Cowboys pick up DE Micah Parsons' fifth-year rookie option 

It’s not an extension, but the Cowboys are ensuring pass rusher Micah Parsons is on the roster beyond 2024.

Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider, reported Wednesday that Dallas has exercised the fifth-year option on Parsons’ rookie contract, which is expected to cost $21.324 million.

Parsons, who played the majority of his snaps last season at defensive end, is tagged as such. Thanks to his multiple Pro Bowl seasons — he’s three for three so far in his career — Parsons is set to make more in 2025 than all non-quarterbacks from his class who end up playing on the option aside from Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, per Over the Cap.

Had he been designated as a linebacker, he would stand to make an extra nearly $3 million, totaling $24.007 million.

With the May 2 deadline for teams to exercise options on the first-rounders from the 2021 NFL Draft approaching, it was obvious that this move would occur in the next week or so.

Parsons, a three-time Pro Bowl player, has also been an All-Pro twice and was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season, characterized by the star on his helmet. His impressive career, albeit brief, has seen him accumulate 40.5 sacks, 213 tackles, eight defended passes, seven forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. His tenure in Dallas has corresponded with the defense’s ascent to being a consistent top-10 performer.

Of course, the solution is a short-term one for now, given what Cowboys fans universally desire.

Despite owner Jerry Jones’ claims of being all-in on 2024 after three straight 12-win seasons netted nothing beyond a single trip to the Divisional Round, Dallas has been notably silent in free agency. The team also has held off on extending its big three of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Parsons.

Jones reiterated his all-in stance on Tuesday, preaching patience and claiming he wants to see some more cards played.

A day later, the Cowboys exercised Parsons’ option by playing one.

Negotiations on a longer-term extension will reveal what other things they have up their sleeve over time.