Dallas Cowboys need to treat Micah Parsons the exact way they treated Osa Odighizuwa but they're running out of time
The Dallas Cowboys' front office deserves just about every bit of criticism that heads its way. For years, their salary cap management and team building strategy has been subpar and it's been one of the biggest reasons why America's Team hasn't taken the next step. But we've got to be fair. Extending Osa Odighizuwa and avoiding […]
The Dallas Cowboys' front office deserves just about every bit of criticism that heads its way. For years, their salary cap management and team building strategy has been subpar and it's been one of the biggest reasons why America's Team hasn't taken the next step.
But we've got to be fair. Extending Osa Odighizuwa and avoiding the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday's deadline to use it is a big accomplishment for the team and one that should be applauded as what it was: Quality salary cap management.
Not only does it keep Osa under contract for the long run but he's also set to have a much friendlier cap hit for the 2025 season and beyond.
So yes, let's be fair and give it up for Stephen and Jerry Jones. They nailed this one. Unfortunately for them, there's no time for a standing ovation or for a curtain call. Life moves quickly in the NFL, specially in March.
Now it's on to the next item: Extending Micah Parsons.
The superstar edge rusher who is on a historic pace four years into his career has made it clear he doesn't intend to hold out. He's also let the world know he wishes to get an extension done early to ease his salary cap hit and see that reflected in free agency additions.
And though Parsons is under contract for the 2024 season and as such the Cowboys aren't obligated to agree to a new deal, next Monday should absolutely be perceived and treated as a soft deadline for extending Parsons.
You see, right now, Parsons is set to occupy $24 million in the Cowboys' salary cap space. An extension would bring that down by around $18 million, per Over The Cap's projection.
It's no secret the Cowboys have a long list of needs that they won't be able to fix through the Draft only. They need to sign proven veterans in free agency. It's a requirement more than it's an option at this point. As such, extending Parsons early just like they did with Odighizuwa is crucial ahead of free agency. Fortunately, negotiations have reportedly begun.
An extension in August will do little to nothing to improve the team. That shouldn't be applauded if it happens. Getting it done in the next few days and before Monday's start to the free agency negotiation period, however, should be.
If they do that and follow it up with solid additions in free agency, the Cowboys will have our attention.
