As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, particularly regarding one of their standout defensive stars: Micah Parsons. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Parsons has made a resounding impact on the league since his debut in 2021, amassing 256 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, and an impressive 52.5 sacks over just 63 games. It’s clear that he’s established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL, leaving fans to ponder the pressing question: why hasn’t he received a lucrative contract extension yet?
Cowboys executive vice president and CEO Stephen Jones addressed the situation amid fan frustrations, particularly when it comes to the desire to see Parsons compensated accordingly. He remarked, “It doesn’t change anything. We want to pay Micah too. He’s got to want to be paid.” Jones’ comments suggest that while the organization is keen to invest in Parsons, negotiations must be mutually beneficial.
Other star defensive players, like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, secured their generational contracts this offseason, setting a benchmark that Parsons is likely eyeing as he seeks a similar payday. The Cowboys have also made moves in other areas, extending the contracts of tight end Jake Ferguson and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa during the offseason, highlighting their commitment to building a competitive roster.
The ambiguity surrounding Parsons’ contract situation has the linebacker voicing his thoughts on the matter. In a candid moment just last month, he expressed that the delay in signing a deal may have already cost the franchise more than it realized. He reflected on his feelings about the Cowboys’ approach compared to other organizations that have quickly secured their star defensive players, stating, “I wished the Cowboys had the ‘same type of energy.’”
Parsons further articulated his mindset, saying, “If they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here. I’ll go about my business.” This is a powerful reminder of the realities within the league—while loyalty and performance go hand in hand, the transactional nature of the NFL can lead to uncertainty. “As long as I’m here and under contract, I’m gonna do what I have to do to perform at the highest level. But if this is the end, this is the end,” he added, perhaps hinting at his openness to ongoing discussions, or a changing landscape should the organization ultimately not meet his contracting expectations.
It’s important to note that while Parsons is not currently holding out—he has been present at training camp—he’s been limited in practice due to back tightness. As the Cowboys embark on their season, Parsons’ performance and continued presence will be critical, both for his own prospects and for the team’s defensive strategy moving forward. With a spotlight on him, the coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for Parsons as he looks to solidify his place both on the field and within the Cowboys’ future plans.
