The Cowboys made a strategic move by activating the fifth-year option on Tyler Smith’s contract last week, ensuring that their 2022 first-round selection will avoid unrestricted free agency in 2026.
This decision reduced the number of players with expiring contracts this year to 41. However, after trading for George Pickens, who also has an expiring contract, that number increased back to 42.
This situation presents the Cowboys’ front office with a dilemma: Should they extend contracts for these players now in hopes of securing good performances at lower costs, or wait for them to prove themselves, risking potential overpayment later?
Among the 42 players, two stand out: Micah Parsons and Daron Bland. Parsons is entering the last year of his rookie deal, with expectations of a major extension soon. In contrast, there hasn’t been much talk of an extension for Bland, who is entering his fourth and final year.
Other notable players include kicker Brandon Aubrey, likely to command a top contract in the kicking market, and WR Jalen Tolbert, who may be open to a team-friendly extension as the projected No. 3 WR.
These four players symbolize a diverse group of 42, which includes 26 unrestricted free agents (UFA), 10 restricted free agents (RFA), and six exclusive rights free agents (ERFA). They create an intriguing mix of upcoming free agents:
Key Players: Micah Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler, is on track to become the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
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