The Dallas Cowboys continue to willingly play with fire when it comes to locking up star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Whether it was Jerry Jones taking shots at his star's agent or the team not making a media push to drive home the importance of keeping Parsons, it is a bad look.
A bad look that the team now has very little time to remedy with the regular season fast approaching. Parsons is slated to play in the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. If an extension doesn't happen before the season, it is very possible this is the last time we watch Parsons in a Dallas uniform.
Extending pass rushers isn't getting any cheaper, and Parsons has the ability to skyrocket his price this season. When it comes to unstoppable defensive forces, the veteran is in the conversation not just as the best pass rusher but the best defender in the league. Still, the Cowboys thought it wise to first re-sign Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb before figuring things out with their best player. This has led us to the current standoff that could result in an all-time fumble.
The Cowboys Cannot Afford to Go into 2025 Season Without Paying Parsons
If the two sides enter this season without an extension in place, they are doomed for divorce. There are simply far too many teams desperate for a pass rush willing to give the star a record-breaking deal. What little advantage Dallas has is offering Parsons a deal while still under contract. If they force the star to play out the final year of the deal, they lose any advantage they hold.
This is going to result in a bidding war even if the Cowboys utilize the franchise tag. The tag is really just a hold that allows teams to negotiate with the majority of players refusing to play until that deal or a trade is in place. Considering the bad blood already appearing to be present between the two sides, it wouldn't be a shock to see this be the final straw.
Parsons must be re-signed by the end of the 2025 offseason if the Cowboys are serious about retaining their best player. Otherwise, the star is going to play his way into a record-breaking deal that Dallas simply isn't in a position to give after spending top dollar on other players.