Gareth Patterson | Credit: AP
The Dallas Cowboys have a prime opportunity to secure their future by extending key players before their contracts expire. While All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons is the obvious priority, he isn’t the only one who deserves a contract extension.
Three Key Players from the 2022 Draft Class
Tyler Smith, Jake Ferguson, and DaRon Bland—all from the Cowboys’ 2022 draft class—are approaching critical contract decisions. Smith, a first-round pick and Pro Bowl guard, has a fifth-year option for 2026 worth $21.27 million. Ferguson, a fourth-round tight end, and Bland, a fifth-round cornerback, are entering the final year of their rookie deals.
The Cowboys have already freed up more than $55 million in cap space, though they haven’t made a big move in free agency. That money could go toward securing all three players, along with Parsons, before their values rise even further.
Why Dallas Must Extend Smith Now
Smith, a Fort Worth native and second-team All-Pro in 2023, has quickly become one of the league’s best young offensive linemen. With Zack Martin retiring, he is now the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ line, much like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Martin were in previous years.
At the end of last season, Smith made it clear he was ready to lead the unit moving forward. He spoke about maintaining the high standard set by the veteran linemen who came before him and embracing the challenge of becoming a leader.
“In my mind, I think it just starts with maintaining that standard,” Smith said. “When I got here, from the film room to walkthroughs, I’ve seen how Tyron and Zack practice. I’ve seen how they study. I have thought about how I can be the best leader I can be. How can I continue to improve the standard that they’ve set before me? It is something that I take to heart every day.”
Bland and Ferguson Deserve New Deals Despite Injuries
Bland had a breakout season in 2023, leading the NFL with nine interceptions and setting a league record with five pick-sixes. However, a stress fracture in his left foot limited him to just seven games in 2024. Ferguson, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2023, also battled injuries last season, missing three games and struggling to regain full strength after an MCL sprain and a concussion.
Despite their injuries, both players have shown they can be long-term contributors. Extending them now could prevent their price tags from skyrocketing if they return to top form in 2025.
The Cowboys’ Changing Approach to Contract Extensions
Dallas once prioritized early extensions, locking up key players like Jason Witten, DeMarcus Ware, Tony Romo, and others before they hit free agency. Those deals often included six-, seven-, or even eight-year contracts with large guarantees, allowing for future cap flexibility.
That strategy has shifted in recent years, with the team often waiting until the last minute. Last season, they didn’t finalize CeeDee Lamb’s deal until late in training camp and waited until hours before the season opener to extend Dak Prescott.
If they delay again, they could end up paying a higher price. Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. recently signed a deal worth $30 million per season, setting a high bar for Bland’s negotiations. Trevon Diggs’ five-year, $97 million contract ($19 million per year) also serves as a benchmark.
Ferguson’s market is harder to predict, as tight end salaries haven’t risen as sharply as other positions. But with the way contracts are trending, waiting could still cost the Cowboys more.
Parsons’ Contract Looms Over the Negotiations
Parsons has made it clear he wants to be a Cowboy for life, but his next contract will be one of the largest in NFL history. While he has said he doesn’t need to be the highest-paid defensive player, his agent will likely push for it.
If Dallas doesn’t sign him soon, they may have to use the franchise tag to keep him, which would leave them unable to tag Smith, Ferguson, or Bland next March.
How Many Deals Will Get Done?
In a perfect world, the Cowboys would lock up all four players before the season starts. But given their recent contract history, that seems unlikely.
Still, getting at least one or two extensions done would be a step in the right direction—before waiting leads to even bigger price tags.
Related Content: Who Will the Dallas Cowboys Target After Clearing Major Cap Space?
This report used information from ESPN.
