The Truth About Micah Parsons' Fifth-Year Option

TLDRThe Cowboys have exercised the fifth-year option on Micah Parsons' contract, but it is only a placeholder. Parsons is likely to sign a new, lucrative contract before the 2025 season. The criticism towards the Cowboys is misplaced as it is the collective bargaining agreement that determines the option values based on positional designations. Parsons' salary cap number will not increase immediately, and a renegotiation is expected in the near future.

Key insights

🔎The Cowboys have exercised the fifth-year option on Micah Parsons' contract, keeping him on the team for an additional year.

💸The fifth-year option is a placeholder and does not reflect Parsons' expected future contract.

📹The positional designations of edge rusher and linebacker impact the salary values of the fifth-year option.

💰Parsons' future contract is likely to make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history.

💬Negotiations for a new contract are expected to happen before the 2025 season.

Q&A

What is the fifth-year option on a player's contract?

—The fifth-year option is a clause in a first-round draft pick's contract that allows the team to retain the player for an additional year at a predetermined salary.

Why did the Cowboys designate Micah Parsons as a defensive end instead of a linebacker?

—The positional designations for the fifth-year option are determined by the league and are based on the percentage of plays a player participated in at each position during their third league year.

Will Micah Parsons play on his fifth-year option salary in 2025?

—No, the fifth-year option salary is expected to be renegotiated before the 2025 season, and Parsons is likely to receive a new, lucrative contract.

Is the criticism towards the Cowboys justified?

—No, the Cowboys are following the rules set by the collective bargaining agreement, and the positional designations are determined by the league, not the team.

When can we expect Micah Parsons to sign a new contract?

—A renegotiation of Parsons' contract is likely to happen before the 2025 season begins.

Timestamped Summary

00:14The Cowboys have exercised the fifth-year option on Micah Parsons' contract, ensuring his stay with the team for an additional year.

05:12The fifth-year option is a placeholder and does not reflect Parsons' expected future contract.

10:44The positional designations impact the salary values of the fifth-year option in the NFL, leading to disparities in player earnings.

15:02Parsons' future contract is expected to make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, emphasizing his value to the team.

20:11Negotiations for a new contract are likely to occur before the start of the 2025 season, ensuring Parsons receives a salary that matches his performance and impact on the field.