How Much Do Dallas Cowboys Get Paid? A Deep Dive into the Team's Salaries
Hello there, sports enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of the Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable sports team in the world, according to Forbes. You might be wondering, "How much do Dallas Cowboys get paid?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to find out! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how much do dallas cowboys get paid.
The Dallas Cowboys' Salary Cap and Contracts
Before we dive into individual player salaries, let's talk about the Dallas Cowboys' salary cap. In 2021, the NFL set the salary cap at $182.5 million. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cap was frozen at the 2020 level of $177.2 million. This means the Cowboys, like all other NFL teams, had to get creative with their contracts to stay under the cap.
The Cowboys have been known for their big-money contracts, especially with their high-profile quarterback, Dak Prescott. In March 2021, Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million contract with $126 million guaranteed. This made him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at the time. But how does this contract impact the Cowboys' salary cap? Let's break it down.
Dak Prescott's Contract: A Closer Look
Prescott's contract averages $40.5 million per year, but the Cowboys spread out the cap hit over the life of the contract. Here's a rough breakdown:
- 2021 Cap Hit: $22.2 million - 2022 Cap Hit: $40.5 million - 2023 Cap Hit: $49.1 million - 2024 Cap Hit: $57.7 million
This structure allows the Cowboys to keep their cap flexible in the short term while still securing their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.
The Highest-Paid Dallas Cowboys
Now, let's talk about some of the highest-paid Dallas Cowboys on the team. Remember, these are the average annual values of their contracts, not their base salaries for the 2021 season.
1. Dak Prescott, Quarterback
We've already talked about Prescott's contract, but it's worth mentioning again. His $40.5 million average annual value (AAV) makes him the highest-paid Cowboy and one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019 with $50 million guaranteed. His AAV is $15 million, making him the second-highest-paid Cowboy and the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
3. Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle
Smith signed a six-year, $97.6 million contract in 2014 with $44.5 million guaranteed. His AAV is $14.2 million, making him the third-highest-paid Cowboy and the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL.
4. Zack Martin, Guard
Martin signed a six-year, $84 million contract in 2018 with $40 million guaranteed. His AAV is $13.5 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid Cowboy and the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
5. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver
Cooper signed a five-year, $100 million contract in 2020 with $60 million guaranteed. His AAV is $20 million, making him the fifth-highest-paid Cowboy and the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys' Salary Cap Strategy
The Cowboys have a history of using long-term contracts to spread out cap hits and keep their books clean in the short term. However, this strategy can backfire if players underperform or the team needs to make roster moves. In recent years, the Cowboys have had to make some tough decisions to stay under the salary cap, such as releasing veterans like Dez Bryant and Witten.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the NFL Salary Cap
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the NFL's revenue, which in turn has affected the salary cap. The NFL and the NFLPA agreed to a flat cap for the 2021 season, which has forced teams to get creative with their contracts. The Cowboys, like all other teams, have had to make tough decisions to stay under the cap.
The Future of the Dallas Cowboys' Salary Cap
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will have some tough decisions to make with their salary cap. They have several key players set to hit free agency in the coming years, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and wide receiver Amari Cooper. The team will need to make some tough decisions to keep their core players while also addressing needs on the roster.
Conclusion: How Much Do Dallas Cowboys Get Paid?
So, there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the Dallas Cowboys' salaries, contracts, and salary cap strategy. The Cowboys have some of the highest-paid players in the NFL, but they also have to make tough decisions to stay under the salary cap. As we look ahead to the future, the Cowboys will have to navigate a challenging salary cap landscape to keep their team competitive.
Thanks for joining us on this journey, sports fans! Be sure to check back for more updates on the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL. Until next time, stay safe and keep your eyes on the ball!