As the Dallas Cowboys began their training camp in Oxnard, California, team owner Jerry Jones openly questioned the future of linebacker Micah Parsons with the franchise due to durability concerns. Although Parsons remains a crucial player, Jones highlighted injuries as a key factor influencing the ongoing contract negotiations.
During a Monday press briefing, Jones pointed out Parsons’ injury history as a significant consideration for the Cowboys’ decision-making process.
“Just because we sign him doesn’t mean we’re going to have him. He was hurt six games last year,” Jones said.
“Seriously, we’ve signed, I remember signing a player for the highest paid at the position in the league, and he got knocked out two-thirds of the year, Dak Prescott. So there’s a lot of things you can think about when you, just as the player does when you’re thinking about committing and guaranteeing money on.”
Jones’ remarks referenced the financial and performance challenges the Cowboys faced when quarterback Dak Prescott missed major time following his record-breaking contract extension, a situation that influences how the team approaches Parsons’ deal.
Micah Parsons Attends Camp Despite Delayed Contract Negotiations
Although Micah Parsons showed up on time for training camp Monday, avoiding any formal holdout, the dispute over his contract remains unresolved. Reports initially noted Parsons’ absence from the team’s flight to California, but he eventually joined the squad without incurring penalties or stirring media controversy.
Despite both sides expressing a desire to reach an agreement, negotiations are progressing slowly. ESPN analyst Adam Schefter remarked on the cautious pace at which the Cowboys are handling talks.
“The Cowboys are slow-playing it again,” Schefter said on Monday, via “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Surprise, surprise. They have not been in any rush. Now, Micah is going to go to camp. Micah is going to be there. Micah is going to do what Micah does. But I can tell you that, going into camp, the two sides were not very close to a deal.”
During the press conference, Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, addressed whether he had direct communication with Jones.
“I’ve talked with people that have talked to him let’s put it like that,” Mulugheta said on Monday.
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport noted that while discussions have taken place, no deal appears imminent at this stage.
Team Dynamics and Financial Situation Surrounding the Contract Talks
Parsons is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive talents and is set to become the highest-paid defensive player upon signing an extension. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the linebacker continues to participate professionally in offseason events and voluntary team activities.
Despite unresolved contract terms, Parsons is expected to engage fully in practice sessions and camp drills. The Cowboys currently have more than $32 million in salary cap space, which should provide sufficient flexibility to finalize an extension without jeopardizing the overall roster composition.
As the Cowboys manage this delicate contract dispute, Jones’ cautious remarks and the slow pace of negotiations underscore a careful balancing act—aiming to secure Parsons while minimizing financial and injury risks for the team moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Micah Parsons a 5 star?
A. He was considered a five-star recruit, ranked fourth in his class by 247Sports.com and seventh by ESPN.
Q. Why does Micah Parsons wear 11?
A. Wearing the number 11 jersey, Parsons showed respect for past players and demonstrated his commitment to maintaining Penn State football’s strong tradition.