The Race for Micah Parsons: Could the Cowboys Lose Their Star Pass Rusher?

Few teams in the NFL would pass up the opportunity to acquire a player like Micah Parsons. The Dallas Cowboys’ Pro Bowl pass rusher is one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, and as he enters the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, rumors are swirling about his future.

The Contract Dilemma

Parsons is set to earn $24 million in 2025 under his fifth-year option. However, the real story is his looming contract extension. He is expected to demand a new deal that would place him among the highest-paid defensive players in the league.

According to Spotrac, Parsons’ market value is projected at $30 million per year on a multi-year contract. That’s a hefty price tag, especially for a Cowboys team that already invested heavily in quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Can Dallas Afford Parsons?

The Cowboys’ front office faces a difficult financial balancing act. While they could find creative ways to clear cap space, other franchises with more flexibility may swoop in with an offer Parsons can’t refuse.

If Dallas isn’t willing to match Parsons’ demands, they could be forced to explore trade options rather than risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires. The alternative—using the franchise tag—would only delay the inevitable while creating further cap headaches.

The Chicago Bears: A Perfect Fit?

One team that could aggressively pursue Parsons is the Chicago Bears. With over $70 million in cap space, Chicago is one of the few franchises that can afford both a lucrative extension and the draft capital required for a blockbuster trade.

The Bears are in desperate need of another elite pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat. Adding Parsons to their defense could immediately transform them into serious contenders.

“If the Cowboys were to make Micah Parsons available, the Bears should be among the first in line to make an offer,” wrote Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department. “They have the cap space and resources to make a deal happen with an extension for the superstar.”

Will the Cowboys Make the Tough Call?

Dallas holds the power in this situation—for now. They can either commit to making Parsons the centerpiece of their defense or entertain trade offers that could reshape the future of their franchise.

The Cowboys’ track record suggests they will fight to keep their star players, but with salary cap concerns looming, nothing is off the table. If Parsons’ asking price gets too high, the league’s top contenders—especially those with cap space and Super Bowl ambitions—will be waiting to pounce.

Will the Cowboys break the bank to keep their generational talent, or will another team—perhaps the Bears—steal one of the best pass rushers in football?

The answer may come sooner than expected.