The Dallas Cowboys' defense will likely be a focal point throughout the offseason. The Cowboys' defensive unit left much to be desired more often than not in 2025, meaning it'll be up to owner/general manager Jerry Jones to do whatever it takes to make new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's job easier this fall.
The Cowboys are currently $55.3 million above the salary cap, per OverTheCap, meaning spending might be tough this offseason. At least, it will be unless Dallas sheds some salary in the coming weeks, and one player who could be a potential cut candidate is Kenny Clark.
Fast forward to today, and the veteran defensive tackle's days in Arlington might be numbered. The Cowboys added Quinnen Williams to the mix, and Clark's huge contract is something they can't afford to have on their books anymore.
Free agency starts on March 11, and America's Team might choose to part ways with Clark before that.
Cowboys Need to Cut Ties with Kenny Clark
Money is tight in Dallas right now, as previously mentioned. The Cowboys could ask CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott to restructure their contracts and clear nearly $50 million, but that might not be enough.
With Williams now in town, the Cowboys have committed $63 million to three defensive tackles. Osa Odighizuwa is three years younger than Clark, and Williams is a superstar, so the former Packers star is clearly the odd man out.
Moving on from Clark would free a staggering $21.5 million from the salary cap, according to Spotrac. The Cowboys could also look to trade him, but not many teams will be interested in acquiring a veteran interior defensive lineman with a $21.5 million cap hit this year and $20 million next season.
Clark didn't live up to the expectations after a strong start to the season. He finished the season with just 17 solo tackles and 3.0 sacks. Per Pro Football Focus, he did log 44 pressures, ten more than last season, and the 15th most among 134 eligible defensive linemen.
Clark is not done in this league, and he could still be a big help to a contending team; he's just not worth the money he's getting right now. And even though the Cowboys would obviously love to keep him around as a rotational piece behind Williams and Odighizuwa, there's only so much money to throw around.
After re-signing Javonte Williams, Jones still needs to figure out how to keep Brandon Aubrey and George Pickens in town. He'll need to get contracts off the books to do so, and Clark is a no-brainer cut candidate right now.