Free agency is usually the highlight of the NFL offseason, but for the Dallas Cowboys, it’s been more like a yawner over the past decade. However, there’s a buzz in the air this year, thanks in large part to the determined voice of Micah Parsons, who recently completed his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl season. Parsons is stepping up, nudging owner Jerry Jones to shake things up and actively pursue talent in free agency.
Parsons is not just talking the talk; he’s ready to put his money where his mouth is. He’s expressed a willingness to sign an extension sooner rather than later to provide the Cowboys with some cap flexibility. In fact, his extension could free up more than $18 million in salary cap space. This proactive stance could be exactly what the team needs to enhance their roster ahead of the frenzy.
Reports indicate that negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys have commenced. While it may not lead to an agreement overnight, the fact that discussions are underway shows Parsons’ urgency and commitment to improving the team.
Now, while Parsons hasn’t explicitly named names, he might find himself in a position to influence potential signings, especially with some prime free agents hitting the market. One name that’s generating buzz is Darius Slay, the veteran cornerback who is rumored to be released by the Philadelphia Eagles. With Philadelphia planning to designate Slay as a post-June 1 release, they would save $4.3 million against their cap.
Though it might seem a bit unorthodox for the Cowboys to chase a 34-year-old cornerback, Slay could be an appealing short-term option, particularly given the current state of Dallas’ cornerback room, which is looking a bit thin. DaRon Bland stands as the lone healthy returning starter, and with Trevon Diggs dealing with recovery from offseason knee surgery, and Josh Butler and Caelen Carson nursing their own serious injuries, the need for reliable veterans is pressing. Plus, Jourdan Lewis is set to enter free agency, further complicating the secondary’s depth chart.
While the draft might bring a fresh, young corner into the mix, adding a seasoned player like Slay could solidify that secondary. Slay has shown he’s still capable of productive play, with 12 pass breakups last season, ranking fourth among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps. His passer rating allowed when targeted was 78.3, one of the better marks in the league, and he contributed to a defense that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy just last year.
The reality is that while Slay might not be the lockdown corner of his younger days, he’s still more than capable of providing meaningful snaps to a contending team. For the Cowboys, who need a steady hand at the cornerback position, he could be the right fit to assist while the younger players develop—and perhaps ease the transition during a time of uncertainty.
Of course, the notion of signing a nearly 35-year-old cornerback comes with risks. The market is filled with intriguing options, and Slay’s recent Super Bowl win with the Eagles might make him hesitant to jump ship, especially considering his popularity in Philadelphia.
As we wait to see how this all unfolds, it’s exciting to ponder whether Parsons has already whispered Slay’s name into Jerry Jones’ ear. One way or another, the Cowboys seem poised for a potentially transformative offseason, one that fans hope signals a shift in their free agency fortunes.
