Micah Parsons contract update: NFL insider reveals status of Cowboys extension talks after TJ Watt deal

As Micah Parsons waits for a new contract with the Dallas Cowboys, another domino fell Thursday. TJ Watt signed a lucrative contract extension to stay in Pittsburgh, and NFL Network’s Jane Slater provided the latest where things stand in Dallas.

Parsons has been searching for a new contract all offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. However, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. In the meantime, Myles Garrett reset the pass-rush market with a huge contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $40 million per year, and Watt topped that with a $41 million annual salary.

So, once again, all eyes turn toward the Cowboys as Parsons’ situation comes to the forefront. Slater said things seem to still be in a holding pattern, though, amid Watt’s big payday.

“Here’s what I know,” Slater told Judy Battista on The Insiders. “I reached out to all sides that are involved in this and I said, ‘Where are we at? Have there been more discussions? Will Micah be at camp?’ The responses I got were, ‘Nothing going on.’ ‘Status quo.'”

Of course, this isn’t the first time Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have waited on an extension. They did so last year with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb before they each signed monster contracts to stay in Dallas.

But Slater pointed out a difference this time around. Parsons was in Jones’ office after the NFL Scouting Combine, and the former Penn State star’s agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, also got involved in the conversations. Parsons also participated in the offseason program and said he plans to be at training camp this month.

“To Micah Parsons’ credit … he’s trying to get the deal done,” Slater said. “He’s trying to do things in good faith. I don’t know what the holdup is. I would suspect Jerry has always said that part of this is entertainment.”

Parsons remains the focal point of the Cowboys’ defense as he enters his fifth season in the league. The 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, he has made the Pro Bowl each of his first four years and is a two-time First Team All-Pro selection. He also earned Second team All-Pro honors in 2023. The Cowboys are scheduled to open training camp next week.