Cowboys Rumors: Micah Parsons’ Absence from Voluntary Workouts Not Contract-Related

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 16, 2024

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Dallas Cowboys star edge-rusher Micah Parsons’ absence from the team as it goes through voluntary workouts is not related to his contract, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

“As contract dissatisfaction keeps Lamb away from the team, Parsons has a different deterrent,” Gehlken said regarding Parsons while referencing wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb, who is reportedly away from the team right now due to contract concerns.

“A person close to the hybrid defensive end told The Dallas Morning News that Parsons is focused on a personalized training program outside the facility while determined to prepare himself for the 2024 season in the manner he considers optimal.”

Parsons has earned three Pro Bowls, two All-Pro honors and the Defensive Rookie of the Year award during his first three NFL seasons, all with Dallas. He’s also finished top three in the Defensive Player of the Year race in all three campaigns.

Naturally, he should be in line for a huge, long-term payday down the line. For now, he’s playing out his rookie contract, which runs for two more seasons after the team picked up his fifth-year option for 2025.

The Cowboys have three superstars on their team in quarterback Dak Prescott, Parsons and Lamb, and none of them are under contract after 2025. As of now, Prescott and Lamb’s contracts expires after 2024, with Parsons’ deal up in 2025.

Parsons’ contract will break the bank, especially after Jacksonville Jaguars edge-rusher Josh Allen just earned a five-year, $150 million deal with $88 million fully guaranteed. With Parsons arguably being the top defensive player in football in the past three years, his deal will undoubtedly top that one.

The Cowboys have made it clear that they want to re-sign all three players, with senior vice president Stephen Jones saying the following to 105.3 The Fan (h/t Reuters):

“We spend max, max money year in and year out. All 32 can only spend the same amount of money over a five-year stretch,” Jones said.

“When we’re all said and done, we max out our salary cap every year. We will have done that. What comes with having a good roster, which we do, we’re also looking towards signing our own guys.

“It doesn’t mean it happens overnight. But when you’re wanting to sign players like Dak (Prescott) and Micah (Parsons) and CeeDee (Lamb), then you have to hold money back if you want to have a realistic chance of signing those guys.”

With Parsons, the Cowboys at least have the benefit of time with him under contract for two seasons. But Dallas is going to have to pay up to keep their star as they look toward improving upon a season that ended with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round.