BREAKING: Paxton Pomykal Bought Out By FC Dallas
FC Dallas announced today, as a part of their roster compliance decisions, that long time midfielder Paxton Pomykal has been bought out using the Guaranteed Contract Buyout. Pomykal's salary per the MLSPA Salary Guide was $1.05 million, his guaranteed compensation $1.158 million. Using the buyout means the club paid Pomykal his salary to end his contract, and it won't count against Dallas' salary cap this year.
How We Got Here
Pomykal's 2024 knee injury limited him to seven minutes in 2024 and 98 in 2025. Things seemed to be back on track for Pomykal in '25 until he played 56 minutes in Dallas' US Open Cup Round of 16 loss to Red Bull New York. Something happened in that match which set Pomykal back, forcing him out another five months. His last appearance for the club was 11 minutes in the regular season finale, a win against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.
Despite training in preseason, Pomykal's absence during friendlies both in Europe and Frisco created suspicion that something had once again gone wrong. That read seems accurate with today's news. One would think if the club thought Pomykal could contribute, even delayed, he'd still be under contract.
What It Means
As disappointing as this news is for fans, it makes sense for all sides. As Dallas continues to re-shape their roster amid construction on Toyota Stadium, carrying that big a salary for someone who can't play isn't feasible or logical.
This decision answers Dallas' biggest salary question which had been looming. This frees up a TAM player spot on their roster which gives Dallas flexibility going into the summer transfer window. At Tuesday's season opening press conference, President Dan Hunt mentioned they've left both a roster and Designated Player spot open for post World Cup business. With Pomykal's departure, Dallas could potentially now add a TAM player along with a DP to their roster.
While painful it shows the club is serious about maximizing this window at all cost. They believe in manager Eric Quill, his system, and philosophies enough to do what is necessary to give him the best chance at winning. Reinforcing this roster with two high end players after the World Cup could give Quill and company exactly the boost they need to achieve their end game.
For Pomykal this removes a lot of pressure off his shoulders. It allows him to get healthy on his terms, without the looming specter of expectations.
At just 26, Pomykal could still play again if his body allows. Today's decision doesn't inspire optimism about that possibility, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. There's even a world where Pomykal gets healthy down the road and comes back to Dallas, albeit it on a reduced salary compared to what was bought out. It's hard to imagine Pomykal playing for any other MLS club than Dallas, although that is something that could theoretically happen.
Pomykal's Legacy
Let's assume (always dangerous) that this represents the on pitch end for Pomykal. Should that be the case, he'll go down as one of Dallas' all time greats with an asterisk.
When right, Pomykal was one of MLS' best midfielders. His motor and soccer IQ were unmatched while his dedication to his team and his crest made him a natural leader. He didn't just do it for Dallas; let us not forget his stellar performance against France at the U-20 World Cup for the Stars and Stripes. That game put him on the map for many American soccer intellectuals and otherwise as a rising star.
I specifically remember pre-injury Pomykal in a 2023 game against the LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium. It was the first time Dallas faced Galaxy star Riqui Puig, who came in with tremendous hype. Waiting for him was 23 year old Pomykal, who spent the night making Puig's life miserable. Dallas won that game 3-1, and it was a shining example of how important a healthy Pomykal was to Dallas. That Galaxy win capped a strong early season for Pomykal, which I wrote about for D Magazine.
However the asterisk will always be about Pomykal's injuries and what could/should have been. Prior to this ongoing knee issue, Pomykal missed time back in the late 2010s with lower body muscle injuries. The pattern seemed to be miss time, get healthy, dominate, then miss time again. You knew he had the ability, but his body often forbade him.
That doesn't mean Pomykal won't still be beloved, he should. It doesn't mean he shouldn't be regarded as one of the club's signature players of the last decade, he should. Even with that supporters will still be left wanting, knowing what could have been but deprived of such. It's nobody's fault, there's no one to blame, and that's the sad part about situations like this. They just happen, a cosmic misfortune cast upon all involved.
If Pomykal wants, I wouldn't be shocked if he decided to follow the Kenny Cooper route as a Dallas ambassador one day. His name value, personality, and standing in the community make him an ideal choice. Coaching also feels like an option; passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation would be a great gift. Even broadcasting feels plausible. The world is Pomykal's oyster, even if the one he wants most is outside his grasp.
Above all else I hope Pomykal finds peace in this moment, even if that's difficult. An athlete's career (seemingly) ending is always difficult, doubly so when it's not on your terms. Whatever the future may hold I hope he can take a moment to appreciate all the great things he did, people he inspired, and moments he created. Those are real and everlasting, something no injury can ever take away. In this time of darkness, let those be guiding lights towards the future.
