The Dallas Cowboys signed the bulk of their rookie draft class on Friday, inking deals worth a combined $90 million. Despite the headline figure, the team's salary cap is only hit with $4.4 million for this season, thanks to the structure of rookie contracts under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.
Rookie deals are pre-slotted by draft position, and signing bonuses are prorated over the life of the contract. That means the Cowboys can spread the cap charge across multiple years, minimizing the immediate financial burden. The maneuver gives Dallas flexibility to address other roster needs or retain veteran talent.
The $90 million figure includes all potential earnings if every player hits incentives and earns their full base salaries across their four-year deals. In practice, teams rarely pay the entire notional amount because players are cut or restructured before contracts expire.
For the Cowboys, this cap efficiency is critical as they navigate extensions for stars like quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. Keeping cap space open now allows room to sign free agents or absorb future raises without triggering a financial crunch.
The team now has 10 of its 15 draft picks under contract, with the remaining five expected to sign in the coming days. No player has yet commented on the deals.