The Dallas Cowboys used NFL free agency with a conservative approach, keeping in mind that they wanted to sign Micah Parsons to a contract extension. Now that the top free agents are all off the board and Dallas has cap space, it would be reasonable to think a contract extension should be on the horizon.
Signing star players to extensions early is the approach most organizations take. The Las Vegas Raiders signed edge rusher Maxx Crosby to a three-year extension worth $35.5 million per year early this offseason. Shortly after, the Cleveland Browns inked Myles Garrett to a multi-year extension worth $40 million per year then the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to a four-year extension worth $40.25 million annually.
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In just a few weeks, the price Dallas would have to pay Parsons in a contract extension skyrocketed. The deals also came on the heels of NFL rumors that the Cowboys’ front office had internally discussed trading the All-Pro edge rusher instead of paying him. While there have since been reports that a new deal is the priority, it seems negotiations aren’t going well.
According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, the Cowboys haven’t even made a contract offer to Parsons. While team officials met with his representation at the NFL Combine in late February, no offers were made and a deal isn’t remotely imminent.
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- Micah Parsons contract (Spotrac): $24.007 million cap hit in 2025, NFL free agent in 2026
Parsons’ camp remains open to a long-term extension, but Dallas seems to be taking the same approach in negotiations that it did with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. The Prescott negotiations look even worse in hindsight, given no quarterback has come close to reaching the $60 million AAV he signed for.
While Dallas might not feel like it has to rush into negotiations, the Pittsburgh Steelers could push Parsons’ asking price even higher if All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt lands an extension worth $40.5-plus million annually. Despite this strategy routinely not working out in the Cowboys’ favor, it appears they are taking the same approach with Parsons.
Related: Insider reveals likely cost of Micah Parsons contract extension for Dallas Cowboys