As the Dallas Cowboys kicked off their first practice of training camp in Oxnard, California, all eyes were on All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. It’s noteworthy that the 26-year-old superstar was present, especially since he’s still awaiting a contract extension ahead of the final year of his rookie deal in 2025.
In recent days, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones raised eyebrows with comments about Parsons’ durability, pointing out that he missed four games last season due to an ankle sprain. In the wake of that scrutiny, Parsons candidly shared on Tuesday that negotiations regarding his contract haven’t significantly progressed. “I don’t know. We’ll see how long things take,” Parsons said. “There’s not really much movement, man. I want to be here. I’ve always stated I want to be here, but at the end of the day, they sign the checks like always.”
The contract situation has not gone unnoticed by Parsons, who disclosed that while his agent, David Mulugheta, has been communicating with the Cowboys’ front office, he feels the need for more proactive engagement from the organization. “My agent has been reaching out. At one point, one grown man has to be reaching out himself. Communication works both ways,” he remarked. “They reached out, so that needs to happen too. They got to want to do it on their part.”
Even though Parsons underscored that conversations had occurred with both the Jones family and Cowboys’ senior director of salary cap and player contracts, Adam Prasifka, he remains unbothered if the team opts not to negotiate a long-term deal. “Honestly for me, it doesn’t matter. I’ve been pretty consistent. If they don’t want me here, they don’t want me here. I’ll go about my business. I understand the nature of the business,” he said, reflecting a level of professionalism as he juggles the demands of being a father of three. At the end of the day, everyone—including the Joneses—has to look out for their own.
While Parsons initially kicked off contract discussions with Jones back on January 10, the lack of resolution by training camp’s commencement has stirred frustration. When asked directly if he felt disheartened by the delay, Parsons didn’t shy away. “Honestly, yeah. When you go around the league and you see these other teams taking care of their best guys… I see T.J. [Watt] get taken care of. Maxx [Crosby] get taken care of. Myles [Garrett] get taken care of,” he expressed. “You see a lot of people around the league getting taken care of, and you wish you had something like that same type of energy.”
For context, the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL this offseason illustrate the competitive financial landscape Parsons is navigating. With Watt topping the list at an average of $41 million per year, Parsons is keenly aware of where he stands amongst his peers.
Also adding to Parsons’ situation is watching his teammates Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb go through similar prolonged contract negotiations, which seems almost typical under Jones’ administration. “I wouldn’t say it’s hard to not take it personally when there’s a chain of events of something consistent happening over the course of years… I just don’t understand it,” Parsons noted, revealing insights into the emotional toll of these standoffs.
Notably, many star players in the NFL refrain from participating in training camps during contract disputes, yet Parsons remains committed, expressing, “I want to be here. I’ve always stated I want to be here… I think they got their own timeline on when they want to get things done.” His dedication to his teammates is evident, as he’s determined to contribute regardless of the financial fray surrounding his future.
Ultimately, Parsons aims to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, a feat currently held by Watt. His statistical standing only strengthens his case. With 330 quarterback pressures since entering the league in 2021, tied for the most in the NFL with Crosby, and being the only player in history to record 12 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons, Parsons is confident in his worth. “I feel like I’m the best at what I do. Stats, numbers don’t lie. The consistency is there. And availability is there,” he declared.
As Parsons navigates the complexities of his contract situation, one thing is clear: his commitment to the Cowboys remains unwavering, demonstrating his readiness to engage fully in the upcoming season, contract discussions aside.
