The Price is Going Up for the Cowboys
Contract Extension for Micah Parsons: What to Expect
The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of finalizing a contract extension for their star edge rusher, Micah Parsons. As the team prepares to lock down their top defender, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will it cost?
A New Era of Contract Extensions
The price is going up, and it’s not just for the Cowboys. Other teams are extending their star players sooner rather than later, including the Raiders, who gave edge rusher Maxx Crosby a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with $91.5 million in new guaranteed money. His average salary is now $35.5 million, the highest deal for a non-quarterback in league history.
A New Contract for Parsons
Parsons, who enters Year 5 of his career as one of the top defenders in the NFL, will likely command a massive contract extension. The question is, what will it take for the Cowboys to get the deal done?
Parsons’ History
In the past, the Cowboys have been slow to extend their players. CeeDee Lamb held out for his new contract last summer, and Dak Prescott didn’t get a new contract until just before the season opener last year. If deals were completed sooner, maybe the price tag wouldn’t be so high.
Jerry Jones’ Comments
On Wednesday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones and his son Stephen Jones, the co-owner and COO, addressed Parsons’ contract and whether the team will make noise in free agency.
"It’s always a goal to get it done when you can get it," Stephen Jones said. "It was [a goal] to do CeeDee early. It’s always the goal to get it done when you can get it."
A New Contract for Parsons: What Does it Mean?
A new contract for Parsons could push him to arrive at the offseason workouts on time, something he’s done sparingly since his rookie year. He chooses to work out on his own, attending the mandatory minicamp and training camp sessions on time and in shape. It doesn’t matter if the franchise is changing defensive coordinators, which the Cowboys did last year, Parsons didn’t change his routine.
The Cowboys’ Approach to Free Agency
Speaking of new contracts, Jerry Jones put a damper on the possibility of adding new talent in free agency, unless it’s a difference-maker.
"I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids," Jones said. "Not if you include what might work for us in the draft and what we’re doing to the roster."
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys will have the salary cap space to make a big splash in free agency, but it’s unclear if they will. If there’s one thing that needs to occur, it’s signing their biggest defensive playmaker in Parsons. Soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average salary for an elite pass rusher?
A: Around $35 million.
Q: Will $40 million make it work?
A: It’s unclear.
Q: Will the largest non-quarterback contract in league history do it?
A: It’s possible.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ approach to free agency?
A: They are cautious, unless they find a difference-maker.
Q: What is the goal for the Cowboys in contract extensions?
A: It’s always a goal to get it done when you can get it.
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