By Sunday 
A Cautionary Message for Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys recently freed up nearly $57 million in salary cap space for 2025 by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. While this move provides financial flexibility, the organization now faces a critical decision regarding one of its biggest stars—Micah Parsons.
Parsons, the electrifying edge rusher, is entering the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, set to earn $24 million in 2025. However, with recent market-shifting contracts for top defensive players, Dallas will likely need to pay a premium to keep him long-term.
J.J. Watt’s Warning to the Cowboys
As teams prepare for free agency, former NFL star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt issued a strong piece of advice to the Cowboys—and the Cincinnati Bengals, who face a similar situation with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
“Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run,” Watt posted on X. “Dragging it out not only ends up costing more, it creates unnecessary tension. The longer you wait, the higher the price.”
Watt’s comments serve as a direct warning to Dallas, urging them to act swiftly before Parsons’ price tag skyrockets. His logic is simple: delaying negotiations only gives leverage to the player while increasing the overall cost of the deal.
Parsons Could Reset the Market
The NFL’s defensive contract landscape has shifted dramatically in recent months. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett recently signed a record-breaking $160 million extension, briefly becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Before him, Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson held similar distinctions.
Parsons, given his age and dominance, could easily surpass Garrett’s deal. If Dallas waits too long, they might find themselves forced to break the bank under even less favorable circumstances.
What’s Next for Dallas?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has downplayed expectations for a major free-agent spending spree, but Parsons’ extension should be a top priority. If the Cowboys hesitate, they risk alienating their star defender while also driving up his price—two outcomes they can’t afford as they chase a championship.
With free agency beginning on March 10, the clock is ticking. Will Dallas heed Watt’s advice and lock in Parsons early, or will they gamble with negotiations and pay the price later?