Cowboys options for next contract extension after Micah Parsons gets paid

After Parsons signs, whose turn is it after?

After a flurry of transactions, including reuniting with edge rusher Dante Fowler after a one-year stay in Washington and re-signing Osa Odighizuwa to a four-yea, $80M contract, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t finished opening their checkbook. Terence Parsons, the brother of All-Pro edge rush Micah, had teased on X that his brother and the Cowboys had begun discussing a new contract. However, it’s been reported that the talks have not been substantial although Parsons has said that 40M annually would make him the “happiest man alive.” Striking a deal would not only be important for the Cowboys and Micah Parsons’ financial security, but also would impact other players on the roster.

Currently, Parsons is playing out the last year of his rookie contract on a fifth-year club option with a cost of $24M. Signing Parsons to a long-term contract is the Cowboys current highest priority, but what about after that? Here are the players who should be next in line for new deals right after Parsons.

Tyler Smith

Though there was a lot of cynicism about the selection of Tyler Smith in the 2022 draft, he has exceeded all expectations. He played admirably as a rookie left tackle and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Where he really thrives is at left guard. Since making the transition full-time to that position, he has been exceptional. He’s a powerful mover in the running game and has good athleticism in getting to the second level of a defense. Smith is also a very effective pass blocker.

Smith struggles with penalties occasionally, but his overall impact far outweighs that. He’s made the Pro Bowl the last two seasons and is only improving. At 23 years old, he’s got so much more potential to realize. Next year will be his fifth-year option season. The Cowboys should move now and secure one of their cornerstone pieces for the future.

DaRon Bland

DaRon Bland is one of the more instinctual cornerbacks with excellent ball skills when healthy. He played in the slot as a rookie before moving to the boundary corner because of injuries. Even then, he showed he could hold his own and cemented himself as a playmaker. In year two, Bland erupted. He had nine interceptions and returned an NFL record five of them for touchdowns. He was named to the All-Pro team for his efforts, and things were looking up for his third season.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed Bland’s third year as he spent most of the season on injured reserve with a nagging foot injury. That shouldn’t scare Dallas from making a deal with Bland. In fact, it should motivate them. Bland’s value is lower than it would’ve been had he been healthy last year. After Parsons strikes a deal, then Dallas should ink Bland to a short-term deal with frontloaded money in case injuries persist and Dallas won’t be tied to an injury for an extended time.

Tyler Smith and DaRon Bland are the obvious ‘next up’ options, but there are some down-roster players that may make sense to lock up now.

Brock Hoffman & Juanyeh Thomas

Lastly, we’re grouping Juanyeh Thomas and Brock Hoffman mainly because of their status as exclusive rights free agents. You get the sense that both of them have a chance to be integral players for the team in the next few years. A pay increase for each would raise eyebrows because of the cost, yet both have a part to play for the team.

Hoffman is a versatile lineman who can play either guard or center, and when he gets the chance to play, he is a rugged bulldozer who opens up running lanes and plays with an edge through the whistle. Keeping him in the fold alongside Cooper Beebe and Tyler Smith gives the Cowboys a formidable trio in the trenches to run the football behind.

As for Thomas, he has proven to be a reliable player on special teams but also boasts many traits you covet in a prototypical safety. He’s got great length at 6’3” and has a good understanding of how to play the ball in zone coverage as a robber in the middle of the field. He’s also unafraid to tackle near the line of scrimmage. Thomas and Hoffman might be the two best sneaky signings the team could make once Parsons gets his money.