Micah Parsons, the standout Cowboys linebacker, has clarified that his decision to skip the voluntary offseason program, including organized team activities, was not related to his contract situation. Instead, he emphasized that he prioritized allowing his body to heal and has his own offseason routine.
While Parsons still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, which includes a fifth-year option, he believes that he deserves to be compensated as one of the league’s top defensive players. He aims to reset the market with an even higher annual average salary than Justin Jefferson’s record-breaking non-quarterback contract. However, the Cowboys are facing financial constraints with upcoming contract negotiations for quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb is currently holding out from mandatory minicamp in pursuit of an expedited resolution to his contract situation. Aware of the evolving market dynamics and the Cowboys’ history of delayed contract extensions for key players, Parsons anticipates a significant increase in his value by waiting. He acknowledges that the team’s current cap space limitations may impact his immediate contract negotiations. However, he remains confident that the market will continue to rise, especially with the projected increase in the salary cap for the following year. Parsons believes that the Cowboys will eventually offer him a lucrative deal given his elite performance on the field.
