Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have never shied away from spending big on their stars. They proved it with quarterback Dak Prescott’s four-year, $240 million deal and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s four-year, $136 million extension. Now, all eyes are on Parsons, whose game-changing performances in the latter half of the 2024 season reinforced his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.
After adjusting to Mike Zimmer’s system last year, Parsons turned up the heat down the stretch, proving why he belongs in the same conversation as top-tier pass rushers like Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and T.J. Watt. However, with former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stepping in as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys must act fast to lock in their defensive anchor before the market shifts even further.
A Historic Deal on the Horizon?
ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently projected what Parsons’ deal could look like, and the numbers are staggering.
“We know the Cowboys’ history of waiting until the last minute to get these big deals done, and if they wait again, any or all of those three [Myles Garrett, Crosby, T.J. Watt] could sail past [Nick] Bosa’s number in the meantime,” Graziano wrote. “So I’ll predict a deal here that imagines the top of this market moving up a few million annually before Parsons signs and still places him at the top of it once he does.”
According to Graziano, the Cowboys are expected to offer Parsons a five-year, $180 million contract, including $125 million in guaranteed money. If this projection holds, the deal would make Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, resetting the edge rusher market in the process.
Why Parsons is Worth Every Penny
Parsons’ impact on the Cowboys’ defense goes beyond just sacks and pressures. His ability to disrupt plays, force turnovers, and single-handedly change the momentum of games has made him invaluable to Dallas. His versatility—playing both as a linebacker and edge rusher—gives the Cowboys unmatched flexibility on defense.
Considering that the San Francisco 49ers inked Nick Bosa to a five-year, $170 million contract, it’s no surprise that Parsons, who has been just as dominant, would command an even bigger payday.
What’s Next for the Cowboys Under Brian Schottenheimer?
While locking down Parsons is a top priority, Dallas is also navigating a critical offseason with a new head coach at the helm. Brian Schottenheimer, known for his offensive prowess, has taken over a team that has struggled to find postseason success despite its talent-rich roster.
One of the most intriguing hires in this coaching cycle was the Cowboys’ decision to bring in Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. Eberflus, who previously worked as the Cowboys’ linebackers coach from 2011 to 2017, brings a familiarity with the organization that could help ensure a smooth transition.
Revamping the Offense Under Schottenheimer
While defense has been a strength, the Cowboys need more from their offense—particularly their running game. In his introductory press conference, Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of establishing a dominant ground attack.
“When I was with the Seahawks, we led the league in rushing,” Schottenheimer noted, highlighting his commitment to a balanced offense.
That statement should excite Cowboys fans who watched the team struggle with consistency in the backfield last season. If Schottenheimer can bring the same level of success to Dallas’ ground game, it could provide the missing piece the team needs to make a serious Super Bowl push.
With Schottenheimer in charge and a defensive cornerstone like Parsons on the brink of a historic deal, the Cowboys are setting the stage for their next chapter. The front office has big decisions ahead, and securing Parsons with a $180 million contract could be the first step toward building a championship-caliber team.
Will the Cowboys break the bank for their defensive superstar? If history is any indication, Jerry Jones won’t hesitate to make Parsons the next face of Dallas’ defense—at a record-setting price.
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