INDIANAPOLIS — As the Dallas Cowboys begin the process of putting their 2026 roster together, the first step was signing running back Javonte Williams, who agreed to terms just before the franchise’s front office traveled to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ co-owner, said Monday the team is in talks with extending restricted free agent Brandon Aubrey.
Jones described those talks as long.
“We’ve been in talks with Aubrey, even before the (2025) season started,” he said. “It’s been a journey. But we hadn’t been able to get to a point where we can all agree. We love to get it done but haven’t got it done.”
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The Cowboys are also in the process of creating salary cap space to fit the projected $28 million salary wide receiver George Pickens will receive once he’s franchise tagged and of course, Williams’ contract, plus a few other deals.
Jones said creating space by restructuring the contracts of defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark most likely will happen this spring.
Williams is signed through 2027 and has cap numbers of $21.6 million (2026) and $25.5 million (2027) the next two seasons. Clark is due an $11 million roster bonus on March 13 and while he’s signed through 2027, too, lowering his cap numbers are vital to financial flexibility.
“All those guys are obviously guys we got to work with,” Jones said. “We’re going to need their room, both of them to work through that. We’ll just see when we’re done thinking, ‘Hey, we think we’ve put together the right defense here,’ then you start to think about extending guys and who is going to be here, even past where their contracts are.”
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