Cowboys roundtable: Micah Parsons contract and Ohio State’s running backs

Our latest Cowboys roundtable on Micah, Dak and Ohio State’s running backs

Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman and Brian Martin.

Reports last week came in suggesting Micah Parsons could be getting a contract worth $200 million. Is he worth that much or is this a massive expense and trading him carries better value?

A number of reliable reports came out last week stating that the Cowboys and Micah Parsons are getting closer to a deal. How close is unknown, but the reports stated that Parsons wants a contract worth $200 million. Some may say that’s worth every penny, others think this is one sizeable contract too many, and may restrict Dallas in the future signing other quality players.

Brian: A $200 million contract is the going price for a pass rusher of Micah Parsons’ caliber and yes, he’s worth it. Considering the impact he makes on the field, I’d have to be blown away with a trade to part ways with him. I just don’t see a team parting with that kind draft capital as well as paying him a big money contract extension.

Howman: Absolutely he is worth it. Micah Parsons is the most valuable defensive player in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close. He’s one of the rare occasions that should be treated like the quarterback, financially speaking, which is to say that you pay whatever the cost is to keep him around. There’s no such thing as overpaying for a man of his talent.

Dak Prescott has been filmed back practicing this week. What’s the expectations for him this season?

Dak was back in action and throwing for the first time since his injury that ended his season short last year. It’s good to see him working and looking like he’s ready to get back in the saddle and get the Cowboys offense back on track for the new season.

Brian: Unless the Cowboys get Dak Prescott some additional help at RB and WR my expectations for him aren’t all that high entering 2025. But, if they upgrade the RB position as well as adding another WR2 to pair with CeeDee Lamb, I think we can expect No. 4 to return to his 2023 form when he was the MVP runner up to Lamar Jackson.

Howman: Given how much Brian Schottenheimer has spoken about Pete Carroll’s influence on him, and how much Carroll has frequently likened his desired quarterback play to a point guard in basketball, I’m expecting Prescott to be counted on as more of a facilitator than a game changer. That should translate to a little less volume in the passing game but more overall efficiency, kind of similar to Prescott’s first few years in the league.

Which Ohio State running back would be a better fit for Dallas? TreVeyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins?

Both running backs had a great 2024 season and both are projected to go in the second round and very closely ranked in the overall rankings. Henderson is the fast, explosive type of running back that hits the hole fast and catching defenders off guard with his burst. Judkins is more the rumbler that has good contact balance and strength.

Brian: This is a tricky question because both RBs bring something a little different to the table. It really depends on what Dallas looking for. Judkins is more of an every down RB while Henderson is more of the change of pace/slasher type in my opinion. I lean a little more towards Judkins as the better fit for the Cowboys. I prefer his durability and hard-nosed running style.

Howman: The real answer is Cam Skattebo, but I won’t cheat here. I think Henderson is probably the better fit based on what the Cowboys seemingly want to do with their run game. Javonte Williams can be that physical, between the tackles type of runner with Henderson being the explosive, perimeter type of guy.