The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the richest histories in all of professional sports. Pair that with a successful and current beloved head coach like Mike Tomlin, and Western Pennsylvania becomes quite the spot for NFL talent to land. Every time the Steelers go out and sign a free agent, at some point, that player makes a comment regarding the former strong desire to play for a coach like Tomlin. He has players all over the league that have a strong want to play for him, including one of the best defenders in the NFL, Micah Parsons.
Parsons is entering the second to last year of his rookie deal. It will be his fourth season in the league in 2024, and since he was a first-round pick back in 2021, the Dallas Cowboys were able to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2025 season. Parsons has been clear that he desires a contract extension before the 2024 season, and the two parties do not seem to be close to an agreement.
Cowboys writer, Clarence Hill Jr., spoke with Parsons on Tuesday. Parsons spoke about his future, and the thought of ever leaving Dallas.
The idea of Parsons joining Pittsburgh is exciting, but it wouldn't happen until he is on the tail end of his career. Pittsburgh is set with two of the best edge rushers in the game in Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt, and they also have a young talent in Nick Herbig. Parsons could be considered a generational talent, but Pittsburgh has no need for him now, and he has no plans to leave Dallas.
Parsons has had an elite start to his career. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year for his performance during the 2021 season, and has been named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons. He has yet to win the coveted Defensive Player of the Year Award, but he has finished top three in voting in every season since entering the league.
Pittsburgh fans might not like the idea of Parsons one day wearing the black and gold. This is mainly because he is a Cowboy, but he also has had pretty negative comments regarding Watt. Parsons did nothing but take shots at Watt after the 2023 season ended, saying that he isn't a top five pass rusher. Parsons was also clearly in favor of Myles Garrett winning the DPOY Award for the 2023 season, even though he had worse stats than Watt and Parsons.
Again, if Parsons ever does become a Steeler, it likel wouldn't be for a long time. It's important to him and his legacy to stay with the Cowboys for a while. If he ever does decide to come to Pittsburgh, and he remains as productive as he has been, Pittsburgh fans would welcome him with open arms, but the question has to be presented about how long Tomlin will be around.
Steelers Are Chosen Team By Parsons Over The Eagles
Parsons grew up in Pennsylvania and is from Harrisburg, which is closer to Philadelphia. Despite this, Parsons stated that he would rather play for the Steelers than the Philadelphia Eagles. Parsons probably didn't mind the Eagles, until he became a Cowboy. The Eagles and Cowboys are competing for the top spot in the NFC East every year, so Parsons has a lot of hate in his heart for Philadelphia.
Tomlin was also a factor that Parsons mentioned. It is well known that Tomlin has never had a losing season as a head coach, and he is considered one of the best "player coaches" in the league. Every one that has played for him has nothing but good things to say, and he seems to be one of the more desirable guys to learn from in the NFL.
