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BREAKING: Cowboys Star Restructures Contract to Save $6.5 Million Cap Space

The Dallas Cowboys have made a calculated financial move, reshaping the contract of one of their most decorated veterans to open valuable cap room. The adjustment, finalized just days before the new season begins, delivers both flexibility and stability for the franchise.

Balancing salaries while preserving a competitive roster has always been a challenge in Dallas. This latest maneuver signals the front office’s intent to keep its foundation intact while still allowing for potential upgrades in key areas.

The player at the center of the decision is Zack Martin, the perennial All-Pro guard who has anchored the Cowboys’ offensive line for more than ten years. Entering 2025 with a cap hit of $18.2 million — including $13.4 million in base salary — Martin agreed to restructure his deal.

By converting nearly $9 million of his salary into a signing bonus and spreading it across the life of the contract, Dallas managed to clear roughly $6.5 million in cap space. It’s a technical adjustment, but one that could have a major impact on how the roster develops.

For Martin, the move is more than a financial shift. With Tyron Smith no longer on the roster, his leadership on and off the field carries even more weight. His willingness to sacrifice earnings structure reflects a deep loyalty to the franchise and his role as the vocal leader of the offensive line.

The cap space created may soon be put to work. Team officials are monitoring options to bolster the defense, especially after the loss of Micah Parsons earlier this offseason. Having flexibility at this stage of the year could prove crucial.

Fans have long regarded Martin as the heartbeat of Dallas’ line, praising his consistency and his accolades — eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pro honors. This restructure only reinforces his reputation as a player who prioritizes team success over personal numbers.

For the Cowboys, the message is clear: maintain their veteran pillars while staying agile enough to make roster improvements. For Martin, the decision underlines his belief in the team’s championship aspirations and his ongoing commitment to protecting Dak Prescott in what promises to be a defining season.

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Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.