Dallas Cowboys’ contract gamble backfires: Micah Parsons now worth $40M per year

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 28, 2025, 01:35 IST

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Dallas Cowboys' delay in extending Micah Parsons' contract has resulted in his projected salary increasing from $35M to $40.25M due to rising elite pass rusher contracts. This repetition of past mistakes, combined with Parsons' high value, suggests the Cowboys must act swiftly to secure their defensive cornerstone before the cost escalates further.

Dallas Cowboys’ contract gamble backfires: Micah Parsons now worth $40M per year

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys are playing a dangerous game with Micah Parsons' contract, and it’s only making things more expensive. The star edge rusher has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league, and his next deal will reflect that. The problem? The Cowboys waited. And now they’re paying the price.
Parsons’ projected annual salary has jumped from $35 million in December to $40.25 million in March, largely due to new contracts for elite pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. According to Saad Yousuf of The Athletic, Dallas’ reluctance to act quickly has backfired yet again.

From $35M to $40.25M—Why Micah Parsons’ value keeps climbing

There was never a question about whether Parsons would get a massive extension—it was just a matter of when. But by waiting, the Cowboys let the market dictate the price, and it has skyrocketed.

"The Cowboys are still waiting. What was $35 million in December is now $40.25 million. Parsons’ comments about not requiring to outrageously reset the market have now become the market," Yousuf said.
"When Parsons said he didn’t need $40 million per season in December it translates in March to not needing $45 million per season. Waiting out these superstar contracts has rarely been good for NFL teams yet it’s a pattern the Cowboys continue having trouble breaking."

This is a familiar mistake for Dallas. They hesitated on Dak Prescott’s contract, and it cost them more money in the long run. They delayed with CeeDee Lamb, and now they’ll likely have to pay more to keep him, too. With Parsons, history is repeating itself.
Parsons has every reason to push for top dollar. His production is on par with Garrett and Crosby, but he’s younger. That alone justifies a deal in the $40+ million range. If Dallas waits even longer, his price could keep rising—especially if he delivers another dominant season.
Also Read: Trey Lance’s Next Move: How the CFL could jumpstart his career
Parsons is the cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense, and delaying his extension only makes negotiations harder. The front office should have learned from past mistakes, but instead, they’re letting history repeat itself.
If Dallas wants to keep its defensive superstar happy—and avoid another contract disaster—it’s time to step up and pay the man.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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