While the Cowboys’ defense came under lots of deserved fire last year, the tackle position is the least of their worries. As such, it may not see much action this spring and summer. But with salary cap concerns and a change in defensive coaching, DT isn’t entirely immune to potential 2026 offseason drama.
Under Contract
Quinnen Williams – The new centerpiece of the line, this perennial Pro Bowler will again be looked to as a catalyst for improved performance up front. After seeing what the Eagles defense got out
of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, the prospect for what Christian Parker might mine from Williams’ presence is tantalizing.
Kenny Clark – Like Williams, Clark is part of Dallas’ multi-faceted return from the Micah Parsons trade. He’s probably not a Pro Bowl talent anymore at age 30, but he can still be a capable player if used according to his strengths. The big question, which we’ll dig into later, is if his on-field value is worth more than $21 million in potential cap relief?
Osa Odighizuwa – After getting a new deal to return last offseason, Odighizuwa didn’t make much of an impact in 2025. The Cowboys have to hope that was more about Matt Eberflus’ scheme and surrounding issues, given that there’s no getting out from under that contract until 2027 at the earliest. But considering how much the entire defense struggled last year, there’s good reason to think Odighizuwa will be one of several players to benefit from regime change.
Solomon Thomas – The veteran became less important after the Clark and Williams acquisitions, but he still played on nearly 40% of the total defensive snaps. Turning 31 this August, and with some potential as a cap casualty (more on that below), Thomas could be challenged by younger and cheaper prospects. But since the Cowboys are going to utilize more 3-4 principles this year, his longtime experience in those kind of schemes could help him stick.
Jay Toia – The second-year prospect’s value could increase this year if Dallas is looking to do more 3-4 work, given his potential as a true nose tackle. As a seventh-round pick, Toia is hardly guaranteed time for development. But he will be interesting to track this offseason with new coaches and perhaps a better scheme fit working in his favor.
Perrion Winfrey – His comeback story was going well last year before a back injury put him on IR. Between that and the additions of Clark and Williams, his regular-season opportunities were limited. But since Dallas signed him to a two-year deal last year, he will get another chance to compete. Considering he’s five years younger and about $2 million cheaper than Thomas, Winfrey could challenge him for a roster spot.
Free Agents
None, actually. Part of the value in trading for guys like Williams and Clark was that they had years left on their contracts, so that’s offering some much-needed stability now.
What’s Needed?
In terms of talent acquisition, not much. Assuming nobody here is a cap casualty, you have three guys who can start and at least one reliable backup in Solomon Thomas. If Jay Toia develops in his second season, that’s five guys. Depending on Parker’s plans for rotations and scheme diversity, Dallas may not carry more than that on the roster. If they do go with six, there’s a potential spot for Perrion Winfrey or whoever else emerges during the offseason.
But now, we have to talk about Kenny Clark and the salary cap. If the Cowboys release him ahead of free agency, it’s a clean $21 million off the books with no dead money. To get that full benefit, they would have to pull the trigger before an $11 million roster bonus hits on March 13. If they are thinking of releasing Clark this offseason, there’s little reason they’d hesitate and miss that deadline.
Also, on the much smaller side, Thomas is worth about $2.5 million in cap relief. That’s not much if they still value his spot in the rotation, so probably nothing happens. But if they feel like they can get similar on-field value between Toia and Winrey, and whoever else coming along through the offseason, that’s a big enough chunk of cap dollars that they’ll at least have the conversation.
Naturally, these in-house decisions will go a long way to deciding the Cowboys’ external efforts. If they decide to hang on to Clark and Thomas, likely modifying Clark’s contract in some way to reduce the cap number, then they probably won’t add anymore DTs beyond late-round rookies and camp bodies. But parting with either, and especially Clark, creates a new offseason need.
You’d still have Williams and Odighizuwa as starters, so at least you’re only talking about backups and maybe a part-time starting nose. But it’s hard to fathom Dallas using one of their first-round picks at DT, and then it’s a big potential drop to the fourth round to add anyone of consequence. If they do dump Clark, it’s more likely they’ll use some of that cap relief to bring in his replacement.
Would you keep Kenny Clark at a $21 million cap hit? How do you think the 3-4 principles on defense affect this position group?
