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Mike Florio Uncovers Cowboys' 'Hidden, Genius' Approach to Micah Parsons Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 6:04 AM ET

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to slow-play contract talks with Micah Parsons, NFL analyst Mike Florio believes the organization is still coming out ahead.

With Parsons entering the final year of his deal and attending camp on a hold-in approach, the front office, led by franchise owner Jerry Jones, has yet to agree to an extension with its defensive star.

According to Florio, however, that delay may be a calculated strategy by Dallas that will allow the Cowboys to get the most from Parsons for the least amount of money.

In a piece for NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, Florio labeled the Cowboys’ approach “one hell of a bargain” and suggested the team’s current timeline works heavily in its favor.

Stephen Jones on Micah Parsons: "He's got to want to be paid" https://t.co/RxdYhQP3Wk
— Opening Day Game (@OpeningDayNFL) July 28, 2025

"The hidden, and perhaps unintended, genius in the approach is this," Florio wrote. "Before they break the pay, they will have gotten two seasons out of him at a total of $27 million. Which is, given Parsons’s skills and abilities, one hell of a bargain for the Cowboys."

That figure references the roughly $24 million Parsons will earn in 2025, and a likely exclusive franchise tag in 2026 at an approximated value of $27 million.

The underlying implication explained by Florio is that Dallas can extract elite-level production from Parsons at below-market rates before facing an inevitable extension.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted at having presented Parsons with an offer already on Sunday.

“We want to pay Micah," Jones said. "He’s got to want to be paid.”

Florio interpreted those comments as evidence that the team believes Parsons is rejecting their current offer, which is likely low on compensation, judging by the player's supposed rejection.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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