The Cowboys got under the salary cap by restructuring a pair of contracts on Monday. With a few other expected moves, the Cowboys could create enough cap space to become players in free agency.
The Cowboys' cap situation bears watching for the Giants, especially because Dallas could target defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency. The Cowboys are looking to improve their pass rush and ESPN's Dan Graziano speculated that Pierre-Paul could be a target in free agency.
The Cowboys freed up $17.3 million in cap space on Monday by restructuring the contracts of offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, according to an ESPN report. The Cowboys were roughly $12 million over the projected $168 million salary cap before Monday's moves.
Whitworth staying in Cincinnati?
The Cowboys are now under the cap and they have a few avenues to create more space. They could restructure the contracts of additional players, such as defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford, who has a cap hit of $10.35 million in 2017. The Cowboys also could offer an extension to tight end Jason Witten, who has a cap hit of $12.62 million in the final year of his contract. And however the Cowboys cut ties with quarterback Tony Romo, they will recoup significant cap savings.
The Cowboys need to make decisions on some of their own free agents, including cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. But it would make sense for the defending NFC East champions to target a key player from their division rival.
The Giants want to keep Pierre-Paul, but they haven't yet applied the franchise tag. The Giants have until 4 p.m. on March 1 to tag Pierre-Paul. The 28-year-old is seeking a long-term deal and ESPN projected his market value at four years, $59 million with $21 million guaranteed.
The Giants currently have approximately $32 million in cap space.
What do Giants cuts mean for JPP?Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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