The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive cornerstone Micah Parsons is eyeing a contract extension before spring’s offseason activities begin, but unlike some of his peers, he’s taking a different approach to negotiations.
While star receiver CeeDee Lamb chose to skip last year’s offseason and training camp before landing a hefty $136 million extension in August, Parsons appears ready to stay involved regardless of his contract status.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Jon Machiata, Parsons laid out his priorities clearly.
“I think I’ll still be around,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry and potential scheme adjustments. His focus particularly turned to defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer:
“I would love to have Zimmer back… He has done a tremendous job. But if they do change or he just feels like he’s ready to go with the horses, I got to learn a new scheme. I got to be around guys… There’s a chemistry part… I still gotta be there for that part.”
Cowboys DE Micah Parsons said he doesn’t plan to hold out even if a new contract isn’t done in the offseason. “I think I’ll still be around. I don’t know what the coaching is going to be like. At some point, if I got to learn a new scheme. I would love to have (Mike) Zimmer back.…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 19, 2024
The situation Parsons faces differs significantly from Lamb’s contract year experience.
While Lamb dealt with a familiar coaching staff and offensive systems, Parsons navigates murkier waters.
Both head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are working on expiring contracts, adding another layer of uncertainty to the mix.
This comes at a particularly challenging time for the Cowboys, who now stand at 6-8 and face a critical matchup against the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) this Sunday night.
The team’s playoff hopes hang by a thread after making postseason appearances in the last three consecutive years.
Parsons’ recent four-game absence due to a high ankle sprain, combined with at least four other starters landing on injured reserve, has only complicated matters for a team already struggling to maintain its footing.
NEXT: Jerry Jones Speaks Out About Micah Parsons Trade Rumors
