Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is expected to sign a hefty contract extension next offseason. The front office has been “bracing for this deal for at least a year.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Tuesday’s update.
“Parsons can get an extension for the first time next offseason. Next offseason, the Cowboys will discuss extending Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. However, Parsons may receive a record-setting defensive player contract and be the team’s first focus. This agreement has been anticipated by the Cowboys for a year.”
Parsons was runner-up for AP Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons. This year, the two-time All-Pro has five sacks and 11 quarterback hits in six games.
Dallas obviously wants him long-term, as owner Jerry Jones cited his potential deal to justify an offseason contract standoff with guard Zack Martin.
“It’s not about precedent—it’s about facts,” Jones told late July training camp reporters.
Paying Parsons requires funds. We need money to pay future players. That’s true. Not even a philosophy. Just a fact. The monies are there and at this level. Rewriting all contracts would prevent roster creation.”
Dallas and Martin reached an agreement, but Parsons will cost the Cowboys a lot.
His rookie contract may be the “biggest bargain in the league,” according to Graziano:
“Some are obvious. As the 12th pick in the 2021 draft, Parsons is no rookie-deal bargain. However, he may be the league’s best value. Should the team not extend Parsons after this year, it will have a fifth-year option for 2025 on his four-year, $17.1 million contract. He may be the league’s best defensive player, and since coordinator Dan Quinn overhauled the Dallas defense to function with Parsons as its center in the offseason before his rookie year, his impact goes beyond his direct deposit statements. In 39 games, he has 31.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles.”
For now, though, the Cowboys are looking for the franchise’s first Suρer Bowl in nearly three decades with Parsons anchoring the defense. The ex-Penn State star registered a key sack Monday during Dallas’ 20-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers by taking down quarterback Justin Herbert on the Bolts’ last drive, which ended with an interception.
Dallas will play the Los Angeles Rams at home on Sunday, Oct. 29 after a week off.
