Micah Parsons opens up about contract extension talks with Cowboys, reveals deadline for new deal

Micah Parsons is never one to hold back being honest in the media. Amid his ongoing talks with the Dallas Cowboys on a contract extension, Parsons was quite candid speaking from the 2025 Reliant Home Run Derby on Tuesday.

Parsons, the All-Pro pass rusher, wants to get paid. Jerry Jones would like to pay the 25-year-old, but the two sides remain in disagreement on a final number. Parsons said that in an ideal world, this gets settled by the start of training camp in July.

“It’s extremely important,” Parsons said, via Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. “I mean, you really see a lot of players struggle when guys aren’t participating in camp and they’re getting off to slow starts. Don’t wanna get off to a slow start. I wanna hit the ground running and establish ourselves in this league and get some wins early in the season and be in rhythm. It’s gonna be extremely important for me to get going and lead these guys.”

Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS reported earlier this month that Jones offered Parsons a record-breaking contract that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The Cleveland Browns recently signed edge rusher Myles Garrett to a deal worth $40 million, the highest for an NFL defender. Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase signed a contract worth $40.25 million per season, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback.

But Parsons said this past December he didn’t need to be a $40 million man. Has his stance changed?

“That’s the challenging part, is getting fully what you’re worth. But I don’t really think it’s about the dollar amount,” Parsons said. “I think it’s about how someone thinks of you. It’s only about how much someone thinks you’re worth, you know?”

Dallas tends to drag things out with its star players. Quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb didn’t sign their new deals until just before Week 1 of last season. There’s no concern for Jones, however, when it comes to Parsons.

“The assumption here is that we’re going to get something done. And so, he knows or should know how important his being around here working is to leadership. It’s a big deal,” Jones said hours before Parsons spoke. “It’s the main reason why I’ve kind taken some of the attitude I’ve taken about this thing. Micah just has to be elevated in his leadership and will be. Or it will be a downer when he gets his anticipated contract. It will be a downer if he does not elevate leadership.”

Micah Parsons present at voluntary OTAs amid contract talks with Cowboys

Parsons has one more season remaining on his rookie contract, a fifth-year option Dallas previously picked up. Parsons finished the 2024 season with 43 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. He has tallied double digit sacks in each of his four NFL seasons, totaling 52.5.

Though he hasn’t secured a new contract, Parsons still showed up to voluntary OTAs. It was important for Parsons to be there, he said, especially with a new regime in place led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

“Everyone’s got a different perspective but, talking to Schotty, and [him] telling me how important it is for me to be there, and what he’s trying to prove and show to the team — I just thought it was important,” Parsons said. “One, for me and my relationship with our new head coach to understand where he’s coming from and help him in any way I can to go on this run. Schotty’s showed up to my event, and Schotty’s been around to try and build relationships.

“So, I feel like we’re at the point where if he asks her for me to come in for the leadership aspect, and to be around the guys, and show face, that’s something I wanna do for my coach. I mean, for me, it’s not really like walking the walk. It’s just me. Like I always said, I’ve wanted to be a Cowboy. And being here, I feel like it’s really just being me. I’ve been as real as possible since I’ve been here.”