The Dallas Cowboys face franchise-defining decisions in June 2025 on Dak Prescott's massive contract and Micah Parsons' future. Will the deals get done?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It's a tale of two contracts in Dallas. On one hand, quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the 2025 season under the microscope of a staggering $240 million deal. On the other, star linebacker Micah Parsons is at a critical crossroads, with his future in a Cowboys uniform hanging in the balance. The decisions made around these two pillars will define not just the upcoming season, but the very direction of the franchise for years to come.
A four-year, $240 million contract, with $231 million guaranteed.
There's no ignoring the numbers: Dak Prescott's four-year, $240 million extension, with a jaw-dropping $231 million guaranteed, has been labeled one of the NFL's most scrutinized deals. The pressure is immense. After a disappointing 2024, the Cowboys are all-in on their franchise quarterback, and every throw, decision, and game will be measured against that colossal figure. The team's ability to build a complete roster is directly impacted by this contract, making it imperative for Prescott to elevate his game and lead the team deep into the postseason.
While Prescott's future is financially secure, the same can't be said for the heart of the defense. Speculation is swirling around Micah Parsons, with reports suggesting the Cowboys must either commit to a massive, market-setting extension or entertain the once-unthinkable possibility of a trade. Parsons remains the team's most dynamic defensive playmaker, and losing him is a terrifying prospect. However, with so much capital tied up in the offense, the front office faces a monumental challenge in keeping both superstars happy and the roster competitive.
To help Prescott justify his price tag, the Cowboys have aggressively retooled the offense. The centerpiece of this effort is the recent trade for former Steelers receiver George Pickens. His arrival provides a legitimate deep threat and a primary target to reshape the passing attack. Behind-the-scenes footage already shows Prescott and Pickens building chemistry. The team is also counting on rookie tackle Tyler Guyton to protect its prized asset and has brought in strong-armed QB Joe Milton to add competition and depth. The message is clear: the excuses for offensive inconsistency are gone.
After a disastrous 2024 season on defense, coordinator Mike Zimmer is out and Matt Eberflus is in, tasked with a total transformation. The new scheme will prioritize speed and versatility, relying on a young core that includes Mazi Smith and rookies Donovan Ezeiruaku and Marshawn Kneeland. A major boost came Tuesday as edge rusher Sam Williams, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, returned to position drills. His recovery, coupled with the development of the young talent, is critical. But the success of this entire unit still hinges on the answer to the Micah Parsons question.
The pieces are being moved on the chessboard. From blockbuster contracts and high-stakes trades to the return of injured players and a philosophical shift on defense, the Cowboys are in a period of intense transition. The storylines are set for training camp: Can the new-look offense click? Will the defense rise from the ashes? And looming over it all, will the franchise's biggest stars, Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, both be leading this team into the future? The pressure is on, and the 2025 season has unofficially begun.
