Introduction to Micah Parsons and the Cowboys
The Cowboys have tremendous value in edge rusher Micah Parsons. In four seasons, Parsons has 52 ½ sacks, the fifth-most through a player’s first four seasons in NFL history.
He is considered one of the best players in the NFL. He is signed through the 2025 season, and Cowboys officials have expressed a desire to sign Parsons to one of the richest contracts for a non-quarterback in league history — somewhere along the lines of $40 million a year.
But last week, another teammate publicly questioned his dedication to the team. Former head coach Mike McCarthy last year expressed disappointment at Parsons’ absence from voluntary team workouts.
The team intends to discuss Parsons’ attendance at future voluntary workouts, especially to set an example as a team leader, according to a person with direct knowledge of the discussions.
Do the Cowboys Have a Micah Parsons Problem?
For someone who is expected to command such a large amount of money from the Cowboys, the question lingers: Do the Cowboys have a Micah Parsons problem?
The answer is complicated, especially depending on whom you ask, with a looming contract extension still unresolved.
Parsons is hardly the first high-profile player in franchise history to be questioned by teammates and others, like media and fans, for how they conduct themselves off the field. Parsons is part of a new generation of athletes with a large platform that enables him to engage directly with fans. Parsons has often used that platform, which includes social media like X and a weekly in-season podcast, to defend himself against criticism.
Parsons has disputed that missing voluntary offseason workouts is a problem, though he indicated he’s willing to attend. When it comes to his in-season podcast, he doesn’t seem willing to stop. Whether he’ll do the in-season podcast for the 2025 season for Bleacher Report isn’t known.
‘Less Time Tweeting’
Last year, safety Malik Hooker questioned Parsons’ commitment to the team because he was doing a podcast during the season.
This year, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence raised the issue of Parsons’ social media presence after signing a new contract with Seattle.
Each time, Parsons shot back.
In discussing why he signed a three-year deal with Seattle, Lawrence said, “I know for sure, I’m not gonna win a Super Bowl there,” in talking about Dallas.
“This what rejection and envy look like!” Parsons responded on X. “This some clown s—!”
“Calling me a clown won’t change the fact that I told the truth,” Lawrence responded on X after seeing Parsons’ comments. “Maybe if you spent less time tweeting and more time winning, I wouldn’t have left.”
More of a Leader
Some of Parsons’ intangibles can be perceived as a problem from the in-season podcast, but team owner Jerry Jones and co-owner Stephen Jones conduct interviews during the season as well. Those interviews are part of their contract with their flagship radio station, KRLD-FM (105.3 The Fan).
Parsons is paid by the owners of Bleacher Report for his in-season podcast. However, in 2023, he ended scheduled interviews with FS1 after host Skip Bayless criticized quarterback Dak Prescott.
Cowboys officials have not publicly expressed issues with Parsons. They are, after all, in the early stages of contract talks. But privately, they’ve said they’d like to see him more in the offseason.
Parsons elects to spend his offseason traveling, as several players do.
Perception is Reality
Parsons shows up on time, in shape and prepared for the mandatory veteran minicamp and training camp. When the 2024 season ended, Parsons said he planned to attend voluntary offseason workouts. But with Parsons’ contract status uncertain, holding out is a topic of discussion until a new deal is reached. In the last two years, CeeDee Lamb and Zack Martin were holdouts in training camp to get new contracts.
Contract talks have been slow compared to players on his level, but Parsons expects to get a new contract. Edge rusher Myles Garrett of the Browns requested a trade and asked to speak with the owner, only to get rebuffed and then sign one of the largest contracts in league history, all within a two-month span.
Parsons said everybody leads in different ways. He doesn’t have to attend every voluntary offseason workout to show leadership. He noted when the team goes to training camp for nearly a month, he’s able to bond with teammates in Oxnard, Calif.
Conclusion
One thing is certain: the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought continues and until that ends, conversations about podcasts, moving lockers and showing up on time become the main topic.
Parsons is thoughtful and engaging with reporters and fans. During pregame warmups, Parsons chats with kids from various charitable foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Micah Parsons’ current contract status?
A: Parsons is signed through the 2025 season, and Cowboys officials have expressed a desire to sign him to one of the richest contracts for a non-quarterback in league history.
Q: Why have teammates questioned Micah Parsons’ dedication to the team?
A: Teammates have questioned Parsons’ dedication due to his absence from voluntary team workouts and his focus on his in-season podcast and social media presence.
Q: How has Micah Parsons responded to criticism from teammates?
A: Parsons has shot back at teammates who have criticized him, using social media to defend himself and his actions.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ stance on Micah Parsons’ contract extension?
A: The Cowboys have not publicly expressed issues with Parsons, but privately, they’ve said they’d like to see him more in the offseason and are in the early stages of contract talks.
