The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2025 season with uncertainty hanging over their star pass rusher, Micah Parsons. Last season, despite securing a monumental contract for quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys struggled, finishing with just six wins after a series of setbacks.
Now, as the team looks to recover from that disappointment, the biggest issue on the table is Parsons’ contract extension, which remains unresolved.
Parsons, drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. With 52.5 career sacks in just four seasons, two All-Pro selections, and a string of Pro Bowl appearances, Parsons is arguably the most valuable player on the Cowboys’ defense.
His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and create turnovers has made him the backbone of the defense. In 2024, even missing four games due to injury, his presence was sorely missed, and the Cowboys’ defense faltered without him, ranking in the bottom 10 of the league in defensive efficiency.
However, despite Parsons’ impressive resume, the Cowboys’ front office, led by owner Jerry Jones, has hesitated to extend Parsons’ contract. Jones has expressed concerns about Parsons’ injury history and future value, despite Parsons posting strong numbers and maintaining a high level of performance on the field.
This reluctance to commit could have far-reaching consequences for the Cowboys in 2025, as the uncertainty over Parsons’ future puts the entire defensive unit at risk.
Could Dallas draft Parsons’ replacement?
With Parsons’ situation up in the air, some analysts are speculating that the Cowboys may need to look for a long-term solution in the upcoming NFL Draft. A recent mock draft from PFSN suggested that if Dallas cannot reach a deal with Parsons, they may consider selecting Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher out of the University of Miami, with the 12th overall pick in 2026.
Bain, a powerful and athletic defender standing 6’3″ and weighing 275 pounds, has shown flashes of brilliance in his college career. He posted 7.5 sacks in his rookie season and was on track for another strong performance in 2024 before being sidelined by injury. His combination of size, length, and pass-rushing ability has drawn comparisons to Parsons, making him an intriguing potential replacement.
Despite missing some games, Bain’s potential for a breakout season in 2025 could push him further up draft boards. His skills would make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys if the team ultimately decides to move on from Parsons.
While the hope remains that the Cowboys and Parsons will come to an agreement, the team’s failure to extend their star player could leave them with no choice but to find a new cornerstone for their defense through the draft.
As the 2025 season looms, the pressure is on Jerry Jones to make a decision. If a resolution isn’t reached with Parsons soon, the Cowboys might have no choice but to plan for life after their most destructive edge rusher.
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