A Familiar Face with New Responsibilities
INDIANAPOLIS — Brian Schottenheimer may be new to the head coach role of the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s no stranger to the organization or its standout talent. Having been part of the club for years, Schottenheimer has had ample opportunity to witness the exceptional skills of Micah Parsons, the club’s 2021 first-round edge rusher. During practice, Schottenheimer has called plays against Parsons, and he fully understands the challenges the young star presents. "The benefit we have from practicing against him every day is we see the problems that he creates," Schottenheimer said during the NFL scouting combine. "Micah is an elite young football player that has barely scratched the surface."
Navigating the Business of the NFL
As Parsons enters the offseason seeking a new contract, Schottenheimer is mindful of the Cowboys’ track record in negotiating lucrative extensions. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s $60 million per year deal in September 2022 reset the market, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract, averaging $34 million per season, solidified him as one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks. However, both deals were finalized after significant delays—Prescott’s on the first day of the regular season and Lamb’s after a training camp holdout. Schottenheimer emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations with the team’s front office. "I think they understand that," he said. "Look: The business of the NFL has become so big and again it’s a two-way street. There’s negotiations and sometimes those negotiations take time, [so] it’s our job to focus on the guys that are there. It’s part of the business."
Recognizing Parsons’ Impact
Parsons’ meteoric rise since being drafted 12th overall in 2021 is undeniable. In just a few years, he has accumulated 52.5 sacks, 256 tackles, nine forced fumbles, and 112 quarterback hits. His versatility on the field, transitioning from an inside linebacker role at Penn State to a primary pass rusher with added responsibilities, has made him a standout player. According to ESPN Analytics, Parsons ranked third in the league in pass rush win rate in 2024 and first in 2023. This level of performance has positioned him to command a contract in the same financial stratosphere as the league’s top edge rushers and receivers. Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson currently holds the highest non-quarterback salary at $35 million per year, and the Cincinnati Bengals have indicated they plan to award Ja’Marr Chase an even more lucrative deal.
Financial Considerations and Market Trends
The finalization of Parsons’ deal will hinge more on financial negotiations than on evaluating his talent, which is widely recognized. Edge rushers and receivers are traditionally among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks, and Parsons’ dual-threat capabilities further justify a top-tier contract. The NFL’s salary cap is on the rise, reaching a record $279.2 million for the 2025 season, an increase of $23.8 million from the previous year. This expansion in the financial pool provides teams with more flexibility to reward their star players. For the Cowboys, securing Parsons’ future is a top priority, but the negotiations will be complex and are likely to involve discussions of cost and value.
The Cowboys’ Extension Plans
While Parsons’ contract is a primary focus, the Cowboys are also looking to extend other key players. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa is expected to receive a new contract soon, and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who is set to hit free agency, is another candidate for an extension. After a relatively quiet free agency period in 2022, executive vice president Stephen Jones expressed a desire to be "selectively aggressive" in the 2025 free agency deals. Schottenheimer, Stephen Jones, and general manager/owner Jerry Jones are aligned in their approach, prioritizing extensions for in-house players they know and have developed. "We’re always going to start with our guys," Schottenheimer said. "We know them, right? We’ve got history with them. We’ve developed those guys. We understand their strengths, their weaknesses, what they bring to the table from a culture standpoint."
A Competitive and Dynamic Environment
The NFL is a highly competitive and dynamic environment, and the Cowboys are well aware of the need to be strategic in their player retention and acquisition efforts. With the salary cap continuing to rise, the organization has more resources to invest in building a strong and cohesive team. However, the challenge lies in balancing the financial costs while ensuring that the team remains competitive. Schottenheimer and the Cowboys’ leadership are committed to this task, recognizing that the success of the team depends on retaining and developing their best talent. "It’s a very competitive business. It’s a very competitive time of year," Schottenheimer concluded, underscoring the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.
