When the Dallas Cowboys made the blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay, it seemed that Kenny Clark was a clear building block. The interior defender does a lot of dirty work on the inside and sets up edge rushers for an easier path to the quarterback, making his value obvious. However, the Cowboys weren't content with the state of the defensive line and added Quinnen Williams in a midseason trade. This not only muddied the waters in the direction the Cowboys were pushing but also left Clark as a possible cap casualty.
Now is the time to make this decision, as Clark is scheduled to have a $21.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season. If the Cowboys opted to cut the lineman, it would save his entire dead cap hit of $21.5 million, while not accounting for any dead cap in 2026. This is far too enticing not to consider, especially after the recent addition of Williams. It seems very likely that the veteran will either be a roster cut or have his contract restructured.
This comes down to whether Clark wants to remain with the Cowboys or have a chance to hit free agency. It is worth noting here that if Clark hits free agency, there is a risk he returns to Green Bay less than a season after departing, making the trade of Parsons' age all the worse for the Cowboys. Still, the hefty cap hit cannot be ignored as Dallas enters the offseason needing to find space to pay George Pickens, Brandon Aubrey, and Javonte Williams.
Cowboys Have Clear Upcoming Decision to Make on DL Kenny Clark
Clark is either going to have to take a lesser deal, or the Cowboys need to move on, no matter the landing spot. As annoying as the idea of the defender hitting free agency might be, there is no avoiding the importance of re-signing Pickens and Aubrey. This is going to require hefty contracts that Dallas currently doesn't have the cap space to afford.
Parting ways with Clark or altering the contract goes a long way in fixing this issue and gives Dallas a chance to make the needed moves. For Clark, it has to be a bit of a frustration to be forced out of a better defensive situation in Green Bay and then face a pay cut or free agency after his first season with the franchise. While Clark's frustration over the situation would be understandable, it is the reality of the business.
Clark did offer 3.0 sacks from the defensive interior, a low number that is an accomplishment for an extremely challenged Dallas pass rush. Still, the addition of Williams and the lack of cap space have seemingly sealed the fate of an aging defender who must take a pay cut or find a new landing spot in the 2026 offseason.