While the NFL has been buzzing with major player movements, contract extensions, and record-breaking deals in March, the Dallas Cowboys have remained relatively silent. Despite the rising salary cap leading to higher market values across all positions, the Cowboys have yet to secure a long-term deal for their star defensive end, Micah Parsons.
This hesitation follows a pattern of delayed extensions for key players, often resulting in increased costs down the line. With Parsons’ contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the team risks paying significantly more than they would have if they had acted sooner.
Surging Market Prices Complicate Cowboys’ Contract Talks with Micah Parsons
The price for elite defensive ends has surged dramatically in recent weeks. Maxx Crosby set a new standard with his $106.5 million extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by Danielle Hunter securing a $36.5 million deal with the Houston Texans. However, Myles Garrett’s four-year, $160 million contract with the Cleveland Browns has truly reset the market.
On top of this, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s record-setting deal with the Cincinnati Bengals further solidified $40 million per year as the new benchmark for top non-quarterback players. As a result, Parsons’ upcoming contract negotiations are now set against a drastically inflated market.
Micah Parsons (NFL)Dallas fans have seen this scenario unfold before. The Cowboys have repeatedly delayed contract extensions, ultimately costing themselves additional cap space. This happened with DeMarcus Lawrence, Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott, and most recently CeeDee Lamb.
Each time, the market continued to rise, forcing the team to pay more than they would have if they had acted proactively. The same pattern is now playing out with Parsons, who, if extended earlier, might have signed a deal closer to the $34 million per year range that Nick Bosa secured in 2023.
Parsons’ Massive Contract Demands Put Cowboys in a Tough Financial Spot
With the top-tier contracts now reaching or exceeding $40 million per year, Parsons’ reported asking price of five years, $200 million is no longer unrealistic. If he seeks to maximize his earnings and reset the market, he could push for a deal that rivals or exceeds T.J. Watt’s cap percentage at signing, which would place his annual salary around $42.8 million.
This puts the Cowboys in a difficult position—either commit to a record-breaking extension or risk losing one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. However, the team’s history suggests they may continue delaying negotiations, potentially leading to an even higher price tag in the future.
One alternative for the Cowboys is to place the franchise tag on Parsons in 2026, which would cost them $28.8 million for that season. While this approach could provide short-term financial relief, it would also prolong the contract dispute, possibly leading to distractions and frustration from both Parsons and the fan base.
Given the team’s track record of dragging out negotiations, there’s a strong possibility that this situation could become a long-term talking point, further complicating their ability to build a competitive roster. Ultimately, Dallas’ reluctance to act swiftly may once again cost them significantly in both cap space and team stability.
