Cowboys could seek alternative options with Penn State's Micah Parsons

If the Dallas Cowboys have any intentions of being a good football team this season, they need to extend Micah Parsons.

The all-world EDGE has been the heartbeat of this defense since his 2021 debut campaign, notching at least 12 sacks all four years and 63 tackles for loss combined.

Parsons, who was primarily an off-ball linebacker at Penn State before turning into a pure pass rusher in the pros, has racked up two first-team All-Pros, a Defensive Rookie of the Year, and multiple podium finishes for Defensive Player of the Year.

However, Parsons is on an expiring deal, and if he does not receive the $40+ million annual average value he likely seeks, he could search elsewhere for that cash.

Perhaps the Cowboys’ awkward approach leaves them feeling like a trade is the only suitable option. Here is what Bill Barnwell of ESPN had to say:

“I expect [an extension] to occur with the Cowboys before Week 1, but if they did decide they couldn't justify paying three players market-setting deals at the league's three most expensive positions, he would attract a massive trade haul. The closest comp is Khalil Mack, who in 2018 was traded before his fifth season with a second-round pick for two first-round picks, a third-rounder and a sixth-rounder.

“Parsons is a year younger than Mack was at the time. And while Mack had a Defensive Player of the Year award under his belt, Parsons has more sacks (52.5 to Mack's 40.5) and quarterback knockdowns (112 to Mack's 84) over his first four seasons. The Mack deal came in just shy of two first-round picks of value after accounting for the other selections involved; the Cowboys would expect more for Parsons.”

Everyone knew it was an overpay when Dallas handed Dak Prescott four years and $240 million. For as great as CeeDee Lamb is, his $34 million salary hinders the Cowboys’ efforts to build a well-structured, deep team. Furthermore, top wide receivers do not generate wins nearly as much as top pass rushers.

Dallas locking up Parsons long-term would solve many concerns about this team, but there are still gaping holes at safety, running back, and possibly linebacker, depending on how the new acquisitions Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn pan out.

Resetting the timeline is probably the better move, but with Prescott and Lamb inked, this is, despite the uphill climb, a win-now team.