As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Micah Parsons stands out as one of the few top pass rushers yet to sign a contract extension. While his peers such as Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett have recently agreed to multi-year deals worth $106.5 million and $160 million respectively, Parsons’ fate remains uncertain due to delays from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The situation intensified when the Pittsburgh Steelers set a new benchmark by signing TJ Watt to a three-year, $123 million contract on Thursday, the largest ever for an edge rusher and a non-quarterback by average annual value.
This sequence of major contracts has left Parsons as among the last premier defenders without an updated deal, fueling speculation about his future with the Cowboys and the broader implications for the franchise’s defensive strategy.
Jerry Jones’ Role in Prolonged Contract Negotiations
NFL analyst Chris Broussard suggested the contract hold-up might be intentional, tied to Jerry Jones’ well-known flair for dramatics. On FS1’s First Things First, Broussard explained that Jones thrives on creating situations that bring attention to the Cowboys, enhancing both entertainment and franchise value.
“I was long ago saying Jerry Jones was about entertainment,” Broussard said (from 09:35). Jerry Jones (is) about creating drama that entertains the masses, that puts the Cowboys on television and raises the value of the franchise. He might be fine with this because as you said, he hasn’t been cheap in paying guys when it’s time.” —Chris Broussard, NFL Analyst
This approach echoes Jones’ past decisions, including last season’s dramatic four-year, $240 million contract extension for quarterback Dak Prescott, which came just hours before the Cowboys’ 2024 opener against the Cleveland Browns. The timing generated buzz and highlighted Jones’ strategic timing in negotiations.
Trade Rumors Ignite as Deadline for Parsons Extension Nears
CBS reporter Garrett Podell noted that time is running out for Jerry Jones to finalize an extension for Parsons, especially as other key 2022 draftees like Tyler Smith, Jake Ferguson, and DaRon Bland also approach contract expiration. With no clear progress announced from either side, speculation mounts about potential next steps.
Daniel Arwas from Heavy proposed a possible solution involving a trade package that would send Parsons along with a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, Dallas would receive multiple high-value future draft picks—specifically first-round selections in 2026 and 2027, plus a 2027 second-round pick. Arwas pointed out that combining Parsons with the Raiders’ existing pass rushers such as Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Adam Butler could form one of the AFC West’s most formidable defensive fronts.
“With over $100 million in cap space in 2026, the Raiders could more than afford to open their chequebook for the Penn State alum,” Arwas said. “The Cowboys would be reticent to trade Parsons, but if the price becomes too steep for the organization that is already in a tough spot cap-wise, the Raiders are a sneaky team to watch out for.” —Daniel Arwas, Heavy
The Cowboys and Raiders are scheduled to face each other on November 17, with kickoff set for 8:15 pm ET on ESPN and ABC, a matchup that may add further intrigue to Parsons’ contract saga.
Implications of Parsons’ Contract Standstill for the Cowboys and NFL
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Micah Parsons’ contract extension carries significant weight for the Dallas Cowboys. As one of the league’s top defensive talents and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, Parsons plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive identity. Prolonged contract talks risk not only unsettling the player but also impacting team chemistry and future roster planning.
Moreover, if a trade were to occur, it could shift the balance of power within the AFC West, bolstering the Raiders’ defense and potentially changing divisional dynamics. For Jerry Jones, this tension between contract negotiations and potential trades underscores the complex balancing act of managing team assets while also leveraging the entertainment aspect he values in franchise operations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Micah Parsons a 5 star?
A. He was considered a top athlete, receiving a five-star rating. 247Sports.com ranked him fourth in his class, while ESPN placed him seventh.
Q. Is Micah Parsons a 99 overall?
A. After high school, Pribula was rated a four-star recruit by On3.com and ESPN, while 247Sports and Rivals.com rated him with three stars. As a team captain for three years, he guided his high school team to seasons with records of 11–1, 10–1, and 9–2. On August 3, 2020, Pribula chose to join Penn State, turning down offers from schools like Nebraska and Rutgers.