What did Micah Parsons say about contract extensions?

There is no doubt that quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are the Dallas Cowboys’ two biggest offensive threats or that All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the entire league. And yet, the Cowboys still haven’t figured out a way to get them their contract extensions before the start of training camp, with the first practice being held tomorrow (Thursday).

For Lamb, that’s enough reason to skip out on practice altogether, accruing $40,000 in fines for each day he misses. Lamb and Prescott are both in the last year of their current contracts and both are being underpaid in comparison to other players in their position and at their caliber. The same can be said for Parsons, though his contract is valid through 2025 after the Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

Parsons opens up on contract negotiation talks

Lamb has made it clear where he stands on this issue. And Dak has been very patient, voicing his understanding that these things, as COO Stephen Jones said, just take time. He’s shown up to practice and he’s waiting it out, knowing eventually he’ll get his extension and with it, a nice raise.

As for Parsons, he has said he expects to eventually be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. In June, he told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “I’m patient. Patience is a virtue. I’m waiting my turn. Let CeeDee go get whatever. Let Dak get whatever.”

When he does eventually get that pay raise, with both the market and salary cap going up every year, Parsons thinks he could make up to $40 million.

The three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler is going into his fourth season with 213 tackles, 40.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one interception. But with Prescott and Lamb waiting on deals of their own, Parsons isn’t top priority right now. Here’s what he had to say about all that heading into the first practice on Thursday.

“If you kind of figure out how the money goes and how the contract goes, you kind of understand that Business side,” said Parsons. “I think CeeDee takes up the value of two or three players. You’re talking about $30 million-plus per year. If you do that, how can you afford to pay CeeDee Lamb? That goes on for other guys potentially.”

“The mindset I have is we have seven All-Pros or however the count may be. It might be more, it might be less, we got at least three guys I know can be All-Pro,” Parsons went on. “I think a lot of guys are going to have breakout years. I think that plays into it too. When you talk about all these guys, it just leads to saying, ‘Hey, when are the other guys going to step up and be better for the team?’”

Cowboys begin their first open practice on Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m. PCT without their star wide receiver, as fans await the inevitable negotiations.