Rank'em: Top 15 Cowboys Contracts for 2026 - Unveiling the Highest-Paid Players

The Dallas Cowboys have consistently proven themselves to be one of the most successful teams in the NFL, with a rich history of talented players and shrewd roster management. As the 2026 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the regular season, and the current state of the team's contracts has many questions and concerns.

In light of this, the Cowboys' management team recently inked a new contract extension with Quinnen Williams, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. This deal will pay Williams an average of $35.3 million per season, placing him firmly behind Dak Prescott, the highest-paid player in the NFL with an average annual salary of $60 million. The extension has catapulted Williams into the number two spot, leaving many fans wondering how this will affect the rest of the roster.

When evaluating player contracts, it's essential to consider the average per year (APY) metric, which gives us a more accurate picture of each player's true value to the team. With this in mind, let's take a closer look at the Cowboys' top 15 highest-paid players for the 2026 season, highlighting their average salaries, contract lengths, and other relevant details.

Dak Prescott - $60 million: With the richest deal in NFL history, Prescott continues to hold the top spot as the highest-paid player in the league. His current contract pays him $60 million annually, cementing his status as the face of the franchise. Prescott's deal includes a no-trade clause and a hefty signing bonus, solidifying his position as the top priority for the team.

Quinnen Williams - $35.3 million: Williams' recent contract extension catapulted him into second place, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. The deal includes an average annual salary of $35.3 million, making up for previous contract gaps. His performance on the field has earned him a significant increase in pay, setting a new benchmark for defensive tackles across the league.

CeeDee Lamb - $34 million: Lamb's new deal has made him the sixth-highest paid player on the team, despite being second on the list in 2023. The deal averages $34 million annually and runs until the end of the 2028 season. Lamb's consistent production on the field has made him an essential part of the Cowboys' offense, securing his place among the highest-paid receivers in the league.

George Pickens - $27.2 million: The Cowboys' decision to franchise tag Pickens will pay him $27.2 million this season, solidifying his status as a key player in the team's plans. While the deal isn't as lucrative as some of the other players on this list, it guarantees Pickens a significant income for the next year, keeping him firmly in the starting lineup. The Cowboys can negotiate a new contract with Pickens at the end of the season, providing an opportunity for both parties to secure a more long-term arrangement.

Tyler Smith - $24 million: As the second-highest paid guard in the NFL, Smith's contract averages $24 million annually, securing his place among the top earners on the team. With his consistent performance on the field, Smith has become a crucial part of the Cowboys' offense, earning a significant increase in salary compared to his previous contract.

DaRon Bland - $22.5 million: Bland's new contract made him one of the highest-paid corners in the league, paying him $22.5 million annually. His impressive performance on the field has made him an essential part of the Cowboys' secondary, setting a new benchmark for defensive backs across the league.

Kenny Clark - $21.3 million: Clark's three-year extension worth $64 million has cemented his status as one of the top paid defensive players in the league. His current contract averages $21.3 million annually and includes a $11 million bonus for being on the roster when the new league year begins.

Jalen Thompson - $11 million: Thompson's 3-year contract worth $33 million has made him one of the highest-paid free agent signings in the Cowboys' history. The deal includes $22 million guaranteed, securing his place among the top earners on the team.

T.J. Bass - $5.7 million: Bass's second-round tender worth $5.7 million has solidified his position as a crucial part of the Cowboys' plans. As an unrestricted free agent next year, Bass can secure a new contract or explore other opportunities in the league.

As we look ahead to the 2026 season, it's clear that the Cowboys have made significant strides in their roster management. With a strong mix of veterans and young talent, the team is poised for a successful season. However, questions surrounding contracts and roster moves will undoubtedly continue to dominate the conversation in the coming months.

The Cowboys' PR staff has taken home the Pro Football Writers Association's 2026 Pete Rozelle award, solidifying their commitment to excellence in media relations. Their dedication to transparency and open communication has created a strong bond with fans and the media, contributing to the team's positive public image.

As the 2026 season gets underway, the Cowboys will no doubt face new challenges and opportunities. With a talented roster and shrewd management, the team is well-positioned for success, both on and off the field. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 season and the Cowboys' journey to the top of the NFL.