Micah Parsons Attends Cowboys Workouts Despite Contract Uncertainty

Cowboys’ All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons put the team first while waiting for what could be a record-setting extension.

In a league where offseason drama can often overshadow on-field performance, Micah Parsons is choosing a different path.

Despite mounting contract buzz and the looming potential for a historic payday, the Dallas Cowboys’ All-Pro edge rusher reported for the team’s voluntary offseason program on Monday. While other stars in similar situations might use absence as leverage, Parsons continues to show up—both literally and figuratively—for his team.

According to multiple reports, Parsons was present at The Star in Frisco, Texas, as the Cowboys kicked off their voluntary workouts, reinforcing what he said back in December: he has no intention of holding out.

Micah Parsons officially in the house. https://t.co/HJt7Rc50lr

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2025

A Leader By Example

“I definitely think I need to be here in camp,” Parsons said late last season. “When so much of the defense is surrounded by your play and your presence, and others are getting lined up based off of you, I need to be here so that way I can get these guys accordingly. We can rush together, build that chemistry.”

Micah Parsons said months ago that he would attend #Cowboys voluntary program in 2025, as well as mandatory minicamp and training camp — even if a deal wasn’t complete yet.

Excerpt below from my December article on the matter: https://t.co/QrjaM15aBo https://t.co/GdSUjeNgYT pic.twitter.com/kQLbs04rGL

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) April 14, 2025

That message carries even more weight now, as the Cowboys look to retool a defense that continues to revolve around his elite play. Parsons’ commitment to team chemistry, even without a new deal in place, speaks volumes about his leadership and long-term vision.

Contract Clock Ticking

Parsons, 24, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract after Dallas exercised his fifth-year option. That will pay him just over $24 million in 2024, but a long-term deal is undoubtedly on the horizon. The benchmark was recently raised when the Cleveland Browns awarded Myles Garrett a four-year, $160 million extension—making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at $40 million per year.

It’s hard to argue that Parsons, with 40.5 sacks and three All-Pro selections in his first three seasons, hasn’t earned similar compensation. And yet, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been characteristically patient, stating publicly that the team doesn’t feel urgency to finalize a deal at this moment.

Parsons, Patience, and the Path Forward

That patience may be mutual, for now. But Parsons showing up despite a pending megadeal may be a calculated move to keep negotiations positive—and the locker room unified.

There was some offseason intrigue when Jones reportedly sidestepped Parsons’ agent to meet with the star directly. While that raised eyebrows, it also may have laid the groundwork for a smoother negotiation in the coming months.

The Cowboys have a history of getting big contracts done late in the offseason. Whether it’s Dak Prescott or Zack Martin, Dallas has shown a knack for pushing deals to the wire, then closing just in time for kickoff.

Big Pay, Bigger Impact?

If Parsons remains healthy and productive in 2025, it’s hard to imagine the Cowboys allowing him to even sniff free agency. His play on the field—and his professionalism off of it—make him the heartbeat of the franchise’s defense.

Micah Parsons had 12 sacks and 70 total pressures in just 13 games last season. pic.twitter.com/bkVQGh5uyI

— ✭ ✭ nick ✭ ✭ (@clark048811) April 13, 2025

And by showing up this week, Parsons isn’t just making a statement to the front office. He’s making one to his teammates: I’m here. Let’s go to work.

If a record-setting extension follows, it’ll be more than deserved. But for now, Parsons is doing what he does best—leading with his presence.