Micah Parsons distances himself from Cowboys amid extension deadlock, says it's ‘extremely important' before training camp
Micah Parsons sends strong message to Cowboys, says contract extension must be done before training camp (Credit: Imagn Images)
As training camp approaches,
Micah Parsons
has made one thing crystal clear—he doesn't want to wait until the last minute to ink his next contract. The
Dallas Cowboys
' defensive phenom has already proven himself to be among the NFL's elite, and now, he's pressing the front office to act swiftly to avoid disruptions heading into what could be a defining season.
Micah Parsons puts Cowboys on notice, won't hit the field without a new deal
Speaking candidly with reporters, Micah Parsons shared his concerns about delayed contract resolutions affecting performance. "You really see a lot of players struggle when guys aren't participating in camp and they get off to a slow start," Parsons elaborated, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "I don't want to get off to a slow start. I want to hit the ground running, establish ourselves in this league, get some wins early in the season and be in rhythm. It's extremely important for me to get going and lead these guys."
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That sense of urgency isn't without reason. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former No. 12 overall pick has already achieved what most veterans only dream of—four straight seasons with double-digit sacks, two First-Team All-Pro honors, four Pro Bowl appearances, and the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With a resume that impressive, it's no surprise that his camp is seeking a deal that reflects his generational talent.
From the Cowboys' perspective, waiting could prove costly. With each passing month, the market value for elite pass-rushers only climbs. Myles Garrett's recent blockbuster deal with the Browns, which nets him $40 million per year with $123.5 million in guarantees, offers a potential benchmark. If Dallas stalls, Parsons' price tag could surge beyond even that.
Owner Jerry Jones recently expressed optimism, saying negotiations are 'close enough' to get a deal done. But that sentiment wasn't echoed entirely by his son and COO, Stephen Jones. 'If we could sign Micah to a number we wanted to sign him to, we'd do it right now,' Stephen admitted. 'But right now, there's a difference in what we feel is the right number, and what he feels like is the right number.'
Despite the contractual limbo, Parsons remains committed to the team. He's expected to be present at The Star in Frisco for offseason workouts, even if his contract remains unsigned. That level of dedication speaks volumes about his leadership and hunger to win.
In 2024, Parsons posted 43 tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles—further solidifying his reputation as the most disruptive force on the Cowboys' defense. Alongside Reggie White, he is one of only two players in NFL history to notch 12 or more sacks in each of their first four seasons.
While there's no official word on what's causing the delay—rumors suggest a lack of direct involvement from agent David Mulugheta—the Cowboys cannot afford to let this slip. Letting a player of Parsons' caliber reach free agency would not only be a tactical blunder but could also tarnish the franchise's long-term competitiveness.
Simply put, the clock is ticking. Dallas has its cornerstone. Now, it just needs to lock him down.
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Jalen Hurts shuts down 'face of NFL' talk after Super Bowl 59 win with calm confidence
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