As speculation continues to swirl about his future, Micah Parsons made it clear Thursday that he is not seeking a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys and hopes something will be done in time for training camp.
Speaking to reporters, the two-time first-team All-Pro defensive end said he’s not looking to hold out if a contract extension doesn’t happen before next season. He sees the importance of participating in the camp as part of preparations for the upcoming season.
“I definitely think I need to be here in camp because, honestly, when a lot of the defense is surrounded by your play and your presence, and others are lining up based on you, I need to be here so that we can get these guys in.” consequence,” said Parsons, via the Cowboys website. “We can hustle together, build that chemistry.
“So I think it’s extremely important that he be back in OTAs, minicamps (etc.).”
When it comes time to talk about a new deal, Parsons added that he’s not looking to break the bank and sees the value in taking a little less than expected to help the Cowboys present a contender.
“It would be nice to be around good players, you know what I mean?” Parsons said. “Players who are going to help you win championships. To me, having $40 million and getting chips every play and sliding two and three, four people, I don’t think that sounds like a lot of fun. So to me, it’s about people that we can keep making a difference and obviously we’ll get Sam (Williams) back and we’ll get some (others) back;
“We’ll see how it plays out, but I want to keep as many guys as possible, however, they’ll make the cap work.”
Parsons is very excited to stay in Dallas, he said. podcast earlier this week on contract negotiations: “We’re going to find a way for me to be a cowboy for life.”
No one wants to help make that happen more than Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In his weekly radio ad with 105.3 The Fan in DallasJones said speculation that Parsons could be traded is unfounded.
“It’s never been said in this organization that we have no future with Micah Parsons,” Jones said.
The speculation was fueled by recent comments from Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones about the financial aspect of having numerous high-priced stars with quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Parsons, in case the two parties reach an agreement.
“Obviously, we’re all in on Dak and CeeDee,” Stephen Jones said. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network“But after that, you keep shaping things, including Micah. But Micah is a great player. You don’t do well in this league letting guys like Micah, generally, leave the house.”
Parsons’ current rookie contract runs through the 2025 season after the Cowboys exercised his fifth-year option that will pay him just over $21 million. by Spotrac. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 or be placed on the franchise tag for up to three seasons.
“I don’t need $40 million a year,” Parsons said. “I need to be somewhere where I can have a lake house.”