Micah Parsons is entering the final year of his current deal with the Dallas Cowboys and has reportedly been seeking a new contract extension during the 2025 NFL offseason. However, with less than three months remaining before the new season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to finalize any agreement. This delay has sparked frustration from sports analyst Shannon Sharpe, who openly criticized Jones’ hesitation on his Nightcap podcast.
Sharpe questioned the timing of the negotiations by comparing it to procrastinating important decisions. He said,
“Why y’all gotta wait to the last minute? You knew you had the prom, you knew you were a junior or a senior, and you knew you were going. You wanted to go to the prom. Why you wait til the week of the prom to go get, to try to get a tux?”
These remarks highlighted Sharpe’s confusion over why the Cowboys’ ownership would delay finalizing what he sees as an inevitable deal for their dominant edge rusher.
Micah Parsons’ Anticipated Record-Breaking Contract
Parsons is widely expected to seek a historic contract that would make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, surpassing the current record held by Myles Garrett. Garrett recently secured a deal with the Cleveland Browns worth $40 million per year on average, setting a new benchmark. Sharpe emphasized the magnitude of Parsons’ expected contract, stating,
“He [Jones] got no choice. And he [Parsons] wants more money than Myles Garrett. He’s gonna want 42-43-44 million per year.”
This underscores the belief that Parsons’ extraordinary performance merits a contract above Garrett’s record.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Legacy of High-Value Player Deals
The Cowboys have a history of rewarding their star players with substantial contracts. Dak Prescott became the highest-paid player in NFL history with a $60 million average annual value deal, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also ranks among the highest-paid at his position. At only 26 years old, Parsons has already earned two first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods, reinforcing his position as a franchise cornerstone.
If Jerry Jones intends to retain Parsons, maintaining this trend of lucrative contracts will be critical. Sharpe and other NFL observers widely agree that Parsons deserves to eclipse Garrett’s contract to reflect his elite status. Additionally, with other top defensive players like Trey Hendrickson and TJ Watt negotiating huge contracts this year, Parsons might be strategically waiting for those deals to finalize to ensure his extension outvalues them.
Implications of the Contract Delay for the Cowboys and Season
The sustained delay in extending Parsons’ contract raises concerns about potential distractions as training camp and the regular season approach. Parsons is a pivotal figure for the Cowboys’ defense, and any lingering uncertainty around his future could have ripple effects on team morale and performance. Furthermore, this contract negotiation is a clear test of Jerry Jones’ willingness to invest in his rising superstar amid a competitive market for top defensive talent.
As the NFL season draws near, the pressure on the Cowboys’ management to complete a deal that satisfies Parsons while balancing salary cap constraints will only intensify. The outcome will not only affect Parsons’ own career trajectory but also set a precedent for future high-profile defensive signings across the league.