At the beginning of April, a report emerged stating an in-person meeting between Micah Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones resulted in the framework of an extension agreement. Since then, it has become clear plenty of work still needs to be done, though, and the parties have not spoken directly in some time. 
“I haven’t talked with him in about four or five weeks and of course that’ll be necessary if he’s going to get a [new] contract,” Jones said of Parsons during this week’s owners meeting (via Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports). “But he’s got a contract. That’s the point — be sure and clear about that.”
Indeed, Parsons remains on track to collect $24.01MM in 2025 on his fifth-year option. That figure is guaranteed and represents his scheduled cap hit as things stand. Lowering his immediate cap charge could be attained with a long-term pact, one which will carry a much larger AAV. The four-time Pro Bowler could very well find himself as the league’s highest-paid defender, which would require surpassing Myles Garrett‘s $40MM-per-year Browns pact. Topping the deal Ja’Marr Chase inked with the Bengals ($41.25MM anually) would make Parsons the league’s highest earner for non-quarterbacks.
In the absence of an extension agreement, Parsons’ participation in voluntary spring workouts was a talking point. The 25-year-old was in attendance for the start of Dallas’ offseason program, which marked the beginning of new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus‘ scheme install. As for the opening days of OTAs, first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer said (via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News) Parsons was present on Monday. That was not the case the following day, though, as noted by DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr.
Schottenheimer has spoken publicly on a number of occasions about the importance of Parsons taking part in spring practice in advance of mandatory minicamp next month and training camp during the summer. Hill notes it is unclear if the two-time All-Pro participated in on-field work Monday or if his attendance simply took the form of meetings.
Parsons aims to have his extension in hand in time for training camp, and if that does not prove to be the case the possibility of a hold-in will loom. Time remains for a deal to be reached, but a gap exists between the asking price from the former Defensive Rookie of the Year’s camp and what Dallas has been prepared to offer so far. Based on Jones’ remarks, the Cowboys – a team regularly criticized for its pace with respect to working out long-term deals – are not on the verge of ensuring Parsons’ post-2025 future.
Parsons having a discussion with Jones is going to be a bit of a problem. The Cowboys owner is geriatric so he’s likely medicated or taking a nap most of the time. The best way for Micah to get Jerry’s attention would be to walk around with a live microphone. Jerry has an addiction to them.
Micah needs to invite Jerry to his podcast. “Free me, dog” …
Shouldn’t there be a Pro Football Rumors podcast available on Listen Notes?
Why would they talk anyway? Shouldn’t they be talking to his agent? Is he representing himself or something?
They need to talk face to face so Jerry can sell Micah on his revised “all-in” strategy 🙂
Oh man, that was hilarious. How do you come up with that stuff on the fly?
Every minute the Cowboys delay, is more money in Parsons’ pocket.
The franchise value of the Cowboys increases by the minute too so I don’t think Jerry is going to panic.
I disagree. Jerry’s only obsession is to prove he can GM and win a Superbowl and the last time he won was with Jimmy Johnsons team.
Plus, Jerry is old as dirt, like really old…so all the pressure is on Jerry.
Especially when the Cowboys could be 3rd of 4th in the NFC East.
I don’t know why Jerry does this, when he’s just going to give Micah whatever he wants and more, just like he did with Dak.