The Dallas Cowboys are weighing their options with Micah Parsons as the star edge-rusher enters the final year of his rookie contract, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

"While there have been no trade talks, sources say there have at least been some internal discussions about whether to pay Parsons or trade him for a king's ransom," the NFL insiders said.

Parsons will receive $24 million guaranteed in 2025 thanks to the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. Extending him beyond that will cost a significant sum and perhaps reset the market for edge-rushers.

Spotrac projects the four-time Pro Bowler to be worth $30 million annually. It wouldn't be a big leap for him to match or surpass the $34 million salary Nick Bosa gets from the San Francisco 49ers.

That the Cowboys are even throwing around the idea of trading Parsons is a reflection of how badly they've mismanaged their roster over the last few years. Take it from team owner Jerry Jones himself.

Extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, cornerback Trevon Diggs and offensive tackle Terence Steele put a serious strain on Dallas' long-term payroll.

Prescott has a particularly cumbersome contract. He has an $89.9 million salary cap hit for 2025. Restructuring his deal will provide some short-term relief but merely push that money down the road.

If the Cowboys were to give Parsons $30 million or more moving forward, they'd risk making their roster even more top-heavy.

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones told Rapoport in December that "I can't imagine there's a scenario where he's not wearing a star on his helmet" when referencing the defensive standout.

At the same time, Jones acknowledged the front office will reassess things and ask whether paying the market rate for star players is the most sensible path moving forward.

Trading Parsons would not only spare Dallas from having another huge contract on its books, but it would also yield draft compensation that becomes more cost-controlled talent to help balance out the squad.

As unpopular as the move would be, it would undoubtedly be a pragmatic course of action.