The Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option for Micah Parsons, the team announced Wednesday. The option is based on Parsons being labeled as a defensive end, not a linebacker, and he will be paid a fully-guaranteed $21.32 million for the 2024-25 season.
Parsons, 24, is now eligible for an extension after going through his four-year, $17.1 million rookie contract after Dallas selected him with the No. 12 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In the past three years, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end has emerged as a top NFL defensive player. In his rookie season, he notched 84 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and 20 tackles for loss across 16 games, securing the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, as well as Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
In 2022, Parsons maintained his impressive form with 65 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 17 games. He placed eighth in MVP voting, second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and secured his second straight All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Last season, Parsons delivered yet another stellar season, tallying 64 tackles, 14 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 18 tackles for loss in 17 games. His performance earned him a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod while placing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, with Myles Garrett taking home the award.
After picking up his fifth-year option, the Cowboys will look to get him locked up on a long-term deal.
Parsons is a top priority for Dallas
This is a no-brainer move by the Cowboys. Parsons has quickly become one of the NFL’s best defensive players. The plan is to keep him as one of the faces of the franchise for a long time. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have included Parsons’ name alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb as the three long-term deals they would like to get done. And that goal has led to Dallas doing very little in free agency.
Parsons’ talent and production make it very possible that he will eventually become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. San Francisco DE Nick Bosa currently holds that title in the average annual value category at $34 million per season.
“I know they got to get CeeDee Lamb done,” Parsons said when asked about his contract situation on the NFL Network in February. “I think that’s a priority right now. But if they’re ready to talk about a deal and get a deal done, I’ll be super excited. I’m ready to be a Cowboy for life. This is the team I wanted to be with. This is the team I wanted to win a championship with. What’s meant for me is meant for me. I’m not going to rush the process. I’m just going to enjoy the process and keep working until it’s time.” — Jon Machota, Cowboys senior writer
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