2019 NFL Salary Cap Jumps $10 Million

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence
Photo credit Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The NFL has announced that the salary cap for 2019 has gone up $10 million from last season's number. 

Teams were able to construct their rosters around $177.2 million last season but will have $188.2 to spend this season, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. 

The league had projected the cap to be in the range of $187 to 191.1 million at the end of 2018. 

This marks the sixth straight season the cap has gone up at least $10 million. 

According to 105.3 The Fan's Mike Fisher, the Cowboys will have approximately $51 million to use on their own players, starting with pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. 

Earlier this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, COO Stephen Jones expressed a desire to sign Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott to contract extensions this offseason. Fish reported Thursday that Dallas engaged in a "fact-finding mission'' regarding Earl Thomas, the Seattle Seahawks free agent safety.

The Cowboys already made their first splash of the offseason when they announced the signing of tight end Jason Witten.