Micah Parsons was a spectator rather than a participant at the Dallas Cowboys‘ mandatory minicamp this week, as the defensive standout waits for the long-anticipated contract extension he believes he has earned.
While Parsons did attend Tuesday’s session, he made it clear that his presence in Oxnard for training camp doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll take the field-unless the front office meets his terms.
The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which includes a $24 million fifth-year option. After becoming extension-eligible following the 2023 season, Parsons is now in line for a massive payday that would likely set a new benchmark for non-quarterbacks.
According to reports, he is expected to seek a contract exceeding the $40.25 million per year recently agreed to by Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Despite his current contract status, Parsons still took time to speak with team owner Jerry Jones during the session. The two chatted for around 30 minutes, though the All-Pro linebacker confirmed the meeting did not include any talk about a new deal.
“I’m pretty hopeful,” Parsons said. “I’m still hanging tight. I understand it’s up to [Jones], and he gives the green light on everything, so hopefully something’s done by next month.”
Contract standoff looms over Cowboys’ training camp
Parsons did not participate in any drills this week and notably skipped the past two weeks of voluntary organized team activities.
Although he says he will be present when the team heads to California for training camp, Parsons was noncommittal when asked whether he would engage in any football activities without a new contract in place.
Still, the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year insisted that his mindset hasn’t changed when it comes to preparation or team commitment.
“I’m going to still keep playing football,” he said. “I’m going to keep showing up and preparing like any other year.”
As of now, no recent negotiations have been reported between the Cowboys and Parsons‘ agent, David Mulugheta. That’s raised eyebrows, especially given how critical Parsons has been to Dallas‘ defense.
Over three seasons, he has racked up 40.5 sacks, 89 quarterback hits, and 10 forced fumbles, earning two first-team All-Pro honors along the way.
Jones has a reputation for moving slowly when it comes to blockbuster contracts, but the team’s window to contend may not be open forever. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are also in line for extensions, further complicating the salary cap picture.
Lamb, for his part, held out of camp in 2024 and didn’t sign his extension until 12 days before the regular season began. Parsons could be following a similar playbook-only with far more money at stake.
If the Cowboys are serious about contending in 2025, locking down the face of their defense before tensions escalate into a prolonged holdout might be the only winning play.
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