The Dallas Cowboys have officially exercised the fifth-year option on their star linebacker, Micah Parsons, but with a surprising twist. Parsons will receive his option as a defensive end, not as a linebacker, saving the team approximately $3 million in salary.
This positional designation change is more than just a cost-cutting measure. According to Pro Football Focus, Parsons played over 87% of his regular-season snaps on the line of scrimmage last year, primarily as a defensive end.
While Parsons’ new designation as a defensive end may seem like a moot point given that he is unlikely to play under his fifth-year option, it highlights the Cowboys’ approach to managing their salary cap. With plans to offer lucrative long-term contracts to quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, the team is seeking creative ways to build a strong supporting cast within the salary cap constraints.
Parsons has emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players since entering the NFL in 2021 as the 12th overall pick. He has earned three Pro Bowl nods, three All-Pro selections, and was named the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2023, Parsons led the NFL in quarterback pressure rate, quarterback pressures, and pass rush win rate, despite being double-teamed on 35% of his pass rushes – the highest percentage in the NFL.
The Cowboys have several upcoming contract decisions to make, including Prescott and Lamb. Lamb is currently slated to play under his fifth-year option in 2024, while Prescott is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million extension. The team’s ability to manage these contracts while maintaining a competitive roster will be crucial for their success in the years to come.
