FRISCO - Many presumed more of the same from the Dallas Cowboys heading into the offseason. Despite the installation of a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer, that vision once again became a reality.
Granted, the Cowboys were quick to sign Osa Odighizuwa before free agency and did acquire a few ancillary pieces that should be able to contribute through the 2025 season. Nonetheless, some gaps remain across the roster.
Now the existing positional needs can still be addressed through the second wave of free agency or in April's NFL Draft. But all decisions will fall secondary in importance to the biggest move yet to happen with regard to the Cowboys.
Defensive star Micah Parsons is due an extension from his rookie contract. However, the Cowboys appear satisfied to take their usual course and wait it out.
And like it has in the best, that strategy has cost them millions on the deal. So far this offseason, both Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett have signed new contracts with their respective teams. Garrett's at the time marked the most for a non quarterback in league history.
While this delay is certainly on-brand for Dallas, it comes as a subtle shock given Parsons' own comments of late. Parsons has predicted a Super Bowl appearance next season and urged his desire to win in the postseason.
"I'm tired of waiting. I don't want to keep going through first-round exits," he said to Heavy Sports ahead of Super Bowl LIX. "I don't want to keep going through the ideas of what we could be.
"I'm tired of all the talk."
A staunch Cowboys advocate, he has not shied away from the idea of taking less money in order for Dallas to acquire more pieces to help their cause.
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None of that has changed the situation. The Cowboys opened up significant cap space by restructuring the deals of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but that has not fast-tracked this process at all.
(Note: A Micah deal will actually increase Dallas' 2025 cap room by more than $10 million.)
More than likely, this same dance will wind down until the Cowboys finally pull the trigger at the last minute. All parties should come away happy. … with Micah making in the range of $40 million APY - putting him among the highest-paid non-QBs ever.
Considering Parsons' proven ability and his loyalty to the franchise, one would think Dallas should be fast to lock him down. But the waiting game is on and the Cowboys are more than willing to keep playing.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 11:47 AM.