Technically, the Cowboys have labeled Micah Parsons a linebacker since drafting him in 2020.
They have not changed his position on any public-facing rosters in three seasons despite him spending most of his career on the line of scrimmage at defensive end.
In a long-expected decision, the team is placing a fifth-year option on him.
Parsons is receiving his fifth-year option at defensive end, not linebacker, two people familiar with the decision told The Dallas Morning News.
As a linebacker, Parsons would earn a little more than $24 million in 2025, the final season of his rookie contract.
As a defensive end, his 2025 salary will be $21.32 million.
NFL teams can add a fifth season to the contract of any first-round pick, three seasons into that player’s deal.
This is the first time Parsons’ position has had any bearing on his compensation.
As mandated under the collective bargaining agreement, his option comes at the position that more closely coincides with the three-time Pro Bowler’s on-field usage.
Last year, while spending more time in the defensive line’s meeting room than linebacker, Parsons played 87.8% of his regular-season snaps on the line of scrimmage in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
If Parsons’ agent is compelled, the position designation could prompt a dispute.
Then again, anyone familiar with David Mulugheta knows the option-year salary is arguably immaterial since Parsons probably won’t take the field under it.
