About a week or so ago, when I took over the New England team - I looked at both Dallas and N.E. They were in about the exact same shape in regards to salary cap ****. I pretty much did what it looks like the Dallas team did. Not speaking for Dallas, but here was my rationale:
This season was about keeping whatever pieces that were possible to keep. The AI had created a lot of contracts that just didn't make sense - way overpaying on grizzled veterans that shouldn't even be on a roster. I decided to cut all of them, and also cut any player that wouldn't be able to help the team in 3 seasons (since season #2 will be the season New England pays the price for all the bad contracts.) I know going into next season, there is no way to compete for the top tier free agents.
Yes, some of the players cut will be better than the ones on the roster this season and next - but it was a conscious decision to be less than mediocre and get in great cap condition this season and next in order to be in great position in 3 seasons from now.
Like I said, Dallas was in serious cap trouble - and I think I understand ReesesKing strategy.