The Dallas Cowboys are holding voluntary organized team acitivities (OTAs) this week. They come amid several questionable contract situations, including star edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Parsons joins quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in looking for new contracts this offseason. He’s a first-time eligible player after having accrued three seasons of playing time.
It now looks like some drama could be taking hold in Big D. Longtime Cowboys insider Clarence Hill noted on Thursday that Parsons is not at OTAs. “Mike McCarthy doesn’t seem happy about it,” Hill stated on social media.
Whether Parsons can be considered a “hold in” or something else, his contract situation will now likely take center stage moving forward in the offseason.
“(Parsons) looks to be in really good shape. But it’s a new defense. We have work to do. We’ll be ready when it’s time,” McCarthy told reporters.
Related: Potential hold up in CeeDee Lamb contract with Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas already picked up the 2025 option on Parsons’ rookie deal. It’s set to pay him roughly $21.32 million. That’s a far cry from what other top-end pass rushers such as Nick Bosa ($34 million annually) are earning.
From The Cowboys’ perspective, it obviously makes sense to lock Parsons up long term. He’s been among the best defensive players since joining the league as a first-round pick out of Penn State back in 2021.
- Micah Parsons stats (2021-23): 89 QB hits, 51 tackles for loss, 40.5 sacks
The broader question here is timing.
The aforementioned Prescott is set to become a free agent after next season. Dallas does not have the ability to place the franchise tag on him. Any new contract would likely make Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Remaining on offense, Lamb is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract. The star wide receiver is set to earn $17.99 million. He obviously wants an extensive raise after the extensions we’ve seen other pass-catchers receive this offseason.
In short, Parsons likely shouldn’t be the priority for Dallas. It could lead to some drama heading into the 2024 season.