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Micah Parsons' Contract Saga: Dallas Cowboys' Dilemma Unfolds
1 Aug
Summary
- Micah Parsons, a top NFL linebacker, in contract negotiations with Dallas Cowboys
- Parsons could have earned $150M with 5-year deal if drafted by Eagles in 2021
- Eagles' DeVonta Smith signed 3-year, $75M extension, keeping him in Philadelphia through 2028
As of August 2025, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a complex contract situation with their star linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons, who was selected by the Cowboys two spots behind DeVonta Smith in the 2021 NFL draft, has since developed into one of the league's premier pass rushers and a four-time Pro Bowler.
Had the Philadelphia Eagles chosen Parsons over Smith in the 2021 draft, the team would have signed him to a five-year deal worth a maximum of $150 million with $87.5 million guaranteed, similar to the contract the New York Giants gave to Brian Burns. Instead, the Eagles selected Smith, who they quickly signed to a three-year, $75 million contract extension that keeps him in Philadelphia through the 2028 season.
While hypotheticals don't matter, the contrast between Parsons' ongoing contract negotiations in Dallas and Smith's early extension in Philadelphia highlights the different approaches teams can take with their top draft picks. The Cowboys have a history of contentious contract negotiations, with players like Ezekiel Elliott, Zack Martin, and CeeDee Lamb all staging holdouts in recent years.
In contrast, the Eagles have been proactive in locking up their key players, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown, all of whom have signed extensions. The team has also ensured that their offensive line, considered one of the best in the league, is among the highest-paid units at their respective positions.
