Cowboys rookies ink $90M Friday, why it only used $4.4M in cap space
The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven 2026 draft picks on Friday, part of nearly $90 million in total rookie contracts including undrafted free agents. Despite the large total value, the signings only used $4.4 million in salary cap space due to NFL cap accounting rules. This is because only the top 51 salaries count against the cap, and the new rookies replaced lower-paid players already in that group.
- ▪The Cowboys signed six of their seven 2026 draft picks, with total contract values reaching approximately $90 million when including undrafted free agents.
- ▪Each rookie's contract is slotted under the 2011 CBA, with signing bonuses and salaries based on draft position.
- ▪Only the Top 51 salaries count toward the NFL salary cap, so the new signings only added $4.4 million in cap space despite $11 million in combined 2026 cap hits.
- ▪First-round pick Malachi Lawrence did not sign but is expected to agree to a deal worth around $20.5 million with a $3.75 million first-year cap hit.
- ▪Undrafted free agents signed contracts worth less than $3 million each and do not count against the Top 51 salary cap.
- ▪Safety Caleb Downs received the largest deal at $28.95 million with a $5.26 million 2026 cap hit.
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