The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a tight spot concerning their salary cap management, with over $31 million tied up in players like Zack Martin, Michael Gallup, and DeMarcus Lawrence, who are no longer part of the team. Unlike 25 other NFL teams that have collectively cut around $600 million in salaries this offseason, the Cowboys have not released any significant contracts, indicating they continue to carry dead money from past contracts. With Ezekiel Elliott's costly contract still fresh in memory, the team has be wary as they move forward into 2026 with $17 million in dead money still connected to retired players.

This longstanding issue may limit their flexibility in roster management and acquisitions as they head into training camp looking to evaluate the performance of players with sizable base salaries. Players like Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker may face uncertain futures depending on their performance, which could further impact the Cowboys' salary cap situation.

The Miami Dolphins are committed to keeping star receiver Tyreek Hill amidst recent trade speculation. Coach Mike McDaniel stated they are looking forward with Hill on their roster, emphasizing his importance to the team.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills secured cornerback Christian Benford with a lucrative four-year, $76 million contract extension, solidifying their defense for years to come. In other news, the NFL mourns the loss of former New England Patriots safety Matt Stevens, who passed away at age 51. The league also sees some player movements, with former Patriots kicker Joey Slye signing with the Tennessee Titans for one year and the New Orleans Saints adding Brandin Cooks on a two-year deal.

The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move by signing cornerback Christian Benford to a four-year contract extension worth $76 million. This decision solidifies Benford's role in the team's defensive lineup. Meanwhile, the NFL community is mourning the loss of former New England Patriots safety Matt Stevens, whose untimely death at the age of 51 has left a mark on the franchise he helped to a Super Bowl victory in 2002.

In other news, Joey Slye, a former kicker for the Patriots, has joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year deal. The New Orleans Saints have added wide receiver Brandin Cooks with a two-year contract, while the Detroit Lions have confirmed a one-year agreement with Avonte Maddox, a former cornerback from the Philadelphia Eagles. Excitingly, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is set to make his acting debut in the Starz series 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', showcasing his versatility beyond the football field.

Additionally, the Washington Commanders have signed Michael Gallup, a former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting the continued movement and strategic shifts in player rosters throughout the league. As the NFL offseason progresses, team owners are set to evaluate proposals that could alter the league's playoff seeding format and potentially ban the notorious 'tush push' play, indicating ongoing discussions about enhancing the game and its strategies.

Kellen Moore's appointment as the new Saints head coach has ignited excitement among players and fans alike. Brandin Cooks, a seasoned receiver, praised Moore's ability to utilize every player’s strengths effectively, highlighting his track record with past teams like the Cowboys and Chargers.

Moore's coaching philosophy revolves around adaptability, ensuring the offensive strategy complements the talent at hand. This could lead to a dynamic offense, featuring emerging stars like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and maximizing the untapped potential of players like Juwan Johnson.

The New Orleans Saints are eyeing a potential trade for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers, a move that could significantly bolster their receiving corps. With Chris Olave possibly seeking a trade if the team doesn’t improve, the Saints have an opportunity to leverage Aiyuk’s skill set alongside Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Aiyuk's contract is manageable in the short term, with a 2025 cap hit of just over $10 million, making him a viable target this offseason.

However, the Saints must navigate the complexities of Aiyuk's contract, which escalates to over $42 million in 2027. The Saints possess the necessary draft capital to match the valuation of Aiyuk, as evidenced by the recent A.J. Brown trade, which serves as a benchmark. The Saints could offer the 40th and 71st picks along with a seventh-round selection, which closely matches the value of Aiyuk's trade without sacrificing a first-round pick.

Pairing Aiyuk with Olave and adding Brandin Cooks to the mix could create a formidable offense, allowing the Saints to address other needs in the upcoming draft.