Looks like the Dallas Cowboys are taking the same approach with Micah Parsons as they did with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last offseason– waiting till the very final moment to extend. However, their approach may not work on the star linebacker as rumors have it, he could hit the open market with quite a lucrative market value.

Despite rewarding Prescott and Lamb with two of the highest-paid contracts, the 2024 season ended as a colossal failure for the Cowboys. Now, as the offseason commenced, they have a chance to assemble a Super Bowl-contending team; starting with extending the All-Pro linebacker.

Since being drafted in 2021, Parsons has rapidly ascended to become one of the league’s most dynamic and impactful defensive players. Not only he has carried the Cowboys’ defense on his shoulders many times, but is also a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. After establishing himself as one of the best players at a premium position like edge rusher, he now awaits a deserving contract from America’s team– it may not be the highest.

But if they didn’t rush into giving him an extension, they might end up making an even bigger mistake than not going after Derrick Henry last year. Here are three compelling reasons why Jerry Jones’ Cowboys should act swiftly to extend Parsons and ensure that the star remains in Dallas for their chance of ending the three-decade-long Super Bowl drought.

Exceptional on-field performance

The first and foremost argument in Parsons’ case for a deserving extension is the exceptional talent the 25-year-old possesses. He has been one of the only consistent players in the franchise, who tied for the fifth-best record for sacks with 12 counts in the season, where his team collapsed at a 7-10 record.

Over his first four seasons, he has amassed impressive stats of 52.5 sacks, 112 quarterback hits, and 256 tackles. His four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods underscore his status as a game-changing player on the defense. Additionally, his ability to impact games from both edge rusher position and off-ball linebacker makes him invaluable to Dallas’ defensive scheme.

Financial considerations with increased salary cap

The NFL’s salary cap is once again projected to witness a significant increase in 2025. This creates a favorable environment for Parsons to negotiate his extension with the front office, especially since he is not seeking the highest-paid contract like his teammates, Prescott and Lamb.

Fortunately for the Dallas front office, Parsons would prefer staying in the team more than anything. In fact, he reportedly has also eliminated the possibility of holdout like the star wide receiver Lamb did, if a deal isn’t reached promptly which could diminish his negotiating power. But his standout performance on the field is enough to keep the ball in his court.

Moreover, since he is set to earn $24 million in 2025 due to the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, extending him now could potentially lower that cap hit and create additional financial flexibility for the Cowboys.

Avoiding market competition

As one of the most sought-after defensive talents in the league, the four-time Pro Bowler is likely to attract interest from multiple teams if he reaches free agency. Despite his willingness to stay in Dallas, his relationship with the franchise has made many speculate about a potential trade in the future.

If the Cowboys delay negotiations and allow other teams to enter the fray, they risk losing Parsons or having to pay significantly more than they would if they act quickly. Furthermore, securing Parsons would provide stability within a defense that has seen its share of changes in recent years, while also maintaining a competitive edge in his leadership both on and off the field.