We are still in the early stages of the offseason for FC Dallas. The club has made its roster moves ahead of the leagues annual end-of-year drafts and other roster mechanisms.
Diving into any MLS team salary cap situation can feel like it takes an advance degree at times. Between the different allocation moneys (Targeted and General), along with the DP or U22 roster profiles, there are many ways now that teams can build a roster an be salary cap compliant come the start of the next season.
For FC Dallas, the salary cap situation going into the 2026 season should feel kind of familiar.
In a way, not a ton has changed from where we were this time last year. Yes, the roster profile went from the DP model in 2024 to the U22 in 2025. The GAM totals decreased a bit (they were nearly $4m this time last year, they’re a shade over $1m now). But one thing is certain, the club does have some flexibility again this winter to make some moves. Following their end-of-season press conference, we also know the club expects to stay in the U22 model for another season.
Drew Epperley
So, today, let’s dive into how it looks right now on paper, and how things are shaping up for the coming year(s).
When will the next DP be added?
When I originally wrote this piece, I had several paragraphs laying out why I thought the club had to decide on a roster profile now, instead of waiting until January or February. It turns out, they’ve pretty much made up their minds with the U22 model and will likely stick with that in 2026.
That helps on these proceedings a good bit.
It means we’ll see Kaick, Patrickson Delgado, Geovane Jesus (they confirmed he was going to be set for 2026 after missing the last two years) and maaaaaybe Enes Sali as the clubs four U22 players. Though, I think you find a way to loan Jesus to help get his form back after missing two years and buy out Sali to open the door for a new signing or two this winter.
With that roster model confirmation, that means FC Dallas has one open Designated Player slot to fill in 2026. Last year, we saw them go after Lucho Acosta in the open cash-trade market in MLS that was introduced. After selling Acosta in the summer window, the team has been down to one DP, Petar Musa.
