How Aaron Donald and the Rams are costing the Cowboys a ton of money
An enormous difference between the Dallas Cowboys and the LA Rams is how they allocate their cap space. Dallas has been known to nickel and dime free agents, opting for cheaper, one-year deals. At the same time, LA has become synonymous with the concept of F*** Them Picks, going all-in every season, choosing to splurge in […]
An enormous difference between the Dallas Cowboys and the LA Rams is how they allocate their cap space.
Dallas has been known to nickel and dime free agents, opting for cheaper, one-year deals. At the same time, LA has become synonymous with the concept of F*** Them Picks, going all-in every season, choosing to splurge in free agency. With a Super Bowl to prove their point.
Now, it seems like LA is also a believer in F*** The Cap, choosing to dip further in their wallets. Signing future Hall of Famer, Aaron Donald to the biggest contract extension for a defensive player in league history.
This a big development after Donald had threatened to retire, happily, had he not gotten his contract re-worked. For the Dallas Cowboys, it's a big development for how it pertains to their young defensive superstars.
Trevon Diggs is going into year three, and Micah Parsons into year two.
Diggs will become eligible for a contract extension at the conclusion of the 2022 season. If he has a similar season as he just had, finishing with multiple interceptions and an All-Pro selection, he will be talked about being paid among the highest cornerbacks in the NFL.
For perspective, these are the five highest paid CBs on a yearly average:
- Jaire Alexander – $21 million
- Denzel Ward – $20.1 million
- Jalen Ramsey – $20 million
- Marshon Lattimore – $19,520,600
- Marlon Humphrey – $19.5 million
At the continuing trend, Diggs could be looking at a yearly average of $22 million per year. He doesn't have the benefit of being a first-round pick with a fifth-year option.
Unless the Dallas Cowboys want to get priced out (again) and drag their feet in contract negotiations (again), he'll need to be extended sooner than later. Especially with their other star defender who'll be eligible soon after.
Micah Parsons is only one season into his career but is already mentioned with the game's elite. He's an early favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, in the same breath as players like TJ Watt, Darius Leonard and Donald himself.
Currently, there are four defensive players who earn over $25 million per year. Donald, Watt ($28 million), Joey Bosa ($27 million) and Myles Garrett ($25 million).
It won't be long before other defensive players are added to this list. Players like Nick Bosa, Devin White, Brian Burns and Jeffrey Simmons can all be extended. Parsons' price tag is only going to go up.
Even with his fifth-year option included, he'll be able to negotiate and extension following the 2024 season. At the rate the market is going, $30 million per year will be seen as a discount.
The Dallas Cowboys already have CeeDee Lamb's contract to consider, following the Davante Adams extension. If they want to avoid losing their best players, they'll need to ante up. They will likely end up having to spend big on these elite players, but they create success which generates wealth.
You got to spend money to make money.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
