Contract Details and Value
The Dallas Cowboys made a significant move on Tuesday by signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million, with $52 million guaranteed. This lucrative contract signifies the team’s commitment to bolstering their defense, as Odighizuwa’s cap number for 2025 is set at $6.25 million. Despite this major signing, the Cowboys’ attention is now firmly focused on negotiating a contract extension with All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Parsons, a cornerstone of the team’s defensive lineup, is currently under contract for the fifth-year option, which carries a salary of $22.06 million. However, it is highly unlikely that Parsons will show up for team activities without a long-term extension in place.
Micah Parsons’ Contract Stance
Micah Parsons’ contract situation is reminiscent of the negotiations that the Cowboys had with receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both players did not receive their contract extensions until just before the start of the 2024 season. Lamb, in particular, missed the entire offseason program, training camp, and preseason before signing his deal. This precedent suggests that Parsons may adopt a similar stance, potentially sitting out until his extension is finalized. While such a scenario is often criticized, the Cowboys are no strangers to these late-stage contract negotiations. Owner Jerry Jones addressed this issue on Wednesday, noting, "We get criticized because we wait until the end or what you would call the end, and that is lining up for the first game. It just happens that way. I’ve been one of the earliest out there on several contracts in my 35 years."
Parsons’ Expected Contract Value
Parsons is expected to command a contract extension that surpasses the recent three-year, $106.5 million deal signed by Las Vegas edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Crosby’s deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, a milestone Parsons has previously expressed he does not necessarily need to achieve. However, given his exceptional performance and crucial role on the Cowboys, it is highly likely that Parsons will receive a contract that matches or even exceeds Crosby’s terms. This expectation underscores the value the Cowboys place on Parsons and their willingness to invest in their star player.
Initial Talks and Negotiation Strategy
Executive Vice President Stephen Jones confirmed on Wednesday that preliminary contract talks have already begun with Parsons. While the negotiations are in their early stages, the Cowboys are keenly aware of the importance of securing Parsons’ future with the team. "That’s always [the goal]," Stephen Jones said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. "The goal was to do CeeDee [done] early. That’s always the goal, to get it done when you can get it." The team’s approach reflects a strategic balance between managing their salary cap and ensuring they retain their key talent. Despite the lack of urgency from the owner’s perspective, the organization is clearly motivated to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Team’s Past Negotiation Patterns
The Cowboys have a history of engaging in protracted contract negotiations, often resolving them just before the season begins. This pattern has been evident with high-profile players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Jerry Jones acknowledged that while this approach has drawn criticism, he has also been one of the earliest to sign players to long-term deals in the past. The team’s strategy is to ensure that they maintain financial flexibility while also addressing the demands of their star players. This balancing act is crucial in a league where the salary cap and player expectations are constantly evolving.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys navigate the contract negotiations with Parsons, the focus will remain on reaching a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. While there is no immediate urgency from the ownership, the front office, led by Stephen Jones, is hopeful for a resolution sooner rather than later. The team’s recent signing of Osa Odighizuwa and the ongoing talks with Parsons demonstrate their commitment to building a formidable defense. With Parsons’ exceptional talent and the Cowboys’ strategic approach to contract negotiations, the stage is set for a significant and impactful deal that could solidify the team’s defensive prowess for years to come.
