Cowboys Face Key Decisions on 2022 Draft Class Extensions
FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are approaching a critical juncture where securing the future of key players from their 2022 draft class should be a top priority.With several rising stars nearing the end of their rookie contracts,the team has an opportunity to lock in foundational pieces for long-term success.
parsons Extension a Priority for Dallas Cowboys
While the spotlight shines brightest on All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and his looming contract extension, three additional members of the Cowboys’ 2022 draft class are also in line for new deals: Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith, tight end Jake Ferguson, and cornerback DaRon Bland.
Tyler Smith’s value to Cowboys Offensive Line
The Cowboys have already exercised the fifth-year option on Smith’s contract for 2026, at a cost of $21.27 million, underscoring his importance to the team.Smith, an All-Pro second-team selection in 2023 and a Pro Bowl invitee the past two seasons, is seen as a cornerstone for the offensive line, especially following Zack Martin’s retirement. Smith himself recognizes the responsibility, stating, “In my mind, I think it just starts with keeping that standard… How can I keep raising the standard that they set before me? It’s something I take to heart every day.”
Bland and Ferguson Seek New Deals
Bland and Ferguson are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. Bland,an All-Pro in 2023,led the league with nine interceptions and set an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns. Ferguson, a Pro Bowl injury replacement in 2023, recorded 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns.
Cowboys Have Salary Cap Space
The Cowboys created over $55 million in salary cap space, providing financial adaptability to pursue extensions for these players, including Parsons. An extension for Parsons would decrease his 2025 cap hit. While extensions for Smith, Ferguson, and Bland would increase their 2025 figures, the impact would be manageable.
Injuries Impacted 2024 Seasons
Injuries impacted Ferguson and Bland’s 2024 seasons. Bland missed seven games due to a fractured foot and did not record an interception after 14 in his first two seasons. Ferguson also missed three games and finished with 59 catches for 494 yards. Securing these players to long-term deals would bring stability for the cowboys.
Looking Ahead: Contract Strategies
historically, the Cowboys have been proactive in signing players to extensions before they reach free agency. However,recent trends indicate a shift in approach. to retain Smith, Ferguson, and Bland long-term, the Cowboys may need to offer greater guarantees and possibly exceed market value. The recent extension signed by Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., averaging $30 million per season, possibly sets the benchmark for bland’s contract.
Parsons’ Future with the Cowboys
Parsons has expressed his desire to remain with the Cowboys for his entire career, and the team has reciprocated that sentiment.While Parsons stated he doesn’t need to be the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, his agent likely has different ideas. The Cowboys could use the franchise tag to keep Parsons under contract through 2028, but that would limit their ability to use it on Smith, Ferguson, or Bland next year.
Cowboys Aim to Secure Key Talent
Ideally, the Cowboys would finalize contract extensions for all four players before the upcoming season, though recent history suggests that might be unrealistic. Securing at least one or two extensions would represent a positive step toward solidifying the team’s core for sustained success.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
Cowboys 2022 Draft Class: Q&A on Contract Extensions
Q&A
Who are the key players from the 2022 draft class facing contract decisions?
Micah Parsons, Tyler Smith, Jake Ferguson, and DaRon Bland.
what’s the status of Tyler Smith’s contract?
The cowboys have exercised his fifth-year option for 2026, costing $21.27 million.
Why is Tyler Smith so meaningful?
He is seen as a cornerstone of the offensive line, especially after Zack Martin’s retirement. Smith has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.
What are Bland and Ferguson’s contract situations?
Both are entering the final year of their rookie contracts.
What accomplishments did Bland and Ferguson achieve?
Bland led the league with nine interceptions in 2023, setting an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns. Ferguson was a Pro Bowl injury replacement in 2023.
How much salary cap space do the cowboys have?
They created over $55 million in salary cap space.
how have injuries impacted the players recently?
Bland missed seven games in 2024 with a fractured foot and Ferguson missed three games.
What’s the Cowboys’ historical approach to contract extensions?
Historically,they’ve been proactive in signing players before free agency.
What is a potential benchmark for DaRon Bland’s contract?
The recent extension of Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., averaging $30 million per season, could set a precedent.
What are Micah parsons’ intentions?
Parsons has expressed a desire to stay with the Cowboys his entire career.
What could the Cowboys do with Parsons if they don’t extend him?
They could use the franchise tag, but this would limit their ability to use it on other key players.
What is the ideal outcome for the Cowboys?
Ideally,they would finalize extensions for all four players before the upcoming season.
The Cowboys face crucial decisions to secure the future of their core players. Keep an eye on how these contract negotiations unfold as the season approaches!
