ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys made an interesting decision on Micah Parsons’ rookie contract that could lead to the star pass-rusher filing a grievance.

As reported by Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are picking up Parsons’ fifth-year option as a “defensive end” instead of a linebacker. As Gehlken explains, the move would reduce Parsons’ salary by almost $3 million:

“Parsons is receiving his fifth-year option at defensive end, not linebacker, two people familiar with the decision told The Dallas Morning News. As a linebacker, Parsons would earn a little more than $24 million in 2025, the final season of his rookie contract. As a defensive end, his 2025 salary will be $21.32 million.”
As noted by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys’ decision here could lead to David Mulugheta (the agent of Parsons) to file a grievance. Citing Pro Football Focus’ data, Williams noted that Parsons played defensive end on 87.8 percent of his snaps last year.

Parsons is coming off another excellent season that saw him finish third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind only T.J. Watt and award winner Myles Garrett. The 2021 first-round pick notched a career-high 14 sacks, helping Dallas to a second NFC East division title in three years.

 

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For his career, the 24-year-old Parsons has eight pass defenses, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 40.5 sacks in 50 career games.

Parsons is one of three prominent names that the Cowboys would ideally like to extend this offseason. Quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the last year of his deal, and superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is eligible for extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.