The 2025 offseason put major pressure on the Dallas Cowboys to get a contract extension done with Micah Parsons. That’s because recent deals signed by Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby reset the market, setting a new financial bar for elite edge rushers, and Parsons is definitely in that category.
With negotiations still going and training camp on the way, analysts are debating what Parsons should do. Now, a former Super Bowl champ has publicly backed him, saying he shouldn’t leave any money on the table in his new deal.
James Jones Believes Micah Parsons Has the Right Approach in His Contract Negotiations
Dallas had a solid offseason, doing what it set out to do. With a strong draft and adding George Pickens to boost the wide receiver group, the team delivered on its plans. Now, only one big item remains: extending its biggest star.
Parsons has been vocal but reasonable, backing his agent during talks and making it clear he wants to be paid like a top-tier player at his position. Since entering the NFL, Parsons has made the Pro Bowl every year and earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice, proving he’s one of the league’s best defenders.
What complicated things for Dallas were the new contracts for Garrett and Crosby. Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million deal. Garrett followed with a four-year, $160 million extension, deals that raised the bar and gave Parsons more leverage as the next elite edge rusher up for a payday.
NFL analyst and former wide receiver James Jones voiced his support for Parsons during this key stretch of the offseason, saying this is exactly the time Parsons should hold his ground as minicamps ramp up.
.@89JonesNTAF loves Micah Parsons’ approach to minicamp with his contract negotiations looming:
“It’s fine for now, but when that 1st week of training camp comes, he shouldn’t be there…Get your money!” pic.twitter.com/mhhhLm9Wr0
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) June 4, 2025
Jones added that once training camp starts, the relaxed nature of offseason workouts ends. According to him, Parsons shouldn’t be on the field unless he has a contract in hand.
“Now, on that first week of training camp here, and you put them shoulder pads on, and now you got to go one-on-ones against these tackles, and you got to try to get to the corner, and it’s a real true possibility of you getting injured. He ain’t going to be there, and he shouldn’t be there if he doesn’t have a contract. But right now, all this, I love what Mike is saying.”
Parsons, on the other hand, said he plans to attend minicamp and that his job is to prepare for the season. He put the pressure on the team owner and made it clear he’s ready to compete.
I will be there! I haven’t missed a mini camp in 4 years! Even though the contract is not done, I have teammates and a playbook! I’m preparing as if I will be on the field the first week of camp! But it’s in the owner’s hands. I’m ready to win a Super Bowl! https://t.co/gMsfQEDYo7
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 4, 2025
The Cowboys’ defense finished No. 25 in the PFSN Defense+ metric, and Parsons’ four-game absence was clearly felt. He’s established himself as one of the top five players at his position and is a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
It’s in both sides’ best interest to get the deal done soon. Every week that passes brings the season closer, and Parsons’ price only goes up.