The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move regarding Micah Parsons’ future by exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. However, the team has opted to classify him as a defensive end rather than a linebacker, as reported by Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. This decision is projected to save the team nearly $3 million.
Under this arrangement, Parsons’ salary for the 2025 season, the final year of his rookie contract, will differ based on his position classification. As a linebacker, he would have earned slightly over $24 million, but as a defensive end, his salary for 2025 will be approximately $21.32 million.
Currently, Parsons is set to play the 2024 season under his rookie contract, with a base salary of $2.9 million and a signing bonus of $2.4 million, before transitioning to the fifth-year option in 2025.
Parsons stands out as a unique case in positional classification due to his versatility on the field. Originally drafted as a linebacker, he has proven himself as a standout pass-rusher, amassing impressive statistics in the 2023 season with 14 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 33 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Statistics from Pro Football Focus reveal that Parsons spent a significant portion, 87.8 percent, of his snaps playing as a defensive end in 2023. This fact underscores the validity of the Cowboys’ decision, potentially minimizing any challenges arising from a grievance filed by Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta.
However, the significance of this decision may diminish if both parties reach a long-term extension agreement before the fifth-year option takes effect. Parsons has undeniably established himself as one of the NFL’s top talents, likely prompting the Cowboys to pursue a deal that reflects his status.
In this pursuit, Parsons could seek a contract surpassing the record set by Nick Bosa, who secured a five-year, $170 million deal before the 2023 season, making him the highest-paid defender in league history.
Accomplishing this feat, along with securing extensions for key players like quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, will necessitate careful salary cap management by the Dallas front office.
While the Cowboys have faced postseason disappointments in recent years, the success of their title aspirations hinges on retaining essential talents like Parsons, Prescott, and Lamb, while also maintaining a competitive roster around them.
