The Cowboys have exercised the fifth-year option on Micah Parsons, the team announced Wednesday. The option is based on Parsons being labeled as a defensive end, not a linebacker, and he will receive a fully guaranteed $21.32 million for the 2024-25 season.
Parsons, 24, is now eligible for an extension after completing his four-year, $17.1 million rookie contract after Dallas selected him with the No. 12 pick in the draft. NFL 2021.
Over the past three years, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end has become one of the best defensive players in the NFL. During his rookie season, he notched 84 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 20 tackles for loss in 16 games, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, as well as Pro Bowl and All-Star honors. Pro.
In 2022, Parsons continued his impressive form with 65 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 17 games. He placed eighth in MVP voting, second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned his second consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
Last season, Parsons had another stellar season, totaling 64 tackles, 14 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 18 tackles for loss in 17 games. His performance earned him a third straight Pro Bowl nomination while placing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, with Myles Garrett winning the award.
After picking up his fifth-year option, the Cowboys will look to lock him up on a long-term deal.
Parsons is a top priority for Dallas
This is an obvious move by the Cowboys. Parsons quickly became one of the best defensive players in the NFL. The plan is to keep him as one of the faces of the franchise for a long time. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have included Parsons’ name alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb among three long-term deals they would like to make. And that focus has led Dallas to do very little work in free agency.
Parsons’ talent and production make it very possible that he will eventually become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. San Francisco DE Nick Bosa currently holds that title in the average annual value category at $34 million per season.
“I know they have to finish CeeDee Lamb,” Parsons said when asked about his contract status on NFL Network in February. “I think it’s a priority right now. But if they’re willing to talk about a deal and get it done, I’ll be very excited. I’m ready to be a cowboy for life. This is the team I wanted to be with. This is the team I wanted to win a championship with. What is meant for me is meant for me. I’m not going to rush the process. I’m just going to enjoy the process and keep working until it’s time. —Jon Machota, Cowboys senior writer
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