Micah Parsons discusses his future with the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in the middle of trying to get long-term deals worked out with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. However, there’s also All-Pro edge rusher/linebacker Micah Parsons that’s due for a huge payday soon. His situation is a little different since the Cowboys exercised his fifth-year option, which will keep him under contract through 2025, while Prescott and Lamb can test the free agent market next offseason.
There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Dallas, despite the frustrating philosophy they have when it comes to contracts, will make Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in the league when it’s all said and done. Parsons addressed the media after a recent training camp practice, and he made it clear what his future plans are.
“When you talk about career and legacy, I don’t think there’s a better career you can have than when you’re playing for the star and you have a chance to be the best with the star and you retire a Cowboy,” Parsons said. “You look at [Jason] Witten, you look at Michael Irvin, you look at Emmitt [Smith], you see they’re still in the community, still active. The star holds so much weight and the legacy that brings.
“Look at Charles [Haley], he still bothers me in the locker room every week. There’s nothing like wearing the star when you do it the right way. So in terms of being here, I want to be here my whole life. I plan on building a house here and being in Dallas forever. I love the city. I love the community. I love for what it stands for.”
Parsons has been the epitome of dominance and consistency since entering the NFL. He’s amassed 40.5 sacks over his first three seasons while also racking up 260 pressures, 169 hurries, and 89 quarterback hits. It’s not just the edge where Parsons is effective either as he can rush from the interior with his speed, power, and athleticism, plus he roams sideline to sideline and makes plays in space when he’s performing as a linebacker.
With a commodity like Parsons, the Cowboys simply have no choice but to get him the bag as they say. The guy simply does too many things at a high level. Parsons understands that there’s still time to get his financial situation taken care of, and instead, he’s geared towards keeping up his reputation as arguably the league’s best all-around defender.
“To be honest with you, I always told you guys, the contract stuff will always take care of itself,” Parsons said. “Winning games is what I need to take care of. I focus on winning games and making plays and getting sacks. Jerry can meet up with my agent later and they handle all that other stuff. I don’t know how that goes. I’m on my first deal, and I know I got two years left here, so I’m going to try to maximize those as much as possible.”
The Cowboys are operating under new leadership at the defensive coordinator spot with Mike Zimmer back for a second stint with the organization. Of course, that means that Parsons and his teammates have to get in the classroom and learn a new scheme and philosophy. He’s taken the initiative of meeting with Zimmer and running game coordinator Paul Guenther every morning, and he’s even brought All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs into the proceedings despite rehabbing from a torn ACL.
It’s translated even beyond those sessions. Parsons has turned it up a notch when it comes to his communication with his teammates in meetings as well, making sure that there’s no stone left unturned.
“So every day I walk around the room and make sure everyone has their notebook,” Parsons said. “I make sure everyone has a water bottle. Now, to me, there are no excuses. I want to check every box, so no one does feel like they’re behind.”
Leadership is key, especially from top stars on a football team. Some have questioned that in regards to Parsons in the past, but he’s quickly putting those doubts to bed.