Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons was present at the team’s first day of voluntary workouts on April 14, 2025, dispelling concerns about a potential holdout as he seeks a new contract extension. According to multiple sources, including The Cowboys Net and The Dallas Morning News, Parsons joined his teammates at The Star in Frisco, marking a shift from his past tendency to train independently during this phase of the offseason.
Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, had previously stated late in the 2024 season that he intended to attend voluntary workouts, emphasizing the importance of building chemistry with his teammates. “I definitely think I need to be here in camp because, honestly, when so much of the defense is surrounded by your play and your presence, and others are getting lined up based off of you,” Parsons said in December 2024, as reported by Reuters. His presence on Monday aligns with that commitment, especially under the new leadership of head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who are looking to establish a fresh team culture.
The 25-year-old linebacker is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract, set to earn approximately $24 million in 2025, but he’s widely expected to secure a record-breaking extension that could make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Reports suggest Parsons is seeking a deal worth around $200 million, a figure that would surpass recent contracts like Myles Garrett’s four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns. Despite the lack of a new deal, Parsons’ attendance is seen as a good-faith gesture, potentially easing tensions with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has been negotiating directly with Parsons—sometimes bypassing the player’s agent, David Mulugheta.
In the past, Parsons often skipped voluntary workouts to train on his own, a practice that drew some criticism but never impacted his on-field performance. In 2023 and 2024, he worked out in Austin, focusing on bulking up to better handle the physical demands of his position. Last season, despite playing only 13 games due to injuries, Parsons recorded 12 sacks, 43 tackles, and two forced fumbles, bringing his career totals to 52.5 sacks and 256 tackles in 63 games. His decision to attend this year’s workouts, however, reflects his intent to lead a defense that relies heavily on his presence, especially with veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence no longer with the team.
The Cowboys’ offseason program began a week later than some other teams with new head coaches, as Schottenheimer opted to stick with the traditional schedule. Other players spotted at the facility included Dak Prescott, who is rehabbing a hamstring injury, as well as DaRon Bland, KaVontae Turpin, Jake Ferguson, Cooper Beebe, Juanyeh Thomas, and newly-signed defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. The first two weeks of the voluntary program are limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and rehabilitation, with OTAs scheduled for May and a mandatory minicamp in early June.
Parsons’ participation is a positive sign for Cowboys fans, who have seen the team struggle with contract negotiations in recent years. Last offseason, CeeDee Lamb held out until late August before signing a $134 million extension, a situation Parsons seems keen to avoid. While Jerry Jones has said the two sides agree on “most of the issues,” no deal has been finalized, and Parsons has insisted that his agent be involved in negotiations. For now, his presence at voluntary workouts suggests a willingness to work with the team while discussions continue, potentially setting the stage for a smoother resolution before training camp begins in July.
As the Cowboys aim to rebound from a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, Parsons’ leadership and on-field dominance will be crucial. His attendance on day one of voluntary workouts sends a clear message: he’s ready to lead, even as he waits for the mega-deal he deserves.
