Micah Parsons showed up for the Cowboys’ voluntary offseason workout program as extension negotiations with the team continue, but recent comments from executive vice president Stephen Jones indicated that little progress has been made.
“Right now there is a difference in what we feel is the right number and what he feels is the right number,” said Jones (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota).
It’s unclear what the gap between each side’s “right number” is. Dallas has submitted an offer that would make Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, while the superstar edge rusher is reportedly seeking a total value of at least $200MM. Guaranteed money will also play a factor in negotiations, especially if Parsons’ desire for a $200MM deal comes with proportionally higher guarantee demands.
There are a number of contracts that could reach both benchmarks, including a five-year, $202.5MM deal that would likely include well over $100MM in fully guaranteed money. A four-year, $176MM extension would give Parsons $44MM per year and a total value of $200MM including his $24MM fifth-year option.
The Cowboys may balk at the total value and guarantees of the first deal or the APY of the second. Parsons, meanwhile, may be looking for $200MM in new money, requiring a deal of at least five years or a massive $50MM APY across four years that the team is unlikely to offer.
Despite the persisting gap between Parsons and the Cowboys, there appears to be the potential to find a middle ground that satisfies both sides. However, Parsons’ demands have continually increased as other players have reset the market for non-quarterbacks, so Dallas may want to act quickly before another major extension raises his asking price further. Then again, the team has faced steady criticism about delaying extensions recently, as it took until late last summer to finalize CeeDee Lamb‘s deal and up until the Week 1 kickoff to close Dak Prescott‘s. Parsons’ negotiations represent the next test for Cowboys management.
Dallas may want to act fast? lol
I see Micah as a trade chip for the draft. Jerry wants headlines and has plenty of pricy vets on the roster.
Yep, trade him