What numbers would define Cowboys' Micah Parsons contract talks?

Ribin Peter

What numbers would define Cowboys' Micah Parsons contract talks? image

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is firm that All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is not going anywhere. He has reassured fans not to "lose any sleep over it." Despite any rumored friction between the team and Parsons, Jones remains focused on one goal: securing a contract extension for his star player.

Negotiations over a potential extension are gaining momentum. So, let's examine what the financial terms of a new deal could look like. According to Spotrac, Parsons' next contract may be substantial and complex.

On Sunday, Spotrac outlined a possible four-year, $180 million contract extension for Parsons. Key highlights include: $53 million in 2025 alone, a $29 million increase from his current salary, with $90 million guaranteed at signing.

The cash flow under this scenario would total $78 million over two years, $115 million over three years, and a practical value of $159 million across four years.

 

Conversely, the Cowboys could opt for the franchise tag route, which comes with different financial implications. Spotrac noted that tagging Parsons in 2026 would cost $28.8 million, which is 120% of his fifth-year option salary. A second franchise tag in 2027 would rise to $34.56 million.

Looking at past contract extensions for former star guard Zack Martin, receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, Cowboys fans will never lose sleep over the Micah Parsons-Dallas Cowboys saga.

Ribin Peter

Ribin Peter is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. While he started as a soccer writer, he now covers college football and the NFL. Ribin is especially captivated by the adrenaline rush that football provides and sees every play and rivalry through an unbiased lens.