The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments this season. Going into Week 14, the team is 5–7 and third in the NFC East.
Despite that underwhelming performance, star linebacker Micah Parsons wants head coach Mike McCarthy to return next season. That would go against the sentiment to fire McCarthy for failing to meet expectations.
Yet in Parsons’ view, it’s unfair to judge the coach—or the team—because of all the injuries the Cowboys have dealt with this season. He expressed that belief during an interview with ESPN that will air before Monday night’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I think I would like a fair shot with everyone back—players, coaches—because the injuries kind of struck of what this season could really be,” Parsons said. “The injuries have been terrible. And, you know, it really sucks. Seeing Zack [Martin], D-Law [DeMarcus Lawrence] not having the year I know he planned to have. He had such a great start. It really sucks.”
This week, the Cowboys announced that Martin opted for ankle surgery that will sideline him for the team’s remaining five games. Lawrence has been on injured reserve since suffering a foot injury in Week 4.
Parsons’ feelings echo those of quarterback Dak Prescott, who sustained a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9. Prescott told Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein that he “wholeheartedly” believes in McCarthy.
“I believe in him wholeheartedly,” Prescott said, speaking in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods. “I don’t want to necessarily get into the nuts and the screws of it all obviously, but I think he definitely deserves a chance — another contract and a chance to coach this team amongst more influence. ‘On his terms’ may be a good way to say it.”
Parsons will definitely be back with the Cowboys next season, playing the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. So supporting McCarthy seems meaningful under those circumstances.
Dallas has already agreed to pay big money to Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott’s deal made him the highest-paid player in NFL history, while Lamb’s contract ranks second among the league’s receivers.
Parsons is set to be next in line after establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers with 47 sacks in four seasons. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. Last year, Parsons was named to second-team All-Pro.
“I’m Jerry’s guy,” Parsons told ESPN, referring to his relationship with Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. “I know it’s easier said than done because I’m not at the table, but that’s my guy. We talk about it and how much we appreciate each side, but I know numbers talk. But man, at the end of the day whatever it takes for me just to continue to be a Cowboy until I retire, that’s what I want.”
However, Parsons added that being the highest-paid defensive player matters less to him than the Cowboys having the resources to build a championship roster.