The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to bounce back from their disappointing 2023 postseason finish. Dallas is revamping their roster in hopes of an improved run, but they also look to keep some of their contributors around long-term. One such player is Micah Parsons, whose contract situation has received an eye-opening update amid negotiations.
In addition Parsons, the Cowboys have important decisions to make on the futures of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Prescott and Lamb are entering the final year of their contracts and want to get an extension done sooner rather than later. On the other hand, Parsons is locked up through 2025 on a fifth-year option. Moreover, the Cowboys can use a franchise tag on the star linebacker in 2026. Thus, Parson's contract extension is the likeliest to be on the back burner, per ESPN's NFL Nation team.
Still, Dallas values Parsons, and his there years of production show why the Cowboys need him to keep their defense afloat.
Micah Parsons joined the team in 2021 when the organization selected him with the 12 overall pick in the spring draft. The former Penn State Nittany Lion had an incredible rookie season. He garnered 84 total tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles. As a result, Parson earned his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Parsons followed his rookie year up with more stout play during the 2022-23 season. He amassed 64 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles earning his second straight All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. The 25-year-old comes off a 2023-24 season with totals of 64 tackles, 14 sacks, and one forced fumble.
To say that Parsons has been consistent would be an understatement. He and the Cowboys will surely agree to a deal in due time to keep him on the squad. In the meantime, Dallas will do all it can to prepare for a crucial 2024-25 season.
Cowboys are eager for improvement in 2024-25
Dallas' 2024 playoff run did not end the way they hoped. The Cowboys went 12-5 during the regular season and claimed an NFC Wild Card spot. However, they stunningly lost 48-32 to Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers in the first round. Dallas had the pieces but could not execute.
Many criticized head coach Mike McCarthy after the team's disappointing loss. However, Cowboys players jumped to McCarthy's defense.
“To the fans who think this team has quit on Mike McCarthy, my conversations with players don't tell me that at all. Really interesting hearing them defend him, his culture, & how he's led them on the field and off it. Their ownership of failing Mike is what stands out the most,” Jane Slater reported after Dallas' playoff elimination.
McCarthy looks to have the support of the locker room going into the 2024-25 season, but he knows it will not be easy to attain postseason success. The Cowboys must find a way to execute when it most matters to snap their cold playoff streak.
With Micah Parsons, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the rest of the team's stout contributors, there is no doubt Dallas can do well and reach the top of the NFC.
