Jerry Jones makes point about Micah Parsons that subtly proves the Packers' style includes a valuable element that doesn't get enough credit

The Packers might not be big spenders in free agency, but they truly do care about their rising stars. The team has a long track record of recognizing and rewarding their own players entering the second NFL deal. Usually, they do it as early as possible.

The Cowboys style is frustrating. Jerry Jones waits and waits, looking for media coverage. He might get more money by doing that, but the net earnings don't compensate for what the franchise loses in terms of cap space—and this is ultimately what matters for fans. Players like quarterback Dak Prescott (in each of his past two extensions) and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb followed the same path—both became much more expensive for the Cowboys than they should have been, had the team signed them when they should.

It's exactly what's happening with Parsons now—and the edge market now is at $41 million a year after TJ Watt received his extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers. A year ago, it was at $34 million.

Trade opportunity (or not really)

Theoretically, Micah Parsons is the type of player the Packers could target in the trade market. He's young, with elite production, and what he does on the field is worth the combination of draft picks and high salary.

However, it's unrealistic to expect the Cowboys to trade Parsons—especially for an NFC rival. This is what Jerry Jones does. At the end, he will give up everything and pay Parsons what he deserves, inflation considered. But the situation has to drag for years.

Sometimes, boring is better than annoying. For the locker room and for the fans.