As the Dallas Cowboys shift their focus to retaining talent, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is offering support to his teammate Micah Parsons amid ongoing contract discussions.
Following the hiring of a new head coach and the completion of the NFL Scouting Combine, the Cowboys now turn their attention to securing key players. Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones acknowledged the complexities of negotiations, particularly regarding Lamb and Parsons.
Stephen Jones Cites CeeDee Lamb’s Unique Deal Amid Micah Parsons Extension
“There’s always extenuating circumstances to these things. Every contract negotiation is different,” Jones told ESPN. “[With Lamb], there were other receivers trying to get their deals done, and some of them still haven’t gotten those deals done. … The CeeDee deal was just different. We’ll just see how Micah’s deal goes.”
Parsons, entering the final season of his five-year rookie contract, is set to have a cap hit of $24.007 million in 2025. While speculation swirls that he could seek to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, the All-Pro linebacker has downplayed those rumors. Still, his next deal is expected to surpass the $34 million annual average earned by San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa.
With limited salary cap space, the Cowboys may look to structure a long-term extension in a way that provides cap relief for 2025, potentially through a signing bonus prorated over multiple years. However, Parsons’ willingness to participate in offseason activities remains uncertain if a new contract is not secured.
Lamb, who finalized his own extension earlier this offseason, voiced his confidence that Parsons will remain in Dallas.
“We’ve had plenty of brief conversations, to say the least. That’s my guy — I got him, he’s got me. And I’ll never doubt it,” Lamb told DJ Siddiqi. “I know it’s going to get a little tricky, and it’s going to get a little wild, loud and messy. But at the end of the day, you know your worth. We appreciate him and his talent in Dallas, and I tell him every week, every opportunity I can, we’re definitely gonna retire together.”
“Anything else is pretty much out the window. That’s my quote. Micah’s going to be in a Dallas uniform.”
Lamb also alluded that the era of Brian Schottenheimer in Dallas should be a fun one.
”He’s always involved and he’s continuing to look to be better,” Lamb said. “Should be fun. I’m very excited. Can’t wait. I’ve been in the building plenty of times, we’ll chop it up, have great conversations and I’m excited.”
As negotiations begin, the Cowboys and Parsons will look to find common ground on a deal that secures his future without breaking the bank. Lamb has sent a clear message that Parsons belongs in Dallas, and he even is going as far as saying the two will retire together.