A parachute landing is probably a more predictably safe outcome than dead-stick into a plowed or rough field...you could nose-over, cartwheel, catch on fire, etc. Also the article didn't say how big the field was either.

I assume the cirrus is designed to not seriously injure the occupants or catch on fire due to a parachute landing, although the airframe is typically destroyed IIRC. It's gonna be rough, but you know about how rough. Deadstick has a lot of variables. I admit I would be more inclined to deadstick it but that's probably just a control thing on my part (as an ex-military jumper, I cringe at the thought of going single-point safe on the main with no reserve)
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The article said the engine seized, so it wasn't like he gave up altitude or glide distance when he pulled the chute.