The Dallas Cowboys have been in crunch-time all summer. With three major players all eligible for new contracts–Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons–it’ll be interesting to see how the Cowboys are able to get it all done.
But their priority might need to be on Micah Parsons and here’s why.
Micah Parsons is the Only Consistent Veteran on the Team
Parsons Consistency Speaks for Itself
Throughout the summer, several publications have released Top 10 and Top 100 lists, and Micah Parsons has found his way on nearly all of them.
ESPN ranked Parsons as 3rd overall edge rusher, and although ESPN fails to perfectly rate players, they get this one right. They note that Parsons is small but mighty at his position, creating 13-sacks a season every season. This past year, Parsons faced 167 double teams and still managed to create 14 sacks. That’s nearly one a game.
PFF (Pro Football Focus) also put Micah Parsons high in their ratings, giving him 5th in their Top 50 Players of 2024 list. Notable stats that pushed him into such a high ranking include his pressures, which he recorded 103 this past season. Although his pass rush abilities are below Myles Garrett who ranked number two in PFF, the difference is slight. Parsons is still easily recognized as one of the most intimidating players at this position.
Parsons is a Defensive Leader
When you look at the defensive squad, there are several new names and rookies. The Cowboys also lost Dorance Armstrong, who accounted for 2nd most sacks on the team after Parsons. Although they’ve added Eric Kendricks to the team, there’s still a profound lack of exceptional leadership from Cowboys veterans this season. Parsons provides this for the team. While yes Trevon Diggs is still present, when he was injured, it was Parsons who stepped up into that role. On a defensive squad that allowed an embarrassing 27 points in a half against Green Bay Packers in a wildcard game, it’ll be important for someone with experience to step up and unite this new, young defense together.
He Doesn’t Need an Extension Now, But Sooner is Better
The Cowboys exercised their 5th-year option on Micah Parsons, meaning that they gave his contract an additional year so that they could sort out other deals. However, what we don’t want is for Parsons to be paid too late or not at all.
Defensively, there’s no comparison. Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the entire league. Losing him would be detrimental to the already weak Dallas Cowboys defense. The only way to maintain stability would be to renew Parsons.
Micah Parsons is That Dude
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN argued that out of all three guys the Cowboys are trying to renew contracts for, Parsons must come first. While yes, having a quarterback is ample to a successful team in the NFL, Prescott hasn’t shown up when absolutely necessary. His contract is going to require a lot more money and a lot more time to think out. Parsons isn’t as complicated.
He’s a threat to all offenses that they play. He’s a leader on the field to the other rookies entering this defense. The best option is to sign him. Parsons deserves it. And Dallas will regret it if they don’t.
Main Image: Chris Jones – USA Today Sports
