Two notable members of the Dallas Cowboys arrived at the team’s facility a day before the start of mandatory minicamp. All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs were back at The Star on Monday, and the expectation is that both players will be in attendance.

While expected, Parsons’ presence is significant due to his contract situation. Though anticipated to sign a long-term deal this offseason, Parsons is currently set to play under a fifth-year option that was exercised by the team last spring. Despite this uncertainty, he did participate in a portion of the team’s OTAs.

Diggs’ arrival at The Star was also financially motivated, but in a different manner. His contract requires participation in 84.375% of the offseason program to prevent losing a $500,000 de-escalator. Diggs, who did not participate in OTAs, underwent knee surgery in January, and is expected to be on the physically unable to perform list when the Cowboys begin training camp next month.

Although the exact timeline for Diggs’ return remains unknown, the Cowboys are hopeful for another All-Pro caliber season from Parsons. In 2024, he became the fourth player in NFL history to achieve at least 10 sacks in each of his first four seasons, finishing last season with 12 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, despite a career-high missing four games due to injury.

It’s only a matter of time before Parsons signs his significant contract extension. Reflecting on recent history, it may still take some time before he finalizes the agreement, as exemplified by CeeDee Lamb who didn’t sign his major extension until Aug. 26 last summer. Once completed, Parsons is likely to rank among the NFL’s highest-paid defenders, with the current title held by Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett.