The Dallas Cowboys exercised Micah Parsons’ fifth-year option, earning him $21.324 million in 2025. It was a no-brainer decision because the former Penn State outside linebacker has dominated since entering the league in 2021.
After being selected 12th overall in the 2021 draft, Parsons manifested the tenacity that made him a 2019 Consensus All-American. He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award after tallying 84 tackles, 13 sacks, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. Parsons also earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro nods for his performance.
Cowboys officially picked up hybrid DE Micah Parsons' fifth-year option for 2025, a person familiar with the move said. Salary is worth $21.32 million as a defensive end, which is the position at which he played the majority of his 2023 snaps. How the designation is determined.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 24, 2024
Parsons followed that impressive rookie season with 13.5 sacks and 65 tackles, earning First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl distinctions. He has at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons to go with 213 tackles, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown.
More importantly, he missed only one game in his first three years. With how he has anchored the Cowboys' defense, his $2.9 million base salary for the 2024 season is way below his production. Parsons signed a four-year, $17 million fully guaranteed rookie scale contract.
Conversely, the fifth-year option gives the Cowboys more time to negotiate Parsons' long-term extension. With what he has displayed in his first three seasons, he is worthy to become the highest-paid player in his position.
However, his annual average value will depend on which position the Cowboys treat him in. Nick Bosa leads defensive ends with a $34 million annual value, while Josh Allen gets top dollar for outside linebackers with a $28.25 million yearly valuation.
-Lance Fernandez