Cowboys' Micah Parsons Not in Attendance for Voluntary OTAs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Cowboys superstar defensive end Micah Parsons, who attended voluntary Organized Team Activities on Monday, was absent on Tuesday, according to a team insider.
More news: Eagles' Jalen Hurts Breaks Silence on Skipping White House Visit
Jon Machota of The Athletic reports that Parsons was absent from the team on Tuesday, although head coach Brian Scottenheimer states he had lunch with Parsons on Monday.
"When he's here, he's been great. And again, it's all voluntary. So, guys are in and out, some guys come to meetings, some guys come to practice, some guys are just here getting treatment and things like that. And that's not just specific to Micah, it's specific to all the guys," Schottenheimer told reporters per Machota.
Cowboys DE Micah Parsons was at the start of voluntary OTAs yesterday. He was not in attendance today. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer had lunch with Parsons yesterday.
Schottenheimer: 'When he's here, he's been great. And again, it's all voluntary. So guys are in and out,… — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 20, 2025
Parsons is currently negotiating a new contract, as he is in the final year of his rookie deal after the Cowboys exercised his fifth-year option.
The star pass-rusher has recorded 52.5 sacks during his first four seasons. This past season, Parson finished sixth in PFF's overall grade for edge rushers, fourth in pass rush grade, though only 72nd in run defense.
He recorded 14 sacks this past season, ranking third among edge players.
Overall, Parsons is one of the most effective players at pressuring the quarterback, and despite breaking out in his rookie year and immediately garnering the attention of the offensive coordinator, he has still managed to wreak havoc against the opposing offensive line.
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 22: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys walks towards the locker room against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in...
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 22: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys walks towards the locker room against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Micah Parsons shares what Cowboys need to do to bounce back in 2025. MoreMore news: NFL Vote to Allow Players to Play in Olympics Flag Football Passes Unanimously
Considering his performance and his earlier statements about wanting to remain with the Cowboys, Parsons is poised to secure a significant overall contract, which should materialize in Dallas, although the Cowboys seem to be adopting a certain level of hardball tactics.
The team took a similar stance in negotiations with franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, which led to the deal taking several months to finalize, although there were multiple occasions when it seemed likely that he would be traded.
Parsons is entering the prime of his career at nearly 26 years old, and a long-term five-year deal should help him finish out the rest of his athletic peak with Dallas.
Looking at the big edge rusher contracts market, Myles Garrett signed a deal worth $40 million per year, while Danielle Hunter's sits at $35.6 million and Crosby at $35.5 million per season.
Considering his age and production, Parsons is likely to earn a million or two more a year than those players, potentially reaching up to $5 million more with a five-year deal, which would break the record for the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
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