The 2025 NFL free agency period is almost here, and the Dallas Cowboys still don't have a long-term extension for Micah Parsons. The franchise's defensive leader is due a major pay raise as he enters his rookie contract's final year, leaving some experts to theorize that he could earn up to $40 million annually on his next deal.
Although Parsons apparently isn't worried about what his final financial figure will look like, all signs indicate that an extension isn't close to being signed. That's somewhat concerning news for a Cowboys fanbase that's dealt with drawn-out contract discussions regarding Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in recent years.
Both stars were eventually paid like they deserve, however, that doesn't make Parsons' situation any less stressful. Fortunately, one of the Cowboys' recently extended stars just put pressure on the front office to hammer out an extension sooner rather than later.
Cowboys News: CeeDee Lamb Expects to Retire with Micah Parsons in Dallas
During an exclusive interview with Sports Lens' DJ Siddiqi, Lamb revealed that he's had "brief conversations" with Parsons this offseason about a potential extension. The Cowboys wideout said he's tried to remind the gifted pass rusher about his value to the franchise, emphasizing their plan to retire alongside each other.
"We appreciate him and his talent in Dallas, and I tell him every week, every opportunity I can, we're definitely gonna retire together," Lamb said. "Anything else is pretty much out the window."
"That’s my quote. Micah's going to be in a Dallas uniform."
CeeDee Lamb: "We're definitely gonna retire together. Anything else is pretty much out the window."
— Nathan Karseno (@nathankarseno) March 1, 2025
Read more on his "retirement plan" with Micah Parsons and the #Cowboys https://t.co/3c4580yVxa
Lamb is one of the faces of the Cowboys, so his feelings certainly hold more weight than the average player. Playing alongside Parsons is something of importance to the 25-year-old pass-catcher, who Dallas could potentially upset if they fail to extend the four-time Pro Bowl disruptor.
No one knows how annoying contract discussions can be better than Lamb. The All-Pro WR went back and forth with Cowboys management regarding a new contract last year, resulting in his holding out of mandatory offseason workouts and training camp. Eventually, Jones & Co. bit the bullet, extending Lamb with a four-year, $136 million contract just two weeks before the 2024 regular season.
The new contract will keep the ex-Oklahoma Sooner in Dallas until the end of the 2028 season, and Lamb is likely hoping that Parsons' next contract lasts a similar length.
Parsons and Lamb — both born in 1999 — have developed into some of the best players at their respective positions. They've given Cowboys fans plenty to cheer when there hasn't been much to celebrate in recent seasons, and nothing would mean more for the fanbase than to watch the dynamic duo — along with Prescott — end the franchise's nearly 30-year Super Bowl drought together in the next few years.
Hopefully, Jones doesn't allow his pride and ego to get in the way of extending Parsons before any discussions become a distraction. The Harrisburg, PA native is a crucial part of the Cowboys' defense, and losing him would likely set the unit back.