Micah Parsons stated on numerous occasions after the season that he wanted his contract extension done as soon as possible to help the Dallas Cowboys spend money, both in terms of keeping their own players and signing external free agents.
Sure enough, the Joneses have not obliged. By dragging out Parsons' cotract, other premier edge rushers have signed new deals. Myles Garrett got $40 million per year from the Browns, Maxx Crosby got $35.5 million from the Raiders, and Danielle Hunter got $35.6 million from the Texans.
Those deals all but guarantee $40 million will be the baseline for Parsons' negotiations. Given his age and production, Parsons could get as much as $42 million per year.
The terms will be astronomical and surely make Parsons the highest-paid non quarterback in NFL history. When that deal gets over the line is the million-dollar question.
While ESPN insider Adam Schefter didn't reveal an exact timeline, he provided much-needed clarity for Cowboys fans.
Adam Schefter provides big update on Cowboys' contract talks with Micah Parsons
"It certainly sounded like (Jones and Parsons) were getting close to a deal, but the agent wasn't involved, and now the agent's gonna be involved," Schefter said on 105.3 The Fan. "That deal may get done sooner than Dak's or CeeDee's and we'll see how it all works out."
Ever with an eye for headlines, Jerry Jones stirred the pot last week when he said he doesn't need agents to make deals given he's writing the checks and Parsons is cashing them. It was then revealed the team hadn't spoken to Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, since the NFL Combine. With Mulugheta finally involved, you can expect talks to ramp up.
Schefter dropped that last nugget in subtly, but it is gargantuan.
It sounds like talks are progessing to the point that Parsons' deal could get done before Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb signed last offseason. Granted, the Cowboys waited until literally the last minute to sign Prescott and training camp was all but over when Lamb got his extension.
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However, it is wildly important to get Parsons signed as early as possible.
Organized team activities (OTAs) start on May 19 and run through June 5. Mandatory minicamp takes place from June 10-12. The team will then part for summer break before it leaves for training camp in late July.
Last offseason, Parsons skipped OTAs, which are voluntary. He reported to mandatory minicamp but chose to work out independently and rest his body. OTAs in particular were seen as a missed opportunity for Parsons to assert himself as a leader.
The 25-year-old has come a long way in the leadership department since then. He has stated he'll be present for OTAs this year. Having him under a new contract by then will only give him more incentive to show up and be the leader this team needs.
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