NFL free agency is in full swing, and the money is flowing — everywhere except in Dallas, it seems, as Micah Parsons has yet to see the kind of payday his 2021 NFL Draft classmates are receiving.
While there were reports of the Dallas Cowboys starting negotiations with Parsons after Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $204.7 million extension with the Cleveland Browns, one NFL insider claims the stalemate continues.
NFL Insider Says Cowboys Yet To Start ‘Meaningful Talks’ With Micah Parsons
The Cowboys drafted Parsons 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has quickly become one of their biggest stars. The edge rusher has made the Pro Bowl in all four of his seasons, earned first-team All-Pro honors twice, and won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Parsons recorded 12 sacks in 13 games last season and is set to make $24 million fully guaranteed in 2025 after Dallas picked up his fifth-year option. His looming extension has been a major offseason storyline, and Parsons expressed excitement when the NFL announced a significant salary cap increase.
Dallas’ frustration grew even more when Garrett’s massive extension reset the edge rusher market. While reports suggested the Cowboys had started negotiations, NFL Network’s Jane Slater claimed extensive talks had yet to begin.
“While there is chatter on Twitter about Micah Parsons and a contract extension being finalized, I checked. Not only is it NOT done but what would be characterized as meaningful talks haven’t even begun yet per two sources informed.”
While there is chatter on Twitter about Micah Parsons and a contract extension being finalized, I checked. Not only is it NOT done but what would be characterized as meaningful talks haven’t even begun yet per two sources informed.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 19, 2025
Fans and analysts alike have ripped into Jerry Jones for delaying the contract talks. With the market for non-quarterbacks inflating fast, Parsons is only going to get more expensive.
As a hybrid defender who plays both outside linebacker and edge rusher, Parsons’ next contract will likely put him in the same financial range as the top-paid pass rushers.
- Myles Garrett (AAV $40 million)
- Maxx Crosby ($35.5 million)
- Nick Bosa ($34 million)
- Joshua Hines-Allen ($30 million)
- Brian Burns ($28.2 million)
However, Parsons will only be 26 years old entering the 2025 NFL season. With a Defensive Rookie of the Year award and three All-Pro selections already on his résumé, he’s on track to reset the market for his position — whether in Dallas or elsewhere.
With America’s Team coming off a down year defensively, allowing 27.5 points per game (second-worst in the league in 2024) and ranking 25th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, retaining their homegrown defensive star should be the top priority.
The onus is now on Jones to lock up Parsons before he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season. If Dallas fails to put together a winning season for the second straight year, Parsons might very well decide to move on.