Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons attended voluntary workouts this week and has opened up about his desire for a new contract with the organization.
Parsons’ decision to attend these workouts is significant as the organization prepares for next season under new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer. Parsons chose to skip these workouts in previous offseasons.
When asked why he chose to attend the workouts this offseason, Parsons explained that he wants to set a good example and support Schottenheimer in his first offseason as head coach.
“Everyone’s got a different perspective but, talking to Schotty, and [him] telling me how important it is for me to be there, and what he’s trying to prove and show to the team — I just thought it was important. One, for me and my relationship with our new head coach to understand where he’s coming from and help him in any way I can to go on this run,” he explained, per Cowboys.com.
“Schotty’s showed up to my event, and Schotty’s been around to try and build relationships. So I feel like we’re at the point where if he asks her for me to come in for the leadership aspect, and to be around the guys, and show face, that’s something I wanna do for my coach.”
Parsons further discussed his ongoing contract negotiations and said he would prefer a new deal in place before the beginning of training camp in July. He noted that players who miss time during contract negotiations often start the season slowly.
“It’s extremely important. I mean, you really see a lot of players struggle when guys aren’t participating in camp and they’re getting off to slow starts. I don’t wanna get off to a slow start. I wanna hit the ground running and establish ourselves in this league and get some wins early in the season, and be in rhythm. It’s gonna be extremely important for me to get going and lead these guys.”
These decisions have become increasingly common for players in contract negotiations, as players seek to avoid any unnecessary injuries that could impact their eventual agreement.
Dallas recently dealt with wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, who sat out for a large portion of training camp before the 2024 season. Lamb and the Cowboys eventually worked out a contract to keep him with the team long term.
The good news for Dallas is that there is still an expectation that the two sides will come to an agreement before next season.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said just hours before Parsons spoke that there is an “assumption” that the two sides will come to an agreement, noting that Parsons’ growth in leadership should continue over the offseason.
“It’s the main reason why I’ve kind taken some of the attitude I’ve taken about this thing. Micah just has to be elevated in his leadership and will be. Or it will be a downer when he gets his anticipated contract. It will be a downer if he does not elevate leadership,” he said, per On3.