Micah Parsons Pushes for Roster Upgrades While Awaiting a Lucrative Payday

The Dallas Cowboys Face Tough Decisions

Micah Parsons has never been shy about his desire to see the Dallas Cowboys improve their roster. However, as he awaits a massive contract extension, the financial constraints could make it difficult for the team to balance both goals. The Cowboys also face another challenge regarding their franchise-tag candidate, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who carries a hefty $23 million price tag.

Osa Odighizuwa: A Costly Franchise Tag Option

Odighizuwa has emerged as a key player on the Cowboys’ defensive front. Despite his impressive performance in the 2023 season, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that franchising him at a projected cost of over $23 million would be too expensive for the team.

“That does not mean the Cowboys won’t make a bid to re-sign him before free agency begins,” Archer wrote. “With new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the under tackle position, where Odighizuwa plays, is crucial. He posted career highs in sacks (4.5) and pressures (54) last season and is the type of player the Cowboys want to build with.”

Could Odighizuwa Walk in Free Agency?

The Cowboys must decide whether to prioritize retaining Odighizuwa or allocate their budget elsewhere. While he is an integral part of the team’s defense, the reality is that other teams may be willing to offer him a more lucrative deal than Dallas is comfortable matching.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has expressed a desire to keep Odighizuwa, along with running back Rico Dowdle, defensive end Chauncey Golston, and cornerback Jourdan Lewis. However, he acknowledges that salary cap constraints make it a difficult puzzle to solve.

“We want them back. They’ve shown that they are Dallas Cowboys football players,” Jones said. “They’re certainly guys we want to have back; it’s just making all the calculus work when it comes to fitting everybody under the salary cap.”

Odighizuwa’s Take on His Future

Unlike some players who actively campaign for new contracts, Odighizuwa has maintained a professional approach. He has previously stated that his focus remains on his performance rather than the financial side of the business.

“I don’t really control who gets paid,” Odighizuwa said. “All I can do is control how I play, and hopefully, that results in what I want, which would be a second deal with Dallas. I’m just going to control what I can control in that regard.”

Parsons’ Payday Looms

While the Cowboys navigate their free agency concerns, they must also prepare for Micah Parsons’ inevitable contract extension. The star linebacker is expected to command one of the highest defensive contracts in NFL history, which will put even more pressure on Dallas’ cap situation.

Balancing Parsons’ future deal with re-signing other key players, including Odighizuwa, will be a delicate financial dance for the Cowboys’ front office. The team must decide how to allocate its resources while remaining competitive in the NFC.

A Crucial Offseason for Dallas

The Cowboys are entering a pivotal offseason where their decisions will shape the team’s future. Whether they find a way to retain Odighizuwa or let him walk in free agency, all moves will be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.

Meanwhile, Micah Parsons continues to push for improvements, knowing that his own payday is just around the corner. How the Cowboys manage their roster and financial situation in the coming months will play a significant role in their quest for a Super Bowl title.