The Dallas Cowboys are currently in a holding pattern regarding a new contract for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons as training camp is just around the corner. Although there is a strong expectation that Parsons will secure one of the highest-paying contracts for a defensive player in NFL history, discussions have not gained significant momentum this summer. As reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, this slow progress is somewhat intentional.
“So, this is kind of a relaxed situation,” Fowler remarked on SportsCenter. “When I talk to the people involved, they’re like, look, it’s a lull in the summer right now, not a lot going on. People are on vacation. Team officials were out on the beach somewhere. Once they reconvene for training camp, Dallas will probably lock in on this a little bit more. Typically, they do their deals late in the calendar, you know, late August, early September. We’ve seen that with CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and some of their other big deals.”
“So, this is kind of a relaxed situation,” said Fowler. “When I talk to people involved, they say it’s a lull in the summer, not much is happening. People are on vacation.”
Parsons has established himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first four seasons and becoming the only player to record at least 12 sacks in the initial three years of his career. While other prominent players have opted out of offseason activities amid contract disputes, Parsons chose to attend mandatory minicamp in June, a decision that caught some off guard considering his current contract situation.
Dallas has reportedly been deliberating on a new contract for months; however, with the start of camp imminent, there is increasing urgency to finalize an agreement. Even though the Cowboys exercised Parsons’ fifth-year option, controlling his rights through the 2025 season, his projected salary of $24 million falls below his market worth.
“They are dedicated to doing this, though,” Fowler noted. “(Parsons is) right in his prime, mid-20s, and a dangerous player. So he’s going to get a massive number. Just depends on when they do it. Shouldn’t be a problem. The Cowboys have plenty of budget to work with.”
“They are committed to this,” Fowler asserted. “Parsons is prime, in his mid-20s, a dangerous player. He will command an enormous contract.”
Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett set a new standard by signing a record-breaking deal averaging $40 million a year — the highest ever for a non-quarterback in league history. Parsons is anticipated to surpass that salary once a contract is finalized, raising the stakes for Dallas to act sooner rather than later.
