FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ standout pass rusher Micah Parsons is on the verge of signing a groundbreaking contract extension, but time is pressing. The team started mandatory minicamps on June 10th, and rookie coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed hope that Parsons would participate. Schottenheimer noted he recently spoke with Parsons, emphasizing his expectation that Parsons will be present despite his recent absence.
Parsons had attended OTAs earlier in the offseason and, although missing some practices, was seen by CBS Sports back in the Cowboys locker room after a weekend trip and practiced on Tuesday. His attendance coincides with Dallas’ Team Media and Photo Day activities this week. Parsons acknowledged the ongoing contract discussions but said the matter is “in the hands of the owners.”
Coach Schottenheimer remains optimistic about Parsons’ presence at next week’s practices, recalling Parsons’ past attendance at minicamps. Parsons enters the last year of his contract, currently earning just over $24 million for 2025. Recognized as one of the best at his position, Parsons deserves a bigger payday and long-term security, goals that have likely strengthened his negotiating power. Schottenheimer understands the business side and noted that being present doesn’t mean necessarily practicing every day but staying engaged with the team.
Dallas Cowboys COO and EVP Stephen Jones commented on Parsons’ limited OTA participation, stating this is common in such contract negotiation scenarios and part of the business. Parsons, who made a huge impact in his rookie season with 13 sacks and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year, has recorded at least 12 sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons and has totaled 52.5 sacks in 63 career games.
By delaying a new deal with Parsons, the Cowboys might be putting themselves at a disadvantage, especially as the pass rush market has seen multiple resets this offseason. Parsons’ camp seems to be aiming higher than the $40 million average annual value earned by top peers like Miles Garrett. Parsons himself stressed that he feels he is entering his prime and is eager to avoid a slow start to the season that can come from contract holdouts.
If Parsons skips the minicamp, he could face fines, but since he remains on his rookie contract, the Cowboys can waive those penalties if he signs a new contract soon. Extending Parsons quickly is crucial to keeping him involved during the entire preseason, helping him maintain momentum and leadership with the team. Parsons said that finishing his deal before training camp is vital to avoid the setbacks many players face when they miss early practices.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for NFL fans because Parsons is a game-changing player whose performance heavily influences the Cowboys’ defense and overall success. Securing his long-term contract could set a standard for elite pass rushers in the league and shape the dynamics of player-team negotiations moving forward.
