Report: Cowboys tendering Parsons' 5th-year option as DE

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to pick up the fifth-year option for star pass-rusher Micah Parsons, tendering him as a defensive end, sources told The Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken.

Dallas stands to save some money by choosing to designate Parsons as a DE as opposed to his listed position of linebacker. The 24-year-old would earn $21.32 million as a DE compared to $24 million as an LB in the final year of his rookie contract.

NFL teams have the option to exercise the fifth-year option in the rookie contract of any first-round pick after three seasons.

The Cowboys have listed Parsons as a linebacker since selecting the former Penn State standout in the 2021 NFL Draft. Yet, Parsons has emerged as one of the more prolific pass-rushers over his first three seasons as a pro. He spent 87.8% of his snaps during the regular season close to the line of scrimmage, per PFF.

Parsons has been a nightmare for opposing offenses since entering the league. He's racked up 41.5 sacks and 51 tackles for loss through his first three seasons. The pass-rushing prodigy is expected to command a long-term extension that could surpass the five-year, $170-million contract signed by Nick Bosa last September.

Along with Parsons, quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are in need of extensions and are set to become free agents after the 2024 season.

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