Dan Orlowski brings the harsh reality of the Cowboys’ KB situation

Dan Orlovsky provided a stark look at the Cowboys’ salary cap situation, particularly at quarterback Dak Prescott. After shocking the NFL world with hiring Brian SchottenheimerDallas is heading into a very significant season in 2025. However, given its financial flexibility, the team’s ability to bring back key players and improve may be difficult.

ESPN analyst sent a quick post about how the Cowboys’ chances of competing in 2025 are bleak, given one simple fact.

The Cowboys aren’t as far away from being a legitimate playoff team as the pundits think

Orlovsky is right. Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons will make up more than half of Dallas’ salary cap space through 2025. Dallas will likely have to agree on a new contract extension with Parsons soon. The star linebacker will become a free agent in 2026.

Executive Vice President Stephen Jones recently revealed that the organization will renegotiate Prescott’s deal to free up funds for other personnel. Dallas has several needs heading into this offseason. The offensive line isn’t what it was in the early 2020s. Additionally, with the defense regressing last season and could use another tackle, the offense is also in desperate need of another playmaker.

Dallas, then, has more than a few targets going into the NFL Draft in 2025. One thing to keep in mind is that Prescott generally had his best years when paired with an elite ground game. The Cowboys have the No. 12 overall pick and are heavily considering the Boise State superstar running back Ashton Jeanty. Heisman Trophy runner-up would immediately make one of Dallas’ biggest weaknesses a strength heading into 2025.

The Cowboys averaged 100.3 yards per game in 2024, which was sixth last in the league. Ginty is undoubtedly the pick that will have Dallas fans cheering for the 2025 season. However, other elite running backs will be available later in the draft. Therefore, it might be best for the team to draft an offensive lineman, such as Oregon’s Josh Connerly. Adding a left tackle can elevate the running game and also give Dak Prescott some extra protection.

Prescott has been dealing with several lower body injuries throughout his career and had to undergo season-ending surgery for a hamstring injury in 2024. Dallas must keep its Pro Bowl quarterback upright to compete for a playoff spot in 2025.

All in all, Orlovsky is right. Dallas is limited in its ability to upgrade through free agency. However, renegotiating Prescott’s contract, getting healthy and adding talent in the NFL draft could put this franchise back in contention. The NFC doesn’t have a dominant franchise right now, and the Cowboys are still talented enough to climb back up the conference hierarchy.