While speculation continues to bubble up around his future, Micah Parsons made it clear on Thursday that he’s not looking for a contract squabble with the Dallas Cowboys and expects something done in time for training camp.
Speaking to reporters, the two-time first-team All-Pro defensive end said he isn’t looking to holdout if a contract extension isn’t done before next season. He sees the importance of being involved in camp as part of preparations for the upcoming season.
“I definitely think I need to be here in camp because, honestly, when so much of the defense is surrounded by your play and your presence, and others are getting lined up based off of you, I need to be here so that way I can get these guys accordingly,” said Parsons, via the Cowboys’ website. “We can rush together, build that chemistry.
“So I think it’s of extreme importance that I’m back at OTAs, minicamp [etc.].”
When it comes time to talk about a new deal, Parsons added he’s not looking to break the bank and he sees the value in taking a little less than expected in order to help the Cowboys field a contender.
“It would just be nice to be surrounded by good players, you know what I mean?” Parsons said. “Players that are going to help you win championships. To me, having $40 million and being chipped every play and slid two with three, four people — I don’t think that sounds too fun. So, to me, it’s about people that can keep making a difference and, obviously, we’re going to get Sam [Williams] back; and we’re going get some of [others] back.
“We’ll see how it breaks down, but I want to keep as many guys as possible, however they’re going to make the cap work.”
Parsons is so gung-ho to stay in Dallas he said podcast earlier this week about contract talks: “We’re gonna figure out a way for me to be a Cowboy for life.”
No one wants to help make that happen more than Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. On his weekly radio spot with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones said that speculation that Parsons could be traded is unfounded.
“That’s never been uttered in this organization that we don’t have a future with Micah Parsons,” Jones said.
The speculation was fueled by Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones’ recent comments about the financial aspect of having numerous high-priced stars with quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Parsons, should the two sides work out an agreement.
“Obviously we’re totally all-in on Dak and CeeDee,” Stephen Jones told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “but after that, then you still shape things, including Micah. But Micah’s a great player. You don’t do well in this league letting guys like Micah, usually, leave the house.”
Parsons’ current rookie deal runs through the 2025 season after the Cowboys picked up his fifth-year option that will pay him a little over $21 million, per Spotrac. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 or have the franchise tag placed on him for up to three seasons.
“I don’t need need $40 million per year,” Parsons said. “I need to be somewhere where I can have a lake house.”