Micah Parsons is still a spectator
at Cowboys practice as he awaits a contract extension
[August 21, 2025]
By SCHUYLER DIXON
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Micah Parsons made his usual sideline
appearance for the final practice of training camp for the Dallas
Cowboys, who are back in Texas after nearly a month in California.
While there were no signs Wednesday that the star pass rusher's
hold-in was leading to progress in stalled contract negotiations,
first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer didn't hesitate when asked if
Parsons would be on the field for the opener at Philadelphia on
Sept. 4.
With or without a contract extension.
“I feel good that Micah’s going to be out there against the
Philadelphia Eagles,” Schottenheimer said before the workout inside
the 12,000-seat stadium at the team's headquarters in Frisco, north
of Dallas.
Parsons has cited a back injury as the reason he hasn't participated
in practice since the Cowboys reported to California last month.
There's little question what the real reason is behind him sitting
on a chair on the sidelines rather than going through drills with
teammates.
Schottenheimer dodged a question on whether there was a deadline for
Parsons to have enough real practice time to be ready for the
regular season.
Most of the starters, including quarterback Dak Prescott, won't play
in the preseason, which wraps up Friday night at home against
Atlanta. But Parsons' idle time will be an issue if nothing changes
in the next week.
“You’d like it sooner rather than later, but Micah’s going to be
prepared,” Schottenheimer said. “Micah knows his body as well as
anybody. The best thing of him being here is that he has been able
to do some of the walkthroughs. He has been able to be in the
meetings. The physical side of it, usually the players are the
experts with where their bodies are.”
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons walks onto the field
after the team's preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore
Ravens Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP
Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Parsons is entering the final season of his
five-year rookie contract. The 2021 first-round draft pick is set to
make $24 million, but is seeking a new deal with an average annual
value in excess of $40 million. Parsons has a pretty good case to be
the highest-paid defensive player, even if that designation doesn't
last long.
The 26-year-old is one of just two players to have at least 12 sacks
in his first four seasons since sacks became an official stat in
1982. Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White is the other.
While the Cowboys were in California, Parsons made a trade request
on social media, saying he felt misled in discussions with owner
Jerry Jones and suggesting he didn't want to play another game with
Dallas. He has spoken to reporters just once since the start of
camp.
Barring a trade, Parsons' options are limited. Even after his
contract expires, Parsons is subject to the franchise tag in 2026
and 2027. Jones has said he has no intention of trading Parsons, and
has expressed confidence that a deal will get done.
Schottenheimer said he hasn't been frustrated by the constant
questions.
“I think my tone hasn’t changed. My answer hasn’t really changed,”
Schottenheimer said. “I’m focused on the field. I’m focused on the
guys that are working. The business side is going to take care of
itself. I could answer those questions all day long.”
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