportunity.
But more importantly, they weigh less on the cap than Wilson does.
The Cowboys have a chance to save $7 million. They will have a tough time getting under the cap limbo next offseason no matter what, so every dollar counts.
In line for a major extension is Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland and Tyler Smith. Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey is in this group, too.
Parsons is expected to receive a near record-setting contract as an edge-rusher superstar, but that deal can come any day now – and actually benefit the cap.
Bland shined two seasons ago before dealing with injury in 2024. Keeping him around is crucial for a cornerback position that is still wary of injury concerns to fellow starter Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revel Jr.
Smith has asserted himself as one of the best young offensive lineman in the entire NFL. He is a no-doubt re-sign … and his contract could deservedly set a new league record, similar to Parsons’.
All in all, there is a lot of money that needs to be shuffled around for next offseason.
Unloading a regressing veteran now may be the Cowboys’ best bet in preparing these finances.
Cowboys Nation would be sad to see a veteran like Wilson go, but the team would likely be set up better for the future and reap the benefits by keeping star players around.
