The cashed-up Cowboys are not giving up on signing Valentine Holmes, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald.
It is believed that North Queensland have $900,000 in salary put aside to accommodate for the former NRL star, who has as many as five clubs pursing him, according to reports.
He was cut from the New York Jets' squad last week when they cut their roster from 90 players to 53.
Despite Holmes agreeing to keep practising with the Jets in the hopes of keeping his NRL dream alive, Cowboys coach Paul Green said the club wanted to remain flexible.
"At this stage, it is only early. He said that he is committing to the practice spot but I think the good thing is we are in a good position cap-wise that if we do get an opportunity at this stage we are open to whatever comes about," Green told The Sydney Morning Herald.
While it is currently unknown if Holmes will stay committed to his NFL dream or return to the NRL, Green was happy with his club's stance.
"It depends on who comes up too [on the player market ahead of 2020 season]," Green said.
"You don't want to spend that cap space just for the sake of it.
"You want to make sure whoever you are buying is going to make you a better team."