The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive cornerstone Micah Parsons is eyeing a contract extension earlier than spring’s offseason actions start, however not like a few of his friends, he’s taking a special method to negotiations.
Whereas star receiver CeeDee Lamb selected to skip final yr’s offseason and coaching camp earlier than touchdown a hefty $136 million extension in August, Parsons seems prepared to remain concerned no matter his contract standing.
Talking with The Athletic’s Jon Machiata, Parsons laid out his priorities clearly.
“I believe I’ll nonetheless be round,” he said, emphasizing the significance of group chemistry and potential scheme changes. His focus significantly turned to defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer:
“I’d like to have Zimmer again… He has completed an incredible job. But when they do change or he simply looks like he’s able to go together with the horses, I bought to study a brand new scheme. I bought to be round guys… There’s a chemistry half… I nonetheless gotta be there for that half.”
Cowboys DE Micah Parsons stated he would not plan to carry out even when a brand new contract is not completed within the offseason. “I believe I am going to nonetheless be round. I do not know what the teaching goes to be like. Sooner or later, if I bought to study a brand new scheme. I’d like to have (Mike) Zimmer again.…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 19, 2024
The state of affairs Parsons faces differs considerably from Lamb’s contract yr expertise.
Whereas Lamb handled a well-recognized teaching employees and offensive programs, Parsons navigates murkier waters.
Each head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are engaged on expiring contracts, including one other layer of uncertainty to the combo.
This comes at a very difficult time for the Cowboys, who now stand at 6-8 and face a important matchup towards the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) this Sunday evening.
The group’s playoff hopes dangle by a thread after making postseason appearances within the final three consecutive years.
Parsons’ latest four-game absence because of a excessive ankle sprain, mixed with not less than 4 different starters touchdown on injured reserve, has solely difficult issues for a group already struggling to keep up its footing.
NEXT: Jerry Jones Speaks Out About Micah Parsons Trade Rumors