In a recent appearance on WWE legend The Undertaker's Six Feet Under podcast, Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons expressed his frustration with team owner Jerry Jones regarding the slow progress on his contract extension. Parsons, who is entering the final year of his contract, stated, "We obviously wanted to get done early. We want that relief... But, obviously, ownership is always gonna make it drag out, make it more complicated than it has to be." His candid remarks shed light on the ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield a satisfactory outcome.
Micah Parsons is slated to play the 2025 season under a fifth-year option worth $24 million. As a standout player since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons has been in discussions for a contract extension that could position him among the league's highest-paid edge rushers. The current pass-rusher market has reached unprecedented levels, particularly with recent contracts signed by other elite players.
Noteworthy contracts have set the bar high for Parsons. In March, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million megadeal, and Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby secured a massive contract worth $35.5 million per season. Most recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded T.J. Watt with a three-year, $123 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. These deals have undoubtedly increased the urgency for Parsons to finalize his own extension.
Despite having a strong track record and being proactive in his performance, Parsons feels that the ownership's approach is causing delays. He noted that the Cowboys were more focused on extending players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year, stating, "We wanted to do the contract last year... Then you go out there and perform again, and, you know, you would think, like, all right, we'll get it done early." This sentiment reflects a common frustration among players who see their value but face bureaucratic hurdles in contract negotiations.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Micah Parsons showed his commitment to the team by attending mandatory minicamp. In contrast, fellow edge rusher Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals chose to hold out while seeking a new deal. Parsons, a two-time first-team All-Pro, has amassed an impressive 52.5 sacks and 63 tackles for loss in just 63 career games, underscoring his value and the urgency for the Cowboys to reach an agreement.
As negotiations continue, the spotlight remains on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' management, as fans and analysts alike await a resolution that could secure Micah Parsons' future as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL.
