Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons has not been in attendance for the most recent set of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the two sides work through an ongoing contract extension dispute.
Parsons and the Cowboys have been continually discussing a contract extension that will keep him with America’s Team for the foreseeable future. Once the terms are agreed upon, many expect him to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
Currently, the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL is Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who signed a four-year contract worth $160 million for an average of $40 million per season.
Parsons is likely looking to surpass this number and become the highest-paid defensive player in league history.
The four-time Pro-Bowler has a good argument as well, leading the Cowboys with 12 sacks last season while being the vocal leader of the defensive unit.
Parsons’ performance on the field, combined with his young age and the growing NFL salary cap, warrants his desire to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
Despite the rumors that the Cowboys could pursue a trade for the former All-Pro defensive end, the most likely scenario is that the two sides come to an agreement shortly before the season begins.
Parsons previously attended OTAs a few weeks earlier, but it is common for players to be more scarce during contract disputes as the offseason progresses.
Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer said he appreciates Parsons’ attendance at the first set of workouts and notes that he will be an incredibly important leader for the team next season.
“We’re trying to create one of the greatest cultures in professional sports. Micah is going to be a leader for us. He wants to be a leader for us. He’s going to do that. I felt like it was very important for him to be here to begin that process. Again, it’s a voluntary camp but the fact that he did that, means a lot to me,” he explained, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Although Schottenheimer and Parsons seem to be at an understanding regarding these workouts, the contract discussions have not been completely smooth to this point.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones previously said that Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, “is not a concern” in the negotiations.
Jones has been discussing the details of the extension directly with Parsons, and it is “not uncommon” for him to forego discussions with an agent, per The Dallas Express.
Dallas would be wise to commit to an extension with Parsons as quickly as possible, as the asking price will likely continue to increase in the coming months as more defensive players sign new contracts.
Historically, there are always certain players who NFL franchises allow to play in the final year of a contract, but Parsons is one of the best defenders in the entire league and should be locked up with an extension as soon as possible.