Micah Parsons handed the Dallas Cowboys a sigh of relief Tuesday, ending his time away from the team and rejoining them for minicamp.
However, Parsons is still facing criticism for his absences. While the All-Pro defender is awaiting a new deal, he has missed out on learning a new defense getting installed by new coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Parsons finally addressed his situation with the media following Tuesday’s practice.
Micah Parsons Addresses Contract Situation, Absence From OTAs
While Parsons was away, he revealed he was in contact with another high-ranking defensive coach on the Cowboys’ staff: Run game coordinator Paul Guenther.
“Defense is defense. I’m pretty much caught up on everything. Paul was meeting up with me, the run game coordinator. … I feel like I was just getting better, getting stronger, getting faster,” Parsons said.
Cowboys hybrid DE Micah Parsons on missed practices before today’s minicamp: “Defense is defense. I’m pretty much caught up on everything. Paul (Guenther) was meeting up with me, the run game coordinator. …I feel like I was just getting better, getting stronger, getting faster.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 4, 2024
Still, Parsons has faced backlash for choosing to skip the Cowboys’ minicamp sessions amid the coordinator change. The Cowboys lost beloved DC Dan Quinn to the rival Washington Commanders as he assumed the head coaching reins there. His departure resulted in the Zimmer hire.
Parsons, who has 40.5 career sacks during the regular season, however, reminded reporters of one other decorated defender who didn’t always practice with his team during the months of May and June.
“There was a time when Aaron Donald didn’t even go to camp and he won Defensive Player of the Year and he led his team to the playoffs. Are we forgetting these times?” Parsons said. “You’re talking about the best defensive player wasn’t even in camp, and we’re in minicamp — voluntary at that.”
Donald captured three NFL Defensive Player of the Year nods with the Los Angeles Rams before calling it a career during the 2024 offseason.
Back to Parsons — he then provided a stronger explanation of why he chose to take time off.
“I’m just looking at it as time for my body to heal,” Parsons said. “I’m an undersized rusher who gets banged up every year. So, I’m just letting my body heal. I’m just trying to grow, strengthen, and really just get better for the year.”
Parsons’ absences weren’t the only thing attached to scrutiny. So is his pending contract situation.
Many across the league feel he’s the next star defender to break the bank. Last year, fellow EDGE star Nick Bosa helped reset the market for defenders in his and Parsons’ position group. The San Francisco 49ers star signed a five-year, $170 million extension on the eve of the 2023 season.
Parsons is currently earning $4.2 million annually on his four-year, $17 million deal he signed after getting drafted by Dallas in 2021.
Parsons, though, has told reporters he’s not losing patience over when a deal could get done.
Micah Parsons has no problem being patient and waiting on his contract. The longer he waits the higher the market will rise. He fully expects to be highest paid non quarterback in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/MUoP1Ta8PD
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 4, 2024
While Parsons has ended his time away from the franchise, his Pro Bowl wide receiver teammate, CeeDee Lamb, is still a no-show. Lamb also became a topic of discussion during Parsons’ media availability.
Parsons Calls CeeDee Lamb the Best Receiver in the NFL
Parsons believes he’s teammates with the league’s top WR — one who has delivered three straight Pro Bowl appearances like him.
Lamb is fresh off pacing the NFL with 135 receptions, leading Parsons to anoint him as the best wideout in the game. Parsons believes it’s time for Lamb to earn his own blockbuster contract as he awaits his.
“CeeDee is about to hit the Brinks truck. He’s about to get his. But I can’t think of someone more deserving. I think CeeDee is the best receiver in the league,” Parsons said. “If you ever want to argue it, top three. But in my eyes, seeing his mindset and how he comes every day, I think he deserves every penny.”
Lamb has become a renewed focus among WR contracts following the Minnesota Vikings’ blockbuster deal they handed to Justin Jefferson. The All-Pro Vikings WR agreed to a four-year deal worth up to $140 million, with $110 guaranteed up front. Jefferson’s deal becomes the richest non-quarterback contract in NFL history — with $35 million annually now coming his way.
Lamb is part of a group of elite NFL wideouts still awaiting a new deal. Names like Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tyreek Hill are talents up for new contracts along with the Cowboys star this offseason.
Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year, $120 million contract in April with the Detroit Lions. The Philadelphia Eagles duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith signed their deals as well — Brown agreeing to a three-year, $96 million extension and Smith also agreeing to three years, but worth $75 million to extend his stay in Philly.