Dallas Cowboys star edge rusher Micah Parsons has addressed speculation about his future with the team, stating he understands the “business side” of the NFL.
The buzz stemmed from comments made by Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, which some interpreted as leaving the door open to a potential offseason trade involving Parsons.
Jones has since clarified his remarks, denying any such intent.
He told the NFL Network: “Obviously we’re totally all in on Dak [Prescott] and CeeDee [Lamb], but after that, then you still shape things, including Micah. But Micah’s a great player. You don’t do well in this league letting guys like Micah, usually, leave the house.”
On Sunday, Jones walked back the implications of his statement, telling Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News that he “did not” mean to suggest the team would consider trading Parsons.
Parsons, meanwhile, had to field questions about his future after delivering a standout performance in a 30-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded two sacks.
“I understand how that business side goes,” Parsons said. “Listen, no hard feelings in this business whether I’m here or anywhere else. Obviously, I’ve stated how I wanted to be here. But at the end of the day, I understand the business side, and I put in a lot of work. I play hard, too.
“Obviously, if sides can’t agree to those types of things, it happens like that. But I’m just happy to be here, and I’m just going to be playing hard while I’m here.
“If I’m here for the next five, six years, I’m going to keep playing hard. Then, too, ain’t really nothing going to make a difference. Micah going to play hard.”
Parsons, who became eligible for a contract extension after last season, remains under team control for now.
He is earning a base salary of $2.989 million this season with a salary cap hit of $5.434 million. His fifth-year option, worth $21.324 million, will keep him under contract for the 2025 season.
When the time comes, Parsons is expected to command a record-breaking deal.
He could surpass Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s league-leading $35 million annual average for non-quarterbacks.
Prescott currently holds the NFL’s highest annual average salary at $60 million, while Lamb’s recent deal makes him the second-highest-paid receiver at $34 million annually.
However, Jones has already warned that the Cowboys will face another “really, really tight” offseason in 2025, after a conservative spending approach this year.
Despite the speculation, Parsons has remained steadfast in his commitment to the team, focusing on his performance rather than contract discussions.
Having said that, we know the day will come sooner rather than later where the two sides will need to get down to business.
Looking ahead, what do you think ends up happening with Parsons? … Are his Dallas days numbered???
