Micah Parsons’ Contract Negotiations with Cowboys Have Reportedly “Gone Backwards”

Micah Parsons, currently in his fifth year, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and impressed fans and critics alike with his performance.

Micah Parsons’ Contract Negotiations with Cowboys Have Reportedly “Gone Backwards”

Micah Parsons (Image via IMAGO)

The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason drama is not coming to an end anytime soon. The Cowboys, who were criticized for milking the offseason into content and melodrama to remain relevant, are now reportedly going backwards in the contract extension with Micah Parsons.

Parsons, who was selected for the Pro Bowl in all four of his seasons, was one of the lone beacons of hope in the disappointing season. The Cowboys finished third behind the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders in the NFC East. They missed out on the playoffs for the second time since Mike McCarthy took over.

On his podcast Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that contract talks between Parsons and the team have regressed. He described that the chances of a potential deal late July or early August are relatively lower than it was in March or April. He added a concerning bit while mentioning that the two parties have not been on speaking terms regarding this lately:

I would say right now we are further away from a deal in late July, early August than we were in late March, early April. The two sides have gone backwards, not forwards. I don’t think they’re speaking very much these days if at all.

However, Schefter admitted that the tables could turn anytime, potentially just ahead of the season. He referenced last year’s drama between the Cowboys and two key players, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Nevertheless, he claimed that there are a ton of differences between last year’s scenario and how it is this year. The Cowboys’ management is reportedly unhappy with the fact that they came so close to closing the deal before it went sideways. Meanwhile, Parsons admitted that the time had already passed.

I don’t think Micah’s real happy with them. I don’t think they’re real happy with him. I don’t think anybody’s real happy with anybody and I don’t think there’s a deal that’s being discussed right now, not to mention being close.

Micah Parsons could emerge as the winner if a deal isn’t finalized

If a long-term deal isn’t finalized soon, Micah Parsons could emerge as the ultimate winner in more ways than one. The market for elite edge rushers has exploded in the offseason, with Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt both securing huge-money extensions recently. Garrett and Watt are projected to earn 40 and 41 million USD annually.

Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones-2
Micah Parsons, Jerry Jones (Image via Dallas Cowboys)

A year ago, Nick Bosa’s $34 million per year contract was the benchmark for Parsons. Now, it’s outdated. Every week the Cowboys wait, the cost to secure Parsons goes up.

Should the Cowboys sign him before Week 1, he’s likely to command a record-setting contract. But even if talks break down, Parsons doesn’t lose leverage. In a recent article on the most worthy players of opponents willing to give a first-round pick, ESPN writer Bill Barnwell jotted down Micah Parsons.

Barnwell mentioned that Parsons’ trade value is arguably unmatched. The closest comparison is Khalil Mack, who was traded in 2018 before his fifth season. Parsons is younger than Mack was at that time and has already outperformed him statistically over their first four years, with more sacks (52.5 to 40.5) and quarterback knockdowns (112 to 84).

The Cowboys already have two positions, quarterback and wide receiver, secured with top-market contracts. If they can’t add one more to the fray, Parsons becomes the most valuable trade chip in the league. Sans a fine if he holds out, Parsons is positioned to benefit, either through a historic payday with the Cowboys or a brand new trade.

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