The Dallas Cowboys are still yet to agree a deal with star linebacker Micah Parsons and the 26-year-old opted not to take part in the second week of Organized Team Practice (OTA) this week.
The OTAs are strictly voluntary, and Parsons did take part in the first week of activities, but his decision to sit out week two will have rung alarm bells for some fans. Parsons will not want to risk an injury with his contractual status still undecided but it could leave him underprepared when the real work begins in preseason.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he has not seen Micah Parsons this week. They had lunch last week. Schottenheimer repeats that OTAs are voluntary pic.twitter.com/OrzrZfn6ta
– Jon Machota (@jonMachota) May 29, 2025
Parsons was the Cowboys’ first round pick in 2021 and he has spent the last four years with the team, winning Pro Bowl selections in each of those seasons. His four-year rookie contract expired at the end of the 2024 season and he could be looking at a league-record deal.
BVM Sports reports that Parsons could command a deal worth around $41 million per yearsurpassing Myles Garrett and Ja’Marr Chase as the top earners in his position. If the Pittsburgh Steelers sign linebacker T. J. Watt to a new deal in the coming days it could push Parsons’ price even higher.
Negotiations have not progressed since a positive meeting March and an upcoming mandatory mini-camp on June 10 introduces a real deadline for both parties.
For the Cowboys, it’s another example of failing to tie down a key player. Last year they dragged their feet over contract renewals for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescotteventually forcing them to overpay for the stars later in the offseason.
NBC Sports claims that the Cowboys could probably have secured Parsons on a deal worth around $35 million per year if they had been more proactive after the end of the 2024 season. Now, they could be looking at a $45 million-a-year contract to keep a key defensive piece with the team.
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