The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 2 of training camp practices in preparation for the 2025 season. Dallas is dealing with a long list of injuries in the cornerback room, and they should consider bringing in this former All-Pro defender.
While they are dealing with these issues in the secondary, they aren't making progress in terms of an extension with EDGE Micah Parsons. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dallas and Parsons are "further away from a deal" than they were in March.
Schefter: EDGE Micah Parsons "further away from a deal" with Cowboys now than in late March.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) July 29, 2025
Cowboys and Micah Parsons Aren’t Close to Extension
It's not a shocker that Dallas and Parsons haven't advanced in terms of agreeing to an extension. The Cowboys are known for dragging their feet when they are at the negotiation table, and did that last year with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
The longer they wait, the more money is added to the deal. In March, the Browns and Myles Garrett agreed on a four-year, $160 million contract that features $123.5 million guaranteed. That contract made him the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL at the time. Las Vegas and Maxx Crosby also agreed on a new deal in March. The Raiders gave their star defender a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
And it didn't stop there. Earlier in the month, the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt agreed on a three-year, $123 million extension, with $108 million guaranteed at signing. His $41 million yearly salary topped Garrett and made him the highest non-QB.
And considering that Parsons is younger than these guys and is clearly one of the best at his position, he'll look to top those deals.
That's how the game goes when it comes to contract extensions. The latest player who gets paid will want to get more than the last guy, and that person is Watt in this situation. Parsons is probably looking to become the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
During an interview with the Undertaker earlier in the month, Parsons called out management and said ownership likes to drag things out.
And instead of changing that perception, they are only feeding into it. Parsons decided to report to training camp but hasn't participated due to back stiffness. This is more of a hold-in situation, so he doesn't get fined for being absent.
Parsons will likely stay sidelined during camp until he gets a new deal, but who knows when that will be. Dallas needs to bite the bullet financially and pay their best player. There's no question how talented Parsons is, and he deserves to be paid.
This report isn't what fans want to hear, but it is the reality of the situation.