Micah Parsons didn’t mince words when discussing his contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys, sending a firm message to Jerry Jones and the other decision-makers in the front office.
Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is expected to land a lucrative extension before the season begins. However, much like with other Cowboys stars in recent years, the Cowboys have dragged out negotiations — a delay Parsons believes will ultimately cost the team.
“It’s going to cost them more,” Parsons told Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports.
Parsons told Hill that he’s aware of what disgruntled Steelers star T.J. Watt is seeking on his next contract — and it exceeds what Parsons was initially targeting. If Watt signs before him, Parsons will have even more leverage in his bid to become the highest-paid defender in the NFL. That title currently belongs to Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who signed a four-year, $160 million extension earlier this offseason.
Micah Parsons Puts Pressure on Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones
Parsons was present and participated in some position drills during minicamp — a show of good faith amid the contract standoff. But one notable moment came during the first day of minicamp on the sideline when he had a 30-minute conversation with Jones. Parsons said the two didn’t discuss business, but caught up on what they had been doing.
“We were talking about how my offseason has been, the training I’ve been putting in,” Parsons said. “He was telling me I look pretty good, so I got excited about that. Asking me about the trip I just went on. It was a pretty good conversation. Then obviously just stepping up and being a leader and how much he appreciates it. And that means a lot to me.”
Parsons doesn’t want to miss time, especially with the team aiming for a strong start under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, with whom he shares a close bond. He did address his contract situation, expressing confidence that a deal will get done but putting the onus on Jones.
“I’m pretty hopeful,” Parsons said. “I understand that it’s up to (Jones). He gives the green light on everything. Hopefully, something will be done by next month.”
Dak Prescott Expects Micah Parsons Deal to Get Done
The Cowboys handed out two massive extensions ahead of last season, securing Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. But, like with Parsons, it didn’t come easy. Lamb sat out all of training camp before agreeing to his deal, while Prescott signed his extension just before Week 1.
Prescott shared his thoughts on Parsons’ contract situation, expressing confidence that they’ll reach a deal.
“We’re all very confident that Micah’s going to get this deal done,” Prescott said Thursday. “It starts with Micah and Jerry and I think they’ve both alluded to that. Obviously, it’s a situation and position that I’ve been in a couple of times. He understands the wait and just doing everything in between there the right way.”
Over four seasons, Parsons has notched 52.5 sacks in 63 games.
