Inside the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 Payroll: Big Bucks, Big Name, and Big Risks for Jerry Jones
Fans expect the Dallas Cowboys, affectionately known as America’s Team, to be good every year.
The organization has won five Super Bowls, and some of the NFL’s greatest players wore the star on their helmets. But in recent years, they have consistently been an underperforming team that hasn’t been to a Super Bowl since 1996.
The Dallas Cowboys’ salaries are an essential piece of information to understand if they can compete soon.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones is one of the most involved owners in the NFL and will never be questioned about his passion for winning. Jones spends money, and success is expected to follow.
So where is the money going?
Here’s an overview of the top earners, the lowest-paid players, and the salaries of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for the 2024 season. Before that, check out our sportsbook for all the best betting odds for the Cowboys and much more.
Salary Cap in 2024
In 2024, the NFL salary cap is around $240 million, which each team, including the Cowboys, must navigate carefully.
The cap was increased by $30 million for the 2024 season due to increased media revenue and the repayment of amounts deferred by players during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This budget encompasses the top salaries for Dallas’ franchise stars and entry-level contracts for rookies and other roster players.
The Dallas Cowboys’ salary cap space is at $28.5 million this season. Their payroll strategy aims to ensure flexibility by balancing high salaries for key players with more modest deals, allowing them to stay financially competitive over time.
The Cowboys have locked up their three stars on offense but will have to try to do the same on defense next offseason with Micah Parsons. Signing Parsons would give the Cowboys little flexibility in bringing in other star veterans to help their team, though.
Highest-Paid Dallas Cowboys Players in 2024
The top five highest-paid players on the Cowboys roster illustrate the team’s financial commitment to core contributors, on offense and defense.
Notably, quarterback Dak Prescott earns more than the following three highest-paid players combined.
It’s tough to say that this will work out for Dallas. Prescott must have fantastic years to be remotely successful with their current roster.
1. Dak Prescott: $60,000,000
Prescott is the highest-paid Cowboy, with an annual salary of over $60 million. As the franchise quarterback, his salary reflects his impact on the team’s success.
2. DeMarcus Lawrence: $20,445,000
Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence earns $20.4 million, securing his position as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defensive line.
3. Zack Martin: $15,500,000
Guard Zack Martin, one of the best in the league, earns $15.5 million. His contract underscores his vital role in protecting Prescott and facilitating the run game.
4. Trevon Diggs: $14,117,647
Cornerback Trevon Diggs will receive $14.1 million this season. Diggs is a valuable asset to Dallas’ secondary, leading the NFL in interceptions in 2021 with 11.
5. Terence Steele: $11,000,000
Offensive tackle Terence Steele earns $11 million, reinforcing the Cowboys’ investment in a solid offensive line.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will earn $8.75 million this season before his Dallas Cowboys contract increases to $35.45 million in 2025, reflecting his rising value among the top wide receiver salaries.
Star linebacker Micah Parsons is still on his rookie contract but is expected to become the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL next season. It’s unclear if the Cowboys can give him the money he wants.
Lowest-Paid Cowboys in 2024
At the other end of the payroll are the Cowboys’ rookie and entry-level players, often earning the league minimum or slightly above as they establish themselves in the NFL.
Here are some of the lowest-paid players on the Cowboys this season:
- John Stephens: $796,000
- Brevyn Spann-Ford: $801,666
- Ryan Flournoy: $829,597
- Caelen Carson: $858,569
- Brandon Aubrey: $915,000
These players contribute to special teams and add depth to the roster. For more insights on low-earning NFL players, check out the lowest-paid NFL football player article.
Rookie and Practice Squad Salaries
In 2024, rookie contracts and practice squad players’ earnings are governed by NFL standards. These players earn approximately $750,000, with minor variations depending on draft position and team negotiations.
Practice squad players are paid weekly, as many are working to secure their spot on the main roster and eventually earn more substantial contracts.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Salary
The most recent article on cheerleaders’ salaries is a 2022 report from NBC Sports Boston about NFL cheerleaders’ pay. The report states that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ salary was about $15-20 per hour or $500 per game, averaging $75,000 annually.
Cowboys cheerleaders and the Carolina Panthers’ cheerleading squad, known as the Carolina TopCats, are paid significantly higher than other NFL cheerleading teams.
The report says that, on average, NFL cheerleaders earn about $150 per game or $22,500 per year.
Cowboys Salaries: Jerry Jones May Be the Problem
In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled on the field.
Halfway through the season, it looks clear that they do not have a Super Bowl-contending roster.
Dak Prescott being the highest-paid player in the entire NFL does not equate to success on the field. The Cowboys will need to draft well and find diamonds in the rough if they want to become one of the elite teams in the NFL while they pay Dak all that money.
Jerry Jones is the Cowboys’ owner, president, and general manager. He is one of the most well-known owners in the NFL because he is very involved. He is 82 years old and still trying to do what he has been doing for the last 35 years.
It may be time for Jones to give up some power and stop trying to do the job of three different people so they can become a smarter franchise from the top down.