Micah Parsons, the star pass rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, did not attend practice at the team’s training camp this week, raising concerns about his status ahead of the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. Officially, the reason given for Parsons’ absence was back tightness, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, but fans and insiders quickly suspected the issue was a contract dispute.
Fans on social media voiced skepticism about the injury claim, pointing toward Parsons’ ongoing negotiations for a new deal as the true cause of his absence. Many expressed frustration and impatience, urging Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to resolve the situation and finalize Parsons’ contract.
“From what?? Standing around too long,” one concluded.
“I heard a new contract is a cure,” one claimed.
“Bummer, probably his contract more than his back…”, another wondered.
“Just pay the man Jerry! smh,” one begged.
Team Leadership Responds to Parsons’ Absence and Trade Rumors
After practice, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ Executive Vice President, CEO, and director of player personnel, addressed Parsons’ absence and the speculation surrounding his future with the team. Despite Parsons’ failure to practice, Stephen Jones reaffirmed the organization’s position that Parsons is still part of the Cowboys and that trading him is not being considered.
Jones stressed the typical nature of contract negotiations, highlighting that not all players involved in contract discussions request trades. He emphasized that the Cowboys want Parsons to remain on the roster and continue playing in Arlington.
“That’s just the nature of negotiations. I think any player that’s holding out for a contract – I think I’ve read around the league where they’ve all requested to be traded. So that’s part of it. We have no intention of trading Micah. He’s right here in camp.”
Previously, Parsons publicly shared his frustration with the stalled contract talks by requesting a trade from the team through a social media statement. In it, he expressed his desire to remain a Cowboy but also his growing dissatisfaction with the situation.
“I did everything I could to show that I wanted to be a Cowboy and wear the star on my helmet. I wanted to play in front of the best fans in sports and make this America’s team once again… Unfortunately, I no longer want to be here.”
Dak Prescott Confident Micah Parsons Will Stay with Cowboys Long Term
Quarterback Dak Prescott remains hopeful that Parsons’ contract dispute will be resolved and that the defender will stay with the Cowboys beyond the 2024 season. Prescott expressed understanding for Parsons’ feelings but indicated his belief in a positive outcome.
“I think if I wouldn’t have been in his shoes and have watched other guys be in his shoes and get rewarded, maybe. But I feel like it was last year, I’ve got faith in Jones and the team, as I do in Micah and his team.”
Prescott also acknowledged the difficulty Parsons is facing but encouraged him to handle the situation patiently, underscoring his hope that the player receives a fair contract soon.
“I can say it from experience, that it’s just frustrating, and I hate that he’s going through it. But, as I’ve told him, keep handling things the way that you are, and I believe he should be paid.”
The Cowboys are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. on KTVT. Parsons’ absence raises questions about how the ongoing contract dispute may affect his availability and performance in the near term.